Tangled Hearts

017

The day finally comes when I step onto the set for my first rehearsal. Jason is, of course, by my side, monitoring every step I take as if I might run away at any moment. My excitement is tempered by his looming presence, but I try to focus on the opportunity ahead of me. The set is buzzing with activity, crew members darting back and forth, adjusting lights, setting up props. It feels surreal to be part of something this big.

As I make my way to the director, I catch a glimpse of a familiar face across the room. My heart stops. It's Walker.

I freeze, my mind racing. **Walker is playing Percy.** Of course, I never knew who they had cast for the role. I never thought to ask. But now, here he is—his familiar blonde hair and easy smile standing out amongst the chaos of the set.

**Our Eyes Meet**

Walker catches sight of me and his expression shifts from surprise to something more unreadable. He starts to make his way toward me, but Jason steps in front of me, blocking his path.

"Stay close, Y/N," Jason mutters under his breath, his grip tightening on my arm. I force a smile, trying to conceal the discomfort as Walker approaches.

"Y/N?" Walker's voice is softer than I remember, as if he can sense the tension in the air. His eyes flicker to Jason, then back to me. "I didn't know you were Annabeth. This is...wow."

I try to act casual, but the weight of Jason's hand on my arm makes it hard to breathe. "Yeah, I didn't know you were Percy," I manage to say, my voice strained.

Jason cuts in, his voice cool. "We're really excited about this opportunity. Y/N's thrilled to be working on this project."

Walker gives Jason a quick, polite smile, but his eyes never leave mine. There's something in his gaze, a question he's not asking, but I can feel it hanging in the air between us. He knows something's off. He always could read me too well.

**Rehearsal Begins**

We're called over to start rehearsals, and I'm grateful for the distraction. Jason stays by the sidelines, his eyes following my every move as I read my lines with Walker. It's the first time we've been this close since the night we kissed, and the tension between us is palpable. We move through the motions, our dialogue flowing smoothly, but underneath it all, there's an unspoken conversation happening—a tension that neither of us can fully address with Jason standing there, watching.

**A Brief Moment Alone**

During a break, Jason steps away to take a call. It's the first time I've had even a second to myself since arriving on set. Walker approaches me, his expression serious.

"What's going on, Y/N?" His voice is low, but there's urgency behind his words. "You look...different. And not in a good way. Is everything okay?"

I swallow hard, trying to come up with an explanation that doesn't involve revealing the mess that is my life right now. But Walker's eyes are searching mine, and I know he won't let this go easily.

"It's complicated," I finally admit, my voice barely above a whisper. "Jason...he's..."

Walker's jaw tightens. "You don't have to tell me everything, but if something's wrong, you need to let someone know. You're not alone, Y/N."

Before I can respond, Jason returns, his eyes narrowing as he notices how close Walker and I are standing. The moment is lost, and I force myself to retreat into silence once more.

**End of Chapter**

As the day goes on, I can feel Walker's eyes on me, his concern palpable even from across the set. It's a small comfort, but it doesn't change the reality of my situation. Jason still holds the reins, and until I find a way out, this is my life—controlled, watched, and suffocating.

But maybe, just maybe, Walker's presence will be the catalyst I need to break free.