The door to Dylan's dressing room swung open, and Emir stepped inside, his voice cutting through the air.
"Hey, you two aren't done yet?"
Ember turned, slightly startled, but her expression softened into a smile when she saw who it was.
"Emir! Good to see you."
"Yeah!" he grinned. "How are you doing, Ember?"
"I'm good," she replied, still wrapped in Dylan's arms, though she pulled away slightly.
Emir's gaze shifted to Dylan, his tone turning more serious.
"Dylan, I need to talk to you."
Dylan's playful demeanor faded, replaced by concern.
"What's going on, Director?"
Ember blinked, surprised.
"You're the director?"
Emir chuckled.
"Yeah, I'm directing this film."
"That's great!" Ember said, genuinely impressed.
Dylan, still focused, pressed again.
"What happened?"
Emir let out a heavy sigh.
"I just got a call from the assistant of the lead actress. She can't make it today."
Dylan frowned.
"Why not?"
"She's not feeling well. It was a last-minute thing," Emir explained, running a hand through his hair in frustration.
Dylan nodded, already making a decision.
"Okay, I'll start packing up then."
But Emir quickly shook his head, his voice firm.
"No, no! I still need to find someone to fill in for the shoot. It's a masked scene, so her face won't be visible, and we can use a stand-in."
Ember raised an eyebrow, skepticism evident in her voice.
"So, you're replacing her just for today because she's sick?"
Emir nodded quickly, trying to reassure her.
"It's not like that. It's only for today. Since the character is wearing a mask, no one will even notice. I've already called the agency for a substitute."
As if on cue, his phone buzzed in his hand. He glanced at the screen, exhaling sharply.
"Hold on, this could be them," he said before answering.
"Hello?"
A clipped, professional voice responded on the other end.
"We're unable to send someone today, sir."
Emir's expression fell.
"What? Don't do this to me!" he pleaded, tension creeping into his tone.
"Sorry, sir. We've tried, but no one's available."
The call ended abruptly, and Emir let out a frustrated sigh, hanging up.
"They can't send anyone."
Dylan didn't hesitate, his decision firm.
"Pack up, then."
But Emir's eyes widened in desperation, his voice almost breaking.
"No! This is my first shoot. I can't afford to call it off."
Ember, feeling a wave of empathy for her friend, reached out and placed a gentle hand on Dylan's arm. Her voice was soft, yet firm.
"Oh, Dylan... let's think of something for him. We can't just leave him like this."
Dylan turned to her, his expression unreadable.
"Why do you want to help him so badly?"
A small, knowing smile touched Ember's lips.
"Because he's your friend. Let's figure this out. Stop being so stubborn."
Dylan exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Alright, fine."
Ember glanced around the room, her mind racing for a solution. Then, an idea struck her.
"You have a lot of female staff. Can't you just use one of them for the scene?"
Emir's eyes lit up as he considered the suggestion. His gaze shifted to Ember, and after a brief moment of silence, a mischievous smile curved his lips.
"Why look for someone else… when she's already here?"
Ember blinked, confusion flashing across her face.
"Who?"
Emir pointed directly at her.
"You."
Her eyes widened in disbelief.
"Me? No, no, absolutely not!"
"Please, Ember," Emir pleaded, his voice hopeful. "Just for today."
Desperate for an ally, Ember turned to Dylan.
"Dylan, stop him!"
But instead of backing her up, Dylan smirked.
"He's right."
Her jaw dropped.
"You too? What is happening?"
Dylan leaned in slightly, amusement dancing in his eyes.
"The scene for today's shoot is pretty good… especially if you're in it with me."
That wicked grin of his only deepened her suspicion. Ember narrowed her eyes.
"Why are you smiling like that?"
Dylan shrugged, his smirk unwavering.
"You want to help him, don't you? So, go ahead and be the actress for today's shoot."
Ember crossed her arms, half-annoyed, half-embarrassed.
"You both are impossible!"
Ember looked at Emir with pleading eyes.
