Bar, kiss and confusion.

Ember and Dylan arrived at the new shooting set, a bar aptly named "The Dark." As they stepped inside, her eyes were immediately drawn to the beautiful, grand chandelier that hung above. The rustic decor enveloped them in a warm, country vibe, creating an inviting atmosphere.

Emir greeted her with a teasing smile. "I've been waiting for you."

"Sorry for being late," Ember replied, feeling a bit flustered.

"It's okay, but what about you?" Emir's gaze softened, concern etched on his features.

"What do you mean?" she asked, genuinely confused.

"Are you not feeling well?" Emir's brow furrowed.

"Why do you think that?" Ember frowned, her cheeks flushing.

"Your cheeks are red. I think you might have caught a cold."

"Maybe just a little," she admitted, her heart fluttering with embarrassment.

"Why do you look so nervous?" Emir pressed, his concern growing.

"Not at all. Can you tell me where the washroom is?"

"It's right over there," he pointed.

"Thanks," Ember said, her voice hurried as she rushed toward the washroom, closing the door behind her.

Bang!

"I think she's in a rush," Emir said, glancing back at Dylan.

"Where is she?" Dylan asked, his voice laced with impatience.

"She's in the washroom."

"Okay."

Emir grabbed Dylan's arm. "Hey, what's your plan? Where are you going? Don't tell me you're going after her. At least let her have some privacy in the washroom. Go get changed instead."

"Fine," Dylan relented, though he looked far from satisfied.

Meanwhile, Ember stood in the washroom, her thoughts swirling around the kiss they had shared. The memory of his soft lips lingered on her mind, filling her with warmth and intensity. She couldn't believe how this was the first time she had felt so alive.

Why am I blushing so much? Her heart raced as she pressed her hands against her cheeks, feeling the heat radiating from them.

A soft voice broke through her thoughts. "Hey, Ember, are you there? Reply to me! You're making me scared. If you don't respond, I'm coming in!"

What should I do? Ember's voice barely rose above a whisper as she muttered, "I'm here..."

"I'm coming in..." Dylan warned.

Before she could react, he pushed the door open and stepped inside.

"What? Are you mad?" Ember exclaimed, startled by the sight of him, his face tense and his eyes wide with worry. "Are you okay? Did you get hurt?"

Before she could finish her sentence, Dylan wrapped his arms around her in a sudden embrace. The shock left Ember momentarily speechless, though she realized he must have been scared by how long she had taken. "Okay, okay, I'm alright. Don't be like this," she reassured him as he released her, his hands still resting on her shoulders as he searched her face for any signs of distress.

"See? I'm fine," she insisted, smiling softly. He held her chin gently, their eyes locking, and she could see the fear in his gaze, as if he were holding back tears. "Don't look at me like that; you're scaring me, Dylan."

After a moment of silence, he asked, "What were you doing in here for so long?"

Ember wasn't surprised by his question; she knew she had lost track of time. "Sorry, it's my fault. I didn't even tell you I was going to the washroom. I was just lost in thought and didn't realize how late it was…"

"What were you thinking that made you lose track of time?" he pressed.

"Like what?" she replied, trying to play it cool.

"Your hair is all messed up," he pointed out, and Ember glanced at her reflection in the mirror, realizing the frizzy state she had created in her distraction.

"Let me see," she said, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

"Who did this?" Dylan chuckled.

Ember murmured to herself, What do I tell him? That I was thinking about that kiss? She scratched her head, the nerves creeping back.

"Hey, what are you murmuring about?" he asked, a hint of concern creeping back into his voice.

"Nothing," she replied, forcing a long, fake smile.

"Are you saying that because of my…then what?"

"Yes, it's because of you! You scared me with your sudden moves, and now look at my hair!" She meant to refer to the kiss but was careful with her words.

Dylan's expression shifted, a mix of realization and understanding washing over him. "Okay, I'm sorry."

"Alright then… let's get back to the shooting set," she suggested, her heart still racing.

"Okay," he agreed, though Ember could sense he still wasn't entirely at ease.

"Finally, you both made it! Go get changed," Emir announced with an air of excitement.

"Going," Dylan replied, heading toward the changing room.

Ember stepped into the changing room, where the stylist greeted her. "Ma'am, come on! Let's start with your makeup."

"Hmm," Ember replied, nodding as she settled into the chair. After the stylist finished, she asked, "Is that the dress you're going to wear? Go and change."

"This?" Ember responded, holding up the striking red dress that was far too short, ending just above her knees. It was strapless, and the back? Well, there was hardly any back at all.

"I will not wear this dress. Go tell Emir," Ember insisted firmly.

"But…" the stylist hesitated.

"Just go," Ember urged.

