Four years of working together still doesn’t make Kim Chiu comfortable kissing Gerald Anderson, her on-screen partner and rumored boyfriend.

“The last kiss we had was very long and passionate,” says the 19-year-old actress. “Our director (Ruel Bayani) asked us to do it again and again, nakakahiya. There were people watching us …”

Kim is referring to a particular scene she shared with Gerald in “Paano Na Kaya,” their latest romance movie by Star Cinema.

First kiss

The on-screen couple had their first kiss in Lino Cayetano’s teen drama film “I’ve Fallen For You” (2007). They’ve also locked lips a couple of times on the top-rating Kapamilya drama series “Tayong Dalawa.”

“They are now ready to tackle mature roles. Enough with pa-cute characters,” says Bayani, who is also the director of “Tayong Dalawa.” “Star Cinema wants to see Kim and Gerald portray more challenging characters.”

The fans may be titillated, but Kim and Gerald insist they’re not ready to be real-life lovers. “We’re happy with the way things are,” says Kim. “I feel safe when he’s with me. I also appreciate him when he makes me laugh. That’s what’s important to us right now.”

Bayani adds: “It’s useless to label what they have. It’s enough that when one is sad, the other is there to lend a shoulder to cry on. There’s so much love and support between them. It’s OK if they’re not lovers.”

In “Paano Na Kaya,” Kim plays Mae, who is madly in love with her childhood best friend Bogs (Gerald). The feeling is not mutual, however, since Bogs is happy with his girlfriend Anne (Melissa Ricks).

The film, written by Henry Quitain and Kris Gazmen, opens in theaters nationwide on Wednesday, January 27. Also in the cast are Zsazsa Padilla, Ricky Davao, Rio Locsin, Rica Peralejo, Robi Domingo, IC Mendoza and Jon Avila.