"Emir, please find someone else. I've never done a shoot before…"
Emir offered a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry about it, Ember. I'll guide you through the whole thing. Just help me out this time, okay?"
She hesitated, her gaze shifting to Dylan, who met her with an encouraging nod. His voice was softer this time, almost coaxing.
"Don't hesitate… You'll be shooting with me, after all."
Ember hesitated, anxiety creeping into her voice.
"But what if someone sees my face?"
Emir shook his head, his tone reassuring.
"I promise, no one will recognize you. The mask will cover everything."
She let out a shaky sigh, her nerves still buzzing.
"Okay... I'll do it."
A triumphant smile spread across Emir's face.
"Great! Come with me."
As he led her toward the dressing room, Dylan's voice rang out, half-joking but tinged with something else.
"Hey, where are you taking her?"
Emir barely glanced back.
"To get her dressed, obviously." He tugged Ember along.
Dylan raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms.
"She can change in here."
Emir rolled his eyes, exasperated.
"Don't be like that, Dylan. I'm taking her to the stylist." Then, turning to Ember, his voice softened. "Come on, you'll be fine."
Still in shock from her own decision, Ember followed him into another room. Everything felt surreal, her mind struggling to keep up.
She barely registered Emir speaking to the stylist.
"Help her get dressed and do her makeup."
The stylist greeted Ember with a warm smile.
"Ma'am, let's get you changed. You'll be wearing three different outfits for different roles. Here's the first one."
Ember nodded numbly, staring at the outfit in the stylist's hands.
I can't believe I'm doing this…
The stylist handed Ember the first outfit—a breathtaking white dress with a high-low hem, intricately embedded with pearls. The fabric shimmered under the soft lighting, making it look almost ethereal. She paired it with elegant white heels and a delicate silver pearl necklace that rested just above her collarbone.
A few minutes later, Ember stepped out, feeling slightly more confident, though the unfamiliarity of it all still lingered.
"You look stunning," the stylist said, admiration evident in her voice.
Ember offered a small smile.
"Thanks," she replied softly, still adjusting to the transformation.
The stylist gestured toward the vanity.
"Now, let's do your makeup."
Ember hesitated for a moment before raising a hand.
"Could you keep it light? I don't really wear much makeup."
The stylist nodded with understanding.
"Of course. You've got great skin, so I'll just enhance your natural beauty."
With a few gentle brush strokes, soft touches of blush, and a hint of shimmer, Ember's look was complete. The stylist then handed her a sky-blue mask, trimmed with intricate silver lace.
"Here, wear this."
Ember stared at it for a moment before slipping it over her face. The mask felt cool against her skin, adding an air of mystery to her appearance. Taking a deep breath, she whispered to herself,
"Okay… let's do this."
As she stepped into the main room, fully transformed, murmurs rippled through the crowd.
"Wow… so elegant."
"She's beautiful."
"Who is she?"
"Do you know her?"
"No, she must be new."
"Yes… but she's amazing."
Ember could feel the weight of their gazes, but the mask provided a strange sense of comfort. She was nervous, undeniably so, but beneath that nervousness was something else—excitement, 'This is a new experience… maybe I can do this.'
Dylan stood nearby, his gaze fixed on her, a soft smile tugging at his lips ',She looks perfect.'
Ember stood just a short distance from Dylan, her gaze fixed on him. She thought , He hadn't noticed her that she is looking at him yet , too engrossed in his conversation with Butler Feng. His voice was steady, commanding, effortlessly holding authority as he walked toward her.
As he approached, Ember's eyes traced him from his feet to his head, absorbing every detail. His well-built frame, his long, confident strides, the subtle outline of his abs beneath the delicate fabric of his shirt. The soft, off-white linen clung to him just enough to highlight his toned physique, the lace-up neckline adding an air of effortless charm. The wide collar framed his sculpted face perfectly, sharp yet softened by the warmth of his deep brown eyes. His high-waisted trousers accentuated his long legs, giving him an almost ethereal grace. And his tousled hair—dark and slightly messy—caught just enough of the breeze to make him look like he had stepped out of a dream.
