Lights, Camera, Tension

Ethan’s POV

Part of the job was attending press events.

Pretending I was not slowly dying inside after three hours of nonstop PR, answering the same five questions from reporters who pretended to care about anything other than a headline, and smiling for flashing cameras—I would done dozens of these before.

However, nothing—I mean nothing—could have prepared me for this tour of the press.

Not with Julian Cross as my co-star.

Not when we had to pretend to be best friends for the movie's sake.

And certainly not when everyone was fixated on our alleged "rivalry."

I realised we were in trouble as soon as we entered the press conference room.

The Quiet Before the Storm

The place was full.

The entire room was filled with rows of reporters, flashing cameras, and fans who had somehow gotten inside.

Our designated seats were marked with nameplates on a long table that spanned the stage at the front of the room.

I was positioned directly next to Julian.

We were, of course.

I glanced at the casting director, Rebecca Moreau, who was standing with the other studio executives close to the back of the room.

She arched an eyebrow, seemingly challenging me to speak.

I didn't.

Rather, I sat down, clenching my teeth as Julian slouched comfortably in the chair next to me, spreading his legs as if he were the owner.

As he adjusted the microphone in front of him, he muttered to himself, "Try not to look like you want to kill me." "There is an audience."

I gritted my teeth. "Julan, I am just following your lead."

His gratingly flawless smile expanded. "Hale, that is the spirit."

A voice crackled over the speakers before I could reply.

"All right, everybody! We appreciate your attendance at Heart's Requiem's official press conference today.

Before focussing on us, the moderator, a well-dressed woman in a sleek black suit, smiled at the audience.

Julian Cross and Ethan Hale, two of the movie's top actors, are here with us today. We also have producer Lillian Scott and director James Alden with them.

The room was filled with applause.

I straightened my posture and readied myself for the next hour of hell.

The initial questions were expected.

"What attracted both of you to this script?"

"How did you train for your positions?"

"What lesson do you want viewers to learn from this movie?"

I responded in my typical media-friendly manner, being cautious not to say anything that might be turned into a headline.

Naturally endearing, Julian was able to blend humour and wisdom in a way that had the media salivating.

I detested how skilled he was at this.

I detested the way the room leaned closer each time he flashed that brilliant smile.

I particularly detested the fact that the following question made me want to jump off the stage.

The Inquiry That Revolutionised Everything

The hand was raised by a reporter in the front row, a man in his early thirties with a knowing smile and slicked-back hair.

"This is a question for Ethan and Julian," he said in a humorous tone.

I felt uneasy about this.

Your on-screen and off-screen chemistry has generated a lot of discussion online. For years, fans have been making assumptions about your relationship. What are your thoughts on the rumours that you two are more than just co-stars in secret?

Muffled laughter and murmurs filled the room.

From where I was sitting, I could sense Julian's laughter even though his posture remained the same.

In contrast, I experienced tension throughout my entire body.

Even though I knew this question would eventually be raised, it still infuriated me.

The moderator attempted to interrupt. "Let us limit the discussion to the movie—"

Julian turned to the reporter and smiled slowly and mischievously as he waved her away.

He leaned forward a little and said, "Oh, we expected this question." "Without it, a press tour would not be complete."

The crowd laughed.

I gave him a fierce look while pleading with him not to exacerbate the situation.

I was ignored by Julian.

He went on, "But let us correct the record." "I have a very... passionate relationship with Ethan."

I choked.

Julian smiled.

With a silky voice, he remarked, "We fight, we challenge each other, we push each other to be better." "And yes, fans may misinterpret that passion at times."

The reporter eagerly leaned forward. "You are implying that the dating rumours are untrue?"

Julian tapped his chin thoughtfully and hummed. I would not say that, though. After all, are not hate and love just two sides of the same coin?

I gave him a kick beneath the table.

He flinched just a little.

It was being devoured by the entire room.

I reached for my microphone and forced out a courteous, businesslike response before the media could barrage us with more questions.

I firmly stated, "Julian and I are co-stars." "Our goal is to give this movie the greatest performances we can. There is nothing more to it than that.

With a knowing gleam in his eyes, Julian cocked his head. "Hale, are you certain about that?"

I turned abruptly to him.

This was too much fun for him.

He was pushing himself just enough to get my attention without going overboard in front of the cameras, and I could see the amusement dancing in his face.

This game could be played by two people.

I leaned slightly towards him and put on my most endearing smile.

"I suppose you will just have to see the film and make your own judgement."

The crowd blew up.

Cameras flashed.

The internet was on the verge of a collapse.

The Repercussions

I rushed off the stage and pushed my way through the venue's back entrance as soon as the press conference was over.

Julian was right behind me, his voice gratingly amused.

"Well, that was enjoyable."

I spun around. "Juliana, what the devil was that?"

He grinned. Hale, calm down. We call it publicity.

With a sharp exhale, I combed through my hair. "They have enough material to write a hundred damn articles about us, thanks to you."

With his arms crossed, he remarked, "That was the point." The slow-burning romance, chemistry, and tension are the main themes of this movie. People will be more invested in our dynamic when they watch it if they believe in it more.

I tightened my jaw. "I could have been warned by you."

However, where is the enjoyment in that?

My heart pounded as I gazed at him.

And Julian Cross was furious.

manipulative. calculated. Unreadable.

What is the worst?

He might have been acting for the cameras, but I was not sure.

Or if he truly meant it in some way.