Only Friends: Dream On.

Dean decided not to go home for the night. He opted to break into Jack's condo late at night, easily entering the door with the provided code. The soft sound of water indicated Jack was in the bathroom, and he hadn't even dared to close the door, giving Dean the perfect opportunity to confront him as he comfortably soaked in the bathtub, sipping red wine.

 

"hello"

 

Jack jumped, splashing water in the tub, but sighed when he saw it was Dean, giving him a murderous glare. The intruder was unfazed; Dean stood with his arms crossed, watching the naked man in the tub with amusement.

 

"Why are you staring? It's not like you've never seen it before."

 

"That's right," the Prince of Mercy winked. 

 

"Can I sleep here tonight?"

 

"I'm not available."

 

"You're so sulky, Lonely Boy."

 

"Stop calling me lonely boy," Jack snapped.  "I've never been lonely. Just a little bit, you should know that."

 

"Wow, you've grown up," Dean said, giving him an affectionate look, intending to tease him, but it seemed the other person wouldn't find it funny at all. 

 

"Are you still angry?"

 

"Isn't it annoying to make someone wait?"

 

"But Arnold and I went back to practice on time, and we were focused. We've practised a lot, you've seen it yourself."

 

"Huh, you guys seem pretty close, ever since you became a 'couple'," Dean heard that and understood. Jack wasn't just angry about the practice time; he wasn't happy about spending so much time with Arnold lately.

 

"I told you it was all work. And the products that chose us for the photoshoot are also sponsors of our theatre group, you know? See? I really helped bring in the money. The more popular Arnold and I become, the better it is for us."

 

"Is this really what you want? Dancing for likes, pretending to be in love for shares, constantly serving up romantic moments to create hype. Are you really happy doing that?"

 

"Wow, you're talking like it's a death sentence," the Prince of Fine Arts chuckled, crouching down on the edge of the tub. 

 

"Everyone struggles with their dreams. You know I have a passion for acting, but you also know that just being a good actor isn't enough. I'll do anything that brings me closer to my dream. Did you know the director told me to audition for his series today?"

 

Jack's demeanour changed somewhat when he heard the good news, but he remained reserved—doing things in a way that doesn't make the other person too arrogant.

 

"Hmm, I'm happy for you."

 

"Are you really happy about this?" Dean shook the other's wet arm. "Okay, okay, I promise I won't take on any more jobs that interfere with play rehearsals. Agreed?"

 

"Yes!"

 

"Oh. " Oh," Jack said loudly while frowning, even though he was actually soft-hearted since his arm was touched. 'Let's not have it next time.'

 

"Okay. Then can I sleep with you? right?

 

"Undress ", the young director emphasised for the second time, and there will be no third time."

 

"I won't let a dirty person into my bed, remember that," the Prince of Fine Arts smirked. If that's what the other wanted, he was ready to oblige. Dean carefully removed his student uniform piece by piece until he was completely naked. His well-proportioned body responded perfectly to Jack. The young director spread his legs slightly, deliberately showing the other his full masculinity, which was proudly proclaiming its power without shame. He beckoned with his finger in a seductive gesture.

 

"Come down."

 

"I like it when you give the orders," Dean said as he stepped down to touch the warm water at a suitable temperature. Jack put down his wine glass and pulled his ex-boyfriend into his arms before imprisoning him so they could not escape.

 

"I'm the director, remember?"

 

"I won't forget...."

 

"Now..." A warm breath brushed against Dean's ear, "Sit." The Prince of Arts complied, lifting his hips high as the other man inserted himself smoothly. In an instant, they moved in unison, their moans of pleasure blending into one.

════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

Timmy was very proud to bring his friends from production to the radio to promote the play. This method would allow interested listeners to get to know the actors and understand the play the troupe makes. More importantly, it also helped increase ticket sales.

 

"Could you have the director promote the theatre troupe for me, please?" said the DJ in charge. The host is seated at the head of the table and speaks into the microphone.

 

"Please check out our play, Romeo and Romeo. We put a lot of effort into it, and we guarantee it will be fun and educational," said Jack, the director.

