The tension in the auditorium was a live wire after Kris and Leo's heated exchange. Mia felt utterly drained, emotionally and physically. As Ms. Dubois ushered everyone back into position, Mia found herself gravitating towards the quiet solace of the tech booth, where James was meticulously checking a microphone.
"Hey," James said, his voice low, his brow furrowed with concern as he met her gaze. "You okay? That was... intense. He went off on Leo."
Mia slumped onto a stool beside him, running a hand through her hair. "I don't even know, James. I'm so tired. And confused. Why does he even care? It's just a bet. And Leo was just trying to be nice."
James sighed, leaning against the console. "He cares because it's you, Mia. And because he's Kris. He doesn't like anyone else getting close to what he considers 'his,' even if 'his' is just his bet-slave for the week." He paused, looking at her intently. "Honestly, Mia, you two are something else. The way he looked at Leo... that wasn't just about the bet. That was... territorial."
Mia scoffed, but the sound was weak. "Territorial? Don't be ridiculous. He hates me. I hate him. It's just... a very aggressive rivalry."
"Is it?" James challenged softly. "Because I've seen you two fight for years. This feels different. The way you two are on stage it's like a weird reflection of how you are off stage. All that intensity, that passion... It's not just acting, is it?" He gave her a knowing look. "And the way he acted today? That was pure, unadulterated jealousy, Mia. Whether he admits it or not."
Mia's cheeks flushed. Jealousy? The thought was absurd. And yet... the fierce glint in Kris's eyes, the way he had stepped between them, the raw anger in his voice. It felt too real for just a bet. She thought of the anonymous letter, the words of grudging admiration she had penned, the secret she held. And now, this.
"It's just the bet," she insisted, more to herself than to James. "He's just trying to make my life hell. And he's doing a really good job of it."
James didn't push. He just nodded, understanding. "Well, if you need a break from his 'duties,' or just need to vent, you know where to find me. I've got your back, even if it means dealing with Windsor's death stares." He offered her a small, comforting smile.