Chapter 2

A/N: Once more,

// thoughts //

\\ social media \\

<< dialogue >>

Have fun!

-

The volleyball episode gets uploaded a week after on a Saturday and Shen has never felt more excited for something since the day of his debut. He actually asked Beau for the full uncut version of the match but he really didn't get a chance to watch it because of his busy schedule. Now that he's got a rare free day to take a break, Shen decides to spend it at his apartment and watch the recently aired episode. He actually had plans to go out but when he learned of the news that the game just recently aired, he suddenly felt hyped and wanted to see it for himself. Once he starts the video, he does not forget to promote it by uploading a boomerang clip of him watching onto his IG account.

Before starting, Shen had taken a packet of chips and positioned himself on the couch as he grabs the remote to click play. The clip starts with an introduction as usual and this time it's of Pete introducing himself and explaining where they are and what they're going to be doing that day. In the middle of it, he calls someone and Shen recognizes himself in the call which makes him smile to himself. He wasn't aware that the call was being caught on camera so he watches their exchange happen and when their call ends, Pete continues to show off the area before the scene changes to a time lapse of Shen, Kris, Papi and Taylor arriving. The scenes then alternate between the crew, the enemy team, random smiles and candid laughter between the celebrities and the people present, before an edit of a whistle sticker flashes through the screen. It moves to the next scene and it's the part of them warming up as they do the energy drink promotion. Shen vaguely remembers their unplanned skit but laughs at their silliness nonetheless before it jumps to the coin toss portion. After that, a flashy edit around Shen and Vincent introducing them as the captains appear followed by a quick volleyball info tutorial on their roles and responsibilities. This alternates with the rest of the celebrity team and the local team, and once all positions are covered the match starts.

Watching the video feels like reliving the game and Shen can't help but feel secondhand embarrassment over his fails, his facial expressions and how he's so hellbent on beating and targeting Vincent. Apart from that, he gets to see how everyone else plays and can't help but admire their own unique styles of playing. From a third person's perspective, you can really tell that both teams are good. Not perfect, but definitely good enough to excite viewers who are watching, especially those that play the sport. Shen lets out a groan of embarrassment when he fails to raise the serve of Vincent and he curses himself through, commenting on how he could've gotten that before continuing to watch the rest of the game. He watches the plays and saves of both teams and when it reaches the deciding point of the match, Shen watches it in awe over how hyped up the rally was. He especially loves the edit on the clip where the ball ricochets off of Vincent's arms and into the ball in slow motion. He's not going to lie, he repeated that scene seven times.

After seeing the video, he feels a buzzed and hyped. He's itching to move and release so he decides on going out as he originally planned. Before leaving though, Shen, out of habit, automatically goes to the comments section to see what the fans may be thinking about the game and most importantly the competitive side of him he doesn't usually show. He reads through the usual thirsty comments, screenshotting the ones that make him laugh, before scrolling further down. Shen is always amazed by the fact that the video is just recently uploaded but there are already more comments than he can read through. He likes some of it using his dummy account but as he moves further down, a comment catches his attention and makes him stop.

\\ Check out 11:23! You can just see the fire in both Shen and Vincent's eyes! It's like tension building in the air! Omg I ship them!!!! \\

// Ship? //

Curious, Shen clicks on the time stamp and the video jumps to a scene where Shen successfully blocks a spike of Vincent, earning the celebrity team a point. When both of them fall, they stare at each other, the net dividing them and Shen remembers that moment. Just before that point, Vincent scored a service ace out of Shen so Shen was determined to get back at Vincent, hence the block. It was a smug look basically saying, 'I got you back'. Shen didn't think fans would perceive it as tension or something to ship with so he just thinks of it as the fans being fantastical and delusional. He goes back to scrolling through the comments but another time stamp catches his attention.

