∙ 𝚁𝙸𝚂𝙸𝙽𝙶 𝚂𝚃𝙰𝚁 ∙

Ep 22 - Off-Script and On-Site (Pt 2)

FADE IN:

[EXT. ROOFTOP BAR – LATER THAT NIGHT]

#spd interlude - Travis Scott blasts through the speakers

The rooftop hums with low jazz now — the height of the night ebbing into a golden afterglow. Guests move slower, the laughter softer, more deliberate.

The camera pans across the skyline — then down to the elevator doors sliding open.

Thomas Hunt steps out.

Crisp suit. Subtle confidence. The faint reflection of city light gleams off his glasses.

He surveys the scene with that unreadable calm — detached but observant.

KALEENA (V.O.):
"He always arrives like a punctuation mark — quiet, precise, the moment everything stills."

Thomas moves through the crowd — nods exchanged, hands clasped briefly. But his focus drifts, almost unconsciously, toward the dance floor.

There — Kaleena is laughing with Lisa, Aria, Crash, Ethan, and Holly — her hair catching the light, that easy warmth that draws people in.

Thomas stops for a beat. The smallest shift in his breath.

He starts forward — until—

ANDERS (O.S.):
"Hunt. Oh, you made it."

Thomas halts. Expression smooths back into composure before he turns.

THOMAS:
"Anders. Of course."

Anders grins, sunglasses still on even under the dim lights, drink in hand.

ANDERS:
"I'll be honest, I didn't think this kind of crowd was your scene. Usually you're buried in your next project before the ink's dry on the last one or grading some papers instead."

Thomas picks a drink from a passing tray — no smile, no pause.

THOMAS:
"My students are celebrating. I thought I'd do the same by stopping by to accompany them. They've earned it."

ANDERS
(chuckling):
"Humble as ever. Come on, Hunt — you know that's not the only reason you're here."

Thomas doesn't answer. Just takes a slow sip, gaze steady on Anders.

THOMAS:
"Shouldn't you be celebrating instead of speculating?"

ANDERS:
"Trust me — I am."

He leans closer, lowering his tone just enough.

ANDERS
(low):
"But I know why you really showed up. Same reason you agreed to direct my film in the first place."

Thomas's jaw tightens slightly — a microscopic flicker that almost passes unseen.

Anders tilts his glass, grin smug.

ANDERS:
"Relax. I'm not judging. I'd have done the same. She's something, isn't she?"

Thomas's stare doesn't waver — a silence that cuts deeper than words.

THOMAS:
"You're drunk, Stone."

ANDERS:
"Maybe. Or maybe I just know a man's tells when I see one."

He straightens, grin widening.

ANDERS:
"Anyway, Hunt — I'll really celebrate once the movie drops. You and I both know it's going to be a hit."

He raises his glass, voice dropping to a near-whisper.

ANDERS:
"And don't worry — our little "club incident" secret stays buried. Just keep doing what you do best."