Only Friends: Dream On.

Arnold went to change his clothes in the theatre's dressing room backstage. There, Tua and the costume department were working diligently. When Tua saw Arnold enter, he immediately rushed to help him take off his costume without hesitation.

 

"There's no more practice, right?"

 

"Yeah, Jack just gave me a good scolding," the young actor sighed.

 

"Everyone's so stressed today, huh? Even Raffy's making mistakes while speaking."

"It's our first rehearsal in the theatre," Tua commented. "But Jack is like that; he gets more stressed as the performance day approaches. Don't take it personally. Don't put too much pressure on yourself either. Just do your best."

 

Arnold smiled, accepting the encouragement, then opened his arms and let Tua remove his shirt, revealing his bare chest. He watched the other man work intently, then spoke.

 

"Are you going anywhere today?"

 

"Maybe I'll continue working. Why?" Tua raised an eyebrow in confusion.

 

"I was going to invite you to make ceramics, remember? Didn't you promise?" Tua was happy that the other person remembered, but still maintained a reserved demeanour.

 

"You're wasting your time."

 

"I'm not tired, hurry up and go now before you lose the chance. I don't want you to miss it."

 

"If we wait too long, they'll get sulky again."

 

The costume team members whistled and teased the two of them, making Tua blush. His whole face was flushed. He awkwardly scratched his cheek to hide his embarrassment.

 

"I should be free today."

"Okay, then you can ride on my motorbike. Is that alright?"

 

"Okay," he nodded slightly before changing the subject because he didn't want to talk about it.

 

My friends teased me, "How's your pairing with Raffy today? Is it different from Dean's?"

 

"To be honest, I prefer acting with Dean," the actor said.

 

"When I was acting with Raffy, I didn't feel much. It was like I was sending him emotions, but he couldn't receive them. At least Dean is a pro; he can convey emotions, and we can look each other in the eye and know what to do."

 

"You're talking like a professional actor." Arnold laughed at the teasing and leaned in to whisper as he handed him his T-shirt.

 

"But anyway, when I improvised a flirt with you during the audition, I felt it the most." Tua wasn't sure whether the other person was just saying that to make him happy. But even so, he was already happy.

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The Pink Pony Club was bustling with activity because Rome was playing music that the guests loved. Many people came over to clink glasses with the young DJ and offered compliments. Some even asked for his contact information for future work. The atmosphere was lively and fun until someone stormed into the club and headed straight for a fight. 

 

"You're the one who deleted the videos on my phone, aren't you, Rome?!" Raffy's loud shout startled the guests. Pink, the owner, paused from making drinks for customers to observe the situation. Rome guessed what was about to happen and, sensing trouble, remained calm.

 

"Can we talk later? I'm working right now."

 

"The video of Dean and Arnold disappeared after I went on a trip with you. If it wasn't you, then who was it?!" Raffy showed no sign of calming down. "Did you have to help him that much? Did he hire you?"

 

"No...can we talk later? Wait a minute."

"No! I want to talk now. Explain yourself. You intentionally tricked me into going on this trip...You want me to delete the clip, right?"

 

"Raffy, calm down first."

 

"Why are you protecting him so much? What Dean did hurt Jack! Or is it because you don't get along with your brother anyway, so you don't care?"

 

Rome was in a difficult position. He wanted to explain, but his hands were still preoccupied with his stinginess.

 

"It has nothing to do with it, Raffy. That day, the kick wasn't from Arnold at all. We mistook each other for each other."

 

"So, you believe his excuses more than what we both agree on?"

 

"That's not it at all," the young man sighed. "Just forget about those two. 

 

What's the point of letting it go? If he’s cheating, then I hope Jack catches him.

 

"He's already sung, so don't meddle or get involved. It has nothing to do with you."

 

"The comment section says you shouldn't get involved with a shitty person like Dean."

 

It was those words that made Rome lose his temper, leaving him the one upset.

 

"If you like him so much, why don't you go tell it somewhere? Stop telling me!"

 

"Don't try to change the subject, you bastard." Raffy made a motion as if to strike, and that's when Pink, the shop owner, arrived. They rushed in and stopped the incident just in time.

 

"If you want to argue, go argue somewhere else," the shop owner glared. "If you're not considerate of other tourists, at least be a little considerate of me."

 

Rome bowed and apologised to Pink. He left the DJ booth with the shop owner, then dragged the man outside. Raffy struggled and cursed at Rome, begging him to let go, but Rome patiently waited until they reached a secluded spot. He pushed Raffy against some old corrugated iron roofing in the parking lot. The young DJ's face clearly showed his anger.

 

"Are you satisfied now? You ruined your own plan, and you're still working for others?" The other person's voice was so cold that Raffy felt a chill down his spine, but he retorted, raising his own voice.

 

"I'm not going to let Dean get away with this anymore."

"It's your problem, you asshole!"

