Chapter 8

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. \\

-

<< I just realized we haven't exchanged numbers. >>

The two are currently driving to the fanmeet location and Shen is caught off guard by Vincent's sudden suggestion. Lately, Shen's been thinking of ways to get Vincent's number without coming off as too obvious or too forward but each one of his ideas only end up being either too cringe or too creepy in his head, making him inevitably hold off. So when Vincent brings it up, Shen celebrates inside and thanks the gods for the coincidence.

<< Oh you're right. I never thought of that. >>

// Lie. //

Shen then dictates his number to Vincent and the other man types it down on his phone before he gives Shen a missed call.

<< There. That's me. >>

Shen feels the fleeting vibration in his pocket and makes a mental note to add Vincent's number to his contacts later. As he drives, he can't help his mind from wandering to thoughts of future messages he'll share with Vincent.

He's honestly never felt this way since his first girlfriend back in high school. All giddy, fluttery, and excited- these are emotions he's forgotten about ever since coming and joining the entertainment industry. As flowery and high class being a celebrity may seem to ordinary people, it has its many downsides. Shen's schedule is always full that it's left with no openings for vacations, the tiring effort of keeping up the perfect image of having a happy life when there are days of sadness as well, the constant pressure from both the fans and the company, the fake people and toxic competition, and so much more.

But with Vincent, Shen doesn't feel this at all.

Instead, he's been excited about going to work now, compared to the past few weeks. And it's all mainly because of Vincent. Vincent's presence is a breath of fresh air, a type of innocence that reminds Shen of his beginning in the entertainment industry. The way Vincent's eyes gleam so bright and pure, the way they try to take in everything all at once, Shen can't help but admire it every single time. When he sees the wonder in Vincent's eyes every time he learns something new or the way they internalize when the other man can't quite understand at first, it makes Shen want to be the one to protect them, to show him the ropes, to explain to him what's going on, to guard him from the failures and mistakes he's made, and to teach him and personally be by his side.

These feelings, these emotions Shen has forgotten, slowly but surely, every single one of them is being brought out by Vincent himself. And to make matters more extreme, Vincent isn't even aware of what he's doing. Shen side-glances Vincent, taking note of his dolled up appearance, his styled hair and the light makeup on his face.

// Beautiful. //

Shen thinks this to himself and he suddenly feels inclined to blame Vincent for making him feel like a high schooler again. As much as he's enjoying these recurring emotions within him, he also knows how strong his feelings can get. Does that scare Shen? Not so much, only because he knows that what he feels towards Vincent is still under wraps. Shen still has control over them and he plans on continuing to. So for now, he's come to the decision where he'll just immerse himself alone in the butterflies and the giddiness before actually deciding what to do with these feelings of his.

They arrive at the fanmeet location and Shen parks at the parking lot inside the mall. There, they're met with Beau and a handful of bodyguards who accompany them to the place of the fanmeet at the smaller dome. On the way there, Shen manages to save Vincent's number and even message a small 'hi' before putting his phone back in his pocket.

As the guards walk them to the area, Vincent takes note of the steadying increase of people who recognize them and in a blink of an eye, they're being hounded, followed by peerless individuals with their phones raised to take pictures. They call for Shen's name and Shen gives a courteous greeting of his own without slowing down his pace. Vincent watches all this and a single thought flashes through his mind.

// This could be me. //

Vincent doesn't expect to be as famous as Shen but he's sure that sharing the screen with GE Inc.'s most sought out actor will give him more than enough exposure to be recognized to a certain extent. The thought both daunts and excites Vincent because right then, watching the fans incessantly follow them, he feels a sense of worry and anticipation. They're not even in the venue yet and Vincent can already see why they needed bodyguards to walk them. Some of the more hardcore fans literally try to jump and grab at Shen that Vincent feels scared for the celebrity. Luckily, he's very well guarded so not a single finger reaches him.

The opposite can be said for Vincent though.

When a fan recognizes him from the many stories he and Shen tag one another in, they grab onto Vincent's wrist, halting him from his walk. Since Vincent doesn't have a bodyguard on him, the responsibility of shaking the fan off is solely up to him. He tries to pry his wrist away but the grip of the fan is herculean.

