Chapter 2

Just a glimpse of seconds, and Caspien saw her again. The reason he'd been holding himself back from this place. One of the reasons he didn't want to come back was her.

'Shaun, how are you?' He smiled, nothing's changed. He still didn't have any plans of drawing near her again. Aside from that, Caspien was literally a changed man – for the worse. 

He didn't look like how he was before. Gone was the thin and soft singing heartthrob; he was now more masculine, more composed, and more naughty – a casanova on the run.

He gazed at her, taking in every detail of her face, just like he used to. She was even more beautiful now. 

He wanted to hide, but he couldn't make himself do that. Part of him wanted to know if she'd recognize him if she saw him.

He was about to turn around, since it seemed like they'd be kissing for a while longer. One more minute, and he might've punched his friend, causing an even bigger scene. But then Shaun slapped Arkin, her hand connecting with his cheek. 'Was that part of the script?'

"CUT! CUT!" The director looked devastated, like he wanted to devour Arkin and Shaun whole. Arkin smiled at Shaun, but she just gave him an icy stare.

"What's wrong with you, Shaun? We're already here, and now you're being difficult?" the director asked. 

He turned to Arkin, "And you, Arkin? Is the script too confusing for you to tell the difference between a kiss and a hug?"

The director tried to calm himself down, fanning his face with his hand, while talking to one of the staff, Marie, beside him. Caspien looked at Shaun, who seemed unfazed by the director's outburst, simply rolling her eyes.

No one answered the director; the two actors were silent, but Arkin had a hint of a smirk. The people watching around didn't know how to react. Luckily, seems like no one recorded the incident.

Arkin spotted Caspien and waved. Caspien avoided eye contact, not wanting to draw attention to himself.

"Whatever, I'll go. Most of my scenes are scheduled for tomorrow, anyway," Shaun suddenly spoke up and was about to leave, but the director and staff tried to stop her. She wouldn't listen, though, and stormed off towards a red car parked nearby.

Caspien couldn't help but laugh silently, watching her act out like that.

After Shaun left, the director talked to Arkin. A few minutes later, Arkin appeared in front of Caspien.

"Dude, did you see that?" 

"What?" 

"The scene! Shaun was amazing!" Arkin looked so blown away.

Caspien took a deep breath, trying not to punch him, so he just cleared his throat. It was too obvious that Arkin had deliberately kissed Shaun, even though it wasn't in the script. Arkin didn't know Shaun and Caspien were a thing before, because if he did, he wouldn't have dared to.

"Cas, why are you dressed like that? And why are you back in the Philippines? I thought you said you'd never come back," Arkin asked, curiosity etched on his face.

Caspien sneered at him, looking down at what he was wearing – an all-black ensemble consisting of a black leather jacket, black distressed denim jeans, and black combat boots, paired with trendy shades that gave him a chic, celebrity-like aura.

He shrugged; that's what he was wearing before he got kidnapped to a plane, since he was out partying, and his friends were kind of well-off, so what he was wearing was just average back in the States.

"Just a trip," Caspien replied, unable to think of any other reason right then.

Arkin gave him a weirded-out look. He was an actor himself, but he was just wearing simple clothes when he was outside. It was too hot in the Philippines to wear a jacket!

"Trip? That's it? Does Monique know you're back?" Arkin asked curiously.

Caspien's eyes widened at the mention of that name. 

"Nope, and don't tell her!" Caspien warned him, giving him a stern look.

Arkin raised his hands in defense. "Okay, fine. Chill. Since it's your birthday today, and I didn't forget, let's hit the bars!"

Caspien just nodded, knowing this wouldn't be like their bar-hopping days in the States. 

A normal person would just rest after a flight because of jet lag. But he was Caspien – of course, his priorities were different. His main priority at the moment was to enjoy his day and try to forget his encounter with Shaun as much as possible.

They entered a popular bar in Pampanga. The flashing lights outside, the smell of alcohol, and the pulsating music all came together to create an eccentric atmosphere. 'This might not be America, but it's not bad either,' he thought to himself. 

As a party guy, Caspien felt his energy returning, his blood pumping.

"Arkin, do you have any spare clothes?" Caspien asked.

"Why change?" Arkin replied, grinning.

Caspien glared at him, annoyed. 'He's such a goofball,' he thought. 

Arkin quickly made a peace sign and pointed to the plastic bag in the backseat. 'A summer polo and shorts – this will do.'

But before Caspien forgot, he looked at Arkin and reminded him, "You're an actor, don't forget." 

Caspien gave him a sharp look, not that he cared, but he knew how hard Arkin worked for his career. Since elementary school, it had been his dream. He was just reminding him because Arkin could be reckless when let loose – he knew him that well.

"Don't worry, it's a private bar for artists and the rich," Arkin said, getting out of the car.

He glanced at the bar again – it looked high-end. Caspien never knew something like that existed in the Philippines. Looks like he'll enjoy himself there.

They entered the bar, and almost everyone's attention was drawn to them, especially the women. 

'wo hot men on the move tonight.' 

Caspien wore his shades. Honestly, he noticed the women checking out Arkin, who was smiling at everyone he passed by like he was used to the attention he was getting and enjoying himself. 

But of course, Caspien was Caspien.

As he stroked his hair and removed his shades, all their attention shifted to him. 

"Shit Cas, I am enjoying the stares. You're stealing the spotlight," Arkin whispered to him. Caspien smiled even more. 

'Sorry Arkin,' he thought, 'I am the king of the bars.'

He bit the side of his lip and flashed a charming smile at the beautiful women around him.

 "Now you'll see how much I've changed. I became an animal in this colorful cage."