You are my super star

Too Cold To Think

In the days that followed, the film-shooting progress pressed on, despite the falling temperatures. The cold made the process a tougher task.

"Actor should not be affected by weather. The show must go on.'' The script supervisor said. He was allowed wear thicker layers of clothes to shield himself from the cold. Leon and Jules, however, had to rely on the hot ginger tea. They weren't even allowed to drink wine, as that would affect their complexion and acting capabilities. Therefore, unless the plot demanded it, Tripp never allowed his actors to drink alcohol.

The two poor men suffered because of the cold. After having it for more than one week, the smell of the ginger tea made them want to throw up.

Leon was wrapped in a thick blanket, as he was discussing the play with Jules and Tripp.

Suddenly, Jules's phone rang.

Jules just set it on mute and ignored it. Tripp looked at him, then spoke. "You can go answer it. I will speak to Leon first."

"No, it's okay. Please go on.'' Jules smiled.

Leon glanced at Jules, thoughtfully.

Tripp had paraphrased the plot for half an hour. He called the assistant director and the art director. They were consulted about the new script and they eventually agreed with all the changes. The assistant director started to rearrange shooting site.

Tripp looked at his watch. "Let's start in half an hour."He then led the art director to the shooting site.

Jules set the script aside and took out his phone, walking out of the rest room. He dialed a number.

Leon stood up, lighting a cigarette while leaning against the door.

Outside, Jules's voice could be heard, even though he tried to speak more quietly.

"Thank you very much."

"I got it. Thanks for your effort."

"Thank him for me but my answer is no...Well, I'm grateful to Zero for the offer."

"Thank you all the same. Yes. I will."

In the rest room. Leon took a puff, smiling.

Jules came back. He smiled at Leon. "So cold."

"There's ginger tea in the thermos." Leon frowned as he smoked. "It's yours...I won't take it."

Looking at the outside, cautiously, Jules took a small bag out of his backpack, shyly offering it to Leon. "Thermal stickers, for you."

Leon smiled. "Hush, we're not allowed. Tripp will go crazy."

The two were merely dressed in close-fitting shirts. Tripp, who was forever particular about appearance, never allowed it in case it showed through their clothes or left a mark on their skin.

Jules felt delighted. "They are from my friends. Extremely thin but effective. I've tried one. Tripp won't find out."

Leon seemed interested all of a sudden, standing straight. "Really?"

Leon nodded. "Yes!"

Jules unbuckled his coat, showing his stickers to Leon. "Back and chest. Stuck to the outside, like a layer of cloth. It's soft and invisible. Black and white stickers. Take one."

Jules looked around, worried about seeing Tripp.

Leon looked at Jules's lean ab-region. He put out his cigarette in the ashtray, smiling. "I want a black one."

Worried about Leon's attitude, Jules was more worried about Leon catching a cold. Jules smiled excitedly, taking a black sticker out from the bag.

Leon looked at the sticker. "How do I use it?"

"You peel this off, in case it sticks to the skin...then you stick it on your undershirt." Jules stressed again. "Remember, never on the joints, because, then it will be visible."

Jules looked around again, worriedly, in case Tripp was coming. "Hurry, do it before he comes back.''

Leon opened his jacket, taking a look at the sticker and then at Jules. "Will you help me?"

Jules looked as if he were in a trance. "I...help you?"

"Do me a favor, please?" Leon completely unbuckled his shirt, asking. "What are you doing? Should I call Vivian to help me?"

"No, No, No."

Jules shook his head. He held his breath and uncovered a sticker, with trembling hands.

Jules walked closer to Leon, pulling down Leon's shirt. He attached the stickers to Leon's waistcoat.

Leon turned around, with his back to the door. They two were like cheating students, who were on guard about the class teacher coming in.

Leon raised his chin, so that Jules could put the thermal sticker in place. He noticed that Jules's face was red.

Leon whistled at Jules, smiling. "Are you checking me out?''

It was the first time that Jules had been so close to Leon, whose scent was filling his nostrils. Jules felt out of breath.

It felt unbearable. Worse still, he was acting like a fool! Jules could hardly control his reaction. What in the world am I doing?

Jules felt like a coward. He shook his head, nervously. "Of course not, I wouldn't."

Leon gave a satisfied smile, seemingly happy to be tormenting to young man. He then turned around. "My back, please."

Jules helped him willingly. He applied the thermal sticker carefully. He even took extra time to ensure that Leon's shirt looked tidy.

"You are so considerate!" Leon sat back. "Let's begin?"

They were close to each other. Jules regulated his breathing, staying one meter away from Leon.

While trying to calm himself down, Jules recalled the scenes in his mind.

''Okay. Let's go.'' Jules said, then both of them stepped out into the cold.

(901 words)