Don't Touch Me

04 - Just the Beginning

Warning: Sensitive words ahead.

“Be Grey’s tutor. A comic creator tutor to be exact,” Manager Hee said without hesitations.

Shane wasn’t able to process what Manager Hee had just said. He could only stare at Manager Hee who is now rummaging his things and brought some sheets of paper onto the table. It’s a contract of agreement.

“As you can see, Jyron is an actor who will be having a drama series soon. However, he needs to have a field experience for at least three months to know about being a comic creator to get the lead role. That’s why we have to hire you. Don’t worry, your pay is negotiable. Just tell us your salary rate,” Manager Hee explained, making Shane a bit curious.

“But why does it have to be me?” Shane asked in his mind.

Grey can sense how Shane is confused at the moment. But at the same time, he is hoping that he will agree as he is his last hope.

“You might be wondering why we chose you? Well, because of the chaos that happened last night, Grey became the talk of the town. He even trended for three hours. What I am suggesting is that we turn this mishap into an opportunity that both of us will benefit from. See this?” Manager Hee said and held his phone up, facing Shane.

“Once I click the post button, the fans will not attack you again! You will also get ample exposure as a comic creator. Isn’t it fantastic?” Manager Hee enthusiastically said with a smile.

But Shane didn’t respond a word, only looking simultaneously at the contract and Manager Hee’s phone. After some moments of silence, Grey decided to break the ice.

“You know what? You really don’t have to do it if you don’t want to,” Grey said, hinting an upset feeling. He stood up and signaled Manager Hee to start packing.

“Was it such a big deal to work with me? Merely because of my drug scandal?” Grey thought furiously.

But Shane still didn’t respond. After all tutoring a person one-on-one is not that easy for someone as elusive as him.

“Please let us know your decision soon, Mr. Notre,” Manager Hee said, leaving Shane alone.

Inside the car, Manager Hee, who is currently driving, sneaks glances at Grey who is now taking a nap. They are now on their way to the producer of Don’t Touch Me drama series that Grey wanted to get.

However, Grey wasn’t even asleep at all. With his eyes closed, he kept on wondering about many things, including what happened earlier.

“I thought he didn't know me, so I think he doesn’t know about the scandal yet. But why does it seem that he doesn’t want to work with me? I can even sense his hesitancy from afar,” Grey thought.

But in Shane’s mind, he was too hesitant to work with Grey, not because he is Grey, but because Grey is a human that contains germs. Working with Grey would result in tons of adjustments on Shane’s side, which Shane doesn’t want to encounter.

“But if I don't agree, his fans will not stop attacking me and my beloved artworks. Yes, they can insult me as much as they want, but not my artworks. They’re innocent,” Shane thought while walking towards his apartment. He unconsciously tapped the pin of his apartment and pulled the door open.

He heaved a sigh upon entering his apartment, still in a daze. But his eyes widened upon realizing something.

“f**k! I forgot to sanitize!” Shane exclaimed and walked back to the door. Good thing that he was still one meter from the inner part of his room, so his things are still safe from contamination.

“Ah, what a relief that there’s still a meter ahead. That Grey Southwood really knows how to distract me!” Shane thought while sanitizing.

But he was once again interrupted as a thought sprint into his mind.

“One meter? That’s it!” Shane exclaimed inside his mind and grabbed his phone to call someone.

Meanwhile, Manager Hee and Grey just arrived at the building to meet the producer. With a mask and a cap, Grey quickly walks to avoid getting the attention of other people. He quickly pressed the elevator button and took a glance at Manager Hee who was running to catch him up.

Manager Hee, panting in breath, pressed the 19th button and glared at Grey.

“Why are you in such a hurry? We still have time before the meeting,” Manager Hee scolded.

“I don’t want to attract too much attention, Manager. I think my disguise is not that effective,” Grey said. Manager Hee was about to argue, but his phone rang. His eyes widened upon seeing the caller ID.

“Oh, it’s Mr. Notre,” Manager Hee uttered, making Grey turn towards him. Manager Hee answered the call, while Grey leaned towards him to listen to their conversation.

“Hello, Mr. Stewart. It’s me, Shane Notre,” the caller said on the line.

“Ah yes, Mr. Notre. What can I do for you?” Manager Hee said with a hint of excitement. On the contrary, Grey beside him is anxiously waiting for Shane’s decision.

“Did he already decide?” Manager Hee thought.

