I Don't Wanna Accept This Feeling

The next day amidst the cinematic symphony of lights and camera action, Darren found a momentary escape from the on-screen drama, his arms was folded as he engaged in a clandestine conversation with Kiara.

His gaze, unwavering, attentively traced the unfolding scenes, a week's worth of anticipation lingering in the air.

"Guess you two are already getting along," Darren quipped, a subtle smile playing on his lips.

"Who?" Kiara inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"Who else, your co-worker Nolan," Darren replied, his tone carrying a hint of knowing amusement.

Beside him, Kiara shifted her focus, her eyes locking onto Darren. "What prompted the statement?" she probed, a subtle furrow appearing on her brow.

"Nothing... just saw you two flirting around after work last week," Darren casually remarked, injecting a note of discord into the conversation.

"Oh," she chuckled, a mix of surprise and amusement dancing in her eyes. "He invited me for dinner."

Kiara, adopting a nonchalant facade, responded, "That shouldn't be a problem, or is it?" Her words hung in the air, inviting contemplation, and confidence.

"Oh no no no, I have nothing to say, pff, that's not even my business," Darren retorted, a touch of mockery underlying his words.

With an intentional shift, he redirected his attention to the director, as if Kiara had momentarily faded into the background, signaling the conclusion of the conversation from his perspective.

Amidst the cinematic tension, Darren, undeterred, "How long would it take to be done from here so we could go on to the next site?" His eagerness to proceed with the shoot echoed in the air, seeking to leave the lingering tension behind and move forward in the unfolding drama of lights and lenses.

The director, sensing the urgency, extended the shoot, emphasizing, "Just a little longer," as they exchanged glances amid the picturesque setting.

As the crew transitioned to the next site, the unexpected unfolded—a lush picnic setting awaited. The workers marveled, and one exclaimed, "This place is amazing."

"Let's make this snappy," the director urged, eager to capture the enchanting backdrop.

Amidst the hustle, Nolan approached Kiara, expressing gratitude, "Thank you for coming over to my place. It was delightful having you around."

Kiara, with grace in her reply, said, "And thank you too for having me."

Observing from a distance, Darren couldn't shake his curiosity about the connection between Nolan and Kiara, he found himself grappling with unfamiliar emotions, a disquieting discomfort settling within him as he observed Kiara and Nolan engaged in conversation.

An unexplained unease lingered, prompting Darren to question the source of his own feelings, his contemplative gaze betrayed an unspoken desire to unravel the mystery. In a soliloquy, he muttered, "What's my damn business if the two of them had something between them."

Later that day, the trio—Kiara, Nolan and Kayla continued their stroll, the city lights beginning to illuminate the streets as the sun bid its final farewell. Nolan, attempting to break the comfortable silence, shared, "Sorry once again, I took my car out for some work."

Kayla, appreciating Nolan's efforts, replied warmly, "No need to apologize. Your support had always been valuable."

Kiara nodded in agreement, the camaraderie among them was evident as they discussed the day's shoot and shared some lighthearted banter.

However, their conversation was interrupted by the distant hum of an approaching car.

Darren's sleek vehicle glided to a stop beside them,

"Hop in Kiara," Darren said, rolling down the windows, inviting Kiara in.

An unexpected proposition hung in the air, prompting Nolan to inquire, "Is everything alright sir? Why just Kiara?"

With a faint smile, Darren explained, "I need Kiara for something important. Don't worry; I'll make sure she gets home safely later."

Kiara faced a dilemma, torn between loyalty to her friends and the intriguing call from her boss. "I didn't ask if you have others to go with before I asked you to hop on in. There's something important we must do," Darren reiterated.

Turning to her friends, Kiara explained, "It seems urgent, and he is our boss after all. I'll catch up with you later." Kayla nodded understandingly, and Nolan, though disappointed, acknowledged the professional dynamics at play.

As Kiara entered Darren's car, the engine roared to life, and they merged into the evening traffic.

Inside, the tension was palpable until Kiara couldn't resist breaking the silence, "Can I at least know where we're going?"

"We're heading to somewhere, there's something we need to work on," Darren replied, eyes focused on the road.

Kiara, growing uneasy, continued questioning, "This wasn't discussed beforehand. You can't just make decisions on your own….sir"

Darren's eyes remained fixed on the road, his enigmatic demeanor unwavering. As Kiara pressed for answers, he responded cryptically, "You'd know when the time comes."

The city lights flickered through the car windows, casting intermittent shadows on Darren's face. Kiara, growing uneasy, persisted, "I respect you, Mr. Darren, but don't take it too far. We're a team, and transparency matters."

The hum of the engine underscored the tension within the car, a subtle symphony to the unfolding exchange.

Darren, still focused on driving, absorbed Kiara's words in silence, leaving an atmosphere thick with anticipation and unanswered questions and an undisclosed destination.

The air grew heavy with tension as Darren proposed, "We are going to my house to discuss some pressing issues regarding the shooting." However, Kiara, unwavering in her professional principles, countered, "One of the company's steadfast rules is that business discussions should be confined to the office or another designated professional space, not a personal residence."

Her disagreement resonated with a certain firmness, "You could drop me off at my house, and we can delve into the matters in the structured environment of the office. If privacy is paramount, arranging a suitable off-site venue for our meeting is a more appropriate choice."

Within the unfolding dialogue, Darren subtly introduced an alternative, "But he can take you over to his house."

Inquisitive, Kiara sought clarification, "And who would that be?"

With a hint of veiled jealousy, Darren clarified, "You know who, your co-worker."

The nuanced dynamics of their connection became apparent, revealing Darren's underlying emotions.

Undeterred, Kiara questioned, "What's the issue with him inviting me for dinner? It's not a business meeting like yours."

Amidst the intricacies of their evolving relationship, Darren found himself developing a bond with Kiara, a connection he might not yet be willing to acknowledge.

Seeking to bridge the emotional gap, Darren inquired, "Where do you reside?"

In response, Kiara provided a detailed address, 1234 Main Street, Unit 567, Los Angeles, CA 90015."

Navigating the strained atmosphere, Darren persisted, "My place is just a suggestion; we need to address these issues outside the office."