The Greatest Showman#1406 - 1 hug

The Tony Award trophy was placed quietly on the kitchen table, accompanied by three Oscars, a Grammy, and an Emmy. Around them were torn bags of potato chips and platters of cut fruit, with a handful of flowers carelessly placed upside down. There was no inlay or embellishment in the window, no surrounding lights or fanfare, just a strong, vibrant breath of life. It resembled a replica just bought from the supermarket, placed on the dining table, ready to be reserved for children to use as a prop in school projects.

This was the EGOT that had captivated all of North America.

Yet, this life-like scene didn't feel blasphemous or insulting. Instead, it conveyed a different kind of reverence. When performance becomes an inseparable part of life, when the stage is an extension of reality, trophies and accolades become mere elements of the everyday. They are important, but not the most important. The true value lies in the works, the characters, the performances, and the art itself.

It might sound like a cliché or even an insincere sentiment, full of pretense, but that's the reality.

The party was still in full swing, but without the glitz and glamour of Vanity Fair, everything felt simple and warm. Conversations flowed naturally. Some discussed the astonishing events of the evening. No one expected the results Charlotte had revealed, and the courage of the American Drama Association was truly admirable.

Others talked about Renly's portrayal of Les Misérables. After seeing the performances of different casts, their perceptions and feelings had shifted completely. It had been a remarkable experience.

There were complaints about Hollywood's current state, with the jealousy and bitterness clearly palpable. Some speculated that Renly might face collective exclusion from Hollywood's actors.

As the conversations continued, people discussed books, movies, TV shows, or novels, sharing insights and experiences. Some even couldn't wait to start exploring Renly's bookshelves, much like Jack S. Captain Pairo's eyes lighting up when discovering treasure in the Caribbean.

It felt less like a celebration party and more like a gathering of intellectuals or enthusiasts in Greenwich Village, New York—similar to a book club, where each conversation left one feeling enlightened. The only difference was that alcohol, no longer a formality, had become part of the equation, and a party without alcohol and music wouldn't truly be a party.

Rooney Mara, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Felicity Jones nodded, stepping onto the balcony to get some fresh air. Under the combined effects of alcohol and deep discussions, Rooney needed a moment to cool down or she wouldn't make it.

"Where's your wine glass?" A low voice came from behind her, making Rooney jump. She turned around abruptly to find Renly sitting cross-legged in the corner.

"God!" she exclaimed, causing the corner of Renly's mouth to twitch into a subtle smile. Rooney caught the mischievous glint in his eyes and secretly gritted her teeth, nudging Renly's knee with her toes. "Hey, is this how you entertain guests? Hiding in the corner and springing surprises?"

Renly shrugged casually. "It's called being unconventional."

"I thought you didn't care about being unconventional," Rooney teased. "Your whole existence is about staying true to yourself."

Renly sighed dramatically. "Oh no, you've uncovered my secret. The magic is gone now. I should've known better than to drink. Alcohol always reveals the most genuine—and the ugliest—side of me."

Rooney knew he was joking. His blend of seriousness and absurdity could always turn the fake into something real. But in that moment, she paused, looking at him with a sudden sincerity. "But even if it's the ugliest part of you, I still like it."

Her words were meant as a joke, but when Renly didn't respond with his usual banter, and instead gave her a half-smile, her teasing turned to something more vulnerable. The clear, almost hypnotic look in his eyes, combined with the slight flush of alcohol around them, caught Rooney off guard.

In that instant, the playful tone she'd intended to use turned back onto her. A warmth began to spread across her cheeks. Embarrassed, she mumbled, "Hey, where's my whiskey?"

Renly didn't speak. He just gazed at her with a soft, lingering look that made her heart race. Unable to bear the silence, Rooney muttered, "What's so beautiful? Haven't you seen such a beautiful young lady?"

Without missing a beat, Renly's smile deepened, his voice calm and steady. "Yes, I haven't."

His quiet answer left Rooney speechless. She couldn't help but feel the weight of his gaze, a combination of disbelief, humor, and something else she couldn't name. She tried to hold back her emotions, but as laughter bubbled up inside her, she exhaled with a sigh. "Now I finally understand why they call you the sexiest man alive."

Renly shrugged with grace, accepting the compliment with quiet dignity.

Rooney laughed, shaking her head. "You're insufferable."

After the laughter faded, Rooney turned serious. "Are you still out of breath?"

She understood the underlying meaning of Renly's words earlier, but with everyone anxiously awaiting his return to the party, it wasn't the right moment for a heart-to-heart conversation. She deflected the deeper question with light humor.

Renly's smile softened as his gaze turned thoughtful. "Yeah, I'm good now. I just needed a little space. That's why I sneaked out." After a brief pause, he added, "I'm a lucky man. I have trophies no one else could imagine in their lifetime. And I have friends no one else has been able to find. What more could I ask for?"

Rooney looked at him, her voice gentle. "Of course, you can always ask for more. You deserve better." The cool night air seemed to echo her words, and she lowered her eyes, concealing the swell of emotions within her. "You should keep moving forward. You know, Dave Van Ronk was never Bob Dylan because he didn't change."

"I thought the times were changing, and we needed to adapt. Only then can we keep pace," Renly replied with a smile.

Rooney nodded in agreement. "Some things need to change, or they'll be left behind. But some things are meant to remain, because they are the beliefs that sustain our lives and dreams. Sometimes, we need that kind of foolish courage."

Her eyes sparkled with a quiet joy as she spoke. "Thank you," Renly murmured after a moment, his voice sincere. "I need friends. Tonight."

Rooney didn't respond; she simply understood. It reminded her of two years ago in Seattle, when she had reached out to Renly, desperately holding onto him like a life raft.

The moonlight bathed Renly's shoulders in a soft glow, highlighting the quiet weariness beneath his calm exterior. Rooney, remembering her own past, felt the need to reach out. She moved forward, knelt before Renly, and wrapped her arms around him in a warm hug.

Renly froze at first, unused to such displays of affection, his muscles stiffening.

Rooney sensed his discomfort but didn't let go. She pulled him closer, her voice soft in his ear. "Don't worry, it's not a formality. I think... you need a hug. A real one, not for the celebrations or congratulations—just a hug."

For a moment, Renly's expression faltered, then he released her gently. "Are you suggesting that when I was in Seattle, I should've given you a hug?"

Rooney smiled mischievously. "Hey, you actually heard that?"

She stepped back, glancing at him with a playful glint in her eyes. "You know what? Now is the real beginning. You can choose the roles you want, just like Joel and Ethan Coen. But at the same time, the expectations for you are growing. Your artistic journey is just beginning."

"Remember? You once said that the core of an actor's identity is the work. Does that mean I can start looking forward to your future works?" she teased, winking as she turned to leave the balcony.

Renly remained where he stood, smiling to himself. He raised his head, feeling the moonlight on his face, his body relaxing as the tension of the evening melted away.

Rooney leaned against the balcony wall, her legs trembling, her heart fluttering. She couldn't believe she had said those words to Renly, that she had truly looked into his eyes and felt something shift inside her. Her emotions swirled like a thousand butterflies beneath her skin.