In Between

At Her Smile

The next few days blur together, each moment stretching as Y/N grapples with the tension between her and Walker. Lacy's presence hangs like a shadow over them, and every interaction feels heavy with unspoken words.

Y/N tries to focus on her new role as Layla, but her mind drifts more often than not. In between scenes, she catches glimpses of Walker and Lacy, the two of them laughing together or deep in conversation, and it feels like a punch to the gut each time.

One afternoon, the cast gathers for a scene in a park. The sun shines brightly, but Y/N can't shake the chill in her bones. As they film, she struggles to concentrate, her lines coming out more clipped than usual.

During a break, Y/N heads to the refreshment table, her mind racing. She grabs a bottle of water, trying to calm the storm inside her. Just then, she overhears Dior and Aryan chatting nearby.

"Did you hear Walker and Lacy are officially dating?" Dior says, the words hitting Y/N like a brick. She freezes, her heart sinking. "I saw it on Instagram. They posted a picture together at that café."

Aryan replies, "No way! I thought it was just a fling."

Y/N feels the blood rush from her face as she processes the news. Dating? How did she not know? The familiar knot in her stomach tightens as anger and hurt collide within her.

She takes a step back, trying to hide the turmoil in her expression. It feels like the ground has shifted beneath her, leaving her reeling. She hadn't anticipated how much this would sting.

As she walks back toward the group, she spots Walker and Lacy across the park. They're huddled together, sharing something on Walker's phone, both of them laughing. The sight twists her insides, and she can't help but feel like an outsider in her own life.

"Y/N!" Walker calls out, his smile brightening as he spots her. He waves her over, but the warmth in his expression feels like a cruel reminder of what she's about to lose.

She approaches, forcing a smile, but the tension is palpable. "Hey, what's going on?"

Lacy looks up, her eyes sparkling. "We were just checking out some photos from the last shoot. Walker's been so much fun to hang out with!"

Y/N's heart sinks further. "Right. Fun."

Walker glances between them, sensing the shift in energy. "Are you okay? You seem... off."

"Yeah, I'm fine," Y/N replies, her voice steady but lacking conviction. "Just a little tired, I guess."

Lacy leans in closer to Walker, her laughter ringing out, and Y/N's stomach churns. She can feel the distance growing, and it's suffocating.

"Y/N, we were thinking of grabbing dinner after filming. Want to join?" Walker asks, genuine concern in his eyes.

"Actually, I have plans," she responds quickly, her heart racing. "I think I'll just head home."

Walker frowns, but before he can say anything, Lacy chimes in, "Oh, come on! It'll be fun. Just the four of us!"

The thought makes Y/N want to scream, but she holds it in. "I really can't," she insists, forcing a smile. "Maybe next time?"

Walker looks disappointed, but Lacy brightens. "No worries! We'll take lots of pictures to share."

Y/N forces herself to nod, the weight of the situation crushing her. As she walks away, she can't shake the feeling of betrayal. How could he not tell her? How could he choose Lacy over their friendship?

That night, she sits on her bed, scrolling through her phone. Every post featuring Walker and Lacy feels like a dagger to her heart. She tosses her phone aside in frustration, staring at the ceiling as tears well up in her eyes.

She thought they had something special. But now, it feels like she's losing him to someone else. The realization is sharp, and she knows she can't keep pretending everything is okay.

The next day on set, she steels herself. She needs to confront Walker about how she feels. No more hiding, no more pretending. But as she spots him laughing with Lacy again, doubt creeps in.

What if he doesn't feel the same way? What if she's too late?

With her heart pounding, Y/N steps forward, determined to finally break the silence. But just as she's about to call out to him, she watches Lacy wrap her arms around Walker's waist, resting her head on his shoulder.

The moment hangs heavy, and Y/N's resolve crumbles. Instead of confronting him, she turns away, feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders.

The distance between them feels insurmountable, and she wonders if she'll ever find a way back to the connection they once shared.