Only Friends: Dream On.

"What era are we in? Are we still dancing?" said the man in Romeo's body. It came out as per the script.

 

"That's the kind of work adults do. I couldn't possibly be dancing EDM," Arnold said professionally. "If I hadn't come to this event, we probably wouldn't have had a chance to meet again, would we? See? For you... I can do anything. No proof is needed."

 

Arnold moved his face closer to his co-star. He lifted the chin of the smaller man in his arms before slowly leaning in for a kiss, but they were interrupted by a voice that echoed throughout the rehearsal room.

 

"Cut!"

 

Jack was utterly frustrated; his thick eyebrows above his eyes were practically furrowed in a knot. The young director walked over to the two bewildered actors and slowly turned away from each other.

 

"You guys were about to kiss, and I still didn't feel anything," Jack said irritably, causing Arnold to scratch his head.

 

"But I think I felt it just now. I felt it more than during yesterday's practice."

 

That didn't improve Jack's mood in the slightest. "Yeah, I think they had a good exchange just now," Dean added.

 

"But it hasn't reached the audience yet. If the chemistry was really good, I'd feel it," Dean started to feel uneasy before understanding the other person after a while. He used to be the one who was once a lover. He narrowed his eyes at Jack and said.

 

"Really?... Did we play badly, or are you actually in a bad mood?!"

"We've rehearsed this scene many times, but you guys still can't make me believe it. If you let it continue like this, the audience will never connect with the characters," Jack explained sternly.

 

"So, tell me, director, how are we supposed to kiss so the audience will feel it."

 

The Prince of Arts confronted the director defiantly. Jack, who had been sullen, began to change his demeanour. He looked at the shorter man, who was making a mocking face, and shouted a challenge.

 

"So, what kind of kiss is it?"

 

Jack couldn't take it anymore. He grabbed the person in front of him and kissed them, publicly announcing it to everyone in the room, shocking the actors and crew alike.

 

Yeah, you're a good kisser, Dean...

Because you made me jealous!

 

Dean tensed up in shock, but once he recovered, he wrapped his arms around the other man's neck and kissed him back passionately. Jack almost went too far, but luckily, he still had enough presence of mind to pull back.

 

"A kiss like this," he instructed the actors. 

 

"Why don't you understand?!" With that, the director stormed out of the rehearsal room. Dean, regaining his composure, quickly followed, leaving Timmy, the producer, to break the tension with laughter and applaud the director's example.

 

"Beautiful, beautiful! That's how directors are, you guys. You must be tired."

 

"Okay, that's enough for now. See you again this afternoon!" Everyone started to disperse, except for Raffy, who still had a sullen expression on his face, staring in the direction of the door, hoping Jack would come back, but it didn't happen.

 

"So what's the deal with Jack and Dean? Didn't they break up? Just now, it looked like...Clearly, they're jealous."

 

Arnold asked the question while helping Tua clean up the rehearsal room. The person being asked paused for a moment, but finally willingly answered.

 

"It's probably jealousy. In the end, they're just friends. They can't cut ties with each other."

 

Really? Why?

 

"No, I was just asking," the tall man shook his head. "See? It doesn't work."

 

"What didn't work?"

 

"That's what happens when you date a friend. It ends badly, but you can't cut ties, so you're stuck in this mess. Ultimately, you might lose both the friend and the relationship."

 

Tua chose to remain silent, offering only a strained smile, unsure of what Arnold was trying to communicate. However, noticing the other's troubled expression, Arnold quickly spoke up.

 

"Hey, but it's not like that for every couple. Those two have been through a lot together. We haven't even started anything yet. Don't get discouraged, it might turn out well."

 

"Yeah, I think the same as you." Tua nodded in agreement with Arnold's idea and resigned himself to the situation. We haven't even become anything to each other yet.

 

"I'm going to invite you to do some ceramics after practice this evening," Tua changed the subject.

 

"Sure, I've wanted to do this for a long time," Arnold grinned. "Ask him out on a date."

Really?"

 

"So, are you going?"

 

"Go for it," the lead actor of the theatre troupe replied happily. "I'm confident going with you. It was already fun."

