The te-morning sun filtered through the woods' canopy, casting dappled patches of light over the picnic scene. A red-and-white checkered bnket was spread across the soft grass, framed by neatly arranged props: wicker baskets spilling with fruit, a gss pitcher of lemonade glinting in the light, and, of course, several grano bars perfectly dispyed on a wooden ptter. The crew bustled around, adjusting cameras, reflectors, and microphones, their chatter blending with the rustle of leaves and distant birdsong.

  Harper sat cross-legged on the mat, her back straight but her posture stiff. She tugged at the hem of her shirt, a pin button-up from the day before, which she had managed to keep clean and pressed. However, she felt acutely aware of how they were unmistakably the same ones she’d been photographed in yesterday.

  She felt underprepared compared to Ivy, who was radiant in a soft green puff-sleeved sundress that swayed gently with every movement.

  Ivy noticed Harper’s tense expression from where she stood chatting with a crewmember. With a quick word to wrap up the conversation, she walked over and lowered herself gracefully onto the bnket beside Harper, tucking her legs under her. She leaned closer, her voice low and warm. “You okay?”

  Harper hesitated, gncing at the nearby crew members before sighing. “I’m fine,” she said, though her tone betrayed her. “I’m just... I didn’t have time to change. I feel like I look so out of pce.”

  Ivy ughed softly, her voice like a balm. “Oh, Harper, I doubt anyone will notice.” She turned her head sharply as a few crew members nearby stifled snickers, clearly overhearing the exchange. Her eyes narrowed, shooting them a gre that spoke volumes without her needing to speak. The snickering stopped instantly, repced by sheepish looks as they quickly busied themselves with their tasks.

  Turning back to Harper, Ivy softened. “Seriously, if you’re uncomfortable, we can call it off. No one’s going to fault you for that.”

  Harper shook her head, running a hand through her hair. “No, it’s fine. This is part of the job, right? If we miss the deadline for this ad, it’ll be worse than a little wardrobe crisis.”

  Ivy nodded, her expression thoughtful. She reached out, her fingers lightly brushing Harper’s arm. “Alright, then. But listen, you’re not in this alone, okay? I’ll be right here with you. Just focus on me. On how lovely this day is. The sunlight, the fresh air...” She gestured around them with her free hand. “And how much fun it is to be out here with the crew.”

  Her voice was so earnest and soothing that Harper found herself rexing despite herself. Some of the crewmembers, overhearing Ivy’s encouragement, chimed in.

  “She’s right, Harper,” one said as they adjusted a light reflector. “You look great. No one’s going to care about what you’re wearing.”

  “Yeah,” another added, grinning. “Your fans love you for you. They’re not gonna nitpick.”

  Harper exhaled, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. “Thanks, guys,” she said, managing a small smile. “I guess I just overthink things sometimes.”

  Ivy grinned and gave Harper’s arm a gentle squeeze. “Good. Let’s knock this shoot out of the park, yeah?”

  Kim, the director of today’s shoot, called for everyone to take their pces, and Ivy shifted closer to Harper, picking up one of the grano bars from the ptter. She handed it to Harper with a pyful smile. “Ready to talk about the best grano bars ever?”

  Harper couldn’t help but ugh, shaking her head as she accepted it. “Sure, why not?”

  The cameras rolled, and the two women fell into an easy rhythm. Their conversation about the grano bars was filled with genuine humor and camaraderie. Ivy gushed about the fvor and texture, her words ced with an infectious lighthearted enthusiasm. Harper followed her lead, her earlier discomfort melting away as she focused on Ivy’s sparkling eyes and how she made everything feel effortless.

  The crew cued them to ugh, clink their grano bars together in mock toasts, and take exaggerated bites, all while pyfully bantering about how these bars were perfect for hikes or just lounging at home. Harper’s ughter became more natural, and her posture rexed as the shoot continued.

