FOOLS AND GENIUSES | ✓

CHAPTER 12

Vijay messing with Kiara above.

mamihlapinatapai

(n.) a look between two people that suggests an unspoken, shared desire

The crew had just begun filming, the first two episodes of the second season well underway in production. The first season being incredibly successful was by no means a guarantee for a good reception next season as extensive waiting would diminish the show's relevance, meaning fans would most likely grow tired of anticipating. As such, the target completion date for this season was roughly six months from now so the cast and crew were working twice as hard on marketing and filming.

Having slept through the countless wake up calls Kiara made, Vijay finally drove into set without a care in the world about being late. She waited at the door, a disapproving frown on her face as she observed his blasé attitude.

Peering over her sunglasses, she noted the two coffee cups in his hands, "Uh oh. What did you do?"

"Nothing."

They continued walking side-by-side at a brisk pace, exempt from Hadley's lecture because the crew was still setting up to film. Kiara handed Vijay his floatie for the day, shooting cautious glances at him in an attempt to decipher the cause of his stormy mood.

Kiara snorted, "That is not nothing. That is an almond vanilla oat milk latte with a double shot of fear and guilt."

Before he could even attempt to fake looking appalled at her accusations, she pointed at the extra coffee cup and cut him off, "That is an apology coffee!"

"Why can't it just be an 'I'm a great boyfriend' coffee?"

"If you're such a great boyfriend, why did Nargis stop by my place to return her set of house keys."

He exhaled heavily, looking slightly deflated, "Shit."

"So, I repeat, what did you do?"

He sighed heavily, "She just winds me up."

She threw her hands up in irritation, "Tell me you didn't cross a line?"

He grimaced and nervously sipped his coffee in preparation for her anger, "Oh, I went fucking nuts."

She looked away, releasing an aggravated sigh, "What does she like?"

"Sexually?"

"Ew, no. Existentially!"

"Existentially?"

She stopped, reaching out to keep him still, "What makes her feel alive?"

"How should I know?"

"How could you not know?"

"Does it matter?"

"Jay, whatever you told her... coffee isn't going to cut it."

He fidgeted uncomfortably, "I guess we're pulling an all-nighter. Sleepover at mine?"

"Fine. Same time as usual."

Vijay dropped his head back, closing his eyes in annoyance before begrudgingly handing the extra coffee to Kiara.

She grabbed the coffee cup, clinking it against his cup, "For the record, this was not my goal."

He tilted his head, giving her a knowing look, "Sure it isn't."