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Nico brought me to a steakhouse that night, and looking at the whole place I could clearly see that it was an expensive place. I feel kind of out of place, since I was wearing a casual outfit, but Nico said that that no one would mind as long as I keep a smile on my face. I don’t know what that means at all.
I was looking at the menu and couldn’t believe the price of their food. Everything seemed to be overpriced. I tilted my head to the side and looked at Nico on the other side of the table. He was looking at the menu nonchalantly. Those who were born to a wealthy family sure are different.
“What’s wrong?” Nico said as he placed down the menu and smiled at me. I was startled and straightened back my head. Does he have an x-ray vision?
“Isn’t this place a little bit too expensive?” I asked Nico shyly.
He chuckled at me. “Don’t worry about it, it’s my treat,” he said. “I didn’t know that such a big time Creative Producer like you worries about price tags.” He added.
“I’m not really big time, though…” I denied, still hiding my face behind the menu.
“You’re too humble. Did you know, when I was asking around about you, I didn’t have to say your name twice? They knew instantly who I am talking about. I also found your name in most of the high rated shows on TV right now. Your name was also in the credits of an award-winning movie last year,” Nico said. “I’m sure a person of such caliber earns a lot…” He added.
“That was…” I was embarrassed. I put down the menu and Nico smiled at me as soon as our eyes met. “Geez… stop teasing me…”
“I only realize this… but teasing you is really fun. You have really cute reactions,” Nico said and then chuckled.
“Not you too…” I sighed. Brent and Perry are the same, they both like teasing me. Great… now there’s three of them.
“Do you know the first thing people in production said when I asked them about you?” He asked.
“What…?” I was actually quite nervous about the answer to that.
“Well, this is exactly what they say: ‘Ahhh~ that cute producer~'” Nico said in an animated fashion, with his hands clasped together and his eyes blinking.
“Hey!” I complained embarrassedly, but I must admit, seeing Nico like that was quite funny. Unexpected, but really funny. Who knew that Director Jovan Niccolo Bellard could act that way?
Nico then laughed. “There, that’s what I’m talking about. Your embarrassed expression is really cute. No wonder you’re popular…” He added and then laughed again.
My whole cheeks were burning red at that moment. I raised the menu and hid my face behind it once again. “I’m hungry, let’s order,” I said.
Nico stopped laughing but I could still hear him chuckling lowly. The waitress came to our table and Nico ordered a salad and steak. “And what would you like?” He asked me.
“I’ll get the same,” I said, as I was still a bit out of it because of embarrassment.
“Then, two of those,” Nico told the waitress.
“What about wine, Sir? What would you like to have?” The waitress asked.
“Just give me a non-alcoholic sparkling wine. I’m avoiding alcohol, right now, as per request of a friend of mine,” Nico said proudly.
I was surprised by what he said. I put down the menu and Nico smiled modestly at me. “What about you, Kyle, do you want wine?” He asked.
I shook my head. “I don’t drink alcohol, I’m quite allergic,” I said.
“Ehhh? Is that so?” Nico sounded surprised. I smiled at him. “Then, what do you want to drink?”
“Ummm… I’ll have the double chocolate fudge milkshake instead,” I ordered excitedly.
“What? Milkshake?” Nico sounded amused by my choice.
“Is there anything wrong with that?” I asked rhetorically. I had some idea as to what Nico was thinking at the moment.
“Nothing… There’s nothing wrong with that, instead, it’s too adorable…” He said and then chuckled. I heard the waitress chuckle as well. I was sinking in my seat because of embarrassment. Nico was even worse than Brent and Perry combined. I think I have to rethink my friendship with him.
The waitress left, and I could breathe a lot easier. “Stop that… it’s embarrassing…” I complained meekly.
“Sorry… I couldn’t hold back… your reaction… it was just too… you know…” He said carefully, obviously holding back a smile. “I promise, I won’t do it in front of other people, next time.” He added.
“Next time…? What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked quite impatiently.
“Sorry, but I don’t think I can stop teasing you… because… your reactions are too adorable…” He said and finally left out that wide and naughty smile.
I let out a heavy sigh. “Just like those two… how tiring…” I complained.
“Those two?” Nico asked.
“Brent and Perry, my friends. They like teasing me too, but not as much as you do,” I said, with a raised eyebrow.
