ASTRID was waiting backstage with Charlotte and three other actors who played supporting roles in [Serendipitous Sumr]. They were currently on a variety show called Star Scramble. It was Astrid's second schedule for this week. The show was a chaotic ss of unscripted gas, absurd challenges, and over-the-top antics designed to make actors abandon any sense of dignity. It was a show that thrived on spontaneity, forcing its guests to react to whatever nonsense was thrown their way, whether it was answering ridiculous interview questions, competing in bizarre physical gas, or, in tonight's case, performing dramatic readings of the most unhinged text the producers could find.
Astrid had no problem making fun of himself—it was part of the job. But he couldn't help feeling a little disappointed that Snow wasn't there with them. Not that Snow would have been able to say much about the movie, anyway. Director Hale had decided to keep him a secret, a surprise ant for fans of the novel. Snow's role was kind of a fan favorite. That's why the director didn't plan to reveal him this early.
A crew mber wearing a headset stepped into the backstage area, offering a polite but professional smile. "Alright, everyone, we're starting soon. Please be ready to head out in a minute."
The bright stage lights flared to life as the upbeat the music of Star Scramble blasted through the studio. The energy in the air was palpable, buzzing with anticipation. As the intro played on the massive screens overhead, the stage doors swung open, and the host strode in with effortless charisma. Dressed in a sharp yet slightly eccentric outfit that matched the show's chaotic spirit, he flashed a wide grin at the caras before throwing his arms out theatrically. "Welco to Star Scramble!" he bood, his voice effortlessly carrying over the noise. The live audience erupted into cheers and applause, so fans waving glow sticks and banners with the actors' nas on them. The sound of excitent filled the space, setting the tone for the unpredictable madness about to unfold.
The host waited for the cheers to die down just enough before flashing a playful grin at the cara. "Tonight, we have a special treat for you all!" he announced, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "Joining us is the incredible cast of the upcoming film [Serendipitous Sumr!]" The audience erupted into another round of applause, so cheering louder at the ntion of the film's title. The host gestured toward the backstage entrance with a flourish. "Let's bring them out!"
At the host's cue, the backstage curtains parted, and Astrid stepped out first, leading the way with an easy confidence. He lifted a hand in a casual wave, flashing a bright smile at the cheering audience. Charlotte followed a step behind, her expression composed but warm as she gave a small, polite wave. The remaining three cast mbers walked out in one after another, each reacting differently to the energy in the room—one grinning widely, another nodding in acknowledgnt, and the last offering a playful salute to the crowd. "Alright, alright! What a warm welco for our amazing guests tonight!" the host said, turning toward the cast with an exaggerated gesture. "We have the stars of [Serendipitous Sumr] here with us, and you know what that ans—tonight is going to be extra special!"
The audience responded with another round of applause, and the host chuckled.
"So, let's not waste any ti! We've got gas, surprises, and maybe even a little chaos waiting for them. But first—let's get to know them a little better, shall we?"
With that, he turned back to the cast, ready to dive into the first segnt.
----- The recording of Star Scramble dragged on for hours, an exhausting blur of chaotic gas, relentless laughter, and over-the-top antics. By the ti they finally reached the last segnt, it felt less like a milestone and more like a hard-earned relief. At least, for Astrid that's how it felt like.
The stage lights dimd slightly as the host stepped forward, flashing a mischievous grin. "And now," he announced dramatically, "we've finally reached the grand finale of Star Scramble!" The audience cheered, though the cast exchanged wary glances. After everything they had endured—bizarre challenges, ridiculous Q&A sessions, and impromptu performances—there was no telling what the final segnt would bring. The host turned to them with exaggerated enthusiasm. "For our last ga of the night, we're pulling out a classic! It's ti for Dramatic Readings!" Laughter rippled through the crowd as a production assistant wheeled out a small table stacked with envelopes. The host picked one up and waved it in the air. "Inside these envelopes are so of the most ridiculous, unhinged pieces of text we could find—from internet debates to cheesy romance novel excerpts. Your job? Deliver them with the most intense, heartfelt performance possible." Astrid let out a breath, already resigning himself to whatever nonsense was about to unfold. Charlotte, standing beside him, rely raised an eyebrow, while one of the other actors groaned. The host clapped his hands. "Alright! Let's see who goes first!" With a dramatic pause, he reached into a bowl and pulled out a na. He grinned as he read it aloud. "Astrid!" The audience erupted into cheers, and Astrid exhaled sharply, shaking his head with a wry smile. The host handed him an envelope, barely containing his amusent. "Go ahead, open it up, and let's hear so award-worthy acting." Astrid tore the envelope open, unfolded the paper inside, and scanned the text. His expression went blank. Suppressing a groan, he cleared his throat, straightened his posture, and prepared to deliver what was about to be the most painfully dramatic reading of his life.
He cleared his throat, and began reading the words in the envelope with as much emotion as he could muster.
"I can't hide it anymore. Every ti I see you, my heart does backflips like an overexcited puppy. Your presence is like a thousand sunsets exploding inside my soul, blinding with the sheer force of your beauty.
"When you speak, I don't just hear words—I hear the lody of angels harmonizing in the distance, as if the universe itself is singing your praises.
"And your scent… oh, your scent. Like freshly baked cookies mixed with the pages of a well-loved novel, wrapped in the warmth of a thousand childhood mories.
"I tremble in your presence, unable to contain the overwhelming truth—"
He closed his eyes, braced himself, and delivered the worst part.
"I am, and have always been… your precious cinnamon roll."
The studio erupted with laughter. The host was practically doubled over, his exaggerated reaction perfectly in line with his job. The three supporting actors were snickering, barely holding themselves together. Even Charlotte, usually composed, had raised a hand to her lips in a futile attempt to hide her amusent. Astrid resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Sure, what he had just read was undeniably cringeworthy, but was it really that funny? Maybe it was the way he delivered it that sent everyone over the edge. Even so, the sheer magnitude of their laughter felt excessive.
He let out a silent sigh. Entertaining people was exhausting. More than anything, he just hoped Wulfric wouldn't watch this episode when it aired. Knowing that guy, there was no telling what kind of ridiculous thoughts he would have from Astrid's painfully fake cringe confession.
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