<< What's your relationship with Shen? >>

<< Why are you always in his stories? >>

<< Are you trying to take him away from us? >>

<< What's Shen's favorite meal? >>

<< Did you really sleep with Shen? >>

Each question that's fired at Vincent makes the fan's grip stronger and stronger that he actually winces in pain. He honestly can just push the fan away but his contract with GE Inc. involves him being careful in public. This leaves Vincent in a serious dilemma making him think of what he should do about the fan. He thinks about prying his hand forcefully but that might hurt them, risking the image of himself and GE Inc. He thinks of answering the questions but he honestly doesn't remember any of them at that point as more people start hounding him, grabbing at his other free hand, all bombarding him with questions.

Vincent starts to panic and get frustrated as he struggles to keep up with what's happening. He's never been in a situation like this before and he honestly doesn't know what to do. The onslaught of fans don't give him even a second to think because the only thing being fed to his senses is Shen this, Shen that, Shen why and Shen do. His senses slowly start getting muddled and in a last resort, Vincent tries to look back, to call for a bodyguard to help him but instead, the name he unconsciously calls for,

<< Shen. >>

Vincent feels himself yanked away from the fray by a single arm around his chest. He watches in slow motion as the fans move farther away from him and when he's a safe distance from them, he looks back to the person that pulled him out.

It's Shen.

Vincent opens his mouth to thank him but then he notices the raging drumming of Shen's heart on his back. In addition to that, the iron grip around his chest, the shaky heaving of Shen's breathing and his clenched jaw. This may be the first time Vincent has seen Shen like this but he most certainly recognizes the emotions emanating from Shen.

Anger.

Vincent is half-expecting Shen to scream at his fans because that's the way he's looking to Vincent then but almost like the celebrity has a switch, his features suddenly lax and he gives a bright smile to the fans.

<< I'm sorry but we're in a hurry so if you don't mind, we'll take our leave here. For your questions, feel free to message on Twitter. I always reply there right? >>

The fans swoon over Shen's talking to them and Vincent almost believes Shen's front as well, if not for the raging heartbeat he can feel on his back. Shen turns them around and this time, he keeps a protective arm wrapped around Vincent's shoulder. Once they have their backs turned from the fans, Shen asks if Vincent is alright.

<< I'm fine. They were just a little forceful but nothing I can't handle. >>

<< Sorry. I forgot to ask Beau to assign you a bodyguard. >>

<< It's fine. They were just asking questions anyway. >>

<< Alright. Stay close. >>

Their entourage has to pass through the mall to get to the dome the fanmeet is being held in and throughout the whole entire walk, Shen, not once, dropped his arm from Vincent's shoulder. He keeps a firm hold on Vincent, his eyes similar to the bodyguards protecting him. If Shen has bodyguards to watch over him, then he'll be Vincent's personal bodyguard. The meek voice of Vincent calling out his name still replays in his mind and it's absolute torture. Shen feels angry at himself for not watching over Vincent despite dipping himself in thoughts and ideas of being a proper senior to him. It just so happened that he stopped to sign a small poster for one of the fans that's why he wasn't too far out from Vincent. The moment he heard that call, it felt like Shen saw white and the next thing he knew, he's pulling Vincent away from the fans.

When they get to the dome, they take the backdoor into the dressing room where everyone inside is busy, bustling and moving around. Shen immediately greets his makeup artist, Gwen, and Gwen greets him back before he introduces Vincent to her. The two exchange polite smiles before Gwen leads both of them to the makeup table where she offers Vincent an empty seat before sitting Shen in front of the mirror and starts doing her work.

Shen and Lulu engage in a conversation Vincent isn't knowledgeable about so he decides to just lean back on his seat and take out his phone to check his social media. So far, the attention he's garnered by hanging around his new celebrity friends has bolstered his follower count from a mere 300+ to a now hefty 7,000+. His appearances in their stories and their posts have contributed a great deal to the steady rise of his popularity but comments about how handsome he is, how hot he is, those types of praise that manage to boost his self-confidence tenfold is by far his favorite thing about his recently garnered 'fame'.

As for the interview he had at Lulu's office, it still hasn't been uploaded yet. Lulu told Vincent that she'll message once it up but so far, said message still hasn't arrived. Personally, Vincent's been itching to see it as he wasn't able to even review the footage because Lulu ordered the footage to be edited immediately. He was honestly surprised that the first take was enough.

<< Alright, you'll be up in 5 minutes. You ready Shen? >>

Beau comes up behind Shen as Gwen puts on her finishing touches. Gwen says that Shen is all finished before instructing the celebrity to stand and go get dressed. Before leaving, Shen turns to Vincent.

