#shubaka

  He had to act as soon as he was sure about the facts. As soon as it was clear that the seemingly kind woman was only there to spy on him. It had taken him days to figure it out once he began suspecting that his actions were being reported back to the tower from someone in a position to closely monitor him. Things like his schedule as well as his ties in the industry were being leaked. He couldn't help that he had put the clues together just before an event.

  Kim tried to pull himself together. He reminded himself that had faced far worse things in his life than his manager's frustration. But Yok’s disappointed face left him far more unsettled than his father’s cold and impassive one. It made him think of Khun’s beseeching eyes or Kinn’s glances of quiet desperation. They could barely see eye to eye anymore, especially after-  

  He mentally shook himself, not wanting to linger in thoughts of his family. He did not like that those were the first comparisons he could think of with regards to Yok.

Thankfully no one was around to see his mask slip and reveal his maudlin thoughts. He vowed to himself to not let himself think these things ever again, especially not in his Yok's office with its full glass walls.

  He took a deep breath, ignoring the voice that sounded like Khun instructing him on the process. He slowly counted all the exits on the floor that were visible to him, then the ones which were not visible but he was still aware of, finishing with all the weapons he carried on him. 

  When that wasn’t enough of a distraction, He mapped out the building in his head, all in-order to keep himself from feeling too many things in a place that was not his.

  Yok stormed back in just as he was completing his little ritual, already mid-rant and holding out her phone to him.

  “You should consider yourself lucky that I remembered someone who could save your ass. But it is now your problem to talk to him and get him on board especially on such a short notice. Here, talk to him yourself and know that I'll be quitting soon because of your antics! Honestly, you won't even tell me what was wrong with the previous girl. What am I supposed to think? But here, this is your responsibility now and so make sure to not fumble it as well, okay?” she thrust the phone at him and without stopping her tirade backed out of the room once again. “Now I have to go tell the rest of the team about this and prepare them for all the antics you have saved up for tomorrow! Talk to him, Okay? He is truly the only option left.”

  Kim blinked at her retreating from, thinking that by now he should be used to how loquacious Yok gets when she feels stressed. But somehow it still blindsides him with how similar her rants sound to Khun’s regular speech. He groaned, noticing that he was back on his sentimental thoughts despite vowing only seconds ago to cut it out.

  He looked down at his hand for a distraction and groaned again when he realised he had to talk to a complete stranger on top of all this, that too asking for help of all things.

  Kim did not let himself feel too pathetic about it, as he knew this was also Yok’s way of letting him feel out the new person. She would have been well within her rights to just hire somebody that fit the requirements, especially with what he did without informing her.

  He took another breath to gather himself and looked at who he was supposed to call. He was surprised on seeing that this person was apparently close to Yok. The filled call log and far too many emojis present on the contact name were any indication enough of the fact.

  Bracing himself with the knowledge that Yok wouldn't just saddle him with someone she didn't trust and know as well, given  the evidence, he hit the call button.

  The call rang, and then rang some more. Just as he was about to hit ‘end call’ out of sheer anxiety, it connected. The voice came through was sleep-gruff yet somehow still perky and excited.

  “Hi, P’Yok! Didn't expect you to call this early, But ah its past 10, must be a normal work hour for you. Speaking of, why did you call me now? If it's to confirm about Saturday, you should know I'm still in. I tried to convince Hia again but he, like the scaredy cat he is, completely refused to listen to me. But you, me and P’B-”

  “This is not Yok!” Kim managed to get out, cutting into the deluge pouring from the phone. He was in awe of how fast the stranger was speaking. The stranger made a confused sound that should not have sounded as cute as it did and Kim rushed to explain himself. “She gave me your number because I need a makeup artist for a photoshoot tomorrow and we were hoping you would be interested.”

  A little ‘oh’ was the only reply punctuating a drawn out silence. Kim desperately wanted to know what the stranger was thinking but he dared not say anything that might come out rougher than he intended. So he was stuck agonising over what he could do to convince this stranger. He felt completely out of his element and tried his best not to show it in his voice when he asked, “What would convince you to take up the offer?”

  “What are you giving?” asked the stranger immediately.

