Behind the Spotlight (Jenna x Male Reader)

Chapter Seventeen: The Unexpected Invitation

Chapter Seventeen: The Unexpected Invitation

The trailer was quiet as Jenna and Y/N unwound after a long day on set. They were sprawled on the couch, enjoying a rare moment of calm. Jenna had her legs draped across Y/N's lap, and they shared a bowl of popcorn, laughing at the cheesy movie playing on the small TV.

Y/N nudged her gently. "What's the plan for tonight? Are we just going to binge terrible movies, or do you have something else in mind?"

Jenna grinned, popping a piece of popcorn into her mouth. "Honestly, I'm good with this. Just you, me, and popcorn."

They laughed, content until Jenna's phone buzzed. She glanced at it, brow lifting as she read the message.

"What's up?" Y/N asked, curious.

"It's Melissa," Jenna replied, tilting the screen so he could see. "She wants us to join her and some of the cast for dinner. Says they'll be here in twenty minutes to pick us up."

Y/N laughed, running a hand through his hair. "Guess our movie night's getting an upgrade. You up for it?"

Jenna nodded, already feeling the excitement building. "Yeah, let's go! It'll be fun to hang out with everyone off set."

They both scrambled to freshen up. Jenna pulled on a comfortable but chic sweater over jeans, while Y/N chose a button-up shirt with his favorite jacket. As Jenna took a final glance in the mirror, she shot Y/N a grin.

"How do I look?"

Y/N smiled, giving her an approving nod. "Perfect. But you'd look perfect in anything."

She rolled her eyes, giving him a playful swat on the arm. "Stop it. We have dinner plans!"

A knock sounded at their trailer door, and Melissa's voice came through. "Hey, lovebirds! You guys ready?"

Y/N opened the door, greeting her with a smile. "Just about. Thanks for inviting us out!"

She waved it off with a laugh. "Of course! We all thought it'd be fun to hang out—celebrate the start of filming. The others are already at the restaurant, so let's go!"

They joined Melissa and a few other cast members for the short walk to the restaurant, chatting and joking along the way. The streets were alive with people, and the energy of the city was infectious.

Inside, the restaurant was warm and inviting, with soft lighting and cozy booths. The rest of the cast was already seated around a large table by the window, and they greeted Jenna and Y/N with cheers as they walked in. After some rearranging, everyone settled in, and laughter and conversations quickly filled the air.

Y/N and Jenna scanned the menu together, whispering about what they might order.

"I think I'm going with the pasta," Jenna decided, eyeing the fettuccine Alfredo.

"Good choice," Y/N nodded, glancing at the burger section. "I'm getting the bacon cheeseburger."

When the server came by, they ordered their meals, and soon enough, plates of delicious food were being set down around the table. The cast laughed and swapped stories, reminiscing about their funniest on-set moments and sharing excitement for the scenes ahead. Jenna leaned over to Y/N between bites, laughing at something Melissa said.

As they ate, a fan sitting nearby hesitantly approached their table, clutching her phone. "Excuse me, I don't mean to interrupt," she stammered, eyes wide as she took in the sight of Jenna and Y/N. "But could I get a quick picture? I'm such a huge fan."

Jenna smiled warmly, and Y/N gave her an encouraging nod. "Of course!" Jenna said, standing up with Y/N as the fan snapped a selfie with them. The fan thanked them profusely and walked away, her face glowing with excitement.

Unbeknownst to them, the fan immediately posted the picture online, tagging Jenna and Y/N. Within minutes, word spread like wildfire. Fans in the area quickly realized their favorite on-screen couple was dining nearby, and people started gathering outside the restaurant, hoping for a glimpse.

As the cast finished their meals, they could hear the commotion building outside. Jenna glanced at Y/N, a look of concern flickering across her face as the noise grew louder.

"I think there's... quite a few people out there," she whispered.

Y/N nodded, trying to keep his tone light. "Looks like we're a bit of a hit."

When the group finally stood to leave, the staff informed them that a crowd had indeed formed, waiting by the exit. As they made their way outside, Jenna gasped at the sight—dozens of fans had gathered, holding up their phones, calling out her name and Y/N's.

The atmosphere quickly grew overwhelming as people started pushing forward, eager to get closer. Jenna's hand tightened around Y/N's, her breaths coming quicker as she looked around, feeling trapped by the swarm.

Sensing her discomfort, Y/N moved in front of her protectively, shielding her from the crowd. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, keeping her close as they maneuvered through the throng. His voice was calm but firm as he reassured her, "I've got you, Jenna. Just stay close."

They navigated through the crowd, with Y/N maintaining a protective stance, and Jenna clinging to him, trying to steady her breaths. Her anxiety was building, and Y/N could feel her trembling.

"Almost there," he whispered reassuringly, gently squeezing her shoulder. They finally reached the car waiting by the curb, and Y/N quickly helped Jenna inside, closing the door behind her before getting in himself. As they pulled away, Jenna leaned against him, finally able to catch her breath.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice shaky.

He wrapped an arm around her, kissing the top of her head. "Anytime. I'm here to keep you safe."

She smiled up at him, her gratitude and relief clear in her eyes. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

As the car slowed to a stop just a short distance from the restaurant, Y/N took a deep breath. Jenna was visibly shaken from the crowd's intensity, and seeing her so distressed had filled him with a protective urgency. He could still hear the buzz of fans and see the flashes of cameras coming from outside.

With one last glance at Jenna to make sure she was okay, Y/N gently squeezed her hand. "Stay here," he whispered. "I'll be right back."

Jenna looked up, a flicker of concern in her eyes, but she nodded, trusting him. Y/N stepped out of the car, closing the door behind him and turning to face the crowd. The voices grew louder as people jostled, phones held high to get pictures and videos.

Y/N raised his voice, his expression serious as he addressed the crowd.

"Listen up, everyone!" His voice carried with authority, silencing the hum of voices. "I get it—you're fans, you love Jenna and her work. But you need to remember that she's human, just like the rest of us. Tonight, you crossed a line. She's here to live her life, enjoy an evening with her friends, just like any of you would want to do."

The crowd stilled, some looking down, a few appearing visibly uncomfortable as his words sank in.

"If you're really fans—if you really support her and what she does—then you'd respect her space. Swarming her like this, making her feel unsafe? That's not what a real fan does. Real fans respect boundaries. Real fans don't leave someone they admire feeling overwhelmed and cornered." He looked around, meeting as many gazes as he could, his voice softening but still firm.

"If any of you really care about Jenna, I want you to take a step back. Rethink why you're here. She's grateful to have fans like you, but tonight, this wasn't support—it was just too much."

He paused, letting his words settle over the crowd, before finally stepping back toward the car. The silence hung in the air as people exchanged looks, some murmuring apologies, others slowly beginning to disperse.

When Y/N climbed back into the car, Jenna looked at him, her eyes full of appreciation. She reached out, taking his hand, and gave him a grateful smile.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible, but the emotion in it said everything before planting a slow but passionate kiss.

As they drove back to their trailer, the world outside felt distant, and all that mattered was the calm they'd found together.