Invisible String (BoyxBoy)

Chapter 4. Queer Baiting

"Okay, time to call it a day!" Jess declared with a theatrical flourish, gently pulling Edvin away from the crowd that had gathered around them.

 

Waving a playful goodbye, Edvin blew an exaggerated kiss toward Adrian, his co-star. "Catch you on the set, my man!"

 

Sliding into the car, Edvin braced himself for the impending storm that was Jess's inevitable lecture. She was more than his personal assistant; she was his confidante, his strategic brain, and his reigning voice of reason. She had a knack for managing Edvin's career and life in ways he'd never admit he needed.

 

"Do I even need to start?" Jess began even before they could click their seatbelts.

 

Edvin sighed dramatically, his tone matching the theatrics. "Ah, the pre-emptive talk. My favorite. All right, I get it. My impulsive tendencies and public outbursts can be a bit much."

 

"Especially when your outburst involves a certain co-star," Jess retorted, giving him an exaggerated eye-roll.

 

Edvin shrugged, trying to muster some nonchalance. "Hey, it was a joke. Private event, no harm done."

 

The next morning, Edvin groggily faced the world—or at least, his phone—as he reluctantly rose from bed. Midday had stealthily arrived, and his morning ritual of indulging in social media drama began. Relief washed over him as he noticed the absence of the incriminating kiss picture. But the internet being the internet, it had instead latched onto a picture of the 'friendly' hug Adrian had initiated. Comments ranged from sceptical to outright ridiculous.

 

According to user @InvisibleString4EVA on Twitter, Edvin's expression during the hug was akin to someone undergoing traumatic shock therapy. Delving deeper into the wild wild west that is the internet, Edvin found dozens of articles critiquing the interaction. Some articles claim that all hope for the movie adaptation was lost because of the casting.

 

Amidst this digital whirlwind, a text message from Jess illuminated his screen: "Be ready in 30 mins. Big movie honchos are summoning us."

 

An hour later, Edvin and Jess found themselves in the intimidating company of well-dressed executives. A few familiar faces from the previous night's event were there, including Matthew, the movie's director.

 

"Adrian, dear boy, please, take a seat," a suited gentleman gestured to a chair opposite Edvin.

 

Adrian flashed an apologetic grin for being late as he settled into his seat.

 

The CEO of Universal Pictures took the stage, setting the tone for the high-stakes discussion that followed. The "Invisible String" project was a crown jewel for the company, but its reputation was spiralling out of control thanks to online negativity.

 

Edvin fidgeted in his seat, barely containing the urge to interrupt. The CEO's talk of declining stock prices and rattled investors was enough to make him feel like he was about to tumble down a rabbit hole.

 

"After extensive deliberation, we have a plan," the CEO declared, and Edvin's heart sank further.

 

As the plan unfolded, with the infamous kiss picture projected on the screen, Edvin struggled to keep his composure. The plan was pretty simple. The picture will be released to several publications with articles implying on how close Adrian and Edvin actually are. To make things even worse, they are to go on several staged outings together to get photographed. 

 

Edvin couldn't hold back any longer. A chuckle, equal parts disbelief and amusement, burst out of him. "Hold on, are you serious? You can't just make us do this!"

 

"Allow me to explain further," the CEO interjected, urging them to hear the full story.

 

The meeting continued, with the CEO shedding light on the intricate web of investor concerns and public perception. It became clear that their movie's future was hanging by a thread. By projecting Edvin and Adrian as close, the plan was to redirect public discourse away from negativity and back toward the movie's merits.

 

As the meeting concluded, Edvin, Adrian, and Jess were led into a more relaxed setting. Matthew, the director, launched into an explanation of his own.

 

"Before you guys explode," Matthew began, raising his hand in a peacekeeping gesture, "let me just clarify things."

 

Adrian, his brow furrowed, crossed his arms and paced the room. "What's there to clarify? This is insane! They want us to fake date just to boost stock prices? They can't force us to do this"

 

"Technically, yes, they can" Jess chimed in, her practicality cutting through the tension. "Your contracts do say you have to attend any promotional activities and they are not asking you to publicly declare your love for each other."

 

Matthew leaned forward earnestly. "But you're both getting it wrong. We're not asking for a fake relationship. We just want to show the world that you can stand each other."

 

Edvin collapsed onto a couch dramatically. "And what if we're not on board with this? What if we refuse to be part of this charade?"

 

Adrian's stance was defiant, his voice unwavering. "I'm not going to play the pawn in some manufactured fairy tale."

 

Matthew's sincerity shone through as he met their gazes. "Look, I get it. But understand that I cast you both because of your chemistry. You're the embodiment of Elias and Pawel's sparks. We just need other people to see that."

 

Jess was the one standing up for the boys this time. "But won't this still imply more than just friendship? This sounds a lot like queerbaiting to me."

 

Matthew leaned back, a thoughtful expression on his face. " 'People are entitled to their opinions' That's what I been told when I mentioned it in the meeting. But our goal is to bring the focus back to the movie, to make 'Invisible String' shine."

 

Adrian leaned against a wall, his scepticism not fully relinquished. "What if we're dating someone? Won't this paint us in a bad light?"

 

Matthew's response was heartfelt. "Your personal lives are your own. No one should dictate that."

 

Jess extended a hand to Matthew, she could see Edvin's brain spiriling out of control. Sensing, it was time to leave. "Thanks for your time. We'll see you on set next week."

 

Edvin couldn't help but feel a wave of gratitude for Jess's calming presence. She always knew how to steer him out of stormy waters.

A veerrry important chapter! Kinda sets the tone for what to expect next chapters! Just wanted to say thank you again, the reads are doubling with every chapter and I'm so excited to see where this story goes! Keep commenting, voting and sharing! Next chapter tomorrow?