Rey practically jumped out of her seat and grabbed Ella's arm.
Ella: "Let me go! Why are you dragging me?!"
Rey: "You idiot! I'm not letting you miss this once-in-a-lifetime moment!"
Ella: "Nooo—!"
Before she knew it, they were near the stage. Ella panicked and quickly lifted her popcorn bucket to cover her face.
Damian: (in his mind, surprised)
"That girl…?"
Rey: "Hey! Why are you hiding behind popcorn?!"
She snatched the bucket out of Ella's hands.
Ella: (internally, dramatic)
"Truly… a best friend is your biggest enemy."
Soon, it was Rey's turn. As she shook Damian's hand, her entire body froze in pure bliss. She wasn't letting go.
Security Guard: "Ma'am, please move."
With a dreamy smile still stuck on her face, Rey was gently escorted away. Damian waved her goodbye with a charming smile.
Now... it was Ella's turn.
She stepped forward hesitantly, her hair covering most of her face.
Damian: (whispering, confused)
"What the—?"
Mr. Mah: "Miss, please stand properly."
Ella: (in a deliberately low voice)
"It's… my hairstyle."
She awkwardly tilted her head, and her hair slid back—revealing her face.
Damian's eyes widened. A slow, amused smile spread across his lips.
Damian: "So... you're a fan too?"
He extended his hand.
Ella: (in her mind, mortified)
"You stupid girl! Why did you come here?!"
She quickly shook his hand and darted off, face flushed red with embarrassment.
Outside the theater, Rey was practically jumping with joy.
Rey: "Just make a wish—I'll make it come true! It's the BEST day of my life!!"
Ella: (still ashamed)
"And I just want to disappear... what must he be thinking of me?!"
Ella:
"Wait, why am I even embarrassed? He should be the one feeling awkward! I know his true colors,"
(she says to herself, trying to calm down).
Rey:
"Come on, tell me how it felt! Let's go to Starbucks — I'll treat you to whatever drink you want!"
Ella:
(smirking) "Do you even get paid that much?"
Rey:
"Today I'll spend like a millionaire — just for this moment!"
(Ella laughs softly and lets it go as they walk off together.)
---
✨ Meanwhile, in Damian's car:
(Damian sits down and immediately sanitizes his hands.)
Mr. Mah:
"Damian, are you all right?"
Damian:
"Yeah... I just feel like I'll come down with a fever tomorrow. My whole body's aching
Mr. Mah:
"Well, you know your body better than anyone. I'll get you some medicine. After that, we're heading to the set for your shoot, then to your psychiatrist, and then—" (he keeps listing the schedule)
Damian:
"Yeah..." (nods and stares out the window)
(He sneezes, then gestures to Mr. Mah that it's nothing serious.)
Damian (in his thoughts, smirking):
"That girl... So she's my fan after all. Maybe now she's regretting how she acted."
(He lets out a soft chuckle, closes his eyes, and leans back to rest.)
(The scene shifts to the psychiatrist's office. After the examination, the psychiatrist sits at her desk, glancing at the report in her hands.)
Psychiatrist:
"The reports are normal."
Damian:
"Is that so?"
Mr. Mah:
"Then why does he feel that pain every night—especially after coming into contact with strangers?"
Psychiatrist:
"Damian, there's nothing physically wrong with your body or your brain. The pain you're experiencing might be psychogenic—pain that's caused by emotional or psychological factors. In simple terms, your brain might be misinterpreting signals due to internal conflict or suppressed emotions."
Mr. Mah:
"Could it be because he's always so serious? He never genuinely laughs—everything is part of his acting…"
Damian: (gives a slight warning tone)
"Mr. Mah."
Mr. Mah:
"What? I'm just saying the truth. Maybe that really is part of the problem."
Psychiatrist:
"It could be. If that's the case, I suggest trying to change his environment—surround him with things or people that genuinely make him happy. If the pain is emotional, healing might start with joy."
(Damian looks down silently, slightly troubled.)
(Damian and Mr. Mah are seated in the car. Mr. Mah glances at Damian curiously.)
Damian:
"What?"
Mr. Mah: (smirking)
"So… should I contact her?"
Damian:
"Who?"
Mr. Mah:
"The girl you genuinely smiled at while shaking hands."
Damian:
"I don't know who you're talking about."
Mr. Mah: (teasingly mimics)
"The girl who said, 'No, that's my hairstyle' while hiding behind her hair. Ring a bell?"
Damian: (suppressing a smile)
"What are you—" (a small smile escapes)
Mr. Mah:
"See? I'm a terrible actor, but even pretending to be her makes you laugh."
Damian:
"No, that's just acting. You know I didn't land on the billboard three times just by chance."
Mr. Mah: (softly)
"Maybe. But think about it. As someone who sees you like a little brother… I haven't seen that kind of smile on you in years."
Damian:
"…Fine. I'll think about it."
"Listen, Damian isn't physically well."
(He explains Damian's condition and the psychiatrist's diagnosis.)
Ella:
"Okay… but how can I help? You should find someone who can actually bring happiness into his life."
Mr. Mah:
"Exactly. That's why I'm asking you. Are you in?"
Ella:
"Me?!"
Mr. Mah:
"Yes. Damian genuinely smiles when he sees you. You bring happiness to him."
Ella:
"There must be some mistake. I mean… how can—"
Mr. Mah:
"We'll pay you $13,000."
Ella (in her mind):
$13,000… but still…
Mr. Mah:
"$15,000. Per week."
Ella:
"Per week?!"
(Everyone in the café turns to look at her.)
Mr. Mah (chuckling):
"Yes, per week. You can take some time to think about it. Here's my card."
(He hands her a business card.)
Ella:
"O-okay…" (Takes it, still in disbelief.)
Mr. Mah:
"But let me know before the week ends."
Ella:
"Understood, sir."
(Mr. Mah leaves. Ella remains standing, frozen, the business card in hand—completely confused and overwhelmed.)