Chapter 6

A/N:

// text like this is used when the characters speak in their head; thoughts //

<< text like this is used when characters are talking with one another; basically the dialogue >>

\\ text like this is used with social media; calls, messages, texts, captions, etc. \\

-

Vincent's eyes almost pop out of their sockets in both shock and disbelief. His mouth falls open, the script slips out of his grasp and his breath gets caught in his throat. His eyes meet Lulu's, searching for any signs of a joke but find none. He turns to Shen who's looking just as surprised as he is. He looks at Beau, wondering if he heard her right.

Cast?

Him?

Protagonist?

Director Lulu chuckles at Vincent's reaction and stands to pick up the fallen script before handing it back to Vincent, who takes it despite his stupefied state. Lulu then sits back down across Vincent and apologizes for suddenly bombarding him with such a big news before proceeding to explain her side. She explains how despite sending out a casting notice 2 months ago, she's still yet to find a suitable actor that suits her taste for the role of Ned, the protagonist of the series she'll be directing.

<< But why me? I don't have any background in acting! The most acting I did was during a high school play and I was a talking tree. That's it! So I don't think you're talking to the right person here. >>

<< Dear, do you think I asked you to come because I thought you weren't the right person for this drama? I watched your volleyball game against the GE Inc. team earlier and when I saw you, I immediately thought, 'Ah, it's Ned'. That's why I had Beau find you for me. >>

<< 'Ah, it's Ned'? What do you even mean? >>

<< Your charisma as the captain of your team, your competitive spirit that matched the celebrity team, your confidence in your skills of the sport, your intuitive eye and quick decision making. All those appealed to me and reflected the character of Ned. As a director, I can't just pass up this opportunity, don't you think? If you're worried about how you're going to look in television, let me tell you now that you look good behind the camera. >>

Vincent falls silent and Lulu continues on, assuring him that if he agrees, he won't have to worry about anything at all. She'll cover for everything starting from the acting workshops, the food, the allowance, the sponsorship and everything else since it's her that's asking Vincent for a favor and while he's flattered by the fact that Lulu sees these things in him that appeal to her, Vincent understands that in any industry, what Lulu's doing is basically bribing him to accept the job. In hindsight, he's got no qualms over what is being asked of him but it's his doubt in himself of whether or not he can face up to the challenge and expectations of Lulu that's stopping him.

<< Are you sure you're okay with me? The people outside, aren't they auditioning for Ned's role as well? What would they say? >>

<< Vincent, dear. I'm the director of the series. If I cast you, there's nothing they can do about it. Just think of it as a job interview but instead of doing an interview, you get scouted by the boss herself. What do you say? >>

<< I, I need time to think. This is crazy. I can't believe you want me, a complete stranger, to play such an important role! >>

<< I'll give you time but I won't wait forever. If you turn the offer down then I'll just have to settle for the next best thing I have in mind. If you change your mind then, I'm tell you right now I will not spare you even a single glance. >>

<< Don't you feel like it's too risky? >>

<< Everything's a risk Vincent. That means not doing anything is also a risk. It's just up to you which risk you're willing to take. >>

Vincent leans back on his seat, taking a deep breath and falling into his thoughts.

Just as Lulu said, she gives him time by leaving the room to attend to the auditionees but not before telling him that if he's come to a decision, she'll just be outside, waiting. Shen gives him a pat on the back as he stands to leave as well, assuring him that whatever decision he makes, Shen will support. Once alone in the room, Vincent's eyes fall to the script on his lap before asking himself what he should do. He runs everything in his mind one more time but can't help feeling dizzy, overwhelmed and intimidated by the sequence of events.

// Lulu wants to cast me. I told her already that I have no acting experience but she still wants to cast me. According to her, my personality fits her vision of this Ned character but I don't even know what I did! Charisma? Confidence? I was just playing volleyball! //

Vincent lets out another groan of frustration, the situation stressing him out more as each second passes by. Lulu says to think of it like a job interview but this is definitely different from that. Surely there's more to it than meets the eye. What happens after he accepts the offer? He'll need to learn new things to do his job. He's going to need to adjust with his new working environment. He's going to need to learn the ropes of a completely different industry. The fear of messing up, of falling short and of Lulu's grand expectation of him, it's just downright dreadful. Apart from this being something entirely new, it's also something he's never thought of doing in his entire life.

