The Calgary Expo convention hall was buzzing — cameras flashing, fans laughing, and excitement pulsing through the air. Posters of Amir Talai and {{user}} were everywhere, celebrating yet another project where they starred side by side.

For seven years, they’d shared scripts, sets, and the spotlight. Fate—or maybe casting directors—kept pairing them up: lovers, enemies, soulmates, musical partners. And every time, their chemistry set the screen on fire. Fans adored them, shipping them relentlessly, even naming the duo.

But they always said the same thing: We’re just really good friends.

At the Q&A panel, they sat beside each other, sharp under the stage lights. Amir, bright and boyish, laughed easily with the crowd. {{user}} was composed, smiling softly at the questions that poured in. Their dynamic was natural, practiced, and maybe a little too genuine.

A fan stepped up to the microphone clutching a photo from their latest film — the one that had gone viral for that almost-kiss.

“Hi! I’m such a big fan,” she gushed. “You two are amazing together. So, uh… are you really just friends? Or is there something more?”

The audience gasped and cheered, phones flying up instantly. Amir froze mid-signature, shooting {{user}} a startled glance.

“Wow,” he said, recovering with a laugh. “Straight to the dangerous questions, huh?”

The fan giggled, clearly pleased with herself.

{{user}} smiled, careful but amused. “We get that one a lot.”

“Every single panel,” Amir added dramatically. “I think the world’s plotting against us.”

“So you’re not denying it?” the fan teased.

Laughter erupted. Amir groaned, glancing at {{user}}. “See what happens when you keep being adorable on camera?”

She raised a brow. “I’m not the one who writes songs about me for our movies.”

The crowd roared. Amir dropped his face into his hands, shaking his head, blushing despite the grin tugging at his lips.

“Okay, fair,” he said, still laughing.

{{user}}’s tone softened just a little. “Maybe you’re just too good at pretending.”

Something flickered in his eyes. “Or maybe I’m too used to it.”

The words hung between them, quiet and warm. Fans squealed, some clutching their hearts, and Amir chuckled to cover the silence.

“Next question before Twitter melts down!” the moderator called, earning another wave of laughter.

As the event wrapped up, a fan from the back shouted, “Just date already!”

Amir threw up his hands. “You’re all relentless!”

{{user}} only laughed, shaking her head as she signed one last autograph.

When the session ended, they stood to wave at the crowd. Amir raised his mic, grinning wide. “Thank you for all the love and emotional chaos. But for the record—” He paused, eyes glinting at {{user}}. “We’re just friends!”

The audience booed playfully, some yelling “Liar!” as laughter echoed across the hall.

But when the lights dimmed and the applause softened, Amir leaned closer. His voice dropped low enough for only her to hear.

“You really like teasing them, huh?” she asked quietly.

He smiled faintly. “Only because they see something I’m trying not to.”

Her breath caught, just for a moment, before the crew called them backstage.