Chapter 5

• "We're just friends, right Gin?"
• I turned my head to him. It's just the two of us in the detention room because our subject teacher found out about our scheme earlier. It was my first time being sent here and I must say, it's so boring. All I did was stare at the windows and avoid having eye contact with Gin.
• It's been awkward between us after we both saw the picture. I didn't know what to say nor to what way should I react. We do look like a couple and anyone who scrolls down at the photo will surely assume that.
• "You know that I want more than that, Mari," he said, pouting at me. I should've known better, but I promise to entertain no other guy than Leo. No matter what happens I promised that yet I'm having second thoughts at this moment.
• "I can't offer anything but friendship," I said, seriously. I want to be sincere about my relationship with Leo. He's a professional actor! I know for sure he knows his limits, and I won't entertain someone else until we part ways, ever.
• "If he's not an actor, will you like him?" he asked, directly to the point I was hit hard in my mind. "Will you choose him over me if that was the case?"
• I gulped.
• His words made me doubt my love for Leo. If he was not an actor, will I chase him as I did before? I bet we wouldn't even meet. Maybe we're just a stranger passing by...
• "Stop it, Gin," I hissed. I turned my back away from him and stare at the surroundings outside.
• I know for some reason why Gin was telling me this. We have been long-time friends, and opposite genders of friends are more likely to be the option for dating. Isn't it always the case?
• I once consider dating him before when Leo and I haven't met. But things happen, so I won't question it. And I don't care if I only loved Leo before because he's my favorite actor, I love him today for who he is more than that. So what if I'm living in my fantasy? At least I get to be with him. I get to know him and not all can experience loving someone you've been wishing to love you back.
• We pack our things up and walk out a way to the street. Our subject teacher didn't only punish us in detention, she also demanded us to do community service, how lovely! For the sake of not being reported to my parents, I did what needs to be done. I was sweating in the heat and my arms are loosening off.
• "I'll finish this, you can go home and rest," Gin said. He took the broomstick and dustpan from my hand. It was hard for me to breathe so I let him do the work. I stayed even if I can feel the pressure in my chest, it would be a shame if I left him alone.
• In the corner of the street, there were three black vans and a group of people with cameras and studio props. I immediately recognize Leo's clothes. He never mentioned they would shoot a film here. My heart broke when I saw Scarlette, his female lead, following him inside the café.
• She looks expensive and very intimidating. I couldn't imagine standing near to her. I compare to her, I don't stand a chance, seriously. Even I am starstruck about her beauty. Her skin is too flawless whatever angle I look onto.
• I didn't hesitate to go to the coffee shop. I told Gin I would be on my way, but I
• "Please get out, can't you see we're shooting a film?" the director said. Regardless, I didn't mind him and look my eyes out for Leo. "This is exclusive only for the staff and actors!"
• Leo finally noticed me when the director suddenly shouted right in front of my face. He looks shocked by my presence. This was the first time we saw each other on their film set. Their location was always far from this City, unlike now. At least I have the opportunity to see him act.
• "Here," he said and gave me a dollar. "Go and buy yourself a cheap coffee kid."
• With eyebrows narrowed, I glared at him. "The heck?"
• My temper burst out. How rude can this director be? Hello, I'm his girlfriend, unfortunately, no one knows that only I do. Others non-showbiz girlfriends are so lucky because some actors are open to the media no matter what. And they don't care if they get bash. Love is love.
• Unless Leo is ashamed of me?
• Is he?
• The director suddenly pushed me away. It was not that strong but my body is weak so I fell to the ground. My hand bled for supporting my body and I was hurting.
• "Don't touch her!"
• Disappointment overwhelmed me when I look from behind. I thought it was Leo who was defending me but it was Gin. Looking at Leo, he was just staring at me as Gin help me stand up. I didn't know he can tolerate seeing me like this. Won't you stand up for me? Can't you at least be the one to defend me?
• "Leave with your staff, NOW!" Gin yelled. All of the attention was centered on us. I was anxious at the very moment but Gin was the one who eases my distress by standing still next to me.
• "And who are you to tell me that?" the director argued. The manager of the café came out and stand between us.
• "Sir, please leave, he's the son's owner of this café."
• "We paid for this!"
• "The chairman won't care if his son is involved. Please leave immediately!" the manager exclaimed.
• The staff began leaving and to my surprise, Leo just walked past me. He didn't even give me a slight glance.
• Am I hallucinating?
• Is this how painful a secret relationship is? Because if it is, I don't want it anymore. He doesn't even feel sorry about not showing up on our third anniversary. He doesn't know the pain of being abandoned after rebelling to my parents for the sake of my love for him.
• Without caring about other people's opinions, I grabbed Leo's arm. He looks shocked and I stared at him with my plain face.
• "Leonard, let's break up."