Do you call people from work colleagues or friends? How many of us have become friends by virtue of proximity and convenience, or only bonded through workplace trauma? With relationships that have stemmed from work, how many of them flourish into genuine friendships — ones that shift conversations beyond work-related topics?

The dynamic between Sky Wongravee Nateetorn and Nani Hirunkit Changkham has transcended their roles as on-screen frenemies, Shin and Saint. Entering the likes of Amy Poehler and Tina Fey, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, or even Trixie and Katya, there is a sense of investment from adoring fans towards their off-screen friendship.

Affectionately known as SkyNani to their legion of fans, what has drawn fans to this duo extends beyond their acting chops and on-screen chemistry. To the audience, witnessing a friendship flourish at such a public level represents a longing for something genuine and unscripted — something they can vicariously experience too.  

“I don’t know if my coworkers want to be friends, but I always want to befriend everyone,” says Nani. To him, having a friend means being able to talk things through and identify a middle ground when working together. Neither could pinpoint a main driving factor when it comes to the reason why fans love watching their friendship unfold.

“It’s probably the way we bounce off each other that has created something so special we don’t even realise ourselves — and for that, we’re really grateful for our fans,” Sky chimes.

Given the special circumstances that cultivated their friendship, finding a kindred spirit who understands the intricacies of the entertainment scene as a young actor has allowed Sky and Nani to progress their friendship beyond the characters they play.

“I feel like we’re advancing together. As friends, it means putting in the work to walk forward together — and never leaving each other behind,” explains Nani. What Sky has found the most fruitful from their relationship is the ability to try new things together, exchange ideas and progress their careers together. “We constantly learn from each other,” Sky confesses.  

Having described himself as a sensitive person, what Nani looks for in a friend is the ability to talk things through with a friend. “When things happen, I tend to overthink and feel discouraged. The mark of a strong friendship is having the space to talk it out and help each other through it,” he explains.

As the thrill-seeker among the two, Sky, who once confessed to having bungee jumping and paragliding on his bucket list, cherishes being open to new opportunities as a friendship trait. It is not what makes them exactly alike that drives their camaraderie, but how small overlaps and differences can branch out to new experiences.

“We both like vintage shirts, but not in the same style; we enjoy amusement parks, but I don’t like the scary rides. We get to go anywhere together because we’re open to each other’s ideas,” is how Nani sees their dynamic.  

Perhaps what has made the public so tethered to their friendships also comes down to a pandemic of loneliness we are currently experiencing, driving us to pine for displays of connection and intimacy with one another. When asked about ways we can stay more connected with each other, the two take a minute to ponder.

“I try to be brave and step forward. Friendships don’t happen if you keep closing yourself off — if you dare to try something new, you’ll find that good things are upon you,” Nani explains.

Similarly, Sky sees kindness as the key to connecting. “If you lead with kindness, good connections follow.” Just as acting has required leaps of faith, perhaps what the two have successfully found from each other is a shoulder to lean on, a knowing look that understands your thought process without having any words leave one’s lips.  

Growing older may feel like an isolating journey with mounting challenges, but seeking solace from someone who just gets it has allowed both Sky and Nani to ground themselves in reality. Their followers may be able to show them support through social media engagement and roaring cheers from the bleachers, but ultimately it comes down to those within their inner circle that has the chance to play devil’s advocate and serve them the kind of tough love that allows them to grow.

“I’m close to 30 now, but I don’t feel old at all — just more grown, with more responsibilities at hand. What I wish for is the ability to pursue all that I dream and love,” is how Nani sees it. When asked about the next project, TV series Wu, the two are set to return as co-stars; their lips are sealed.

“It’s going to be quite a different plot than what fans are used to. We can’t say more, so we won’t spoil it for the audience,” teases Sky. 

In a time when the bar of friendship has been set so low, it is no surprise that part of SkyNani’s appeal stems from a genuine growth that has evolved from strangers to acquaintances, coworkers to friends. Not every colleague makes a good friend, but when something real comes around, take that leap of faith to nurture it — for two is better than one.  

Photography Chee Wei

Creative Direction Izwan Abdullah

Interview LingJie Tuang

Styling Manfred Lu

Grooming Suphanut Tichana

Hair Manaswee Kitpisut

Styling Assistants Liew Hui Ying, Katareeya Suksai

Production Assistant Ratchada Tuptimphet

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