“I see… I’m not surprised… since your reactions are…” I looked sharply at Nico before he could continue what he was about to say. “I understand, I’ll stop for now,” he said and nodded his head.
Nico laid-low on the teasing and let me eat in peace, although, there was a clear and obvious smirk on his face whenever I took a sip of my milkshake. At one point, he asked “is it good?”
“It’s really delicious,” I replied. I tried to look serious but failed. The drink was seriously very delicious for me, so in the end I replied cheerfully with a smile.
Nico smiled widely at my answer. “I’m glad that you like it.”
While walking back to our respective cars, we passed by a bookstore and Nico suddenly stopped in front of the display window. “What’s up?” I asked.
“Have you read Steven A.K.’s new novel?” His question caught me off guard. How should I answer it without sounding suspicious?
“Well…” I replied hesitantly.
“It’s great. There is a certain sadness in the main character, but at the same time he’s really funny. The story itself… how could I put it? It’s very heart-warming and relatable…” The way Nico talked sounded to me like he really enjoyed the novel, and that put a smile on my face.
“I didn’t know that you’re Steven A.K.’s fan,” I said.
Nico chuckled. “I’ve been a fan ever since he released his first novel,” he replied. “Ever since then, I kept reading everything that he writes. I don’t know why, but I feel a connection to his novels, or to him. It’s weird, I know, but reading his novels makes me feel complete, it fills a certain void in me.”
“Hearing that… is really uplifting, inspiring… for Steven A.K., I mean. I’m sure he would be really happy to know that someone like you is a fan of his works,” I said.
Nico smiled. “Do you know what my dream project is?” Nico suddenly asked.
“Your dream project? What is it?” I asked.
“Actually, it’s more than a dream project, it’s my dream,” Nico said with a proud tone. “My dream is to turn any works of Steven A.K. into a movie,” he said with a smile. “Well, right now, it’s nothing but a dream, since he rejects any offer to adapt his works to both small and big screen alike.”
I couldn’t say anything at that moment. All I could do was look at Nico. Hearing how much he appreciates and how much he loves Steven A.K.’s works, it made my heart pound.
A connection… huh…
“Why don’t you try talking to him, then? Maybe you can change his mind. Maybe, you can convince him. After all, you two have the same thing in common; your works moves the heart.” Nico looked at me and then smiled.
“Thanks, but I think I’m not ready yet. I don’t deserve such an opportunity yet. There’re a lot of things I need to learn, lots of experience I need to gain. I’m not giving up though, I’ll work hard until I’m ready; until such time that I deserve to work with him.” Nico was really humble, and I really admire him for that.
I didn’t know what to say at that moment, I was afraid that I might slip. “I heard he released a limited edition hardcover for his new novel, did you get one?” I asked him.
Nico sighed disappointedly. “No… I was busy, so I didn’t get the chance…”
“Ehhh… do you want one?” I asked him with a smile.
Nico looked at me. “Why? Can you get me one?” He asked jokingly.
“I worked with the publishers before, I think I’ve also worked with the editor, I could try to get you one, if you want,” I said.
Nico’s eyes suddenly sparkled and his smile became even wider. “Really? You can do that?” He asked excitedly. I nodded my head with a smile. Nico sounded really excited. I guess he really is a big fan after all.
“Though, I can’t really promise anything, ” I said regrettably.
Still, Nico smiled brightly at me. “It’s fine. The fact that you’re going to try is enough for me,” he said.
That night was really fun; I got closer to Nico and learned new things about him. I too, had opened up to him about my past. Though, there are still a lot of things that I was keeping a secret, from him and from everybody else.
I could trust Nico and somehow he trusts me too as well. That’s what I learned that night.
When I got back to the flat that night, I didn’t expect to see Brent still awake, but there he was, sitting in front of the TV.
“You’re still awake? It’s already late,” I said as I walked towards the sofa.
“I was worried.” He said. “You suddenly left in a hurry.”
“I’m sorry, a friend of mine needed help,” I said apologetically.
“I see. Is that friend of yours alright now?” Brent asked.
I smiled at Brent. “He’s a lot better now.” Then I chuckled and remembered Nico teasing me and getting excited over Steven A.K. “Maybe too better, even,” I said.