Oh my… my! Soo hot
Her heart pounded against her ribs.
He's just too handsome.
Everything about him felt surreal, as if he had stepped straight out of a dream.
Lost in her thoughts, Ember didn't realize that Dylan had already noticed her. Their eyes met, and in that instant, the world seemed to slow down. His gaze locked onto hers, unwavering, yet he continued speaking to Butler Feng as if nothing had changed.
"Cancel all my work for today," Dylan said, still holding her gaze.
Butler Feng hesitated.
"But sir, you have an important meeting—"
"Push it to after midnight. 12:00 a.m.," Dylan ordered, his tone firm, unwavering.
"That's quite late, sir," Butler Feng pointed out, his voice laced with concern.
Dylan's eyes flickered back to Ember, softening just a fraction.
"I'll start the meeting once she's asleep. Until then, nothing else matters."
"But—" Butler Feng tried again.
"No buts," Dylan cut him off smoothly. "Tell everyone the meeting's at midnight. They can head home and rest. I want them fresh for it."
Ember stood frozen, still caught in the intensity of Dylan's gaze. Her heart fluttered, an unfamiliar warmth spreading through her chest.
Is this real?
The gentle breeze played with her hair, and for a fleeting moment, it felt as if the world around her had transformed. A soft melody seemed to play in her ears, like the soundtrack to a romance film. She could almost imagine a rainbow arching behind him, the weather itself shifting into something more magical—more beautiful—just for this moment.
"Ember… Ember?"
Dylan's voice broke through her daydream, his touch light as he gently shook her arm.
She blinked, snapping back to reality. "Huh? What happened?"
Dylan leaned in, his lips just inches from her ear, his breath warm against her skin. A shiver ran down her spine.
"Who were you murmuring about? Who's 'so hot'?" he asked, his voice dripping with amusement.
Her face burned instantly. "Ahem, nothing!" she stammered, quickly pushing him away, mortified by her own thoughts.
Dylan chuckled, the sound deep and teasing, his smile pure mischief. "Everyone's watching us."
Ember's eyes darted around, her stomach sinking as she realized the truth—several people had stopped to stare. Her cheeks flamed.
"Stop it!" she hissed under her breath, embarrassed beyond words.
Dylan's grin widened. "They're just looking because we're perfect together."
Her eyes narrowed as she shot him a glare. "Shut up!" she huffed, trying to mask the way her heart was racing.
Before Dylan could reply, Emir's voice rang out from nearby, amusement clear in his tone.
"If you two lovebirds are done, can we start? By the way, Ember, you look absolutely stunning."
Ember forced a small smile, still flustered. "Thanks..." she murmured, stealing one last glance at Dylan.
THEME - In the Garden of First Meetings
"Let's start shooting. Everyone, to the garden!" Emir announced, his voice carrying authority as he gathered the crew's attention.
He turned to Ember, his tone shifting to something gentler. "For this first scene, Ember, it's your first meeting with Dylan. You don't know each other yet. It's just a brief moment—you pass by him, and your hands accidentally touch. No eye contact, just a subtle, fleeting connection."
Ember nodded, her heart already picking up speed. "Okay..." she murmured.
Dylan smirked, catching the slight hesitation in her voice. "I'm here. Don't get nervous."
She swallowed, giving a small, uncertain "Hm..." in response, trying to steady her nerves.
As they moved into position, Ember could feel the weight of anticipation pressing down on her. Then, it happened—Dylan's hand brushed against hers, the contact brief yet electric. A sudden warmth shot up her arm, her breath hitching as a deep blush crept onto her cheeks. She quickly looked away, pretending it was nothing, but inside, her heart was racing.
"Perfect!" Emir's voice rang out, pleased with the shot. The camera clicked, capturing the magic of the moment.
After a brief pause, Emir clapped his hands together. "Alright, now for the next pose—Dylan will be sitting under the tree, and Ember, you'll be perched up on a branch."
