They reset the set. Another round of touch-ups went by.
Powder brushed Mira's cheekbones, a mist of makeup hung in the air.
Alex stood perfectly still while someone fussed with his collar.
He smiled at every word, but you could see it never made it past his lips to his eyes.
"Alright," Mr. Tanaka called out. "Next angle—the hug and kiss. Make it real, like she's the only one in the room. Leo, hold that light steady, we need the reflection just right."
Leo nodded, holding the silver stand like it might anchor him to earth.
He was close—close enough to see every small change in Alex's expression on the monitor.
"Camera—ready."
"Sound—rolling."
"Action!"
They picked up mid-confession.
Mira stepped closer, her voice shaking. "I can't keep doing this, pretending it's nothing."
Alex's character froze, his line soft but heavy. "Then don't."
Silence lingered, except for the low hum of the lights overhead.
Mira's lip quivered. "Say something, damn it."
