Chapter 67- Malachi's POV

Sunday, 2:15 PM — The Quiet Shift

The afternoon sunlight filtered through the tall windows of the cast house, casting long shadows on the living room floor. Everyone was scattered—some practicing lines, others lounging, scrolling through their phones. But my attention wasn't on the script or the group chat buzzing about the next shoot day. It was on the subtle changes happening right in front of me.

Freya sat curled up on the sectional beside me, her legs tucked beneath her, eyes focused on the screen of her phone but clearly distracted. I could tell she was watching Meg and Milo, who were seated across the room on the couch, more relaxed than I'd ever seen them.

They were talking, laughing—without the usual carefulness. No furtive glances over shoulders, no whispered conversations broken by sudden interruptions. They were just... there. Together.

And not hiding it.

I shifted closer to Freya and whispered, "You see that too, right?"

She nodded, biting her lip thoughtfully. "It's like they've finally stopped pretending."

"I think they have." I smiled softly. "Ten years of pretending must be exhausting."

Meg reached out and brushed a crumb off Milo's sleeve. It was such a small gesture, but the ease between them was palpable. It wasn't a show; it was natural, comfortable.

Freya sighed. "I think this means we're next."

I chuckled quietly. "Probably."

"But it's scary," she added. "Not just for them, but for us too."

I understood what she meant. We'd been so careful to keep our own relationship under wraps, juggling the balance between private and public. But watching Meg and Milo's quiet confidence, I realized maybe it was time we let down our own walls too.

The day stretched lazily ahead as the cast slowly gravitated towards each other, filling the space with warm chatter and laughter. The weight of secrets felt lighter somehow, like the first breath after holding it underwater too long.

I looked at Freya and reached for her hand. "No more hiding."

She smiled, squeezing my fingers. "No more hiding."