  By the time Kim called for a break, Harper was genuinely smiling, the weight of her insecurities lifting. Ivy leaned close, her voice barely above a whisper. “See? Told you you’d be great.”

  Harper turned to her, her smile soft and genuine. “Only because you were here.”

  Ivy winked. “Well, you better get used to it. I’m not going anywhere.”

  As the crew prepared for the next scene, Harper leaned back on her hands, the sunlight warming her face. For the first time that morning, she felt entirely at ease, surrounded by the forest's hum, the crew's ughter, and the comforting presence of Ivy by her side.

  +++

  The dappled sunlight filtered through the dense canopy of trees, casting flickering patterns of gold on the forest floor. A soft breeze rustled the leaves, carrying the faint scent of pine and earth. Harper and Ivy sat side by side on the picnic bnket, ughing lightly between takes as Kim and the crew worked on the next setup. The grano bars, now slightly crumbled from repeated use, still gleamed invitingly under the careful pcement of props and reflectors.

  “Alright,” Kim called, her voice cheerful as she gestured toward the bnket. “One more take of you two trying the grano bars, then we’ll do some candid b-roll. Just be yourselves—walking, chatting, you know, looking disgustingly charming together.”

  Ivy chuckled, shaking her head as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Disgustingly charming. No pressure, huh?”

  Harper smirked, leaning back on her hands. “I think she just called us cute in her own twisted way.”

  Kim overheard and shot a grin from behind the camera. “Don’t let it go to your heads. The stars of this show are the grano bars, not you two lovebirds.”

  Harper’s smirk faltered slightly, and she cast a quick gnce at Ivy, who was adjusting her dress. There was a faint pink hue on Ivy’s cheeks, but she didn’t seem to mind the pyful jab. Harper exhaled, rexing again as the crew signaled they were ready.

  For the next take, Ivy reached for one of the bars, unwrapping it with practiced ease. “You know,” she said, smiling at Harper, “these really are good.” She took a dainty bite, her expression softening into genuine approval. “Nutty, fruity, not too sweet. Perfect.”

  Harper mirrored her movements, taking a bite of her own bar. “I’ll admit, it’s growing on me. Definitely something I’d keep in my bag for a hike.”

  “You hike?” Ivy asked, her eyes widening with mock surprise.

  Harper raised an eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Just... hard to imagine you trekking through the woods with a grano bar,” Ivy teased, her tone light. “More like... dragging along a thermos of coffee and a novel.”

  The crew ughed softly behind the cameras, and even Harper had to grin. “Shows what you know. I’d bring two thermoses.”

  Kim cpped her hands together. “Cut! That was perfect. You two are naturals.” She gestured to the videographers. “Alright, let’s move on to the b-roll. I want candid shots of you two walking, maybe sitting in the meadow, looking up at the sky. Just be rexed. Pretend we’re not even here.”

  “Easier said than done,” Ivy murmured, standing and brushing off her dress.

  Harper stood beside her, towering over her slightly in height but softened by the pyful smirk on her face. “Just follow my lead. I’m a master of pretending not to care about being watched.”

  Ivy rolled her eyes. “Oh, I’m sure.”

  The group set off into the woods, Harper and Ivy walking a little behind the two videographers and Kim, who was gesturing enthusiastically as she talked about the location. “Honestly,” Kim said, her voice carrying through the trees, “I should just set up an office out here. We’re here so often; it might as well be my second home.”

  The videographers chuckled, one of them muttering something about how much easier it would be to lug equipment if they had a permanent setup nearby.

  Harper and Ivy, meanwhile, fell into their own conversation, their voices quieter, more intimate.

  “So,” Harper began, slipping her hands into her pockets. “What kind of snacks do you usually go for? Or are grano bars your new favorite?”

  Ivy smiled, gncing up at her. “Actually, I do love grano. Nuts, dried fruits—anything easy to snack on. But if I had to pick a guilty pleasure, it’d be anything with white chocote. Or fruits and cream. Light, sweet things.”