  “Well…. I can ask Yok to double the usual pay for you and there is a chance this could become permanent, if you would be interested in that.” Kim cringed while offering that. He did not like the idea of taking on a permanent staff member just like that but he also didn't know what else he could do in this situation.

  Just as Kim was working up more things to negotiate with, the stranger replied.

   “Okay then, I’ll work with you as long as you promise to not be mean as well.” He said.

  “Wha-What?!” Kim stuttered, completely thrown off.

  “Yup, you can’t be mean to me. I've heard stories about you, that you can be pretty rude to people. Yok likes you well enough, but I can't work with that. I can and will leave you with half your face done up and not look back, okay?”

  Kim had a lot of things to say to that, particularly that he was not a rude person…just maybe a bit distant. But he didn’t think that would go over well with this stranger so he just said, “Okay, I’ll try not to offend you.”

  He made to cut the call, before realising escaping like that would definitely come off as rude. Now he was stuck, one hand awkwardly holding the phone and the other poised to jab it, completely clueless on what more to do.

   The stranger cut into the silence that Kim was sure only he felt lasting for aeons by saying, “You better not.”

  Was this person laughing at him?!

  Kim bit his tongue, having the presence of mind to say a hurried thanks before cutting the call, figuring Yok could text and figure out the rest of the details. He left the phone at her table and disappeared into his studio, done with people for the day.

Chapter 2: Chay

  If anyone asked, Chay would vehemently deny being anxious. This was just another job he reminded himself, just like any other. And he had trained hard for this course as well.  It was in order to support their little household alongside Porsche after all. They did what they had to after they lost their mother’s house to Uncle Arthee’s gambling. It wasn’t fair, him learning to work and working while his classmates hung out in cafes and movies without second thought. But he didn’t let it make him resentful. He understood things quickly and did a good job no matter the circumstance.

  But he was anxious, and despite everything he couldn't get rid of the uneasy feeling in his stomach. He couldn’t help thinking that he would make a serious mistake somehow, that would let down not only Yok but also Wik. And Chay could not handle that thought, it made him want to throw up.

  Porsche was being helpful but also simultaneously making it worse, in the way that only older siblings seem to be capable of doing. He relentlessly teased Chay about his budding crush but then turned around and said the most comforting and encouraging things.

  “Chay, I know you've only been officially working your part time job for a few months, and have always done an amazing job. Why, didn’t you tell me the people from that play were raving about you? Didn’t they already ask you to work with them for their next season? You’re amazing Chay. You take the care to do things well. You're gonna be fine.” Porsche said, putting down a bowl of hot soup for breakfast.

  Chay hummed, drinking the soup hot and letting it wash over him along with his brother’s words to calm him. Porsche looked mildly concerned just like every other time he drank hot stuff without care but Chay ignored him.

  “Though I would have paid in gold to see your face when Yok sprung that on you like that, tell me what did you think when you heard him on the phone huh?” Porsche could not take mischief out of his blood even if he tried, but thankfully his concern over Chay already voluntarily burning his mouth meant that he at least didn't tease as Chay was drinking the soup.

  “Hiaa” Chay wailed, thoroughly distracted now.

  “I bet you recognized his voice right away, with how much you play the same handful of songs he has and stalk him everywhere on the internet.”

  “Nobody calls it ‘The Internet’ anymore, Hia”

  “ My point stands. Though tell me now, what did you say to him when you realised?”

  Chay pursed his lips and refused to answer. Porsche continued needling him regardless of that and was convinced that Chay had in fact fanboyed all over Wik. Chay blushing furiously only fueled his suspicions. But Chay did not want to admit how he had panicked at hearing Wik’s voice right in his own ears, just as Porsche suspected. However instead of acting like a fan, he had definitely been something of a hypocrite, asking Wik not to be rude while he was himself being very rude while saying that. But Porsche did not need to know all that. 

  Chay took a moment to appreciate that their flatmate had left early for work and was not there to tease him as well. He had always been particularly amused whenever Wik came up in conversation, even when the context was not

particularly funny.

  “Hia aren't you late for Uni?” He asked innocently. Porsche raised an eyebrow at him, knowing exactly what he was doing. But he was indeed late for his classes and so let it slide.