“Do I know that friend of yours?” Brent suddenly asked.
Should I tell him?
Should I confess?
I took a deep breath. “You do,” I replied. “It’s actually… Nico…” I said carefully.
Brent was silent for a moment. “I knew it. Perry thought something was going on between the two of you as well.”
Something was very weird at that moment. The atmosphere wasn’t the same. Brent wasn’t acting the same. Somehow he was more serious and even a little bit melancholic. I wonder what’s going on.
“I’m sorry. Everything was happening so fast and…” I tried explaining.
“Is he a fun guy? Isn’t he cold, scary, and snub like Perry said?” Brent suddenly asked. I was confused by his question and it showed in my face. “It’s just that you seemed happier this past few days, I would see you smile. And it’s not the usual smile you always have, it’s somehow brighter,” Brent said. “I was thinking that something good might’ve happened to you. So, is it because of that director, that you’re happier?”
Is Brent right?
Am I happier because of Nico?
I admit, I was really happy when Nico and I became friends. I guess it was the happiest I was from getting a new friend. I was so excited about the whole thing that even I was surprised. It’s also true, ever since we became friends, no matter what the situation is, I ended up smiling when I’m with Nico.
I’m happy every time I am with Nico. That, I am sure of. But being happier because of him, I don’t know. Am I?
Brent was right.
Something good did happen to me.
And that’s having Nico as a friend.
“I don’t know about being happier, but I’m happy that we’re friends now,” I admitted. “What’s wrong with you, asking weird questions?”
“Kyle…” Brent called my name. Somehow, he sounded really different. “You know I care for you, right?” He asked.
Brent sounded serious and melancholic, but why?
“Of course, I do.” I replied with a small smile. “What’s wrong, Brent?” I asked. “We’ve known each other for so long, so don’t tell me that everything is fine, because we both know that that’s not true,” I told him.
“I’m afraid,” Brent said. “You seem so close to that director… No… forget I said anything…” Brent said and smiled wryly at me.
I was really confused, I don’t know what’s going on inside Brent’s head at that moment. What was he afraid of? Although he isn’t saying anything, I knew that he wasn’t too happy that I and Nico became friends, and that I was getting close to Nico.
Days passed without incident. Everything went back to normal, except for the fact that Nico would constantly invite me for dinner and would tease me whenever he gets the chance. It was great thing though that he’s really professional, fortunately he hasn’t teased me while we’re in the office yet.
Everyone in the office seemed oblivious to the fact that Nico and I became friends, except for Perry, which I told to keep it a secret form everyone.
Perry’s reaction when he found out about it was pretty over the top. He was in disbelief that Nico would make a friend at all. He was even more shocked when I told him that Nico was in fact a very nice and warm person. “He must be going crazy because of Emily.” That’s what Perry said.
“You’re the crazy one,” I told Perry with a straight face then smiled sarcastically at him.
Well, after finding out, Perry kept on asking questions. Sometimes I answer him, sometimes I just tell him to shut his mouth. Brent on the other hand, he didn’t ask anything about Nico. It was as if he didn’t care at all.
A production meeting would be held that Friday afternoon, and I was reviewing the revised script that Emilia Hopkins sent. There were a few changes to make the story lighter, and it was good.
I was very excited for the production meeting that afternoon. No, I was excited to see Nico. It was because I decided to give him the limited edition Steven A.K. book that he wanted that day. I’m sure he would be really happy, especially because there was a little surprise on the first page for him.
Just imagining how happy Nico would be brought a bright smile on my face.
Practically, things were going smoothly that day, that’s why I had no idea how and why things ended up this way. You see, I got a very surprising visitor. Someone I never imagined would even step foot in my office.
My heart almost jumped out of my chest when Emily Green entered my office. What the hell was she doing here? I asked myself. What’s going on?
She walked towards my desk and sat. I continued my work, reading the script that Emilia Hopkins sent. It was the only way for me to calm down.
“So, what brought you here?” I asked after a long while of utter silence.
“I’m here about Director Jovan Bellard,” Emily replied. Somehow, I was expecting it, but I was still surprised.
“What about him?” I asked as I looked at her and placed down the script.
“Is it true…?” Emily paused and hesitated. “…that you’re dating him?” She finally asked.