 

The other person's answer brought a small smile to Tua’s face, but while they were cleaning up the rehearsal room together, Arnold's cell phone kept vibrating. The name displayed on the screen was Dean.

 

"Hello" Arnold answered the call, waiting for the other end to say something before responding.

"Okay, I'll be right there," he said, hanging up the phone before turning to tell the person next to him.

 

"I have to go now. Dean needs me to film some content."

 

"Oh, so he's finished talking to Jack already?"

 

"I don't know, but judging from his tone, he didn't seem particularly upset or distressed."

 

"Do we have to go now?" Tua checked his wristwatch. "We only have two days off."

 

"Just an hour."

 

"Apparently, it's a paid gig. They contacted us because our content went viral. They said it wouldn't take long, so we should be able to get back in time for rehearsals. Dean is a main actor anyway, so he probably wouldn't skip rehearsals."

 

Tua didn't know what to say. He had just been so happy, but now he was downcast again. He simply nodded, forcing a smile to signal that there was no need to worry.

 

"Hurry up, but make sure you're back in time for practice."

 

"See you later, man."

 

Tua watched the broad back disappear from the rehearsal room until the door closed, then he let out a long, weary sigh. He's starting to doubt whether the plan to pair Dean with Arnold was really a good idea, because the only thing he knows for sure right now is that he's not okay seeing those two close together.

 

════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

 

"You performed well. Do you usually take on roles like this?" The director praised the crew after calling "cut," and the team quickly set up the next shot. This was a small crew working on a film set in a cafe near the location. How many universities are there? Upon hearing this, Dean’s face broke into a wide smile.

 

"I occasionally audition for commercials, because I'm studying acting. So I do have some skills."

 

"Hey, really? I was just looking for cast members for a series. I'd like to try auditioning. Want to see it?"

 

Dean was stunned that the opportunity had suddenly presented itself, and if he refused, that would be too stupid.

 

"I would like to, sir."

 

"Good," the director patted his shoulder encouragingly. "I'll have the team contact you."

 

"Thank you very much, sir."

 

Even though the director had walked away, he couldn't stop smiling. He was so happy he couldn't contain himself. Arnold, who was standing nearby, saw this and quickly went over to congratulate him.

 

"Soon they'll be considered big stars, right?"

 

"Thank you so much, Arnold, for agreeing to film this content with me. Otherwise, I may not have got this job, but then I met someone who gave me an opportunity."

 

"It's okay. At least we're getting paid for it. We enjoy our work."

 

"Wow, you have to go back to practice, and then you have to go work at Aunt Pink's shop at night, right?" Dean felt tired for him but couldn't resist teasing him. "You're so hardworking, you're probably rich already. Will you even be able to save all that money?"

 

"Because I'm not rich yet, that's why I have to work hard. I have to earn money to pay for our own education."

 

"Actually, we're pretty much the same kind of people, Arnold just works harder." While the two were talking, Dean's cell phone in his pants pocket kept vibrating. He took it out and saw it was the director.

 

"How is it going?"

 

[Where are you?] Jack asked in an irritated tone. [It's almost time for practice.]

[Okay then]

 

"I told you I'd be a little late. I have a photoshoot with Arnold." The mention of that name seemed to irritate the person on the other end of the line even more. (Hurry back, both of you!)

 

"What's wrong with you, Jack? There's still an hour left of break," Dean said, confused.

 

"I told you already, I didn't tell you. Or you could practice with the other actors first." [hurry back!!] Jack refused. [Otherwise, let everyone know that you are not a professional!]

 

Dean was furious and responded in kind.

 

"Yeah, if that's what you want to say, then it's your business!"

[Hey Dean!!]

 

The cell phone owner hung up without hesitation, much to Arnold's dismay as he stood listening. The young man looked uneasy, fearing that the other team members were having problems.

 

"Shouldn't we hurry back?"

 

"We're not finished shooting yet, Arnold, and break time isn't over either," Dean told the person beside him. "Listen, professionalism isn't just about being on time; it's about respecting time and being dedicated to the work assigned to you. We didn't do anything wrong."

 

"but...."