 

"Do whatever you want, Raffy, because do you know why?" Rome yelled and put on a "I don't care!" face.

 

"Rome, you...."

 

"Has Jack ever cared about you at all? No matter what you do, he has never seen your value. Are you too stupid to see it?" Rome hesitated. He stared at the frightened, trembling face in front of him. And finally, he decided it was time to say something.

"The person who really likes you is right here. You're watching them."

 

"Hey, Rome..."

 

"I've done everything for you all along. Have you ever seen it?" The young DJ poured out his feelings.

 

"A foolish loser who's playing with feelings."

"Rome...rub..." Raffy was in shock. He wasn't prepared for this. 

 

"No...You... someone like you isn't worthy of me."

 

"Phu doesn't care about that either."

 

Rome smiled to himself, as if he had been prepared for disappointment from the start.

He was expecting nothing.

 

"It's just my feelings; it has nothing to do with you." Raffy completely forgot about what had just happened. His eyes were fixed on the face of the person who had just confessed their love, and at the same time, he chose to remain silent until the other person gave up and walked away alone into the darkness of the night.

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Because the theatre crew had to rehearse late into the night, they used Tua’s house as their base of operations. Jack often stayed with Dean, and Arnold also started sharing Tua’s bed. Even so, Arnold wasn't idle; he always woke up early to prepare breakfast for everyone.

 

The aroma from the kitchen woke Tua from his slumber. He went to the kitchen and saw Arnold busy cooking, swaying to the music playing on his cell phone. He was wearing only the same shorts he'd worn to sleep with the owner of the room the night before. "What are you making today?" the homeowner asked sleepily. Arnold turned to look at him with a smile. He didn't answer, but extended his arms. The other person took my hand and led me to dance together.

 

"The food will burn."

 

"Do you think someone like me is that careless?" Arnold showed off his skills.

Flipping the omelette over while still clutching Tua with the other arm.

 

"Are you in a good mood today?"

 

"Being with you makes me feel good every day."

 

"No," Tua burst into laughter. "You got enough sleep, didn't you?"

 

"Maybe," Agnold turned around and hugged Tua from behind:

 

"I whispered, 'I have enough energy to do something before going to university.'"

 

"No! I haven't showered yet!"

 

"If we can't accept this, how will we live together in the future?"

 

"Really? You thought that far ahead?" Arnold asked teasingly. He didn't know either; maybe Dean's words that night helped. You can try to bring him back to his senses. The male lead chose not to answer, but instead spun him around again, supporting his slender back as he leaned back and tilted his head back. They were about to share a romantic kiss when their eyes caught sight of Dean and Jack standing in shock at the kitchen entrance!

 

They both jumped back in surprise, scattering in different directions, their heads flying off in all directions. Arnold, being a Wack, rushed straight to the bathroom, leaving only Dean and Jack behind. 

 

"Uh... I'll go prepare the table, Guanel." While the four of them ate together, curiosity was undeniable.

 

Don't let Dean ask the question.

 

"What's going on between you two?"

 

"Are you guys really dating now? So we know how to act," Jack asked. Tua automatically met the gaze of the person beside him. Arnold didn't let go of the other's eyes.

 

"I'll handle this alone," he said, puffing out his chest like a true gentleman.

 

"Maybe not at that point yet, but it's as you can all see."

 

"Anyway, take good care of that Tua, okay? Unless you're as heartless as Boston. I'm definitely not going to let you get away with it."

 

"Talking like you're his father," Dean rolled his eyes at Jack, while Arnold, with a Serious expression, was not angry at all.

 

"Even if you didn't tell me, I would have taken good care of him anyway."

 

"Okay, that's your problem, but it would be good to clear up the situation quickly. That guy has liked you since his first year. Don't let him wait any longer."

 

"How did you know? Did you get kicked? Did you tell him?"

 

"Are you crazy?" Tua quickly denied it before Jack could reveal the truth.

 

"Anyone who notices would know that you've liked him for a long time, and I am too. The director has a keen eye, don't forget that."

 

"Okay, good. So everyone knows," Tua said, feeling embarrassed, "except for him."

 

"Can I apologise?" Arnold playfully nudged the person next to him. This left Jack and Dean looking at each other once again. Jack's cell phone vibrated, but the name displayed on the screen made him frown. The young director answered and spoke a few words before...

 

"Hang up the phone. 'Raffy' called."

Dean almost choked on the omelette.

 

"What does he want from you?"

 

"He said he needs to talk to me urgently. I'm going now," Jack said, leaving the dinner table and leaving Dean watching him with a worried expression. The Prince of Finance looked at Arnold, whose initial laughter at the Tua gradually changed, realising that something might be happening involving him.

 

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"Can I withdraw from the play?"

 

Raffy's words hit Jack right in the face. He couldn't even hear the people around him in the courtyard in front of the Faculty of Fine Arts building. The young director asked, bewildered.

 

"Why? What happened? Are you feeling pressured?"