// Can I really do this? //

It's not like Vincent doesn't want to say yes. A part of him honestly wants to try, to explore this new world, to expand his horizon. But that willingness inside of him is gravely overshadowed by his insecurities and uncertainty. Even though Lulu mentioned he was going to be well taken care of with workshops and acting classes, surely there'd be more to it than just that. Vincent raises the script to his eye level and he gets this odd idea of counting the number of characters in it. He arrives at 13 characters and he can't help comparing it to his measly IT team of only 4 people. He'd have to handle adjusting to an entirely new working environment, new people, new schedules, new everything! Just thinking about this makes his head hurt and his thoughts a jumbled mess.

Vincent contemplates his next move as he stares at the script in his hands. If someone told him that he'd be cast in a drama series yesterday, he would've laughed at their faces but now that it's actually happening, Vincent feels helpless. Feeling like he needs a second opinion, he takes out his phone and calls his mother. She answers after two rings and upon hearing her voice, Vincent immediately feels at ease. They greet one another before Vincent starts to explain the predicament he's in. His mother listens in on it and when he's done, he lets out a sigh and asks his mom what he should do.

\\ This isn't like you Vincent. Ever since you were young you always had this tendency to approach things in a very simplistic manner. It was either a yes or no with you. \\

\\ But this is different mom. This is something entirely new. I don't know anything about acting! \\

\\ Eh? But you just told me they'll put you in workshops and acting classes? I don't see the problem then. You know, you're thinking too much about this Vincent. Just think of it as being offered a new job. Will you accept or not? Try removing all those unnecessary thoughts so that you'll see the clearer picture. After all, the only thing they're really asking you is if you want to do it or not. You never know, you might make it big. When that happens, I can get to boast to the girls in my book club how I not only have a smart son but also a handsome celebrity star as well. \\

Upon hearing his mother's words, he can't help but notice the resemblance they had with Lulu's earlier. If they're looking at it from the same vantage point, Vincent thinks that maybe it's just him who's worried over nothing at all. He thanks his mother for her advice and ends the call before repeating their conversation in his mind. He takes her advice of removing all the unnecessary baggage and that's when something clicks inside Vincent's head. His mother is right. It's just a simple yes or no. If it's something he wanted to do then what's stopping him? His fear? His uncertainty? That may be so but now that his head is clearer, he realizes that it's actually just the same thing. Whether it was when he first applied for a job or when he first tried out volleyball or when he first transferred offices, it's just the same! Naturally, people feel scared when they try out something new but regardless of this they want to do it, they just take that fear with them and push forward. His eyes fly back to the script before he asks himself if he wants to do this.

-

Shen bows after giving a small speech for the auditionees before giving the stage to Lulu. Apparently, the reason he was called to work today is because Lulu wanted him to give a few words of advice to the juniors audition and to assist in the casting for the role of Ned. When he heard Lulu's offer to Vincent, he was just as surprised as Vincent was. He already had an inkling that maybe Lulu wanted to talk to Vincent about something related the series when he he received instructions to go up to the 23rd floor but he didn't expect Lulu to straightforwardly offer the role of the main protagonist the moment they sat down.

And when Shen says main protagonist, he means his love interest in the series.

That's right. 'You + Your One Million Layers' is a romanctic BL drama. When Shen was cast as Gerard a month ago, as a virtuous actor, of course he read the script. He also assisted in multiple auditions for the role of Ned and just like Lulu, he has yet to find an actor whom he felt he had a connection with. So as Shen was sitting beside Vincent when Lulu dropped the bomb on the poor guy, as much as he doesn't want to admit it, the first thing that came to his mind was the numerous kiss scenes and the love scenes in the script.

// I'm going to do that with Vincent? //

Shen regrets that he wasn't able to at least back Vincent up when he could've but honestly speaking, he was a bit too preoccupied in his head with pictures of him 'working' with Vincent that he forgot about the other man beside him.

// When he comes out, I'll tell him. //

As Lulu finishes her formalities with the auditionees, the door to the private room opens and everyone's attention momentarily gets stolen by Vincent as he comes out of the room with a big name tag plastered on the front of his shirt and the script in his hand. Lulu smiles knowingly when Vincent walks and sits among the acting crowd before thanking them once again for showing interest in another one of GE Inc.'s projects. She instructs everyone to prepare then calls Vincent up front to have a word.

