Within the spaces

Episode 6

The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a soft glow over the set as the crew hurried to prepare for the day's shoot. Faye had arrived early, as usual, slipping into her routine with ease. She came to the set in a great mood, being her usual self. She was a firm believer in the motto: "There's nothing a nap can't fix." After sleeping for a solid 10 hours the night before, she felt like a new human being.

But today, her focus wasn't just on the script or her lines. She spotted P'Wan trying to fix everything for the next scene, but there was a little "hamster" on her tail, constantly annoying her. Faye's gaze landed on Yoko, the source of that energy, and she couldn't help but be amused at the sheer potential and youthful spark of this young girl.

Yoko was at it again, teasing P'Wan—whom she had long since designated her "Mami" in a fit of mischief. It started innocently enough, with Yoko sneaking up behind P'Wan, mimicking her gestures with exaggerated drama as P'Wan gave instructions to the crew. The other cast members stifled giggles as Yoko, hands on her hips, muttered under her breath in a deep, mock-serious tone, "No, no, no, do it my way. This is my show, after all."

P'Wan finally turned around, catching Yoko in the act. "What are you doing, Yoko?!" she exclaimed, trying—and failing—to keep a straight face.

Yoko put on her best innocent expression. "Just trying to be a good assistant, Mami. Thought I'd help out," she replied, fluttering her eyelashes dramatically.

The crew burst into laughter, and P'Wan threw her hands up in mock defeat. "You're impossible! Always causing trouble!"

Yoko grinned, unfazed. "That's why you love me, Mami."

"Who said I love you?" P'Wan shot back, crossing her arms but unable to hide her smile.

"Mami, you've adopted me now, there's no going back," Yoko teased, sidling up to P'Wan and giving her a playful nudge. "I'm your favourite troublemaker."

"I don't recall signing any adoption papers," P'Wan replied dryly, but there was a fondness in her voice that softened her words.

Faye stood off to the side, watching the interaction with a small smile. She couldn't help but laugh at Yoko's antics. Yoko was relentless, always poking fun at P'Wan, who, despite her best efforts to stay stern, seemed to have a soft spot for the younger woman.

"You're laughing now, P'Faye," Yoko called out, catching Faye's smile. "But just wait, I'm coming for you next."

Faye chuckled, shaking her head. "I'll brace myself."

"Oh, you better," Yoko said with a wink before launching into a series of exaggerated impressions of P'Wan, who was now waving her off with mock defeat.

As the day wore on, Yoko continued to be the life of the set, her energy infectious. She cracked jokes between takes, messed with the props, and even led an impromptu dance-off with one of the crew members. The laughter was constant, and Yoko was at the centre of it all. But as the hours passed, Faye started to notice the cracks in Yoko's usual upbeat demeanour.

During a break, Yoko flopped into a chair, her usual energy visibly drained. She still wore a grin, but Faye could see the tiredness in her eyes. Yoko had given everything to the day, as she always did, but Faye couldn't help but notice how worn out she seemed.

Without even thinking, Faye grabbed a water bottle from her bag and approached Yoko. "Here," she said softly, holding it out.

Yoko blinked, looking up at Faye in surprise. "P'Faye, you're like my personal assistant now. What's next, snacks?"

Faye smiled and, as if on cue, pulled out a snack she had packed earlier. "Well, since you asked."

Yoko's eyes widened as she accepted the water and snack, clearly touched by the gesture. "Look at you, P'Faye, always so prepared. What's with the sudden guardian angel mode?"