Chapter Text
Chapter 1
Seven years was a long time.
Long enough for people to change, to grow into versions of themselves they never imagined back when life was simpler. Long enough for memories to blur at the edges, faces still familiar, voices still recognizable, but emotions dulled by time.
Lena stared at her phone, thumb hovering over a name she hadn't typed in years.
Miu.
They weren't strangers. But they weren't close either. Somewhere in between — acquaintances who shared a mutual friend, a handful of conversations, and a few moments that never turned into anything more.
This is ridiculous, Lena thought. But there was one detail Lena remembered clearly.
They shared the same birthday.
November 25.
The only difference was that Lena was two years older, something Miu used to point out with a small smile, calling her P'Lena every time, half-teasing, half-respectful.
Lena exhaled slowly and leaned back against the couch in her apartment, script spread across her coffee table, pages marked and highlighted, frustration written all over her face. The room was quiet except for the faint hum of the city outside her window.
"Still no luck?" her manager had asked earlier that day.
Still no partner. Still no chemistry test that felt right. Still no one who matched what the director was looking for.
The production team had gone through dozens of actresses. Some were good. Some were great. But none of them felt right. And Lena, who had always trusted her instincts, felt something slipping through her fingers.
That was when Miu's name surfaced in her mind, uninvited, unexpected.
Miu, who wasn't an actress.
Miu, who lived a normal life, away from cameras and scripts.
Miu, who had once casually mentioned she enjoyed performing... years ago.
Lena exhaled slowly, then finally tapped the screen.
****
Miu was folding laundry when her phone buzzed.
She glanced down casually, until she saw the name.
Lena.
Her hands stilled.
It had been years since they'd spoken like this. The last time, she thought, might've been their birthday, a short exchange of messages, cake emojis, and promises they never followed through on.
She smiled softly. How could she not? Flashback of their university days echoed through her mind how she would always admire Lena from a distance.
Miu never denied it, she had always find Lena pretty, captivating, and elegant. That's why when a mutual friend introduced them to each other, Miu wasted no time to get to know her girl crush. But that was all it was, a simple university crush. One where you just admire your senior and look up to them.
Lena:
Hey... it's been a while. How have you been?
Miu sat down on her bed.
Miu:
Hi, P'Lena. I'm good. Just organizing my closet. You?
The reply came quickly.
Lena:
Your OCD still acting up, huh? Actually... I was wondering if you're free to meet up sometime. I wanted to talk about something.
Miu smiled. Lena used to tease her for being too organized. Too perfect. That was what she used to describe Miu, and the latter can't help but to form an affectionate smile on her lips.
But the smile was short lived.
Meet up?
Her gaze drifted to the framed photo beside her bed — her boyfriend's arm around her shoulders, familiar, and safe.
She typed anyway.
Miu:
Sure. Let me know when.
****
They met three days later at a quiet café near the studio district.
Lena arrived first, dressed casually, trying not to be recognized. When the door opened and Miu stepped inside, Lena knew instantly.
Some things never changed.
Miu still carried herself gently — calm, unhurried, and most of all, still as elegant as ever. But she looked more confident now, more settled.
"P'Lena," Miu said as she approached, smiling giddily and walking towards her to give her a quick hug.
Lena's heart tugged. Something in her chest screams she is the one she's been praying for, her perfect partner.
"Hey," Lena replied. "Happy belated birthday."
Miu laughed. "You still remember."
"Of course. Same day," Lena said. "Just... I'm older."
"Two years," Miu said, amused. "Still counts."
Their conversation flowed easily, about work, mutual friends, and how strange it felt to sit together again after all this time. Eventually, Lena cleared her throat.
"I wanted to ask you something," she said carefully. "I'm working on a GL series."
Miu's eyebrows lifted. "Really?"
"We're still missing one of the leads," Lena continued. "And I know this might sound sudden, but... would you consider auditioning?"
Miu laughed immediately. "P'Lena, I'm not an actress."
"I know," Lena said. "But this isn't about experience."
There was a pause.
"I have a boyfriend," Miu said gently. She didn't know why she blurted that out. Lena already know she has a boyfriend. It's no secret. All three of them went to Chula. Miu and her boyfriend have been together for 3 years. 3 years of quiet but secure relationship, and maybe that's why Lena feels comfortable with the thought of working alongside with Miu. They've been friends for a long, chemistry is already there, and most of all, Lena knows this will purely be work.
"I know," Lena replied without hesitation. "And I respect that. This is strictly professional."
Miu studied her for a long moment, then nodded slightly.
"I'll think about it."
****
Two weeks later, Miu stood inside a casting room she never imagined she'd enter.
She wasn't supposed to audition. She had only agreed to read lines.
That was what she told herself, right until the director asked them to try the scene.
The kiss.
Miu's heart raced.
"This is just acting," the director said calmly.
Lena turned to her. "We don't have to do this if you're uncomfortable."
Miu shook her head. "It's okay."
They stepped closer.
Lena's hand rested lightly at Miu's waist — careful, respectful.
"Ready?" Lena asked quietly.
Miu nodded. But deep down she was screaming internally. How could something go from 100 to 0 real quick. She is about to kiss her P'Lena. HER SENIOR. Miu was panicking. How do I act. How do I do this. Millions of questions surge through Miu's brain, and Lena notices it, how Miu looks like she was about to puke, combust, or both.
So, she took Miu's hands
"Hey, it's okay. Just think of it as friends getting drunk and accidentally kissing each other." Lena joked, and somehow it worked. Miu snorted a laugh, and it made Lena smile wide.
"Okay, I'm ready." Miu said breathlessly
The kiss was soft. Controlled. Professional.
Lena made sure to not go overboard. Made sure Miu felt safe.
The room went silent.
When they pulled apart, neither spoke.
"We've found her," the director said.
Miu's breath hitched.
Lena felt something shift, not love, definitely not love, just the unsettling realization that some connections don't disappear, no matter how much time passes.