It's Pleasure to Meet You

Chapter 2

Podd
I entered my room and threw my small bag on the table. I threw my back on a bed. Smiling, I remembered what I had done today. Earth, that guy filled my head.
I have liked him since I joined GMMTV. But I had never imagined that I would be close to him. I was really happy when we casted Kiss Me Again. Even though we were not in a scene, I could see him when he visited New. He was New’s partner in Waterboy. I saw him from a far distance until one day I decided to talk to New about Earth. Well, I just asked him about name, age, and what kind of guy he was. New told me that he was a gentle and masculine boy. He liked gym.
However, for me Earth is cute. He looked like a boy. I was very happy when I saw him in New’s car this morning. I knew that New had a plan for us. New knew that I wanted to be close with Earth. That’s why he invited me for a double date.
I could see that Earth was nervous today. He was silent but smiled a lot. I  was shy but I didn’t know why I talked too much to Earth today. I remembered when he took a video of me at the restaurant. I was happy at that time. I thought he would feel annoyed when he knew that we had a double date. Thanks to New, he made us comfortable to each other. TayNew always show their lovey dovey interaction when they are together, but today they looked like a husband and wife. They argued a lot so we had to calm them.
“Hello?” I decided to call Earth after the date.
“It’s me, Podd. Have you been at home safely?” I asked shyly.
“Hi, P. Yes, I have.” He sounded shy too.
“Sorry, I got your phone number from New. Is it okay if I save it and call you?”
“That’s okay, P. Thanks.”
“Earth, can I be your friend? I only have few friends, and I want to know you better.” I directly asked him about friendship. I had to do that. It was my opportunity. I didn’t think I could work with Earth in a scene someday. Perhaps, it’s because our body posture. You know about bl series right?
“Sure, P. I’m glad that you want to be my friend. Thanks anyway.” I could feel that Earth was smiling now.
“Thanks, Earth. You can save my number. Well, it’s 9 o’clock. I think you should rest. See you , Earth.”
“See you, P,” I didn’t know what I had to say to Earth. We ended the phone. I think I could sleep soundly today.
***
After that day, I often called Earth. He also often called me when he was free. I had graduated from university last year and Earth was still a univ student. One day, Earth’s car was broken. He went to univ by taxi. I decided to offer a lift. Earth knew that my house was in a country. It took an hour from Earth’s house. However, it just took half an hour from his univ. From that moment, Earth didn’t doubt to ask me to pick him up from univ.
On Sundays, I usually took him to a country or tourist attractions, such as river, village, beach, or zoo. I didn’t like crowds. Fortunately, Earth liked wherever I took him for vacation. We often posted our vacation in IG stories. I didn’t have many fans, so I didn’t feel afraid to post it. Earth had a lot of fans, I didn’t know if he did the same or not.
Today, Earth asked me to go shopping. He would buy a bag and wallet. We were in a mall. Like a kid, he challenged me to play a game. I was very shy when some of his fans surrounded us. I couldn’t hide my smile. We were really happy.
Suddenly, a guy approached us when we were queueing at the cashier. He took a video of us.
“Look! Who is this?” I knew him. He is Joss. He is Earth’s friend. He is also GMM artist.
“Hi,” said Earth and smiled. He looked at me and turned to Joss.
“What are you doing?” asked Joss.
“Ehm, I bought this.”
“And… why are you so shy?” asked Joss and smiled to us. I knew what kind of smile it was.
“No, I’m not shy.” Earth really looked shy. Was he embarrassed when his friend saw that he was with me?
“With whom are you? Oi... I didn’t know that you are close to Plapodd.”
“We are from GMMTV. We should know each other, right?”
“Okay. I got it. Well, enjoy your day, Earth. I have an interview on the third floor. See you, Earth, Podd”, Joss finally left us. I knew Earth felt relieved. But my heart felt uncomfortable.
After we had lunch, we went home. I drove him to his apartment. I had to ask Earth about what happened today so that I could go home at ease.
“Earth, can I ask you something?”
“Of course, P. What is it?” I looked serious. I think he felt worried.
“Are you embarrassed if your friend saw you with me?”
“No, P. How can you say that?” He looked sad.
“I just felt that you were not uncomfortable.”
“No, P. Really. Is it about Joss?” I nodded.
“P, I just feel worried. I never had a friend to go shopping. I just didn’t know what to answer. Joss is like me. We always do everything alone. Instead of GMM event, we shop, have lunch, and exercise alone. I think Joss would surprise if he knew that I went shopping with someone.”
“I’m sorry, Earth.”
“Besides Joss, my friends are Kenji and Day. They work at different company. We rarely meet. I often meet Joss at gym. He introduced me to exercise. So, please understand me, P. I’m happy to have a friend like you. For a month, I have friends to do different activities. They were fun for me. Thank you for your time, P. I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable today.”
I smiled when I heard his explanation. We arrived at his apartment’s parking area.
“Earth, I don’t get mad at you. Once again, I’m sorry about today. I understand what you feel.”
“I’m glad to hear it. P, you haven’t entered my apartment. Let’s go in. I’ll make you a cup of coffee.” What? He invited me? We always meet at office, Earth’s univ and his parking area. Today was his first invitation to his apartment.
“Well, okay.” We went to Earth’s apartment at the fifth floor. His room is large. He has a large bed. There is a cute cat on the corner. I think it is a female cat.
We sat down on a long sofa beside his bed.
“This is my apartment, P. Enjoy yourself. I’ll make coffee for you.”
While Earth was making coffee, I was seeing his room. I opened the curtain. From there, I saw a beautiful sightseeing below.
“Your coffee is ready, P.” I returned to the sofa.
“Are you not lonely here, Earth?” I asked a stupid question.
“Of course I am lonely but I have my cat. She accompanied me.” We chatted about his neighborhood and his scary experience.
“Earth, I have to go home. Thank you for today.” I stood up and took my bag. He looked sad.
“Alright. Be careful. Drive safely.” Why were you sad, Earth? If he didn’t want me to go home? No, I didn’t think so.
“Earth, if I go home late from GMM, can I come over here?” Earth was surprised when he heard my question. Did I ask something wrong?