  “Okay okay, I won't tease you about your precious Wik anymore. Shall we leave if you're done and ready with everything?”, he asked, ruffing Chay’s hair..

  “Hia, you're already late. And I have some more things

to cross check as well. So you leave, I'll be okay.”

  “Will you be taking the bus then?”

  “Yes, Hia.”

  Porsche looked like he wanted to argue and Chay knew what he would say. He would likely argue about how Chay would have to change buses thrice to reach the set location and that the bike would just be more convenient. And it would be, usually. But Chay had spotted the bills that Porsche had hidden away and knew that they did not have enough to meet the costs. He also knew that Porsche was likely already cutting corners with his needs, if not taking on new menial jobs on top of that.

               But he would never begrudge Chay any comfort. He would rather drop Chay in a direction completely different from where he needs to go and have twice the petrol cost. He would not listen if Chay tried to point out that with his student pass, the bus was much cheaper. He didn't like knowing that Chay worried about expenses. He would rather be the loving self-sacrificing idiot and not listen to reason than acknowledge that Chay wanted to help as well. It had taken much to convince him that the makeup gig would be a good experience for Chay and not just an extra means of income.

               Luckily for Chay, Porsche got a call from Jom at that very moment. It saved him from trying to deter Porsche’s very well meaning, but ultimately very dumb big brother instincts with the flimsy counter of Porsche being extremely late by now.

  Jom was practically wailing for Porsche to help him out with something. Porsche looked between the phone and Chay, looking as if he would just cut the call on poor Jom so he could focus on his brother. Chay wanted to facepalm.

  He grabbed Porsche’s suspiciously light bag, he was right about the extra jobs then, as well as his helmet.He all but pushed Porsche out of the apartment, telling him to try for once to be as good of a friend as he is a good brother. Porsche of course tried to resist but Chay was not having it. He slammed the door shut and did not open it until he heard his Hia’s footsteps fading away.

  Stubborn brother dealt with, he quickly finished his breakfast and grabbed his makeup bag. It was second hand, but he maintained it with a near religious fervour. He checked through the eccentric collection of various makeup and skincare products that he had collected from what he was given by Yok and other seniors in the field. Chay also had a few precious tools that were of good quality and he was confident in his ability to work with them.

  As he sorted through it all, he reviewed and set aside the things that he knew for sure that would favour and work well with Wik’s skin tone and would suit his skin type. He supposed it was the added benefit of following every single little thing about the idol. 

  He never would have thought that signing up for a work skills course on makeup entirely on a whim would lead to him actually meeting Wik. He just wanted to do something to help around. And now he would not just meet Wik, Chay would get to work with him up and close in just a few hours. Chay shook his head, clearing his thoughts before they could take a turn for something more unprofessional and fanfiction inspired. 

  Chay had promised himself to be entirely professional. Yok and Wik depended on him after all. He busied himself by cleaning up the flat and putting the remnants of the breakfast away. By the time he packed everything up and locked the door behind him, he felt more collected and sure that he had done all that he could. Now all that remained was for him to do his best.

Chapter 3: Meeting

  Chay ended up being pretty late despite his best efforts. It started making him nervous all over again. But when he actually got to the set, it turned out that it didn't actually matter as much. Because he found out that the man of the hour himself was not there yet. Practically no one noticed him being late compared to that.

  Yok was busy placating various people so he quietly asked his way around instead of disturbing her. He figured out where he was supposed to be and went to set up his work station. He had been directed to a private little nook that

seemed like it would be undisturbed despite the bustle on set.

  Just as he was finishing up, there was a commotion up front. Chay looked up to see what it was all about but couldn't make sense of anything amidst the crowd. Most of the people on set were clustered around one side of the entrance. Chay could only hear raised voices arguing unintelligibly among themselves.

  But due to the vantage point he had, Chay was just in the right place to see Wik sneaking in through the periphery of the crowd, unnoticed by everyone around him. He watched as a dazed looking Wik tried to find a quiet spot away from the noise. The shape of the room meant that there were rarely any secluded spots and Wik headed toward the closest one to him, which was directly toward Chay.

  However Wik did not notice the space already being occupied until he and Chay were only  a few feet apart. He stopped in his tracks and Chay noticed how worn out Wik looked. He awkwardly shifted in place, probably deciding to find somewhere else. 