  Harper tilted her head. “White chocote, huh? Fancy.”

  Ivy nudged her pyfully with her elbow. “What about you?”

  “Dark chocote,” Harper replied without hesitation. “The darker, the better. And things that go well with it—cherries, bckberries, brownies. That’s my kind of snack.”

  Ivy ughed softly, a sound that blended harmoniously with the rustling leaves. “I guess we’d make the perfect couple. No fighting over dessert.”

  Harper’s lips quirked into a slow smile. “With you, Ivy, you could have anything of mine. Even if it’s just so you could toss it out to mess with me.”

  Ivy’s cheeks flushed a delicate pink, and she looked down at the ground as they walked. “I’d never waste good food like that. But...” She gnced up, her eyes sparkling. “I might steal a cherry. Just one.”

  Harper chuckled, her voice low and warm. “Noted. I’ll make sure to buy twice as many.”

  The meadow came into view, a soft expanse of wildflowers and tall grass swaying gently in the breeze. The crew motioned for Harper and Ivy to sit, and they sank onto the ground together, lying back in the grass as they gazed up at the clear blue sky. The warmth of the sun, the hum of insects, and the gentle banter between them made the moment feel timeless.

  As the crew captured the scene, Kim stood off to the side, arms crossed, a rare smile tugging at her lips. There was something about the way Harper and Ivy interacted—the easy ughter, the lingering gnces—that made it hard to believe it was all for the cameras.

  “Disgustingly charming,” Kim muttered to herself, shaking her head as she signaled for the videographers to keep rolling.

  +++

  The sun was beginning its zy descent, casting long shadows over the forest and tinting the air with a golden hue. The meadow, where they’d just finished their first set of shots, seemed to glow, the wildflowers catching the light like tiny nterns. Harper and Ivy stood, brushing stray grass and petals from their clothes as Kim called the wrap for the meadow shoot.

  “Alright, folks,” Kim said with a mischievous glint in her eye, cpping her hands together. “Let’s pack up and head back down.”

  The gentle hill sloped down toward the denser part of the woods, the path winding between trees whose roots jutted out like ancient veins. Harper and Ivy walked ahead, their conversation barely audible to the others.

  “Careful there,” Harper murmured as Ivy stepped delicately over a patch of uneven ground.

  “I’m fine,” Ivy replied, her voice light, but Harper moved closer anyway.

  When they reached a cluster of rocks, Harper didn’t hesitate. Her hands found Ivy’s waist, steadying her as she crossed. The warmth of Ivy’s frame against her palms sent a pulse of heat through Harper’s chest, but she masked it with an air of nonchance.

  “Thanks,” Ivy said, fshing her a brief, radiant smile before slipping out of her grasp and continuing down the path, oblivious to the way Harper lingered for just a second longer, her hands now shoved deep into her pockets.

  Trailing behind, Kim and the videographers exchanged amused gnces. “She’s got it bad,” one of the crew members whispered, earning a smirk and a nod from Kim.

  “Completely oblivious,” Kim replied under her breath. “We might as well give her a push.”

  Harper, still trailing a few steps behind Ivy, didn’t notice as Kim sped up, catching up to Ivy and gently steering her toward a massive tree at the edge of the path. Its roots twisted and turned out of the ground like a natural sculpture, forming a perfect backdrop for a whimsical shot.

  “Hold up,” Kim said, pnting her hands on Ivy’s shoulders. “I’ve got an idea. Let’s use this tree for some rest shots—you know, make it look like you two are taking a break from a long hike. We’ll get some drone footage, too. It'll be gorgeous.”

  The videographers eagerly chimed in, adding to the pn. “What if Ivy leans into Harper? Or—hear me out—Ivy rests her head on Harper’s p? Totally candid, very couple vibes. Perfect for social media.”

  Harper perked up at the suggestion, though she tried to py it cool. “I mean, if it’s what the shoot needs...”

  Ivy’s cheeks flushed a delicate pink. “That’s... fine. Whatever looks best for the shot.”

