EPISODE 9
1615 Words
The One He Fancies
Noah wasn’t giving up—not this time.
He had already lost Adrian once, and that ache was something he never wanted to feel again. So he made it his mission to win him back, no matter how many walls Adrian built or how long it took. Every morning, every spare minute, every chance he got—he made sure Adrian knew he was still there.
He appeared at Adrian’s workplace with flowers, sometimes chocolates, and other times just a quiet smile that said I’m still here, waiting. His persistence became a daily rhythm. The employees at Eden Global began to notice. Whispers trailed behind Adrian wherever he went.
> “Isn’t that the actor Noah Reid?”
“He’s here again?”
“He must really like Mr. Adrian…”
Even Adrian’s colleagues couldn’t hide their smiles when Noah would drop by the office, greeting the staff before handing Adrian another bouquet.
Despite himself, Adrian’s heart was softening. Each petal, each gesture, each unexpected visit chipped away at the walls he’d tried to build.
But that day, Noah couldn’t come. He had an interview—an important one that could define his career—but he didn’t let that stop him. He sent an entire car filled with flowers to Adrian’s office.
When the delivery arrived, everyone gathered around, eyes wide.
> “Oh my God, that’s… a lot of flowers.”
“He’s serious, isn’t he?”
Adrian stood there, frozen. Then, for the first time, he smiled faintly and accepted them.
That tiny smile didn’t go unnoticed. By the end of the day, the whole department knew: Noah was winning him over.
---
Later that evening, Noah’s interview began. The set was elegant—warm lights, a relaxed atmosphere, and the hum of quiet anticipation.
The host, Sheryl, smiled brightly as she turned toward him.
“Welcome, Noah. Oh—sorry, is it okay if I call you Noah?”
“Of course,” he replied, a gentle smile curving his lips.
“Wonderful. You’ve been doing marvellously well for yourself, especially with your last project for Eden Global. How do you feel about it?”
Noah’s expression softened. “I must say, God has been faithful. And I’m thankful to my fans for standing by me through everything. The Eden Global project… it’s been one of the best experiences of my life. Not just because it was a success, but because I met a lot of wonderful people there. The designing department—” he paused, chuckling softly, “—they have some of the kindest and most talented people I’ve ever worked with.”
Sheryl raised an eyebrow playfully. “From the way you put it, I think we’re all suddenly curious about this designing department.”
Laughter rippled through the set.
“I heard you’re taking a break from work,” she continued. “Any particular reason?”
“Yes,” Noah replied. “Eden Global was my last project before I decided to take some time off.”
The interviewer leaned closer with a teasing smile. “Now, there’s been a bit of gossip going around… nothing major, but your fans are dying to know. Is it true you accepted the Eden Global project because of someone who works there?”
Noah chuckled, tilting his head. “Wow, you’ve done your homework. But yes… there is someone I fancy who works for Eden Global. Though, that wasn’t the only reason I accepted the offer.”
“Oooh,” she laughed, “do we get to know who this mystery person is—or is that a private thing?”
“I’d love to tell the world,” Noah said sincerely, “but I’m not sure if he would want that.”
“He?” she repeated, eyes wide. “So it’s a he?”
“Yes,” Noah said simply, with a small, confident laugh.
The studio gasped. Even Sheryl was taken aback before breaking into a grin. “Oh my goodness, you just broke the hearts of millions of girls out there! But thank you for being honest with us. And I must say—whoever he is, he’s one lucky man.”
“Thank you,” Noah said warmly. “Before I go, I’d like to say something.”
The lights seemed to dim slightly, focusing on him. His tone softened, sincere and vulnerable.
> “There’s someone special out there—someone who’s been in my life longer than most people know. I hurt him, and I regret it every day. I know saying sorry isn’t enough, but I’m not giving up. Not now, not ever.
And to my very first fan, JoJofax—thank you. You created my first fan club, stood by me through everything, and you’ll always hold a special place in my heart. I sent you a message. I hope we meet someday.”
