The Greatest Showman #1292 - The Flowers Are Pale

No one else noticed Graham's expression, but Renly, standing face to face with him, caught it immediately. He unbuttoned his suit and sat down with a calm, shallow smile, reminding Graham quietly, "Calm down. What you're thinking is dangerous and it's best not to reveal it."

Graham's eyes flickered slightly, understanding Renly's hint. However, instead of restraining himself, he leaned into the moment, facing the audience. His stunned, mischievous gaze was unhidden, and with a chuckle, he went further, "I was just thinking—God, this feels so much like a circus, with a trainer..."

"Ha ha ha ha!" The audience erupted into laughter, even Daniel and Ed joined in.

Graham continued, "I've been running this show for so many years, and I've never seen the audience completely out of control like this. It's like a bunch of madmen, and the only thing that could bring order is a magician. I can't think of a better comparison than a circus."

Applause and whistles filled the air. The audience clearly relished being part of the joke.

Turning to Renly, Graham raised a hand, "Then, I made such a face, and this gentleman noticed it and warned me. Wait a second, did you just read my expression?"

"Sorry, I'm not Professor X," Renly deadpanned, feigning regret.

Ed couldn't hold back his laughter, bending forward in his seat. Renly raised his eyes slightly, playing along, "Ed, don't worry, I'm not Magneto either…"

The studio exploded with laughter, as Renly's calm demeanor mixed with his quick wit, winning over everyone in the room.

Still in a serious tone, Renly explained, "I just saw your eyes, a bit... suggestive, like some dangerous idea was brewing. So, I had to show off my wisdom and intelligence and give you a little slap of caution before the show officially started."

Graham exaggeratedly opened his mouth, rolling his eyes and raising his hands in mock surrender. He turned to the audience, pleading with them for help in a comic way, as if to say, "I'll suffer before the show even begins."

That pitiful look had the audience cheering, many of them shouting, "Well done, Graham!" Their laughter filled the studio.

Graham returned to his normal stance, taking charge of the conversation. "Although it's hard to believe, Renly, you've never been on my show before. In fact, this is your first time on British TV, right?"

"Yes, this is my first time with you," Renly confirmed, smiling and nodding.

The phrase "first time" hung in the air, and some members of the audience picked up on the innuendo, causing a few chuckles.

Renly, however, didn't flinch, lowering his chin slightly and responding, "So far, everything feels very comfortable."

This time, even Graham couldn't help but tease, "Wow, wait, really? Everything's okay? You know, we all have to be cautious the first time."

Renly raised an eyebrow, picked up the teacup in front of him, and looked at it suspiciously, as though considering whether there might be something more to it. He placed the cup down gently with an air of nonchalance, a look of mockery flashing briefly across his face.

The audience noticed the small detail and chuckled quietly.

Graham, leaning into the moment, urged, "Hurry up, drink up." His tone was like a witch urging Snow White to bite the apple.

Laughter erupted again, but many in the audience were confused, unsure of what was happening. Some exchanged puzzled glances.

Graham added with a grin, "I've already ordered a taxi for you, just in case."

Renly, holding the teacup, paused, his fingers resting on the handle as he slowly raised his gaze to Graham. His eyes seemed to ask, Is this really how far you're willing to go?

The studio audience roared with laughter, and even Daniel and Ed joined in, clapping and laughing. It was clear that the playful tension between Renly and Graham had made this episode something truly special.

Just as Graham was about to ask Ed a question, he interrupted, "Ed, Ed," he called, trying to refocus on all three guests.

Ed looked startled, his eyes wide. "Me? What's wrong? Shouldn't this be Renly's time? I can wait."

Before Graham could respond, Renly turned to Ed with a subtle smile and said, "No, he needs to ask you about your first time."

Ed looked at Renly in disbelief, his expression a mix of surprise and amusement. Daniel, sitting beside him, laughed and asked, "Renly, is your conversation always so… free? Is it really okay to talk like this?"

Renly responded, "Don't act like I don't live a normal life. I eat, I drink, I face the same problems every human being does."

The conversation took on a deeper meaning when viewed through the lens of context. Daniel and Ed couldn't help but exclaim at the complexity of Renly's words.

Then Graham jumped in, "So, can we talk about your rumored affair now? I mean, reporters have been snapping photos of you sneaking in and out of motels…"

"No need," Graham added with a slight, cheeky grin, making his point clear.

But Renly, ever composed, looked at him and said, "I thought you didn't care about such peripheral news. Because everywhere I go, fans cheer, 'Renly, I just want to see you on stage, you're doing a great job.'"

Graham's eyes dropped from Renly's face to his chest, then slowly slid down further, stopping just before he raised an eyebrow and teased, "Don't you know everyone wants to see you open that button?"

The crowd went wild, and even the staff began to cheer. The entire studio's energy shifted, and the temperature felt like it was rising.

Renly's calm demeanor and his sudden teasing motion sent the audience into a frenzy. He casually raised his right hand and made a deliberate motion to unbutton his shirt. The sound of the crowd screamed, echoing through the room as some jumped to their feet, the studio now transformed into an uncontrollable, chaotic sea of excitement.

The audience had never seen anything like this before.

Renly, with that ever-present calm elegance, had turned the studio into a spectacle, blending humor and allure in a way that only he could.

Even Graham, caught off guard by the energy in the room, couldn't help but grin.