After some time, Emir appeared, concern etched on his face. "What happened, Ember?"

"That dress isn't my style. I can't wear it. Sorry," she explained, crossing her arms defensively.

"What's wrong with this dress?" Emir pressed.

"It's too short! I can't wear this," she reiterated, her discomfort evident.

"Please, Ember! You said you would help me. Do me this favor—at least try it on," Emir pleaded, his eyes wide with desperation.

"Emir, you can't do this to me!" Ember exclaimed, frustration bubbling up.

"You'd look good in it! Please… I don't have time to argue. Just try it on!" Emir's voice was earnest, and she could see how much he needed her cooperation.

"Can you just stop? I have a condition first: I don't want anyone else there except the photographer and you, okay?" Ember laid down her terms, her heart pounding with apprehension.

"Okay. Thank you, Ember," Emir said, relief flooding his voice.

"Now go out," she instructed.

"Stylist, help her!" Emir called over his shoulder as he stepped outside.

After a struggle with the ribbon, Ember finally managed to slip into the dress. "You look hot, ma'am!" the stylist declared, her eyes sparkling with approval.

"Stop staring at me; you're making me shy!" Ember retorted, feeling a flush creep up her cheeks. "Give me a long robe to cover up and make sure everyone is out."

"Yes, ma'am," the stylist replied, peeking outside before turning back to Ember. "There's no one out there."

"Let's go then," Ember said, her nerves tingling with anticipation.

As she stepped out wearing the black robe, the first thing she noticed was Dylan, standing on a bar table with a glass of wine in hand. He wore a sleek black tuxedo, the shirt a striking cherry red. His beautiful eyes shone as they locked onto hers, filling Ember with comfort and relaxation.

"Ember, are you done glancing at him?" Emir teased, a smirk on his face.

"Are you talking to me?" Ember replied, surprised.

"Yes," Emir confirmed, amusement dancing in his eyes.

"Sorry," she murmured, lowering her gaze.

"Let's start," Emir said, snapping Ember back to reality.

"Hey, miss stylist, can you stay here and give me my robe back when the shoot is complete?" Ember requested, her voice steady.

"Okay, ma'am," the stylist replied.

"Don't call me ma'am. Just call me Ember, and please don't tell anyone about me," Ember said with a smile, grateful for the stylist's understanding.

The stylist smiled back, her eyes brightening as she nodded.

"Ember, go to your position," Emir instructed.

Self-motivating thoughts raced through Ember's mind. "It's time to remove the robe, Ember. You can do this! It's just a little shoot. You don't need to be nervous." But deep down, she knew she was scared. Just take a deep breath. Huff! Huff! Now it's time to…

With a shaky exhale, she let the robe slip from her shoulders and moved toward Dylan. She felt the fabric of the dress clinging to her and tugged at it anxiously as she walked, fully aware that she didn't feel quite like herself.

When she finally looked at Dylan, he was staring intently at her. As their eyes met, a spark ignited between them, making Ember forget everything else around her. All she wanted was to keep gazing into his eyes, the world fading away as she drew closer.

Meanwhile, in Dylan's mind…

She looks so hot today. The thought struck him like a lightning bolt. He had never seen her in such an attire before; she usually favored full sleeves and longer lengths, which made her look cute and elegant. But now, as she stood before him, he could see in her eyes that she was feeling uncomfortable.

That brat! How dare he force my girl to wear something she doesn't feel good in? The anger simmered inside him. Yet, he had to admit, he was thankful for this moment because it revealed just how stunning her figure was.

"Why do I feel a sudden change in his attitude?" Ember wondered, sensing the shift. Dylan seemed to oscillate from calm to angry and back to calm again. Is he blushing, or am I imagining things?

"Hey! Stop staring at her and stop blushing!" Emir interrupted, a teasing tone in his voice. "In this shoot, you don't have to blush!"

Dylan shot Emir an angry look, making eye contact that crackled with tension.

"Why do I feel this sudden chill?" Emir thought, shifting his gaze to Dylan and sensing the coldness in his eyes.

Fear coursed through Emir as he realized the intensity of the moment.

"Let's start," Emir announced, his voice steady and commanding. "This photo represents the moment when you both bump into each other at this bar."

"Okay…" Dylan replied, a hint of anticipation in his voice.

"Ember, just start moving from here, and when you get to this spot, you'll bump into each other. Got it?" Emir instructed.

"Okay," Ember nodded, her heart racing.

The shooting began, and Ember took her position, ready to start moving. But just as she began to walk, a voice called out, "Cut!"

"What happened?" Ember asked, confused.

"You both are staring into each other's eyes, and that's not what we need. Just stop staring at each other. Let's do it differently," Emir replied, his tone professional but encouraging.

"What way?" Ember inquired, curiosity piqued.