 

"Are you two ready?!" the director shouted.

 

"We're ready," Dean replied, before turning to Arnold one last time. "We're determined to finish this shoot so the crew isn't late and we can get back to rehearsals on time. Understand?"

 

"Hmm, I understand."

 

"Besides..." Prince of Sin smirked, "Jack is just jealous of us. We'll just stay together."

 

While Dean laughed in thanks, Arnold could only manage a strained smile. If that happened, things would only get worse. He didn't want to get himself caught in the middle of their antics. 

 

════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

 

Before they went into the station to get their work done, Raffy, annoyed at having to endure Jack's attitude towards Dean all day and being ignored despite being promoted to double cast, hurriedly showered and got dressed to go to his best friend Pete's birthday party at the Pink Pony Club. And yet, he was still feeling nervous.

 

On the day Rome was working as a DJ, spinning records for another six nights, Raffy didn't intend to greet him at first, but he happened to see the other person glance up at him before quickly turning away. Fleeing with a cold expression, Raffy didn't pay much attention to Rome. Pete went to the table he had reserved, only to find his friend giving special attention to that young DJ. Pete was the one who nudged Raffy.

 

"Raffy, you're really into him, aren't you? I heard he went to sing a song for your play. Isn't that right?"

 

"Hmm, but it's not like we're talking that much. We're each doing our own part."

 

"So... are there any staff positions available in the project?" Pete asked jokingly. "I have some free time during this period, so I can be useful to the group."

 

"I'm not sure, but I remember Timmy complaining about wanting someone to help him financially. I don't know if they've found someone yet.”

 

"Okay, I'll go talk to Timmy then." Raffy glanced at the person being talked about for a moment, feeling a strange unease.

 

"What do you want? Do you want to be close to Rome that much?"

 

"I've wanted this for a long time," Pete grinned mischievously. "Make me one, man."

Consider it my birthday gift."

 

Raffy, upon hearing that sentence, was so stunned he couldn't speak, while his friends cheered and agreed, saying, "Ek, if you want it, you'll get it!"

 

"It's my birthday, I have to eat something delicious! I'm going to get really drunk!"

 

"Could you give me a birthday present?"

 

"Shorty, you're awesome. Thanks for doing this," Pete clinked glasses with his friend who had said something he liked. He took a sip of his beer before placing it on the back shelf, then got up to find Rome at the DJ booth... his older brother, Raff, was looking on.

 

Jealousy led him to lean in and whisper something in Rome's ear, until the young DJ gave in. Rome followed closely behind, towards the group at the table. Pete grinned widely, signalling to his friends, who looked embarrassed.

 

"Everyone, my birthday present has arrived! Let's toast!"

 

"You guys are having a great time, aren't you?" Rome smiled at everyone at the table, especially Raffy.

 

"Let's toast!"

 

Raffy stared at Rome’s locked eyes for a split second before turning away and quietly sipping his beer alone, without clinking glasses with anyone else. He didn't even realise Pete had joined them at the table.

 

"Rome works with Raffy, right? Have you ever met him?" Pete asked the person he has a crush on.

 

"I see him often, especially in the theatre..." Rome said, deliberately trying to be provocative. "Both outside the theater"

 

"Hey, didn't Raffy say that you work in different departments and don't see each other often?" 

 

"I didn't say I've never met him, I just said we weren't that close," Raffy said. He started getting annoyed, "I don't really care about anyone."

 

"Really? You seem interested."

 

Raffy was about to curse at Rome if he hadn't seen the other man shift closer to Pete, with a flirtatious demeanour, as if deliberately trying to provoke anger right in front of him.

 

"Happy birthday! I wish you everything you want, and good luck in games and Lucky in Love"

 

Everyone in the group started teasing them. Some of the girls even screamed because they couldn't help but imagine the two of them together. That only made Raffy even more furious. He stood up to his full height and announced in front of the whole group… "I'm going to go smoke a cigarette."

 

Raffy didn't wait for anyone to say anything. He hurried towards the front of the shop without glancing back at the heartbreaking scene. He put a cigarette in his mouth and lit it, but then he just stared blankly into space, letting the paper burn wastefully. Raffy tried to take the time to figure out what he was doing! At the same time, Pete's voice echoed. 

