Work Text:
They were talking. They'd been doing that between takes.
A typical scene.
Maki brushed a strand of hair that had fallen across Yūta's forehead. And he, though his expression didn't drastically change, could swear his heart skipped a beat. Whether his eyes brightened or the corners of his lips already wearing a smile, tremble with the urge to curl up a little more, he didn't notice.
"Okay, give us a look," the cameraman called between the clicks of the cameras.
At the call, as if awakening from a spell, the attentive glances they had shared shifted, and their conversation stopped. Yūta straightened his posture even further, and Maki's gentle gaze changed; it became colder and more dignified. Both turned their attention to where they were being called, with the professionalism that characterized them.
Whether Yūta's hand rested against the glass near Maki's, or whether they seemed to be getting closer with each click, no one present mentioned it.
....
The set design and costumes had changed. Dressed more casually this time, the actors looked fresh and youthful—which was saying something. Although Yūta had a serious problem with dark circles under his eyes from lack of sleep (due to his always-busy and packed schedule), this was a recurring issue. But even so, he possessed a youthful charm thanks to his soft features and large, innocent eyes. Maki, for her part, took excellent care of her skin and body, maintaining better and healthier habits. Suffice it to say, both were incredibly attractive and didn't look their age.
The couple's outfits were simple: jeans, a square-neckline top with wide straps for her, and a shirt for him (both white and with the logo of a famous brand clearly visible). The set was a minimalist room in light colors, illuminated mostly by natural light, but the most splendid element was the pair of actors.
They were seated on a rug on the floor, their backs against the windows; the translucent curtains billowed gently in the soft breeze drifting in through the other open windows.
As soon as Yūta settled back into his seat next to Maki, she hooked his arm with hers, holding it with easy familiarity. Unconsciously, Yūta tilted his head slightly toward her—she, too, seemed to be leaning toward him.
"Tired?" Maki asked when he blinked more than usual.
"I didn't sleep much," he replied wearily. He tried to smile, even with his heavy, sleepy eyes. "I got home really late."
Because of filming the drama they were starring in, they both arrived home after midnight (sometimes even later), and since they had a photoshoot scheduled for that morning, they hadn't been able to rest any longer. Yūta, in particular, was working on a music project, so he felt even more exhausted.
Just like with the filming of their drama, they were waiting for the staff to finish setting up the set, cameras, costumes, and everything else. In between, they kept each other company, chatting about trivial things, from improvisation ideas and suggested dialogue choices to what they would eat, what they would do afterward, and even the weather. They could talk until they were called to continue or simply keep each other company in silence. It was pleasant.
The friendship between them was evident in the chemistry their characters had in the drama. Or at least that's what the staff said.
When they both noticed that Yūta's small personal camera, operated by his assistant, was focused on them, the actor asked his co-star to look in that direction and smiled.
"Look over there," he said, pointing to the device his assistant was holding. Maki did as he asked, and although she didn't smile as broadly as he did, her expression was captivating.
"...I'm recording," the assistant said, a little embarrassed by the misunderstanding.
It was imperceptible to some, but those who knew them better noticed the almost imperceptible change in the actors; Maki tensed slightly, avoiding eye contact with the camera lens. Yūta, flustered, chuckled as he searched for and pointed to the correct camera.
"Ah, that camera is taking pictures," he smiled gently, while Maki maintained her stern expression.
The conference hall where their drama was to be presented was decorated with the drama's title in large letters, and in smaller, repetitive text, details such as the date, time, and television network were displayed. Colored floral wreaths with congratulatory messages written on the long pink ribbons, along with other arrangements sent in support of the actors by their respective companies, well-known celebrities, and fans, were placed throughout the hall, including at the entrances, all wishing them good fortune and success.
This project was one of the most anticipated of the year.
And with good reason. Not so much for the premise of the story, which was a romantic comedy with a typical cliché that hadn't been used in a long time, but for the collaboration of the two leads, whose names were well-known both nationally and internationally.
