Work Text:
Love rewards the brave.
– Alex Aguirre, Pearl Next Door
One. Click
Bright has been active in the industry for many years, and has shot multiple challenging scenes in his time. And so if word gets around that he's being anxious over filming a kissing scene, no one would believe it. But alas, there he was, sitting on the bed inside the bedroom they're filming at, his hands fiddling with the pages of the script he was trying to review over and over again.
They were about to film the balcony scene wherein Sarawat will serenade Tine as he tries to let his feelings be known–a scene so pivotal in terms of their characters' relationship, and admittedly one of his favorite parts in the novel. And he was really excited to bring it to life. That was until he learned their director's plan of filming a kissing scene to build emotion between him and Win.
"Come on, Bright, it’s just a kissing scene! You’ve done this before. Focus!”, he gave himself a pep talk, trying to fool himself into thinking that there is no difference with the one being shot now.
Except there is a huge difference—one that came in the form of a six foot tall boy with bright brown eyes, a charming smile, and plump red lips. Which he is about to kiss soon.
“Fuck”, he groaned in frustration and abandoned studying his lines then. He needed a break. Bright slowly got up from where he was seated at the foot of Tine’s bed, and went to the balcony, with a guitar in hand.
One thing he’s always liked about playing as Sarawat is how close the character was to his own personality. Especially with how both of them find comfort in music. He sat silently in the corner of the narrow veranda, strumming random chords as he took in the sight before him.
It’s been just an hour after sundown but the sky was already dark. The streetlamps along with the lighting equipment illuminated the entire set, drowning the glow of the stars above him.
“Phi, are you okay?”, and yet the lights’ brightness still falls short in comparison to the eyes that he's staring at just now. The familiar voice broke him from his trance and halted him from his mindless strumming.
“Just nervous over the next scene, but I’m fine. Nothing to worry about”, he replied. He continued his strumming by then. He doesn’t notice he’s playing the chords to Click by Scrubb, a song so special to the characters they’re portraying.
“Huh, I thought you’d be used to this by now. I guess I was wrong”, the younger replies as he takes the spot beside Bright, shoulders brushing against each other due to the limited space.
“It’s just different this time”, Bright replied absentmindedly.
“How?”, Win asks after a long pause, too distracted by the melody filling his ears to give a response.
“I’m filming it with someone I li-”, Bright almost blurted out. He instantly looks at Win, fearing the reaction the younger would give if he managed to make out what he meant. But instead he’s faced with curious eyes, patiently waiting for him to continue what he was about to say earlier. “I’m filming it with you”, he completes, staring straight into the other.
They were silent for a few minutes, the weight of Bright's stare and words rendered Win speechless. Because in the few months they've been working together, he's gotten to know his partner well enough. And he knows that he rarely expresses his emotions verbally, nevertheless he's sincere.
“Hey! what’s that supposed to mean?” the younger asks, a slight pout forming on his lips, pretending to take it as one of his friends' playful banters.
“It means I have to make it memorable”, and he leaves it at that while sending a playful wink to the younger. This sends them both to a fit of giggles.
He faces Win again, a smile planted on his face as he continues playing the first song that comes to his mind when looking at the younger, and sings beneath the dim glow of the stars with the gentle evening breeze caressing both their skin.
But something in you is better than anyone else
We just click, you are just enough for me.
Two. What do you get from this series?
The series became a hit to say the least, with each episode gaining close to a million views and occupying a spot on the trending list of multiple social media platforms. Bright’s not sure how it happened, but the surprise is not unwelcomed.
“Hey, I’m really nervous for later”, Win broke his thoughts by voicing his concern. They were currently being made up in the dressing room of the set for their talk show guesting. This was one their first tv appearance as a pairing, and this is definitely nerve-wrecking for them—especially for Win.
Bright looks over at him, staring into those dark brown eyes that mirror Win’s distress, down to his red lips worried in between his teeth. He took his time staring at Win, his eyes lingering on his flawless visage. Win was wearing nothing extravagant that day, just a simple red turtleneck and white pants, and yet he still looked stunning. And Bright was breathless just by looking at him.
Bright’s not sure when his attraction with the other started. He just remembers walking into the set one day seeing Win flash that warm smile of his, and he figured he wanted him to keep smiling—and for him to be the reason behind it.
“Don’t be. You’ll do great just like how you always do”, he pats the space next to him on the couch as he responds, signaling for Win to sit beside him.
Win got up from his seat in front of the vanity, a slight pout forming on his lips as he made his way to his Phi. "What if I mess up the performance?"
"You won't! And if you ever do, I'll make a bigger mistake so they won't notice yours, okay?"
This prompts a giggle from the younger. "That's a dumb thing to do, P’Bai", he replied.
