More than a Crush

Scene 5 : A leap of Faith

Two weeks had passed since my performance, and in that time, my connection with Zac Efron had blossomed into something I hadn't expected. Every morning began with a "good morning" text from him, and every evening ended with us on the phone, talking for hours about everything and nothing. Sitting comfortably on my couch, wrapped in a soft blanket, I held my phone to my ear, feeling warmth spread through me as I listened to his familiar voice. It wasn't just our conversations that brought me joy—it was the ease with which we spoke, the way his laughter could instantly brighten my mood. Every story he told, every joke he made, made it feel like we'd known each other for years.

"You always know how to make me laugh, Zac," I said, my tone filled with affection. As I spoke, I found myself twirling a strand of my hair absentmindedly, a small habit I had whenever I felt particularly comfortable or happy.

"And you always make my day, Nora," he replied, his voice warm and sincere. "Talking to you is something I look forward to, every day." His words hung in the air for a moment, carrying a weight that I didn't miss. There was something deeper in the way he said it, something that made my heart skip a beat. His voice softened, and for a moment, a comfortable silence fell between us. It was the kind of silence that didn't need to be filled with words, where the connection between us spoke louder than anything we could say.

But then Zac's tone shifted, taking on a slightly nervous, eager edge. "So, listen, I've got something to ask you," he began, his voice filled with anticipation. "Next week is the Netflix premiere of my new movie A Family Affair—and, well, I was wondering if you'd like to come with me as my date?"

My heart leapt at the invitation, excitement quickly mixing with anxiety. The idea of walking a red carpet with Zac, surrounded by cameras and fans, was thrilling but terrifying at the same time. "I... I don't know, Zac," I stammered, feeling a twinge of uncertainty. "It's just... it's a big step, and I'm not sure if I'm ready for that kind of attention."

There was a pause on the other end, and I could practically feel his disappointment through the phone. "I understand, Nora," he said, his voice gentle but still holding a trace of sadness. "I don't want you to feel pressured. Just know that the invitation's always open if you change your mind."

We said our goodbyes, but after the call ended, I sat there, guilt gnawing at me. I knew how much this premiere meant to him, and I could sense that his invitation had come from more than just friendship. He wanted me by his side, to share that moment with him, and I had let my fears hold me back. Feeling conflicted and overwhelmed, I picked up my phone and dialed Lena's number, knowing she was the one person who could give me the clarity I needed.

"Lena, I don't know what to do," I confessed as soon as she answered, my voice thick with guilt. "Zac invited me to his movie premiere, and I turned him down. I just... I didn't want to disappoint him, but I'm scared of what people will think, of what his fans might say when they see us together."

Lena's voice softened, instantly calming me. "Nora, I get it. You're afraid of stepping into the spotlight and the scrutiny that comes with it, especially with someone like Zac. But remember, Zac's the one who helped you pursue your dreams in the first place, despite what others thought. He taught you to not care about what people say, and to focus on what makes you happy—even if others don't like it."

I sighed, feeling the truth in her words but still unsure. "But what if people hate the idea of us being together? I don't want to make things harder for him."

Lena paused for a moment before asking, "Nora, what do you want? Forget about everyone else. What do you want?"

I swallowed hard, her question cutting through all the noise in my head. "I want to be with him," I said softly, the realization sinking in as I said the words out loud.

"Then, go," Lena said firmly, her tone encouraging. "It's time, Nora. Tell him how you feel. You've been holding back for too long."

I nodded, feeling a surge of determination. "I'll tell him," I promised, my voice filled with a newfound certainty. "Thank you, Lena. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Go get him," she teased lightly before we hung up, leaving me with the decision that I knew, deep down, I had to make.

I stared at my phone, the weight of my hesitation sinking in. "I have to do this," I whispered to myself, determination building in my chest. I grabbed my laptop, fingers flying over the keyboard as I searched for flights to Los Angeles. I knew what I had to do.

Within minutes, I had booked my ticket, a surge of adrenaline rushing through me as I realized what I'd just done. I was going to surprise Zac at the premiere, ready to step into the spotlight, support him, and maybe even confess the feelings I'd been holding back. The thought filled me with both nerves and excitement, but deep down, I knew this was the right decision.

It was time to take a leap of faith—not just for Zac, but for us.