<< I'm taking this as a yes, I presume? >>

<< Yeah I'll do it. Figured I have nothing to lose right? >>

<< Great! Now that you're in, let me introduce you to your leading man, Gerard. >>

Lulu points to Shen and Vincent lets out an incredulous gasp. He points an accusing finger at Shen and the man just looks down as he scratches his nape before smiling like he's been caught red handed. Vincent looks back to Lulu to ask if she was serious and she just looks at Vincent confused. She asks if there seemed to be a problem before Vincent explains that had he known that Shen was on board, it would've made him feel at least a little bit more inclined to say yes knowing he would be working with someone familiar. Shen is surprised by Vincent's confession, feeling flattered by it but keeping it to himself.

Lulu dismisses the both of them before facing the auditionees to inform them that their auditions will now start and they will go in alphabetical order. She instructs them to get ready before pointing to Shen, telling them that for those auditioning for the role of Ned that they will be acting with him. This garners murmuring and Vincent wonders if despite being cast, is he still obliged to audition. Vincent then taps Lulu on her shoulder before she leaves and asks if he has to audition as well.

<< Do I need to audition as well? >>

<< You don't have to since I already cast you so you can just relax. I'm just going to entertain the others out of courtesy. >>

<< Can I still do it though? >>

Both Lulu and Shen look at Vincent confusingly before the director asks him why he still wants to audition.

<< I just don't want to feel like I'm taking the easy way in. I mean, all these people went to acting classes and everything while I just got handed over the part they're trying so hard to aim for. It sort of makes me feel bad. I don't know, it's just a personal thing I guess? >>

<< Well, now that I think about it, it may be bad publicity for both the series and you if word got out. Fine, you can audition but I expect you to really try okay? Just because you already got the part doesn't mean I want to see a half-assed audition. This can also help me see where you are as an beginner so I know how to help you and with what. >>

With that, the audition starts.

Since they're going in alphabetical order, Vincent has the leisure of time of reading the script and dissecting what kind of character Ned I designed to be. He also overhears the people before him about the series being a novel so he researches about it and true to their gossiping, the novel is indeed published. Vincent searches about the novel on his phone, looking for articles, interviews and reviews about the author, the story and and its characters before finding a forum discussion about the book. In it were multiple assumptions and presumptions of Ned's character and since Vincent hasn't read the novel yet, he decides to only absorb the most occurring matching themes of Ned's character.

Sensitive, passionate, stubborn, effortful, single-oriented mindset, thoughtful, selfless, low self-esteem. These were the most common descriptions of Ned and Vincent decides to just work with those as he continues reading the script. He isn't really aware of what goes on in an audition but he's heard about some where you have to memorize every line of the script. Feeling a little intimidated, he taps the person in front of him and greets him. Vincent introduces himself as kindly as he can and thankfully the person reciprocates. He turns to face Vincent, revealing his name tag plastered on the front of his shirt, same as Vincent.

<< Tony? >>

<< Vincent? >>

<< Yes, nice to meet you. >>

<< Nice to meet you too. Say, are you new here? I haven't seen you before in any of the auditions I've been to. >>

<< Ah, yes. My mom convinced me to try something new so here I am. >>

<< Best of luck then. So, what's up? >>

<< Um, it's my first time doing this thing so like, I was wondering which part of the script do I have to memorize? >>

<< Ah, don't worry about that. I've auditioned for director Lulu on several occasions. She tends to just ask us to act out a particular scene she has in mind. Sometimes it's from a novel, sometimes from a drama, sometimes something she just thinks of out of the blue. Point is, it's more of an impromptu kind of audition. >>

Tony talks more about Lulu's tendencies he's come to observe when it came to auditions and Vincent sincerely thanks him for the helpful words. When it's Tony's turn for the audition, Vincent wishes him luck before being left in the room with the other three remaining auditionees. Vincent turns to look at them, hoping to try and converse but they're all in their earphones, faces almost kissing the script and Vincent decides to just leave them be.

Tony comes out a few minutes later before calling Vincent, telling him it's his turn and wishing him a good luck. They exchange goodbyes and Vincent steps into the room, seeing the tables have been rearranged. He also notices that more lights are turned on, a camera is set up on a tripod and behind one of the tables sat Lulu and another person, one who Vincent recognizes as the author of the novel. Vincent feels a little excitement and honor seeing the author himself before scanning the room to look for Shen and sees him sitting by a stool. Shen waves at him and Vincent returns it before Lulu asks Vincent to introduce himself to start them off. Before Vincent opens his mouth, Lulu gives him a knowing glance before eyeing Mr. Noriel Silver beside her and shaking her head discreetly. Vincent gets the message that he isn't aware of Lulu's decision yet and decides to play dumb.