 

"Yes, I believe the students have put their best effort into this project. Let's support Thai youth's work! The DJ added, 'In the meantime, let's read some comments.'"

 

The host read out the various messages that streamed onto the tablet screen.

 

"Arnold and Dean have amazing chemistry! #ArnoldDean #ArnoldLookingIntoTheirEyes They've done it so many times!" The host couldn't help but smile at the comments. 

 

"Wow, it looks like there are only Arnold and Dean fans here. Do you two have anything to say to your fans?"

 

Jack's smile vanished instantly, but Dean, being the more experienced one, spoke to the host knowingly of his duty.

 

"I'll give you a little spoiler: you'll see even more in the drama, but I can't spoil too much. Let's say everyone will see what they want to see. Don't forget to buy tickets and come watch!"

 

"We're both looking forward to seeing everyone," Arnold added.

 

"They're so cute together! At first glance, they look more like a real couple than just a fictional one." The two main characters exchanged glances, creating a heartwarming moment that only fueled the flood of comments. Jack sighed in frustration, and Timmy had to pat his shoulder to calm him down and prevent him from lashing out. He himself also fell silent. Even though Arnold had been periodically observing his condition, he couldn't help but feel disappointed.

 

  ════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

 

While Raffy wasn't very interested in the interview, he was convinced that it was a fake moment for Dean. The young man was engrossed in his phone, noticing his friends chatting merrily in their group chat.

 

P: Are you going to Pink's shop today? Rome is playing with the band, too.

Nut: So, do you want to go drinking or have a romantic dinner?

Peeta: You have to eat Rome! (joking sticker)

Palm: Oh, so that means Sex Decoiling?

Peecha: It was so good! Otherwise, I wouldn't want to do it again.

 

Raffy chuckled. Pete's message had suddenly irritated him. He quickly switched off his phone screen, but in that moment, his eyes met Rome's. The other man opened his mouth and silently asked..."What's wrong?" Raffy shook his head before turning away in annoyance.

 

"Wow, even more people are watching than before!" the host commented, sharing behind-the-scenes feedback. "Someone asked Dean and Arnold to make a heart shape with their cheeks." The two actors quickly did as instructed, but before their hands could touch, the director spoke sternly.

 

"Shall we continue talking about the theatre troupe?"

 

The host's face fell immediately, and Timmy had to step in quickly to break the tension.

 

"Everyone has probably seen the chemistry between our lead actors, right?"

 

"Everyone did this out of genuine goodwill; nobody got paid," Arnold paused, initially thinking he'd misheard, but the host clarified, 

 

"Repeat that." Even Timmy was shocked, not expecting him to bring this up.

 

"Is everyone doing this work for free?"

 

"Yes," Timmy confirmed. "That's why I say this play was created from the hearts of all of us. We put in so much effort. Even though we didn't make any money, we hope to gain happiness from everyone."

 

  ════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

 

Arnold looked at Tua, confused and wanting an answer, but Tua lowered his head and accepted his fate.

 

"Why am I getting paid, but everyone else isn't!" As soon as the interview was over, Arnold dragged him to a quiet corner—the people, before beginning to ask questions in a state of intense anger.

 

"Calm down first. Don't get angry," Tua tried to soothe him. "It's not that big of a deal."

 

"Then explain. Where did the rehearsal fees for my play come from?"

 

"Uh..." Under so much pressure, he realised he couldn't keep it a secret any longer. "Actually, I'm the one who hired you."

 

"You!!!"

"Don't hate me, I just meant well," the speaker pleaded, trying to make the other understand, but the reasons given didn't seem to calm Arnold down at all.

 

"Why did you do this? Is it because you see I'm poor? Because you see, I want money, right?!"

 

"No... well, not exactly, but..." Tua tried to hold back tears, "but you don't have to worry. I've never told anyone about this. Don't worry about what others will think of you."

 

Arnold could hardly believe his ears. He felt even more disappointed than before.

 

"You're acting like you're trying to buy me with money. Do I seem greedy for money? Is it really that bad?"

