𝗜𝗡 𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗡, m thames.

two

chapter TWO
no chemistry .

the set was buzzing with activity as the crew prepared for the next shot. starr stood by the edge of the set, arms crossed, trying to keep her cool as mason sauntered over with his usual infuriating smirk. they had just begun filming the movie a few days ago, and already starr was counting the days until it would all be over.

"ready for some on-screen magic?" mason asked, leaning in closer than necessary.

starr shot him a sideways glance. "if by magic you mean enduring your unbearable presence, then sure."

mason chuckled, adjusting his jacket. "you wound me, starr. but don't worry, i'll make sure we both shine in this scene."

"yeah, because you're the expert on everything, right?" starr muttered, more to herself than to him, but he heard her anyway.

"well, someone's got to carry the weight," he replied smoothly.

before she could retort, the director, mark, clapped his hands to get everyone's attention. "alright, people. let's get into positions. we're shooting the scene where miller and clara have their first real conversation. remember, this is early in their relationship—they're intrigued by each other but not quite sure what to make of one another yet."

starr and mason took their places, facing each other in the dimly lit set meant to resemble a quaint, cosy café. mason, playing miller, was supposed to exude a calm confidence, while starr, as clara, had to convey a mix of curiosity and cautiousness. the script called for a subtle push-and-pull dynamic, with an undercurrent of growing interest.

the cameras rolled, and they began.

mason (as miller) begins, "so, you're really into this whole photography thing, huh? what's so fascinating about capturing moments that are already gone?"

starr (as clara) glances up from her coffee, "i guess it's about finding beauty in the fleeting things. not that you'd understand."

mason (as miller) leans back, smirking slightly, "oh, i understand more than you think. it's just that some moments are better left in the past."

starr (as clara) stiffens slightly, her tone sharper than intended, "maybe. but some of us like to hold on to the good ones."

there was a pause as the lines hung in the air. starr could feel the tension between them—unlike the tension the scene was supposed to have. this was real, and it was more about annoyance than intrigue. mark called, "cut!" much sooner than she expected, and she saw him frown from behind the monitor.

he walked over, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "something's not clicking here. there's supposed to be an underlying connection, some energy between you two, but i'm just not seeing it."

starr tensed, knowing what was coming. mason, on the other hand, looked as relaxed as ever.

mark studied them both for a moment, then nodded to himself. "alright, here's what we're going to do. i need you two to spend more time together off set. get to know each other better. that kind of natural flow isn't something you can fake, not at this stage. so, starting tomorrow, i want you to rehearse outside of the studio. hang out, grab dinner, whatever it takes. i need to see that connection on screen."

starr's eyes widened in horror. "wait, what? you want us to... spend more time together?"

mason grinned, clearly delighted by the idea. "sounds like a plan, mark. i'm up for it."

starr turned to him, exasperated. "of course you are."

mark raised his hands, trying to placate her. "look, starr, it's just until we get that flow. it's crucial for the film. and if you guys can't do it, i'll find some others who can."

she bit her lip, torn between professionalism and her absolute dread at the thought of spending even more time with mason. but she knew she didn't really have a choice. "fine," she finally muttered, unable to keep the irritation out of her voice.

mason clapped his hands together, clearly enjoying her discomfort. "this is going to be fun. just think, starr—we'll be spending so much quality time together."

starr shot him a glare that could melt steel. "if you think this is fun, you're more delusional than i thought."

mason just chuckled, stepping closer so only she could hear his next words. "careful. you might end up liking me."

she rolled her eyes so hard she almost saw the back of her skull. "the only thing i'll be liking is when we finish this movie."

as they both walked off the set, mason still grinning, starr couldn't shake the feeling that the next few weeks were going to be the longest of her life.

mark, watching them leave, could only hope his plan would work. the success of the movie depended on it. and so, begrudgingly, starr prepared herself for what was sure to be a torturous exercise in patience, while mason seemed more than ready to turn their forced time together into his own personal game.

naya's notes
i forgot where i got inspo from this from but i vividly remember this happening in a show 🤕