Behind the Spotlight (Jenna x Male Reader)

Chapter Twenty-Five: Goodbyes For Now

Chapter Twenty-Five: Goodbyes For Now

The sun was high and bright in the sky as Jenna, Y/N, and the rest of the cast gathered outside their hotel, laughing and chatting about the day's plans. It was their last day in New York, and they wanted to make it count before their private flight home in the early hours.

"Alright, so what's the plan?" asked Mason, grinning as he held up his coffee.

Melissa stepped forward, flashing a mischievous smile. "We thought we'd start with some sightseeing, maybe hit a few classic New York spots. Then lunch, and later... we'll just see where the day takes us."

Y/N glanced over at Jenna, who gave him a smile that made his heart skip. Being out in the city, without any work or commitments for the day, felt refreshing, and he could see the same excitement reflected in her eyes.

Their first stop was the iconic Central Park. They all walked together, a group of friends blending in with the crowd as they strolled under the canopy of trees, admiring the crisp fall colors. Jenna held onto Y/N's hand as they wandered through the park, her laughter brightening the cool autumn air. They paused for photos near Bow Bridge, each of them taking turns capturing the moment in different combinations. Jenna and Y/N took a selfie, cheek to cheek, while the others playfully photobombed them from behind.

"I think we're all in at least fifty tourist photos now," Jenna laughed, nodding at the passing crowds who couldn't resist snapping shots of the lively group.

After the park, they made their way downtown to a famous pizza place, one of the spots Jenna and Y/N had wanted to try since arriving in the city. The cozy restaurant buzzed with energy as they filled an entire booth, ordering pizzas, sodas, and laughing as they exchanged stories about filming. Y/N could feel the relaxed happiness in the air, everyone just enjoying the day together without the pressures of work.

"What's the first thing you're going to do when you're back in LA?" Mason asked the table as the waiter placed a steaming pepperoni pizza in front of them.

Y/N grinned, glancing at Jenna. "Honestly? Probably sleep for a solid twelve hours. Then... maybe unpack."

Jenna nodded in agreement, reaching for a slice of pizza. "Same here. But I might hit the beach as soon as I'm awake. Missed that California sun."

They all laughed, agreeing that a full day of relaxation would be in order once they returned home. The food arrived, and everyone dug in, savoring the cheesy, perfectly baked slices. It felt like a perfect send-off—a final New York meal, with the friends they'd grown so close to.

After lunch, they walked through the city, stopping in at small shops, trying on hats and scarves in a vintage store, and playing around like tourists. The streets were busy, but they managed to avoid drawing too much attention as they slipped in and out of places, ducking down little side streets and joking with each other.

As evening settled in, they all headed to the rooftop of their hotel, where the city skyline stretched before them, glittering against the night sky. They sat in a circle, sharing quiet conversations and taking in the breathtaking view. Y/N wrapped an arm around Jenna, who leaned into him, both of them soaking in the last bit of this experience together.

"You know, it's weird," Jenna murmured, looking up at him. "It feels like we've been here forever, but at the same time... it went by so fast."

Y/N nodded, understanding exactly what she meant. "It does. It's been amazing, though. I wouldn't change a thing."

They sat together as the night wore on, everyone gradually becoming quieter, lost in their own reflections. Eventually, someone checked their watch, reminding them that their flight was approaching. They reluctantly got up, gathering their things and sharing one last look at the New York skyline before heading back down to get ready for the airport.