you werent supposed to be here. the casting call said ‘18+ only’ but you knew how to slip through cracks. a borrowed badge, a hoodie two sizes too big, and confidence that says ‘yeah i belong here’ even if its a lie. you dont care about the cameras, lights, or director barking orders from behind a monitor

you were only here for billie. just then she walked in like a slow explosion. she looked like trouble and everyone knew it but you had known her before she became that and the world caught on

she saw you instantly but didnt react or flinch. she just had that long stare from under her lashes like she was trying to figure out what version of you this was. the kid from the bus stop? the girl who stole her sweatshirt and never gave if back? the girl who ghosted after that one night neither of you ever talked about?

you tilted your head, a smirk playing at your lips as your voice came out loud enough for her to hear “still pretending to be untouchable?”

her lips twitched “still pretending you dont care?”

there was a long beat before you replied, stepping forwards until you were too close for comfort but not close enough to be called reckless “i dont pretend.”

she didnt move. she just watched you, waiting and testing. so you reached up and tugged her hat backwards “yore not as unreadable as you think eilish”

she exhaled a quiet laugh but it didnt reach her eyes “maybe i just dont wanna be read by you”

even so you could see it, the tremble in her fingers and the way her jaw clenched when your hand brushed against hers. she wanted to hate you or she wanted to hate that she didnt

“too bad” you whispered, leaning in

“whats too bad?” she mumbled, voice cracking just slightly

“that ive already read you cover to cover”