Ember blinked, stunned. "Me? On the tree?" Her voice faltered. "I... I don't know how to climb."
Emir chuckled, waving off her concern. "Don't worry, they'll help you up."
But as Ember turned to the man assigned to assist her, her stomach twisted. He looked... intimidating. His expression was unreadable, his movements stiff as he positioned the ladder.
She hesitated, shifting uneasily on her feet. "Hm..." she mumbled under her breath, glancing at her dress. The thought of climbing in this outfit made her cheeks burn with embarrassment.
The ladder was set in place, but the discomfort in Ember's chest only grew. She fidgeted, fingers clutching the fabric of her frock. This felt too awkward.
"Can we change this...?" she asked quietly, her voice almost timid.
Emir raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"This pose..." Ember's voice trailed off, unsure of how to explain without sounding ridiculous.
Dylan, watching from nearby, immediately understood," Oh... it's her dress". He could see the hesitation in her eyes, the way she fidgeted uncomfortably. Without thinking, he stepped forward, ready to intervene.
But Emir, eager to move things along, playfully pleaded, "Please, just do it. Come on, please..." His voice took on an exaggeratedly dramatic tone, complete with a puppy-dog face.
Ember sighed, reluctantly giving in. "Okay..." she whispered, stepping onto the ladder.
Before she could climb any further, Dylan's voice cut through the air—firm, unwavering.
"Stop."
The crew froze. Emir frowned, clearly exasperated. "Now what?"
Dylan didn't hesitate. "I'll help her." He turned to the man assisting Ember and gave a nod. "You can take a break. I'll take it from here."
With that, Dylan moved behind Ember, his presence steady and reassuring. "Climb. I'm right behind you. I'll make sure you're comfortable once you're up."
Ember hesitated for a brief moment, then smiled—just a little—at his reassurance. With Dylan so close, she felt safe. Carefully, she climbed, and true to his word, he guided her every step of the way.
Once she was seated on the branch, she looked down at him, her heart still racing.
"Are you comfortable?" Dylan asked, his voice softer now, filled with gentle concern.
Ember nodded slightly. "Hm..."
"Don't be scared. I'm here," he reminded her with a small, reassuring smile.
Again, she nodded. "Hm..."
Dylan exhaled, satisfied. "Okay, I'm going back now." He turned, ready to descend the ladder.
But before he could move, Ember's voice stopped him.
"Wait..."
Without thinking, she leaned down and pressed a quick, shy kiss to his cheek. "Mmh!"
Dylan froze. His entire body went still, his mind struggling to catch up with what had just happened. Slowly, he turned back to her, eyes wide with surprise.
"What was that for?"
Ember smiled playfully. "This is your reward."
Dylan's lips curled into a mischievous grin, a teasing glint in his eyes. "You dared to kiss me in public."
She giggled softly, tilting her head. "No one can see us up here."
"Clever," Dylan whispered, inching closer.
"I know," Ember replied, her voice laced with mischief.
But as he leaned in even more, her heartbeat quickened. A sudden warmth spread through her chest. "What are you doing?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Dylan smirked, his eyes gleaming. "No one can see us."
"No... no..." Ember murmured, trying to sound firm, but her laughter gave her away.
Before she could protest further, Dylan closed the distance between them. "Mmh..." His lips brushed softly against hers, the touch so light yet electrifying.
Ember gasped, instinctively pulling away, her breath shaky. "Stop... stop it..." she mumbled between nervous giggles, her cheeks burning.
Dylan chuckled, watching her with amused eyes. "Are you alright?" His voice was gentle, yet playful.
She nodded, still trying to steady her breathing. "Hm..."
He flashed a teasing grin. "We need to practice."
"Practice?" Ember raised an eyebrow, confused.
"Yeah, practice... kissing." Dylan winked, his smirk deepening.
"Dylan!" she yelped, swatting at him lightly.
