Keeping distance

The camera flashed brightly, blinding me for a moment as the photographer's voice rang out. "That's perfect, Zaya."

I tilted my head, holding the final pose as I waited for the shutter to click one last time. It had been three days of grueling shoots since that kiss with Layla, and I'd thrown myself into every possible project to drown out the memory of it.

But it lingered, no matter how busy I made myself. I'd kept my schedule packed, avoiding the studio where I knew Layla would be, even refusing to check the time when I knew our paths might cross. Today, though, I was left with no choice but to return to the set.

There was a scene to film, thankfully just a fight sequence and not with Layla. I could handle this.

The photographer gave a satisfied nod, signaling that we were done. "That's a wrap, Zaya," he said, and I dropped the forced smile, finally exhaling.