Capítulo 283: Conflicted
In the "Hunger Games" set, where crews and cast members were having breakfast before the day's shooting, Jennifer and Lucas sat down at a corner table, tucking into their meals. Jennifer, her phone in one hand and fork in another, snapped selfies between bites, trying to capture the perfect shot with her boyfriend.
"Hey, you're not smiling in the selfie," she playfully nudged Lucas, who was engrossed in his juicy burger.
Lucas, mouth half-full, managed to chuckle and tease, "You and your photography hobby. It's gonna get you into trouble one day."
Jennifer's eyebrows furrowed as she whispered back, "What do you mean by that?"
Lucas swallowed his bite and leaned in, a mischievous glint in his eyes, but his words held a hint of concern. "You know what I mean... You should be more careful. If your phone was hacked, our photos could be revealed."
Jennifer narrowed her eyes, unsure if he was teasing her again. "You're playing with me again, aren't you? Aren't you the one who told me Apple's security is impenetrable?"
Lucas nodded, "They are pretty secure, but you can't be too cautious. Just don't tell anyone your password and maybe delete your photos from iCloud, just in case."
Jennifer set down her fork, sensing the shift in Lucas's tone. "What's changed? I thought you were fine with it?"
Lucas dabbed his mouth with a napkin, his expression uneasy. "I was fine when the photos were just on your phone. But since you started using iCloud last October..." He trailed off, his eyes darting around the cafeteria. "Even if hackers don't see them, you know... Apple employees might have." He purposely exaggerated to emphasize his point.
Jennifer's eyes widened, her grip tightening on her fork. "Oh, I see." She nodded, feigning nonchalance. "Alright, I'll delete everything."
Lucas nodded, satisfied that he'd made his point, and returned to his meal.
In reality, he was fine with the risk of his own photos leaking, but he couldn't bear the thought of her going through the same kind of public humiliation that had plagued her in his previous life. He decided to prevent history from repeating itself, even if it meant exaggerating the risks of cloud storage.
Lucas and Jennifer sat so close together that it seemed natural for their arms to brush against each other as they ate their breakfast. The rumors about them being a couple had been swirling for quite a while, and they'd long since stopped caring.
A few hours later, the time for the shoot arrived. Jennifer and Liam stood by the set, their bodies poised and expressionless as the director of photography examined the lighting.
"Alright, we're good to go!" the director yelled, clapping his hands together. "Places, everyone!"
Both Jennifer and Liam slipped into their characters' skins.
"Action!" The director's voice boomed through the set, and in an instant, the actors came to life.
In the alley, a green backdrop in the distance as Jennifer, playing Katniss, turned to Liam, who played Gale. "You coming to the station?" she asked.
Liam, in character as Gale, hesitated before replying, "I think you'll have plenty of people saying goodbye without me there." His eyes darted away momentarily, as if feeling the weight of their impending separation.
"Only a few I care about," Jennifer softly replied, Katniss's emotions seeping through.
"Still, might be easier if I didn't," Liam countered, his voice a mix of Gale's resignation and his own insecurity.
Katniss, put a comforting hand on his arm. "It's only a month. I'll be back before the snow melts."
Liam's Gale managed a half-smile, but the jealousy in his voice was unmistakable as he said, "A lot can happen in a month."
Director Francis's eyes narrowed as he watched the scene unfurl on the monitor, his hand resting on his chin. The hidden cameras captured every nuance of emotion on their faces, and Francis couldn't help but think, "Interesting... Liam's really playing his character well. He really sounded jealous there."
"We going to do this again?" Katniss asked with a silent frustration in her voice. Liam, still in character as Gale, couldn't look at her, his eyes darting around the alley set.
As Jennifer, she knew the upcoming scene involved a brief but passionate kiss with her co-star, Liam. A fleeting hesitation flickered in her eyes as she stole a glance at Lucas, who was watching her nearby.
"Cut!" Director Francis yelled, startling the cast and crew.
The scene came to an abrupt halt, and the noise of the set filled the air. Liam, concerned, asked, "Did I do something wrong again?"
Francis shook his head, "No, not you. You did well." He turned to Jennifer, putting a finger in her direction. "But you, what was that? The scene was going well, and then you're looking over there?" He pointed to where Lucas was standing.
Jennifer's cheeks flushed. "I'm sorry, Director. It's completely my fault."
Francis huffed, visibly frustrated, as he returned to his chair. "It's good that you know it's your fault. Let's try this again, people!"
The crew scurried back to their positions as Jennifer and Liam returned to their places, ready for another take.
Liam leaned in to whisper to Jennifer, "Are you alright?"
Jennifer bit her lip, nodding solemnly. "I'm fine... Really."
Francis, ever the efficient director, didn't waste a second. As soon as the crew was ready and the actors in position, he yelled, "Action!"
Lucas, observing from his vantage point, could sense Jennifer's unease. It dawned on him that she might be feeling uncomfortable about the upcoming kissing scene, given their relationship and all. His heart swelled with gratitude for her concern. He knew how difficult it must be for her, and it made him realize just how much she cared for him.
