It Started With A Vampire

I'll Wait, but I Won't Watch You Slip Away

The tabloid headlines were now obsessed with the wrong couple.

"Ariana Greenblatt & MK Are the New Gen Z It Couple?"
"Disney's Off-Screen Pairings Fuel Fan Frenzy!"
"What's REALLY Going On Behind the Zombies 4 Set?"

Ariana hated it. MK hated it more.

But Eva?

Eva was relieved — even if only for a second. With the spotlight off her and Malachi, they had room to breathe. No new leaks, no new pressure.

Until he came back.

Jace.

With his fake smiles, smooth apologies, and suspiciously perfect timing.

They were prepping for a press interview when he walked straight up to Eva like nothing had happened.

"Hey," he said, casually brushing his shoulder against hers. "Guess we're the fan-favorite ship again."

Eva smiled thinly. "Guess so."

Across the room, Malachi saw it.

The way Jace leaned in too close. The way Eva didn't lean away. The way the Disney handler suddenly perked up like she was watching a romance blossom in real time.

MK leaned over and muttered, "Dude. Chill."

Malachi's fists were clenched at his sides. "I am chilled."

"You look like you're about to knock his teeth out."

Malachi forced a laugh, trying to shake it off. "He's just... performing. That's all this is."

MK smirked. "You sure about that?"

Malachi didn't answer.

⸻

Later that afternoon, filming resumed on a rooftop night scene — another intense Zephyr and Nova moment.

Eva stood at her mark, heart hammering.

Malachi approached in full costume, eyes catching hers.

"Hey," she whispered. "You good?"

His voice was low, rough. "You looked real comfortable with Jace today."

Eva blinked. "Malachi..."

He stepped closer, quiet but fierce. "I know we said we're just friends. And I'll wait — I will. But I'm not gonna sit around while they throw you into fake flings and pretend I don't care."

Her breath hitched.

"I'll wait for you," he said softly, "but I'll also fight for you."

She stared at him, every bone in her body screaming to forget the plan. Forget the wait. Forget the pressure.

But instead, she nodded. "Just... don't make this harder."

He gave her a look — intense and full of something that burned deeper than she was ready to name. "I already can't do easy with you."

"Places!" the director called.

They turned back to the scene. Reset.

But the energy between them?
It didn't reset.
It exploded.

⸻

After filming wrapped, the cast gathered in one of the trailers for a late-night debrief. MK was flopped on the couch beside Ariana, arms wrapped around her waist. They weren't even pretending anymore.

Eva sat on the floor, sipping a smoothie and trying not to look at Malachi.

Malachi sat against the door frame, legs stretched, pretending to scroll his phone.