"Sabina's company says they're already in talks."

Pam handed Emily a glass of water, letting out an exaggerated eye roll. "Who even knows if that's true," she said, her voice sharp.

The comic company hadn't promised anything. They were being secretive, not revealing a thing about any negotiations. Maybe they were waiting for a higher offer, or maybe it was something else.

"Really?" Emily replied, not sounding all that interested. She took a sip of water, then set the glass aside and reached for her phone, excitement flickering in her eyes.

She opened her photo album, which was filled with thousands of pictures-every single one of them was Kenneth. Same face, endless different looks. She scrolled through them, grinning like an idiot.

Pam watched her fangirl and let out a frustrated sigh. "If you like Kenneth that much, why don't you just tell him?"

"No." Emily's eyebrows drew together, a shadow of disappointment passing through

her gaze.

Kenneth didn't feel the same. At least as friends, they could still spend time together. If she confessed, she might lose even that.

"How do you know he doesn't like you? You've never asked,” Pam pressed, leaning in with a conspiratorial smile. "What if he actually likes you back?"

"Not a chance." Emily mumbled, "He thinks of me as just a friend."

She finished editing a photo and posted it in Kenneth's fan group. Within seconds, fans flooded in, the likes and comments racking up faster than she could keep up.

To the world, Emily was a glamorous celebrity. But in private, she was just another hopeless Kenneth fan.

Before she could say more, her phone buzzed twice. Kenneth's name popped up on her screen.

Emily's hand shook as she hurried to open the message.

Kenneth: Bro, was I hot today or what?

Emily stared at the screen, completely speechless.

She honestly wanted to strangle him right then and there.

Pam glanced over, rubbing her neck, and let out a little laugh. "Kenneth is

something else. Imagine calling a stunner like you 'bro.""

"He's totally clueless," Emily grumbled, but she still opened the chat and typed back, You looked like you rolled through an art supply store. Where's the 'hot' part in that?

Kenneth: Bro, when did you go blind?

Emily frowned at her phone. You're the one who needs your eyes checked.

Kenneth seemed to enjoy winding her up. He joked around for another minute, then finally got to the point.

Kenneth: I heard you're trying to get Storm's rights?

Emily: Yeah, do you have a lead?

Kenneth: Not directly, but I know the owner of the comic company. I can ask around for you.

Emily's eyes widened as she read his reply.

Kenneth: Now, try again. Give me a real review of my concert look tonight.

Pam could barely contain herself. "Kenneth can help? That makes everything so

much easier,” she blurted out, her excitement obvious.

Sabina had been stirring up so much

buzz online, making it seem like the role was already hers. Everyone

thought they'd lost there. But

now, maybe not content

"Emily, come on, compliment him already!” Pam all but bounced in place. "Say all

the things you usually say about him to me. Just type it out!"

Emily's lips twitched in

embarrassment. All those things she usually said about Kenneth... If the ever read them, she'd just want to crawl into a hole and disappear.

She hesitated for a second, then opened the chat, her fingers hovering uncertainly over the keyboard. Finally, she typed out a few simple words and hit send.

You looked great.

As soon as the message was sent, Emily felt her face and ears go bright red. It was

such a basic compliment, but it still felt ridiculously awkward.

On the other end, Kenneth opened her message and glanced at it, a little smile playing at his lips.