In Between

For More Than A Couple Seconds

The days in Vancouver were a whirlwind. Filming was demanding, and the energy of being on set with Walker and the cast was a welcome distraction from the stress of being away from home. Yet, despite the excitement, I couldn't shake the anxiety that clung to me, a constant companion that seemed to grow more intense with each passing day.

One afternoon, after a long day of filming, we were all unwinding in the hotel lounge. The room was filled with the buzz of conversation and laughter. Dior, Charlie, and Aryan were engaged in a heated debate over pizza toppings, while Walker and I sat on a nearby couch. I tried to relax, but the familiar tightness in my chest made it hard to fully enjoy the moment.

Walker was engrossed in his phone, but I could tell he was aware of my restlessness. He occasionally glanced up, a concerned look in his eyes. I appreciated his presence, even if I wasn't quite ready to talk about what was bothering me.

A group of fans approached us, their excitement palpable. Walker greeted them warmly, signing autographs and taking photos. I watched from the sidelines, doing my best to smile and interact with the fans. But as the crowd grew, so did my anxiety. My hands felt clammy, and my breathing grew shallow.

One particular fan, a girl with a bright smile and endless questions, started talking to me. I tried to engage, but the pressure of the situation made my words come out more stilted than usual. Walker noticed my discomfort immediately. His protective instincts kicked in, and he stepped closer, wrapping his arm around my shoulders.

"I'm sorry, she's a bit busy right now," Walker said, his tone firm but polite. "Maybe another time?"

The fan seemed surprised but nodded and walked away. I turned to Walker, trying to mask my unease. "I was okay, Walker. I wanted to talk to her."

Walker's gaze softened, though there was still a note of concern in his voice. "I know, but I could see you were getting overwhelmed. I just wanted to help."

I sighed, feeling a mix of gratitude and frustration. "I appreciate it, but sometimes I need to face these things on my own."

Walker nodded, though his expression remained tense. "Okay, but if you ever need someone to talk to or just want to take a break, I'm here."

As the evening continued, the cast gathered for dinner. The conversation was lively, with Dior and Charlie discussing plans for the weekend and Aryan trying to convince everyone to join him for a hike. I tried to engage, but the anxiety that had been creeping up on me all day was still lingering.

Walker's protective nature was evident throughout the evening. Whenever a stranger came too close or tried to engage with me, Walker was right there, subtly stepping in to shield me. His actions, though well-meaning, only heightened my sense of being overwhelmed.

After dinner, Walker and I decided to take a walk around the hotel grounds. The city lights glittered in the distance, and the cool night air was a welcome change from the stuffy lounge. As we walked side by side, I tried to steady my breathing, focusing on the calming rhythm of our footsteps.

Walker glanced over, noticing my quiet demeanor. "You okay? You've seemed a bit off lately."

I hesitated before replying, my voice barely above a whisper. "Just... a lot on my mind. I've been feeling anxious."

Walker's expression softened, and he placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "I'm sorry to hear that. If you want to talk or if there's anything I can do to help, just let me know."

I smiled faintly, appreciating his support. "Thanks, Walker. It means a lot to me."

As we continued our walk, the closeness between us felt comforting. Despite my anxiety, having Walker by my side made me feel a little less alone. His protective nature, though sometimes overwhelming, was also a reminder that I had someone who cared deeply about me.