Caught in the Spotlight

“Why are you so nervous?” Johnson asked, eyeing Alice with a teasing grin.

“If it was someone else, I wouldn’t feel this shy. But you’re like a brother to me—of course, it feels awkward at first,” Alice said defensively.

“What? You’d rather kiss a stranger?” Johnson asked incredulously.

“That’s not what I meant!” she exclaimed. “It’s just that those actors are co-workers, and I guess they’re used to scenes like this. But you… you’re different!” She avoided his gaze.

“Oh, so I’m special?” Johnson teased.

“Of course! You and Odette are special to me—we’ve known each other all our lives,” she blurted out, thinking, I know your secrets, but you don’t know mine yet.

“I see,” Johnson replied, although her answer didn’t completely satisfy him. Still, he was excited to help Alice practice, especially the romantic scenes. As they practiced, during the last kiss, Johnson got carried away and kissed Alice for several minutes. She, too, got swept up in the moment, letting him lay her down on the bed. When his hand started to move under her shirt, Alice was shocked and gently pushed his hand away.

“I—I’m sorry, I got carried away,” Johnson said, sitting up and rubbing his forehead in embarrassment.

“It’s okay, I think I got carried away too,” Alice blushed.

“Don’t let that happen with the actors,” Johnson said softly.

“I won’t,” Alice replied, ashamed. “It just felt so natural.”

“I’ll go back to my room now so you can rest,” Johnson said, trying to play it off, though his heart raced. He lay on his bed later, his mind replaying what had happened.

Should I tell her how I feel? Johnson wondered. From the moment they met as kids, he had always found ways to provoke Alice, just to get her attention. She was aloof at first, but that changed when she beat him up during a martial arts practice. After that, he had joined the same martial arts school and practiced with her at home, building their friendship.

Their families were close, and they spent a lot of time together with Odette, but Johnson couldn’t shake the feeling that Alice had a secret. While he and Odette openly shared their past embarrassments—Odette talking about her first kiss, or how she cheated on an exam—Alice had never divulged anything.

Maybe she’s just a good girl with no secrets, Johnson thought, but something still felt off. He chose not to pry, waiting for the day she would confide in him.

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The next morning, Odette barged into Alice’s room. “Rise and shine, my sunshine!” she yelled, grabbing the remote to close the blinds as the sun began to brighten the room.

“It’s so early…” Alice groaned, pulling a pillow over her ears.

“Six a.m.! Your call time is at ten!” Odette persisted, pulling the pillow away.

“I set my alarm for seven,” Alice mumbled, now hiding under the comforter.

“The early bird catches the worm! Come on!”

“What worm are you talking about? Is Corey your worm?” Alice asked groggily.

“Yes! He’s my worm, and I want to catch him early,” Odette said, laughing.

With no choice, Alice rolled out of bed and dragged herself to the bathroom.

“I’ll make breakfast. We need to eat before we go,” Odette said, satisfied that Alice was awake.

“Okay, okay,” Alice muttered from inside the bathroom.

Alice took her time getting ready, even eating breakfast slowly, knowing her manager would pick her up at 8:30 a.m. The van would have her outfits, a makeup artist, and a PA on board, so there wasn’t much for her to do. Her natural beauty didn’t require heavy makeup, and soon, they arrived on set.

By 9:21 a.m., they were early. Small actors and actresses were already there, and Odette used the opportunity to mingle, trying to locate Corey.

“When will Corey arrive? It’s almost ten,” Odette whispered to Alice.

“I don’t know. This is my first time working with him,” Alice whispered back.

“There’s Jennifer McClaughlin and Tony Jacobs!” Odette squealed, referencing the film’s lead actors.

“Shhh! Keep it down, or the director will kick you out. Just act normal,” Alice advised.

“How can I? It’s Jennifer and Tony! I’ll ask for an autograph later and maybe a selfie!” Odette danced excitedly. Jennifer and Tony were not only national stars but also famous internationally.

“Behave. Corey won’t like it if he sees you acting star-struck,” Alice warned.

Odette composed herself immediately at the mention of Corey’s name, though it was clear she still wanted to rush over to the stars.

When Corey finally arrived, Odette nearly fainted but pinched herself to stay calm, acting demure and composed. Corey, meanwhile, scanned the set before sitting down to review his script. He spotted Alice but pretended not to notice her. He knew who she was, having seen her in ads and magazines. Playing opposite her was part of the plan he had crafted.

She’s refreshing, he thought, imagining what they might become once he earned her trust.

Alice’s manager approached Corey to introduce them. “Hello, Corey. This is Alice. She’ll be your girlfriend in the movie,” the manager said.

“It’s nice to meet you, Alice,” Corey said, shaking her hand, his script still in his other hand.

“Same here, Corey.” Alice smiled, feeling Odette nudge her. “This is my good friend, Odette,” she added.

“Nice to meet you too, Odette,” Corey said, shaking her hand.

“The pleasure is all mine,” Odette said, blushing. “Are you going to practice together?”

“I already practiced last night,” Alice answered, knowing Odette wanted more time near Corey.

“Great idea!” Corey said with a charming smile. It seemed winning over Alice would be easier than he thought.

As they rehearsed their lines, Odette offered frequent comments and encouragement until the director called for the scene. Finally, it was time to shoot. Alice and Corey were in a scene where they rescued the lead actress from being bullied by thugs.

“Stop right there!” Alice followed the script.

“Mind your own business, young lady!” the thug leader barked.

“Maybe she wants to join the fun, boss!” another thug sneered.

“Let’s play with both of them!” laughed another.

Just as Alice was about to slap one of the men, Corey intercepted her. His hand, meant to land on her arm, accidentally brushed against her chest.

“I’ll beat the crap out of these morons,” Corey whispered, and they continued acting as if nothing had happened.

“Cut! Perfect, perfect!” the director clapped.

“Well, what do you expect? It’s Corey Ward. One take for fight scenes,” his manager boasted.

Alice’s next scene was with the lead actress, while Corey’s was later that night. As Corey headed to the refreshments table, Odette seized the opportunity.

“That was amazing, Corey! Here, have some pineapple juice,” she said, handing him a cup.

“Thanks,” Corey said, smiling as he drank.

Odette beamed. “I’ve seen all your movies. You’re even better in person.”

Corey smiled. “Really? Did you watch with Alice?”

“No, I watched with other friends. Alice is always too busy,” Odette said, embarrassed.

Corey took her hand. “Don’t be shy around me. We can be friends too.”

Odette blushed furiously. “I didn’t expect you to be so friendly.”

“Why don’t you come to my van? We can chat and relax,” Corey invited, flashing his signature smile.

Odette, stunned and overjoyed, pinched herself again, making sure she wasn’t dreaming.