Before the moment could go any further, Emir's voice rang out from below. "Are you two done up there? Dylan, come down!"
Dylan sighed dramatically, then turned to Ember with one last playful smile. "Coming!"
As he climbed down, he stole another glance at her, his eyes still filled with mischief. "I'm going. Bye."
Ember waved, a small smile tugging at her lips as she watched him. This is definitely going to be an interesting day, she thought, feeling her heart flutter.
"Alright, Dylan, get to your position," Emir directed, his voice firm but laced with amusement.
Dylan gave a mock salute. "Going, director!" he quipped before moving to his spot.
Emir clapped his hands. "Let's begin!"
The photographer adjusted the camera, glancing up at Ember. "Miss, fold one leg and rest your hand on the tree branch, as if you're sitting on a bench."
Ember nodded, shifting her position carefully. "Okay."
"Perfect," the photographer muttered as the camera clicked. "Snap! Snap!"
"That's it... perfect pose!" Emir praised. "And... cut!"
Dylan, standing below, looked up at her. "Ember, come down."
She glanced around, realizing something important was missing. "I can come down by myself, but... where's the ladder?"
Dylan smirked, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Jump, I'll catch you."
Ember's eyes widened. "Are you kidding me?"
He arched an eyebrow. "Don't you trust me?"
She let out a playful sigh, her lips curling into a small smile. "Alright... catch me!" Without hesitating further, she took the leap.
As promised, Dylan caught her effortlessly, his arms strong and secure around her. "Open your eyes," he whispered, noticing she had them tightly shut.
She let out a breath she didn't even realize she was holding. "Houf!"
Dylan chuckled, holding her just a second longer. "You trust me too much."
Ember met his gaze, her expression soft. "Of course. You gave me a pinky promise... so, I trust you."
On the Other Side…
Meanwhile, Emir observed the scene with quiet fascination. He leaned toward the photographer. "Hey, capture a few candid shots of them for me."
The photographer nodded, quickly adjusting the lens. "Click! Click!" The camera shutter echoed softly as he captured the fleeting moment.
As the flashes continued, Ember suddenly felt a wave of self-consciousness wash over her. She glanced around nervously before whispering, "Put me down... everyone is watching."
Dylan's grip on her tightened ever so slightly, his eyes glinting with mischief. "No, let them watch..." he teased, his voice low and playful.
But Ember's expression grew more serious as she whispered back, "Everyone will know... about us."
Dylan's teasing smile faltered. His gaze darkened as reality settled in, 'She's right. If anyone finds out, it could change everything—her life, mine...'.
He hesitated for just a moment before finally sighing. "Alright, alright," he murmured, carefully setting her down. His playful demeanor softened into something more protective, his hand lingering on her arm for just a second longer than necessary.
"Thank you, Dylan... sir," Ember teased, a playful grin tugging at her lips as she emphasized the last word.
Dylan arched an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Sir? That's an interesting title for a junior."
Ember giggled, her eyes twinkling. "What?"
"Yeah, I think I like it," Dylan mused, his voice dripping with playful sarcasm.
Across the set, Emir's voice cut through the moment. "Are you two done over there?"
Dylan smirked, glancing at Ember. "What perfect timing."
Emir stood with his arms crossed, feigning frustration. "Thanks to you, this whole shoot is going to take all day at this pace."
Dylan lifted his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright! Let's speed things up."
Ember smiled to herself, watching him. Beneath all the teasing and laughter, there was something deeper—a connection that felt undeniably real.
Emir clapped his hands, signaling the crew. "Alright, let's head to the next location for the shoot."
Just as he spoke, Ember sneezed. "Achoo!"
Dylan's gaze immediately snapped to her, concern flickering in his eyes. Without hesitation, he shrugged off his jacket and gently draped it over her shoulders. "You'll catch a cold if you're not careful," he said softly.
Ember pulled the fabric closer, feeling warmth not just from the jacket but from his gesture. "Hm..." she murmured, a little embarrassed.
"Come on, sit in my car. It's warmer there," Dylan offered, already opening the door for her.