"Ember, take this glass of wine and pretend you're not interested in drinking. Think of something on your mind that distracts you, then start walking," Emir instructed, handing her the glass.

"What should I think about?" she asked, feeling the pressure of the moment.

"Just think of something that distracts you from looking at him," Emir suggested.

"Okay," she replied, determination in her voice.

As Emir walked over to Dylan to discuss something, Ember racked her brain for a distraction. But after a lot of pondering, nothing came to her.

"Let's start again. Take your places!" Emir called.

When he said "start," Ember glanced at Dylan, standing some distance away. She lowered her gaze, just as she had been instructed, but her eyes suddenly fixated on his lips. Memories flooded her mind of their time together in the car, and she found herself staring at the glass of wine in her hand.

Everything from that moment replayed in her mind, and she felt something different, something electric.

"Start!" Emir shouted, snapping her back to reality.

Ember began to walk, her thoughts consumed by the memory of their kiss—his lips against hers. She moved the glass of wine through her fingers, her heart racing as she approached Dylan.

Click! Click! Snap! Snap! The sounds of the camera echoed in her ears, and she rolled her eyes to meet his gaze. He mirrored her movement, lowering his face toward her. There was barely an inch between them now, and Ember's heartbeat quickened.

As he leaned in closer, she felt the unmistakable tension in the air, the electricity sparking between them. Suddenly aware of the people around them, she took a step back. But in her haste, she twisted her ankle and stumbled. Dylan's reflexes kicked in, and he reached out to grab her hand, pulling her toward him. The unexpected closeness sent a rush of warmth through her, and her lips brushed against his chin.

Ember quickly stepped back, creating some distance between them.

"Cut!" Emir exclaimed, breaking the tension. "Very well done, both of you. Next pose!"

"Okay," Dylan replied, a satisfied grin on his face.

"Alright, for the next pose, you both need to portray that she is drunk, and you are taking her back," Emir instructed, looking at them both intently. "So, Ember, you'll need to act like a drunk person."

"But I've never drank alcohol. How can I act like I'm drunk?" Ember replied, feeling a wave of uncertainty wash over her.

"If you've never drank, just try it out. It'll help with your acting," Emir suggested, his voice encouraging.

"Sorry, but in my culture, I'm not allowed to drink," Ember stated firmly.

"Please, just give it a shot," Emir pressed, trying to persuade her.

"Don't come any closer. I won't agree to that," she retorted, crossing her arms defiantly.

"Stop it. You don't have to act drunk. Just follow my lead," Dylan chimed in, stepping closer.

"Hm…" Ember murmured, still feeling conflicted.

"But—" Emir began.

"You want to finish the shoot, right?" Dylan interrupted, his tone assertive.

"Yes, yes," Emir replied, conceding.

"Let's start," Dylan said, pulling Ember toward him. She felt a rush of shyness. Why am I nervous? This isn't the first time I've been close to him. Embarrassed, she looked down.

"Photographer, continue to click the photos. We'll start on one! Two! Three!" Dylan announced.

The sound of camera clicks echoed around them, a symphony of snaps that filled Ember's ears. When Dylan held her hand, her heart began to race.

Thump! Thump!

He gently lifted her chin with his finger, making her look up at him. At that moment, it felt like the air had grown hotter. He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead before removing his coat and draping it over her shoulders, shielding her from the chilly air and the low back of her dress.

Dylan swept her into his arms, and together they started walking toward the door. Ember felt safe and warm in his embrace, her head resting against his chest. She could hear his heartbeat, steady and calming, which made her feel at ease. She closed her eyes, savoring the moment.

Then, suddenly, a loud voice pierced the tranquility. "Cut!"

Startled, Ember jolted, trembling at the abrupt interruption. I was just about to take a nap, and he shouted!

"Hey! Are you mad? Can't you see she's scared? Look at her! She's trembling!" Dylan snapped, protective instinct kicking in.

"Dylan, put me down," Ember requested, her voice shaky.

"Sorry for that outburst, Ember," Emir said, his tone softer now. "Your shoot is complete. Can we head home? I'm a little tired."

"Of course, you can go," Emir replied gently. "We've just left the third scene. It's not important now; we can shoot it another day."

"Okay. Thanks. Bye!" Ember said, glancing back at Dylan with a smile. She made cute puppy eyes at him, holding his hand. "Hubby, I'm so tired! Can we go home? I'm feeling a little hungry," she said while blinking playfully.

"Let's go home," Dylan replied, a grin spreading across his face.

"Hm," Ember agreed, smiling back at him.

