Double Trouble?

I looked at my phone but didn't reply to Phuwin for the rest of the night, my eyes flitting to the email from my manager.

There was another drama series that was coming up, and this was something that I have been wanting to act in. It was both scheduled to start filming at around the same time, so I had to weigh my options and think carefully. I wasn't so sure about the medieval themed drama from the start, so it was a bit of an easy decision for me. I did feel bad having to reject it eventually as I had promised Phuwin, but this was my career. Hopefully, he would understand, but I didn't know how to tell him.

I just flitted between the email and the message that I was supposed to reply him. Eventually, I didn't, deciding to speak to him in person.

The next day, I had some filming commitments. Once done, I made my way to the studio as I knew Phuwin would be there. As I reached his trailer, I fervently heard him practising some lines. I knocked on the door and heard his voice, asking me to come in.

I popped my head in. Phuwin looked up, his smile colouring his face once he saw me.

"Hello P! Come in, come in. What's up?"

"You free? I wanted to speak to you about something.. '

"Yea P, what is it about?"

I filled Phuwin in on my dilemma. I watched as he listened carefully. His eyes did dull a bit, but he smiled at me eventually.

"It's ok P. I understand. This has to do with your career and it's important you do projects you like. It's fine. Don't worry about it. I just.. I was just comforted I had a familiar face.. I don't think I am a good actor but I just was hoping for a familiar face so I will be able to seek guidance when I need. It's ok P. It will be fine."

"Even if I am not acting with you, you can always come to me for guidance Phuwin. I will be more than glad to help you. And why do you think you aren't a good actor? Haven't you really been watching your dramas? You are doing so well!"

Phuwin didn't say anything but just looked at his hands on his lap. I went over, sitting near him, and patted his hand comfortingly. He looked at me, trying to smile.

"You may think you aren't good, but no one is good or perfect. We are all a work in progress. You are doing the best you can. Just keep working hard. I'm here for you, just like Pond and your other friends, ok?"

Phuwin looked at me, nodding cheerfully. I smiled at him.

"What time will you be done today? I know I'm not doing the drama anymore, but I thought we could do a meal together?"

Phuwin nodded, agreeing to the meal, saying he would be done by 8pm. I agreed, saying I would wait for him at his trailer. He smiled at me, taking his leave.

I sat down in his vacated chair, looking at my phone and just replying messages. Book asked me out for dinner but I told him I had plans with Phuwin.

His reply made me chuckle. "Pond is ok with it?"

I replied him hoping that Pond should be OK with it. Around 8pm, Phuwin finally came back to the trailer.

"Phuwin.. is Pond free tonight?

"Yea P. He should be. Why?"

"Let's invite Pond too for dinner?"

Phuwin looked at me confused.

"Sure P. No problem. I don't see why not."

I watched as Phuwin called Pond but he had plans. Phuwin just hung up and filled me in. I nodded, some relief flooding my face. Phuwin looked at me curiously.

"Is everything ok, P?"

"No.. I just thought maybe we should invite Pond too. Because I know you guys are close so I thought he may like to do dinner too..."

"Hmm okays.. but you do know we don't have to call Pond everywhere right?"

"Yea.. I.. just.."

"He's my friend P. Not my boyfriend if you were confused. So.. it's ok. He's protective of me P. Not possessive."

My face was turning redder by the minute. Phuwin had hit the nail on the head and he knew it too going by his smirk.

I apologised and he just smiled at me, shaking his head in mock desperation. I asked him on where he wanted to eat and he picked a place.

We headed out and I offered to drive since I had brought my car. The ride to the eatery was comfortable and we yakked a mile a minute, more like Phuwin yakked and I just listened quietly.

He really seemed so different from onscreen and this was surprising me constantly.

It wasn't a bad thing. Just surprising.