Against the Script

Chapter 4: Off Script

Y/N had never been more annoyed by someone's existence in her life. And that was saying something.

Rehearsals were getting more intense, which meant more time spent sparring with Owen—both in and out of character. The scenes where Eleanor and the duke had to clash? Those were easy. Too easy. The tension felt real because it was. But the moments where they had to be vulnerable, where they had to hint at something deeper between them? Those were a nightmare.

"Cut!" Lisa sighed, rubbing her temples. "Guys, I need something more from you here. Y/N, Eleanor isn't just mad at him, she's frustrated because she cares. And Owen, you're supposed to be drawn to her despite yourself. Right now, it just looks like you both hate each other."

"Well..." Y/N muttered under her breath, shooting a look at Owen.

He arched an eyebrow. "Charming."

Lisa groaned. "Okay. Take five."

Y/N grabbed a bottle of water and plopped onto the nearest chair, closing her eyes. She barely had a moment to breathe before Owen sat down across from her.

"We need to figure this out," he said, arms crossed.

Y/N sighed, opening one eye. "You think?"

Owen tapped his fingers against his knee. "I don't know what your issue is with me, but if we're going to make this work, we have to get over it."

"My issue?" Y/N scoffed, sitting up straight. "You've been an arrogant ass since the moment I stepped on set. Excuse me for not immediately swooning over your 'effortlessly cool' act."

Owen leaned forward slightly. "It's not an act."

She let out a dry laugh. "Oh, please. You're the most calculated person here. Every move, every smirk—it's all rehearsed."

He shrugged. "Maybe I just don't like wasting energy."

"Or maybe you don't like sharing the spotlight."

Owen tilted his head, studying her. "Is that what you think?"

"I think you were expecting some inexperienced newbie you could ignore. And when you realized I could actually keep up with you, you got annoyed."

His jaw tightened for a fraction of a second—just enough for Y/N to catch it before he masked it with a smirk. "If that's what helps you sleep at night."

She exhaled sharply, shaking her head. "Unbelievable."

For a moment, they just stared at each other, the tension thick between them. Then, Owen exhaled and ran a hand through his hair. "Look, I don't hate you."

"Could've fooled me."

"I just..." He hesitated, like he wasn't sure how much to say. Then he leaned back, smirking again. "I don't usually like working with people who challenge me."

Y/N blinked. "That... almost sounded like a compliment."

"Don't get used to it."

She narrowed her eyes at him. "So what now? We just pretend we don't want to strangle each other?"

He smirked. "Or we use it. The tension. It's what makes the scenes work."

She considered that for a second. He wasn't wrong. Some of the best on-screen chemistry came from real friction. Still, the idea of 'using' this weird energy between them felt dangerous.

Finally, she sighed. "Fine. But if you keep being a condescending jerk, I reserve the right to trip you during a fight scene."

Owen chuckled, shaking his head. "Duly noted."

Lisa's voice called out, signaling that their break was over. As they stood up, Y/N caught Owen glancing at her, something unreadable in his expression.