Ember hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Okay..." She climbed inside, wrapping the jacket around herself, its scent unmistakably his.
Dylan turned back to Emir. "We're heading to the next location. Bring your team quickly."
Emir flashed him a thumbs-up. "Got it. Let's move, team!" he called out, rallying the crew as they hurried to keep up.
In the Car...
Ember tried to stifle another sneeze but failed. "Achoo! Achoo! Sorry, sorry..." she mumbled between sneezes, sniffling slightly.
Dylan shook his head and handed her a tissue. "You're too sensitive to the cold," he remarked, a hint of concern lacing his voice.
Ember accepted it, feeling a little guilty. "Sorry..." she whispered.
Dylan frowned slightly, his gaze studying her. "Why are you dressed so lightly?"
She shrugged, pulling the jacket tighter around her. "Tell that to your director," she muttered under her breath.
Without another word, Dylan reached out and pulled her into his arms, wrapping her in a firm but gentle embrace. The warmth of his body instantly seeped into her, chasing away the cold.
"Come here, let me warm you up," he murmured, his voice soft yet commanding.
Ember stiffened for a moment, surprised. "Why?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
But before she could protest, he held her closer, his embrace steady and reassuring. She hesitated, then let herself relax against him, feeling her body melt into his warmth.
"How do you feel now?" Dylan's voice was low, his breath brushing against her ear.
Ember didn't respond immediately. She closed her eyes, letting the moment sink in. In his arms, it felt like the safest place in the world. His warmth chased away the lingering chill, his steady touch soothing the shivers that ran through her. And the way he held her—so naturally, so protectively—made her heart swell with something she couldn't quite name. For a fleeting moment, she felt like the luckiest person alive.
"Hm..." she finally murmured, her voice barely above a breath. The comfort of his embrace stole her words.
Dylan rested his chin lightly on her head. "Just rest for a bit. Take a nap if you need to."
His voice was gentle, almost coaxing. And for a second, Ember considered it. She let her eyelids flutter shut, feeling the soft pull of sleep.
But then, like a sudden jolt, reality crashed over her.
"Oh no!" she whispered, pulling away slightly. She couldn't let herself get too comfortable—especially not like this.
Dylan's brows furrowed slightly as he studied Ember's sudden shift in mood. "What happened?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
Ember let out a small sigh. "I just... forgot about him."
Dylan tilted his head, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "Who?"
"Oh no," Ember muttered, guilt flashing across her face. "He gave me a ride, and I completely forgot to thank him for his help."
Dylan's expression darkened slightly. "Him? Who is he?"
Ember glanced at him, exasperation creeping into her voice. "This is your fault."
Dylan blinked, taken aback. "My fault?"
"Yes!" Ember huffed. "When I found out you were in the dressing room, I ran to find you and totally forgot about him."
Dylan's mind raced. That's good. She cares about me. But... who is he?
Before he could stop himself, he watched as Ember reached for her phone. "Let me call him," she said, already dialing.
But before she could press the button, Dylan's reflexes kicked in. He swiftly grabbed her hand, snatching the phone from her grasp.
"Dylan!" Ember gasped, eyes wide with frustration. "What are you doing? I need to apologize!"
Dylan met her gaze, calm but unyielding. "Answer my questions first, then you can call."
Ember narrowed her eyes, suspicion lacing her features. "So if I answer, you'll give me my phone back?"
A smirk tugged at Dylan's lips. "No."
Ember's jaw dropped slightly before she crossed her arms, glaring at him. "You just said I could!"
"I'll think about it," Dylan teased, his lips curling into a smirk. "After I hear your answers."
Ember huffed, crossing her arms. "That's not fair! I'm not telling you anything."
Dylan raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Okay, okay... just tell me—who is he?"
Ember narrowed her eyes, suspicion lingering in her expression. "I don't trust you. Pinky promise first." She held out her pinky, her gaze unwavering.
