The movie premiere had come to an end, and the credits were rolling as the audience began to shuffle out of the theater.
Zack remained in his seat, staring blankly at the screen, though he hadn't processed a single minute of the film.
His mind was still reeling from everything that had happened outside—the cameras, the reporters, the deafening cheers.
Kieran had handled it all so effortlessly, but Zack… Zack was already feeling the weight of the spotlight. He wasn't sure how he was going to survive six weeks of this.
Beside him, Kieran stretched casually, glancing over at Zack with a small smile. "You okay there? You've been awfully quiet."
Zack blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. "Oh. Yeah, I'm fine. Just… a lot to take in, you know?"
Kieran nodded, his expression sympathetic. "I get it. The first time's always overwhelming. But you did great out there."
Zack let out a nervous laugh, running a hand through his hair. "I don't know about that. I felt like I was going to pass out the whole time."
"You didn't, though," Kieran pointed out, his tone light. "That's a win in my book."
Zack smiled faintly, though the tension in his chest hadn't fully eased. As the theater continued to empty, he glanced around, feeling a strange sense of isolation despite the crowd around them.
All these people were going back to their normal lives, while his was about to spiral even further into the public eye.
He wasn't sure how he was going to keep up the act.
I don't belong here. I don't belong in this world. These people… they're used to this kind of attention, but I'm not.
I thought I could handle it, but what if I'm wrong? What if I end up ruining everything?
And Kieran… how does he stay so calm through all of this? How can he just smile and wave like it's nothing?
Maybe I'm not cut out for this after all.
Kieran must have sensed Zack's growing unease, because he shifted in his seat, turning to face him fully. "Hey," he said softly, his voice cutting through Zack's spiraling thoughts. "You're overthinking again."
Zack looked up, surprised by how easily Kieran seemed to read him. "I just don't know how you do it," Zack admitted quietly. "How you can be so… calm.
I feel like I'm about to fall apart, and you're just out there, smiling like it's the easiest thing in the world."
Kieran chuckled, but there was a warmth in his eyes that softened the sound. "It's not always easy. But it gets easier with time. You learn how to tune it out. Focus on what matters and let the noise fade into the background."
Zack frowned slightly. "But how do you know what matters?"
Kieran's gaze lingered on Zack for a moment before he answered. "You figure it out along the way. For me, it's about the people I trust.
The ones who see me for who I really am, not just the persona on the red carpet. That's what keeps me grounded."
Zack nodded, though a part of him couldn't help but wonder who Kieran really trusted.
Did he have people in his life who saw past the movie star exterior? Or was he always playing a role, even off camera?
Is that what I am to him? Just another person caught up in the persona?
Or is there more to Kieran than I'm seeing? He seems… different when we're alone. Like there's a real person under all that charm.
I just wish I knew which version of him was the real one.
The last of the audience had filtered out of the theater, leaving Zack and Kieran sitting alone in the empty room. The silence was a stark contrast to the chaos outside, and Zack found himself relaxing, if only slightly.
Kieran glanced at his watch, then back at Zack. "We should probably get going before the photographers swarm us on the way out."
Zack winced at the thought. "Great. Just what I need—more pictures of me looking like a deer in headlights."
Kieran laughed, standing up and offering Zack a hand. "You didn't look that bad. And besides, I was right there with you. I've got your back, remember?"
Zack hesitated for a moment before taking Kieran's hand, letting him pull him to his feet. Kieran's grip was firm, steady, and for a brief second, Zack felt a flicker of something that wasn't just anxiety.
"Thanks," Zack said quietly as they started toward the exit. "For… you know, not letting me completely fall apart out there."
Kieran smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Anytime. You're tougher than you think, Zack. You've got this."
Zack wasn't sure he believed that just yet, but Kieran's confidence was contagious. As they stepped out into the cool evening air, Zack found himself standing a little straighter, his shoulders not quite so tense.
But the paparazzi were waiting, and the moment they spotted Kieran, the frenzy started all over again. Cameras flashed, and voices called out from all directions, trying to get Kieran's attention.
Kieran waved and smiled, slipping into the role as easily as if he'd flipped a switch. Zack followed his lead, trying to keep his expression neutral as they made their way to the waiting car.
Once they were inside, Zack let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. "I don't think I'll ever get used to that," he muttered.
Kieran chuckled, settling into the seat beside him. "Give it time. You're doing better than you think."
Zack glanced at him, feeling the weight of Kieran's words sink in. He wasn't sure if he'd ever be able to handle the pressure the way Kieran did, but for the first time, he didn't feel completely out of place.
Maybe, just maybe, he could survive this.
I don't know why, but when Kieran says I'm doing okay, it actually feels like I am.
It's strange. I barely know him, but I feel like I can trust him. Maybe it's just because he's been through all of this before. Or maybe… maybe there's something else.
God, what am I even thinking?
This is fake. It's all fake. I can't forget that.
The car ride back to Zack's apartment was quiet, with Kieran scrolling through his phone and Zack lost in thought.
The adrenaline from the premiere had worn off, leaving him feeling drained, but there was still a nervous energy buzzing beneath the surface.
When they finally pulled up in front of Zack's building, Kieran glanced over at him, a small smile tugging at his lips. "So… you survived your first public appearance. How does it feel?"
Zack let out a tired laugh. "Like I need a week to recover."
Kieran grinned. "Well, lucky for you, we don't have another event until next week. So you've got some time to recharge."
Zack nodded, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. "Good. I'm gonna need it."
As he reached for the door handle, Kieran's voice stopped him. "Hey, Zack."
Zack turned, meeting Kieran's gaze. "Yeah?"
Kieran hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "Thanks for going along with all of this. I know it's not easy, but I appreciate it."
Zack blinked, surprised by the sincerity in Kieran's tone. "I… yeah. No problem. I guess we're both stuck in this together."
Kieran chuckled softly. "Guess so."
For a moment, the air between them felt different. There was something unspoken lingering there, something Zack couldn't quite put his finger on.
But before he could dwell on it, he nodded and stepped out of the car, giving Kieran a small wave as he headed inside.
As he closed the door behind him, Zack leaned against it, exhaling slowly. He wasn't sure what was happening between him and Kieran, but whatever it was, it was starting to feel a little too real.
And that scared him more than any red carpet ever could.