This was somewhat expected, considering that both had debuted years ago, first as idols. They forged a name for themselves in such a difficult industry, becoming nationally known before debuting as actors and working consistently and with dedication in their careers.
Maki and Yūta already generated public interest on their own, but their surprise collaboration at a special event two years ago not only captivated the audience again, reminding them of their idol origins, but also showcased the «incredible chemistry» they shared as a duo. It was from that collaboration that they were now presenting their drama to the press.
Both actors stepped onto the platform, facing reporters and cameramen. The presenter called out their names, introduced their respective characters, and indicated where to look for the pictures to be taken. Both, with extensive experience in press conferences, made a successful introduction.
Of course, experience didn't lessen their nerves, but they handled it well. However…
"Now, please, a heart!"
As usual, requests for poses came quickly, something idols were used to—more so than actors—the famous hearts made with their hands. And these two, now actors, had that ingrained in them. It was a piece of cake at first. As easy as breathing and as charming as the charisma they radiated.
Until they had to do it together.
Yūta looked more awkward than Maki, which was odd because she always seemed uncomfortable making such gestures (cuteness and tenderness weren't her style; quite the opposite of Yūta's). But where Maki remained composed, Yūta was nervous and kept failing to form a heart by joining his hands with hers. At first, they were confused: Yūta turned toward Maki, and she did it on her own. When Yūta did the same, she finally realized, and they failed twice more before joining their hands to form the heart.
Luckily, the audience took this clumsiness in stride, almost endearingly: «idols turned actors, nervous before their highly anticipated premiere,» or something like that. Yūta was embarrassed, but that discomfort quickly vanished when, during the last take, he caught Maki's brief glance and understood. He offered her his arm, and she took it naturally and gracefully; they both looked straight ahead.
His smile was a little bashful, and he tried to suppress it, to replace it with a more neutral one, but his facial muscles wouldn't cooperate. For an actor, that was worrying, but at that moment, Yūta didn't feel like an actor. Just like a very happy person.
And the sparkle in his eyes gave him away.
That's what Panda said.
At the unexpected comment, Yūta stopped in his tracks. He took a moment to look at Panda, who was watching him curiously—again, Yūta was slow to react: more than anything, he didn't want his friend's comment to escalate into something he couldn't control.
"Sorry?"
"At the press conference, what was all that about? It's like..."
"I was a little nervous."
That was believable. No matter how many years he had been in the industry or how much practice he had in those situations, Yūta was known for prioritizing his work and giving it his all.
They both headed to the dressing room to get their makeup done. That day, Yūta was scheduled to appear on a popular variety show that promoted currently airing dramas, upcoming movies, and singers' comebacks. It was a show that leaned more towards comedy, and because of that, and the popularity of the hosts, any promotion there was practically a must.
It just so happened that one of the hosts was an old friend of Yūta's. They both worked for the same company, and that friend was Panda (which was more of a stage name), known to almost every television viewer and beloved for his sense of humor.
But also...
"Oh, Maki's here," he announced as he opened the dressing room door.
The actress was already getting her makeup done.
"Hey," her casual greeting contrasted slightly with Yūta's slight bow as he approached.
"Maki-san, good morning."
Although saying "good morning" was a bit odd, since they were filming in the early hours of the morning, and her yawn emphasized it.
"It's not very classy of you to open your mouth like that. But do it again so I can take a picture and post it on my account. It'll be funny."
Maki shot him a disapproving look.
"Isn't it enough that you make us come to film so early, but you also want to damage my image?"
"It's not like you care about doing that to Yūta's image." Panda clicked his tongue. Maki looked at Yūta, waiting for him to clarify. Yūta just shrugged, as if he didn't know what his friend was talking about. "Besides, I'm not in charge of the show."
"Your dad's the director of the TV network, you damn nepobaby."
"Funny, coming from you."
"Hey, Panda, you better not make jokes about that during filming. Otherwise, I'll tell something super embarrassing about you as revenge."
"The 'cold and elegant beauty,' they call you, but where is that person? I only see a mobster."