<< You good here? >>

<< Yeah. Good luck. I'll just scroll through my phone. >>

<< Alright. >>

Shen pats Vincent on the head before he leaves and the action honestly surprises Vincent so much that he looks up from his phone and straight at Shen's eyes. Shen realizes what he just did and he immediately retracts his hand from Vincent's head and apologizes to Vincent for overstepping, saying that it's a habit he has with his juniors. Seeing Shen's worried expression, Vincent immediately assures the senior that it's fine and that he was just not expecting a pat on the head. Beau and Gwen share a look of disbelief as they have known Shen for a majority of his years with GE Inc. and they have never seen Shen pat someone on the head like he did with Vincent.

Shen apologizes again before leaving to get dressed but not before Vincent tells him to not make it a big deal. Gwen follows Shen shortly after and Beau as well but not before glancing back, wondering to himself just who Vincent is that Shen treats him so gently.

-

It's the first time Vincent is seeing Shen work up close and personal. He's seen his dramas but he's never seen the chaos that happens behind the screen.

The fanmeet, now that Vincent is watching from the dressing room's TV, is more of a mini-concert rather than the simple meet-and-greet Vincent initially had in his mind. After each segment, they put out an intermission video of Shen on the screen and while it plays, they rush to the dressing room to change, retouch and review the next part of the show. Currently, Vincent is watching Shen undress as a woman behind him explains the next part of the show while another woman in front of him is hold in a cup of water with a straw. Shen takes a quick sip as he slips out of his pants and instantaneously a new pair of pants is handed to him.

// Wow, they're scrambling like there's no tomorrow. //

Vincent thinks this to himself and he watches in awe as Shen manages to sail through the chaotic outfit change, the hounding from behind and the front, and the retouching of his makeup in the middle of his changing all while Gwen is counting down the remaining time they have before Shen has to come back out. Vincent thinks that if it's him in Shen's shoes right there and then, he'll surely crumble from the pressure and fail to keep up as there's so much going. But upon closer inspection of Shen's face, he doesn't seem to be bothered at all. In fact, it almost seems like he's matching the pace of everyone around him.

Vincent watches in amazement as each movement of Shen turns out to be a smooth transition to the next thing that needs to be done. He pulls his top over his head and instantly a coat is being slid into his arms. He turns his cheek for the staff to retouch his makeup and suddenly his lips meet the straw and he takes a sip from it. He's instructed to look down so they can fix his hair and he's looping a belt around his waist. The more Vincent watches Shen and his team work, the more his earlier comment of them scrambling around change to that of a system.

By the time Gwen's counting reaches 10, Shen is already out of the room and running back to the stage. Vincent counts down in his head and when he reaches 0, Shen shows up on the TV screen and he can't stop himself from clapping, impressed by the backstage performance and how seamless everything was. Thoroughly amused by this, Vincent takes out his phone and records a video of Shen on the TV to post to his story with the caption \\ #BackstagePass \\.

As the fanmeet progresses, Vincent has transferred from his seat in the dressing room to literally behind the stage. Luckily, there's also a monitor screen there that displays the live feed of what's happening on stage and right then, Shen is in a fan service game with the lucky fans from a previous random draw lots contest. The lucky fans get to stick posts-it paper on their faces and Shen has to remove them using only his mouth. Vincent amusingly watches Shen interact with his fans and can't help but laugh when some fans give out from being to close to Shen while others are more on the crass side and gather the posts-it solely on their lips.

By the time Shen starts signing autographs on his fans' merchandise, Beau receives a call from Lulu asking if the fanmeet is still ongoing. Beau replies, saying that they're at the last part which is the signing of merchandise. She ask if Vincent is still there, making Beau look around and he spots Vincent in front of one of the monitor screens before relaying the information to Lulu.

<< Great! I need you to do something. >>

-

Now that most of the fanmeet is done and Shen is just signing autographs for the fans, Vincent debates on whether or not to come out and tell Shen that he plans on heading out first. The fanmeet was totally entertaining and Vincent doesn't regret coming along. To see how a celebrity like Shen works is truly an honorable spectacle. In spite of the time restrictions, the rapid outfit changes and the astounding pressure from the crew, not once did Shen falter or crumble from the pressure. This makes Vincent view the life of a celebrity as not just rainbows, butterflies and perfection. There're also struggles that people don't get to see, like what Vincent just witnessed today.

