The Last String

12

It was still the same, there was still a big gap with the assistant and the superstar and yet everyone notice there was something different from the moment they left the hotel.

They were still keeping their distance, but they can tell that the usual atmosphere has been changed.

Because usually the two of them would sit far from each other and you can tell that one tries to act like the other does not exist.

But right now, all they can see is two awkward men trying to stay away from each other because of something. Although some of them could not comprehend but they are sure something was going on between the two.

And there was something they were both trying to hide from everyone

They would be lying to themselves if they say they didn't notice anything because it was very obvious from the start, well not exactly from the start but maybe a week or so, they started to notice even the smallest thing.

//

Noon, who was unfamiliar with the atmosphere, looked around the restaurant in curiosity. There were posters of Jake hanging on the wall and even a framed paper with the superstar's autograph below the biggest poster in the room.

"New face?" Someone asks and Noon turns to see a man in his late fifties. His gray hair makes an impression on him as he smiles at Noon in curiosity.

"Someone who tolerated your son's princess attitude" Kit side notes and Jake rolls his eyes in annoyance.

"Really? You're one brave guy" Jake's dad slightly nudges Noon who became shy after realizing it was Jake's dad.

I just heard about him yesterday and now I'm here meeting him

Although a bit nervous, Noon gives Jake's dad a gesture of respect mumbling a small "I'm Noon, nice to meet you"

The man lets out a small "Oh" as if he knew something then gives a small pat on Noon's back.

"Just wait for a few more minutes, I'll be serving you the foods. For now, kill some time and have a little chit chat." The superstar's father exited.

Noon turns to see Jake looking at him.

He now can tell why Jake has now become close to his dad. Although Jake had already explained how he ended up learning how all those rumors about his dad leaving him was false. The man he just saw was someone who is fond of his son.

After a few minutes, there was a banquet like food in their table.

"You're the best uncle!" Pay gives Jake's dad a thumbs up as she quickly scoops food on her plate.

"If you need more, just tell me, I'll be happy to cook for you" Jake's dad says.

"Do you have anything to drink?" Ham mumbles, Kit shoots him a glare.

"No uncle, they were pretty wasted last night, please don't bring out any alcoholic drinks" the manager side eyes Ham, who looks dejected.

"This is more than enough uncle, thank you very much" Kit tells him but suddenly Dhan raises his hand.

"Yes Dhan?" Jake's dad asks.

"I need some chili flakes, you know I can't eat the onelet without the chilis" he answers earning a mouthful from the others

"You're here for free food and you're still demanding for more" Ham whispers.

"Says the one who asks for drinks" Dhan bickers back earning a pinch from the stylist.

"It's alright, I treat everyone like my own child" Jake's dad assures as he excused himself to get some chili.

Pay nudges Dhan

"Don't make yourself super extra special here, that's taking advantage" she mumbles.

"Try these Noon, these pork liver salad are to die for" Ham puts a spoonful of pork liver salad in Noon's plate.

Noon looks at it nervously and Jake looks at him in concern.

"Try it" Ham tells him and Noon contemplates whether he should try it or not.

"Give it to me" Jake suddenly mutters and everyone looks at him in shock.

"Why?" The superstar asks them

"It's okay" the assistant assures him as he scoops a little. He was about to put it in his mouth when suddenly someone had taken away the spoon from his hand.

"Do you want to die? You know you're allergic to liver" Jake scolds him.

"You're allergic? Oh my gosh I'm so sorry I didn't know" Ham apologizes.

"How'd you know he was allergic to liver?" Pay suddenly intervenes, a spark of curiosity was evident to her eyes.

"I just know" the superstar answers nonchalantly as he goes back to eating.

//

Everything was running smoothly and everyone was glad when they ended the shoot earlier than expected. Meaning they can have their rest when they go home.

Noon was busy packing Jake's things in the dressing room.

Ham helps Dhan with Jake's clothes while Kit is talking with Jake.

Suddenly Noon's phone rang. He excuses himself to answer it and a few moments later he comes back in, looking shaken.

"Can I go first? I have to go home"

The desperation in his voice makes everyone worried.

"Can I take an emergency leave, I promise I'll make it up, my sister she's, she's" Noon can't find the words to say. Everything feels hazy and all he wants to do right now is leave.

Suddenly, a worried Jake comes and tries to make him think straight.

"Look at me. Don't panic. What happened? What happened to Nami?" He tried to hold Noon's shoulders because he was shaking uncontrollably.

"Give him water" Kit shouts as he also holds Noon's hand to help him calm down.

"What happened to Nami?" Jake asks again in hopes of getting an answer.

"T-the hospital called. S-she's having seizures while being t-treated. I need to go home. I can take the overnight train from Bangkok to Surat Thani, then bus to Phuket. I-I just need to go home now. What if I don't see my sister alive?" The desperation in his voice makes him stutter to the point they almost didn't understand what he was saying.

Noon suddenly gasps for air.

"Don't overthink, your sister will be fine. Calm yourself down, does your chest hurt? Did you bring your inhaler?" Noon nods, feeling nauseous.

Jake asks Ham and Dhan to look for the inhaler.

"What's my schedule for the rest of the week?" Jake looks at Dhan who hurriedly checked his phone.

"I think you're good, next guesting will be on Sunday" he answers

"Kit, can you book the next flight to Phuket. For the four of us. We can't let him go there by himself. Call Pay and tell her to check our things when the van arrives in Bangkok" he orders Kit as he keeps rubbing Noon's back.

Ham gives Jake the inhaler.

"There's no available flight for tonight" Kit tells him worriedly. Jake thought for a while.

"Is there any available flight in Bangkok to Phuket, can you check?"

Kit rummages through his phone, his bites his nails in nervousness as he prays for an available flight.

"Oh my god! There it is, the plane is leaving in three hours" he almost jumped when the desperate flight they were hoping for pops up on his screen.

"Then hurry up, let's go back to Bangkok"