\\ Sis!!!! 16:21 Shen is just staring at Vincent while they're substituting a player. my gosh is this a ship???? \\

Shen clicks the time stamp and it jumps to the part where the referee is looking at a replay to check who to give the point to and just like the comment, Shen was indeed staring at Vincent who's in front of him by the net. Vincent doesn't seem to notice because he's looking up at the referee but the person most surprised right now is Shen himself. He doesn't even remember staring that long! He tries thinking back to the pointed out moment but no matter how hard he tries, he can't remember. He goes back to the comments section and another time stamp catches his attention.

\\ Omg can I just say that Shen only smiles when it's Vincent who's in front of him at the net??? Like, see the difference 14:56 & 23:12, 15:22 & 24:01, 17:12 & 26:13 \\

Shen clicks each time stamp and it's separate moments of him smiling and talking with Vincent and him being stone faced and quiet when it's a different player who's in front of him. There's a reply to the comment.

\\ i saw that too! if it's not vincent, he isnt even looking at them \\

// Wow. These fans are quick on jumping into conclusions. //

Shen thinks that to himself and shakes his head at the over-analytical observation.

// It's because he's the one who challenged me. //

As Shen goes further down more comments and more time stamps appear, all talking about how he's fawning over Vincent, how he looks like a different person when Vincent is there, how Vincent is making Shen show a different side of him and it reaches a point where it's so much Vincent this, Vincent that, that Shen stops to take a break. Shen checks out each time stamp and the more he clicks on it, the more he's astonished by the Shen he's seeing on screen.

// Is that really me? //

Before deciding that he's had enough of the fans' delusions and fantasies, he sees a comment that excites him.

\\ I know Vincent! His IG is 'binary_vincent'. I can't believe he got the opportunity to play with these celebs! I'm so jellyyyyyy. \\

Stumbling upon that piece of information, Shen thinks to himself that the only logical move to make was to check the profile out, right? Shen didn't have any other ulterior motives. Anyone else in his position would check the profile out so he opens his IG and searches the username. Vincent's profile appears but he doesn't click on it yet because he's not sure what it'd mean for him. He's not going to lie though. With everything so far being dull and lackluster, he admits that the genuine excitement he felt from the game was partly because of Vincent's challenge, so he can't help but be a bit curious about Vincent. But in all honesty as well, he also saw comments mentioning the IG accounts of the other players but he didn't feel the least curious about theirs at all. Not even the slightest. So why was it different for Vincent? Unsure and wanting to find the answer, Shen clicks on Vincent's account and the app brings him to Vincent's profile.

There's nothing special on it though. Vincent has a smiling selfie as his profile picture and he has around 330 followers while his following is 350. His bio is a simple 'let me fix your servers' and his feed is filled with pictures of computers, sceneries, friends and occasional shots of himself. Shen sees a picture of a volleyball team, a few cups of coffee and some candid pictures of cats. When Shen reaches the end, he notices that he only has about 300 posts and none of it really stood out so much that gave him an answer to his boggled mind. Vincent's profile looked totally normal and he's surprised to see that he isn't following Shen.

When Vincent challenged Shen, he was half-expecting that Vincent knew about him but now that he's found out that Vincent wasn't following him, it rouses his curiosity to check if Vincent was aware that he was playing against celebrities. Shen checks Vincent's following and his suspicions were true. Vincent didn't follow any people Shen knew from GE Inc. Feeling his celebrity pride a tad tarnished, he decides to message Vincent with the ulterior of letting him know that the people he played against are celebrities.

\\ Yow Vincent! I had a lot of fun playing against you. Our game last time was for an episode of our segment so I hope you don't mind that the world gets to see you lose. :p \\

With that done, Shen locks his phone and just tosses it aside. The comments of the fans are still lingering in his head and even after checking out Vincent's profile, he can't still seem to pinpoint the source of his interest in the other man. Feeling his thoughts cloud his apartment, Shen decides that it's time to get some fresh air. He dials Beau and tells him his plans of going to the mall to do some shopping and while Beau insists on him taking a bodyguard, Shen explains that he'd like to be alone this time and that he isn't a meek celebrity that needs protection.

