Chapter 3: Reality Show, Real Feelings

I had a long-term reality show gig, and suddenly, Savannah showed up as a guest.

The producers loved a surprise twist. When Savannah walked onto the set, the crew actually gasped.

She stood next to me for her introduction, but inside, she was thinking: [So happy to see Autumn baby again.]

I caught her eye and smiled, trying to play it cool. My heart fluttered anyway.

As a regular, I led the welcome.

I gave her the standard introduction, but she looked at me like I’d just handed her a bouquet of roses.

Savannah’s inner voice:

[Autumn baby is so gentle~]

I was standing close, so I smiled: "Thanks, but you could say that on camera too, since it’s a compliment."

She grinned, catching my meaning. For a moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the room.

Savannah immediately gave me a knowing look.

She winked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

When we played games, I got paired with another male guest. Savannah suddenly cheered for me: "Autumn, you got this! You’re the best!"

The whole set went quiet. Even the cameraman looked confused. I tried not to laugh.

???

That’s not how you cheer someone on!

I shot her a look, but she just grinned wider. She was shameless.

After the game, Savannah came over and wiped the sweat from my brow: "Autumn looks even prettier when she’s sweating."

I nearly dropped the towel. She was relentless.

Could she just act normal for once?

I tried to step away, but she followed me like a puppy. The audience was eating it up.

My body stiffened for a beat.

I muttered, "Thanks, but I’ve got it." She just laughed.

Weren’t we supposed to keep things low-key in public?

Apparently, Savannah didn’t get the memo. Or maybe she just didn’t care.

The livestream audience was stunned:

[Who said they weren’t close? She’s calling her baby on air—how is that not close?]

[Maybe it’s just their fans who hate each other. The stars themselves are practically glowing with pink bubbles. That hug at the last awards show trended too.]

[Honestly, if they weren’t both women, I’d be shipping them.]

[Careful, shipping everything will only get you hurt!]

Forget bystanders—even our own fans were shocked, staring at each other:

[What’s going on? Weren’t we rivals?]

Savannah fans: [It’s fake. Savannah is just doing this for the show. Poor thing.]

Autumn fans: [Poor my ass! Your Savannah is the one trying to get close—afraid our Autumn will leave her out. Don’t worry, our Autumn is super kind and won’t ignore any guest.]

Savannah fans: [Yeah right! Savannah is way more famous than Autumn! If the show hadn’t invited her, she wouldn’t be here!]

Autumn fans: [Then don’t come! Everyone knows our Autumn is a regular—your Savannah just wants in!]

[...]

Bystander fans: [Seriously, you can fight over anything?! No wonder half the internet’s trolls are Savannah and Autumn fans!]

Even I, the person involved, was speechless.

I wanted to crawl under a table. Why did our fans have to be so dramatic?

Before I could say anything, Savannah beat me to it. She @’d me on Instagram: [My relationship with Autumn isn’t what everyone thinks. She’s a great actress and friend, and I hope we can work together more.]

She posted a photo of us laughing together, just to drive the point home.

I quickly followed up: [Yes, Savannah and I get along well. Looking forward to more collaborations. Hope everyone won’t buy into rumors.]

I added a heart emoji, just to be extra clear.

With both of us speaking up, our fans finally called a truce.

The comment sections actually calmed down for once. It was a miracle.

Savannah started openly interacting with me on camera. We went from being rivals to gradually becoming good friends.

We started posting silly TikToks together, sharing inside jokes. People began to root for our friendship instead of tearing it down.

Why did things change so fast?

Because, honestly, I liked her too. Maybe even before she liked me.

I realized I’d been looking for excuses to talk to her, to be near her. It was embarrassing, but true.

So whenever our fans fought, I was the first to explain. I never wanted to be rivals with her. I’d worked so hard to reach her level—not to be together, just to be friends.

It was never about beating her. I just wanted to stand beside her, as an equal.

But it seemed she didn’t feel the same. I slowly gave up, accepting that the person I liked didn’t like me back.

I told myself to move on, to focus on my career. But my heart wouldn’t listen.

Later, when I started hearing her thoughts, I’d rather believe I was hallucinating than accept she liked me too.

It was easier to pretend it was all in my head. Safer, too.

Every time she got closer, I panicked and pulled away. I was scared. I’d been disappointed too many times—terrified that this would be another heartbreak.

I’d been burned before. I didn’t want to risk it again.

But this time, she was serious.

She didn’t give up, no matter how many walls I put up. Slowly, I let myself hope.

Still, I decided to keep my feelings hidden a little longer. Even brave people get cautious after being hurt.

I needed time to trust her—and myself.

If she hadn’t caught me and realized I liked her, I wouldn’t have admitted it so soon.

I’m stubborn like that. Sometimes, I need a push.

I kind of enjoyed seeing her obsessed with me but unable to get me—she was adorable that way.

Watching her flustered was a guilty pleasure. She deserved a little payback for all the times she’d driven me crazy.

Savannah, frustrated, pinned me against the door and kissed my cheek. "Baby, you should’ve told me you liked me. I was afraid I’d scare you."

Her voice was soft, almost shy. I’d never seen her like this before.

Once she realized I was playing hard to get, Savannah dropped the act and showed her true colors.

She became bolder, more affectionate. It was like a switch flipped inside her.

But I pushed her onto the bed: "Who’s scaring who? We’ll see."

I grinned, feeling braver than ever. If she wanted a challenge, I’d give her one.

Savannah froze, then smirked, hooked her arms around my neck, and pulled me down.

She pulled me close, her eyes sparkling. "Oh? I’d like to see that."