She can't remember how she replied. And back then, she didn't know if it was real or just her illusion. But it's different now. She wondered how he could confidently face the multiple cameras. The lights are exaggerated, making it blinding, but his eyes are still steady and calm. His gait is straight and natural. The deadbeat attitude that she can relate to very much is gone.
'So this is what he looks like when he's at work.' Several hours passed when the photoshoot ended. Artists were preparing to depart while the staff busied themselves clearing up and tidying the room. She was about to go out with David when someone rushed to her and whispered to the two of them.
"He wants to have a talk with you. Alone."
"Do you know Director Meric, Dani?" David asked.
Frowning, she answered, "No."
She doesn't want to meet with him, but recalling that he was the director of David's first project, she agreed. They watched as the staff member went back and whispered something to his boss. The boss only nodded his head as a reply.
"I will wait outside." David told her in a small voice.
"Just wait in your car," she suggested.
"Hmm."
Then she was led to the dressing room that the artists used in the photoshoot. Dani was absorbed in looking at the assortment of colorful props, costumes, and clothes when she heard light footsteps. The curtain slowly opened and two pairs of stern eyes met.
He spoke first. "Sit down. Do you want a drink?"
"No need, sir." She politely refused his offer thinking that the atmosphere he is giving is similar to his previous teacher, Mr. Lehman.
"I'm Meric Alves and I'm a director. What's your name?"
"Dani Ferret." She saw his eyes glinting at her answer.
"Ferret? What's your relationship with David Ferret?"
Dani is shocked. 'I thought he was going to persuade me to join his industry? What's with this question? Am I too proud of my appearance?'
She felt that the person in front of her was anticipating something. "I don't know anyone like that."
She saw disappointment crossed his countenance before the bitter look returned to his face. Dani didn't want to wait and watch his stunt. "Excuse me, but why did you call me here?"
"You can go out now." The other simply instructed. So she found him unbelievable. 'That's it? He's not really going to persuade me?'
Dani observed that he was really a man of few words. She stood up from her seat and took a last glance at him before she left.
'I knew that he would just waste my time.'
•••
David is leaning in his car when he noticed Dani's figure in the corner of his eye. With Austin. He gave a look at the latter. But he didn't know if the latter can't understand him or is purposely ignoring him.
He is sticking to Dani like a close friend of hers. David and Austin have the same age and debuted at the same time. The latter also has a good personality so they naturally became close. But he didn't want him around her who has an ulterior motive. And because he knows that Dani will not give him a chance. Austin has bugged him once during his party.
"No. She has no boyfriend because she's not interested in dating."
"Then what about her number?"
"I will not give it to you without her permission, so you can ask her personally if you want."
"You're so stingy."
Until now, Austin would occasionally mention it as if he's joking around. He watched the two who was approaching him with crossed arms. Knowing her personality, he's not really bothered about their exchange. He caught a glimpse of Austin's happy face.
"Get in." He told her.
"Be safe, bro!" Austin said then turned to Dani, "I will text you later. Bye, Dani."
"Bye, Austin."
David frowned unconsciously when he heard them calling each other's name with familiarity. Instead of going inside the car, he turned around to face Dani.
"You gave him your number?"
"Yeah."
"Why didn't you refuse? Just ignore it as usual."
"You say it like I'm a jerk."
"Well, you two suddenly became close. You're even calling his name."
"Of course, then what should I call him?" Dani didn't know why he looks annoyed. She just called him in his name.
"But to me..." She paid attention to what he was going to say but he didn't continue. He just shut his lips tightly after saying 'Nevermind'. But she can see the way he holds himself stiffly with a fist clenched by his side, staring straight ahead and not moving at all.
"Dave."
Dani called him. She knows how David tend to suppress his feelings. And she doesn't want to be one of those people who only watch knowing he's being like this. So she will force him to say something. To know why he suddenly became like this. She also marvelled how it's really ironic. The two of them were the quietest people in their group, but they were also the ones who fought the most. Eugene and Belle were always arguing but it was not serious. It's more like they're teasing each other all the time.
"Dani... I have a question I wanted to ask for a long time." He finally break the silence. "Why don't you call me by my name?"
"What?"
"You never called my name properly, not even once."
It took a long time for her to understand what he was asking. The question she heard earlier passed in her mind.
"What's your relationship with David Ferret?"
'Haha. Really.'
"Well, they say being called by nicknames makes it feel more intimate."
There was no response. It was a bit dark in the parking lot. Nevertheless, Dani can see the subdued look in his eyes. His blue eyes looking at her is quite frightening. But his posture is down as if his fatigue had finally consumed him.
'Why... do you look like that?:
"David."
Seeing that there has no change in his expression, she repeatedly called his name. "David, David, David."
'I didn't even realize. I'm sorry.'
"Stop."
"What?"
"If you're going to say my name while making that face, just stop."
His voice is cold like a freezing drops of water. Dani felt that the atmosphere turned heavier making it harder to breathe. "I'm sorry."
•••
"Sir? Should we visit the site?" Director Meric's secretary hesitatingly asked his boss. His boss is looking in the particular direction. He recognized that it was the new promising artist, David Lopez, accompanying a girl. He already sensed that something was wrong with his director, the moment he got into the car.
'Did he fail to recruit the girl?'
He thought that it was because of that. He already found it surprising that he suddenly had shown an interest in someone for the first time. It's not even an artist! The famous artists in the entertainment industry who wanted to gain his favor would die in jealousy if they learned of this.
Meric Alves is an honorable producer and director. He produced and directed several award winning films, television series and dramas throughout the country. He also won various awards, making him one of the best in the field.
'To think that she refused the director?'
"Cancel all the plans for today." The man ordered.
He had been with him for years and this was one of the rare occasions that he would see him feeling confused and dejected. Then, the Director continued to glue his eyes on the two figures in the parking lot. He murmured as he seemed contemplating about something. "How could it be? She reminds me of someone,"
"But she's already dead."