Life Outside of Empire

Feelings

Serayah's POV

"Why did you have to get into a fight with Yazz?" "I still have to work with him." I said in an agitated tone.

"Were y'all ever a thing?" "Because I'm getting a vibe that y'all were." Jacob questioned.

"How many times are we gonna continue to talk about this?" I sighed desperately wanting the conversation to be over with.

As Jacob continue to ramble on, I
started to reflect on the time that I met Yazz.

Flashback

I was very nervous about the audition. I mean I never acted before. When my friend from high school hit me up and told me about a role of a lifetime I knew I couldn't pass on this opportunity. They wanted me to sing and do a rap. I memorize a rap from Nicki Minaj's earliest mix tape.  They were impressed with my performing skills so they decided to change my character.

I met with the casting director Leah Daniels. Her brother Lee Daniels was one of the creators of what would become Fox biggest show.

"Serayah I would like for you to meet someone." Replied Leah.

I was trying to contain my nervousness.

I nodded my head and smile.

A guy appeared alongside Leah. He looked like he was around my age.

"This is Bryshere Gray." "He plays the role of Hakeem, the youngest Lyon brother."

"Instead of your character, Tiana being like a rapper tomboyish type." "We're gonna change her into this sexy, pop star who dates Hakeem." Replied Leah

"I want you two to run lines together." "You guys practice a bit." "I'm gonna take 10."

Leah left and I was alone with this Bryshere guy. I was about to start up a conversation until his phone went off.

"Sorry, excuse me." He replied.

"It's cool." I replied.

"Yo I'm in rehearsals I'll have to call you back." Said Bryshere.

I played with my nails.

"Again I apologize." Bryshere said returning his attention to me.

"So it's Serayah right?"

"Yeah." I replied.

"That's a beautiful name for a beautiful girl like yourself.

"Thanks." I smiled.

"So Bryshere have you ever acted before?" I asked.

"Call me Yazz."

"Yazz?" I questioned.

"Yazz is like my stage name and the name I mainly go by."

"Oh okay, so Yazz have you ever acted before?" I asked.

"No this is actually my first role."

"Mine as well." I replied.

Yazz smiled at me showing off his pearly whites.

I was feeling a bit nervous and Yazz could pick up on it.

"It's okay you're going to do just fine." Yazz replied reassuring me.

"Thanks." I replied.

"So we should probably go over our lines." Said Yazz.

"Yeah we probably should." I replied.

10 minutes had passed, we went over our lines. There was a kiss scene.

"Um we can practice that later if you like, we dont um...Yazz paused.

"Were gonna have to get used to kissing on camera so we should probably just go for it. I responded.

"Okay." Yazz replied.

I took a deep breath.

Yazz came closer to me and I leaned in closing my eyes feeling Yazz lips on mine.

Even though we were in character something about this kiss felt real.

"Bravo." We heard clapping.

I open my eyes and notice we had an audience.

"I love it, the chemistry you guys have is amazing." Replied Lee.

"You did it again sis!" Lee replied giving Leah a high five.

"Well you two are done for the day." Studio is tomorrow. So get with the producers, learn the music, and also get with the choreographer to learn the dance moves." You guys have 5 days to learn this because filming starts next week."

We began production on Empire and Yazz and I were becoming close. I didn't know if it was because we worked so close together and he played my TV boyfriend but I think I was slowly starting to fall for Yazz.

I told myself I will keep things professional and not allow my feelings to interfere.

"Serayah can I be honest with you?" Yazz replied snapping me from my thoughts.

"Sure wassup?"

"I'm just going to say it." "I think I'm starting to fall for you." "I look forward to coming to work just to see you." "I really like being around you.

I wanted to respond but I was speechless.

"Um I'm probably shouldn't have said all that." "Sorry." Yazz replied walking away.

"No wait." I replied.

"The feeling is mutual."

Yazz and I locked eyes and he leaned in towards me until his phone went off.

I notice his screen and it read gf.

"What you have a girl?" I questioned.

"It's not what it looks like." Yazz replied.

"You're here telling me you're falling for me, but you have a girl?"

"No I'm just saying...

"Let's just forget any of this happened." "Focus on your girl okay." I replied walking away.

"Serayah!." Yazz called out.

I ignored him.

END OF FLASHBACK

"So are you gonna answer the question?" "Were y'all ever a thing?" Jacob Questioned

"Yazz can we not..." I mean Jacob can we not

"Wow really now you're calling me dudes name."

"No that's not what I..."

"That's not what?" Asked Jacob "You don't even have to say it." "You just answered my question.

Yazz POV

I can't believe this Jacob dude. If he want beef it's on. I was getting the best of him until stupid security got in the way. I couldn't take my eyes off Serayah. How could she show up with him when she should be with me. I hated her with him or with any dude for that matter.

It's been a long night. I was about to go to sleep until I heard my phone vibrate. I checked my phone and saw that I recieved a text. I couldn't believe my eyes. It was from her.

"Sorry about tonight, are you okay?"

I wondered if I should respond