"I'm serious. You know you shouldn't mention that. And if anyone here were a nepobaby, it would only be Yūta."
They both looked at him, who until then had remained silent, entertained by their exchange. At what they mentioned, he simply shook his head quickly.
There was a history between the three of them. Like almost every celebrity in the industry, bonds and friendships were a natural part of life—though not the norm. When you've been in the entertainment industry for so long, sometimes running into the same people could lead to friendships or disagreements, but spending time together was almost inevitable. In their case, it went back long before they debuted. They had met as trainees, so the familiarity and interactions between them were genuine.
"Okay, I'll do as you say. And since you're here, what can I mention? How far can I go with the jokes? Ah, I know... how about an anecdote about your first love and—" As if he were going to explain it in detail, Maki jumped up, grabbed Panda by the lapels, and shook him vigorously, not caring that he was almost 6'3" and weighed 176 pounds.
Maki was strong.
"Stop talking nonsense!"
Yūta couldn't shake the feeling that, before Panda was interrupted, he was going to say something to him. Why else would he have turned to look in his direction?
...
The show consisted of two parts. The first was the introduction of the special guests, followed by a question-and-answer session with the hosts. The second part consisted of diverse and personalized activities.
However, even after the first part, the actors were exhausted. And it was because of the questions.
"What's your ideal type?"
Did they really have to answer that?
"Maki, would you go out with me?"
Not a chance. She preferred strong men with attractive features.
"Is it true you bought an apartment in that exclusive area?"
Why reveal where he lived? That can be dangerous.
Maki, this is your first romantic comedy. Why?
I thought it would be interesting.
"Do you have many kissing scenes? How awkward is it to kiss a longtime friend?"
...it is if you overthink it.
"Maki, did you and Yūta rehearse a lot?"
That didn't mean rehearsing their lines. They both blushed.
They mentally prepared themselves for the show, knowing Panda would show them no mercy, and, on the contrary, knowing them so well that it would work against them. Although, in a way, they felt safe because he shouldn't embarrass them or damage their public image.
Big mistake.
"I visited them during filming," Panda said, catching the attention of the other hosts and guests. They exchanged puzzled glances: Did he? They hadn't heard. "First, I have to say the production and location were fantastic. The view of the coast was stunning. It truly felt like a romance novel. But above all, my friends' acting… wow, it left me speechless."
"You two are really good actors."
"You really exceeded my expectations."
"No, they're simply on another level," Panda said with a wave of his hand and an innocent look.
Somehow, Panda's expression at that moment gave Yūta a bad feeling.
Trying to soothe the dryness in his throat from nervousness, Yūta took a sip of water from the bottle he'd been given.
"They're true professionals; what they do doesn't even look like acting," he said, looking directly at them. A suppressed amusement gleamed in his dark eyes. Maki and Yūta exchanged a quick glance. They were both thinking the same thing. Panda continued, building anticipation. "You two are so natural... or are you two in a real relationship?"
Luckily, Yūta had stopped drinking water, but he did choke on his own saliva. It was Maki, however, who had been drinking the liquid and spat it out.
Laughter erupted at the actors' reaction, and even more so when Maki walked over to Panda and started shaking him again.
Yūta hoped that all of this wouldn't make it into the final cut.
...
The show's recording took several hours, and between cuts, they were allowed to take breaks. After the chaos Panda caused, the director moved one of the breaks forward.
It was a little difficult not to feel uncomfortable about what had happened.
"It was just a joke," Panda apologized, but the look on his face told Yūta that he'd found it very funny.
"It upset Maki-san, so please don't say anything like that again."
"What about you?"
"...it was awkward."
He felt exposed in front of so many people and cameras.
"Awkward, but not upsetting? Heh. You know, Yūta, there's something I can't keep ignoring." He moved closer to Yūta, putting his arm around the actor's shoulders. They moved a little away from the staff and others. Yūta was curious about his friend's change in attitude, which had shifted from a teasing tone to a more serious one. "I meant what I said. I was able to see the first few episodes, and it's true that I was on the set..."
"Panda-kun..."
