Chapter 9: Couple in the Series Part 3
1039 Words
As usual, Senior Sion and I would come to the office for a workshop, but today I noticed Senior Sion's behavior was noticeably different. He seemed unfocused and anxious. During our martial arts training, I accidentally hit Senior Sion in the face because he wasn't focused and didn't respond to my movements in time. The move we were doing today was one we'd memorized since the first day of the workshop: one where I threw my fist and then used my elbow to strike his chin. Since we started training together, Senior Sion had never been hit by me, and today, instead of learning another move, he was hit by my punch, which caused a nosebleed.
I was very worried, but Senior Sion just smiled and said, "I'm fine, sorry, I wasn't focused."
I felt guilty and kept apologizing while applying a cold compress to Senior Sion's nose. I gently helped him wipe the blood dripping from his nose. The staff told me to just go back to training and let them take care of Senior Sion. But because I felt guilty and worried, I said I'd take care of Senior Sion by myself. Besides, I couldn't train because I was so worried about Senior Sion.
Senior Sion looked at me and said softly, "Rayan, I'm really fine. It's not your fault; I just wasn't focused."
I looked back at Senior Sion and said in a low voice, unlike my usual self, "No, Senior. It was my fault too. I should have stopped my punch when I knew you weren't ready. It was my fault, I'm sorry."
"No, you're not wrong," Senior Sion said, stopping when someone suddenly approached us.
"Rayan, be more careful next time! You're more used to this kind of martial arts than Sion, so don't be so pretentious. You're more skilled and can't adapt to Sion." I turned to the person approaching us. His words were very uncomfortable to hear, and his tone, which seemed to blame me, made me feel even more guilty.
"No, Rayan's not wrong. Don't blame Rayan. It was my fault for not focusing," said Senior Sion, who immediately patted my shoulder gently.
"I'll be more careful next time. I'm sorry, Senior. I'm going to the bathroom for a moment," I said quietly, then put down the tissue I was holding and stood up.
"Rayan," called Senior Sion, who was looking at me.
I simply smiled and said in my usual cheerful tone, even though I wasn't feeling cheerful at all, "I just need to take a quick pee."
"Okay," replied Senior Sion with a smile.
I walked to the bathroom and accidentally bumped into Ethan, who had just come out of the bathroom. I was startled because I was daydreaming. Ethan stared at me for a moment, then asked in a concerned voice, "What's wrong, Rayan? Are you feeling sick?"
I immediately smiled and replied, "No, Ethan. I'm fine."
"Hm?? Really?" Ethan asked, looking incredulous.
I reassured him, "Really, I just need to pee quickly."
I laughed a little, which made Ethan smile and reply, "Then hurry up and go to the bathroom. You don't want to get kidney disease, do you? Hehe."
I laughed and patted Ethan on the shoulder, "Yes, Ethan. I'm going to the bathroom first."
I went into the bathroom and washed my face. I didn't really need to pee, but I don't know why I just wanted to be alone first. The words I heard earlier made me feel uncomfortable and further convinced that this place and this project would be the same as any other. Moreover, the agency also wanted fan service and that they wanted my character to be slightly altered, as did Senior Sion. I didn't like all of this; sometimes I felt uncomfortable and a little hurt by the jokes made by the staff and Senior Sion. I knew that the character Senior Sion portrayed on camera wasn't 100% his true nature, but rather a character created by the agency, who felt that Senior Sion would be a better fit with my character, which the agency had also created. The agency believed that our two characters like that would attract many fans and also make us a popular couple.
I sighed and washed my face again. Then, I grabbed a tissue and wiped it off before leaving the bathroom. As I was about to leave, I was surprised again by Senior Sion, who was already in front of the bathroom. He immediately grabbed my arm and led me inside. So,
I'm in the bathroom again.
"Senior Sion?" I was confused and looked at Senior Sion questioningly.
"Rayan, I'm really sorry because I was careless and got hurt. You're the one getting blamed when you are completely innocent. Rayan, you don't need to listen to Yummy. I just had so much on my mind today that I couldn't focus. I'm sorry," Senior Sion said softly, making my heart melt.
I don't know why someone like Senior Sion exists. Before, if I was blamed for something, other actors would act indifferent and only offer fake encouragement, but Senior Sion apologized continuously like this and blamed himself. Furthermore, I saw only sincerity in his eyes, his gentle way of speaking, and his smile, which was genuine and sincere, not just a mere fake smile.
I still felt guilty, but at least I felt better after hearing Senior Sion's words. I nodded and smiled, then said, "Yes, Senior Sion. I'm sorry for hurting you too. I don't know what you're thinking, but if you want to tell me so you can feel better, I'm ready to listen. Don't keep it to yourself until you lose focus like before. You know how dangerous it is to lose focus."
I want Senior Sion to be more open with me so I can be open with him. I want us to trust each other so we can work better together. Honestly, I feel comfortable with Senior Sion, but if Senior Sion isn't comfortable with me, I can't open my walls completely.
Senior Sion looked at me with those small eyes and smiled. He asked, "After you get home, do you want to hang out with me for awhile?"
- Writer