 

"This play doesn't even need me. Besides, you don't need to worry about the hype anymore. Look at the Tua sales. Do you think these people came to see me? They all want to see Dean and Arnold."

 

"The show opens in a few days. You've worked so hard for so long. I don't want you to regret it later.”

 

"Don't worry about me. I'll help out behind the scenes. I won't cause any trouble."

 

Jack was hesitant, but Raffy's expression indicated that he had thought it through carefully. Delaying it any longer would be pointless.

 

"Is it because I pressured you too much?"

 

"This has nothing to do with you."

 

"Or is it because of Dean?" Jack asked again. Raffy hesitated for a long time, but finally nodded slightly.

 

"Well, a little bit, but not entirely. I just realised that maybe I'm not suited to being an actor. I don't have that much passion for it. But I'm really grateful for the opportunity to try, which led me to this decision today."

"Are you sure it's because of this?"

 

"sure"

 

Jack is the director; he's been coaching and honing actors extensively. He knew very well that doing something he didn't love was utterly pointless. It was better to realise that now than to waste time forcing himself to do something he wasn't good at, never having the chance to learn his true passion."

 

"If you've made your decision, I respect it."

 

Jack delivered the bad news to everyone after their daily practice. They were all shocked, especially Rome, who knew nothing beforehand. But he realised he wasn't that important to him. Raffy was right to talk to Jack because he was the one Raffy truly cared about. However, the lead actor, Dean, remained silent until his friends had all gone home when he received the news. Then Jack approached him, asking with a puzzled expression.

 

"You don't look happy at all."

 

Dean stared at the taller man before shrugging. "Even though I don't like him, I'm disappointed to know he gave up so easily," he said. "He wasn't a bad actor at all, honestly. He just needed to get the timing and the slap right."

 

"Why didn't you say this to him earlier?"

 

"Phu has an image to maintain, don't you understand?" Prince of Sin pouted. "But that's good. I'll get to shine the most in this year's play, performing twice, just as I deserved from the start."

 

Jack was happy to see the other man cheerful, but he was too smitten to be happy with Dean himself. He walked over and hugged the man, leaning his head on his shoulder as if he were his last resort.

 

"Why are you so tired, Jack? Come on, it'll be over soon," Dean patted the person on his shoulder. "Have you ever been through worse than this? This time you'll get through it alright. Trust me."

 

Dean's cell phone vibrated at just the right moment, and he saw the name displayed.

He quickly answered the call, feeling anxious. "Is something wrong, P'Dao?" Dean asked P'Saow, feeling uneasy.

[Oh no... help me!] The voice on the other end of the line was chilling.

 

"I can't take it anymore! Help... help me, please!" A man's voice shouted, but the signal was cut off. When Dean called back, he found the line was busy. Feeling anxious, he looked up and saw the worried expression on Jack's face, who had been watching him already. "To follow is the vowel sound."

 

"I don't know," the young director said, his voice trembling as if he were about to cry. 

 

"I have to go help P'Dao." Jack didn't ask many questions; the guest knew his duty well. He shook hands with him and carried the bag straight to his car.

 

The car pulled up in front of the condo where Dao lived with her boyfriend. Dean and Jack rushed to the elevator, which was too slow, so they decided to use the fire escape stairs to reach the twelfth floor without feeling tired. Although Dean remembered the room number, the sound of their argument echoing down the hallway helped guide them. Upon reaching their destination, he knocked loudly on the door.

 

"Open the door!! Open it!!"

 

The door was being banged on nonstop all night, and I could hear people inside throwing things around. Refusing to give up, Jack, frustrated, tried to force his way in by banging on the door, but it soon opened, revealing an angry-looking man. Jack quickly pushed the door wide open before it slammed shut in his face. Dean rushed to help.

 

My older sister collapsed behind me, seemingly lifeless. Dao was battered and bruised, her face showing signs of severe abuse, and her neck bore dark marks from being strangled. She sobbed and hugged her younger brother, yet still shielded him with her body to protect him, as an older sister would.

 

"Did you really call your younger sibling to help?!"

 

"Don't you dare hurt my sister!!"

 

"Come on, P'Daow," Dean stood up fearlessly. "Jack and I will get you out of here."

From here."

 

"How dare you! I'll report you for trespassing and have you all arrested!" The boyfriend lunged forward, intending to confront the two siblings, but Jack was faster, restraining him just in time before throwing him with all his might to the ground.

 

"Go ahead and report me!" he defiantly challenged. "That way we'll know for sure whether it was trespassing or assault."

 

Which body spends more time in prison?

 

"That's my wife! I can do whatever I want with her!"

 

"But you don't own anyone's life!" Jack stepped forward to confront them.

 

"Don't interfere if you don't want this to go to court," Jack threatened. That immediately stopped Dao's boyfriend in his tracks. Dean grabbed his sister, supported her, and led her out of the room, preventing anyone from harming her again.