Dunk, his father, Anan, called his son nervously.

Yes, dad, what's up? Dunk asked.

Well... you tell him, Anan nudged his wife, Amara.

You always make me do these things, making me the bad guy in front of him, she replied.

Dad, Mom, what's going on? Just tell me directly, Dunk said, trying to ease the tension.

Yeah, why are you both acting so strange? his sister Aadhya asked.

Dunk, don't be upset.....you're not really our son, his dad said, nervously.

Hmm, I know, Dad, Dunk said calmly.

What? He's not my brother? Aadhya shouted.

How did you know? And you never asked about this all these years!" Anan said, surprised.

Why would I ask, Dad? You guys never made me feel like I should. I figured it out on my own, Dunk replied.

Do you know about your real parents then? Amara asked.

No, Mom, I never looked for them, Dunk answered.

Actually, you're my brother's son, Anan explained.

When he went to Z country, he fell in love with a woman named Kanya. They were together for a long time, but her family didn’t accept their relationship. After that, my brother passed away in an accident. We found out she was pregnant with you. She gave birth to you without her family knowing and left you with us.

Many years later, I heard she got married to a man.

Okay, what are you trying to say, Dad? Aadhya asked, now annoyed.

I got a call from her recently. She wants to meet you.

I'm not going, Dunk said immediately.

Please, Dunk, she really wants to see you. You don’t have to stay long, just a year, his mom pleaded.

Mom... are you trying to get rid of me just because I'm not your real son? Dunk's eyes filled with tears.

No, Dunk, it’s not like that. We’re not sending you away. We just want you to visit her for a while, his dad explained.

I’m not going, and that’s final, Dunk said, breaking down as he left the room.

You both made him cry! He’s my brother, don’t send him there! Aadhya shouted.

She misses her first son, dear. We’ll visit him too, don’t worry, his dad reassured.

I’ll go talk to him, Amara said, leaving the room.

Dunk... Mom’s here. Open the door, please, she called softly.

He opened the door hesitantly and went back to lie down on the bed.

She really misses you. You should meet her, his mom said stroking his hair.

But she left me, Mom, Dunk replied, hurt.

She was young then. Now she wants to make things right. Please go see her.

You’ll feel better, and you can forget all the bad stuff happened here.

Dunk thought for a moment. It seemed like it might be a good chance to get away for a while and relax. "Okay," he finally agreed.

*Flashback*

Dunk went to audition for a well-known entertainment company called Lavender Light Media.

Congrats, Dunk! You've been selected for the main role in this BL drama! the manager said excitedly. Your partner will be Nirut. I'll give you his contact info so you both can meet and get to know each other before we start shooting. The manager handed Dunk some documents to sign.

As Dunk and Nirut spent more time together, they became close friends, hanging out and getting to know each other better.

I see you got selected as the MC for the drama, Dunk's friend, Kawin, said.

Yeah! I even got cast with a great guy. It feels nice to be taken care of by someone after so long, Dunk replied.

Oh, so you're the bottom, Sirin teased, making Dunk laugh.

Just be careful, Sirin added. You're entering the BL industry, and you're a BI. You might have to do some fan service too.

I’ll handle it. It’s only for a few years, Dunk said confidently.

Sirin and Kawin were Dunk's childhood friends, and they always did everything together.

*A Year Later*

The drama was a huge hit, and Dunk and Nirut became famous actors in the BL industry. They grew closer over time, visiting each other’s homes often. Nirut developed strong feelings for Dunk, but Dunk only saw him as a big brother and didn’t notice Nirut’s affection.

It was Dunk’s birthday, and his friends, Kawin and Sirin, came over to celebrate.

Soon after, Nirut arrived with a beautiful birthday cake.

Wow, it’s beautiful! Did you bake this for me? Dunk asked.

Yes, Nirut replied. I know you love blackcurrant, so I specially made it for you. He handed Dunk a customized t-shirt with a personalized artwork on it. The artwork was of the day they first met, even though they hadn’t taken a photo back then. Dunk was amazed at how detailed it was.

Thank you, Dunk said with a warm smile.

Kawin gave Dunk a barbecue set since Dunk loved cooking outdoors. Thanks, my dearest friend, Dunk said, hugging him.

Where’s your gift, Sirin? Dunk asked.

Sirin smiled and handed him a gift. You should open it when no one’s around, she said with a laugh.

What’s so special? I want to know! Kawin teased.

Sirin shrugged. I don’t mind.

