Chapter Text
Jay had Heeseung running around like a madman. Setting up the room, shooting the scenes, and even doing makeup for the actors. He did everything except write the scripts.
"This is our big break hyung, I promise.” Jay says, rushing up to him with visible excitement. "He's a natural talent, you wouldn't believe it if you saw him."
Oh, and there’s that. That Jake guy.
When it came to actors, they were usually in and out, leaving as soon as they got their paycheck. Their small operation rarely made it past the second page, so they were lucky to have someone come back for a second time. Out of politeness or pity, Heeseung doesn’t care to know.
So he plays along with Jay, pretends that this guy he’d picked up off some shady street was their surefire solution for financial success. Heeseung was never one to be optimistic, but Jay was one of his close friends, so.
"Hello! I'm Sim Jaeyun!
I look forward to working with you!” The guy stammers out, jolting up from his seat and extending his arm for a handshake. Evidently nervous. Or desperate.
Heeseung barely manages to hold back a snort.
He shakes the man’s hand anyway, and Jay leads the three of them to sit down. They order drinks and engage in light conversation. Jay’s good at this kind of stuff. Meanwhile, Heeseung observes him.
He finds out Jake is from Australia, his choppy accent proves as much. Lost and alone in this foreign country, taking odd jobs to make ends meet. He had expected him to stumble over his words, desperately concocting an excuse to escape once he realises what Jay’s actually asking from him. Instead, he ends up accepting the offer, despite having zero experience in porn acting, nude modelling, anything of the sort.
Heeseung watches in disbelief. As he eyes the man up though, he realises it might’ve been a career waiting to happen. Something about his demeanour…a hidden confidence, maybe. Or just the way his ass looked in his trousers.
Jake’s hands fidget in his lap, taking occasional sips from his fruit shake, seemingly unaffected by the absurd ideas he and Jay were discussing.
Heeseung can't help but notice the fleeting glances he sneaks in his direction. Like some kid waiting, itching to ask something.
He finds himself wishing he’d gone with Jay to the bathroom.
Might as well strike up a conversation.
“So, any nerves?”
"Yeah, a bit.” Jake says, nervously chewing around his straw.
“But I'll give it a shot. Jay seems confident in me."
Heeseung nods. Glancing around the room where they sit, people gradually filling in the area. It’s no cause for worry, though, contrary to what Jay keeps trying to tell him, they barely warrant the need for ‘disguises,’ so to speak. There was nothing to recognize.
"It's understandable,” Heeseung says, carefully choosing his words. “Considering it's your first time at this kind of gig. But, Jay wouldn't have chosen you if he didn't see..potential."
"I guess so. I just hope I don't disappoint?" Jake says, laughing.
"Don't worry too much about it. Just go with the flow, follow his directions.” Heeseung shrugs, “Might surprise yourself."
Jake's lips curl into a small smile, like he’s been harbouring it for a while.
"Thanks, Heeseung. Means a lot coming from you."
Heeseung lets Jake have the last words. Feeling unsure of himself.
Just as he’s about to speak though, Jay returns from the bathroom, breaking the moment with his usual boisterous presence.
For some reason, a hollow feeling settles in his chest. The table returns to its previous state, with Jay and Jake filling the room with their lively laughter and banter.
It’s Jake’s sense of foreignness, maybe, that sets him apart, not from everyone else he’s ever met, but.. just sets him apart, really. Or the underlying youthfulness despite just being a year younger that makes Heeseung so unusually hesitant. He feels the urge to find a proper job for him, damn it, but he and Jay have bills to pay too. And Jake, unfortunately, seems to be their last hope.
Heeseung sits in unusual stillness for the remainder of their meal, his gaze locked onto Jake. Unable to tear his eyes away as Jake so casually wraps his mouth around the straw. His own smiling eyes fixated on Heeseung even as he speaks with Jay.
~