Dylan chuckled softly, locking his pinky with hers. "Alright, pinky promise. Now tell me."
Ember hesitated, biting her lip before finally sighing. "Fine... I'll tell you."
Dylan leaned in slightly, his full attention on her. "Yes?"
"We met at the library..." Ember began, glancing at him to gauge his reaction.
Dylan's eyes never left her face. "Hm..."
Ember frowned. "Are you even listening to me?"
"Yes," Dylan replied, trying to suppress a smile.
"Stop saying 'yes'!" she scolded, rolling her eyes.
"Okay," Dylan said, leaning back with a playful grin.
Ember sighed, gathering her thoughts before continuing. "So, we met at the library. You know I was scared that time, so I ran there. He saw me, put his hand on my shoulder, and I freaked out. He asked me what was wrong, but when I didn't answer, he said, 'It's okay if you don't want to talk about it. I understand. We don't know each other, but we could be friends if you want.'"
Dylan's expression darkened, his playful demeanor shifting into something more serious. He didn't say a word, but Ember could feel the sudden tension in the air.
Ember took a deep breath, her voice softer now. "At first, I told him it was none of his business," she admitted. "But then he said, 'You've got something to say, but no one's listening. If you need someone, I can help—just by listening. Nothing bad will happen because we don't know each other.'"
She lowered her gaze, lost in the memory. "And so... I told him everything. After sharing, I felt relieved. He comforted me. Then Butler Feng called, and I asked him to drop me here. But when I arrived, I completely forgot to thank him... I just ran straight to your room."
Silence fell between them. Dylan didn't speak, his jaw tightening as he processed her words. His expression darkened, his thoughts unreadable. The air around them grew heavy with unspoken emotions.
Ember glanced at him, growing uneasy. Why isn't he saying anything?
Dylan sat rigidly, his fists resting against his thighs. His voice was low, almost a mutter. "He comforted you... and even put his hand on your shoulder... How dare he..."
"Dylan!" Ember called out, louder this time. "What are you mumbling about?"
His sharp gaze met hers, a flicker of something intense in his eyes. "What's his name?"
"You know him," Ember said hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Dylan's eyes narrowed. "Who?" His tone was sharp, laced with an edge of impatience.
Ember took a breath before answering. "Adrien... our classmate."
At the mention of his name, Dylan's expression darkened. His jaw clenched, and a flicker of irritation flashed in his eyes. "Him?"
Ember nodded. "Yes... let me call him to thank him—"
Before she could finish, Dylan swiftly snatched the phone from her hand. "I'll call him," he said, his voice firm, possessive. "I'll thank him for taking care of my girl."
Ember blinked, momentarily taken aback. But seeing the determined look on Dylan's face, she let him have the phone.
Dylan's grip on the device tightened as he dialed Adrien's number with his own phone. The call rang a few times before Adrien's voice came through. "Hello?"
"Adrien." Dylan's tone was cold, calculated.
There was a pause on the other end before Adrien responded, sounding mildly surprised. "Dylan? I didn't know you had my number."
Dylan smirked slightly, his voice dripping with quiet challenge. "I didn't know you hadn't changed it."
"Yeah... I'm actually waiting for a call from someone. What's up?" Adrien asked casually.
Dylan didn't bother with pleasantries. "Let's not waste time. This is about Ember."
Adrien's tone shifted slightly, his curiosity piqued. "Ah, so this call's about Ember? I figured as much. She's my friend."
Dylan's voice dropped, controlled but laced with restrained anger. "She's not your friend. Just stay away from her."
Adrien let out a short, amused laugh. "Is this really why you called me?"
Hearing the tension in their voices, Ember reached for the phone, her brows furrowed. "What are you saying, Dylan? Give me the phone, I'll talk to him."
Dylan caught her hand gently, stopping her. His grip was firm but not forceful. "Adrien," he said, his tone lower, more deliberate, "thanks for taking care of my girl when I wasn't around. But next time... you don't need to."
Adrien's voice turned sharp. "Okay... let's see about that."