Vincent thinks of leaving first so that he won't bump into fans like he did earlier and mainly because despite the wonderful show, Vincent is sure that Shen is tired. Judging by how well he's known Shen so far, Vincent gets the feeling that Shen will surely offer to get some dinner and even drive him home if he waits up for him. Not wanting to burden Shen anymore, Vincent suddenly remembers that they exchanged numbers earlier and decides to just leave a message to Shen, telling him that he's going to leave first but as he's composing the message, Beau calls out his name, making him stop to entertain the manager. He motions Vincent to come into the dressing room and Vincent politely brisk walks on his way. Once he gets inside, Beau sits him down on a chair and Gwen starts to pull out a brush to presumably put makeup on Vincent but he holds his hand out, stopping Gwen before asking what's going on.

<< Lulu called and said that she wants to reveal the video of your interview right now. >>

<< Ok? But she said she'll message me when the video gets uploaded. >>

<< She wants to show it to Shen's fans right now since a lot of them are gathered here. >>

<< Wait, what? You mean I'll go out there? >>

<< Yeah. You're just going to smile and wave to the fans. Don't worry about any questions, Shen will cover for you. >>

Suddenly, the MC behind the TV starts speaking, talking about a special surprise prepared solely for the attendees of the fanmeet. Vincent catches a glimpse of Shen's similarly confused face before Beau ushers Lulu to get on and do Vincent's makeup. This time, Vincent lets Gwen do her job before Beau explains that the MC is just buying them time so that Vincent can look presentable when he comes out on stage. Vincent suddenly starts to feel nervous, his fingers growing cold and chilled. He knows that spontaneity is now part of his new work but something as spontaneous as this, Vincent can't help but admit that he personally isn't prepared for the sudden appearance he has to make in front of Shen's fans.

He hears the MC mention the series and his nervousness doesn't become any better. Once Gwen is done with his face, Vincent turns his head to the TV as the MC directs everyone's attention to the giant monitor behind him. The monitor then turns black before it starts playing the interview of Vincent for all the fans to see. Gwen pulls Vincent up and hands him a designer jacket to wear before directing him to change from his slippers to a pair of fancy dress shoes. Gwen promptly asks Vincent his shoe size and Vincent murmur a small 9 and once he's wearing the shoes, Beau quickly pushes him out of the dressing room and into the wing of the stage.

Vincent sees the sheer number of fans watching his interview outside and countless thoughts swim in Vincent's mind, all adding to flame of his nervousness. He tries to calm himself by squeezing and releasing his palms both his palms but it does absolutely nothing. From behind him, Beau signals at Shen and once he's got his attention, he motions to his phone. Shen gets the sign before taking out his phone discreetly to read an all-caps message of Beau.

\\ TAKE CARE OF VINCENT. HANDLE THE BIG QUESTIONS. YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO. \\

The video finishes and the MC asks a round of applause for the fans as he calls for Vincent to come out. Beau gives Vincent a nudge before promptly reminding him to smile, hold his head high, wave to the fans and to not look down. Vincent takes his first step out into the open stage and everything shuts down.

// Am I walking in the right direction? //

// Am I smiling? //

// Are the fans clapping? //

// Am I waving the right way? //

// Beau didn't tell me where to stand so where do I go? //

// Am I looking down? //

// Am I looking too upwards? //

// Why can't I hear anything but my own heart beat? //

Shen smiles as Vincent walks towards him, calling his name with praise as he's impressed by how he's carrying himself despite it being his first public appearance. But when Shen's call seem to just pass through Vincent's ears, he repeats the action but to no avail. He watches Vincent thoroughly, the way he's walking, smiling and waving to the fans but when he gets to his eyes, he instantly picks up on the detached look in them.

// Something's wrong. //

Vincent continues walking, unaware of a cable cord laying on the ground. Shen tries to catch his attention again by calling out his name this time a little bit louder, warning him of the potential trip but Vincent still doesn't respond. Feeling the need to take matters into his own hands, Shen stands and walks straight to Vincent, stopping him on his tracks just before he would've tripped over the cord. Luckily, the fans see their interaction as merely a skit brought by their roles in the drama series that's why Shen can truly express his worry for Vincent. He shakes Vincent's shoulder, keeping the facade of their 'skit'.