"Listen. I already laughed about that, okay? I'm saying this as a friend. Are you sure the relationship between you two hasn't changed?"
Yūta's impassive gaze didn't offer much of an answer, and that was because he'd been preparing for this ever since he'd almost choked on his own saliva. He knew Panda wouldn't let the subject go, and he was right.
"I don't see the need to answer that."
"Right, right. But you know what?" He moved closer to him, whispering in his ear, "You two definitely look so in love~, so I don't need confirmation."
Panda's mocking smile widened as he saw the color change in Yūta's face. The actor blushed to his ears.
"Panda-kun!"
"If you're going to deny it, be less obvious."
...
It took Yūta a moment for his face to regain its natural color.
He looked at himself in the mirror; the bathroom lights were blindingly white, but they did the job. He realized he would have to touch up his makeup. He sighed wearily, but he had no choice; it was part of his job.
He walked briskly down the studio hallway toward the dressing room, where his stylist and assistant should have been waiting for him. But when he opened the door, neither of the people he expected was there.
Seated on the high chair in front of the mirror, Maki was waiting for him. Yūta quickly closed the door behind him when he realized she was the only one there. He walked quickly toward her, and when he reached her, he leaned in slightly, hoping to make eye contact—a habit that, despite her constant scolding, he couldn't break.
"Maki-san, are you alright?"
Because, after what happened with Panda, they hadn't had time to talk about it. Perhaps too aware of what had been said, wanting to keep their distance. That's why he hadn't approached her, as much as he'd wanted to.
She clicked her tongue, frowning with obvious irritation. But it all happened quickly, because she immediately sighed wearily. She rested her head against his chest.
"That idiot will pay for this."
Yūta remained still for a moment. Unsure of what to do, though his hands itched to touch her, he hesitated.
They were at work, after all.
"Yūta," Maki called in a whisper, and he felt his heart clench. Her voice sounded vulnerable, and that was what finally disarmed him.
He immediately wrapped his arms around her shoulders, as if to protect her. Maki also held his torso with her hands, pulling him closer, and then buried her face deeper into his chest, without rising from her seat. Yūta could feel her warm breath through his clothing—a light shirt—, and it made him shiver.
"Maki-san, we're not in a suitable place."
At the reminder, she sighed again. She looked up and met his gaze, which was already fixed on her. Maki didn't say it, but it was obvious she was tired.
Without being able to stop himself or wanting to, Yūta caressed her cheek, a gesture as gentle as if she were the most delicate being. Before, Maki used to resent that, believing he considered her fragile. It took her some time to understand that Yūta's love for her was gentle, that he would never treat her with anything other than tenderness, appreciation, respect, and reverence.
Maki was used to being "venerated" by her fans, but Yūta's devotion to her was unlike anything she had experienced before. It was unconditional, sincere, and unwavering.
It was with Yūta that she learned what love was.
"This is harder than I thought. I think I regret it a little."
Yūta chuckled softly.
"You mean coming on the show? Or filming a drama with me?"
"..."
His caresses paused for a moment.
"Uh, Maki-san, it's not because of our relationship, is it...?" he asked, frowning, his voice filled with concern. What would he do if that were the case? Beg, mostly.
She huffed, gently pinching his side, which elicited a whimper from him.
"Next time you say that, you won't get away with it. I'm warning you. But I meant the show. I can't believe we had to come. I don't know what Gojo is thinking."
Yūta shrugged.
"We have to promote."
"It didn't have to be here."
Yūta didn't reply because even though Maki made that comment, she knew perfectly well that this show was a necessary stop. After all, it was on the same television network that produced their drama. Gojo—president of the entertainment company Yūta belonged to—had a very good relationship with the network's executives. For Yūta, it was indeed an indication that he should attend.
"You didn't have to force yourself to come, Maki-san."
"Ha, sure. And if that had been the case, Panda would have pounced on you like a hungry hyena. At least with me here, his attention is divided."
"But I saw you were quite displeased with that attention."