Time seemingly slowed down when she asked me that question. My heart was racing and I could almost hear it beat with my bare ears. There were butterflies in my stomach and it was really hard for me to get my composure.
“Where did you hear that? No. Who told you that?” I asked in a calm tone. I don’t want to let her see my nervousness at all.
“That’s not important,” she said. “Just answer my question. Are you dating him?” She asked again.
Natalia was one behind all that. There’s no doubt about it. I could pretty much figure out what she’s thinking. She’s trying to put her rivals against each other, so she wouldn’t have to fight herself.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t see why it concerns you in any way,” I replied.
“Director Jovan is in enough trouble as it is, don’t add up to his problems,” she said straightly in a much stronger tone. I don’t like that tone, it was like she was ordering me to stay away from Nico. True, it would be a big news if the media finds out that the famous young director is dating another man, sure he was already photographed kissing a man; but it could be easily dismissed as a playful thing between two drunk guys.
“Whether I’ll be a problem for Nico or not, it’s not for you to decide.” I put an emphasis on Nico’s name to show her my closeness with him. I meant what I said, she was in no position to tell what to do with Nico.
“Nico…?” She sounded surprised.
“Yes, Nico. That’s what all his friends call him. I know you two are close enough for you to call him that, so stop with the formality,” I told her.
“I see. Then let me ask again. Are you dating Nico?” She’s a persistent woman.
“So what if I am? Are you going to tell me to stop? Why, because you’re concern about his image or because you’re jealous?” I asked her.
“Jealous? Why would I even be jealous?” This woman… She’s practically denying her relationship with Nico. Does she even know how hurtful to Nico that is? Well, it’s not new to her; denying Nico and hurting Nico. She’s really starting to piss me off.
“Right, why would you even be jealous? There’s nothing between the two of you, after all,” I said and then gave a meaningful smile. “Nothing,” I repeated.
“And you have something with him?” She asked sarcastically. “How long have you even known him? I’ve known Nico ever since we were in highschool, I know him better than you do. As someone who knows Nico better, let me tell you this; don’t get your hopes up, he’ll never be serious about you. Nico likes playing around, he might seem reserved and cold on the outside, but in reality, he’s very playful. He might be fascinated with you right now, but that will pass, and he will get tired of playing with you,” Emily said with a small smile.
It was very frustrating, because most of the things she said was true. True, I don’t know Nico that much. True, she might know better Nico than I do. I hate that. I hate the fact that she knows Nico too well. She might’ve known him longer, but I know Nico as well.
Why do I even feel angry over her words? It’s not like I’m really dating Nico. We’re just friends, after all.
Even if Emily didn’t say it clearly, I know she’s saying that Nico would go back to her. Perry told me about it; Nico and Emily’s relationship was on and off, but they would always end up together again.
“I’m a Creative Producer, and I worked with enough stories to tell you this; reality and fantasy are two very different worlds.” I could see the confusion in Emily’s face. “Living in the fantasy world is really fun, because you could have everything and do anything, but you should know that you have a reality to come back to. Because you might end up believing that fantasy is reality and you might forgot how to go back to reality.” I looked sharply at her. “Have you lived long enough in that fantasy world of yours and forgotten how to go back to reality? Or are you starting to believe that your fantasy is your reality?” I asked her.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Emily said.
“No,” I said sternly. “You know exactly what I’m talking about So which one is it? What world do you choose, reality or fantasy?” I asked her.
Emily stood up. “Why do I have to choose? I can live in both worlds, and I can live in my fantasy, and I can always go back to reality,” she replied.
I see. So you’re planning to continue playing with that actor, you’re planning to hurt Nico over and over again, but you still want to go back to him. I can’t accept that. If you go back to Nico, if he accepts you again, then… then he’ll just end up getting hurt all over again.
I won’t let that happen.
I won’t let you hurt Nico.
I… I don’t to see him like that again.
I would protect Nico’s smile, no matter what.
“No. It’s too late for that,” I said as I stood up. “There’s no reality for you to go back to.”
“What did you say?” Emily asked in sharp tone. “What made you so sure?”
I looked at Emily with piercing eyes. “I’m going to stop beating around the bush.” I told her, place my hands on the desk and leaned closer. “Let me tell you this, straightly and clearly,” I said with a confident smile. “Nico is mine now.”
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