Episode 3

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*...

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