After Vincent, Lulu briefly introduces both her and Noriel Silver before holding out a cup with rolled up papers in them. She instructs Vincent to pick a roll from it and explains to him that he'll be acting out whatever scene was in the paper. Vincent picks haphazardly and unrolls it to read the words.

<< Gerard is feeling a bit down so Ned does something to cheer him up. >>

// Oh my freaking lord, that's it? //

Vincent flips the paper around to check if he missed something but he doesn't. Those 14 words are the only thing written in the paper but it's the first time Vincent has ever felt so intimidated by 14 words in his life. He feels anxiety worm its way into his head and curses the paper he picked in his head.

// The scene is too vague! What was Gerard even feeling down about? //

Sensing his panic, Shen walks over to read the scene Vincent picked out as well before handing it over to Lulu.

<< Ah this scene. Ok so the setting I have in mind is at their music club. Pretend that Ned and Gerard had just gotten together, say 2 months in. You can do whatever you want but know that I instructed Shen to follow after your lead so make sure you don't do something too out of character. Lastly, we'll be recording your audition for reviewing purposes so whenever you're read, you may start. Good luck Vincent, you got this. >>

Lulu gives Vincent the go signal and Shen stands beside him, waiting for Shen to start. He racks his brain for something but he gets nothing. In a panicked fray, Vincent looks around the room in hopes of finding something that can give him an idea.

// Music club? 2 months in? Gerard is sad? //

He sees a flower pot but can't think of anything about it. He sees a stuffed animal and immediately thinks what would its relation to a music club be. He sees a bottled water but somehow an image of Shen choking on water comes to his mind. When he's about to give up, he suddenly spots a guitar at the corner of the room and that's when he suddenly gets an idea. He then faces Shen.

<< Gerard, wait here ok? >>

Shen takes the mention of his character's name as the go signal and he switches into character. He watches as Vincent's Ned runs to the edge of the room to grab the guitar and sheepishly picks it up before walking back shyly towards him. Vincent then pulls the stool Shen was sitting on earlier to the center and motions for Shen to sit before he goes to stand beside him. He then checks to see if the guitar is in tune before starting a conversation in character.

<< This the first time I'm doing something like this for anyone ever, so you better listen alright? I know that lately you've been feeling down and I thought what better way to cheer you up than with a song? >>

Shen nods at Vincent, intrigued by his choice of action but waits for his move nonetheless. When Vincent looks down on Shen, Shen gives him a nod and Vincent smiles shyly before moving his attention to the guitar. He starts strumming and then starts singing and immediately Shen is captivated by Vincent's smooth voice, his mouth letting out a surprised gasp.

<< What is that sad look in your eyes

Why are you crying

Tell me now, tell me now

Tell me, why you're feelin' this way >>

Shen recognizes the song. It's called Tell Me Where It Hurts. He can't remember who sang it but at that point it's irrelevant to him. His full attention right is on Vincent and his voice alone.

<< I hate to see you so down, oh baby

Is it your heart

Oh, that's breakin' all in pieces

Makin' you cry

Makin' you feel blue

Is there anything that I can do

Why don't you tell me where it hurts now, baby

And I'll do my best to make it better

Yes, I'll do my best to make those tears all go away

Just tell me where it hurts now, tell me

And I love you with a love so tender

Oh and if you let me stay

I'll love all of the hurt away >>

Once Vincent finishes the chorus, he leans in a little bit before he starts singing directly to Shen, staring straight into his eyes. Shen feels his heart drumming uncontrollably, his stomach churning with dozens of butterflies, his ears definitely burning a bright red that it's a miracle he's keeping himself composed when in truth, inside him feels like a fireworks display that has no intention of letting up.

<< Where are all those tears coming from

Why are they falling

Somebody, somebody, somebody left your heart in the cold

You just need somebody to hold on, baby

Give me a chance to put back all the pieces

Take your broken heart

Make it just like new

There's so many things that I can do >>

Vincent then circles around Shen and he can't help but follow Vincent's movements, spinning around in his stool just to keep his eyes on him.