 

Raffy turned to see his best friend arm-in-arm with Rome, walking towards a car before they both got in. The dark-tinted windows obscured their view. Raffy snorted, tossing the cigarette butt aside indifferently. To him, Rome was no different from that cigarette butt; only valuable for fleeting pleasure, once useless, he'd be thrown away. The other man didn't seem to care either, so there was no need to dwell on it.

 

════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

 

Another view of the Pink Pony Club: Arnold, looking exhausted, took off his apron and hung it up, even though it wasn't time to leave work yet. He was supposed to be entertaining customers with a dance during the last hour, but he decided to pick up his cell phone and check it before replying to the message that had been bothering him all day: 'Have you reached Pink's shop yet?'

 

'Don't worry too much about our date. We can do it another time. 'Don't forget to eat.'

 

"Jack's still mad at you two since practice," a message said, along with a selfie with a pile of materials.

 

"I'm going to be working on these outfits until dawn tonight. There are so many!"

 

Arnold clenched his jaw as he pondered. After weighing the options, he realised he was too tired to dance. Right now, he wanted to rest, which meant spending time with Tua, checking whether they needed any help. Besides, he'd missed his ceramics practice today because he finished late and had to rush to work on time. Arnold didn't want to further strain the atmosphere between him and Tua. The young dancer decided to walk over and tell the shop owner.

"Can I leave early at Pink? I've been working all day. I feel like something's wrong. I'll make some time to replace it later, okay?"

 

"Oh, really?" The shop owner raised an eyebrow in surprise, but didn't think much of it. He simply nodded. "Okay, but don't let me find out you sneaked off to see your girlfriend."

 

"Oh, come on, where would I find a girlfriend?"

 

"Oh, I totally believe that," Aunt Pink glared at him with a smile. "Go on, but don't forget to rest. I've noticed for a while now that you look tired. You can work hard to earn money, but don't push yourself too hard, understand?"

 

"Thank you very much, sir," Arnold bowed respectfully before grabbing his belongings and heading straight for his motorcycle. 

 

Tua was surprised to hear a motorcycle engine stop in front of the house, and even more surprised to see it was Arnold. He had given Arnold the house key, allowing him more freedom of movement than his other friends.

 

"It's not time to leave work yet," he said, glancing at the old clock hanging on the wall.

 

"Why did you come here?" 

 

The tall man placed his helmet down and said with a smile.

 

"Seeing you kill someone is probably a difficult task," Tua smiled to himself, feeling good about being important. But even so, he has to control his emotions.

 

"It's pointless to help; you don't need to. Just sit down and rest."

 

"I told you I wanted to help." Arnold put down his helmet before helping to sort the fabric in the pile. He already had a good idea of ​​the colours and types of costumes the actors wore, so it wasn't a problem for him.

 

"Thanks. You've been working all day, but still came to help."

 

"I was afraid you'd be mad," Arnold raised an eyebrow. "Even though I already stood you up at the ceramics workshop. But I still wanted to see you."

 

Tua nodded, trying to hide his smile behind his chubby cheeks.

 

"How was the content shoot with Dean today? I haven't even asked him yet."

 

"It's good, man. It's fun. But I enjoy anything that pays money, even if it's tiring." "That's it," the young dancer said.

 

Tua was so engrossed in talking to his crush that he accidentally pricked his finger with a needle. He let out a soft cry, but that was enough to make Arnold drop everything and rush over. Checking on him, Arnold took the injured finger and wiped away the blood with a tissue. His handsome face, usually stern, softened when he saw Tua’s gaze. In the blink of an eye.

 

"Are you still sulking?"

 

"When did I get mad at you?"

 

The tall man sighed, making a teasing face as if the other person was so innocent.

 

"You can deny it if you want, but I've been with you long enough. I can tell," Arnold said, then gently applied a bandage from his pocket. He no longer felt pain, but was too embarrassed to speak because everything the other man said was true. He might have been upset before that Arnold didn't have time for him… But now I'm completely recovered.