  They settled into pce, with Harper sitting against the thick root and Ivy nestling into her side. The first shots were light and pyful, Ivy leaning slightly into Harper as they shared a grano bar, their ughter mingling with the sounds of the forest. Ivy’s natural, unguarded beauty glowed in the soft light, and Harper’s faintly flustered expressions added an undeniable charm to the dynamic.

  “Alright,” Kim called, her voice tinged with barely suppressed glee. “Let’s take it up a notch. Ivy, rest your head on Harper’s p—like you’re totally rexed after a long day hiking. Harper, just look natural; maybe snack on the bar or py with Ivy’s hair.”

  Ivy blushed deeper but nodded, shifting to lie down with her head resting gently on Harper’s p. Harper swallowed hard, her pulse quickening as Ivy’s soft hair fanned out against her thigh. She hesitated for a moment, then reached down, brushing an errant strand from Ivy’s face.

  The cameras clicked and whirred, capturing the tender, almost ethereal moment. The sunlight filtering through the leaves dappled their skin, and the earthy tones of the forest framed them like something out of a romantic fantasy.

  “Perfect,” one of the videographers murmured, adjusting their lens.

  “Alright, st one,” Kim announced, her tone carefully casual. “Switch it up. Harper, you lie back in Ivy’s p this time.”

  Harper blinked, surprised, but Ivy was already shifting to sit upright. Her blush was still faint, but her expression was kind and encouraging. “Come on, Harper. Your turn.”

  Harper complied, settling herself against Ivy’s p, one leg bent against the trunk of the tree and an arm resting around Ivy’s waist. Ivy’s fingers tentatively found their way into Harper’s dark hair, combing through it absentmindedly. Harper let her eyes close for a moment, her features softening into a dreamy, content expression.

  The final shot captured Harper looking up at Ivy with unguarded fondness, her smile small but genuine, while Ivy gazed down at her, her own expression a mix of warmth and quiet curiosity. It was a moment so intimate, so raw, that even the videographers fell silent, letting the scene speak for itself.

  Kim finally cpped her hands, snapping the crew out of their reverie. “That’s a wrap! Great work, everyone.”

  As the group began packing up, Harper and Ivy stood, brushing themselves off once more. The tension from earlier had shifted into something lighter, easier, though Harper’s heart still thrummed with unspoken emotions.

  The five of them made their way back toward the cottage, the golden light of the setting sun casting long shadows across the path. Kim walked behind them, watching Harper and Ivy’s retreating figures with a satisfied smile. She might have pushed things along today, but it wouldn’t have meddled if it had made for great content, right?

  As the sun dipped lower, painting the sky in soft hues of pink and orange, the group trudged back to the cottage. The air was filled with a sense of accomplishment, buoyed by the lighthearted energy that had carried them through the day.

  Ivy stretched her arms above her head, stifling a yawn. “I don’t think I have it in me for painting tonight,” she said apologetically, her voice tinged with exhaustion. “Raincheck?”

  “Of course,” Kim replied with a grin. “Go rest, Picasso. We’ll be here tomorrow.”

  Ivy smiled her thanks, bidding the group goodnight before slipping into her cottage. Harper watched her retreating figure, a faint, dreamy hum escaping her lips as she made her way toward her car.

  Before she could reach it, the two videographers from earlier appeared, intercepting her with wide grins and a mischievous twinkle in their eyes.

  “Good luck,” one of them said, giving her an exaggerated thumbs-up.

  “Yeah, we’re rooting for you,” the other added, their tone teasing but genuinely supportive.

  Harper blinked, looking bemused. “Uh, thanks?”

  The videographers exchanged a knowing gnce before sauntering off, leaving Harper shaking her head in mild confusion.

  She didn’t make it much farther before Kim rounded the corner, cpping a firm hand on her shoulder. Harper turned to see her boss wearing a sly, almost conspiratorial smile.

