Daeun's laughter didn't stop—it only grew louder, echoing through the room like she had just discovered the funniest thing in the universe.
"Alright, alright," she said between giggles, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye, "don't worry, we'll practice this scene."
Ji-ah blinked at her. "Practice? How exactly are we supposed to do that?"
Daeun's eyes lit up like she'd just come up with a brilliant idea. "Simple. Think of a cartoon character that matches Hyun-min."
Ji-ah tilted her head, giving it some thought. "…Cold Pirate Bunny."
For a moment, Daeun just stared at her. Then she burst into another fit of laughter. "Oh, that's perfect. Wait right here, I'll be back soon."
Ji-ah frowned. "Where are you going? Daeun—hey, Daeun!"
But Daeun was already halfway out the door, waving a hand. "Just wait!"
It was several minutes later when the door swung open again. Daeun walked in, grinning from ear to ear, holding a small stuffed toy—a Cold Pirate Bunny plush.
Ji-ah's eyes widened. "Where did you even go?"
"To buy this," Daeun replied proudly, setting it on the bed like it was some kind of prized treasure.
"…Why?" Ji-ah asked slowly.
Daeun crossed her arms as if the answer was obvious. "Because you're going to imagine this toy is Hyun-min and practice the kiss scene with it."
Ji-ah stared at her like she'd just lost her mind. "Will… will that even work?"
"I'm sure it will," Daeun said with all the confidence of a drama coach. "Now focus, Ji-ah. Give it a shot."
And so, Ji-ah practiced. And practiced. For an hour straight, she held that poor stuffed bunny, leaning in, pulling back, trying again—muttering to herself and blushing at her own ridiculousness.
A knock on the door interrupted them. Daeun opened it to find a staff member.
"Jisoo-ssi," the woman said politely, "your scene with Hyun-min will begin in a few minutes."
Ji-ah nodded with a small smile. "I'll be there."
When the staff member left, Daeun clapped her hands together. "You've got this!"
But Ji-ah's stomach twisted in knots. Her palms were cold despite the warm lights at the set. By the time she stepped onto the shooting location, the dazzling setup almost distracted her—until the director spotted her from across the way.
"Jisoo! You're here. Practiced well?"
Ji-ah forced a smile. "I… practiced. But I'm not sure if I can do this right."
The director's eyes softened. "You're already one of the most brilliant actresses in our industry. Don't let that memory issue hold you back."
Her heart sank at those words. That's the thing… I'm not Jisoo. She's a brilliant actress. I'm Ji-ah, a team leader in a food company. Sure, my company's well-known, but that doesn't make me an actress.
"Jisoo?" The director's voice snapped her out of her thoughts. "Where were you just now? Are you okay?"
"Yes," Ji-ah said quickly. "I can do it."
Just then, Hyun-min arrived behind her, and the director grinned. "Ah, our star is ready too. Shall we begin?"
But before they could start, the stylist rushed over. "Jisoo-ssi, this isn't your outfit for today's shoot."
The director frowned. "Then why didn't you tell her earlier?"
The stylist bowed apologetically. "I'll change her right away."
Ji-ah followed the stylist back to the room, where Daeun was waiting. She sprang to her feet immediately. "What happened? Did you faint out there?"
"Relax," Ji-ah said, "I just need to change for the scene."
The stylist handed over the dress. Daeun's eyes widened. "Whoa… this is perfect for you."
The stylist shook her head. "Jisoo doesn't usually like this style."
"Well," Daeun said with a smirk, "she does now."
The stylist looked confused, but Ji-ah gave her a small nod. "It's fine. I'll wear it."
When she stepped out, Daeun beamed. "Now you're going to shoot your first scene in your style."
"It's comfortable," Ji-ah admitted.
They returned to the set, where Ji-ah and Hyun-min stood facing each other for the kiss scene. They moved closer, eyes locking—until Ji-ah's gaze flicked to his nose. In that instant, something inside her cracked. She spun around, laughing uncontrollably.
The entire set froze.
"…Cut," the director said, staring at her.
"I'm sorry," Ji-ah said quickly. "I'll try again."
From the corner, Daeun groaned into her hands. "Oh god, Ji-ah, why are you making this harder?"
They tried again. And again. Each time, Ji-ah's shoulders shook with suppressed laughter until she couldn't hold it in anymore.
Hyun-min's brows drew together in frustration. The director finally called, "Let's take a break."
He motioned for them to come closer. "What's going on, Jisoo? Why can't you do it?"
"I'm sorry," Ji-ah said, lowering her gaze. "I'll do my best next time."
Hyun-min muttered something under his breath and turned to leave. Daeun followed, but the director called after her, "Make sure she practices properly."
From the side, Jun-ha had been watching silently. Even he couldn't understand what was wrong. He trailed after Hyun-min, asking, "Why do you think Jisoo laughs every time you try the kiss scene?"
The question only deepened Hyun-min's scowl.
Meanwhile, back in the room, Daeun crossed her arms. "Okay, explain. Why were you laughing like a maniac?"
Ji-ah's lips curved mischievously. "Oh god, Daeun… when I get close to him, from a certain angle, all I can see is his nose. And it's just—" She burst out laughing again.
"How?!" Daeun demanded.
"I mean, from another angle, you don't see his whole face—just the nose. It's so… funny!"
That was the moment the door opened. Hyun-min stood there, and behind him, Jun-ha was trying to stop him from walking in.
Ji-ah froze. Daeun's eyes widened.
And the air in the room shifted instantly.
---
To be continued
[End of chapter 14]