PDA: MewGulf

Chapter 5

That had unlocked Gulf's insecurities. People were going to assume he is gay and it didn't sit well with him. It had changed the dynamics of their relationship. He became uncomfortable with Mew's touches. He shied away from Mew every chance he got. He did not respond to Mew's hugs anymore. He did not reciprocate Mew's affection and Mew saw it happening.

It became even more awkward between them. They were not in sync anymore. They had finished shooting their series and now they had fan meetings one after the other but it was jumbled mess. Mew touched Gulf less.

They would unconsciously lean into each other or reach for the other's hand. Then realize what's happening then withdraw.

Mame called them one day when she had received news of the two actors.

"Please take a seat."

Mane remembered how they used to pull their chairs close or make their knees touch and she could she how people were right.

Gulf pushed his chair even far away

"I have received reports that you're being awkward and the fans are not happy. Did something happen between you two?"

"No nothing happened." Gulf answered

Mame looked at Mew

"No we're ok."

Mame went on unconvinced.

"I know you're grown ups and we won't tell you what to do. But if you were close and touchy in the public then you can't suddenly take that away. The fans want more please don't confuse them. Please work on your relationship. You're going to be working together even more."

They both nodded.

"Gulf you can go Mew may I have a word."

Gulf left the room.

"Ok tell me what's happening. What changed. Do I have to be worried?" She knew Mew's past.

"No no nothing really. We're ok. I'm ok"

"But he is not?"

Mew nodded his head.

"What's wrong you've been ok all this while what could be the reason for the sudden change?"

"He is afraid of being called gay."

"How so? Isn't it all acting?"

"Yes... but he thinks too much PDA will make people assume he's actually gay."

"You have to convince him and let him know that's not the case. This is a very crucial point for all of us and we don't want to lose our fan base because of this. You're older I'm sure you'll work something out."

If only it had been that easy.

They had gone to an interview and Gulf always made sure there was a gap between them. Mew was finding it difficult to deal.

"Sorry to interrupt but may we be excused for a few minutes. We would like to discuss something."

The MC agreed and directed the two out of the room.

They were now alone in an empty room. Mew checked for cameras and found none.

"Mame talked about this. Were you even listening?"

"I was p'"

"Then what's the problem?"

"There is no problem."

"You're still avoiding me though."

"I'm not p"

"Then why are you hiding your hands right now. Why are you sitting so far away from me?"

"I didn't realize."

"I know how much it makes you Uncomfortable. I know how much I make you uncomfortable but we have to do this for the fans. You know you're not gay, people know it's all acting. That's why you should just let go and not think about much."

Gulf was guilty. He was ruining things for everyone. He understood what Mew was saying

"For the fans?" he asked

"Yeah. They keep us going that's why we should please them. If you're being like this then we're just going to get abandoned."

"Okay let's do it for the fans."

They went back to the interview and somehow they looked comfortable even to the camera crew in the room.

"Ok we would like you to play a game.... can we have the props."

"A dish of noodles is brought to them and a plastic fork."

"We would like you to eat one noodle. You know how it goes."

Mew had doubts about this but Gulf was confident. It was for the fans.

They got a long noodle and both guys held on to the opposite ends. They slowly started eating the noodle their faces drawing closer until their faces were touching. Mew stopped with a smile on his face but Gulf went on. He ate the noodle until his lips was an inch away from Mew's lips. He puckered his lips and subtly kissed Mew as he took the last bite of the noodle.

Gulf felt proud.

The fans were going to happy.

Mew felt troubled.

That's not what he meant.