<< Why don't you tell me where it hurts now, baby

And I'll do my best to make it better

Yes, I'll do my best to make those tears all go away

Just tell me where it hurts now, tell me

And I love you with a love so tender

Oh and if you let me stay

I'll love all of the hurt away

Oh I'm gonna take it all away, baby

Is it your heart

Oh, that's breakin' all in pieces

Makin' you cry

Makin' you feel blue

Is there anything that I can do >>

Vincent repeats the chorus one more time but this time he adds adlibs and interacts with Shen by sitting on the ground and leaning his head onto Shen's knees. Shen feels goosebumps invade his skin and his hands immediately fly to Vincent's hair, rubbing them in between his fingers as Vincent continues to sing.

<< Tell me, baby

Tell me, oh yea

Is there anything I can do, baby

Just tell me where it hurts now, tell me

And I love you with a love so tender

Oh and if you let me stay

I'll love all of the hurt away >>

Vincent ends the song with a final strum then sets the guitar down before standing only to circle Shen and hug him from behind. He plants his face on Shen's shoulder, putting his face directly beside Shen's while enveloping Shen's entire back with his torso.

<< So, do you want to tell me where it hurts? >>

Shen is stunned, his breath caught in his throat. He's speechless over what he's just witnessed. More than the acting, more than Vincent's portrayal of Ned, more than his childish crush destroying him from the inside-out, he's never been this enamored by someone else's singing voice ever before. Listening to Vincent sing tugged on his heartstrings, leaving him in awe and spectacular delight. His voice so smooth, so clear and so forward that Shen can't help but think if what he's feeling is the same as the sailors who are lulled to their doom by the hypnotizing voice of the sirens. He's been in the industry for quite a while and no one has ever made Shen feel the way he's feeling right now by just singing alone. He's honestly moved by the performance to the point of feeling jealous over Gerard.

<

Vincent's question brings Shen back to the present but his still awestruck self can only manage an awestruck reply.

<< I didn't know you could sing. >>

Vincent pulls back, staring at Shen weirdly before smiling at him awkwardly.

<< Uh, we met at the music club silly. Did you forget that? >>

<< No, I meant you. >>

Vincent is taken aback by Shen and he can't help but to glance at Director Lulu, who has an equally shocked look on her face as well. Lulu told him Shen had already been cast a month before so Vincent assumes that Shen has already read the script. Or did he not? The very first part of the script described how Ned and Gerard met in the music club and how they sang together for auditions to get in. Surely Shen couldn't miss that, right? When Shen does realize what he said though, he immediately catches his bearings before he quickly getting back in character.

<< Thank you Ned. You really do know how to cheer me up. >>

Still a bit confused, Vincent tries to recover with the best of his abilities and when the skit in his mind finishes, he bows down and thanks Lulu and Noriel for having him. As Lulu and Noriel talk to Vincent about his performance, Shen can't help but relive the serenade of Vincent to him and replay it in his mind again and again. His imagination fly to when Vincent's face was centimetres away from his and he can't help but recall the warmth emanating from Vincent's face, the feel of Vincent's torso, his smell, his voice, his eyes, his-

// Stop! //

Shen catches himself when his imagination slowly starts getting too out of hand. He pulls Vincent aside once Lulu and Noriel finish talking to him and 'congratulates' him for getting the part and asks if he'd like to get dinner afterwards. Vincent agrees and once the rest of the auditionees finish, Shen drives them to the nearest mall to their office, Promare Mall.

Once inside, Shen asks if there's something Vincent wants to have in particular, claiming that they should celebrate now that Vincent's going to be part of the entertainment industry. Vincent just laughs at the comment and tells Shen to lay off before deciding on a shabu-shabu restaurant. There they eat dinner together, courtesy of the company black card of Shen and they take a photo for IG before focusing on their food.

<< So, how long have you been singing? >>

<< Me? Oh, it's just a hobby of mine. >>

<< Hobby? You sounded amazing back there! I've been in the industry for a while and I can tell that you have a wonderful voice. It's a' could-sign-a-record-label' kind of good. >>

Vincent becomes flattered over the compliment. Had it been anyone else, he'd take it without so much of a blink but coming from Shen, a person who's job is to please people, his praise carries enough weight to make Vincent's cheeks tint a light blush. He thanks Shen for the compliment and they resume eating, talking about their schedules and plans. After their dinner, Shen offers to drive Vincent home but the latter insists that he'd like some alone time to process everything that's happened to him. Respectful of his wishes, Shen bids Vincent farewell.

<< See you on Monday? >>

<< Yeah, see you on Monday. >>