  But before he could move away, Chay put the chair into the shadow formed by a large mirror kept to the side. He managed to hold a pointed eye contact with Wik as he moved away from the spot and back to his table, nodding his head towards it when Wik still stood frozen in place, looking a bit like a deer caught in headlights. Wik shakes himself from the stupor and throws himself onto the chair, nicely hidden from everyone in the room but Chay. 

  Chay waited until Wik calmed down to quietly hand him some water. Wik jumped when his hand got in his line of sight, but he accepted the bottle. Chay considered that as a point won in his books. He was quietly given the bottle back with nothing but a nod for a thank-you .Chay found he didn't mind it as much as he would have. Wik got up from the chair but remained behind the mirror, monitoring everyone on set. 

  He seemed to withdraw into himself somehow, the longer he watched. Like he expected someone to catch him unawares. Chay watched his eyes sweep back and forth, catching on various details before the eyes turned to him. It is only then he realised he's been staring at Wik for the past ten minutes and has been caught red handed. 

  Wik smirked coldly, expression completely changed from what he'd looked like when he came in. “And you are?”, he asked.

  Chay wai’ed politely despite the sudden change in Wik’s demeanour. “Hello Phi, I’m Chay. We talked over the phone yesterday.”

   Wik nodded, And Chay fancied he saw his expression change. But he was back to staring at the people so Chay couldn't tell for sure. 

  “Do you know when will we get started?”’ Wik asked, still not looking at him.

  “As far as I know they were only waiting for you. So once they have dealt with whatever that fight was about, we’d be good to go.” Wik had turned around to face him again and was staring at him without blinking. It was rather unnerving, but Chay stood steadfast. It didn't feel like he was being sized up, didn't feel like what the rest of the room had been subject to.

  Wik dropped back onto the chair suddenly, still looking at him. Chay uncharacteristically didn't know what else to say and simply blinked at his idol. He was very pretty. Chay realised he had actually said that out loud when Wik started in surprise and was now looking at him with wide eyes. Chay slammed his hands on his mouth, mumbling apologies and bowing awkwardly. He could feel his face burning  and wished the ground would swallow him up. 

  He looked up when he heard Wik laughing. Mortifying ordeal or not, he couldn't imagine missing out on seeing that in person. Wik’s smile was different here. Chay did not know if it was only because he was not looking at a picture or if there was something else different. Second point to me, a voice in the back of Chay’s head counted.

  The bubble which Chay had not realised had formed between them was broken when Yok appeared at his side. 

  “Oh so you have already met each other.” She seemed delighted at that, despite having tired looking eyes. She gave Chay a big hug. Chay squeezed her a bit harder than usual, offering his support . Wik ducked away when she tried to hug him, but allowed her to ruffle his hair. Chay giggled at Wik’s resemblance to a grumpy cat that was barely tolerating being petted. 

  Yok introduced Chay to the hairdresser, called Ice, who was on their team. She then whisked Wik away to get his outfit checked and finalised. P’Ice was a jovial and easygoing person. They headed to the where the photographer and creative director were talking about the fit Wik had on. Once it was decided, they talked to Ice and Chay about what they wanted from the shoot. Chay had not worked in the style they were describing but he could easily visualise it.

  Ice and Chay worked efficiently together, turning Wik from pretty to outright ethereal. Chay was surprised when Ice started including a wound up wik in their banter, the idol had looked like he would gladly kill with his glares. But by the time they were done, Wik looked all the more better for having sniped with them. All the while the voice in the back of his head kept up counting each half-smile or snarking remake directed toward him.

     Being under the camera seemed to irritate Wik all over again, though it was obvious to anyone he was trying his best to be professional under his blank look. Soon Chay was also included into the system Ice and Yok apparently had to deal with this. Evreytime Wik visibly looked uncomfortable one of them would sneak to him to distract him from all the eyes on him.  

  Everyone breathed a sigh of relief when it was over. 

  Wik predictably looked like he wanted to escape, but unfortunately for him a few crazy fans had guessed their way into the location and were apparently raving at the entrance.

  “What do we do now?” asked Ice. “ Both Yok and me are known members Wik’s team, We cant be seen here or it would just fuel their behaviour.”

