𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐄 𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐓

Chapter Nine: Breaking Script

"Action!" the director called again.

This time, something clicked. Maybe it was because I stopped overthinking, or maybe it was because I was just tired of screwing up, but the scene flowed better. Kiara and I exchanged smiles that felt real. We laughed at the right moments, and for a second, I almost forgot about all the tension between us.

"Cut!" the director shouted, but this time, he was smiling. "That's it! That's the energy I want to see. You two have great chemistry. Let's keep that going."

I glanced at Kiara, hoping for a sign that maybe this was a step in the right direction, but she just gave a small, tight-lipped smile and looked away.

We ran through the rest of the shoot, and even though things stayed professional, I could feel the ice thawing just a little bit. By the time we finished, the director was practically glowing with praise.

"That was perfect! You two nailed it. I could really feel the connection between you. Great work!" he said, clapping his hands together as the crew started packing up.

Kiara grabbed her bag and turned to leave without saying a word. I couldn't let her walk out like that—not without talking to her.

"Kiara," I called after her, my voice catching a bit.

She paused, not turning around immediately, but eventually, she faced me, one eyebrow raised. "What is it, Quentin? You want to apologize for being late again?"

I winced. "I'm sorry about that. I know I've been screwing up lately, and I don't blame you for being mad. But I really want to fix this."

She crossed her arms, clearly not convinced. "Fix this? You've been saying that for a while now, Quentin. But all I see is you making the same mistakes. You couldn't even show up on time for a commercial, let alone show up at all for a dinner date."

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her words. "I know, and you're right. I've been all over the place. But I don't want it to be like that anymore. I want to show you that I'm serious, Kiara. Just... give me one more chance."

She narrowed her eyes, looking skeptical. "And what happens if I do? What's different this time, Quentin? You're just going to disappear again when something else comes up?"

"No," I said quickly, shaking my head. "This time is different. I swear. I know I've messed up, but I want to make it right. Let me take you somewhere tonight. Somewhere that means something to both of us. Just you and me, no distractions."

Kiara hesitated, her arms still crossed as she looked at me. "Somewhere that means something to us?"

"Yeah," I said, taking a step closer. "Remember that spot by the pier? The one we used to go to before everything got crazy?"

Her expression softened just a little. "I remember."

"Let's go there tonight," I said, my voice steady. "I'll pick you up, and we can just talk. No expectations, no pressure. Just... let me make it right."

Kiara bit her lip, clearly torn. She looked down at the floor for a moment before finally meeting my eyes again. "Alright, Quentin. But if you're even a minute late, I'm done. For good."

Relief washed over me, and I nodded quickly. "I won't be late. I promise."

She gave me one last long look before turning to leave. "We'll see."

As she walked out of the studio, I let out a deep breath. Tonight was my chance. I had to get this right.

______

Later that night, I stood outside Kiara's apartment, feeling more nervous than I had in a long time. My palms were sweaty, my heart was racing, but I couldn't afford to mess this up. I checked my phone for the time—7:59 p.m. I was right on time, maybe even a little early.