"I'm just kidding. How 'bout we practice the song again before the show starts?" He receives a nod and a smile in return before proceeding to do just as what he suggested.
****
The show went smoothly. All of Win's worries proved to be for nothing since the audience really enjoyed their performance.
"Are you okay? You're kinda quiet", Win asks him while they were on their way to the building parking lot, ready to call it a day after long hours of work.
"Hm. Just sleepy, I guess?" Bright lied. He's been trying to focus for how long now, but he still can't seem to erase Win's answer from earlier in his head.
"I got to meet P'Bai", Win replied without hesitation and with so much sincerity, he almost allowed himself to believe there was a chance; that he's not the only one harboring these feelings; that they can actually happen if he's willing to risk it.
"Hey Win", he starts off, eyes fixed on the elevator buttons.
"I–", he continues, this time lifting his gaze to the younger's face, "I'm really glad I got to meet you, too" He finishes just in time for the elevator to arrive at the basement parking lot.
Win gave him a warm smile in return–the very root of all his unexplainable emotions–before walking out of the elevator and towards their car.
He realizes then that he's not willing to risk it. At least not yet.
Three. Peak day
With the show's success came a busier schedule for the both of them. And they're really grateful, but sometimes they can't help but wish for some time to unwind. Thankfully, they're filming that day in an outdoor setting.
"Ahh, I'm so excited, Phi!" Win exclaimed as they settled their things inside one of the cottages the staff rented for the show. They get to film in the mudflats that day, enjoying various activities under the sun with each other along with their seniors. It's definitely the break they needed away from the usual loud spaces and harsh studio lighting.
"Woah there, easy! It's way too early to be this energetic", Bright kids, steadying the younger who has been bouncing on his heels since they arrived that morning.
“Aww, come on! Aren’t you excited? We’re going boating!”, Win continues rambling about the different activities they can try before they start shooting for the show.
"I am but I'm also very hungry. Wanna go eat first before we start? I heard they prepared a buffet for us", and with that, they both ran straight for the dining area, soft smiles painted on their faces as they anticipated the day ahead.
****
Their meal went by smoothly albeit quite noisy, what with their seniors' constant banters and teasing—especially when they saw Bright peel shrimp skin for Win and serve him the entire time. Once they were done, they prepared to head out to the mudflats, excitement painted all over their faces.
"Stop moving around so much. It's dangerous" Bright ordered the younger, tone still so gentle and yet firm.
They were on the boat ride going to the mudflats. And Win being the energetic boy that he is, kept blabbering about how pretty the scenery is along the way; and how nice the weather is; and how he hopes there aren't any crabs lurking in the the location because he's quite scared; and then how he knows he'll definitely be fine though even if there were because he knows his P’Bai is there to protect him.
Bright looks at the boy beside him, still talking animatedly with his P'Off yet steadier with his movements. He sees the wide smile Win has as he talks about him with the others, and he can't help but feel warm all over.
"You spoil him too much, huh?" Tawan whispered to him to get his attention. He looks at him, and then back at Win as he catches his eyes. They smile at each other before breaking eye contact and going back to their respective conversations.
"I guess I just like taking care of him", he shrugs and goes back to photographing the scenery in front of him.
Four. Ending scene
Bright can't believe he's stuck in the same situation again.
He rakes through his hair as he tries to focus on the instructions their director was giving. They were filming the finale scene for the five-part special of Sarawat an Tine's story, and everyone was stressing over it; wanting for it to be perfect.
Well, maybe not everyone. He turned his gaze to Win, who was sitting over the sofa in front of him while making kissy faces at him–teasing and playful just as always. A total opposite of his current state.
It's no surprise they've gotten a lot closer now than the first time they filmed a kissing scene–body language now lacking a hint of awkwardness they once had and acting as if playing these intimate gestures were a natural scenario in their daily lives; as if it means nothing to them.
Except this isn't just nothing for Bright. Over the course of their friendship, the mere attraction he was harbouring for the younger grew stronger and was getting much harder to conceal. But he has to try. For now.
"Okay, let's start!", the director instructed and signaled for them to take their places on set.
As soon as the cameras started rolling, Bright stepped closer to Win; his eyes trailing fondly over the younger's features. Win is so beautiful. The glare of the sun and the lighting from the set illuminated his face, making him look more angelic.
"Keep looking at me like that and I'll kiss you 'till you drop", he recited his line before going in for the kiss.
The kiss was sweet. A simple touch of lips and nothing more. But it was enough to send Bright's heart hammering inside his chest.
Win's lips are soft and very addictive. Bright only had a short while to indulge in its feeling against his own before they had to separate.
He delivered his next lines with a smug façade, feigning confidence despite feeling giddy.
He then pushed Win down on the sofa before pressing their lips together once again.
