In Between

But He Know Her Name

The excitement of landing the role of Layla lingers in the air, but with it comes an undeniable tension that starts to grow between Y/N and Walker. They meet at the beach with the rest of the cast, the sun shining brightly and waves crashing against the shore. It's a perfect summer day, but the atmosphere feels charged.

As they spread out their towels on the sand, Y/N can't help but feel a mix of anticipation and anxiety. She notices Walker chatting animatedly with Dior and Aryan, but his gaze keeps flicking to her. It's as if he's wrestling with something he can't quite express.

"Hey, Y/N!" Dior calls, breaking her thoughts. "Come join us for a game of beach volleyball!"

Y/N smiles, shaking her head. "You know I'm terrible at that!"

Walker grins and nudges her playfully. "Come on! It'll be fun. Plus, I promise to go easy on you."

Reluctantly, she agrees and joins the group. They start the game, laughter ringing out as the ball sails through the air. Y/N feels the tension ease slightly, lost in the joy of the moment, until she catches Walker's eye. He's focused, intense, and something in his expression sends a shiver down her spine.

After a few rounds, the game ends, and they all flop onto the sand, panting and laughing. Y/N wipes her forehead and lies back, gazing up at the sky.

"Seriously, you did great out there," Walker says, flopping down beside her. His arm brushes against hers, sending an electric jolt through her.

"Thanks," she replies, a little breathless. "I didn't think I'd make it through without embarrassing myself."

"You could never embarrass yourself in front of me," he says, a hint of sincerity in his voice. "I'm just glad we're all hanging out like this."

Y/N turns her head to look at him, searching his eyes for something more. "Yeah, it feels good, doesn't it?"

Before he can answer, Aryan interrupts. "Who's up for a dip in the ocean?"

The suggestion is met with a chorus of agreement, and they all scramble to their feet, the thrill of the moment distracting Y/N from the lingering thoughts about her new role and her growing feelings for Walker.

As they splash into the water, Y/N feels free, exhilarated by the saltwater and sunshine. But every glance at Walker feels loaded, and she's hyper-aware of the way he looks at her. She wonders if he's thinking about the same things she is—about the kiss, about the chemistry that's undeniable yet unspoken.

After their swim, they return to their towels, panting and laughing. Y/N watches Walker as he playfully tosses water at Dior, and she feels a warmth spreading through her. Just then, Charlie arrives, his presence shifting the dynamic slightly. He greets everyone with his usual charm, but Y/N can't shake the feeling that Walker's mood darkens a notch.

As the sun begins to set, they gather around a bonfire. Y/N can't help but notice how Walker keeps glancing at her, his expression a mix of admiration and something else—something deeper. The firelight flickers across his face, and Y/N feels a flutter of hope.

In that moment, she thinks maybe they're ready to confront the feelings simmering just beneath the surface. But then the sound of laughter interrupts her thoughts, and she turns to see Charlie and Leah sharing a joke. The air shifts again, and Y/N realizes the moment may not come as easily as she hoped.

The night stretches on, filled with laughter, teasing, and the warmth of friendship. But Y/N can't shake the feeling that something is about to change, and she wonders if she's ready for it.