Side Story 2: Behind the Curtains
Ethan had seen his fair share of drama in the entertainment industry, but nothing prepared him for working closely with Selena, the fiery singer whose voice could command any room but whose temper could silence one just as easily. Their chemistry was electric—both on and off set. Yet, their interactions were always professional, never stepping beyond the fine line between colleague and something more.
Until today.
It was a simple music video shoot, one meant to showcase their artistic sides. However, after a day of rehearsals, the tension between them had reached its peak. Ethan could sense the shift in Selena's attitude, her playful banter turning more suggestive, her glances lingering just a bit longer. He wasn't sure what had changed, but something was different, and it unnerved him in a way he hadn't felt in a long time.
During a break, they found themselves alone backstage. The usual chaos of the set seemed far away as the quiet hum of the empty hall enveloped them. Selena leaned against a wall, her arms crossed, her gaze locked on him.
"You know," she began, her voice low and teasing, "I've been curious about you. You're not like the others."
Ethan raised an eyebrow, trying to play it cool despite the heat creeping up his neck. "What do you mean?"
"You don't crave the spotlight like everyone else. It's like you're... hiding something."
The air between them thickened with unspoken tension. Ethan had never allowed himself to think of Selena this way, but now, standing so close to her, he couldn't deny the pull he felt. He had always focused on the tasks given by the system, but this—this was something completely different. Something unpredictable.
"Maybe I am," he finally said, his voice just above a whisper.
Selena took a step closer, her eyes never leaving his. "Maybe I'm good at finding out secrets."
Ethan's breath caught in his throat as she closed the distance between them, her lips barely inches from his. The world around them seemed to fall away, leaving only the two of them in the soft glow of the backstage lights. He could feel her breath against his skin, her hand brushing against his arm, sending a shiver down his spine.
Just as their lips were about to meet, a sharp knock echoed through the corridor, breaking the spell. Selena pulled away abruptly, her confident smirk returning as she turned to leave. "Looks like we're needed back on set."
Ethan stood frozen for a moment, his heart pounding in his chest. He wasn't sure what had just happened, but one thing was clear—his relationship with Selena had just crossed into dangerous, thrilling territory. The line between work and desire had blurred, and he wasn't sure if he could—or even wanted to—go back.
As they returned to the set, Selena glanced back at him, a mischievous glint in her eye. "I'll find out your secret, Ethan. One way or another."
Ethan smiled to himself, knowing that this was just the beginning of a new, complicated chapter in his life. But for once, he didn't mind the drama. In fact, he was starting to enjoy it.