The Story of Water and Stone Book 2 [English Version] [E-book on MEB]

CHAPTER 7 : Stress Comes Crashing Down

"Are you changed?" Karn asked M after he walked out of the changing tent.

"Yes, but my bag is still inside the makeup room," M replied.

"I'll go grab it for you. Wait a moment," Karn said before heading into the nearby makeup room. Soon he emerged with M's favorite bag, which he often carried to the studio.

"Thank you," M responded.

"Let's go. Once you're done, we'll head back," Karn said as he walked ahead of M, then leaned in to whisper in M's ear, "Don't forget to say goodbye to the staff."

"Yes, sir," M softly replied before turning to see where the staff were. He put his hands together in a wai and said goodbye to everyone—clients, directors, catering aunties, electricians, and photographers—regardless of position, with a bright smile and cheerful voice, just as Apo had strictly instructed him.

Karn drove M from the photoshoot location to take him home. As soon as M hopped into the passenger seat, he tossed his bag in the back and leaned into the chair, closing his eyes immediately from exhaustion.

"Don't forget your seatbelt," Karn reminded him before driving off.

M blinked open his eyes and fumbled for the seatbelt buckle as instructed.

"Would you like to get something to eat first?" Karn asked since it was long past dinnertime.

"I'm hungry but probably can't eat much. Just tired," M said with a lazy stretch.

"Then let's just head straight home."

"Okay."

Karn drove M all the way to his house and waited until the younger boy had entered before driving off. He couldn't even recall how many times he'd been assigned the role of artist caretaker for M ever since Apo started finding work opportunities for the boy. He wanted M to gain some experience in front of the camera before having to film a real series with Tay. That way, M wouldn't be too nervous or overwhelmed.

Increasingly, though, he wondered if M really needed to keep doing these studio jobs anymore. It seemed he may need to formally transition into becoming M's full-time manager...

Once M was dropped off at home, Karn slammed the accelerator to head straight back to the studio. He needed to meet with Apo and debrief about how the day went—how M did, what he could improve on—to help nurture the boy's continual growth and development for future jobs.

He turned into the parking lot in front of the building and rushed inside.

"Are you done with work?" Sila was surprised when he saw Karn enter.

"Yup, I just dropped M off, so I came straight here. Where's Boss Apo?"

"Upstairs."

"Got it. Let me chat with him first." Karn replied before moving to climb the stairs. But before he could even take a step, Apo and Nano appeared, coming down the stairs.

"How'd it go today?" Apo asked upon seeing the other man's face. Nano stared silently at Karn's face before ignoring him and going to sit on the sofa to wait for his mom.

"Good, boss. He was a bit nervous at first, but pulled through well. The client loved him too. Said M photographed perfectly with their products," Karn summarized.

"That's good to hear, relief," Apo nodded.

"You sure? I thought you wanted me to come back and fully debrief today's shoot," Karn asked, confused.

"We'll do it tomorrow. You worked hard today; go home and rest," Apo patted Karn's shoulder reassuringly.

"Ok, night boss." Karn smiled and nodded before turning to leave.