He turned his head slowly and squinted toward the dim corner where the sound came from. It was faint—but there. Like someone trying to cry quietly.
He hesitated... then walked forward, heart thumping in a mix of fear and curiosity.
As he reached the end of the corridor, his eyes widened.
A witch sat on the floor near the emergency stairs, knees pulled up to her chest. Her long dark hair veiled most of her face, but her trembling shoulders gave her away. Her robes were pretty expensive. Her face was pale but striking—sharp brows, deep eyes that looked glossed over with emotion.
Karl stood awkwardly a few steps away, scratching the back of his head. "...You okay?"
She didn’t answer. Her eyes were locked onto a few papers clenched tightly in her hands.
He tried again, stepping closer. "Um... do you need help or someth—"
Her head suddenly turned, and their eyes met.
Her lips parted in surprise. "Wait... aren’t you that ghost? Karl? The one from the fair who went viral?"
Karl blinked, surprised. "Uh... yeah, that’s me."
She quickly wiped her tears with the back of her hand and stood up, smoothing her robes. "Sorry you had to see me ," she said with a light, embarrassed laugh. "I’m Director Jiri... Red Media Entertainment."
Karl tilted his head.
"I had this project—this big-budget film. Everything was ready. I even arranged the shooting for someone I trusted..." Her expression darkened. "But he joined hands with my competitor and pulled out last minute. Now I don’t have a male lead. And the shoot starts in two days."
Karl’s eyes drifted to the paper in her hand. Even with his limited reading, he could pick up enough to see names, scenes, and shooting details.
His heartbeat quickened.
The kind with a camera, script, and audience?
He felt the glimmer of excitement rising in his chest.
She noticed it instantly.
Her tears were gone now.
Instead, her sharp eyes studied him, and a small, clever smile curled at the edge of her lips.
"You’re... interested?" she asked carefully. "You were staring at the script."
Karl tried to hide his grin but failed miserably. "Yes! I mean—yes! I love acting! I think I’ll be great!"
Jiri’s smile widened with a calculated sweetness. "That’s good to hear. I’ve bought robes from your wife’s brand before—I admire her work," she said casually. "Why not surprise her with your new talent?"
Karl beamed. "Exactly what I was thinking!"
He turned on his heel. "I’ll tell everyone! Wait till Wife hears—"
"No!" Jiri grabbed his arm suddenly, her voice sharp. "I mean... it’s better as a surprise, right?" she softened her tone quickly. "Think about it—her reaction when she sees you on a set, under lights, dressed like a hero."
"...That does sound cool."
Jiri stepped back with a graceful nod. "Meet me at the end of the market in two days. Quietly. I’ve seen your wife’s shop. We’ll keep it between us. Trust me... I’ll make you a star."
Karl scratched his cheek thoughtfully. "You’re not lying, right?"
She placed a hand over her chest, eyes wide with mock offense. "Me? I’m a director with a reputation. I didn’t even consider you until you approached me, remember?"
Karl blinked. "Oh yeah... you’re right. You didn’t even ask me. I came myself."
He chuckled, chest puffing a little with pride. "Sorry about that."
"No need to be," Jiri said softly, eyes gleaming as she watched him turn around, excitement practically bouncing in his steps.
He didn’t see the sly smirk that curled on her lips as he disappeared down the corridor.
Just as Karl was about to disappear around the corner, Jiri’s voice called out gently, "Wait!"
He paused and turned around, slightly startled. "Yeah?"
"You didn’t tell me what time," she said with a charming tilt of her head.
Karl blinked. "Oh right..."
He rubbed the back of his neck, thinking hard.
Julian and Milo usually liked their afternoon nap right after lunch. That meant they wouldn’t notice much. And Adrian? He was almost always busy at the company around that time.
He smiled and held up two fingers. "How about 2 p.m.? That works for me."
Jiri nodded slowly, her dark eyes glinting like polished glass. "Perfect. I’ll be waiting."
Karl gave a quick, excited nod, then trotted off back toward the room—his steps unusually light.
He was already planning how he’d act cool on set, what pose he’d make when the camera pointed at him, and most importantly... how shocked Ruby would be when she saw him acting in a movie.
He giggled to himself as he walked. "This’ll be the best surprise ever."
And just like that, the innocent trap was set.
Karl opened the door softly and stepped inside the room, careful not to make any noise. The soft hum of the hotel air system filled the quiet space, and a faint breeze from the slightly open window stirred the curtain.
Adrian lay on the bed, one arm tossed lazily over his eyes, his breathing calm and even.
But the moment Karl closed the door behind him, a small creak betrayed him.
His hand slowly slid off his face, and he blinked a few times as if fighting off the last bit of sleep. His voice was low and rough, still heavy with drowsiness. "...What are you doing in the middle of the night?" he asked, his brows drawing together faintly as he propped himself up on an elbow.
Karl turned toward him quickly, startled for a moment—but then grinned sheepishly.
"Ah... sorry. I just... went to the washroom, brother Adi," he said with a lopsided smile, his voice a little too cheerful.
Adrian blinked. His tired eyes narrowed slightly. Karl’s cheeks were glowing pink, and his eyes were oddly shiny, like someone who had just won something or done something they weren’t supposed to.
"You sure?" Adrian asked, his voice still soft, but a touch more alert now.
Karl nodded eagerly, his expression so innocent it was almost suspicious. "Yep! Just needed some air too. That beach food was spicy!" he chuckled, patting his belly for extra effect.
Adrian stared at him in silence for a few seconds longer.
—To be continued...🪄