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THREE: Unlikely Heroes

THREE: UNLIKELY HEROES

Ethan grins, clearly enjoying the moment. "Yeah, it was a close call! But hey, your turn again. What's the craziest thing you've ever done?"

"This one time, I had to fill in for the actress in a kissing scene," Jasmine says, chuckling. "I got to kiss Jack Hunt."

Ethan's eyes widen in surprise, a grin spreading across his face. "No way! You kissed Jack Hunt? That's definitely a claim to fame! How did that happen?"

Jasmine laughs, remembering the whirlwind of that day. "It was during a film festival. The lead actress was stuck in traffic, and I was on set as an extra. They needed someone to step in for just that scene, and I was in the right place at the right time. I couldn't believe it when they asked me."

Ethan leans in, clearly intrigued. "What was it like? Was he as charming in person as he seemed on screen?"

She nods, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. "Oh, absolutely! He was just as charismatic as you'd expect. The moment we locked eyes, it felt like something out of a movie. But I was so nervous! I mean, how often does someone get to kiss a Hollywood star, right?"

Ethan chuckles, shaking his head in disbelief. "That's incredible. I can't imagine being in that position. Did you have to practice the scene beforehand, or was it one of those 'just go for it' moments?"

"It was definitely a 'just go for it' situation," she replies, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. "We had a brief chat, and then they called 'action!' I think adrenaline kicked in, and I just went with it. I mean, who wouldn't? It was a surreal experience."

Ethan raises his glass, a teasing glint in his eye. "Alright, I have to admit, that's a pretty epic story. I may have to step up my game if I want to keep up with you. But now, I need a little dirt on you. What's something you've done that you're embarrassed about?"

Jasmine laughs, feeling the playful challenge in his tone. "Oh, I have a few embarrassing moments, but let's see... I once thought it would be a great idea to try and impress someone by attempting to do a backflip at a party. Spoiler alert: I ended up landing on my back instead."

Ethan bursts out laughing, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "That's amazing! Did anyone catch it on video?"

"Unfortunately, yes," she admits, her cheeks flushing slightly. "It made it into our group chat and became an instant meme. I'm pretty sure it's still floating around somewhere."

"That's fantastic! I'd pay to see that," Ethan teases, his laughter infectious. "But hey, at least you went for it! That takes guts."

"True," Jasmine replies, her smile widening. "I guess we all have our moments, right?"

As they continue to exchange stories, the playful energy between them grows, creating an atmosphere that feels warm and inviting. Each revelation, each laugh, brings them closer together, and Jasmine finds herself feeling more at ease with Ethan than she expected.

With every sip of her drink, the weight of her mission feels a little lighter, and the camaraderie they're building starts to feel like a foundation for something meaningful. She knows that this connection could be vital as she navigates the dangerous waters ahead.

"Alright, my turn again," Ethan says, a mischievous look on his face. "What's one dream you've always had but haven't pursued yet?"

Jasmine pauses, the question striking a chord within her. "Honestly? I've always wanted to travel the world, to immerse myself in different cultures and experiences. There's so much to learn, and I think it would inspire my writing in ways I can't even imagine."