The kiss this time was very different from the first–a lot fiercer and passionate. Bright's lips moved against the younger's, each nip and suck conveying the emotions his character feels for his partner. Feelings that somehow mirror his own for Win.
They broke apart after they heard their director shout, "Cut!". His heart was beating crazily. He looks over at Win and is surprised to see him dazed after filming that scene.
He briefly wonders if he went overboard. That Win has noticed something different from how he played out that scene. And as stupid as it sounds, he silently hoped that he did. Because as much as he'd like to try and actually say the words to him, he just can't. For now, he'll just settle with that kiss.
Five. Mali Fanmeet
Bright's not drunk. The party had just started and he's only downed two shots since they arrived. He couldn't be drunk.
He looks at Win, who was standing beside him with his arm around his shoulder, and then he feels light-headed—from the alcohol, or the close proximity he's not sure.
They decided to stay a while after the Mali Fanmeet to celebrate its success. Their families have gone home after having a meal with them, and now they're left together with their friends and the staff.
"You seem pumped tonight" Win says as he looks at the man beside him, who was singing (screaming) along with the crowd.
Bright looks at him then shrugs as he replies, "I'm just happy, I guess". Bright scoots closer to him, rests his chin above his shoulder while Win tightens his hold around him.
"You okay?" Win asks, his voice laced with worry.
"Hm. I think the alcohol's starting to kick in" the older replies with a chuckle.
"Do you wanna go home?" he asks again, making sure that the other was okay.
"No, let's stay for a bit more," Bright said while flashing him a sweet smile.
Bright, Win learned that night, was a clingy drunk. He's been attached to his body the entire night, his hands travelling to any exposed expanse of skin on Win's body.
Win's been trying to hold a conversation with his friends—keyword: trying—with Bright hanging by his side, hands looping around one of his arms.
It's distracting how Bright lightly squeezes his arm whenever he is trying to get his attention; or how he thumps his fingers on his thighs along to the beat of the music playing; or how he leans his body on his shoulder for support whenever he feels dizzy. God, Win really needs a drink.
He reached across the table to grab his bottle, his first one for the night, and gulped almost half of its content. A bit of foam was left on his upper lip after taking a sip, which Bright unabashedly wiped with his thumb, "Messy", Bright giggled after.
Win wanted to protest. He wasn't messy. But he's suddenly frozen in his seat when he feels Bright's hand travel to his cheek, gently caressing his face while staring at his lips. Win's heart was beating so fast. He wanted to break away from his grip, and yet he strangely anticipated what the older would do next.
Win slowly leaned in, eyes still fixed on the drunk man before him who surprisingly seemed sober now.
"Win I–", the older man starts, not moving even an inch, eyes still transfixed on the younger's lips.
When they were a hair's breadth away from each other he continued, "I don't feel really good". He quickly stood up from his place beside Win, and dodged the other's worried gaze. He can't look at him. Guilt was eating him up for what he almost did.
"Let's call it a night?", Bright continued after a long pause.
"Yeah, sure", Win replied, confused as to what just happened.
Bright felt terrible that night. Partly because of his hangover, but mostly because of that almost kiss.
Plus One. Together. Still Together
Everything feels surreal. Bright stares at the sight before him, awed at the amount of people who came to support them. It has always been his dream to sing in front of his fans, and now he finally gets to do it, with Win nonetheless.
He glances to where Win was seated—eyes fixed on him as he finishes performing the song; a fond smile plastered on his face, one that's filled with so much love and adoration—exactly portraying Tine's emotion for his character.
Bright can only wish to be at the receiving end of those emotions but he knows it's quite impossible. Because as much as he is a coward, Win's also been avoiding him since the night he almost drunkenly confessed. It was really stupid of him to think that Win would take a drunk confession seriously.
As the song ends, he beckons Win to come up the mini stage, and puts one arm around his waist when they are finally beside each other. A sense of familiarity washes over him at the contact—like Win had always owned that spot inside his embrace. Win stares at him, still wearing the warm smile Tine has for Sarawat. And then, just as how the script is written, he leans in and whispers, "I love you, Tine".
* ***
Time passed by quickly, and now they have to close the show and bid their farewell to the fans and to the characters they grew to love.
Bright couldn't express how special this series is to him. This show was his big break; he reached many milestones in his career through this show. But he's especially grateful for the people he met because of it.
He was feeling so sentimental while he listens to Win's speech. The harsh glare of the stage lights reflects onto his face; beads of sweat travelling down from his damp hair down to his neck, and yet he still looked captivating. "In the beginning, no one cared about me", Win went on with his speech with tears in his eyes, "except for P'Bai". A fond smile appears on his face as Win reminisces the past—how they slowly achieved their goals and overcame hardships together.
