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chapter TWENTY THREE no more bullshit .
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the incoming movie premiere was a buzzing affair of flashing lights, glamorous gowns, and high-profile guests. starr had been there for a while, making small talk with other actors, but she couldn't shake the strange mix of anticipation and anxiety swirling in her chest. mason was somewhere nearby, and the thought of running into him tonight felt heavier than it should've. especially after everything between them lately.
she hadn't even seen him since they'd both arrived. their brief exchange before the red carpet had been casual but tense, the awkward energy between them lingering even after they'd worked through their argument a few days back. starr found herself glancing around the room, wondering if he was avoiding her.
as if on cue, she nearly walked straight into him as she turned a corner.
"whoa, easy there," mason said, catching her by the elbow before she could trip over her own feet.
"oh, hey," she muttered, looking up at him. he looked ridiculously good in his black suit, the kind of effortless style that came with him. "didn't see you."
mason raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching into a faint smirk. "didn't see me? i'm six foot three, starr."
she rolled her eyes, tugging her arm back from his light grip. "you know what i mean."
there was an awkward beat of silence. neither of them seemed to know what to say next.
"you ready for this?" mason asked, gesturing toward the entrance to the red carpet where photographers were eagerly waiting.
"yeah, i guess," starr replied, though her stomach twisted slightly. "you?"
he gave a casual shrug. "you know me, always ready for a bit of camera action."
starr forced a smile, but her mind was elsewhere. mason's carefree attitude, his ability to brush things off so easily—it frustrated her. it was like he didn't feel the same tension she did, like everything that happened between them didn't matter as much to him.
