A STAR ON SET (SON CHAEYOUNG X F READER)

CHAPTER V: FRACTURED BOUNDARIES

The next day, the set buzzed with energy as filming resumed.

You had hoped the tension from last night would have dissipated, but it seemed to linger over Chaeyoung like a dark cloud.

Her mistakes were constant, missed lines, stilted movements, and an air of distraction that weighed down the scenes.

Every time you had to call for another take, your frustration grew, and your voice rose more frequently than you intended.

"Cut! No, no, no!" you shouted, rubbing your temples as the scene faltered yet again. "Chaeyoung, you need to focus. We're wasting time here!"

Dahyun, ever the peacemaker, stepped beside you, gently placing a hand on your shoulder.

"Sora, let's take five, okay? Everyone's tense. It'll be fine," she said softly, her eyes pleading with you to calm down.

You clenched your jaw, taking a deep breath to steady yourself. "Fine. Five minutes," you muttered, waving your hand dismissively.

The crew began to disperse, taking the break as you watched Chaeyoung storm off toward her dressing room.

You weren't done.

Not yet.

Determined to clear the air, or at least get some answers, you followed her to the dressing room.

As you reached the door, the makeup artist and stylist, sensing the intensity of the situation, quickly gathered their things and slipped out, leaving you and Chaeyoung alone in the dimly lit room.

Chaeyoung sat in front of the mirror, her posture tense as she stared at her reflection.

When she saw you standing in the doorway, she let out a small laugh, the sound low and bitter.

"You really don't know when to quit, do you?" she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Her laugh only irritated you more. "You think this is funny?" you snapped, stepping further into the room. "Because I don't. You've been a mess all day. And I know why."

She raised an eyebrow, swiveling in her chair to face you fully. "Oh, do you now?" Her tone was mocking, but you could see the flicker of unease in her eyes.

You crossed your arms, not backing down. "Yeah, I do. Is this because of what happened yesterday? Because I stepped in when your boyfriend decided to lay his hands on you?"

Your words were sharp, cutting through the thin barrier of tension that had been building between you.

Chaeyoung's eyes hardened, and for a moment, she seemed to freeze, her breath catching in her throat. Then, as if regaining her composure, she let out a slow exhale.

"You shouldn't have gotten involved. It wasn't your problem," she said, her voice quieter now, almost resigned.

"Wasn't my problem?" You took a step closer, anger flashing in your eyes.

"How can you say that? The guy hit you, Chaeyoung. He's threatening you, isn't he? Is that why you've been acting like this, because of him?"

Her body stiffened at your words, the crack in her facade visible for just a moment before she quickly masked it with defiance.

"Get out, Sora," she said through gritted teeth, standing up from her chair.

Her hands were trembling, but her voice remained firm. "This has nothing to do with you."

You didn't move, refusing to back down. "No, I'm not leaving. Not until you admit what's really going on here. Is he threatening you to stay away from people like me?"