The studio felt colder after Damian left.
Julian didn't ask questions. He just kept working, guiding me through the final shots with the same easy confidence, like nothing had happened. But I noticed he kept a little more distance now. His hand didn't linger on my shoulder. His smile didn't reach his eyes as easily.
When we finished, he walked me to the door. "You sure you're okay to get home alone?"
I nodded. "I'll be fine."
He hesitated, then pulled a card from his pocket. "For the next shoot. Or if you ever need to talk."
I took it, tucking it into my bag. "Thank you, Julian. For today. For not making it weird."
He smiled, but there was something careful in it. "It's only weird if you let it be." He paused. "He's intense. The boyfriend."
I didn't correct him. "He's not my—" I sto