 

"No, listen to me. My intention was not to make things difficult for you. At least you went to the trouble of agreeing to perform in the play for the troupe. I just wanted you to get paid, not waste your time for nothing, when you could be earning more money. That's all." Tua hoped the other person would understand, but it seemed to have no effect. Arnold clenched his fist and punched the wall beside him to vent his frustration. He felt incredibly disappointed in Tua, especially since Tua should have understood him best.

 

"Do you think I want your money? Huh?"

"Arnold"

 

"You talk like you don't even know me," Arnold said as he walked away. Gone without a care.

════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

Raffy walked out of the radio station. He passed Rome, who was sitting on the steps in front of the building, smoking, but pretended to ignore him. When Rome saw him, Raffy quickly threw away his cigarette and rushed towards him.

 

"What's wrong? You've been grumpy all day," Rome said, trying to stop the other person from leaving.

 

"Are you upset that Jack ignored you again?"

 

"What the hell are you talking about?" The celebrity's son was displeased. "I'm fine, you don't need to choose."

 

"So, where are we going next? To Pink's shop? I'm going to work there anyway, we can go together."

 

"No!" Raffy replied quickly, almost without thinking. "I'm busy, and also...I don't want to go. I might end up taking someone else's spot."

 

Rome frowned in confusion.

"Who is it?"

 

"Oh well, whatever. Have fun at work," Raffy said, making a move to leave, but Rome suddenly remembered at the same time.

 

"You mean Pete, right?"

Raffy paused, then turned to confront the person standing on the stairs, without fear.

 

"Yeah!!" Why did the speaker raise their voice? Or was there someone else? But honestly, it's your business, whoever it is, just don't drag me into it."

 

Raffy was the one who made Rome smile. His expression was quite pleasing to see. The other party had a knack for striking with a sharp object like this.  

 

"You don't need to fill anyone's space," the young DJ said. "That day, Pete and I weren't..."

"Hmph, your problem is a complete disaster."

"Why?" Rome retorted. "Are you afraid Phu will belong to someone else?"

 

"What nonsense are you talking about!"

 

"Really," the accused insisted, maintaining his innocence, "go to the car with me. Then you'll find out.”

 

Raffy hesitated for a long time. Although it didn't concern him who Rome was involved with, he admitted that his curiosity was irresistible. Finally, he reluctantly followed the other man to the car in silence.

 

Seeing Raffy's curious expression, the young DJ smirked. He picked up his cell phone and played a clip recorded from the dashcam. Although he claimed not to be interested, Raffy leaned closer to the speaker and listened intently to every word of the recording.

 

‘Uh...we don't have any condoms.’

 

"You can use ours. Why didn't Rome prepare himself?" The sound of a kiss between Rome and Pete rang out, causing Raffy to turn away quickly. Although Rome himself felt embarrassed and pursed his lips, he still let the sounds play out, using them as evidence to prove his innocence.

 

Soon, there was a rustling sound, as if someone had pushed another person away. This was followed by Rome's serious tone, which was chilling to hear.

 

'Let's go back inside the store.'

Pete made a displeased clicking sound.

 

'Does Rome have no emotions?'

'Hmm'

 

'Seriously, don't you want to try it with us?'

 

‘Sorry, I have to go back to playing music.'

 

Rome cut the clip when he heard a car door open. He quickly glanced at Raffy's face, which was now still but visibly more relaxed than before.

 

"Do you believe me? I really didn't have anything with Pete."

"Then why did Pete say there was…?" Raffy didn't understand his friend.

 

"I don't know. I'm so hot it's driving me crazy, I guess I have to fool myself."

 

"Okay, whatever."

 

"But that's good," Rome laughed, the young DJ returning to his characteristic mischievous smile. "I'll know you're jealous."

 

"What! Who's jealous of you? I just don't like sharing food with my friends." The car owner leaned closer. Raffy flinched and stepped back, unaware that the other man was only reaching to fasten his seatbelt. But once finished, he didn't back away.

 

"Do you believe now that I'm clean?"

 

"Whether you're clean or not is none of my business," Raffy shrugged, before unbuckling his seatbelt. "And I didn't say I was going to Pink's bar with you anyway. Feel free to use your DJ skills to find a partner tonight."

 

Even though Raffy slammed the door in his face, Rome smiled. At least he knew someone was possessive and didn't want him involved with anyone else.