Chapter Text
"Haven't I told you before? No matter what happens, no matter how bad it gets, I will always be by your side," he uttered with a quivering voice.
"But you deserve someone better—" before the sentence could be completed, their lips met in a gentle kiss. They exchanged emotions, soothing the pain they had endured on their own for so long, unaware that tears accompanied that moment.
"Cut!"
The shorter figure—Yeosang, promptly broke the kiss upon hearing the director's instructions. Applause echoed through the film set. Smiles were etched amidst the tired lines on the faces of the crew and actors. That was the last scene for today, and they had one more day before the entire film shooting process finished.
"Good job, Yeosang," complimented Yeosang's taller co-star, Mingi. The months-long filming process and the workshops they had undergone had brought them closer. Mingi, towering over Yeosang, casually gave him a gentle pat on the head.
"Nice work, Mingi."
Yeosang, feeling utterly exhausted, didn't linger on the set. He quickly changed into fresh clothes as his manager called the driver to pick them up. The door to his changing room was knocked just as Yeosang finished throwing on his coat.
"Yeosang?" Mingi's deep voice resonated.
"Yeah?" Yeosang replied, opening the iron door for Mingi.
"Hey. Director Kim is throwing a small party to celebrate the last day of filming tomorrow. You are coming with me."
"You didn't even ask if I could come, is that a command, Mingi?" Yeosang replied, laughing. The laughter was contagious, spreading to Mingi.
"Come on, It's a celebration for wrapping up this series, and this series isn't complete without you, you know."
"I'll discuss it briefly with my manager, and let you know as soon as possible, okay?"
"Deal. See ya!"
"See you."
Without waiting long, Yeosang was already seated in the plush chair of his car, leaning his head comfortably against the neck pillow always kept there. In silence, he listened to his manager providing a summary of his schedule for the next few days. A slight nod from Yeosang indicated to his manager—Hana—that he was still paying attention.
"Do you want to join the party tomorrow?" Hana confirmed, as there were no other schedules besides the filming.
"Yes. I will go."
"Okay."
"Don't forget to let 'him' know," Hana said with a hint of emphasis. Yeosang smiled, once again feeling grateful to have a supportive manager who kept his secrets tightly guarded. Hana has one important principle: If the artists under her care were happy and she knew what they were doing, then her job would be easier.
"Okie dokie," Yeosang replied with a smile, even though his eyes slowly closed.
"Oh, Yeosang."
"Hm?"
"Please, consider CEO Yang's words about promotion back then." Yeosang slowly opened his eyes, glancing towards Hana. His eyebrows furrowed, showing confusion.
"Didn't Producer Park already agree that we don't need to exaggerate the promotion that sells the closeness between the two main actors as if they're really close like a real couple?"
"I know. Park Seonghwa would never force you to do that. But you know CEO Yang. He sees potential in you and Mingi." Yeosang sighed softly, pulling his coat closer to fend off the cold air from the air conditioner.
"I think it's not necessary, Hana. Let's keep it natural. Haven't we already looked close naturally?"
"I'm not forcing you, Yeosang. Just asking you to consider what you think would be a win-win solution, okay?" Yeosang nodded absentmindedly before closing his eyes again, trying to get a few minutes of sleep before the car parked in the basement.
After bidding farewell to his manager, Yeosang entered his pitch-dark apartment. Yet, he knew he wasn't alone there. Faintly, Yeosang could hear the sound of a television emanating from one of the rooms—his bedroom. He kicked off his shoes and removed his coat before entering the minimally adorned room dominated by beige tones with brown accents. A smile curved on Yeosang's lips as he found a cocoon made of a blanket on his bed. Within it lay his lover, with a furrowed brow, focused on the TV series playing. Hearing his own voice, Yeosang knew it was the show he starred in—the one ranking in the top three hottest TV shows of the season.
Without a greeting, Yeosang headed straight for the bathroom. Eager to freshen up quickly so he could join his lover under the thick layers of blankets.
"Babe," Yeosang gently called out as he emerged from the bathroom. Wrapped in black pajamas, his body emitted a refreshing scent. San peeled back the layers of blankets, allowing Yeosang to slip in. Without needing to be asked, Yeosang nestled his body next to San's, rolling them both up in the warmth of the blankets.