He pulled Win closer and wound his arm around him, burying his tear-stained face in the younger’s neck in hopes of comforting him. And in that moment, he realizes that maybe he’s not ready to let go just yet.
When the speeches ended, and the final song already performed, they gathered at the center and took their final bow. He clasped his hands with WIn’s, and somehow that made all the difference. Finally, he’s ready.
****
After the show, they made their way backstage welcoming warmly every hug and greeting from the crew and staff. Bright still feels elated from the success of the show.
After shedding a few more tears along with the crew members, they finally made their way to their shared dressing room. Silence fell over them; the tension palpable. Bright looks at Win, who was then fixing his things and preparing to head out. He’s not uttered a single word to him ever since they were left alone. Bright suddenly doubts his chances.
“Hey WIn”, he called the other, surprised at how steady his voice sounded despite the nerve running up his body, “Can we talk?”
Win stops moving around, then. He faces him but still won’t meet his eyes. Something inside Bright ached when he noticed this. "Uh, sure. But I have to be somewhere with my family in a few hours so I can't really stay long", the younger explained with eyes still fixed on the floor.
Bright took a deep breath before speaking. "What I said that night…", Win suddenly stared at him, eyes wide, probably surprised that he remembers his drunken rambles.
"Ah, that. Don't worry. I know you didn't mean it" Win cut him off, averting his gaze once again, before grabbing his bag. "Don't worry too much about it, Phi. It's cool. Anyway, I have to go now. I'll talk to you later, okay?" Win continued as he was about to walk towards the door. He froze on his spot, though, upon hearing Bright's next words.
"I meant it", Bright uttered softly but Win heard him loud and clear. "I like you, Win. I like you so much."
No one made a sound. Only the thumping of his heart echoed in his ears, drowning away his thoughts. He broke their gazes and fixed his eyes on the floor, overwhelmed with emotions he can’t name, and anxious for Win’s reaction to his confession. His eyes were beginning to burn, tears forming and threatening to fall. Bright calmed himself down and silently hoped for the best.
Suddenly, he heard footsteps crossing over the room. And before he knew it, he was enveloped in a warm embrace. “Win?”, he started, confused at the younger’s action.
“You don’t know how long I waited to hear those words from you”. The look Win casted over him as he spoke melted his heart. Win’s eyes were filled with adoration and warmth. Has he always stared at him that way?
“What?” Bright asks, unintelligently.
Win rolls his eyes in mock annoyance as he holds Bright closer, faces mere inches apart. Bright thinks he’s going to faint. ”I like you, too, Bright. I like you so damn much”, he punctuates his statement with a gentle kiss on Bright’s forehead, then travelling to his eyelids, his cheeks. The older one was a giggling mess when he pulled away for a bit. “Can I kiss you?”, he asks before continuing.
Bright didn’t answer. Instead, he leaned in and captured Win’s lips in a slow sweet kiss. He sighed in contentment—all the tension and anxiety eased out of him with a single kiss. They broke apart after a while, foreheads touching and blushes high on their cheeks. They stood there in the middle of the quiet dressing room just holding each other.
“Win, I really like you.” Bright says after a while. Finally, he can say it aloud.
Bonus. Happy birthday, my love
Bright takes in the sight before him—his usual quiet and bland condo decorated with balloons and various ornaments from the ceiling down to every wall; the living room filled with the people he holds dear and close to him—and he can’t help but to be emotional. He looks at his friends singing him a happy birthday, and mouths his thanks to them.
He shifts his gaze to Win who was standing by the door holding the cake, appearing more vibrant than any of the decorations plastered on his living room. It’s been a while since he figured his feelings—and had them reciprocated—and yet he still has the same enchanting effect on him.
Win makes his way to him while singing along with their friends, a warm smile on his face while staring at Bright. He kneels in front of him just as the song ends and asks him to blow the candles.
“My best birthday, yet” Bright started, when they were left alone in the earlier crowded living room. Their friends now mingling with one another somewhere around his spacious unit. “And it’s all thanks to you” he continued before placing a gentle kiss on Win’s temple.
“You’re welcome. You deserve only the best!” Win replies, cheeks tainted a light pink, as he scoots closer to Bright on the sofa. The birthday boy’s arm wound around him, pulling him impossibly closer as he replies playfully, “Yeah? Is that why I have you?”
“Gross” Win replies light-heartedly. Laughter filled the room before succumbing into a comfortable silence, just the two of them sharing a space on the sofa with their arms around each other.
“Happy birthday, Phi. I love you” Win shatters the silence, then, leaving Bright dumbstruck at his words. Bright guesses he’ll never get used to hearing Win saying those three words to him.
He holds the younger’s gaze, offering him a tender smile before replying, “I love you, too.” And much the same, he’ll never get tired of declaring his love to Win.