SONG'S ROOM – NIGHT
Song sits on the floor, his back against the bed. Tears glisten in his eyes as he stares at a photo of himself and Mai, their smiles frozen in a happier time. His fingers trace over Mai's face on the picture, his mind clouded with questions.
Song - Six months… six months without a word. Where are you, Mai?
The phone suddenly buzzes. It's Khao. Song wipes his eyes and answers.
Khao (over the phone, light tone): "Come on, man… it's been months. You can't just lock yourself away forever."
Song (forcing a chuckle): "I'm fine, Khao… really."
Khao: "Fine? You sound like a ghost. Let's hang out now, okay?"
Song hesitates, his eyes fixed on the photograph in his hand. His thumb lingers on Mai's smile. He bites his lip, hiding the storm inside.
Song (softly): "Yeah… now"
He ends the call, the room falling silent again. The moment his phone screen goes black, his mask crumbles. He presses the photo to his chest, his breathing shaky.
Song's inner voice (V.O.): "You disappeared… and I can't even tell anyone you were mine."
The camera slowly pans out, leaving Song small and alone in the corner of his room, surrounded by shadows.
One hour later, Song meets Khao outside a café.
Song: "So… where are we going?"
Khao (grinning): "Let's hit my gym. We'll work out, then grab something to eat at a nice restaurant. Might help lift your mood."
Song nods, trying to hide his lack of enthusiasm.
INT. GYM – NIGHT
The warm scent of rubber mats and faint music fills the air. Khao gestures toward the machines.
Khao: "You start, I'll just go say hi to the owner."
Before Song can respond, Khao disappears toward the reception desk.
Song looks around, scanning the rows of equipment… and freezes.
There — by the weights section — is Mai.
His heartbeat stumbles. Mai is mid-exercise, looking as flawless as ever. Time slows as Song's eyes lock on him.
Mai finishes his set, then turns… walking straight toward Song.
Song's breath catches. For a second, hope sparks in his chest.
But when Mai reaches him, he walks right past — no smile, no nod, not even a flicker of recognition.
Song's chest tightens painfully, but he forces himself to keep it together, the public setting of the gym acting as his only shield.
Mai's face, calm and distant, looks as if he truly doesn't know him at all.
Song's mind screams: "Where is the Mai who loved me? Where is the Mai I knew?"
Before he can process the ache in his heart, Khao returns, clapping a hand on Song's shoulder.
Khao: "Alright, ready for the workout?"
Song swallows hard, forcing his lips into a faint smile.
Song takes his place at a machine, trying to follow Khao's lead. But his eyes keep drifting… to Mai.
Mai is across the room, adjusting the weights, a light sheen of sweat on his skin. Every small movement, every flick of his hair, feels painfully familiar.
Song grips the handle of the machine, his knuckles white. Inside, a silent plea runs through his mind —
"Just once… just look at me. Please."
But Mai doesn't. He chats casually with someone else, his gaze never even brushing Song's direction.
The harder Song tries to focus on his workout, the more his chest tightens. His breathing turns shallow, like every second without acknowledgment is slicing into him.
Khao is busy counting reps, oblivious to the quiet war happening in Song's heart.
Song's eyes glisten, but he blinks quickly, swallowing the lump in his throat. He can't fall apart here. Not in front of Khao. Not in front of Mai.
"Why… why can't you see me?" he thinks, holding his breath until the moment passes.
But deep down, each second feels like a piece of him is breaking away.
The workout winds down. Khao tosses his towel over his shoulder, still full of energy.
Khao: "Alright! Let's grab that dinner I promised. There's a great spot nearby."
Song forces a small smile, but his voice comes out low and strained.
Song: "I… I'm not really hungry, Khao. You go ahead."
Khao tilts his head, puzzled. "What? Come on, man, you haven't eaten properly in days."
Song shakes his head, avoiding Khao's eyes. The sting in his chest is too much; if he holds eye contact for even a second, the tears will fall.
Song: "Not tonight… I just… want to go home."
Khao - Why are there tears in your eyes?
Song: "It's nothing," he forces a smile, but the pain in his eyes gives him away.
Khao: "Come on, man… bringing you here was pointless." His voice is calm, but there's a hint of frustration underneath.
They walk home in silence.
Later that night, Song sits on the edge of his bed, the dim light casting shadows across his face. His mind replays the moment over and over — Why did he ignore me? What did I do wrong?
He exhales sharply, determination replacing the ache in his chest.
"Fine, Mai… if you can pretend I don't exist, I can pretend too. I'll be at that same gym every si
ngle day… standing right in front of you.Let's see how long you can keep acting like I'm not there."