As they drove in the car, Ember sensed Dylan's anger but couldn't quite grasp the reason behind it. After a moment of deep thought, she realized, Oh! He's actually angry about that. Determined to lift his spirits, she turned to him, saying, "Hubby, I'm really hungry." She gazed out the window, feeling a bit lost in this strange place. "I'm all alone here, and I don't even know the language," she added, leaning her head on his lap. "Can you lend me some money to eat? I don't even have a single penny to buy something."

Dylan gently lifted her chin, bringing her face closer to his. "Don't you dare say that you're not alone here," he replied, his voice steady and reassuring.

"Hm," Ember murmured, a small smile creeping onto her lips.

In a swift motion, he pulled her even closer until their lips brushed against each other. It was a soft, fleeting kiss that made her heart flutter. She smiled at him, and he turned to the driver. "Let's go to a restaurant."

"Okay, sir," the driver replied.

Ember sat up, curiosity sparking in her eyes. "So what's your plan? Where are we going?" she asked, moving to the other side of the car.

"You'll know when we get there," Dylan replied with a mysterious smile.

"Okay," she said, excitement building within her.

When they arrived at the restaurant, Ember's eyes widened in awe. The place was a Chinese restaurant, adorned with ancient Chinese architecture. "Let's go," Dylan said, stepping out of the car.

"Hm," Ember nodded, following him inside.

He ordered a multitude of colorful Chinese dishes, and as Ember returned from the washroom, she exclaimed, "Oh! You've already ordered?"

"I know you were hungry," he replied, smiling.

"Hey, I'm hungry but not that much," she said playfully.

"Well, I ordered it. What can we do now? Come on, eat," Dylan urged.

"Okay," Ember agreed, taking a seat at the table. She looked at the array of vibrant dishes, her stomach rumbling with anticipation.

"Let's start," Dylan said, diving into his meal with chopsticks.

Ember watched him for a moment, feeling a mix of admiration and frustration. Everyone around them was eating with chopsticks, and she felt determined to try. You can do this! Just focus, she told herself.

She picked up the chopsticks and attempted to grab a piece of food. The first time, she missed completely. The second time, she dropped it again. Frustrated, she pointed dramatically at the dish. "Hey, you food! I'm not going to eat you if you don't cooperate with my chopsticks this time!"

Dylan burst into laughter. "Ha ha ha! You think being strict will make the food obey you?"

Ember looked around, realizing that everyone was staring at her. Embarrassment washed over her, and she quickly sank back into her chair, her face flushed. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to embarrass you in public."

Dylan stood up and walked over, taking her hand. "Stand up," he said gently. She rose from her seat, a playful defiance in her voice. "It's okay; if you want to punish me, I'll stand here until you're satisfied."

He smiled, a twinkle in his eyes, and patted her head affectionately. "Do you really think I would punish you for this?" he teased, playfully pinching her nose.

"Ouch! That hurts!" Ember exclaimed, laughing.

"Let me teach you how to use chopsticks," Dylan offered, guiding her back to her seat.

"Okay," she replied, eager to learn.

He placed his fingers over hers, demonstrating how to hold the chopsticks properly. "See? This is how you do it."

Ember concentrated, her brow furrowed in determination. She looks so cute when she's focused, Dylan thought to himself, admiring her.

After several attempts and no success in grabbing even a single bite, Ember sighed in frustration. "Dylan, it's too hard for me to learn. I'm not going to eat this!"

Dylan chuckled and called the waiter over. "Can you bring a fork, please?"

Ember raised an eyebrow, surprised. "You know they have forks? Are you just playing with my hunger?"

He smiled again, that charming smile that made her heart flutter. "Let me feed you."

"Hm," she replied, feeling a rush of warmth.

"Open your mouth," he instructed playfully.

"Aah!" Ember opened wide as he fed her a piece of delicious food.

"Ohmohmohm! This is so good!" she exclaimed, savouring the Flavors. After a while, she declared, "I'm done! It's too yummy!" and stood up from his lap.

"Go wait in the car. I'll handle the payment," he said.

"Okay," Ember agreed, her heart feeling light.

As they drove back to his house, she turned to Dylan. "Why didn't the waiter bring a fork when you asked? You had to feed me the whole time, and you hardly ate because of me."

"Actually, they don't have forks," he replied, smirking.

"Oh!" Ember said, her cheeks turning a shade of pink.

"Yes," he confirmed, his gaze softening as he looked at her.

When they finally reached home, Dylan said, "Go and get some sleep. You're tired from today."

"Yes," Ember replied, stifling a yawn. "Good night."

"Good night, Ember," he said softly.

Extra Part: Dylan's Side

As Ember enjoyed the food Dylan was feeding her, he discreetly signaled to the waiter. With a subtle nod, he communicated, don't bring the forks now. He wanted to cherish this moment with Ember, knowing she'd feel even more special being fed by him.