“I, I have decided, Mr. Stewart. I accept your offer,” Shane said, immediately making Grey and Manager Hee delighted. Out of joy, Grey shook Manager Hee’s shoulders while silently mouthing words. Manager Hee cleared his throat to let out a serious tone.

“That’s good to hear, Mr. Notre. You made the right choice! We will surely not let you down. Please---” Manager Hee abruptly said, but got interrupted as Shane spoke.

“But I have one condition, Mr. Stewart,” Shane said, making Manager Hee and Grey look at each other with confusion.

“During the tutorial session, I would really appreciate it if Mr. Southwood can maintain one-meter distance from me at all times,” Shane continued.

Upon hearing Shane’s condition, Manager Hee immediately dropped the call after saying that he will think of it first with Grey. But in reality, Manager Hee just doesn't want Shane hearing Grey’s nonstop complaints, which is starting right now.

“Hah! Who does he think he is? Some sort of a saint or a royal family member?” Grey furiously said after getting off the elevator with Manager Hee.

“Calm down, Grey. I’m sure Mr. Notre has some reasons for requesting such things like that. For now, let’s just focus on discussing the drama with the producer, okay? We can settle it later,” Manager Hee calmly said, and Grey just heaved a sigh.

---

“You want to stop casting me?” Grey asked in disbelief. The producer and the writer could only look away in embarrassment.

“Don’t you think this is kind of unprofessional, Mr. Dela Verga and Ms. Irisonta?” Manager Hee asked while gripping Grey’s arm who is at the verge of berserking right now.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Stewart, Mr. Southwood. Vester’s manager just called me, saying that he wanted to do the role now,” Producer Kyle Dela Verga said in worry.

“How can we even say no? It’s Vester, the most popular actor right now,” Writer Pauleen Irisonta added.

Grey could only clench his jaw in frustration, bitterness, and disbelief.

“Damn, I just can’t let this project slip away,” Grey firmly thought and intently looked at the two.

“I am well-aware that Vester is the most popular actor right now; take note of the word ‘right now.’ It only means that no one can predict what’s going to happen, right? You still have no idea who can execute the role better between the two of us. Isn’t it too reckless for you to depend on popularity instead of skills?” Grey entailed and grabbed the script.

“Remember that the lead role on this drama needs to have a field experience for three months. Three months of dedication, consistency, and passion to learn something new. If you think Vester will do it for you, then I would gladly surrender the role. But if he can’t, don’t come back to me, saying that you want to cast an obsolete but experienced actor like me again,” Grey said and stood up.

The producer and the writer couldn’t utter a word as they were already lost in contemplation.

“Manager Hee, let’s go. We can’t waste our time on trivial matters like this,” Grey said, and Manager Hee complied. But before they could go out of the room, Producer Kyle spoke again.

“Fine, let’s make a deal, Grey,” Producer Kyle said, making Grey and Manager Hee turned back.

“After three months, both you and Vester will be undergoing an audition for the lead role of ‘Don’t Touch Me.’ It will of course include an art competition and other tests related to comics. Whoever wins will get the role, is that okay?” Producer Kyle asked.

“These hagglers...You want me to waste time with an uncertain role?” Grey thought in irritation.

“Alright, it’s a deal,” Manager Hee said, which made Grey shocked.

“Manager Hee?” Grey whispered with twitching eyebrows.

“This is your last chance, Grey. I won’t let you underestimate this opportunity,” Manager Hee whispered.

“We’ll take our leave here. Thank you very much for your consideration,” Manager Hee said and pulled Grey outside.

Upon hopping on the elevator, Grey couldn’t suppress himself and blasted a question at Manager Hee.

“Manager Hee, why did you agree? Don’t you see that they only want to extort me? It’s not even certain if I can get the role or not!” Grey exclaimed.

Manager Hee only glared at him before answering.

“Have you forgotten where you came from, Grey?” Manager Hee asked, which confused Grey.

“What do you mean?” Grey asked.

“Have you forgotten that you also came from an unknown person who was begging for any roles, training for days, weeks, or months just to audition for a single role? Have you forgotten that an artist should not be nitpicky and work harder than yesterday because of the tons of competitors sprouting every day? Have you forgotten that practice will never betray you?” Manager Hee said and gripped Grey’s shoulders.

“Manager, I…” Grey couldn’t continue as he was caught off guard.

The door of the elevator opened, and Manager Hee removed his hands and face forward.

“Wake up, Grey. This is just the beginning.”

---

"In every ending, there's a new beginning."

-Deborah Harkness