<< Vincent, are you alright? Can you hear me? >>

Vincent still doesn't respond but after Shen lightly slaps Vincent on his cheek that's opposite from the audience's view, Vincent comes back to his senses before panicking in Shen's hold. It's almost as if Vincent just learned how to breath, making him take huge gulps of air similar to hyperventilating. Immediately, Shen hugs Vincent to his chest and turns them around, shielding Vincent from the audience's prying eyes. Shen sways the both of them in an attempt of fanservice and he's glad the fans buy it as they scream for both of them, chanting their ship name 'ShenVin'. He continues to sway them more, keeping a conscious watch over Vincent's breathing before the MC comes up behind Shen with a microphone in his hands.

<< What's this? What's going on Shen? Why the sudden embrace? >>

<< My partner is feeling a little shy. Please give us a moment. >>

Fans scream louder in reaction to the flirtatious comment but Shen's attention is solely focused on Vincent and Vincent alone. He squeezes Vincent a bit, asking if he's alright and Vincent nods weakly.

<< I'm good now, I'm good, I'm sorry. When I came out, everything just went blank. >>

<< Are you sure you're alright? You don't need to force yourself you know. >>

<< I'm fine now, I'm fine. Thanks for covering for me. >>

<< You sure? >>

<< Yeah. >>

And to show his fortitude, Vincent looks past Shen's stature, glancing at the fans before making a show of being shy and finding solace in the arms of his onscreen lover. The fans scream louder than before and with one final assurance from Vincent, Shen spins them around and they both wave at the fans. Shen keeps his arm around Vincent's waist while Vincent repeatedly bows and thanks the audience for their warm welcome. When the MC hands the microphone over to Vincent, Shen takes it and does the honor of introducing Vincent to the fans again.

Shen promotes their new and upcoming drama series to the fans and Vincent even takes the microphone from Shen to thank the fans for supporting Shen enough to support him as Shen's new onscreen partner. They continue interacting with the MC before Beau gives them an OK signal from the side and motions for Vincent that he can now come back. Vincent gives another bow to the fans as the MC announces his exit before resuming the autograph session.

When the fanmeet officially ends, Shen immediately rushes to the dressing room to look for Vincent. What happened earlier with him is no small matter. Shen has had his fair share of stage fright but never to the extent he saw with Vincent. What he saw was someone completely shutting down and he's failed to shake off the worry he's felt ever since he saw Vincent's detached eyes. When he gets to the dressing room though, he doesn't spot Vincent anywhere at all. He asks Gwen if she's seen him but she just shakes her head no.

<< You looking for me? >>

Shen turns around and finds Vincent casually sipping a frappe in his hands like he didn't just break down on stage minutes ago. Shen asks what he's holding and Vincent bluntly answers that it's a frappe as if it's the most obvious thing in the world. Shen is taken aback by Vincent's usual behavior before he barely manages to gather himself for his question to Vincent.

<< Are you alright? >>

<< Hmm? I'm fine. >>

<< No, I mean earlier when you were on stage. You were like hyperventilating. What happened? >>

<< Ah, that? Don't worry, it won't happen again. I just didn't have time to mentally prepare for my first public appearance like that. I was actually about to leave but then Lulu had different plans. >>

<< Lulu? >>

<< Nah, it's fine Shen. Don't worry about it. >>

<< Are you sure you're OK though? Do you want to talk about it? >>

<< Stop hounding me. Here, take a sip. >>

Shen takes a sip of the frappe, not pushing Vincent any further. If he says he's fine, then Shen will take Vincent's face value for it. It's obvious that Vincent doesn't want to talk about it and if that's what Vincent wishes, so be it. Shen can respect that but he can only hope that he's built his image of himself enough to Vincent for him to be someone he can feel comfortable confiding in when it comes to his struggles and insecurities.

<< Wow this is good. >>

Vincent smiles warmly at Shen, glad that he isn't pushing anymore. Even though he knows that he'll need to unload about what happened earlier, he's still in the middle of processing it himself because he's unsure of what exactly he felt then. Fear? Anxiety? Vincent labels himself as an extrovert and as an extrovert, public relations shouldn't be a problem for him. And yet this happened. Vincent thinks that it's very uncharacteristic of him but at the same time it isn't. Nevertheless, Vincent puts the thoughts away and offers to bring Shen to the coffee shop he bought the frappe from.

<< I'll deal with it later. >>