\\ Just a little bit of alone time. I can just pretend that I'm having the vacation I've always wanted. \\

Beau eventually agrees but demands Shen update him occasionally and that he wear a disguise so as to not attract too much attention. Shen agrees and tells him he'll do IG stories for him and the fans before Shen heads out. He listens to Beau regarding the disguise and makes sure to avoid attention by being as casual as ever- a hat, a mask, a casual tee, jogging pants and sandals. Only his phone, wallet and earpods with him. He decides to just hail a taxi instead of driving so that he won't have the problem of parking later on. He books one and before long he arrives at the mall he used to frequent back in college. He tips the driver a thousand credits to which the driver thanks him vehemently before Shen makes his way inside. He walks around the place and it feels like a trip down memory lane. He reminisces on the old stores, gets shocked to see new ones and takes some pictures of the favorite stores he used to go to. When he spots the coffee shop he used to always frequent still alive and doing well, he heads straight inside and is surprised to see his old classmate behind the counter.

<< Hey Alex. It's been a while. >>

Alex is stupefied behind the counter and he can't help the excited hug he gives Shen over the counter. They attract some attention from the patrons but Shen doesn't mind them as he gives Alex his order. Once Alex takes Shen's order, he adds one of his own before he goes to the back to tell the manager that he's calling it a day. Shen finds himself a seat and when Alex arrives with two drinks, he's surprised to see his old friend sit down with him, stripped away of his barista hat and apron. The two of them chatter and catch up, both talking about their work and reliving old memories from back in the days.

<< So, what brings you here? >>

Since Alex is a part of his life, he decides to open up and share what he's been feeling lately because he knows he cant trust him. He starts by talking about how lately everything's been kind of dull at his work. He explains it to the best of his abilities, how he's super grateful of what he has now and how he always makes sure to express his gratitude to the fans and the company for taking care of him. But lately, the happiness he gets from his work seem more like short bursts before fading away and leaving him feeling empty. Shen shares how despite enjoying what he does, at the end of the day he just feels like everything he's doing now is a job and less of a passion. He tells Alex how he's been dying for a vacation but can't get one since he's fully booked for the month.

<< I'm just kind of looking for a happiness that stays? Something like that. >>

<< Haven't you considered dating? >>

Shen stops thinking at the mention of the word dating. It seems like a viable option but then he remembers his job and what he does for a living. He's a celebrity right now. He makes sure to remind Alex of that but he stops Shen for a bit to explain his point. He tells Shen that what he definitely needs right now is a partner. Someone to look forward to and someone to love him in an exclusive way, separate from fans and work. He quotes Shen saying that a partner is a kind of happiness that stays and the idea actually is entertained in Shen's mind.

<< You know, you may be a celebrity but you're still a person. Your job requires you to make your fans happy but how about you? Who'll make you happy? It's not like you can tell your fans that you're in a slump right now. >>

Alex is right. He's already in a slump, disappointing his fans won't do him any better. Shen breathes in a sigh and sits back on his chair as Alex asks him if there's someone right now that catches his attention, someone that intrigues him. Shen curses in his mind and despite not wanting to admit it, the first person coming to his mind was Vincent. Shen opens his mouth to say yes but closes it back to think about what he wants to do with the intrigue he has for Vincent. People may think that just because Shen has starred in BL series', having a boyfriend would be a walk in the park. Yes, he's learned that kissing a man isn't any different from kissing a woman and he's learned, through the help of the characters he's played, that loving the same gender isn't any different from loving the opposite gender. Shen is vocal when it comes to his advocacies regarding equal rights for all genders in his social media but that's just the extent of it. He's never really had any real experience when it comes to having a boyfriend. Playing a role is one thing but when it's your real feelings, your real emotions, that's a different story.

// So what about Vincent? //

Comments of the fans resurface at his head and Shen decides to remove those for a while to think only of him. Apart from their volleyball game, Shen knows next to nothing when it comes to Vincent. He knows his IG and that his name is Vincent. That's it. He doesn't even know his last name or what he does for a living. Does he want to know more about him?