Dunk opened the gift quickly and then closed it just as fast. It’s a book. Don’t ask any more questions, Dunk said, laughing.

I knew what book is it, Kawin said with a grin.

Don’t read it without me, okay? Sirin said.

You guys are shameless, Kawin said, rolling his eyes.

We’re just reading it for future inspiration, Dunk said casually.

Well, let me join you both, Kawin said, hugging his best friends.

Nirut, feeling like he was the odd one out, quietly left the party early.

*The Next Day*

Dunk and Nirut were on a reality show together.

Why do you look so upset? Is something wrong? Dunk asked.

Nirut just replied coldly, No.

You're not even looking at me. Something is definitely wrong. What happened? Dunk insisted.

Nothing. Just focus on the show, Nirut replied, still avoiding eye contact.

The fans asked them to do some fan service, but Nirut didn't do anything and kept avoiding Dunk during the entire event. The fans could tell something was off too.

Backstage, Dunk asked again, What's going on with you?

They asked us to do something. Even holding hands would have been fine if you weren't in the mood. Why avoid it on purpose? Dunk said, frustrated.

Why should we pretend to be close when we're not? Nirut responded.

Why would you say that?

Then tell me what would you say when a man and a woman are reading erotic novels together.

Are you angry because of what happened at the party yesterday? What are you talking about? Why would you be jealous of her? They both are my childhood friends. They're not even the same as you, Dunk continued.

Oh, really? Then how are they different? Nirut asked bitterly.

Please tell me what's your problem, Dunk asked carefully.

I'm the problem, okay? This stupid fan service is the problem, Nirut said, walking away.

Dunk stopped him, saying, we've been doing this from the beginning. If it was bothering you, you should have said something sooner.

Are you pretending or do you really not get it? Nirut asked.

Get what?

That I have feelings for you, Nirut finally admitted.

What? Dunk said, stunned. I've always seen you as a big brother.

A brother? Nirut sneered. So, brothers kiss each other now? he said, angrily.

It’s just for the show, Dunk said, trying to explain.

Yeah, everything's for the show. I was the one who misunderstood, Nirut replied bitterly.

Not everything is for the show. I do like you. I care about you more than just as a brother, Dunk said, his voice breaking.

Just leave. You're getting on my nerves, Nirut snapped, shoving him away.

Dunk tried to call him several times that night, but Nirut didn't answer.

The next day, Dunk received an email saying that his contract with Nirut is going to be terminated.

At their next show, Nirut looked terrible. His face was red and puffy like he had been crying, and he avoided eye contact with him.

Dunk’s heart broke seeing him like that.

Fans also noticed how Nirut avoided contact with Dunk.

Then the manager announced that their contract was officially over.

Because Nirut didn’t make an effort, Dunk will have to take over to keep things professional in the show.

In the dressing room, when Dunk walked in, Nirut stood up and tried to leave.

Dunk grabbed his hand, stopping him. I’m sorry. I haven’t taken care of your feelings. I feel bad seeing you like this. Please, let’s talk, Dunk pleaded.

Let go of my hand, Nirut said angrily, trying to pull away.

But Dunk didn’t let go. Nirut shook him off and pushed him to the ground.

We’re just actors. Why would you care about my feelings? Nirut said, tears filling his eyes.

I care about you, Dunk said, kneeling down and holding his hand.

But Nirut just walked away, leaving Dunk staring helplessly after him.

Fans realized that Nirut truly loved Dunk, but he had been rejected. Many fans turned against Dunk, accusing him of using the BL industry for fame. His social media was flooded with hateful comments, and he couldn’t get any acting opportunities after that.

Kawin and Sirin checked in on him frequently.

How are you holding up, Dunk? I never thought the BL industry would be this scary, Kawin said.

Are you okay? I heard the company terminated your contract because you’re not getting any chances, Sirin added.

I’m fine. Acting was never really my thing anyway, Dunk replied.

I’m just hurt that Nirut is no longer with me. Not even as a friend. He hates me now, like I’m some kind of plague, Dunk said, voice heavy with sadness. A fan even threw trash at me the other day, and Nirut didn’t even react. He acted like I didn’t exist.

Sirin said, It might be because he loved you. Don’t take it to heart. He’ll realize it eventually.

Kawin added, Just take a break, get away for a while, and don’t look at your social media. Everything will settle down.

Dunk, feeling lost, could only nod as his friends tried to comfort him.

...*Flashback ends*...