Est when he first joined the series: “I won’t mix work and feelings.”

William, two weeks later: sings him to sleep during overnight shoots, carries his heavy bag, gives forehead kisses after emotional scenes. Est, to himself in the mirror: “I’m so f*cked.”

Next day when Est caught William watching him during a group shoot—not distracted, not daydreaming, just watching. Like Est was the scene. Est smiled back. But his chest felt tight for the rest of the day. He couldn’t name it. Not yet. But he knew it was real.

then when he lost it all

William said, “Call me if you need anything.” Est joked, “Even at 2 a.m.?” William, dead serious: “Especially then.”