"Why don't you join a writing contest? You've written so much already," Emilliano said.
We were both lying on our stomachs on my bed. I was using his laptop to finish some assignments, while he flipped through the box where I kept all my old writings.
I glanced at him. "It's not that easy to win those contests. I'm sure there are a lot of writers out there better than me."
He looked at me with his head propped up on one hand. "But you're not joining to win," he said, and I turned to him. "You're joining for the experience. For growth," he added with a soft smile.
I squinted my eyes at him. "Fine, I'll join the contest. But you have to join the theater group. Deal?" I said, holding out my hand to him.
He stared at my hand for a moment, then looked at me. "Deal!"
I FIXED my reading glasses and kept typing on my laptop. It was a new week, which meant I had to post a new update for one of the stories I was currently writing. Even if we had a project going on for adaptation, I still had to regularly update my online works. I didn't want to keep my readers waiting—what if they lose interest?
I heard the door open, and I could already tell it was Cathy just from the sound of her steps. We shared a room, something we agreed upon since I rarely slept anyway, and the room was spacious enough for the both of us.
"Aren't you gonna shower?" she asked while drying her hair with a towel.
I shook my head. "Later. I'm still working." I showed her my screen.
"Oh right, you haven't eaten dinner. Join me?" she said as she flopped onto the bed. "I'm starving."
Usually, I didn't like being interrupted while writing. It was hard to stay in the zone with too much noise. My hands tended to type on their own once I had the scene in my head, but when I get distracted, it all disappears.
Still, since Cathy was hungry, I decided to pause for now. I was at a part in the story where, if I re-read it later, I'd easily recall what comes next. I stretched and we headed out together.
The house we were staying in was two stories—wide and long, with enough rooms to house the entire production team and directors. The actors were staying in the next house, right beside ours.
"I heard the chef made adobo tonight. I wonder if they've already eaten over there," Cathy said.
We prepared our food and sat at the table. The house was quiet—it was already a quarter to midnight. Everyone else was probably asleep, tired from the day's work.
"You know, we got so many fan-service clips from Ellie and Emillio. We're going to post them later," Cathy said. I just nodded and ate quietly.
A whole week had already passed, and tomorrow was the big day—the official reveal of the cast. Just yesterday, we'd already dropped hints, and fans had started guessing. Some of them got it right, which made me laugh nervously, especially for the names they mentioned who weren't actually part of the cast.
"This is nerve-wracking," I whispered, clinging onto Cathy's arm as we walked toward the tent where the whole production team and cast had gathered.
Everyone was already there, huddled around a bonfire. Each of them was holding a mushroom stick and having a good time. Cathy and I joined in right away.
"Hello, Miss Alzeiah!" Ellie stood up to greet me. "I'm a fan," she said with a giggle, holding out her hand to shake mine.
"I'm a fan of yours too! I love watching your movies," I said with a smile.
Cathy and I sat down beside them—Ellie to my left, Cathy to my right, with Aries next to her. Everyone was laughing and having fun, trying to shake off the nerves for tomorrow and get more comfortable with each other. It's been a week since shooting started, so we were starting to feel more relaxed.
"Let's play a game!" Aries suggested. "Truth or Dare!"
Everyone went "oooh" in excitement. Even without alcohol, Aries already sounded tipsy. Still, we all agreed—and since he suggested the game, he went first.
"Truth!" he said right away.
Andrew, one of our props guys, asked him, "Okay, I've been meaning to ask this. Do you have a crush on one of the directors?"
Aries's ears turned red immediately and he covered them. "Which director?" he asked. There were three—Art Director, Assistant Director, and the Main Director.
"Anyone that comes to mind," Andrew said, grinning.
I narrowed my eyes at Aries. He was trying to hide it, but he was obviously flustered.
"U-Ugh, that's tough…" he mumbled, but we could all hear him. "O-Okay, fine. Yes, I have a crush on one of the directors," he admitted, eyes shut and head bowed.
Everyone screamed and giggled while Cathy kept teasing him, trying to guess who it was. Aries, now fully red, laughed along and tried to keep up with the teasing.
"Okay, okay! Enough already," he said. "Next one. Andrew, you asked, so you're next."
Pia raised her hand. "Truth or dare, Drew?" she asked with a grin.
Andrew smirked back. "Dare, of course! I'm not a coward," he laughed and pointed at Aries.
Pia avoided his gaze, resting her chin on her hand, as if deep in thought—then smiled. "Alright, go to your room and sleep."
We all burst into laughter while Andrew stood up, scratching his head, muttering about how unfair his dare was. But he had no choice when the entire crew pushed him toward the hallway. Poor guy.
"Next! My turn!" Pia raised her hand.
"Truth or dare?" Edward asked.
"Hmm…" Pia pretended to think. "Truth! I don't want a lame dare like Andrew's," she stuck her tongue out before laughing.
We laughed along with her.
"Alright, what's your favorite project you've worked on?" Edward asked.
Pia pouted. "That's unfair! This is the only project I've handled so far—so of course, this one!" she answered like a child, making everyone laugh again.
Oh no, poor Pia.
"Emillio, your turn," Pia said.
"I want to ask!" Cathy suddenly jumped in. "Truth or dare?"
I couldn't look at him, even though I felt him glance at me a few times. My eyes were fixed on the bonfire.
"Hmm, truth!" Emilliano replied, and I could hear the smirk in his voice. "I'm an honest guy, so I won't fail this."
Everyone laughed at that.
"Alright, let's test that," Cathy said with a grin. "What do you like more… America or the Philippines?"
I rolled my eyes slightly. I thought she'd ask something more surprising—but of course, I already knew his answer.
Emilliano chuckled softly. "The Philippines, obviously. This is my home."
Everyone gave a chorus of "Oohs" and claps at his answer. I wasn't sure if they were genuinely happy or just teasing him.
"Ellie's turn next!" Emilliano called, and everyone clapped again.
The teasing and laughter continued. The whole circle was full of joy, and I was a part of it too. It was a beautiful moment—even if we were just in one place together.
Turns out… it is possible.
Even when we're in the same space, I can still breathe.