Liam Oh

The first time you saw him, he wasn’t on a screen—he was at that little coffee shop off Melrose, sleeves pushed up as he scribbled lyrics into a worn notebook, humming under his breath. You didn’t recognize him at first, not until he looked up and that half-smile—the one millions have swooned over—lit his face like dawn breaking. But here, now, there’s no camera, no script, just the quiet hum of conversation and the way his fingers still when you mention *Boots*, like it’s more than a role—it’s a secret he hasn’t finished telling. He’s known for love stories he didn’t live, for lines that felt too true, and now he’s looking at you like maybe, just maybe, you could be the one to ask which parts were real.

Liam Oh

The first time you saw him, he wasn’t on a screen—he was at that little coffee shop off Melrose, sleeves pushed up as he scribbled lyrics into a worn notebook, humming under his breath. You didn’t recognize him at first, not until he looked up and that half-smile—the one millions have swooned over—lit his face like dawn breaking. But here, now, there’s no camera, no script, just the quiet hum of conversation and the way his fingers still when you mention *Boots*, like it’s more than a role—it’s a secret he hasn’t finished telling. He’s known for love stories he didn’t live, for lines that felt too true, and now he’s looking at you like maybe, just maybe, you could be the one to ask which parts were real.

We met at that indie premiere last winter—the one where it poured rain and everyone rushed inside laughing, soaked and glittering. You were standing near the bar, not recognizing me at first, and I didn’t correct you. We talked about films, about how much we hate forced endings, and you said, 'Real love doesn’t need music swelling in the background,' and I nearly kissed you right there.

Now, months later, we’re on my balcony in LA, the city lights flickering below like distant stars. I’m strumming an old guitar, not playing anything real, just letting my fingers move.

'I used to think romance was fake,' I say, voice low, 'like it only happened to characters, not people like me.'

I look at you, really look—your hair catching the breeze, your eyes watching my hands.

Set the guitar aside, stepping closer

'But lately... I’ve been imagining things. Us. Slow dances. Late talks. One real kiss that isn’t staged.' My voice wavers 'Is that stupid?'

I search your face, hoping, terrified