Finals Season | Philippines | Spring

We were both Fine Arts students—I took up Interior Design, while he focused on Theater. Since only a few students made it to the end, our departments decided to merge, and we were given a task to create a grand final project—a movie. 

I'm done with painting the materials, so I decided to take a break.

“I'll go down to the cafeteria, do you want to join?” I asked Sheila. 

“Go ahead, Y/N. I still have a lot of tasks to do.” she said without looking.

“How about . . . I'll buy you snacks?” 

“It's okay. I have packed lunch.”

“Okay, I'll go ahead.” I left the arts room. 

While I was in the hallway, my phone suddenly rang. It was him, calling. I answered. “Hi, Blake.”

“Where are you?”

“I'm on my way to the cafeteria. Why? Are you done with your rehearsals?”

“Yes. Let's have lunch together!”

“Okay.”

“Wait for me, okay? I'll go to you.”

“See you.”

“Bye!” he said in a cheerful tone before he cut the call.

I went downstairs and waited for him in the lobby. 
Minutes later, even though the sun is up, there are little raindrops. I got worried because he's still not here.

Moments later, I saw a 6ft man, wearing white shirt, paired with blue and white striped polo and denim jeans, running fast towards my direction. He stopped in front of me, hands on his knees, breathing heavily. 

After a few seconds, he stood up straight and looked at me. He smiled. “Let's go?”

—

I was so busy scrolling through social media that I didn't notice that he had already come back.

“Hey, Y/N.” He called. I turned around and was hit by something. 

“Ya!” I shouted. I reached for the table napkin and wiped the whipped cream off my cheek.

He chuckled. “Sorry. Why are you so busy with your phone? What's in there? I've been calling your name three times already.”

“Ah, nothing. I'm just searching for an inspo for the props that we're working on.” I lied.
He didn't answer. He gave me the sandwich and then we started eating.

“You'll go home after this?” He asked.

I looked at him, and saw that he's already done.
“Hmm, I don't think so. Sheila might need another hand with her task.”

He nodded. “I see. And if not?”

“I'll go straight home. I wanted to save a lot of energy because I heard that the filming will start next week.”

“Oh, okay. I was thinking of inviting you for dinner later in our house. Actually, it's mom—she told me to invite you because she wanted to see you, asap.”

“Oh my—” My heart beats faster. “Auntie's already back? Sure! Who am I to decline her invitation?”

“Haha you're adorable. Then, if your schedule today is clear, we'll go home together.” 

“Okay!” After that, we went back to our places. 

HOURS LATER, I saw people from the production team waiting outside the arts room.

They went in and greeted me. “Hi, Ms. Y/N!”

“Hi? What are you guys doing here?”

“Blake wanted us to deliver these.” They put it at the top of the table. It was a box of doughnuts and another iced americano. 

“Thank you.” I smiled.

“Oh, and also this one.” A moreno guy stepped forward and gave me a white envelope. After that, they all left.

I looked at the surroundings before I opened the envelope. My eyes widened with the handwritten message that is written on the card. 

“Hi, Y/N, cheer up! *confetti*
I know you can do it! See you later! ♡

Love, B.”

My heart melted. Ah, with these actions—effort—who's not going to fall for him? 

I smelled the paper and noticed that he used a scented one. As far as I remember, this is very expensive.
I put the card back inside the envelope and carefully hid it in my bag.

IT'S PAST 7PM and finally, we're done.

Blake has been texting me, and said, he's waiting downstairs.

As soon as we locked the arts room, Sheila and I bid a goodbye. I ran as fast as I could because I didn't want him to wait any longer.

But when I went down—I couldn't find him. I was about to make a call, when someone suddenly covered my eyes.

“Guess who . . .” He said, whispering.

I tapped his arms. “Stop playing games, Blake!” He just chuckled. 

He took my backpack and hung it on his shoulder. 

“Let's go, Mom's waiting.” He put his arm around me and we started walking. 

We rarely see each other after that dinner. But he always makes sure to deliver snacks, handwritten letters—and my favorite coffee. 

We dedicated our time to the project—and we don't have communication. I only have updates through someone from their team. 

I just received another one. 
They're now filming the major scenes. Too bad. As much as I want to come and watch, I can't. I still have a flu.

—

Graduation Day | Philippines | Summer

Time flies by. We finished and passed our final project. And now, we're in the auditorium, marching.

“Congratulations, graduates!” We all rose and threw our caps. Finally! No more sleepless nights. We are free and able to sleep more than 8 hours.

