Chapter Text
"There's this role that I want to give to you. It suits you and your personality and I have known you for a year now. There is nothing more of a big break than this, Tee. I'll give you the time to think it through but I hope it will be a yes and we'll be working on it right away." P'X said as he tapped my shoulders with an understanding smile.
I was left in the meeting room, holding a novel I badly wanted to take part in, however it would cause a promise I don't want to break. A promise to a friend whom I think has long forgotten it already but here I am, troubled, and overthinking things. A lot of opportunities have passed through my hands. A supporting role heavy enough for my level of acting, but was offered even without me praying for it. A side character was chill enough to have lines, even though it was just a week of me signing the entertainment company's contract. Another supporting character I acted at wherein I met friends in the industry genuine enough to still be with me until now.
"Dew, would it be heartless if I stop keeping that promise now?" I uttered while looking at this beaded bracelet hugging my wrist. Whatever, you're cruel enough to do it with others, so why can't I?
Dew Calling...
The heavens are seriously humoring me and here comes the devil, calling for God knows what.
"Hello? Ai Teeeeee" him and his annoying voice.
"What do you want, Dew? I'm still in the company."
"What time will you be done? Our shoot just ended and I happened to be around the area. Do you want to eat some pig intestines? It's gonna be my treat 'cause my schedule's free for the next three freakin' days! Whoooo!"
I moved the phone away as I laughed with his childlike behavior. This is Dew, my long time friend even before I'm here in this industry. No one knew that there was once a time where my IG followers beat him for a thousand more than him. But here he is, here we are, in the present with him beating me with a million more followers. Him, starring in more than five series already, went to countless events presenting in front of thousands of fans, and a lot more applauding things he did in a span of six years we've known each other.
"Ai Teee, listen. I'll tell you this funny thing that happened in the set. There's this scene with Pond where I have to punch him and I really did go hard on him that after the cut, he chased me and want to get even. Funny, he can't 'cause my acting was flawless he can't argue---"
I was there, I was always there. Everytime he has an offline event, with my vacant schedule, I would support him in the sideliness, as a friend he's been with since the start of his career. I was there giving out his merch when the staff are all over the place, not knowing who to call on for rescue, 'cause his popularity crowded the place. I was there, after every event he has in different malls, driving him back to the dorm because I'm that supportive friend he has genuinely rooting for his success.
I was there, years ago when his first big break was offered. Hugging him, ruffling his hair, treating him like a kid who just won his first candy. Cried for him when multiple comments attacked his acting, patted his shoulder when he can't bear the spotlight anymore.
I was also there when his first shipped series was announced. Clapping in the backstage, shouting for his name, letting go of the heaviness in my heart during that time. Fully knowing in myself that I have to support and give my all in happiness for his career even if it means breaking our promise for each other.
"-then Pond called the director and got scolded instead. If only you were here, you would be laughing as well, Tee. What a core memory."
That's right Dew, you are already happy wherever you are right now. I might be the only one who values that promise right now and it is time to move forward without hoping for us at all.
"Dew, I'm offered with big break."
He clapped on the other end with his tone raising in happiness for his friend. I get it, we are as genuinely as happy for each other.
"That's a great thing, Tee! We have to celebrate that with the Duckest you know? But wait, it should be just the two of us first. Where do you want to eat? Or should we take a short vacation in the beach or---"
"Dew, I will be shipped with a senior in the company. Although, we are just going to be a side couple, the script includes kissing and more if the public roots for more. I once met him during our outing and he is kind and dependable. I think we'll get along well so I am not bothered. We have mutual friends as well and the staff are talking good things about him."
The other end was filled with silence. As a friend, I know he is weighing how it would affect my career being shipped. That's because he's been here, done that. I understand, it's not because he remembered our promise.
"I'm sorry, Dew."
"Why? Because you can't eat with me now 'cause you're thinking about the project? No, it's fine. You can take your time. Just always remember that I'm all the way here, supporting you, Tee."
"Yeah, whatever. Just eat your duck intestines all you want. Just take your time eating because I am not there, and no one's gonna take your plate. Take care, Dew...and I'm sorry again."
'cause this time, I'm the who will not fulfill that promise.