Anna was finally back in City M, the city that always buzzed with a rhythm she knew well. After the intensity of the shoot in City A, her cozy apartment felt like a sanctuary. The familiar scent of her favorite candles filled the air, and the silence was a comforting contrast to the constant activity on set. She kicked off her shoes, let out a deep sigh, and flopped onto her couch, sinking into its plush cushions. It was the first time in weeks that she felt like she could truly relax.
The view from her living room window showcased the city's skyline, glowing in the late afternoon sun. She loved this view—something about it always made her feel grounded, no matter how chaotic her life got. With a contented smile, she picked up her phone, which she had been blissfully ignoring, and scrolled through the notifications. There were a few messages from friends, some emails she'd get to later, and, of course, several missed calls from Ella.
As if on cue, her phone buzzed in her hand. Ella's name flashed on the screen, and Anna couldn't help but laugh.
"Speak of the devil," she muttered to herself before answering. "Hey, Ella. You caught me just as I was getting comfy."
"Anna! Finally. I was beginning to think you'd gone off the grid," Ella's voice was as brisk as ever, but Anna could detect a hint of playfulness beneath it.
"Just enjoying a little peace and quiet," Anna replied, stretching out on the couch. "What's up? You sound like you've got something on your mind."
"Don't I always?" Ella quipped before diving into the reason for her call. "So, here's the thing—I've been talking with the PR team, and they've come up with an idea to promote A Lovely Summer that's a bit… unconventional."
Anna raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Unconventional how?"
"Well, there's this new variety show that's gaining a lot of attention," Ella began, her tone shifting into the persuasive mode Anna knew all too well. "It's called A Day in the Life, and it's exactly what it sounds like. Cameras follow actors around, capturing their daily lives, behind-the-scenes moments, that sort of thing. It's like a more personal, candid look at what you guys do when you're not in front of the cameras."
Anna sat up a little straighter, her interest piqued. "Wait, so they just film you… living your life? Like, me doing laundry or grocery shopping?"
"Basically, yes," Ella confirmed with a chuckle. "But it's more curated than that. You'd have a say in what's filmed. The idea is to show a more relatable side of you, to connect with the audience in a different way. It's been a hit so far—fans love seeing their favorite stars in a more down-to-earth setting."
Anna considered this, biting her lip thoughtfully. "I mean, it sounds interesting, but also kind of invasive, don't you think? I'm not sure people want to see me struggling to figure out what to make for dinner or watching me binge web novels in my pajamas."
Ella laughed, and Anna could picture her shaking her head. "You'd be surprised. People eat that stuff up. And besides, it's not like they're going to show every second of your day. You'd have control over what gets aired. Think of it as a chance to show people the real you—or at least a version of the real you that you're comfortable sharing."
"Hmm," Anna mused, leaning back against the couch. "I'm not totally opposed to it, but I'm just not sure how I feel about having cameras in my face all the time. It sounds exhausting."
"I get it," Ella replied, her tone softening. "But think about the potential exposure. This could really boost the film's visibility, especially since the show's audience overlaps with the demographic we're aiming for. And you're great with that kind of stuff, Anna. You're naturally charming and funny. People will love you."
Anna couldn't help but smile at the compliment, though she wasn't entirely convinced. "I don't know, Ella. It sounds like a lot. I've just finished one project, and now I'm supposed to jump into this?"
"Not right away," Ella reassured her. "You'd have time to recharge first. The show wouldn't start filming until a few weeks before the movie's release. And it wouldn't be a full-time thing—just a few days here and there. Think of it as an extension of the promo tour, but way more fun."
Anna twirled a strand of hair around her finger, mulling it over. "I can see the appeal, I guess. But what if I accidentally say something stupid or trip over my own feet? You know how clumsy I can be."
"That's part of the charm," Ella replied with a grin in her voice. "People love seeing that their favorite stars are human too. And honestly, you're a pro—you'll handle it just fine. Plus, think about the content you could create. You could even showcase your love for art, take the cameras to a gallery or show them your favorite pieces. It's a way to connect with the audience on a deeper level."
Anna sighed, still feeling a bit torn. "I guess that could be kind of fun. But I'm not making any promises just yet. I'll think about it."
"Fair enough," Ella said, clearly pleased that Anna was at least considering it. "Take your time. We don't need an answer right this second. But keep it in mind. This could be a great opportunity for you—and for the film."
Anna nodded, even though Ella couldn't see her. "Okay, I'll give it some thought. But no pressure, right?"
"No pressure," Ella agreed, though Anna could sense she was hoping for a yes. "Just think about it. And in the meantime, enjoy your downtime. You've earned it."
"Thanks, Ella," Anna said with a genuine smile. "I appreciate it. And I'll let you know what I decide."
After hanging up, Anna set her phone down and stared out the window, her mind racing with possibilities. The idea of being on a variety show was intriguing, even if it did come with a side of anxiety. She imagined herself wandering through an art gallery with a camera crew in tow, chatting about her favorite pieces and what they meant to her. Or maybe she'd take them on a tour of the city, showing off her favorite spots and hidden gems. It could be fun, and it would definitely be different from the usual press junkets and interviews.
But there was still that nagging doubt—the idea of being so exposed, of letting people into her life in a way she'd never done before. Anna prided herself on maintaining a certain level of privacy, of keeping some parts of her life just for herself. Did she really want to blur those lines?
With a sigh, she stood up and stretched, trying to shake off the uncertainty. "Well, no point in overthinking it right now," she told herself. "I'll just take it one day at a time."
She wandered into the kitchen, her thoughts still buzzing as she grabbed a glass of water. As she sipped, she couldn't help but smile at the idea of Ella's reaction if she agreed to do the show. Her manager would probably do a little victory dance—something Anna would have to make sure to catch on camera if it ever happened.
For now, though, she was content to let the idea simmer in the back of her mind. There was plenty of time to make a decision, and for once, Anna was happy to just enjoy the quiet moments, away from the chaos of filming and the demands of the industry.
For now, she was just Anna—no cameras, no scripts, no pressure. Just a girl in her cozy apartment, with a good story to keep her company. And honestly, that was more than enough.