Chapter 9: Unexpected Company
Lin Yue arrived at the studio earlier than usual, hoping for a quiet start to the day. Instead, the room buzzed with energy. Cameras, lights, assistants running between sets , and a voice that immediately made him pause.
"Lin Yue! Over here!"
He turned and found Mei Lin, a rising idol and model, waving enthusiastically. Her bubbly smile and sparkling eyes were almost blinding. She moved through the crew effortlessly, chatting and laughing, but when her gaze landed on him, it lingered just a fraction too long.
"Finally, you're here! I've been dying to meet you in person," she said, bouncing on her heels. "I've seen all your videos — you're even better than I imagined!"
Lin Yue felt his face heat. Professional. Keep it professional. He gave a small nod and a polite smile. "Thank you. Looking forward to working with you."
Mei Lin leaned closer, lowering her voice playfully. "Don't be so stiff! I like seeing your reactions when people compliment you. Makes you… adorable."
Lin Yue's chest tightened. He tried to laugh it off, but it came out more like a nervous chuckle. Adorable? She can't know…
From across the set, Krit's presence was silent but unmistakable. He leaned against a wall, tablet in hand, scanning every movement. His golden eyes flicked toward Mei Lin, noting her proximity to Lin Yue, her easy familiarity, and the subtle way she teased him. Krit's jaw tightened slightly — not out of anger, but vigilance. He remained quiet, professional, but every motion carried a silent message: he was aware, and he would intervene if necessary.
The photoshoot began, and Mei Lin moved effortlessly, engaging Lin Yue in playful conversation between takes. She laughed at his small mistakes, leaned just close enough to make him aware of her scent, her presence, and her obvious admiration. Lin Yue tried to stay composed, but Krit's subtle watchfulness made him even more aware of how exposed he felt, in ways he couldn't admit.
During a break, Lin Yue accidentally knocked over a small stack of props. Mei Lin giggled, reaching to help him. As their hands brushed, Lin Yue's face flamed red. Krit stepped slightly closer, not touching him, but the protective stance was unmistakable.
"Be careful," Krit murmured, low enough for only Lin Yue to hear. The words weren't a scolding, but the intent was clear — subtle, personal, protective. Lin Yue's pulse quickened, the spark between them — restrained, emotional, unspoken — growing.
Mei Lin tilted her head, noticing the subtle tension. "You two are close, aren't you?" she asked playfully, but Lin Yue quickly redirected her attention, trying to maintain professionalism.
The rival's presence lingered in the background online , petty comments and teasing posts about Lin Yue's collaborations , but Krit didn't let it reach him. Lin Yue felt the warmth of that silent protection, a reassurance that was almost comforting, almost… personal.
By the end of the day, Lin Yue felt exhausted but oddly exhilarated. Mei Lin waved him goodbye, promising to stay in touch, and he realized that despite the distractions, Krit's quiet vigilance had made the day feel safe, anchored, and somehow… different.
That spark , small, subtle, emotional — was still there, growing slowly, quietly, in the spaces between rehearsals, glances, and moments like this.