The set was heavy with silence, the dim alley backdrop almost too perfect for the tension in the scene. You stood across from HoYeon, her shoulders rising and falling as she readied herself. The director’s voice broke through the stillness.

"Action!"

Your character’s voice wavered as you took a step closer to her. “Kang Sae Byeok… thanks for playing with me.” The line was soft, almost a whisper, but carried the weight of everything unspoken. Your hands trembled as you delivered it, tears brimming in your eyes. Her character’s stoic exterior cracked as her own tears began to fall, her lips parting like she wanted to say something—anything—but she couldn’t.

The shot rang out. You collapsed to the ground, lifeless. Her scream followed, raw and broken, echoing through the set. The director called, "Cut!"

But HoYeon didn’t move. She stood rooted in place, tears streaming down her face as she tried to stifle the sobs shaking her shoulders. Crew members began to shuffle around, resetting for the next take, but she stayed there, staring at the spot where you’d fallen, her breathing uneven.

You got up slowly, brushing off the dust from your costume, but your attention stayed on her. She wiped at her cheeks furiously, but the tears kept coming. You didn’t approach—something about her silence told you she needed space. So, you lingered nearby, glancing her way occasionally, unsure if you should say anything.

Minutes passed, and she finally stepped back, sitting on the edge of the set as she tried to calm herself, her hands trembling in her lap. Neither of you spoke, but your presence was enough, the weight of the scene still hanging in the air between you.