  “What if I stay with Wik and keep a lookout, she won't recognise me.” Chay piped up.

  “Okay” Yok said slowly, looking at Wik who nodded. “Okay then, I'll go and talk to security. Ice, come with me. Chay, keep him safe.”

  Wik looks faintly amused at Yok’s parting comment. “Come with me” he said, and led Chay to a spot under a staircase that had decorative ventilation openings they could see the main lobby from. But the group of fanatics were just out of their sight. 

  Wik gave out a frustrated groan and kicked a box closed so he could sit on it. Chay strained to hear what was going on in the lobby and wondered if he should just go give those girls a piece of his mind. He was pulled from his thoughts by Wik.

  “Did I pass your expectations then?” he asked.

“Huh- What, P’Wik?”

“You asked me to be polite, did I be polite enough for you?”

  Chay flushed red at the reminder of how their first conversion had gone. “I-I’m sorry I said all that to you. I was unnecessarily rude to you. P’Wik you should know I didn't mean all that- I don't think that of you.”   

  Wik was frowning, “ Then why say it?”

Chay’s ears burned even more. “ I-I panicked. I’ve been a fan of you since Yok first mentioned you and- Well I was half asleep and hearing you without warning made me panic. I clung to the first thing I knew about you which wasn't from anywhere online. Between that, my panic and trying to come off cool and collected, I ended up talking the way I did.”

  Wik was staring up at him with a mix of emotions but eventually amusement won over. 

“Don't laugh at me P’Wik”, Chay whined. Which of course made him actually laugh out loud instead of keeping it to himself. Eighth point to me, Chay thought to himself, smiling goofily back.

  -“You are something else Chay”, Wik said, looking him over again.

“Could say that about yourself as well,” Chay remarked back, raising an eyebrow.

  “Oh, So what do you actually think of me then, Porchay?” Wik was now leaning forward, far too close in the small space.

  “Well I already told you that I think you are very beautiful.”

“ Oh, is that it then,” Wik said tilting his head to the side. “Is there anything else or am I just another pretty face?” His tone was still playful and teasing but Chay could not let Wik think that of himself, even in play. 

  “Oh no, there is so much more. I think you are an amazing person, phi. I think you are incredibly committed to what you care about. And you care a lot about your art, about your music. I'm speaking as someone who has heard it, phi, it shines through even in your older songs and covers. Crazy fans aside, people do mean it when they say your work speaks to them. And undoubtedly, you are gorgeous, but the reason you have become so popular in such a short time is not just because of that P’Wik. Don't ever think that.”

  Chay had gotten even closer during his rant, and that was the only reason he saw the wetness gathering in Wik’s eyes. Wik ducked his head down quickly, but Chay had already seen it. Wik grabbed Chay’s arm, silently asking for quiet. Chay obliged. He didn't know how long they remained there like that. Eventually Wik looked back up at him with a full and genuine smile and the rest of the world rushed back in with full colour. 

  Wik let go of Chay’s hand just as he realised that he actually knew one of the voices screaming her ardent devotion to the man in front of him. He immediately went to the fandom tag and sure enough, there she was, streaming her crazy live to the whole world. 

Chay sighed, feeling some sort of misplaced responsibility. He texted his saner fandom friends, who luckily were also online and talking about what was happening. It didn't take much to convince them to help divert the fanatics. One of his friends agreed to come up and talk to them about having seen Wik move to another set and luring them away.

Chay immediately texted his plan to Yok and got to hear her ranting that the security was hesitating to do anything because they were being filmed. He closed the phone, letting her get it out of her system in peace. He recounts all that happened to Wik while they watch Chay’s friend arrive and work their magic. 

  “My hero” Wik whispers from where he is watching with his mouth near Chay’s ear. 

“ Oh I did nothing Phi” Chay replied, blushing.

“ I know, that's why I meant your friend”

Chay shoved lighty at Wik walking away, “Okay I'll leave then.”

 “ Wait for me as well” Wik followed him, giggling freely.

  Wik became more subdued when they left their hiding spot and went to meet up with Yok and Ice. But the moments Chay got to spend kept replaying in his mind as he started on his long journey home.