Summer's POV
It's been a week since I met Mr. Peter. Fred hadn't made a big deal about it, but the guilt still lingered in my chest. I stared at the audition card again—probably for the hundredth time.
This film could be huge. Word was, some of the top directors and producers were behind it. The kind of opportunity every aspiring actress dreamed about.
And yet…
For the first time, I wanted to put someone else first—Fred. He had said I should go for it, but I wasn't sure if he really meant it. Not deep down. Was that just him being supportive? Or was he hiding how much it hurt?
As I stood by the window, lost in thought, my phone buzzed.
Peter: "I still await your response."
This was it. My call to action.
I took a deep breath. This is my career. My dream. I've come too far to hesitate now. If I let this slip by, would I ever get another shot?
Fred said he supported me. So why was I overthinking it?
"I'll be at the audition," I replied.
Almost immediately, another message followed. It was from Peter—this time with documents attached. Scripts, movement notes, everything.
Peter: "There's no time. Study your lines. Master your body language."
I held the phone against my chest and closed my eyes. This is it. The beginning of everything I've ever wanted.
****
Fred's POV
The night air was crisp and sharp, brushing against my skin like a soft warning. I rarely stepped out at night, but I wanted to take Kelvin for hotdogs—just the two of us.
Things between us had been off lately. Our friendship didn't feel the same. I couldn't ignore it anymore.
Kelvin returned to the table with two hotdogs, the steam rising from their wrappers.
"Woah, this guy's hotdog is massive," he joked, settling into the seat across from me.
"Thanks," I muttered, taking mine.
He took a bite and chewed with satisfaction. That was more like Kelvin—at least the version I remembered.
"Kelvin… is there something you're not telling me?" I asked, watching him closely.
He didn't look up, just kept eating.
"Hey, buddy, come on. You know a problem shared is a problem half solved," I nudged his shoulder lightly.
He forced a smile. "Nah, man. It's just family stuff."
He'd told me bits and pieces before—how his brother was a successful doctor, how his cousins were always bragging. He never felt like he measured up.
We ate in silence after that. I didn't press again. I'd done my part—asked, listened. He didn't talk to any girls. He didn't have other close friends. And I didn't want to make things worse by going on about Summer.
We started walking back to the hostel, our feet crunching on dried leaves. The air had turned colder, and I instantly regretted not wearing trousers.
****
Kelvin's POV
All my life, I've been someone else's shadow.
At home, I'm not Kelvin—I'm "the doctor's brother" or "the heir's cousin." In school, it's no different. I'm not Kelvin. I'm "Fred's friend."
And now, Fred had the audacity to ask what was bothering me. Like he didn't already know.
Elizabeth… I really thought she was into me. I thought I finally had something of my own. Someone. A girlfriend, maybe. But she used me. She just wanted to get close to Fred. Like everyone else.
Why is it always him?
He's not just good-looking—he's undeniably good-looking. Smart. Kind. Talented. Everyone sees it, And when I'm next to him, I vanish. It's like I was born to be the contrast that makes people like Fred shine brighter.
Do I hate him?
Maybe not him. Maybe I just hate what he represents. That I'm invisible when he's around.
We got to our room. Fred climbed into bed, already smiling at his phone—probably chatting with Summer. Or some other girl. I didn't even bother asking.
I pulled out my phone. One message: from the family group chat. My cousin had just posted a picture of his brand new Bugatti Chiron—worth over five million dollars.
I gave it a thumbs-up and locked my phone. That's how things work in my family. Show your wealth, get validation. I tried that once—used money to make friends. Got used. Again.
So I changed. Came to college under the radar. Hoped to attract people who liked me—not my bank account. But even then, I'm still just "Fred's friend."
Maybe that's just who I'm meant to be. A shadow.
I lay back on my bed and stared at the ceiling. Somewhere between self-pity and surrender, I drifted into sleep.
Tomorrow, I'll wake up. And once again… I'll be someone's shadow.
To be continued.....