The Comfort Of Her Presence

CHAPTER 1

JAY'S POV

Here for another shoot. Cameras are flashing all around me. Some faces are familiar, some aren't. The light from the camera flashes irritates me. My head is pounding, but my manager doesn't care. All he does is pack my schedule tighter, not even giving me a single day off.

"Cut!" the director calls.

I move to my chair, and before I can take a breath, the hairstylist and makeup artist swarm me, not even a moment to be alone, to breathe. My phone rings-it's my designer.

"Excuse me," I say, gently brushing off the stylists. I pick up the call.

"Hello," I answer.

"Jay, the designs you suggested..." His voice cracks, likely a network issue.

"Wait, Mr. Malik, I can't hear you. Let me step outside," I say, walking out of the room.

I stop a few feet away from the window, noticing a girl standing there. She's wearing a black hoodie and cargo pants, her mid-length hair framing her face as she gazes out at the city.

"What a perfect day," she whispers to herself. "If only I could drop everything and enjoy it. It's so lifeless inside."

Intrigued, I approach her. She turns, her eyes briefly meeting mine, but there's no interest in them. It's the first time a girl hasn't jumped at the sight of me, asking for an autograph or a photo.

"Mr. Model," she says, her voice flat.

"I'm not a model," I reply.

"But you're here for a brand shoot, aren't you?" she asks, still looking out the window.

"Well, yeah... but I'm not exactly a model... I'm an actor," I say, trying to correct her.

"Whatever," she shrugs, eyes back on the view.

I keep staring at her. There's something about her that makes me want to talk more, to stay here.

She turns back to me. "What?"

"Let's go out," I suggest, half-serious.

"Impossible," she says.

"Hmm." I let out a sigh.

"For you," she teases, "it's impossible. I could sneak out, give some excuse. My work isn't that important. But you? If you disappear, the whole production would go crazy."

She's right. I can't even step outside without permission. I'm a puppet.

"I wish I could just enjoy the weather like everyone else," I murmur.

Just then, my manager calls me back for the next shot. "Jay !! They're calling you for the next shot."

I nod, glancing at her one last time. She's watching me now.

"Enjoy the weather," I say, turning away.

Back in front of the cameras, my mind drifts back to the weather outside. She must be enjoying it while I'm stuck here. Suddenly, the lights go out. I feel a hand grab mine.

"Let's go, Mr. Model."

"Wait, what? What do you mean?" I ask, confused.

"Before they find you. Let's go," she replies.

I tighten my grip on her hand as we sneak out of the building, unnoticed. We run until we reach a bench, the sky darkening, hinting at rain.

"Have a seat ,Mr. Model," she says, flashing a playful grin. "I'll be back in a minute."