// I think so. //

Shen answers his own question in his head and now, feeling a bit lost and confused by his own thoughts, Shen thinks of an idea as he takes out his phone and hands it over to Alex.

<< I'll think about it. Anyway, have you seen our new video yet? I know I said that things have been dull lately but this one I felt genuinely happy with. We played some volleyball with a local team and I gotta tell you, it's the best game I've ever had in my life. >>

Alex visibly gets excited over the news and he gladly takes the phone to watch it with Shen. Alex and Shen used to play volleyball together in high school but it was only Shen that got accepted into the varsity team. The reason why Shen brought up the volleyball game is for him to see if Alex can pick up on what the fans mentioned about him being a different person around Vincent. Was it childish? Probably, but Alex is someone who has known Shen for a long time and has seen him in a relationship before. So if Shen is really what the fans are pointing out, hearing it from a close friend will be Shen's final affirmation. With that in mind, they watch the game and this time Shen is hyperaware of his interactions with Vincent and he can't help but observe how his mannerisms are basically screaming 'I'm interested in you'. That or it's just the delusions the fans have put into his head. Anyway they continue.

When the game finishes, Alex returns Shen's phone and Shen plays it cool by deliberately talking about the game but also not mentioning Vincent. Alex is as hyped as Vincent expected so he rides along with him till Alex's excitement dies down. They talk more about the best parts of the game and unbeknownst to Alex, Shen's love life is in the palm of Alex's hands.

<< So remind me again Shen. You're an actor right? >>

<< Yep. Did you forget about it? >>

<< No, no. I just, well, I've seen some of your work and let me tell you, you're really good at what you do. >>

<< You think so? That means a lot to me Alex. >>

<< Yeah of course. But um, can I just ask if your work has, you know. >>

<< My work has what? >>

<< Eh, how do I say this, like, has it changed... >>

<< Changed...? >>

<< Has it like, uh, changed your orien-views, views on certain, um things? Certain things like, uh, inclination for example? >>

<< Inclination? >>

<< I mean like, ugh, fine. What's the deal with you and that Vincent dude? >>

<< What do you mean? >>

<< Dude, you basically had a boner for him. >>

And there it is.

Shen sighs a very deep sigh before facing Alex eye-to-eye. Shen appreciates how careful Alex trod over the topic of Vincent and decides to tell him everything from the beginning. Shen explains how when they shook hands during the coin toss Vincent gripped his hand extra hard, as if proposing a challenge and that action of Vincent intrigued Shen a lot. Not wanting to lose, he makes it a mission to aim at Vincent every single time and unconsciously, he believes that he became super aware of him, watching his every movement. Shen also mentions the comments of the fans shipping them and how he basically stalked Vincent's IG profile when he saw it among the comments. Shen tries defend himself by making up excuses that he was just curious but deep down in him, with the way Alex reacted, Shen can no longer deny that he isn't interested in Vincent.

<< Wow. I've never seen you blush like this before Shen. This guy must really be something. >>

<< I don't know Alex. I don't know him and I don't even know if I'm gonna get to see him again. So I don't know. I don't really know. >>

<< Oh come on man. You're Shen. You already found his IG. All you gotta do is just message him. >>

<< Actually I already did. But I just told him to check out the video. I don't even think he knows that I'm a celebrity. >>

<< All the more better! Then he'll get to know the real you and not the celebrity you. >>

Shen scoffs at how cliche the comment is but seriously asks advice on what his next step should be. They talk more about their game plan and when they've come up with something reasonable enough, Alex mentions that he's got to head home since his mother is will be waiting for him for dinner. Alex offers Shen a ride home and Shen takes him up on it. On the way to his place, the only thing occupying Shen's mind is to message Vincent. The only reason he isn't messaging him right then was because he knew Alex would hound him and tease him for acting like a high schooler with a crush. Before parting ways with Alex, Shen takes a selfie with him to post on his social media. He makes sure to tag Alex before waving goodbye and coming back up to his room. He crashes at the couch and immediately opens the TV to fill the room with noise before checking his Direct Messages but is surprised to see that Vincent already sent a reply to him.