The program ended. Our batchmates took the time to take a bunch of pictures. For memories. Camera flashes are everywhere. There are also people from the media, because we have a lot of batchmates who are actors and actresses already. Starting to create a name in the industry. Including him.

Our professors uploaded our film project, it became viral and the viewers adored him. Up until now, the views are still counting. There's a lot of agencies who want to cast him, but I don't know what he chose.

They called his name. A man walked in front and ready his camera. “Mr. Blake, please look at this side!”

“Here too, please!” A woman shouted. 

“Please do a finger heart sign!” “A bigger one!” “A heart cheek pose, too!” And it goes on and on.

I wanted to go near him. I wanted to take a picture with him. I wanted to hug him because I will surely miss him. We were friends. Best friends. And I wanted to confess. But I'm afraid that my action will start an issue. 

So, I watched him from afar.

I felt my heart shattered into pieces when the crowd went wild. There's a lot of cheers. Everyone is happy when his rumored future partner for a love team arrives. 

I couldn't handle it; I made my way to the exit. 
My family greeted me with a warm embrace. They gave me a bouquet of sunflowers. My favorite.

“Congratulations, Y/N. We're so proud of you!” Mother said.

“Let's go home and celebrate! By the way, where's Blake?” Father asked.

“Still inside, with the media, taking pictures.” I said, almost whispering.

“Oh, did you take one?” Father asked again. I looked up and shook my head. 

Father smiled and tapped my shoulders. “It's okay. Let's go home?” I nodded. And then, we walked to our car.

Before I hopped in, I took a last glance at the venue. I saw him standing outside, still surrounded by the media and fans. And then someone tried to cover him so they could exit. I can see he's tired—but still managed to smile in front of everyone. I smiled bitterly. Tears started to flow. I can clearly see the distance between us. I know, he'll become hit one day, and our paths won't cross again. Ever.

—

Present Day | South Korea | Spring

I'm currently working as a production assistant and staff. Filming for a new romance drama will start next month, but our team decided to fly to South Korea so that we can enjoy and be familiarized with the country—and surroundings—during our stay. Spring has already started, and we want to experience it. 

It's the most awaited season every year, because it is a sign for new beginnings. But for us, hopeless romantic kdrama fans, it's the best season to fall in love. And it also reminds you of the feeling of first love.

First love . . . I wonder where he is right now. 

We went straight to our hotel as soon as we landed. We chose our beds and started to unpack our things. I took a nap after, while the others decided to go out.

I didn't know how many hours I had slept. I woke up but the others are sleeping already. I picked up my phone to check the time. It's already 4 in the morning. 

“Ah, that's why, I'm kinda feeling hungry. I slept for almost 8 hours.” I told myself. I got up and did my morning routine. I made breakfast for everyone. I was very careful and quiet because I didn't want to wake them. It's still too early. 

LATER AT NIGHT, we decided to stroll around the city. There's not much to see here, so we went to Han River. We bought bottles of soju, spicy ramen and tteokbokki.

It was a peaceful night, even though there's a lot of people—tourists like us and obviously, Koreans. Of course, this wouldn't be called a famous go-to place or stop by, for nothing.

I considered it as one of my achievements. I love the scenery—glad we went here at night. And glad that I was a part of the production.

—

Filming schedule started. Ah, I miss this feeling. It feels like yesterday, when we were busy with our project back then—even though we rarely go to the set.

“Does anyone know how to apply makeup?” Someone from the actors' side asked.

Everyone is busy. It's like they didn't hear what he said. I was on standby, so I, bravely, went to him.

“Hi, I know the basics, sir.” I said.

He looked at me suspiciously. “Okay, let's go to the dressing room.”

We went in and—I wanted to back out.

He was there. Standing—topless—he was picking an outfit, maybe for the scene.

I was taken aback to reality. “Y/N, set aside your personal things. We're working.”

“Good morning, everyone!” I bow to greet them. I went to the vanity table and prepared the makeup that he will use. I was shaking even though I haven't drank coffee. 

How long has it been? I kept on shaking my head and exhaling. “Y/N, be professional. Again, we're working.”

He sat on the chair and smiled at me through the mirror. “Please leave us for a while.” He told his assistants—and they just followed him.

He looked at me. “Hi, Y/N?”

“Hi . . . Byeon Wooseok?” I said, stuttering.

“You can call me by my real name, whenever we're together. I missed it.” he said while smiling.