"I am. I wanted to rip that stupid panda shirt off him, but I stopped myself, since it would have been a hideous sight."
"That's a mean thing to say."
"I give what I receive, you know that well. But if that bothers you about me—"
Yūta leaned in quickly, his face close to hers, and interrupted her with a brief kiss. Maki looked at him, a little impressed.
"Nothing about you bothers me, Maki-san. There's no need for you to change."
"I wasn't planning to. Not for anyone, not even you."
For anyone else, hearing that from their partner would have been heartbreaking, but Yūta didn't feel that way. Absurdly, his heart skipped a beat.
Much of what had made Yūta fall in love with Maki was her personality and her strong convictions. He didn't want Maki to stop being herself—although he understood that people changed over time, this was by their own choice, not because of someone else. He knew that the Maki he held in his arms wasn't the same one he'd known as a teenager, nor would she be the same in ten years, but her essence remained the same.
"You're making a weird face."
"What kind of face?"
"Like... I don't know," she shifted in his arms, but didn't pull away. She was rather reluctant to answer.
"Like I'm looking at the most beautiful being in the world? Like I have the person I admire most in front of me? Like I can't believe the person I love most is my fiancée?"
"...you're saying risky things."
"I'm being honest."
"But someone might hear you."
And that wouldn't be convenient. It had been like that ever since they started dating. He understood, but...
"Hey, Maki-san..." Yūta hesitated, unsure of what to say, not wanting to upset her now that she'd calmed down. She looked at him closely and noticed how flustered he'd suddenly become. He cleared his throat. "Wouldn't it be a good time to announce our relationship?"
"You mean now?"
He shook his head gently. They couldn't do anything that would affect the drama, and announcing their relationship might have a negative impact. Or maybe not. Perhaps their performances would win people over to the point where they wouldn't mind seeing them together for real. But he wasn't sure it would happen.
"When the promotions are over. After the drama finishes airing. Not right away, but... soon?"
"Are you sure? You know everything that could happen. Are you willing to risk your career?"
"The only thing stopping me is putting everything you've worked so hard for at risk."
For Maki, her career had been more tumultuous than his because of her detestable family. That's why she had worked twice as hard, and now that she had all the recognition she deserved, Yūta didn't want to ruin it. That's why he had taken so long to ask her to marry him.
She laughed, and he didn't understand her reaction.
"Hey, did you ask me to marry you?"
"Yes."
"That's right. Therefore, for me, you're just as important. I would never risk my career for a man, or for anyone. But, Yūta, deciding to marry you isn't a risk for me. Starting a family with the man I love wouldn't have been a sacrifice, because I know you'll do everything to make me happy."
Her words never wavered, nor did the sincerity with which Yūta promised to make her happy; Maki exuded that same certainty. She had spent most of her life trying to prove she could make a name for herself, free from the chains of her family. Years of sacrifice and enduring countless situations had made her want to give up. And never, in all that time, did she consider anything different.
Until Yūta enveloped her with that overwhelming love, revealing—unintentionally—a different path in life. They had both matured at a young age, facing challenges that even adults would struggle with. Of course, they still longed for more to expand their acting skills. But if it came down to choosing between their work and the person they loved, would there really be a moment of doubt?
Definitely not.
"Yūta," Maki called, her hand moving as it slid down his neck, touching his chin, until it rested on his cheek. She mirrored his previous action, gently caressing him, hoping her eyes reflected at least a fraction of what he meant to her. "I don't want to abandon this, but I wouldn't hesitate to do it for you."
Yūta felt his breath catch in his throat, and his heart would burst in his chest at Maki's declaration. Once again, he was captivated by her. How could he possibly fall more in love with her?
"I would never ask you to do that," he said in a soft but firm voice. He would never ask her to do that. "So let's wait a little while after the project is over."
Maki smiled brightly. What was his knack for saying what she wanted to hear? For making her feel more and more cherished?
Maki didn't say it, but she was sure that as soon as the drama aired, their relationship would no longer be a secret. The way they looked at each other, anyone could tell that the deep feelings between the actors weren't acting.