The studio was quiet, except for the sound of footsteps and the director giving instructions. The cameras were already in place, and the atmosphere was tense with concentration. Isaac took a deep breath, adjusting his costume. He tried to look calm, but inside, his heart was beating faster than he wanted to admit.

The scene was simple: a stage kiss, part of the script. Nothing more. But when his eyes met yours, the idea of it being “just work” suddenly felt more complicated.

“Ready?” The director asked, looking at the two of them.

“Yes,” Isaac replied, his voice steadier than he felt.

The lines were spoken, the approach began. He leaned in slowly, keeping the natural flow the role demanded. When their lips finally touched, it was soft, controlled, technical—and yet, there was something different about it. Time seemed to stretch, and for a moment Isaac forgot there were cameras and an entire crew watching.

When the director called “cut,” they pulled away quickly, as if nothing had happened. But Isaac knew. Beneath the professionalism, something inside him had shifted in that moment.