It was supposed to be simple. Harmless, even.

At least, that’s what the PR team had promised.

Carlos could still remember the exact way their PR manager had leaned across the table during the debrief, practically glowing with excitement, as if they’d just come up with the next Nobel-winning idea.
“A cute couples’ cooking video! Fans will love it. Something easy — like pancakes! Or pasta! Just be yourselves, show off that chemistry. Laugh, mess around a little. It’ll be gold on social media.”

The words easy and just for fun had been repeated enough times that Carlos had shrugged, grinning his usual easy-going grin.
“Sure. Why not? What’s the worst that could happen?”

He hadn’t noticed the way Max had hesitated — not much, just for a second — before giving a small nod, his face the picture of calm, neutral agreement.
“For PR. Okay,” Max had said simply. No protest. No visible nerves. But Carlos knew him. The way his fingers drummed once against his thigh betrayed him — just once — before stilling again.

…..