The noise of the busy movie set dimmed the second JJ Maybank’s eyes landed on you.

You were standing by the trailers, headset resting loosely around your neck, scanning your clipboard with a focused intensity that was so unmistakably you. The same way you always were back home—when the rest of the world fell away and it was just you and your work.

JJ froze. His heart hammered so hard he thought maybe the crew would hear it too.

“Y/N?” His voice was barely more than a breath.

You looked up, and your eyes met his, wide with shock. The clipboard slipped from your fingers, papers fluttering to the ground like leaves in a sudden wind.

“JJ?” You barely dared to speak his name, as if saying it aloud might shatter the moment.

He stepped forward slowly, like approaching something fragile and precious. Without a word, he crouched down to help you gather the scattered papers. His hands brushed yours, sending a jolt up your arm.

“You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to see you again,” he said softly, his voice full of warmth as he carefully stacked the sheets.

You bent with him, heart pounding, and managed a small, shaky smile. “I thought you’d left and never looked back.”

JJ looked up at you, eyes gentle but intense. “I left, but I never stopped thinking about you. Not for a second.”

Your breath hitched. “I tried to call you. You stopped answering, and I didn’t know why.”

He swallowed hard, eyes darkening with regret. “I was scared. Scared that chasing this dream meant losing you. That I’d have to choose.”

Before the silence could stretch any longer, the sharp bark of the director cut through the moment like a whip.

“Maybank! We’re rolling in two minutes! Get your ass back on set!”

JJ’s hand lingered on the papers, then hesitated before brushing a stray lock of hair behind your ear. “Please don’t go far. I need more time with you.”

The director stormed over, face flushed with impatience and anger.

“What’s going on here? This isn’t a playground!”

He stopped a few feet away, pointing an accusing finger at JJ. “JJ, get to set now! We don’t have time for distractions.”

JJ didn’t move immediately, eyes locked on yours with fierce determination.

Then the director’s glare snapped to you.

“This isn’t high school. You’re here to work, not to daydream. Pull yourself together, or you’re out.”

JJ’s voice dropped, low and fierce, cutting through the tension like a knife. “Don’t you dare talk to her like that.”

The director blinked, stunned by the sudden protectiveness.

“She’s working harder than anyone here. She deserves respect, not your attitude.”

A hush fell over the crew. The director, caught off guard, finally nodded stiffly.

“Fine. But keep it professional.”

JJ gave you one last, lingering look—soft, full of unspoken promises. “Don’t go anywhere I’ll find you after.”

You swallowed the lump in your throat, your fingers still tingling where his touch had been, and smiled through the tears that you didn’t bother hiding anymore.