Love In The Spotlight (BL)

Chapter One

LAWRENCE FLYNN HARRISON

SHOULD I go for it?

I know this is a huge opportunity, but it's also incredibly risky. Pakiramdam ko ay kailangan kong pag-isipan ng mabuti ang bagay na 'to.

When Mr. Lopez called a week ago about the BL series, I got excited. But I never expected that he wanted me to audition for the lead role in a series, entitled The Heart of Christmas.

Sa totoo lang, there's nothing wrong with the series, ang ganda pa nga kasi it's meant to inspire the LGBTQ+ community. But this is my first time playing a main male role. And to top it off, the writer of The Heart of Christmas is a well-known actor and director. It's just that the fanbase is overwhelming. Of course, they're looking for the perfect people to play the leads.

I know, I've been in a lot of movies, but usually, I'm just an extra, a face in the crowd for big-name actors and i'm happy about it because I've always loved acting, ever since I was a kid. I even participate in Mens Runway Shows. I also love making vlogs about my daily life, and I have a knack for dancing.

Over time, people started to recognize me and be grateful for that. I started getting more extra roles in movies and commercials and I know I wouldn't be here without the people who have supported me from the beginning. Now, for the first time, I'm the lead in a series! That's why it's a big deal for me.

The series is being produced by the Teatro ng Bayan Foundation, a renowned theater organization. I still can't believe that, as just a fan of their theater, I've been chosen to be adapted into one of their productions. They chose me to be the lead because the series focuses on the LGBTQ+ community, and it's premiering this December.

But for some reason, this time, hindi ako sigurado kung tatanggapin ko ang alok na ito. A series means a long story, and I'm the lead-it's a huge deal! And since I've always been just an extra, a face in the crowd, and I've been making a living doing other things that helped me get noticed. I'm not sure if I'm ready for this. I'm not sure if all my experiences have prepared me to be the lead in a series that so many people will watch.

Another problem I have is that the other male lead, Ethan Faulkerson, is also incredibly popular. He's a huge heartthrob, even my friend has a crush on him.

Dreamy, right?

He's a famous model and has acted in well-known theater plays. I've only met him once at school noong college student pa lang ako. I remember he was in a school play about sa kwento ng isang bayani, and he played a supporting character. At dahil din sa nililibot nila ang buong Pilipinas ay hindi na imposible kung bakit matunog ang pangalan niya sa Teatro ng Bayan Foundation.

He was charming and lovely, but that's one of the main problems I have with him - I've had a crush on him ever since. Even though this opportunity is a blessing, I don't know if I can resist falling for him if I take this role. I don't think I can handle being his partner in a series full of intimate scenes, especially since so many people are dreaming of him as their dream boyfriend.

"Baks, bakit tulala ka diyan?" My thoughts snapped back to reality as I heard Gwenn's voice. She was staring at me curiously from my bed.

"I'm still thinking about it," I mumbled.

"The offer?" She sat up and smoothed her hair. "What are you worried about if you accept it?"

I rolled my eyes and slumped onto the mini-sofa. "It's like you don't know I have a crush on Ethan. I'm so embarrassed to be his partner," I ran a hand through my hair, feeling the pressure mounting. "Marami na siyang experience tungkol sa love team at hindi ko alam kung maaabot ko ang standard niya bilang ka-partner."

"Iyon lang?" I was surprised by her response, even more so when she chucked a pillow at me. "Girl, you're not exactly known for being the brightest bulb in the box. Aren't you happy to be working with your crush? Ang swerte mo pa nga! Ito na 'yung chance mo to interact with him. We both know you can do it, stop acting like a damsel in distress."

"Alam ko, Gwenn," I said, pacing in front of her and gnawing on my nails. "It's easy to say, but it's hard when I'm actually there. Totoong ma-swerte ako dahil pangarap ko ito. Pero paano kung pumalya naman ako? Nakakahiya kay Mr. Lopez."

Gwenn stood up from the bed and faced me, placing her hands on my shoulders. "Lawrence, if you don't step forward because of that fear, you'll be stuck right here. Doing what you're doing now. Alam kong you're soft and easily attached, but for your dream, you have to be strong. Ang opportunity na 'to is the path to achieving what you want. Kailangan mo lang talagang samahan ng pagiging professional, you can't be weak, especially now that you've been entrusted with the lead role in a series." She stated the fact, and a weight lifted from my chest because she was indeed right.

"So, I'm taking it?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

"Yes, bitch. Of course!" Gwenn exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

I grinned at her, a wave of nervous energy coursing through me. I rushed to the edge of the bed, my fingers fumbling for my phone. I quickly dialed Mr. Lopez's number, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Magandang gabi, Lawrence!" Mr. Lopez greeted me enthusiastically, his voice booming through the phone. Napaka-energetic niya talaga.

"Good evening, Mr. Lopez," I replied, my voice a little shaky. I glanced at Gwenn, who was watching me intently. Hinihintay niya rin ang sagot ko.

"Napatawag ka, kiddo? Don't tell me you've made up your mind?" Mr. Lopez asked, his voice laced with a hint of amusement. Gwenn nodded encouragingly, urging me to go for it.

I took a deep breath, a surge of determination washing over me. "Mr. Lopez, yes. I'll take the role."

I knew this was what I wanted, a challenge I had to embrace. This was a huge chance, a real opportunity to work alongside him. I just hoped Ethan Faulkerson and I would get along. The thought of being near him, the man I secretly admired, filled me with a nervous excitement, a thrilling blend of anticipation and apprehension.