Jeon and Jia are in love but refuse to break the bond of their friendship. Content with not revealing what they feel for each other, they decide not to date other people and remain constantly together even after graduation. Embarking on lofty career...
"Ok that's a wrap. Thanks everyone for working hard."
"Thank YOU Director Jeon."
Jia stood up gracefully from the couch and brushed the creases off her dress. She was tired but didn't feel like going home yet. She eyed Jeon as he looked at the footage they just shot and silently admired his tall, lean frame.
Of all the directors she has worked with, he was her favorite and just because he was her dearest friend. Photo and video shoots with him were always on track, never running overtime. He also had good visions for art direction, always making sure that his visuals conveyed whatever messages needed to be told. Ever since they graduated, Jeon has constantly improved in his craft and has made a name for himself as a competent and creative director.
It also didn't hurt that he was sexy as hell.
Ah, Jia don't go there.
It's been two years since they made that pact to remain friends and not date anyone. She couldn't afford to be attracted to him. She still believed a relationship shouldn't get in the way of her career. Moreso now, when she was finally being noticed in the industry, it would be a shame to mess it up now.
But one dinner won't hurt, would it?
This kind of reasoning always came in handy when she wanted to be with him. She was tired and felt she deserved a reward. Spending time with him always felt like that. He was good for her ego. She eyed his back view, admiring how his jeans snugly hugged his thighs. Before she knew it, she was walking towards him.
"Jeon."
"Yes?" He replied without looking up. His eyes were glued to the monitor.
"You hungry? Let's have dinner."
He looked tired as well. She brushed a wayward lock of hair from his face and felt her heart hammer when he looked up and smiled at her. Damn those eyes. It was so easy to get lost in them.
"Go on and change, I'll see you in 10 minutes." He looked back at the monitor. For a full 10 seconds she just stood there, transfixed by his beauty.
Get dressed and stop smiling like an idiot, Jia.
---
Buono is an Italian café owned by their college schoolmate, Nathan. They liked the place because it had a hidden entrance that Nathan shared with them. The entrance led to a small function room that was like a smaller café, accommodating only ten people at the most. Only Nathan's family and his closest friends use this room to enjoy privacy and avoid paparazzi.
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Photo Credit : Buono Cafe (Trip Advisor)
They were enjoying dinner with Nathan, recalling college days. Jeon was really tired and sleepy, but he noticed Jia was still enjoying herself. He excused himself to wash his face, hoping it would wake him up. Jia's eyes followed him as he walked away.
"When are you going to tell him?" Nathan asked.
"Tell him what?"
"That you have feelings for him."
"What the-"
"The guy likes you Jia. It's been years. He's a pretty good catch, so what's stopping you?"
"A relationship right now is a bad idea."
"Bullshit."
"There's a clause in my contracts-"
"Which you could've disagreed to-"
"I can't. I'm not that big a name to call the shots yet."
"You'll hurt him. Like you hurt so many guys back in college. He stuck by you through all that shit."
"I'm aware of that. Please don't make me feel worse."
"You're an idiot. When someone snatches him away from you don't come crying to me over that."
"Over what?' Jeon asked, sliding quietly beside Jia. He looked innocently at both, waiting for them to share the topic of their conversation.
"Nothing." Jia said a little too quickly.
"I'm too tired to argue with you both. Jia, we better get going or you'll end up driving me home."
"I can drive you home, actually."
"No. Finish your drink and let's go."
---
By the time they got to her place, Jia could see Jeon was in no condition to drive himself home. Before her MV shoot, Jeon was editing a short film he was rushing to submit to the SXSW (South by Southwest) Film Festival in Texas. The late nights were now taking a toll on him.
"Hey, Director Jeon."
"Hmm?"
"Why don't you just sleep over? You can't drive in that state."
"No, I'm fine."
"You're barely awake Jeon. I'm not getting out of this car unless you go up with me."
"Jiaaaaaaa....." He was getting exasperated and it made him look hotter.
"Don't Jia me, come on move your ass." She took the key from the ignition and stepped out. Jeon reluctantly followed her, stifling a yawn.
She went straight to her room and laid out clothes for him to wear on the bed. She smiled imagining him wearing her clothes. It felt so intimate, thinking of her wearing her clothes after they touched his body. He got out of the bedroom wearing her pink oversized shirt and striped pajama bottom, his hair wet from the shower. She had to smile at how awkward he looked, not knowing that the shirt fit nicely over his chest and arms.
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"Stop staring Jia, dammit."
"You look pretty in pink," she said snickering.
"This is a bad idea," he muttered, trying to fit his tall frame into her three-seater. His legs were so long his feet went past the armrest. He looked manly despite the pink shirt, smelling like her shower gel, his skin glistening.
This is going to be a long night, what was I thinking?
"You're too big for my couch. You'll ache all over in the morning."
"I'll be ok."
"No you won't, come on. Get up."
She pulled him from the couch, slightly groaning at his weight. But as he got up, his chest collided with hers and he held both her arms to steady her. Her hand went up against his chest to balance herself.
"Sorry."
"Sorry."
They both laughed but their hands stayed where they were. They were silent for an awkward moment. Reluctantly, his hands left her arms. Suddenly, she felt like throwing caution to the wind. Just for tonight, she wanted to give in to her feelings.
