The black van glided smoothly through the quiet streets, sunlight spilling through the tinted windows. Ji-ah sat near the window, her chin resting lightly on her palm. Outside, the city was waking up — cafés opening, vendors setting up stalls, and people hurrying to work. But inside the van, the atmosphere felt calm, almost too calm.
Jun-ha was typing something on his tablet, his brows furrowed but his posture relaxed. Hyun-min sat opposite Ji-ah, wearing his usual sunglasses, his gaze unreadable. Every now and then, his eyes flickered toward her — quick, as if he didn't want to be caught looking.
"Are you nervous?" Da-eun whispered beside her.
Ji-ah turned, smiling faintly. "A little. But… I feel like today's going to be different. In a good way."
Jun-ha glanced up from his screen. "It will be. Just focus on being yourself." His tone was matter-of-fact, but there was a warmth hidden underneath — the kind that made Ji-ah wonder what exactly he knew.
As the van approached the shooting site, Ji-ah's heart beat faster. She wasn't sure if it was the excitement of the scene they were about to film… or the way Hyun-min's gaze lingered just a moment too long before he turned toward the window.
---
The moment Ji-ah stepped out of the van, a wave of warmth greeted her. The staff members lined up on either side, holding small heart-shaped placards and cheering softly.
"Welcome back, Ji-soo!" someone called, and others echoed with bright smiles. Ji-ah felt a lump form in her throat — she wasn't used to this kind of attention, yet it made her chest feel light.
The director walked up with an easy stride, his face lighting up the moment he saw her. "Welcome, Ji-soo. I know you're still not feeling your best, but thank you for agreeing to come in your current condition."
Hyun-min, standing just beside her, immediately spoke up, his tone calm but laced with concern. "Director, in that case, you should've filmed the other parts of the drama first."
The director sighed lightly but smiled. "I already did that, Hyun-min. When you two were on your off days, we covered everything we could. Now, it's no longer in my hands."
Before Hyun-min could respond, one of the staff members jogged over. "Director, we'll start with the other actors' scenes first."
"Alright," the director nodded, then turned back to Ji-ah. "Ji-soo, until your turn comes, you can rehearse your script. Take your time — no rush."
Ji-ah nodded politely, clutching her script a little tighter. She could feel Hyun-min's gaze lingering on her, but when she glanced at him, he looked away as if nothing had happened.
---
Just as Ji-ah was about to follow the director's advice and find a quiet spot, a young female staff member approached with a polite smile. "Da-eun-ssi, Ji-soo-ssi… the make-up room for Ji-soo is ready. You can head there now."
Da-eun's eyes darted between Ji-ah and the staff, then she let out a sudden gasp. "Ah— I really need to use the washroom. Urgently." She gave an embarrassed laugh and pressed her hands together in a pleading gesture. "Could you please take Ji-soo to her room first? I'll join later."
The staff member blinked, clearly finding it a little odd, but she still nodded. "Of course."
Ji-ah tilted her head slightly at Da-eun. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, yes. Go ahead. I'll catch up," Da-eun waved quickly before hurrying off toward the other side of the set.
With a small shrug, Ji-ah followed the staff member, who led her through the maze-like hallways of the set. The hum of activity surrounded them — stylists rushing with garment bags, lighting crew adjusting spotlights, the muffled sound of rehearsals happening in other rooms.
Finally, they stopped in front of a white door with a gold nameplate reading 'Ji-soo'. The staff member pushed it open and gestured politely. "Here you go, Ji-soo-ssi. If you need anything, just press the call button inside."
Ji-ah stepped in, the faint scent of fresh flowers greeting her. The room was bright and neatly arranged — almost too perfect, as if someone had gone out of their way to prepare it just for her.
---
Daeun trailed behind Ji-ah and the staff member, her pace unhurried yet eyes alert. When they reached the make-up room, the staff member smiled and gestured toward the inside.
"You can rehearse your script peacefully here," she said warmly. "If you need anything, just call me."
Ji-ah nodded politely. "Thank you," she said with a small bow.
Just then, Daeun appeared from behind, her sudden presence making Ji-ah blink.
"I feel great now," Daeun announced with a cheerful tone.
The staff member looked momentarily surprised — after all, Daeun had claimed to urgently need the washroom only moments ago — but said nothing. With a brief nod, she left to return to her work.
Daeun closed the door behind her and grinned. "You know, right? I wasn't actually lost. I just made a quick excuse to find my way to Ji-soo's room."
Ji-ah smirked faintly. "Yeah, I figured."
"Good," Daeun said, stepping further in. "Now, I'm going to figure out everything about this building — all the hallways, rooms, and your… well, Ji-soo's… relationships with the others. Just to make sure no one doubts us in any way."
"I know you could do that easily," Ji-ah replied, smiling softly.
"Of course. For now, you stay here and go through your script. I'll go out and gather all the information I can — from staff, crew, anyone who talks too much."
Ji-ah nodded, and Daeun slipped out. Alone in the quiet, Ji-ah settled into a chair, opening her script. Her eyes skimmed over the lines until they froze.
The next scene.
Her breath caught — it was a kiss scene. Between her and Hyun-min.
Her fingers trembled slightly as she flipped past it, deciding to rehearse all the other scenes first. But no matter how much she avoided it, the thought lingered in her mind.
The door creaked open, and Daeun walked back in, looking rather pleased with herself. Before she could even sit, Ji-ah jumped up and grabbed her arm.
"What do I do, Daeun?" Ji-ah blurted, her voice edged with panic.
Daeun frowned slightly. "What happened? Is there a problem?"
Wordlessly, Ji-ah handed her the script. Daeun opened it, scanned the page — and then burst into laughter.
"Oh, so this is why you're freaking out? A kiss scene with Hyun-min?" She chuckled again, shaking her head. "Come on, Ji-ah, it's just part of the drama."
Ji-ah's face flushed. "But… I can't. It would be my first kiss. I can't do this to myself. And with him… I'm not sure about it."
Daeun leaned back, amused. "Wait. Are you saying… you don't even know how to kiss?"
Ji-ah nodded, wearing an awkward, almost guilty expression.
That sent Daeun into another fit of laughter. "Oh, girl… how would you have survived in this world without me?"
---