Factitious Fate

Chapter 7 ✿⁠

It was a bustling day on campus, students milling about between classes, groups huddled over study notes, and the distant hum of conversation filled the air. Jaehan, carrying a stack of printed film scripts, navigated through the crowd with practiced ease. His mind was occupied with thoughts of the upcoming film shoot and the adjustments they needed to make after reviewing the previous day's footage.

Near the corner of the campus ground, Jaehan spotted Yechan standing by the vending machine, his expression unusually solemn as he stared at the rows of drinks on display. Curiosity piqued, Jaehan slowed his pace and observed Yechan from a distance. He noticed the furrowed brows, the slight tension in Yechan's posture—it was evident something weighed heavily on his mind.

Approaching quietly, Jaehan didn't want to startle Yechan. As he drew closer, Yechan turned, his eyes widening briefly in surprise before he composed himself with a hesitant smile.

"Hey, Jaehan," Yechan greeted, his voice carrying a hint of uncertainty.

"Hey, Yechan," Jaehan replied warmly, though he couldn't ignore the troubled expression on Yechan's face. "You alright?"

Yechan hesitated for a moment, as if debating whether to open up or brush off the concern. Finally, he sighed softly, his shoulders slumping imperceptibly. "Yeah, just... thinking."

Jaehan nodded, sensing that Yechan might need someone to talk to. "Mind if I join you?"

Yechan blinked, surprised by the offer. He glanced at the vending machine and then back at Jaehan, his expression conflicted. "Actually, um... let me get you a drink," Yechan suggested suddenly, almost too quickly.

"Sure, thanks," Jaehan accepted with a small smile, understanding that Yechan might need a moment to gather his thoughts. They approached the vending machine together, Yechan inserting coins and selecting two cups of instant coffee.

As they waited for the machine to dispense the drinks, a brief silence settled between them. Yechan's mind raced with thoughts about how to broach the subject that weighed on him, while Jaehan sipped his coffee and observed Yechan discreetly.

"Here," Yechan said finally, handing a cup of coffee to Jaehan.

"Thanks," Jaehan replied, taking the cup graciously. "Let's go sit over there," he suggested, nodding towards a quiet corner of the campus garden shaded by tall trees and blooming flowers.

Yechan followed silently, grateful for the distraction of the beautiful surroundings. They settled on a bench overlooking a small pond, the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant murmur of students providing a soothing backdrop.

They sat in silence for a while, both lost in their own thoughts. Jaehan didn't rush Yechan, sensing that the younger man needed a moment to gather his thoughts.

Eventually, Jaehan broke the silence gently. "What's been on your mind, Yechan?"

Yechan looked up, surprised that Jaehan had noticed his turmoil despite his efforts to conceal it. He hesitated, uncertain how much to reveal, but the genuine concern in Jaehan's eyes encouraged him to speak up.

"It's... about the film," Yechan started slowly, choosing his words carefully. "I've been struggling with my character. It's... it's closer to me than I expected."

Jaehan nodded understandingly. "It happens sometimes, especially with roles that hit close to home. Is it... bringing up personal stuff for you?"

Yechan nodded, relief washing over him that Jaehan seemed to grasp the core of his struggle. "Yeah, exactly. I'm afraid I'll... I'll let my emotions get too real, you know? And then it won't be acting anymore."

"I get it," Jaehan reassured him with a gentle smile. "It's a fine line, balancing between portraying a character authentically and protecting yourself. But remember, Yechan, your vulnerability is your strength as an actor. It's what makes your performance compelling."

Yechan absorbed Jaehan's words, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. He hadn't realized how much he needed someone to understand his dilemma, someone who had experience in both filmmaking and understanding human emotions.

"Thanks, Jaehan," Yechan said sincerely, meeting Jaehan's gaze with newfound gratitude. "I appreciate you listening."

"No problem at all," Jaehan replied warmly. "We're all in this together, right? And trust me, you're doing great. Just take it one scene at a time, and don't be afraid to explore those emotions."

Yechan nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I'll try. And... sorry for being a bit distant earlier. I didn't mean to..."

"It's okay," Jaehan assured him, waving off the apology. "We all have our moments. I'm just glad you feel comfortable enough to talk about it."

They sat together a while longer, sipping their coffee in companionable silence. The tension that had gripped Yechan earlier seemed to melt away, replaced by a newfound sense of clarity and determination.

As they finished their drinks, Jaehan stood up, stretching his arms with a yawn. "Well, I should get going. Got some more script revisions to look over."

Yechan stood up as well, feeling lighter than he had in days. "Thanks again, Jaehan. I mean it."

Jaehan clapped him on the shoulder with a reassuring smile. "Anytime, Yechan. And remember, if you ever need to talk or practice a scene, I'm just a text away."

Yechan nodded gratefully, watching as Jaehan walked off towards the campus buildings. He took a deep breath, feeling renewed determination to tackle the challenges of his role with newfound confidence.

He replayed Jaehan's words in his mind, finding solace in the reassurance that his struggles were not unique.