Morning sunlight spilled through the curtains, casting a soft, golden hue over the room. Saphirra blinked awake, her body adjusting to the warmth beside her. She turned her head and saw Travier still sleeping soundly, his arm draped lazily across her waist. His face looked calm, almost boyish, without the tension he usually carried.
A small smile tugged at her lips. She remembered sitting on the couch last night, waiting for him until exhaustion won over. Yet here she was, tucked neatly under the blanket, resting in their bed. That could only mean one thing—he had carried her upstairs.
Her chest warmed at the thought, her tiredness from the night before melting away. He must have had a long shoot... maybe that's why he came home so late, she reasoned silently.
Carefully slipping out of bed so she wouldn't wake him, Saphirra padded across the room and began her usual morning routine. The smell of soap and coffee soon filled the house. In the kitchen, she cracked eggs into the pan, humming softly to herself. After setting breakfast to cook, she neatly packed a lunch for Travier, slipping in his favorite sides as always.
As she arranged everything, her gaze softened. Taking care of him had become a rhythm she knew by heart—small gestures that spoke louder than words. She wanted him to have strength, to keep chasing his dreams without worrying too much.
Still, a part of her wished he would tell her more about what weighed on his mind.
She brushed the thought away with a shake of her head and focused on the sizzling pan, determined to greet him with warmth when he woke up.
Travier woke up, his hand reaching to his side only to feel the space beside him empty, making him open his eyes. He let out a sigh and caught a faint scent of aroma coming downstairs. With that, he climbed out of bed and did his daily routine.
The sound of running water upstairs faded, followed by the quiet creak of footsteps descending the stairs. Travier appeared in the kitchen, freshly showered, hair still damp, and wearing a crisp shirt Saphirra had ironed the night before while waiting for him.
He paused for a moment at the sight before him—Saphirra moving around the kitchen with ease, plating breakfast while his lunch box already sat neatly on the counter. A small smile tugged at his lips. No matter how chaotic his days grew, she was always there, steady and warm.
Crossing the kitchen, he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss against her cheek. "Morning," he murmured, before pulling out a chair and sitting at the table.
Saphirra smiled at him over her shoulder. "Morning. You must be tired. Breakfast is almost done."
As she set a plate in front of him, he cleared his throat and spoke, "I'm sorry for coming home late last night."
She looked at him, then simply shook her head with that gentle smile of hers. "It's alright. I understand. Being an actor is tiring and time-consuming... I know it can't be helped."
Travier froze, her words landing heavier than he expected. She thought he was late because of the film. The truth sat on the tip of his tongue—that it wasn't just work, that he had let himself be dragged into something he shouldn't have—but Ms. Travez's voice echoed in his head. Focus. Don't dig your own failure. Keep your world steady, or you'll lose everything. And the temptation of being able to feel his freedom for once. That's when the truth behind his manager's words hit him. 'She doesn't need to know... I'll cover it for you'
His jaw tightened. After a moment, he forced a smile, lowering his gaze to the plate in front of him. "You're really understanding," he said softly. "That's... one of the many reasons why I love you."
Saphirra's cheeks warmed at his words, her smile deepening as she slid into the chair across from him. To her, it was enough—for now.
But to Travier, the guilt lingered like a shadow he couldn't shake.
They lingered over breakfast, talking about small, ordinary things—Travier works at Luminara, being a bit demanding, Saphirra works at Soun Studio, and the way she misses his presence. Travier listened, nodding and sharing short information about his work here and there, though his mind kept drifting. Still, her laughter and the way she animatedly spoke about the smallest details gave him a sense of comfort he hadn't realized he needed.
When the plates were cleared, Saphirra stood and began washing the dishes, sleeves rolled up as the water ran. Travier stayed seated for a moment, just watching her, memorizing the easy rhythm of her movements.
The sound of a car horn outside snapped him from his thoughts—Ms. Travez had arrived. He looked through the window and saw Ms. Travez stepping out of the cab and walking toward the car that she had lent to him.
He rose from his seat, grabbed his bag and lunch box, then walked over to Saphirra. Leaning close, he pressed a kiss to her cheek. "I'll see you tonight," he said softly.
Saphirra turned her head slightly, smiling as the warmth of his gesture lingered. "Take care, Travier. Don't push yourself too hard."
He gave a small nod before heading out the door, his chest tightening at her words.
Outside, Travier unlocked the car and handed the key to Ms. Travez, which she accepted and went behind the wheel, her sharp eyes flicking toward him as he slid into the passenger seat. "Ready?" she asked, her tone brisk, though her gaze lingered on him as if gauging his mood.