\\ dude you're a celebrity? i thought you guys were just avid vloggers. 4million followers? that's crazy! i feel bad for not knowing about you. \\

Vincent's reply confirms Shen's suspicion of Vincent not knowing them so he decides to play around for a bit.

\\ I don't mean to sound like I'm full of myself but do you not see my face on the billboards or at TV commercials? \\

The message is sent and not even 10 seconds later, it's seen and Shen gets a reply.

\\ well now that i think about it, your face did seem familiar when i first saw you but i just really don't spend that much time on social media so im not updated with the trends haha \\

Shen comes up blank when it's his turn to reply but good for him Vincent is an avid conversationalist and replies again, this time mention the game

\\ oh yeah!! i opened the link u sent me. that game was lit man, too bad our screen time was so little. gotta hand it to your editors tho, they made your team look so good despite us winning two sets in a row. i wonder why they cut that part out. hmmmmmm \\

Shen laughs at Vincent's subtle shade and absentmindedly replies about the comments.

\\ I think they did it a tad bit too good tho. The comments section are flooded with so much fans. \\

Upon sending his reply, only then does Shen realize that he's basically inviting Vincent to check out the comments section- the comments section where fans are shipping them both.

\\ hahahah yeye, so good that they're shipping u with me. they're calling us ShenVin, can u believe that? i think they should've named it VinShen cause i defo scored more points than u \\

Shen breathes in a sigh of relief because of Vincent's reply. He seems to not make a big deal out of the fans. Heck, he's even renaming their ship name. Was that supposed to be a good sign or a bad sign? Shen didn't have the leisure of time to think because he remembers his and Alex's plan of getting to know Vincent. As for their plan, it was basically for Shen to just ask Vincent out. The hurdle though was for Shen to do it without coming off as too strong.

Start as friends according to Alex.

While thinking of a witty reply, the TV commercial catches Shen's attention. It's a promotional schedule of a volleyball match tomorrow at the SkyDome Arena and as if the gears in Shen's head spun in overdrive, he suddenly remembered his schedule tomorrow.

Photoshoot = 7AM - 12NN.

Volleyball match = 2PM.

Other plans for the day = None.

With the pieces in perfect place, Shen thinks to himself that there's no better window of opportunity than right now to commence their plan. He deletes his witty reply and changes it.

\\ Oh yeah, speaking of games! I have tickets to the volleyball match tomorrow at the SkyDome Arena but I found out that my friend will have a photoshoot at the same time so he won't be able to come. I've got a spare ticket so I was just wondering if you'd like to fill for him? \\

Shen initially typed 'if you'd want to come with me' but is glad that he reread the message seventeen times to edit it and make it sound less, personal. When he's convinced that it sounds platonic enough, he presses send and prays to the gods that he won't come off as too strong. Judging by Vincent's way of replying, Shen can only assume that Vincent is the type of person that goes along with mostly anything.

\\ no waaaaaaaaaay? i tried to book tickets for that match but it sold out so quickly! i tried finding resellers but they were selling them for double the price so i just gave up. u sure your friend wont mind? \\

\\ I'm sure. \\

\\ yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! dude im so excited! i get to see my favorite players up close and personal \\

They continue to chat about the players and thankfully Shen knew both teams that're going to face off tomorrow since he watches clips on the national volleyball team every once in a while. When they're done, they make arrangements of where to meet and what time to meet. Before their conversation ended, Vincent bring something up?

\\ hold up, wont we be like swarmed by your fans or anything? \\

\\ It's fine. I usually wear a disguise when going out. \\

Vincent ends the conversation, saying that he's going to work and Shen had to stop himself from asking what he did, not wanting to sound invasive or too forward. He opts with a 'See you tomorrow then' before dialing Beau and asking him to help find him a contact of resellers for tickets to tomorrow's match.