The crowd erupted in quiet applause.
“Aww, that’s so sweet,” Sheryl said softly. “We hope he’s watching and gives you that second chance.”
“Thank you, Sheryl,” Noah smiled. “It means a lot.”
“And that’s all for today, folks,” Sheryl said to the camera. “You know who it is—your girl Sheryl. See you next time!”
The red light on the camera blinked off. Noah stood, bowed politely, and left with his manager, his heart lighter than it had been in weeks.
---
Meanwhile, in Adrian’s apartment, the TV flickered with the replay of Noah’s interview. Adrian sat silently, eyes fixed on the screen. Beside him, Chen leaned forward, a half-smile tugging at his lips.
“The guy’s all out this time,” Chen said. “I think you should give him a chance.”
Adrian sighed, leaning back against the couch. “I know. And I will. I just… haven’t had the time to see him in person.”
Chen turned to him, voice steady but soft. “He’s risking everything, you know? Coming out like that… his fans might not all take it well. If he’s risking it all, Adrian—it means you’re more important to him than his career.”
Adrian didn’t reply immediately. He just sat there, watching the TV replay Noah’s smile. His fingers tightened around the edge of the couch, and his heart thudded painfully in his chest.
Maybe Chen was right.
Maybe it was time to stop running.
---
The next day, when Adrian returned home, the city outside his apartment glowed like an endless sea of gold. Adrian loosened his tie, the exhaustion of the day still clinging to his body. Without much thought, he reached for his phone, opening the one account he hadn’t touched in months — JoJoFax.
The familiar interface blinked to life, and there it was.
The message.
> “I do not know how to thank you, so I don’t know if you won’t mind if I ask us to meet up.”
— Noah Reid.
Adrian’s breath caught for a second.
It had been sent months ago.
A wave of guilt washed through him — he remembered those months. Endless deadlines, board meetings, sleepless nights under the pale glow of his office computer. He barely had time to breathe, let alone check messages. And in all that chaos, he missed this — this small, honest invitation from the man whose dreams he had quietly nurtured from the shadows.
His fingers hovered over the message for a long moment before he finally sighed.
“Guess I really did screw that one up,” he muttered to himself.
He scrolled through Noah’s verified page, the one managed by his PR team. Photos of Noah flooded the screen — the same bright smile that once looked at him through a computer screen years ago. The captions were cheerful, polished, professional. But beneath the surface, Adrian could see it — that flicker of loneliness in Noah’s eyes. The same loneliness he recognized in himself.
Then he saw it: “Live Fan Meeting — This Saturday!”
A small promotional poster glowed on his screen.
Without thinking twice, Adrian’s heart made the decision for him. He’d go. Just like the old days. Disguised. Hidden in plain sight. Watching from afar, the way he always had.
Only this time… something inside him whispered that fate wouldn’t let things end quietly.
---
The Day of the Event
Meanwhile, Noah had been counting down the days like a man waiting for the moment his heart would finally beat again. Every morning he’d send something small to Adrian — coffee, flowers, a simple note. And every evening, he’d wait to see if it was rejected. None ever were.
That small, fragile hope was enough to light his entire world.
He knew — deep down — that Adrian would come. Maybe as himself. Maybe as JoJoFax. But Noah didn’t care how he showed up; his heart would recognize him no matter what mask he wore.
So when he asked his manager to organize a live fan meeting, he did it with one intention — to draw Adrian out.
To bring him into the same room.
To finally make the distance between them crumble.
The day arrived like a dream. The grand hall was overflowing — laughter, flashing cameras, fans clutching gifts and posters. The air was electric. On stage, Noah smiled, waved, joked, signed autographs. His fans adored him — their cheers echoing like music — but his mind was elsewhere.
Every few seconds, his eyes darted toward the crowd, searching.
Scanning.
Hoping.
“Where are you…?” he thought, fingers tightening around the microphone.
---
- Writer
