The red carpet had already been rolled up. The flashing cameras were packed away. All the makeup artists, stylists, and publicists had returned to their respective corners of the sprawling studio lot, leaving the set of Chasing Stars in a quiet, almost surreal stillness. This was the calm before the storm.

You step onto the empty stage, feeling the weight of your first big break settle on your shoulders. You can still smell the faint residue of the earlier chaos—the faint scent of hairspray lingering in the air and the faint hum of the lights as they cooled down. The set feels foreign, as if you were standing in a dream where everything was slightly off, as if it might shatter the moment you dared to touch it.

You're in awe, but also completely terrified. This isn't just any film. This is Chasing Stars—a highly anticipated romance drama that has already generated buzz before the cameras even started rolling. The press has been obsessed with the casting, with rumors swirling about who would play opposite Daisy Ridley—the beloved actress who became an international icon after her portrayal of Rey in the Star Wars sequel trilogy.

And now here you are, a newcomer to the industry, playing the leading man opposite her. The thought is almost laughable. At least, it would have been, had you not been so consumed by the pressure of the moment.

You've done small roles—indie films, a few guest spots on TV shows—but nothing of this scale. You haven't had time to properly digest it all. The excitement, the nerves, the relentless cycle of auditions and callbacks, all finally leading to this moment.

The sound of footsteps echoes through the quiet set, drawing your attention. You turn, expecting a crew member or assistant, but instead, your eyes land on her.

Daisy Ridley.

She stands just a few feet away, her presence striking even in the simplicity of the moment. No glittering gowns or red carpets—just jeans, a loose sweater, and her ever-present, effortless charm. Her hair is pulled back in a casual ponytail, and she's wearing the softest of smiles as she looks at you.

She's been on set for a few hours already, preparing for one of your first scenes together, and you've been trying to keep your focus, but truth be told, every time she's crossed your path so far, you can't help but feel... awestruck. It isn't just her fame or beauty—there's something else, something so genuine in the way she carries herself, something that makes her stand out from the usual Hollywood crowd.

"Hey," she says, her voice soft and inviting, the kind of voice that makes you feel like she's listening, not just speaking.