"Yeah," Travier muttered, tightening his grip on his bag, looking more determined at the thought of working at Luminara again and maybe... for something more he can't quite name.
As the car pulled away, he cast one last glance at the house, watching as the curtains swayed lightly in the morning breeze.
As soon as Travier climbed into the car, Ms. Travez shifted gears and pulled smoothly onto the road. The silence stretched only a moment before her sharp eyes flicked toward him, studying his profile.
"You look different today," she remarked, her tone casual but edged with curiosity. "Not like the glooming wreck from before."
Travier arched a brow, a short chuckle escaping him. He rubbed the back of his neck, gaze fixed on the passing streets outside the window. "Maybe I just decided to take your advice," he admitted. "You know... focus on improving myself instead of dwelling on things that won't help me rise."
Ms. Travez smirked faintly, her grip on the wheel tightening. "Hmph. Finally. I was beginning to think all my words were wasted on you."
Travier didn't answer right away. He leaned back against the seat, letting out a breath. "I just realized... if I want a future, if I want to give Saphirra the life she deserves, I can't afford to keep being stuck."
For a moment, Ms. Travez glanced at him again. The corners of her lips curved—not quite a smile, but something close. "Good. That's the kind of mindset I want to hear from you. Keep it that way."
She turned her attention back to the road, her expression unreadable. But inside, she felt a faint flicker of pride. At last, he was beginning to understand what it would take.
The car rolled to a stop in front of Luminara's studio lot, the glass doors reflecting the busy morning rush of staff already preparing for the day's shoot. Travier exhaled slowly, adjusting the strap of his bag before stepping out.
Ms. Travez walked beside him, her heels clicking sharply against the pavement. She gave him a sidelong glance, measuring his composure. This time, he didn't look distracted or weighed down—he looked focused.
Inside, the familiar buzz of crew members, assistants, and lighting technicians filled the space. Mr. Yelric was already there, animatedly speaking with a cameraman until he caught sight of Travier.
"Ah! There he is," Yelric boomed, striding over with his usual enthusiasm. "Travier, you're right on time. You're looking sharp today—good, good. We have a packed schedule ahead, so that energy will be useful."
Travier bowed his head politely. "I'll do my best."
Vanessa, seated nearby with her script in hand, immediately perked up at his arrival. She offered him a bright smile, her eyes flickering with something more as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Morning, Travier."
He gave her a curt nod in return, choosing not to engage further.
Ms. Travez stepped forward, her clipboard in hand. "We'll go over today's flow first, then rehearse. Travier, remember—confidence. Show them why you're here."
He straightened, her words echoing in his chest like a challenge. "I will."
The crew began to scatter to their places, the set buzzing with life. Today felt different—he felt different. No hesitation, no excuses. Just the chance to prove himself.
The cameras rolled, the clapperboard snapped shut, and the studio fell silent except for the steady hum of the lights.
Travier stepped into his role with a calm he hadn't shown before. His gestures were precise, his tone controlled yet raw with emotion—it was as if he'd shed every hesitation that once held him back. Each line flowed naturally, his expressions layered with conviction that drew the room into the story.
Vanessa matched him effortlessly. The chemistry between them was undeniable, their exchanges sharp, charged, and almost too real. Every glance, every pause seemed rehearsed to perfection, but in truth, it wasn't. It was instinct.
The director leaned forward in his seat, eyes widening as he mouthed to his assistant, "Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant."
When the scene reached its climax, Travier's performance struck with such force that the set erupted in silence even after the director called "Cut!" For a moment, no one moved—everyone was caught in the spell of what they had just witnessed.
Then applause burst out from the crew, echoing across the soundstage. Vanessa gave Travier a small, victorious smile, chest heaving from the emotional intensity of the scene.
Meanwhile, off to the side, Ms. Travez folded her arms. A proud smile played at her lips as she observed her protégé. This is the Travier she had been waiting for. No longer clinging to hesitation or self-doubt—he was standing as an actor, not just a model in borrowed clothes.
She allowed herself a quiet thought: 'He's finally beginning to shine.'
The director's booming clap echoed across the set. "Fantastic! That's the energy I want—keep it up, both of you!" he praised, before waving them off for a short break.
Travier exhaled deeply, loosening his shoulders as he grabbed a bottle of water. He was still replaying the last scene in his head when Vanessa approached, her steps light and her smile glowing.
