26: The Somebody and the Nobody

Ashmille scoffed. “What do I get from agreeing on that? We’re not in college doing our thesis anymore.”

“I had done my acting workshop months ago after accepting a project. I was chosen to play the lead male role in a romantic short film produced by a humble film company. I had a problem reenacting some scenes during the dry run. It was so bad that we had to retake many scenes. It annoyed my team, so my manager suggested that I gain real-life romantic experience. That way, I would be able to execute this role swiftly and naturally. Then this idea jumped into my mind. Our prototype dating felt so real, I’d like to do it again for this film. Who would have thought that our thesis would come in handy in the future? Of course, we’ll compensate you with a talent fee, and all expenses are on me and the management. We can have another contract signing and boundaries listed,” he convinces her.

“Wow, congratulations on getting that role. From graduating from the psychology program to being an influencer, entrepreneur, and now, an actor. You really outdid yourself,” she said proudly.

“Nah, I’m in danger of not getting that role at all because I suck at being an on-cam lover. I can do casual roles, but being the lead actor pretending to be in love with the actress I work with is more difficult.”

“I can see why it’s been challenging for you. But haven’t you had real-life romance before or even now that you’re a media personality? Given your profession and hobbies, you get to meet a lot of prospects or just the experience of having a lover.”

“Great question. You cornered me just like the reporters and my fans who are intrigued with my love life.”

“Uh, I didn't intend to pry into your personal affairs-”

“I get it. Recently? Well, I’ve been paired up with some actresses, influencers like me, and even with my workmates and friends’ friends. And to be transparent, I’ve gone out with some of them.”

“That’s it. Those dating experiences can be the source of your skills to be an ideal leading man for your role.”

“To give you a concept, the story of the film is about a renowned girl from a political clan, and the guy is a simple manual laborer in a manufacturing company that the girl’s family owns. At first, it was a romance drama theme, but they added comedy to it. The two protagonists had a funny encounter in how they met, and more romantic scenes would come in. Drama takes place as they face conflicts in their relationship despite coming from different worlds. They will be apart for years and will cross paths once again to continue their love story.”

“Interesting plot”

“It is. And it came to me that this story is quite related to ours.”

“H-Huh?”

“What I mean to say, especially at the last part, where they will meet again after many years, is what happened with us today. Igniting the old spark!”

“Alejandrino… we’ve never been a real couple.”

“Yeah… We reunited not out of pure coincidence, unlike in the story, because we booked an appointment with each other to catch up tonight. It’s because we dated in the past and met again after three years. Now I’d like to finish our five more dates to somehow continue our story in college as colleagues or maybe more than friends, I don’t know. It’s like the story I will be acting… All of this is for my acting purposes only, alright?”

Ashmille totally gets his point now, but it was still quite silly for her.

“I understand what you’re trying to convey. By being more than friends, do you mean as your character partner?”

“Y-Yeah,” he stuttered with a soft laugh. “A character partner. You'll be my practice partner in real life for the character I'll be playing in the film. Haven’t heard of it, but I love it. Brilliant!”

“I just invented that job name. If it works, then it worked.”

He snapped his fingers. “And that would be your position if you’ll accept the job.”

She tittered. “I haven’t heard that iconic word from you for a while.”

“Which word?”

“Brilliant”

“Oh, yeah. I didn’t even know that was my iconic word or that I have an iconic word,” he chortled.

“You always say that to someone when something brilliant has been done.”

“I hope I can be a worthy actor, even for this film, so that I can call myself brilliant.”

“You already are. You’ll be more brilliant.”

“I’m still less of an amateur actor. As much as I love this project coming to fruition… You don’t have to answer right away. Feel free to give me your answer in chat to give it a thought.”

They both stood up after finishing their food.

She reminisced about their time spent together working on their thesis, which also felt like playing a role-playing game due to their prototype dating.

Drino held out his right hand to her. “Thank you, Ashmille. I’ll wait for your reply.”

She smiled. They shook their hands and left the restaurant. Drino drove off in his car, while Ashmille waited for 10 minutes for her ride-hailing sedan.

Ashmille thought about how Drino has changed, yet she feels strange that she also seems like the same college Drino.

***

Ashmille felt intimidated after meeting him again. He has grown so much more in person than when she was just watching him on her phone screen.

She went early to the office for work. She saw Feviah sitting.

“Good morning,” she greeted her.

“Hello!” Feviah grinned, greeting her back.

Ashmille put her stuff on the desk.

“Did you finish your tasks yesterday? I think I couldn’t finish mine in one week.”

“Barely, but with overtime, I might finish it before next week.”

“How I wish I could do the same.”

“I can help you so we can reach the deadline.”

“Aww, and we still have 5-6 more projects coming this year. I wonder if they would proceed with some of it if they laid us off…”

“What do you mean?”

“Oh, no… Don’t tell Ma’am Janeth I spilled the tea, okay?”

“What happened?”

“Our company is in a pinch right now. They might lay off some of the employees in various departments, including us. And since our positions are entry-level, we are the ones who are in danger of losing this job. Ma’am Janeth and Sir Gendo are safe for sure.”