Honestly, it was this kind of consideration that made him fall for her even more.
"Cut!" Francis's voice rang out again, and he stormed up to Jennifer, visibly frustrated. "What's wrong with you? You didn't get paid to mess this up!"
Liam interjected, "Director Francis, maybe my performance isn't--"
Francis cut him off, "Don't defend her, Liam. Everyone here is a professional, she should know that." He paused, realizing the crew was staring and whispering. Taking a deep breath, he lowered his voice, "What's really bothering you, dear?"
Jennifer hesitantly looked at Lucas, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Well, Francis, I'm in a relationship... and I'm a bit uncomfortable with the kissing scene."
Francis's eyebrows shot up, momentarily speechless. "Relationship?" He turned to Liam, then back to Jennifer. "It's not like you'll have a bed scene, for Christ's sake. It's just a kiss! Keep it professional, Lawrence."
Jennifer's expression remained somber, so Francis tried to lighten the mood. "Look, we even have the same last name, 'Lawrence.' We're professionals, right? So let's not let any relationship nonsense interfere with our work, alright?"
"Besides, your boyfriend isn't here or whatever, right? It's not like he'll see it, so you can do your best for the scene." Francis laughed softly, clearly trying to diffuse the tension.
"That's where you're wrong, Director." Everyone turned to see Lucas, who had made his way onto the set. The air around him was electric as all eyes fell on him.
Francis furrowed his brow in confusion. "What is that supposed to mean?"
Lucas smiled at Jennifer, offering her a reassuring nod. "I'm the boyfriend she's talking about."
Jaws dropped and whispers filled the air as the crew and cast members processed this revelation.
"Are... are you serious?" Francis stuttered, his eyebrows shooting up in disbelief.
"Yes, I'm very serious." Lucas nodded, his gaze never leaving Jennifer's. "And like I imagine any other person would be, my girlfriend's uncomfortable having to kiss her co-star when her boyfriend's right here."
Francis was silent for a moment, his mind reeling with the information that a rising star like Lucas was in a relationship with Jennifer. "But... you're okay with it, right?" he asked hesitantly.
"I'm okay with it..." Lucas began, and Francis and Liam visibly relaxed. However, Jennifer's eyes betrayed a flicker of disappointment before Lucas added, "At first, I was okay with it..."
Francis watched, intrigued by what Lucas would say next.
"I thought I could handle it, you know, because we're all professionals here. But I've realized something." Lucas paused, his eyes meeting Jennifer's. "No matter how understanding I try to be, I can't help but feel... a bit jealous."
The confession hung in the air, evoking a mix of reactions from the onlookers. Some faces wore expressions of approval, while others were etched with concern.
Lucas's words, though unexpected, resonated with Jennifer. She couldn't help but flash him a grateful smile, as if to silently thank him for understanding her predicament.
Francis's eyebrows furrowed as he asked, "Are you serious?"
Lucas met his gaze, a hint of mischief in his eyes as he replied, "As a heart attack. I don't think I'm quite comfortable with the kissing scene."
Francis resisted the urge to rub his temples. 'Jesus, why do I have to deal with jealous couples now?' he thought to himself. He'd always assumed that both Lucas and Jennifer were professionals who would be able to handle such situations.
Turning to Jennifer, Francis said, "But you're fine with it, right?"
Jennifer flashed a quick smile, her cheeks tinting slightly. "Well, if it's alright," she started, glancing at Lucas for support, "maybe we could... um, fake the kiss? You know, like, lean in and cut away just before our lips actually touch?"
The place fell silent, and all eyes were on Francis as he contemplated their request.
Francis pressed the heels of his hands against his temples, as if to ward off the looming migraine. He knew better than to mess with his leads, especially when they were both so influential on the project.
After a long moment, he let out an exasperated sigh. "Fine. We'll do it your way. Fake the damn kiss, for all I care."
Lucas visibly relaxed, relief washing over his features. "Thank you, Francis."
Francis held up a finger, silencing him. His hardened gaze settled on Lucas. "But you owe me one. And I expect a freaking Oscar-worthy song by the end of this, understand?"
Lucas smirked, unfazed by the challenge. "Consider it done, boss. You won't be disappointed."
The tension diffused slightly, and the cast and crew resumed their positions. Francis called out, "Places, everyone! And... action!"
Liam stood off to the side, a frown creasing his brow as he watched the scene unfold before him. He couldn't help but feel irritated by the whole ordeal. Lucas and Jennifer were both seasoned professionals; they should know better than to let their personal feelings interfere with their work.
The rest of the cast and crew, on the other hand, were practically buzzing with excitement. Hushed whispers and knowing glances flew back and forth between them. "Did you see that?" "They're actually together?!" "No way, they're so perfect for each other!"
The scene was reshot, this time with Jennifer visibly more at ease. Liam had to admit, she was a professional through and through.
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