Returning home, the entire process still feels surreal.
It is not until, I am back at in front of my home door, do I eventually come to terms with the fact that I just got the role for probably one of the most beloved characters of this generation.
As I enter, ready to breath for the first time today.
I spot an unexpected visitor.
Hora, is sitting with her legs crossed on my couch as she busies herself reading the Interpter by Suz Kim, once she hears me enter she nonchalantly asks "So.... how was it?
Surprised at her being here, and how comfortable she appears as she snacks on her bowl of chips, I am unable to answer.
'Why does everyone know my passcode?'
Mistaking my silence as my disappointment, she puts her book down before enveloping me in a hug, her head perfectly nuzzles into my solar plexus, "Don't worry Dylan ..... we all fail. This is just a learning experience you will do better next time" She says trying to comfort me.
"Uhm.. No" I clear my throat, "I .... didn't fail. I think I got the role of the second male lead"
..............
"WHAT!" She says as she shakes me up and down, dancing around like a happy kid who is singing along to their favorite song.
"Aha. I'm really an actor now! I'm going to debut! hahaha" I can't help but find myself being dragged into her excitement.
"I'm so .... proud Dylan." She says with genuine excitement.
"What are you doing here anyway?" I ask still surprised that she came over.
"Well.... " It looks like she want's to tell me something " I have ... news of my own... I wanted to share it with you first"
"And what is it my Baechu?" I ask as I brush her hair softly, cupping her face in my palms lightly brushing her cheeks.
Blushing abit at my sudden intimacy and possesiveness, she looks up into my eyes with a look which I can only describe as utter cuteness.
Lowering my head I give her a quick peck before proceeding to wrap my arms around her waist.
"Up we go" I mutter into her ear before I swiftly sweep her off her feet as she squeals in shock and delight.
Securing herself, she proceeds to wrap her legs around my waist.
I push towards the nearby wall in order to maintain balance, as I make my way greedily to her lips, ensuring my hands are firmly against her back not to hurt her as we crash against the concrete.
As I'm kissing her. I lose track of time, of myself, of everything. Once, twice, thrice. It's a taste that I realise I'll never have enough of.
I want her. I want her more than air, my hands explore everywhere, it tries to grab her everything.
Her back, her arms, her neck. With every touch my thirst grows deeper, kissing her deeper harder with an urgent furver which I've never known until
"Dylan! Wait" She says as she breaks free from my lock. Her watery eyes and disheveled appearance evidence of the intensity with which I had held her.
Realising that I nearly lost myself, I huff and puff as I try to gather oxygen back in to my depleted lungs.
"Why?" With our lips so close we can breath each other's air, I ask " Do you want me to stop?"
"No but..."
Composing myself, I understand. This might not be my first time. But it was hers.
I am her first date, her first crush, her first kiss.
I keep forgetting that she is not that confident, calm and composed, goddess who once saved my life. Yet.
She still has some growing to do. In this life I will protect her as she had once been my haven.
When I first met her on set, she greeted everyone with a smile and treated everyone with kindly. Yet I recognised her eyes. I could tell that she had seen things no-one her age should have seen.
It was a sight I was all to familiar with.
Not wanting to cause her any her hurt.
I put her down onto the couch slowly, fixing her hair, collar and lipstick.
"Now that's all better.... Baechu... uhm I was going a ... bit too fast.... "
"Dylan... I'm sorry, it's just.. .I'm"
"Shhh, you don't have to say anything Baechu. You never have to apologise to me. I will never push you to do anything you don't want to do or .... aren't ready to do... We have all the time in the world."
She bites her bottom lip, it gives the impression that she wants to say something still, "Actually... The reason I came over was because of that..."
"Hmm?"
"I got .... casted... So I am going to Seoul next week" She says trying to compose herself, as she starts to tear up.
I can imagine the thoughts that going through that pretty little head of hers.
"And?"
"The company... said that I can't .... be dating anyone.... I really don't know what to do. I really really really like you Dylan. but I want to fulfill my dream... I want to be singer. I want to dance. I want to catch up to you... I don't want to choose. I don't want to lose you or my chance. I feel so selfish.... I should be happy that I have everything I could dream of. I'm scared Dylan.... I don't know what to do"
She says nearly pleading, breaking my heart as her voice breaks " Help....me"
"Baechu... " I pull her closer "Calm down. Don't worry. We will deal with this."
"How" She asks trying to get some guidance.
"Well my little bunny" I say as I wipe any tears from her eyes. "In case you forgot, your boyfriend is very rich. His family has a lot of connections. I will never..... never... have you choose between me or your dreams.... I will always let you have everything you ever deserved."
She nods her head as she puts her head into my shoulder trying to stifle any tears that are forming.
Thinking for a moment, as I calm Hora down, I take out my phone and dial a number I recently got at a shoot.
As soon as the person picks up, I waste no time "Hi there. Its Dylan... I need to speak to your CEO. Can you make it happen?"