....
After exactly ninety-seven minutes and so seconds -
Clap! Clap!
- a single resounding clap filled the small room.
"That was amazing! Too amazing!" Stephen clapped and leapt from the couch the mont the credits rolled.
His excitent seed to overflow as he dashed toward Keanu, pulling him into an unexpected hug.
It didn't matter that they had only t an hour and a half ago - Stephen's genuine admiration overpowered any hesitations.
"...glad to hear that, man."
Keanu was caught slightly off guard but returned the hug back with a genuine smile, the kind that reached his eyes.... almost slightly moistening his eyes but stopped.
Despite his outward confidence all these past few days, a part of him had been desperate for any sign that their work would be understood - that people would get it.
The weeks of harsh criticism and ruthless rejections from distributors had worn on him, no matter how much Keanu tried to mask it in front of Regal.
But hearing Stephen, a completely unrelated person's raw enthusiasm towards their film?
That was sothing else entirely.
It was different. It felt real. It felt earned.
Keanu knew just how much work went into making this film, especially for Regal, but seeing it co together.
It felt damn good.
Stephen finally stepped back, still his excitent didn't wane.
"Man, your acting was insane! I couldn't take my eyes off the screen whenever you were on. And those dialogues - wow! Every line had hooked, like they were written just to make you think."
"And damn that climax!" Stephen's voice rose slightly, his gestures animated. "That twist. I never saw it coming! And the way it was revealed? Absolute genius. The direction, the buildup, the timing - it was all just masterful."
Kaira, who had been still processing the film climax, nodded in agreent, finally coming out of her reverie. "The film was definitely sothing special. You should be proud."
There was a lot running through her mind. She usually isn't the type to be easily awestruck, but today it happened, and that ans a lot in her book.
Stephen huffed impatiently, cutting in. "Co on, don't be so la with your words."
Anne couldn't help but sigh internally.
She was already used to Stephen's unfiltered reactions, but they still had a way of making her feel secondhand embarrassnt.
He was the type to swing to extres, whether in disappointnt or joy.
Then again, she supposed she couldn't entirely bla him.
Despite his passion for the filmmaking process, Stephen was still young and hadn't yet been hardened by the industry's fake smiles and scripted complints.
He is still genuine, and in so ways, that was refreshing.
"I am so jealous of you, man!" Stephen continued, his voice bubbling with admiration. "Breaking into Hollywood with a film like this? You will kill it!"
Keanu chuckled, the sound tinged with modesty. "I got lucky."
For a mont, his eyes drifted to the now-darkened screen.
eting Regal had been a stroke of luck, there was no denying that.
It wasn't just the opportunity but the timing, the connection, and the unspoken trust that had co with it.
Looking back, Keanu realized how lost he had felt just three months ago, unsure of his direction or what he truly wanted.
But accepting Regal's offer had changed everything. In the process of working with him, Keanu had discovered a sense of purpose he hadn't even known he was searching for.
It wasn't just about making a film - it was about finding sothing he could pour his heart into.
Sothing he could see himself pursuing for the rest of his life.
He felt deeply grateful for Regal, especially after hearing the stories from Grace and Andrew - two of the most hardworking people he had co to befriend during this journey.
Their tales of rejection, perseverance, and relentless drive had grounded him, making him appreciate the opportunity he had been given even more.
But Keanu wasn't content to rely on luck forever... or even on Regal.
No, he had made a promise to himself.
He was going to carve out his place in the industry, not through luck, but through skill, dedication, and sheer effort.
anwhile, Stephen was caught off guard when Keanu said he was lucky.
He could see it in his eyes, Keanu wasn't just being modest. It is what he truly felt. Stephen didn't know why the other party felt that way, but one thing was certain - it reminded him of his own situation.
At just twenty years old, Stephen has big dreams to make it big in Hollywood.
Unlike Keanu and many other aspiring people, he had the connections needed to get his foot in the door.
No matter how much he tried to deny it, he understood that the ticket to his first movie would co easily.
But still, he wanted to prove himself too - through acting and acting alone.
And in Keanu's eyes, he saw the sa drive.
As Stephen silently speculated, Keanu's resolve only grew stronger.
The road ahead wouldn't be easy, but it was his to take.
....
Stephen dropped Anne off in front of her office, gave a quick wave, and drove off without looking back.
After his conversation with Keanu, Stephen had made up his mind.
He would help them reach out to soone who could be the key to getting the movie released - exactly the reason Christopher contacted him.
....
anwhile, Anne stood still for a mont, as the car disappeared down the street, seemingly lost in thought.
Then, she picked up her pace and headed toward the building.
The office was quiet, the hallway dimly lit.
The door swung open with a soft click, and Anne stepped inside.
The room was empty.
Christopher's empty chair sat abandoned, its back facing the desk.
Anne didn't let it bother her.
She went straight to work.
Stacks of paperwork cluttered the desk. Without a delay, she dived in, sorting through the ss, getting into the flow of the task at hand.
....
Two hours later, the door opened with a sharp click.
Christopher walked in, looking drained.
He sank into her chair, his shoulders slumped, barely acknowledging Kaira, who was now holding three papers.
The silence between them stretched out.
Anne waited.
Christopher didn't say a word.
After a few monts, he finally spoke. "So, how was the movie? It must have been at least decent considering I still haven't gotten a call from Stephen yet, ranting about how I ruined his eyesight."
Anne adjusted the papers in her hands, taking a breath before responding. "About that... we might need to prepare three more contracts..."
?Christopher furrowed his brow. "What are you talking about?"
Anne blinked.
"...Sorry, I got ahead of myself." She paused, collecting her thoughts. "The movie was good. But I can't really say what its potential is yet or how much it has."
Christopher leaned back in his chair as he waited for more.
She continued. "The acting is solid... and the direction is simply top-notch."
"Did you et the director?" Christopher asked suddenly.
"No, he wasn't there for the entire screening." Anne replied. "As planned, Keanu Reeves handled it."
"Keanu..." Christopher mulled the na over before adding. "So what was he doing there anyway?"
"Apparently, after the filming wrapped, he decided to focus on improving his craft. He's also kept in regular contact with Regal, while the rest of the team occasionally checks in every now and then about how things are progressing." Anne explained.
That was unusual for an indie film, Christopher thought.
Typically, once a project wrapped, people went their separate ways, so out of practicality, others out of sheer indifference.
One person's passion, or desperation, might drive the project forward, but once the work was done, the connections usually faded.
Grace had been the sa way.
"So." Christopher asked, his curiosity sharpening. "What is your impression of Keanu? Does he have potential?"
Anne hesitated for a mont, as if weighing her words. "...Honestly, I am completely floored by Regal's eye for talent. First with Grace, and now Keanu's a raw talent - it is the kind you rarely see. He has this presence, this charisma, that screams, 'superstar.'"
The phrase 'eye' for talent reminded Christopher of soone, but he pushed the thought aside.
Even so, it was impressive, almost uncanny, how Regal had picked up on it.
If not for Regal's insight, it would have taken them much longer, through trial and error, to recognize Grace's struggles under pressure - they had only realized it after so ti and were now working to help her overco it.
Still, Christopher couldn't say for sure whether it was pure luck or Regal's actual instinct for talent. For now, all he could do was acknowledge it.
"Interesting." Christopher said, the faintest flicker of surprise crossing his face. "And the others?"
"Andrew fit the role so naturally it felt like it was tailor made for him." Anne said. "And Grace... she gave a performance I don't think even she knew she was capable of."
Christopher's eyebrows arched, clearly intrigued. "That's high praise, Anne."
.
....
[To be continued...]
★─────⇌•★•⇋─────★
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