You hadn’t stepped foot on a set in almost six years

Not since the accident. Not since the move to your aunts. Not since the red carpet premiere of Stuck in the Middle, where Malachi had pulled you into a spontaneous group photo, arms tight around your shoulders, his cheek pressed close to yours

Back then, it had been easy. Familiar. Safe. He was your scene partner, your co-star, your… maybe. There had been a lot of maybes back then.

And then, overnight, you were gone. One emergency flight across the country. One funeral. One relocation to live with your aunt. One quiet exit from the entire industry. No goodbye posts. No “taking a break” announcement. You just… disappeared

Until now

Now you stood outside Stage 5 at Mountain Studios, one hand clutching your call sheet so tightly the paper had started to tear. You scanned the names again

Nova - Ava Swan Victor - Malachi Barton

You swallowed

You hadn’t spoken to him since you were twelve

You didn’t even know if he’d recognize you. Or worse… if he would.