Behind the Spotlight (Jenna x Male Reader)

Chapter Fourteen: Morning on Set

Chapter Fourteen: Morning on Set

Y/N's alarm buzzed in the early morning darkness, filling the trailer with a faint hum. He blinked his eyes open, groggy but determined to start the day without waking Jenna. She lay beside him, breathing softly, wrapped up in the warmth of their shared blanket. Y/N carefully slipped out of bed, taking a moment to tuck the covers around her shoulders before heading toward the kitchen.

With the lights low, he quietly gathered ingredients for breakfast, setting his mind on making something Jenna could enjoy when she woke up. A fresh batch of scrambled eggs, toast, and a pot of coffee brewed as he worked. The scent filled the small space, and he smiled, hoping it would make her morning feel a little brighter.

He glanced at the clock; he had just enough time before he needed to head to set. Y/N quickly scribbled a note, leaving it beside the plate he'd prepared for Jenna:

"Good morning, babe. Had to head out early for some scenes, but I made you breakfast. Hope it's a good start to your day! Can't wait to see you on set. Love, Y/N."

Leaving the note by her plate, he poured her a cup of coffee in a travel mug and placed it alongside the breakfast before grabbing his things. He glanced back once more at Jenna, smiling softly at her sleeping form, and left the trailer, ready to jump into the day's filming.

The set was already buzzing when Y/N arrived. The crew members were setting up the lighting and props, and a few of the cast were gathered in the makeup trailer. He settled into his routine, exchanging a few laughs with the makeup artists as they worked on his look for the day.

Today's scenes would be intense, some of the pivotal moments in the movie where his character, Josh, would get to showcase his connection with Tara, Jenna's character. He was excited but also felt a slight nervousness as he thought about the depth he wanted to bring to their scenes together.

As he stepped onto the set, the director greeted him warmly, going over the details for the morning's shoot. The scene was an emotional one, where Josh was supposed to comfort Tara after a distressing event, showcasing both the vulnerability and strength in their connection.

The camera rolled, and Y/N slipped into character, leaning into the rawness of the moment. The scene was heavy, yet somehow, it felt effortless—each line, every glance, connecting seamlessly. He could almost feel Jenna there with him, even though her call time was still an hour away.

After the take, Y/N walked over to the monitor, reviewing the footage with the director, who gave him a satisfied nod. "Perfect, Y/N. You're really bringing out Josh's depth. Keep that energy up for when Jenna joins later."

Y/N thanked him and headed back to the edge of the set to take a breather. As he glanced at his phone, he saw a new message from Jenna:

"Thanks for breakfast, it was perfect :) On my way to set now—can't wait to see you."

He smiled, feeling a warmth spread through him, and waited in anticipation for her to arrive. Soon enough, he caught sight of her walking onto the set, her familiar smile lighting up as she spotted him. She walked over, her eyes glinting with excitement, and gave him a quick hug.

"Good morning, star," he greeted her, holding her close for a moment before stepping back, aware of the crew around them. "Ready to crush this?"

"With you? Always," she replied, her gaze lingering on him with a mix of affection and determination.

They went through the scene together, falling into character with practiced ease. Jenna's performance as Tara was filled with layers, her emotions raw and unguarded. Y/N couldn't help but admire her dedication, each of her reactions feeding into his own, making it easy to feel as if he truly were Josh, lost in this whirlwind relationship with Tara.
—————————————————————————————————The Scene Filmed:

In the dimly lit set, Y/N sat alone at a prop-laden table, waiting for the director's cue. The scene was crucial: it was the moment when Josh, his character, would reveal his feelings for Tara in a tender yet unspoken way. His heart raced a little, partly from the weight of the scene and partly from how Jenna's presence always had an effect on him, even when she wasn't on set yet.

The director called, "Action," and Y/N's expression shifted, shoulders rounding as he channeled Josh's vulnerability. The camera focused on his face as he glanced down, his hands wringing slightly, mirroring Josh's internal struggle.

In the scene, Tara was supposed to walk in, eyes rimmed with the lingering shadows of fear, and Josh would notice immediately. He'd hesitate, then reach out with a soft but firm voice.

"Tara." Y/N's voice came out gentle, coaxing, as he stood up from his seat, taking a step toward her.

Jenna, as Tara, walked into frame. She looked fragile, almost lost, her gaze darting around as if she was struggling to find something to hold onto. Josh took another step, moving cautiously, like he didn't want to spook her.

"Hey," he whispered, his hand lifting before it dropped back to his side, uncertain.

She looked up at him, and for a moment, their eyes met—Tara's guarded, yet with a spark of trust. He noticed the faint shiver that coursed through her, and his character's heart broke, knowing she was in pain.

"Josh..." Her voice trembled, as if she were barely holding herself together. "I keep... I can't get it out of my head. It's like... it's always there."

The words hung in the air, her fear palpable. Y/N as Josh moved closer, finally letting his hand rest gently on her shoulder, as if offering his silent support.

"You don't have to be alone with it," he said, his tone tender, full of a vulnerability that Josh rarely allowed himself to show. "I'm here. I'll always be here."

Tara's eyes softened as she looked at him, and she took a shaky breath. Y/N watched as she let her guard down, her expression changing to one of quiet acceptance, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. She shifted closer, her fingers brushing against his.

For a heartbeat, they just stood there, neither one moving, but the connection between them unmistakable. Finally, Y/N as Josh gently wrapped his arms around her, his touch careful, protective.

"You're safe," he murmured. "With me, you're safe."

The scene held for a few more moments before the director called, "Cut!"

End of Scene
—————————————————————————————————

As they broke apart, Y/N exchanged a small, proud smile with Jenna, who nodded back, her eyes gleaming with the afterglow of the emotion they'd just shared.

"You were incredible," Y/N whispered to Jenna as they walked off set for a quick break.

She looked up at him, her smile shy but appreciative. "Couldn't have done it without you."

They took their short break together, sharing a few sips of coffee and resting their heads against each other, enjoying the rare, quiet moment amid the chaos of filming. They both knew the days ahead would only get busier, but with each scene, they grew closer, not only as actors but as partners in every sense.

When the break ended, they returned to set, their bond carrying through to each scene that followed. And as the day wrapped, both of them were exhausted but fulfilled, knowing they'd given everything to bring their characters to life. They shared a quiet smile, feeling more grateful than ever for this shared journey, one that was just beginning.