**Yes... We are dating...**
The post he saw on his phone made his eyes well up. There were a lot of words written, but it was that one single word that struck him deeply. *Famous actor Jayden is in love*... with none other than everyone's beloved singer, Sarah Elisabath... Love? And then, who was I? He had said I was his "best friend," but that only hit me in the gut. There was no place beyond that. So, what was there left to hope for?
*Adam... Shot ready. Let's take one.*
I was startled when the assistant director called. "I'm Adam... the actor," I muttered to myself. Jay and I had come together into this industry, and we grew together, side by side. Both of us had carved out our own spaces. No matter how far we went, we always told everyone, "We are best friends." But for me... he was never just a friend.
*Adam... In this scene, the heroine is about to fall while coming down the stairs, and the hero will catch her. After that, they will stand there for a few seconds, eyes locked.*
*Okay.*
The director explained the scene and left. My mind was completely blank. I felt short of breath. Within moments, Jay's post would spread everywhere.
*Sir... Have you seen Jay's post?*
*What?*
*He said he's dating Sarah!*
*What? When?*
*A little while ago.*
Everyone around me was already picking up their phones. Comments started flooding in. I felt like my breath was being stolen. Suddenly, Deya, my co-actor, lightly touched my arm.
*Hmm...*
*Adam... Are you okay?*
What was she asking me for? I gave a small smile and nodded.
*Deya... I'm not okay actually... I think I need to take a break.*
*Sure.*
I slowly stepped away. Everyone was talking about the new couple. I looked at the pendant around my neck... a birthday gift from him. My eyes started to blur.
---
After finishing the shoot early, I went back to my penthouse. After a shower, I freshened up and lay on the bed. The phone wouldn't stop ringing. I checked it and saw it was Jay calling. I froze in fear. What would happen if I spoke to him? Would all my anger and sadness pour out? I hesitated and picked up the call.
*Hello...*
On the other end, I heard him smile softly. He clinked the wine glass with his lips.
*So busy? You're impossible to reach these days...*
Jay was sitting on the sofa with his tablet open. He was scrolling through pictures from Adam's movie promotion. Deya was in one of them, held close by Adam, their eyes locked. Jay zoomed in on it.
*Yeah... Movie promotions, a lot going on. Why did you call?*
I tried my best to keep my voice steady. I didn't want him to notice the change in tone.
*I've only called a few close friends. Just a small party. I thought I'd call you first.*
Jay kept scrolling, and suddenly he stopped. There was a video of Adam's promotion event. Deya, looking like an angel, descended the stairs. As she lifted her face, her eyes met Adam's. He looked at her as if mesmerized. In that moment, he couldn't look away from her. And when she tripped, it was as if his world stopped. He rushed to catch her, their eyes locking in a deep gaze.
*Jay...*
Jay's call brought me back to reality.
*Oh... Yeah... Go ahead.*
*What were you saying? Did you hear what I said?*
*Oh... no... I was just watching your promotion video.*
*Oh...*
*Forget it. By the way, don't forget to come to my place tonight.*
*Hmm...*
He ended the call. I looked at my phone's wallpaper — it was a funny picture of the two of us. My eyes filled with tears again. He was no longer mine. He was with someone else now... I had to forget him.
---
Some friends were at the party, but every second felt like it was suffocating me. Jay came over and hugged me. I wanted to savor the warmth of the embrace, but then I noticed how he subtly pulled away. That's when I realized... he was happy... and I was not.
---
I saw him walking with Sarah, holding her close. The sound of his voice pulled me back to reality.
*So, it seems like you really liked him, huh...*
I turned in shock to face Deya. She smiled gently and took my hands.
*I knew it all along... But I didn't think it was one-sided. The way he cares for you, I thought he'd fallen even harder... But...*
I smiled softly. To everyone else, it was obvious how close Jay and I were. But deep down, I was breaking.
*Oh... So you're the next surprise couple?*
Deepak teased me. I smiled, but Deya, holding my hands tightly, seemed to be piecing together something.
*Why... Can't we? We look good right?*
I saw Deepak's face fall as he joked, even though I knew he had a crush on Deya. She knew too. I could sense the unspoken tension.
My gaze landed on Jay, and suddenly I realized... he was looking straight at me. His eyes locked with mine for a moment, but then he quickly turned away and walked toward the drinks section. I could see the love in his eyes for Sarah. I felt like my world was crashing down. What if I had lost everything... even my sense of self?
---
I woke up with a sharp headache. Slowly, I opened my eyes and realized where I was. *Jay's room?* How did I get here? I was sitting up with my hand on my head, trying to piece together what had happened. I turned to look and froze when I saw him sitting there, watching me.
*What are you doing here?*
He smiled softly, his black pants and red shirt making him look incredibly handsome. He raised his hand and gently touched my face. My heart raced.
*Are you okay? Should I call a doctor?*
I looked up at him. *Doctor? Why? Did I lose my mind, or is it you?*
Suddenly, his hand was on my face.
*What is this? Are you dreaming?*
His voice was louder now, and I felt the fear rise in me. My frustration, my hurt — everything was coming out in that moment. Why did I fall for someone who was so far away from me now? Why was I still clinging to something that was no longer there?
---
Jay drove me to the set later, and everything felt rushed. He handed me a sandwich, but I had no appetite. I looked at him and tried to hold back my tears.
---
We reached the set, and the media was already there with questions.
*So, how long have you two been in a relationship?*
*What? And why now?*
*Is marriage coming soon?*
The questions hit him hard, and I felt my heart race. I turned the focus back to him.
*All the best, buddy. Good luck with the questions.*
I teased him..Jay shifted uncomfortably as the reporters continued to hound him, and I realized this wasn't just about him anymore. Everything was starting to unravel.
---
As the questions kept coming, I smiled, holding onto my composure.
*I'm really happy for them. They make a perfect couple. Right, guys?*
I smiled, looking back at the media.
*As for me, I have a new movie coming out. Stay tuned for that.*
I grabbed Jay's hand and rushed inside, with the press following. I knew things were never going to be the same.!