"What episode are you on?"
"This is episode six—Woah! Yeosang!" San's eyes widened as the television screen displayed a scene of Yeosang intensely kissing his co-star several times, leaving the policewoman character stunned. The romantic tale between a detective and her colleague had become a hot topic in South Korea, with a couple of rising actor and actress playing the lead roles. The ratings for each episode were also satisfying.
"San, you've seen my romantic scenes so many times. I'm more embarrassed by your reaction than watching myself kiss someone else," Yeosang said, covering his blushing face. San laughed, trying to shift Yeosang's hand away to reveal the embarrassed face that made San want to shower him with kisses.
"But this is the first time you've kissed in a detective series, Yeosang. Just a few minutes ago, you were shooting fiercely, and now you're kissing. That's hot!" San praised, still attempting to pull Yeosang's arm away to stop his lover from hiding his face. Eventually, Yeosang gave in, revealing his flaming red face.
"Yeosang, look." San's fingers reached for Yeosang's chin, directing his face to keep staring at the screen, displaying the current scene of Yeosang's character hiding with his partner. "I can see the frustration, anger, betrayal, and even the lingering sexual tension from the previous kiss in your eyes. God, Yeosang! If you don't win any awards this year, I'll be the one throwing a fit at the award show!"
Yeosang laughed at San's rant. This time, it was Yeosang who cupped San’s bare face that he adored so much. He planted a sweet kiss on the jaw and those often-pouted lips.
"So, for this drama, do you want spoilers or not?" Yeosang asked, leaning against San's chest.
San shook his head before placing a kiss on the top of Yeosang's head. "No need. I want surprises in every episode. Besides, it's a detective drama; it's not fun if I know how the story ends too early." Yeosang hummed in agreement.
The couple immersed themselves in the scenes unfolding on the television screen. Yeosang could recall how each scene was shot during the filming, and he was satisfied with the results. The fact that the drama had become incredibly famous was proof that his hard work had paid off.
"Love," San gently called while playing with Yeosang’s hair.
"Hm?"
"When you kissed Yeji's character, I could see you trying to convey frustration and the desire to express that you didn't want to lose her in that moment."
"I'm glad you could feel that."
"But there were some details you missed. Like the grip of your hand and when your hand shifted positions."
"Oh, really?" Yeosang shifted his gaze from the television, looking at San's face so close to his. He could feel the warmth of San's breath on his face.
"Yes..."
"How should it be done?" Yeosang straightened his posture and turned around, signaling an invitation to San, who followed Yeosang's movement.
"Considering your character is in a life-and-death situation, you should do it like this," San gripped Yeosang's shoulder with both of his hands. Yeosang could feel the vibrations there. "When you shift, do it as if the figure in front of you is a treasure that can never be replaced," he continued. His palms traced the curve of the shoulder, moved upward through the neck, jaw, and stopped, cupping Yeosang's face. All done slowly, yet there was a sense of frustration and fear in every touch.
San did it effortlessly, like an expert. As a member of the theater throughout high school and university, San possessed acting skills equivalent to Yeosang's colleagues in the film industry. Even though San had now shifted away from acting and chosen to become a model instead, and now he is embarking on a journey in the music industry.
San's lips met Yeosang's in a fervent kiss. His movements were swift, as if by missing a single second, he'd forfeit the moment. He passionately pressed against Yeosang's lower lip. His hands, still perched on the frame of Yeosang's face, glided with a gentle caress. Yeosang reciprocated by grasping them, syncing with the emotions San imparted through the kiss.
Yeosang felt a tantalizing sensation coursing through his body. No matter how often he engaged in this activities with San, his beloved always had a knack for stirring his emotions in a delightful manner. They delved into the scenario they were playing, until San slowly withdrew their kiss, resting their foreheads against each other.
"That's how you express your love with a hint of being terrified of losing that person."
"Yeah, I can feel it,” Yeosang replied, while calming his heart that still carried away by euphoria.
"Good. But it's not fair for you, honestly, if we compare ourselves, especially the ‘you’ from that drama.”
"Huh? I don't follow.”
"Because this kind of emotion is natural for me when it comes to you, Yeosang.”