A smirk played on Dylan's lips as he finally handed the phone to Ember. "I promised I'd let you talk to him. Here, go ahead."
Ember quickly grabbed the phone, her voice filled with urgency. "Adrien, I'm so sorry about earlier. I was just so excited when I heard Dylan was in the dressing room. I ran off without thanking you. I didn't mean to—"
Adrien let out a light chuckle. "It's fine, Ember. We're friends, remember?"
Before she could respond, the line suddenly went dead. Ember stared at the phone in shock, then turned to Dylan with wide eyes. "Hey! What happened? Why did you hang up?"
Dylan leaned back, a smug smile playing on his lips. "We don't need to talk to him anymore. Trust me."
Ember narrowed her eyes. "You wanted me to say sorry, and I did... , dylan say ."But it's rude to hang up without saying goodbye, "ember question
Dylan shrugged, completely unbothered. "That's fine."
Ember puffed her cheeks in frustration, crossing her arms. "Hmmph!"
Dylan raised an amused eyebrow. "What? Are you planning to pout all day?"
Ember turned her face away, still pouting, the weight of her unspoken words lingering in the air. "Maybe..."
He sighed dramatically, his voice playful. "Okay, okay. Stop it, you'll suffocate."
But Ember didn't budge, keeping her face turned away, her silent protest refusing to be ignored.
Dylan chuckled, his tone warm and teasing. "Alright, I'll apologize to him, happy?"
Ember peeked at him from the corner of her eye, curiosity and a hint of hope flickering in her gaze. "When?"
"After the shoot," Dylan promised, a grin tugging at his lips.
A smile spread across Ember's face, the corners of her mouth lifting as satisfaction filled her chest. "Now that's my boy."
Dylan leaned in closer, his teasing more playful now. "So now you're happy?"
Ember nodded firmly, her eyes steady, filled with a mix of love and concern. "Yes. I just want you to be kind to everyone. I don't want anyone talking bad about you behind your back."
Dylan's expression softened, touched by her care. "You're always thinking about me..."
Ember shrugged casually, though her heart beat faster at the tenderness in his words. "Of course, it's only natural I think about my man."
Dylan's eyes sparkled, his playful gleam growing stronger. "Say that again."
Ember raised an eyebrow, a playful challenge in her gaze. "Say what?"
"You know what," Dylan nudged her, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips.
She pretended to be clueless, her voice sweetly innocent. "No, I don't."
Dylan pouted, his expression exaggerated and playful. "Please?"
Ember chuckled softly, shaking her head, her heart warmed by his antics. "Alright, don't give me that look..."
Just as Ember was about to speak, the driver interrupted, his voice steady. "Sir, we've arrived."
Ember quickly moved, eager to get out. "Let's go!"
But Dylan stopped her, his hand reaching out to gently hold her arm. "Driver, could you give us a moment?"
The driver nodded and quietly stepped out. Ember glanced at Dylan, confusion flickering in her eyes. "Why did you ask him to leave?"
Dylan leaned in closer, his eyes gleaming with intent, his voice low and teasing. "Because you didn't finish what you were saying."
Ember's heart raced, the tension building between them as he moved closer, inch by inch. "W-What are you doing?" She stammered, her breath catching in her throat.
"Are you going to say it, or should I?" Dylan whispered, his voice sending a shiver down Ember's spine as he closed the distance between them.
Ember pushed lightly at his chest, her cheeks flushed with heat. "Okay, okay, stop! I'll say it."
She took a deep breath, her heart racing as her voice softened, barely more than a whisper. "You're my man."
In an instant, Dylan leaned in and kissed her gently on the lips, sending a surge of warmth flooding through her.
"Mmh..." she mumbled, surprised by the tenderness, her breath catching.
He pulled back, his smile playful yet sincere. "Now that's good."
Ember, still a little dazed by the kiss, glanced up at him, her eyes searching his. "Can we go now?"
Dylan chuckled, his laugh light and filled with affection as he opened the door. "Let's go."