Behind the Spotlight (Jenna x Male Reader)

Chapter Eight: A Night of Truths

Chapter Eight: A Night of Truths

The after-party was in full swing, lights dimmed low, with flashes of neon spilling over the crowd as music pulsed through the room. People were scattered around, some huddled in close circles chatting, others dancing with abandon. The atmosphere buzzed with the excitement of the night, with their "Wednesday" premiere fresh on everyone's mind.

Jenna and Y/N had arrived together, hand in hand, radiating happiness and excitement. Being together publicly had added a new, comfortable layer to moments like these. For the first time, they didn't have to hide or deflect questions. They were just themselves, wrapped in each other's presence, enjoying the evening as a couple.

Jenna had taken to the vibe quickly, catching up with Percy, Emma, and Hunter. She'd already made the rounds with other cast members, talking and laughing, letting loose after weeks of intense press. Y/N stuck close, laughing along with them, and stealing small glances at Jenna as she animatedly told stories, her cheeks flushed and eyes sparkling.

After a while, Y/N had been pulled into a conversation with one of the producers, and when he looked back over, Jenna was gone, swept up into another group with Percy and Emma. They were in the corner, clearly already on their fourth or fifth drink, laughing over some inside joke.

"You guys look like you're planning a heist," Y/N chuckled, joining them, slipping an arm around Jenna's waist as she leaned into him.

"Even better," Percy laughed. "Emma just dared Jenna to sing her favorite Disney song at the top of her lungs if she loses rock-paper-scissors. Loser goes first!"

"Oh no, I don't know if the world is ready for that," Y/N teased, giving Jenna a playful grin.

Jenna playfully slapped his arm. "You're just jealous of my *fantastic* singing voice. Wait till you hear my rendition of 'Part of Your World,' it's Oscar-worthy."

Percy and Emma egged her on, laughing, and it wasn't long before Jenna was dramatically belting out a few lines of the song, causing others around them to turn and cheer her on. Y/N tried to keep a straight face but was soon laughing, pulling her into a gentle hug as she sang, both amused and completely charmed by her.

As the night went on, Jenna's excitement and energy only seemed to grow, each drink loosening her up a little more until she was swaying with the music, her arms wrapped around Y/N. The other cast members exchanged knowing looks, some of them snapping a few photos of the two of them in the midst of their playful, joyful moment.

Finally, when Y/N noticed her swaying a little too much and giggling at almost everything, he knew it was time to call it a night. Jenna's face was flushed from laughter and a few too many drinks, her eyes half-lidded as she leaned into him.

"Alright, superstar, I think that's our cue to take a break." Y/N said softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

"Noo," Jenna pouted, clinging to him with an almost childlike stubbornness. "One more dance!"

"How about I promise you a dance at home, hmm?" he said gently, trying to coax her.

Jenna looked up at him, weighing the offer, before finally nodding, her smile warm and slightly sleepy. "Deal. But only because you promised."

As Y/N led Jenna away from the buzzing crowd of the after-party, the atmosphere crackled with energy. The venue, a lavish rooftop space overlooking the Los Angeles skyline, was filled with shimmering lights and laughter that echoed against the stars. It was a perfect night, yet Y/N felt a sense of urgency as he navigated through the throngs of fellow actors, directors, and industry insiders.

Around them, champagne flutes clinked, and the chatter of excited voices filled the air. A DJ spun a mix of popular songs, and a few people danced near the bar, losing themselves in the music. Y/N spotted some familiar faces — Emma and Hunter were dancing, their carefree movements drawing attention and laughter from those around them. He smiled to himself, feeling grateful for the camaraderie they shared as a cast.