Lost in Spotlight

Crossed, Again

Ryan got back into his car, and Liam appeared beside him. "What happened to your hand?" Liam asked, concerned.

Ryan, now mask-free and wearing a subtle smile, replied, "Nothing."

"Why are you smiling like that?" Liam asked.

Ryan chuckled. "Stop asking questions, buddy. A guy spilled his hot coffee on my arm."

Liam raised an eyebrow. "So, what's so funny about it?"

Ryan playfully rolled his eyes. "Shut up."

Ryan grinned mischievously. "Are you staying with me, then?"

Liam nodded. "Of course, I am."

"Why don't you live with your family, Liam?" Ryan teased, making a face.

"Because I love living with you, and don't lie, I know you missed me." Liam winked.

Luna trudged into her room, shutting the door behind her. She wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone.

Her phone rang, breaking the silence. A smile spread across her face as she saw the names on the screen. It was a video call from Lia and Alex.

"Did your boss let you talk to us today?" Luna teased, answering the call.

"Or did he just give you ten minutes to breathe?" Lia chimed in.

Alex chuckled. "Shut up, you both. I'm free tomorrow. Let's meet."

Lia's eyes widened. "No way! You're actually free?"

Alex nodded, a hint of a smile on his face.

"I'll be at your place tomorrow to pick you both up," Alex said. "I'll pick Lia up first, and then you, okay?"

"Done!" Lia exclaimed enthusiastically.

Luna's expression changed, and she hesitated. "I won't be able to join in the morning."

"Why?" Alex asked.

Luna sighed. "I have an interview."

Alex couldn't contain his laughter and burst out laughing. "No way, Luna! You're giving another interview?"

"Is this a dream?" Alex added, still chuckling.

Lia playfully scolded him, "Shut up, Alex! Don't tease her. I know she'll get selected."

Luna made a face, "God forbid. I hope I'm not getting selected, Lia."

Alex grinned mischievously, "Okay, I'll pick you up from your interview spot. Meanwhile, Lia and I will enjoy breakfast at your favorite coffee shop."

"Coffee shop," she murmured to herself, a hint of a smile on her face.

"Okay, bye," she said, ending the call abruptly.

Lia and Alex thought they might have upset her.

Ryan and Liam walked into their home after the doctor's visit.

"What are your plans tomorrow?" Liam asked, curiosity sparking in his eyes.

"I'm free," Ryan replied. "Why?"

Liam smiled. "Let's go out somewhere then."

Liam's face lit up, but Ryan quickly tempered his enthusiasm. "Sit back, Liam. You have office tomorrow."

Liam pouted. "Come on, I won't be there 24/7."

"I don't like going outside, you know," Ryan said, his expression thoughtful.

Liam nodded understandingly. "We'll go to a very private restaurant. No one will gather around you there. Don't worry." Liam's eyes sparkled with interest.

"Let's see..."

The sun had risen, casting a warm glow over the city. It was a beautiful, sunny day, filled with promise. Luna, unusually, was up and getting ready for her interview at this early hour. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror and smiled, feeling confident and prepared. She loved herself more than anyone, and that self-assurance shone through in her bright eyes.

She styled her hair into a neat bun and spritzed on her favorite perfume, feeling like the best version of herself.

Meanwhile, Ryan, unusually, was asleep, oblivious to the world outside. This was usually his time for jogging and working out, but today he was catching up on much-needed rest.

Ryan's phone rang, jolting him awake. He groggily answered, his irritation evident. "What is it?"

"Mr. Ryan, I'm sorry to inform you that you need to re-shoot yesterday's scene," the voice on the other end said.

Ryan's eyes widened in frustration. "Why? Everything was shot perfectly. What's wrong?" he demanded, his anger rising.

"I don't know, sir. You'll have to speak with the director about this," the voice replied hesitantly.

Ryan's tone dripped with anger. "Why didn't you call my manager?"

"We couldn't reach him, sir. We tried, but his phone was—" Ryan cut him off, ending the call abruptly.

Ryan tossed off his blanket and got out of bed, heading for a refreshing shower.

Luna arrived at the office and was pleasantly surprised to find that she didn't have to wait longer. She made her way to the interview room and knocked on the door.

"May I come in, sir?" Luna asked politely.

"Yes, come in," a voice replied.

Luna entered the room and took a seat. She appeared calm and composed, her expression more uninterested than nervous.

"Miss Luna, right?" Liam asked, his tone firm but professional.

Luna nodded in response.

"So, I hear you created a scene yesterday? You seem to be very impatient." Liam asked, raising an eyebrow.

Luna began to explain, "Sir, actually, we weren't informed about the delayed interview, so I simply and calmly asked them—"

Liam cut her off, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Okay, I saw the footage. You were remarkably calm."

He smirked, seeming to enjoy the conversation.

The interview concluded, and Liam smiled warmly at Luna. "We also have a recommendation for you, Miss Luna, that's why we called you at the end."

Luna's face flushed with embarrassment. "Sir, I told my dad not to, but he never listens."

Liam chuckled. "I see. You're also capable of working here, Miss Luna. You can go talk to Mr. Daniel, and he'll inform you about your position."

"Today?" Luna's expression changed, her irritation evident.

Liam raised an eyebrow. "Is there a problem?"

Luna hesitated before responding, "Yes... I mean, no."

"Sir, actually, I have some urgent work today. Can I join from tomorrow?" Luna asked, trying to sound as convincing as possible.

Liam raised an eyebrow, his tone laced with skepticism. "That's weird, asking for a leave on your first day. Not even your first day, I mean."

Luna's eyes darted around the room, searching for an excuse. "It's very urgent, sir. I have a checkup at the doctor's."

Liam's expression softened slightly. "Oh, I see. You can leave at 3, then."

Luna murmured a thank you and quickly exited the room, but her inner monologue was far from grateful. "The hell with your job, I'm not joining."

As Luna hurried out of the room, lost in her thoughts, she accidentally collided with a guy standing in the hallway. She stumbled, but he quickly grasped her arm, steadying her.

Luna's gaze met his, and she was struck by the piercing light blue of his eyes. She felt a sudden jolt, as if time had paused for a moment.

She stepped back, her cheeks flushing. "I'm sorry," she murmured, before quickly turning around and hurrying away.

The guy, Ryan, turned back to watch her leave, a curious expression on his face.