[Gabriel's POV]
My head is spinning. Louie and I are just standing behind the camera team, mouths slightly open, watching the chaos of the set. Everyone looks so busy—scurrying with cables, adjusting lights, and shouting into headsets—that they've completely forgotten we're even there.
Is a filming site always like this? I wonder. Can I actually handle this? A small seed of fear starts to grow in my chest.
"Quiet on set! Action!"
The atmosphere shifts instantly. It's the confession scene between Caius and the female lead, Dianne, set in the middle of this breathtaking garden.
The moment the Director speaks, Caius changes. It's like he pulls an invisible curtain over the world, dragging all of us into the reality of the script. His expression, his posture—everything is different. Even Dianne seems to be pulled along by the sheer force of his acting.
"Cut!" the Director shouts.
The spell breaks. The crew becomes noisy again, but everyone looks satisfied. Caius is a "one-take" actor; his precision keeps the schedule running perfectly.
"Okay. There's only one scene left for today, Director," my brother Dorian says, checking his clipboard.
"Then I'll let you handle the setup, Rian. We'll take a break first," the Director replies.
I feel a surge of pride. I love watching Dorian work. He's the one who introduced me to this world, explaining that filmmaking isn't just about cameras—it's about the freedom to express your authentic heart. I fell in love with cinema because of him.
But for now, my "filmmaking" consists of distributing snacks to the crew. It's a small job, but as I tell myself: every role matters in a successful production.
"Gab, can you bring these to the actors' tent? I'll take these to the Director's team," Louie says, handing me a tray.
"No problem."
I head toward the main tent, balancing the drinks. "Excuse me... I brought some snacks," I announce, pulling back the heavy fabric.
I freeze.
Inside, the only people are Caius and Dianne. Caius is sitting in front of his vanity mirror, and Dianne is leaning over him, her hands cupping his face. From my angle, it looks like they were just about to kiss—or just finished.
Dianne's head snaps toward me. She gives me a look so sharp and cold it practically says: Get out.
I'm paralyzed. Should I leave? What about the snacks?
Suddenly, Caius turns his head. His eyes light up the moment he sees me. "Oi. Gaby. It's you!"
"Ah... I brought snacks," I stammer.
Caius stands up so abruptly he nearly sends Dianne stumbling backward. He ignores her entirely, walking toward me with a huge, boyish smile. Is he really that hungry for a granola bar?
"Here. You can have two if you want," I say, offering the tray.
"Hungry? No, I'm still full. I'll just take a drink," he says, but instead of letting me leave, he grabs my arm. "Come inside first."
He pulls me in and sits back down. I look at Dianne and bow quickly. "Hello." I'm so shy I can barely look at her; she's even prettier in person than on TV.
"Who is this nerd?" Dianne asks, looking me up and down with pure disdain.
My heart stings. Can people really just say that to someone's face?
"Shut up! You can go now!" Caius snaps. The sudden anger in his voice shocks me. Isn't she his partner? Why is he treating her like that?
Dorian's co-star huffs, shooting me one last glare before storming out of the tent. Now, it's just me and Caius. He's sipping the drink I gave him, watching me with an intensity that makes my skin tingle.
"So... Mister Vale. Do you need anything else?"
"Why did you move your bangs back like that?" he asks, ignoring my question. "You already have those big glasses; people can't see your face with your hair in the way."
That's the point, I think. But I can't find the words. Why is it always so hard to say what's on my mind?
"Anyway, come here," he commands, pointing to his shoulder. "Give me a massage before the break ends."
"Huh? But I have to—"
"What are you waiting for? Do it here."
I can't say no to him. I step behind him and tentatively place my hands on his shoulders. I start to rub them slowly.
"Harder," he grunts.
I try to add more pressure.
"Is that it? It feels like a baby touching me. You're not very good at this, are you?"
That does it. A flash of fury hits me. I don't think—I just clamp my fingers down and pinch his shoulder muscles as hard as I can.
"Ouch! Hey!" He winces, twisting around.
"I'm sorry! I thought you said—"
"Gaby."
The tent flap swings open. It's Dorian. My heart leaps. "Bra—" I stop myself just in time. I keep forgetting Mister Vale is right here.
"What do you think you're doing with my... with Gaby, Caius?" Dorian asks, his voice like ice. He steps between us, his posture defensive.
"What? Why do you care?" Caius stands up, moving to my other side so we're boxed in.
"I told you not to bother him. Gaby, come here."
Before I can protest, Dorian grabs my hand and leads me out of the tent.
"Hey! We aren't finished yet!" Caius shouts after us.
Dorian doesn't stop until we've reached a secluded spot behind the equipment trucks. He lets go of my hand and turns to me.
"Gaby. We need to talk."
"Yes, brother."
"Stay away from Caius."
"But... why? I have to work with him."
"I didn't say anything about that night you didn't come home," Dorian says, his expression softening into deep worry. "But that doesn't mean I'm not concerned. I still don't know what he did to you."
"But it's my job," I say, pouting. The guilt of lying about the club night sits heavy in my stomach.
"Don't worry, I'll handle his schedule. Just listen to your big brothers, okay? Everything we do is for your own good." He pats my head and smiles. "Let's get back. Break's over."
I follow him back to the set, but my feet feel heavy. I know my brothers love me. I know they want to protect me. But as I watch Dorian take command of the set, a strange, lonely feeling settles in my heart.
I'm an adult bird, but I still don't know how to fly. No one trusts me to find my own way, and the more they "protect" me, the more I feel my confidence slipping away into the shadows.