CHAPTER 404: CHAPTER 404 VISITING KARL

As she prepared to leave,

Julian, Adrian, and Milo all made it clear they were coming too. It wasn’t just concern for Karl—though that was part of it—they were also curious. None of them had ever been to a shooting set before, and the idea of watching the whole process unfold intrigued them.

They wanted to see Karl, yes, but they also wanted to step into that world of lights, cameras, and behind-the-scenes chaos they had only heard about.

Ruby couldn’t help but shake her head with a small smile, wondering how much trouble the four of them together might cause once they got there.

***

"Is that... Karl??" Milo’s eyes went wide, his voice dropping to a dramatic whisper as he leaned slightly forward. His gaze was glued to the man across the set, working opposite his co-star.

Karl looked almost unrecognizable in the elaborate costume—tailored layers, boots polished to a mirror shine, and hair styled in a way that made him seem like someone from another century. The makeup was subtle but enough to sharpen his features under the bright set lights. It was surreal, watching the same Karl they knew at home now standing there, carrying himself like the character he was playing.

Ruby had brought them to his set, sneaking them past the busier areas until they reached a spot where they could watch without being noticed. She had slipped away to another corner to take care of her own work, leaving them under the casual watch of Penny, Karl’s ever-patient assistant, who had promised to keep them from getting in trouble.

They waited quietly, the three of them exchanging looks, trying not to laugh at how serious Karl looked while delivering his lines. When the director finally called cut, Karl exhaled deeply, thanked his co-star, and walked toward his chair to rest.

The moment his eyes landed on them—Julian sitting back with a gentle smile, Adrian giving a small, polite nod, and Milo grinning like he’d just spotted a rare animal—Karl froze mid-step. His eyes widened, his mouth fell open, and he blinked as if making sure they weren’t some kind of mirage.

"Oh my goodness!!!" he burst out, his voice carrying across the small resting area. Without hesitation, he strode over, a huge grin spreading across his face. "What—what are you all doing here? Did I win some kind of family lottery today?"

Milo shot up first, practically bouncing on his heels. "We came to see how our superstar is doing! And wow, Karl... I don’t know whether to bow or ask for your autograph."

Julian chuckled softly, tilting his head. "I think I preferred you without the boots. You look taller than you actually are."

Adrian gave a faint smirk. "Costume suits you, though. Can’t say the same for your usual Robes."

Karl gasped dramatically, clutching his chest. "Excuse me, I’ll have you know my robes are part of my personal brand." He then reached out, pulling each of them into a hug one by one, his laughter bubbling out like he couldn’t contain it. "You have no idea how boring it’s been here without someone to annoy me with boring lectures.."

Milo grinned, eyes sparkling. "Don’t worry, we’ll make up for lost time."

Karl raised a brow playfully. "Oh no... now I’m scared. Penny, you might want to keep the fire extinguisher ready."

Penny, who had been quietly watching from the side, rolled her eyes but smiled. "I’ll keep it on standby. But it’s nice seeing you this happy."

Karl looked back at his friends—no, his family—and for a moment, the noise of the set faded. "Happy? I’m ecstatic. You guys just made my day."

Karl didn’t let go right away after the hugs. Instead, he stepped back just enough to look at them, his lips starting to tremble in that exaggerated, theatrical way he always used when he was about to start one of his "big speeches."

"You have no idea..." he began, his voice low and shaky, as if he were about to confess some deep tragedy. "No idea how hard I’ve been working here. The sweat... the tears... the endless retakes. My feet... they cry every night." He placed a hand dramatically over his heart, tilting his head back like he might collapse on the spot.

Milo bit his lip to stop from laughing. "Brother Karl, you literally just sat down five minutes ago. I saw you. You were scrolling on your phone."

"That was my break, Milo!" Karl sniffled, as if offended that Milo didn’t understand the depth of his suffering. "And don’t even get me started on hostel life. Ohhh, the horror. Tiny room. One squeaky bed. A bathroom that makes suspicious noises in the middle of the night. I can’t even talk about the—"

Julian chuckled, folding his arms. "I thought you said Kaelan’s been taking care of you."

"He has!" Karl said quickly, throwing his hands up. "He’s a saint. Gives me food, makes sure I don’t starve, helps me with laundry sometimes... but still! It’s not home. There’s no Jules to yell at me for leaving my socks around, no brother adi giving me that terrifying accountant stare, no Milo pestering me with weird questions about life. I miss all that! I miss you guys!"

Adrian raised an eyebrow, his voice calm but teasing. "So... you’re saying you miss being annoyed?"

"Yes!" Karl declared without hesitation, his eyes glassy like he might burst into tears for real. "Do you know how empty my life feels when no one is roasting me during dinner? I’ve had to roast myself, Brother adi. Do you know how sad that is?"

Milo broke into laughter. "That’s actually pathetic."

Karl nodded vigorously, wiping an imaginary tear from his cheek. "Pathetic and lonely. I’ve been counting down the days until I could see you again. And now—" he spread his arms wide "—my beautiful, annoying, judgmental family is here."

Julian shook his head with a quiet laugh, leaning back in his chair. "You’re ridiculous."

Karl sniffled again, though there was a hint of a grin tugging at his lips. "Ridiculous and loved, thank you very much. Now, someone please tell me we’re going to lunch together, because I’ve been dreaming of Jules cooking for a week."

To be continued... 🪄