"You did great earlier," she said sincerely, her voice carrying the kind of admiration that couldn't be faked. "I'm sure a lot of people will be amazed. You... you can make them feel everything, like they're inside the story itself. It's almost like you can pull their imagination into reality."
Travier let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "You're overreacting."
Vanessa narrowed her eyes, placing a hand on her hip. "I'm not overreacting."
Her pout only made his chuckle deepen, the corner of his lips lifting as he looked away. But then, a loud grumble broke the air.
Travier's eyes flicked back to her, surprised, just in time to see Vanessa's face turn crimson. She quickly hugged her stomach with both arms as if it could silence the sound.
"I—I skipped breakfast," she muttered in embarrassment, glancing anywhere but at him.
Travier leaned back against the wall, amusement glinting faintly in his eyes. "That explains it," he said softly, still smirking.
Vanessa covered her face with one hand. "Don't laugh. It's not funny."
He raised his brows, his voice teasing but warm. "It's a little funny." Then he stood, brushing invisible dust off his pants. "Come on. There's a food stall nearby—I'll get you something before the next shoot."
Her head snapped up, surprise flickering across her features. "You don't have to—"
"I know," Travier cut in, already walking toward the exit with a calm stride. "But I want to. Let's go."
Vanessa blinked for a moment, then hurried to catch up, trying to hide the faint smile pulling at her lips.
Just as the two reached the hallway, Ms. Travez stepped out from a corner. Her sharp gaze swept between them, noticing the way Vanessa trailed a little too close and the unspoken ease that passed between them.
"Well, isn't this interesting?" she remarked smoothly, folding her arms.
Vanessa stiffened slightly, quickly tucking her hair behind her ear. "—I was just... hungry."
Ms. Travez arched a brow. "Clearly." Her eyes shifted to Travier, narrowing in the slightest. "Don't lose focus. Remember why you're here."
Travier nodded, his face unreadable. "I won't."
For a moment, their eyes locked—his manager silently reminding him of his path, while he silently reassured her that he hadn't forgotten. Then, breaking the tension, Vanessa tugged lightly at his sleeve. "We'll be quick," she murmured.
Ms. Travez let them pass but kept her gaze fixed on Travier's back. Though she allowed it, her mind was already working, calculating how to keep him steady on the rising path she was building for him.
The hallway buzzed with voices and laughter as the cast and crew broke for lunch. Travier and Vanessa head toward the cafeteria and look at each stall.
The cafeteria was already filling up when they entered, the scent of freshly cooked meals wafting in the air. Vanessa's eyes immediately sparkled when she spotted the food counter. "Oh! They have it today!" She practically bounced on her heels, pointing at the tray where one of her favorite dishes was being served.
She hurried over, grabbing a plate, her excitement obvious as she stepped into the line. Travier followed behind her, quietly observing as she dug through her bag for some cash. Just as she was about to hand the money to the cashier, a firm but calm hand slid in front of hers—Travier's.
"I've got it," he said simply, already handing over the bills.
Vanessa blinked, startled. "H-Hey, what are you—? You don't have to—"
"It's fine," Travier cut her off gently, his tone steady as he pushed the change back into his own pocket. Then he grabbed a plate for himself and added a simple meal before paying for his portion too.
They moved aside with their trays, finding a quieter table at the corner of the cafeteria. Vanessa sat down slowly, still looking at him with wide eyes. "Why... why did you do that?"
Travier set his tray down, took his seat, and only after a brief pause did he finally answer. His gaze dropped to the steaming food in front of him, his voice lower than usual.
"Just... count it as an apology," he said. "For being rude before. For pushing you away."
Vanessa froze. Her fingers tightened around her fork, her chest rising and falling a little quicker than normal. She hadn't expected him to acknowledge it at all. Slowly, she turned her head to the side, hiding the way her cheeks burned.
"You didn't have to..." she murmured, her voice so soft it was almost drowned out by the noise of the cafeteria.
"But I wanted to," Travier replied firmly, meeting her eyes this time. His expression was calm, but there was an underlying sincerity that made her heart skip.
Unable to hold his gaze any longer, Vanessa let out a tiny scoff, pretending to focus on her food instead. "...Fine. But just this once."
A faint smile tugged at Travier's lips. He didn't argue. He didn't need to.
As they ate, Vanessa kept her head slightly turned, afraid he might notice the warmth still lingering across her face. Yet every so often, her eyes drifted toward him, and the small, unguarded smile that lingered on his lips made her heart beat faster than she wanted to admit.