  Kim tilted her head, her grin widening. “So what was that you said again about treating her as a friend? Just wanting to be supportive?” she said, her tone loaded with pyful sarcasm.

  Harper rolled her eyes, a faint blush creeping up her neck. “ I don’t know what you or everyone else is on about.”

  “Uh-huh,” Kim replied, crossing her arms. “Well, for what it’s worth, even the crew’s rooting for you. We’ve all got your back, so don’t mess it up. And hey,” she added with a wink, “make sure we’re all invited to the wedding.”

  Harper let out a ugh, shaking her head as she opened her car door. “You’re all ridiculous, you know that?”

  Kim just chuckled, giving her a casual wave as she headed back toward her own car, getting in and driving off for the evening.

  Sliding into the driver’s seat, Harper closed the door and started the engine, the smile on her face growing wider as she pulled out of the driveway. The teasing, the support, and Ivy’s soft, unassuming presence—it all stayed with her, warm and lingering, like the glow of the setting sun.

  For the entire drive home, Harper’s grin never wavered a steady, persistent reminder of the day and the people who had, somehow, turned her unspoken feelings into something brighter, something hopeful.

  ***

  Sadly the pleasant atmosphere surrounding Harper and her work with Ivy, Kim and the crew from the day before was short-lived as the next morning, Harper’s worst fear came true. Social media was abze.

  “Wait, Harper’s wearing the same clothes two days in a row?” “They totally spent the night together.” “Ivy, girl, what’s the tea?”

  The hashtags #Harpvy and #SnackBoxSecrets trended within hours. Even the ad itself, a charming mix of nature shots and friendly banter, was overshadowed by conspiracy theories.

  Harper immediately called Kim and asked her to do damage control. However, Kim was over the moon.

  “Do you know how much traction this is getting?” she excimed, practically bouncing as she waved her tablet in the air in her office. “The snack box company just upped our sponsorship fee! Keep up the good work. Scandal sells!”

  Harper groaned, burying her face in her hands. “All I wanted was to get through that shoot without anyone noticing my clothes.”

  Back at her cottage, Ivy, however, wasn’t ughing. Her phone buzzed incessantly with notifications, and many of them were far from kind.

  “Slut.” “Attention seeker.” “She’s not good enough for Harper.”

  By mid-afternoon, Kim had stepped in. The social media account manager who handled Ivy’s account informed Kim of the onsught of ill will and snder being thrown at Ivy, and so Kim decided to give Ivy a call to sort things out.

  “We’re putting out a statement. Ivy, let’s do a quick video interview to clear this up.” Kim expined to Ivy over the phone.

  “Do we have to?” Ivy asked, already exhausted from defending herself in her DMs.

  “Yes. Trust me. Damage control,” Kim said briskly.

  That afternoon instead of going straight into the painting studio to start work on Harper’s self portrait, the crew set up a camera in Ivy’s living room, and within minutes, Ivy was staring down the lens, her face calm but resolute.

  “Nothing happened,” Ivy said, csping her hands in her p. “Harper stayed over because it was te. We pyed a video game, drank hot chocote, and went to bed. Separately.” She paused. “Sorry to disappoint anyone hoping for drama, but that’s the truth.”

  Harper, who had been looking on while lingering at the door, slipped away with an unreadable expression. Kim decided that the shoot should end early, seeing how tired and worn out both her Talents were. She decided to continue things when they were in a better frame of mind.

  The video was posted to Ivy’s socials, and though many fans were satisfied, the haters still continued to specute, however more of the fans started to come to the girl’s rescue, sticking up for them and their ptonic retionship, and telling the haters to leave them alone and let them be if they were just friends.

  Meanwhile, Harper left the set almost immediately after Kim said that they could wrap up, heading home and turning off her phone. Hearing Ivy say that nothing happened between them hit her hard, and although she knew it was to protect both of their reputations, Harper very much just wanted to ruin everything if it meant she could publicly be with Ivy.

  ***