The Audition's Echo

Sitting in the car, Stranger found himself lost in contemplation. The words whispered in his heart echoed through his thoughts: "Spending time with you, Nil, is the most beautiful moment of my life. But I don't want to spend my whole life just being your friend. I want to be more than a friend."The next morning arrived, and once again, Stranger returned to the café. But this time, he made no inquiries about Nil. As Nil approached with a cup of coffee in hand, Stranger remained aloof, not even sparing him a glance. Nil couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease, silently musing, "Maybe he's still angry with me."Then, he decided to take a bold step, turning his back to Stranger, an unexpected twist to the morning's events. As Stranger looked on in surprise, a sense of curiosity getting the better of him, he inquired, "Nil, what are you doing?"Nil, a mischievous gleam in his eye, decided to playfully turn the tables on the Stranger. "You wanted to touch my A***s, right? Come on, no one is watching."Taken aback by Nil's audacity, Stranger couldn't help but laugh, genuinely amused by Nil's fearless nature. He reached out, gently grabbed Nil's arm, and spun him around, still chuckling. "You're truly the craziest person God ever made."However, Nil, somewhat miffed, retorted in an annoyed tone, "But you told me, and you didn't even talk to me."Stranger's laughter continued as he explained, "I was occupied with my client, that's why. I didn't mean to ignore you."Growing slightly agitated, Nil expressed his frustration, "Then you could have told me that you were busy. I shouldn't have bothered you. I'm running late for an audition now. Goodbye..."With those words, Nil hurriedly left the cafe to pursue his dreams, making his way to another studio that day.The audition for the "Love Your Shorts" series had been an exciting and highly competitive event. Nil had given it his all and was elated to learn that he had secured the role of the second lead character, a part that suited him perfectly. During the audition process. With the casting now complete, Director Kim requested the cast members to stay at the venue until evening for the official introduction. The anticipation in the room was palpable as Nil and the others eagerly awaited the evening's events. Nil's excitement was so intense that he had foregone his lunch, his mind consumed by the upcoming introduction.As night fell, the cast members gathered together, their camaraderie growing stronger as they bonded over their shared achievement. The moment of the introduction approached, and the room was filled with an electric sense of anticipation. The creaking of the door sent a wave of excitement throughout the room. Nil, his heart racing, couldn't resist the urge to sprint toward the door, hoping to catch a glimpse of the special guest, Gulf Kanawut.But in his rush, he stumbled and began to fall. In the nick of time, it was Stranger who reached out and caught him, cradling Nil in a protective and comforting embrace.Nil and Stranger found themselves in an unexpected situation as their gazes met, and to their surprise, a round of applause rippled through the onlookers. They swiftly disengaged and returned to their designated positions. Director Kim, with an air of authority, proceeded to formally introduce Stranger to the gathering, hailing him as the musician and composer behind this very series.Nil was taken aback, suspecting that perhaps Stranger had been the one to recommend him for the role. This notion ignited anger within Nil, prompting him to briskly depart from the scene. The mysterious figure trailed closely behind, calling out desperately."Nil... Nil, please, listen to me... Where are you going?"Despite Stranger's pleas, Nil continued to march on, seemingly oblivious to his words. Suddenly, Stranger seized Nil's hand and pinned him against the nearby wall. Nil, struggling to break free, found himself overpowered by Stranger's unexpected strength."Why are you acting like this, Nil?" Stranger questioned."Let me go, you're hurting me," Nil protested.Stranger, undeterred, retorted, "And what about the pain you've caused me?"Exasperated, Nil responded, "You dare ask me? I expressly told you not to do anything on my behalf, and yet you went against my wishes. Do you want me to be smothered by your assistance? Is that what you desire?"Stranger, his grip firm, pushed Nil harder against the wall. "No, I don't. I never sought anyone's help to secure your role. It was their decision, not mine. What you carry on your conscience, Nil..."Amidst the cacophony outside, their voices remained the only audible sounds, and they locked eyes, momentarily shutting out the world. Strangers drew nearer, their breaths almost colliding.Nil contemplated pushing Stranger away, but then something unexpected happened. It appeared as though Stranger was about to kneel before him. At that very moment, Gulf arrived on the scene. A surge of realization struck Nil, making him change his mind, and he gently pushed Stranger aside, finding himself enveloped in Gulf's embrace.As Nil gazed at Gulf, exhilaration coursed through him, nearly causing him to lose consciousness. Stranger, however, swiftly caught him in his arms, preventing any mishap from occurring.