“Oh—Okay, Blake . . .” I said, still uncomfortable. “But is it okay, if I call you Blake? I mean, I'm scared because they might know your real name?” 

“Yes, it's okay. I can just tell them that it's a school nickname. And I'm sure my agency will do everything to cover this up.”

“Wow. You're really powerful now. I'm proud of you, Blake. I know, back then, that you'll become hit! I'm a fan of your few dramas, though I didn't know that it was you—because you look different. Your hairstyles and makeup are lit! And it always depends on the character that you'll play.”

“And how do I look now?” He said, still smiling. I realized he looked like a puppy.

“You are you. Natural. And now, the main lead!” I proudly said, and we laughed. Then, we went quiet because they just announced that they will start filming. 

I focused on applying makeup on his face. His face is clear and smooth. I know that he's been taking care of his face, since then. And he maintained it. Maybe, I should ask him for advice, or ask about his routine?

“It's done.” I said and started arranging his things.

“Thank you, Y/N!” He stood up and I expected that he would go out. 
But he went behind me and hugged me from there. He placed his head on my shoulder. His embrace gets tighter. I don't want to assume things but I feel like he doesn't want to let me go. 

“I missed you so much, Y/N.” He said, whispering.

I turned around and held his hands. “I missed you too, so much. But let's be careful. What if someone caught us? It's for your own good, too. Let's face the reality, Blake—I mean, Wooseok. Our worlds are different now. You're a famous actor, while I do my best at work, 24/7, even though I'm hiding in the shadows.”

“My bad. I'm sorry, Y/N.”

I was about to speak when someone entered. “Are you done?” 

“Oh—Yes,” he said to the man. He turned to me, “Let's go out?” I nodded.

—

They are now filming the carousel scene. One of the said highlights of the drama. 

I was standing next to our cameraman, because it was my time to assist.

The carousel started to move, and the camera was rolling. 

He is smiling. Naturally. In front of the camera.

I wanted to capture this moment but I couldn't. So I just look at him and save it in my mind.

That scene was perfect. Still on rolling. Maybe the director is still enjoying the scene. 

My eyes widened when he mouthed, “I love you.”

It wasn't part of the script! And it was caught by the camera! I started to panic. 

“And . . . cut!” Director shouted. Finally!

I walked as fast as I can. I hid behind a tent. My heart is still beating fast.

I was about to use my phone as my mirror, but I couldn't find it. I panicked more. 

“Ah, I left it there!” Facepalm.

“Y/N? You're looking for this?” It was him.

“Oh, thank you!” I wanted to escape but he didn't let me.

He held my hand. “I mean it, Y/N. I mean what I did—said there. Please, let's talk?”

I held his hand and we went inside the tent—which is his dressing room. “Okay, let me get this straight. You shouldn't be doing those things! I almost got a heart attack there!” Then I sat down in his tiny bed.

He sat beside me. “You're still adorable, Y/N. Don't worry, I'll be more careful next time.”

I looked at him. It's my turn to ask. “But how? Since when? I thought you only saw me as a little sister back then.”

“Silly. I have liked you since college. It's just that . . . I don't have the courage to confess. So, I just kept it with myself.”

I giggled. “Well, I have liked you since college, too. Or earlier than that. I don't have the courage either. We're friends—plus you started to become popular. Even though, I haven't seen you in a long time, my feelings are still the same.” I got shy, so I bowed my head.

“So . . . we're even. What's next, now?”

“I don't know. I don't want to ruin your career.”

“Hmm, how about let's take things slowly? Let's imagine we're college students again?”

I looked at him. “Okay? And?”

He cleared his throat. “Hi, I'm Wooseok. And you are?”

“I'm Y/N. Nice to meet you.” We made a handshake.

“Pleasure to meet you, Y/N.” Our stomach started rumbling and made us chuckle. “Want to grab some lunch?”

“Let's go!” Before we went out, we checked first if there were people. When we're sure that there's none, we leave the room, and start walking to the buffet area, holding hands. He's fearless, really.
It didn't last long though, but it's okay. 

I was busy eating lunch, when he sat beside me and offered me an iced americano. “Here's your favorite drink.”

“Thank you.” I thought he would leave, but he just sat there.

Later on, when people left, he got my hand and our fingers intertwined–under the table.
We looked at each other and smiled.

—

Everything was perfect.

We both watch the sunset.

We were still holding hands.

Memories started to flash in my mind.

Spring. 

The season where we spent our happiest moments together.

—

THE END.