"More than a Crush" tells the story of Nora, a 26-year-old Franco-Moroccan actress and playwright living in Paris, who has idolized Zac Efron for twenty years. Determined to make her mark, she creates a tribute show featuring scenes from Zac's films...
I sat at my desk, fingers flying across the keyboard, trying to capture the perfect ending for my show. It was the last scene—the one I had been agonizing over for weeks. The script was nearly finished, but something still felt incomplete. My apartment was in its usual state of creative chaos. Movie posters from High School Musical to The Greatest Showman covered the walls, shelves overflowing with books, and old playbills lay scattered among half-written notebooks. But it was the framed photograph of Zac Efron on my desk that kept me going. His smile felt like a reminder to keep pushing, to finish this show.
This project wasn't just another performance—it was everything. After spending months choosing which scenes from his films to recreate, I had crafted a tribute, a love letter, to the man who had inspired me since I was six years old. Two scenes from each of his movies, with me stepping into the roles he once played. A crazy idea, maybe, but this was my dream. All I needed now was for Zac to be there on opening night.
The sound of my phone vibrating snapped me out of my focus. I reached for it, my heart racing with hope. The subject line hit me like a punch in the gut: Re: Zac Efron's Availability. My hands trembled as I opened the email.
Dear Nora,
Thank you for reaching out regarding your invitation for Zac Efron to attend the premiere of your show. Unfortunately, Zac's schedule is extremely busy at the moment, and he will be unable to attend. We wish you the best with your production.
Best regards,Zac Efron's Management Team
"Another rejection... great," I muttered to myself, dropping the phone back onto my desk. My stomach knotted in frustration, the weight of it sinking into my chest. I leaned back in my chair, staring at Zac's framed photo, wishing I could somehow just make this happen.
For months, I had sent dozens of emails to his agent, explaining what this show meant to me. I had poured my heart into every message, hoping they'd see just how much this mattered. And yet, all I kept getting were these polite but cold rejections.
I ran my hand through my hair and took a deep breath. I couldn't give up. Not yet. Not when I was so close.
I stared at my phone, my mind racing. I needed help, someone who could actually get through to Zac's team. And I knew exactly who to call.
Without hesitating, I dialed the number of my best friend, Lena. As the phone rang, I stood up and began pacing across the apartment, my nerves getting the better of me.
"Hey, Nora! What's up?" Lena's voice was bright and cheerful, a stark contrast to the anxiety gnawing at me.
"Hey, Lena," I began, trying to keep the desperation out of my voice. "I need your help with something. It's about the show... and Zac Efron."
I could almost hear her smile through the phone. "Okay, tell me everything."
I took a deep breath, then launched into it. "So, I've been trying to get Zac to come to my show's premiere, right? I've sent so many emails to his agent, explaining what the show's about, how much Zac's inspired me, and how this is basically a tribute to him. But they keep rejecting me. It's always the same excuse—his schedule's too busy."
Lena made a sympathetic noise. "That sucks, Nora. I know how much this means to you."
"Yeah," I said, my voice tight. "I've worked so hard on this, Lena. I've spent weeks putting together the perfect scenes from his films, and now it's finally coming together. But without him there... I don't know. It feels like something's missing. I know it's a long shot, but I just want him to see it, even if it's just once."
Lena was silent for a moment, and I could tell she was thinking. Then her voice came through, full of resolve. "Let me see what I can do. I have some connections through my influencer network. I might be able to get a message through to Zac's team in a way they can't ignore."
I felt a surge of hope flare up inside me. "Really? You think you could help?"
"Of course, babe! You've been working so hard on this. If anyone deserves a shot, it's you. I'll reach out to a few people and see what happens. Worst case, we'll know we tried everything."
"Lena, you're a lifesaver," I said, relief washing over me. "Thank you so much."
"Don't worry about it! I've got this. Now you just focus on making that show perfect."
After hanging up, I stood there for a moment, letting it all sink in. It wasn't a guarantee, but it was something. Maybe with Lena's help, Zac would finally hear about the show. And maybe, just maybe, he'd show up.
I sat back down at my desk, the weight on my chest easing just a little. There was still so much to do—the last scene wasn't even finished yet. But for the first time in days, I felt a small spark of hope. Even if Zac didn't show, I was determined to make this the best performance of my life.
I pulled my laptop closer and stared at the blinking cursor. This wasn't just a project—it was my story. And I wasn't about to give up now.
