Lucky To Have Stayed Where We Have Stayed

[PART II]

PART II

10 years later...

"Khun Ohm, how do you feel about bagging the Best Actor award for your latest movie?" a reporter asks at his celebratory press conference. Ohm puffs his chest out and flashes his trademark megawatt smile at the camera.

"I've only been taking on villain or anti-hero roles for the last couple of years to test my mettle, and this is my first award for such a role. I'm over the moon about it," he answers proudly. "I'm thankful to my fans for believing in me and for supporting my characters, even if they're not easy to love."

"What's next for you, Ohm?" a different reporter asks. "Anything specific that you're targeting for your next project?"

He pauses to think about that. "Hmm. Nothing, really. I'm happy to take it easy and just ride waves as they come. But this I can say-" He looks into the camera and shoots it a determined yet smoldering look - one that's been tested and proven to capture the hearts of viewers - for maximum effect. "Whatever is thrown my way, you can trust that I'll give it my 200%."

"That's what we all love about you," another reporter gushes. "I'm sure some of your fans are wondering, though. You haven't been in any love stories or had any on-screen partners for the last 5 or so years. And it's been a decade now since your last BL, which was the talk of the town back in its day. Any interest in making a comeback to the romance genre?"

Of course they would ask this question. Ohm, for the life of him, doesn't understand why they're still asking this years later when he's already answered it time and again, but that's simply how the press works. They're never gonna quit until they hear the answer that they want. "Anything is possible," he answers vaguely, like he usually does when it comes to that question. They don't have to know that he doesn't mean it because he is avoiding roles like that on purpose...for a reason he doesn't like thinking about, thank you very much. "If I'm being honest I've become really passionate about action, suspense, and horror themes. They stretch me beyond my limits every time, which means growth. But if I come across a romance script that piques my interest, why not?"

"In that case - if it's a mafia vs. cops or an apocalyptic times sort of romance, would you take it?" the reporter probes. Honestly, it's still a no, but he has to hand it to her for covering all her bases. He doesn't say that, of course.

Instead: "Sounds interesting. If I like the script, I'd definitely go for it."

Another press member swoops in and assertively points his mic at Ohm. "I have a question. I'm sure you already know, but word on the street is that Director Nanon Korapat Kirdpan is now back from the US with an MFA in Film and TV Production under his belt. He's had a pretty exciting career in America, but he's reportedly come back to finally grace Thai media with his works. Since you two are friends, any plans for a potential tie-up?"

Well - so much for not thinking about the reason why he's been avoiding romantic roles.

He and Nanon had fallen out of touch shortly after his highly talented and ambitious friend, at the tender age of 25, decided to transition from acting to directing and left for America to pursue an MFA.

"Eventually I want to get into producing too," Nanon had confided over drinks, the night that he disclosed his overseas study plans to Ohm and their other GMM buddies. Ohm remembers feeling both vicarious excitement and near-crippling sadness at the thought of Nanon leaving the country for a long time. "This is the first step. Imagine the possibilities!"