Within the spaces

Episode 14

The studio felt different today - quieter, almost intimate. They have reunited after the holiday break to rehearse for the last episode of the season. The final episode demanded a shift in dynamics, a deeper, rawer connection between Neung and Aneung. Their characters would be navigating a moment of profound vulnerability where Aneung needs to comfort Neung after her grandma dies. The scene called for both physical and emotional intensity. Faye had spent part of her break running lines, trying to inhabit Neung's grief and the cautious acceptance of comfort from Aneung. It was one thing to imagine it alone and another to live it alongside Yoko.

She arrived early, as always, with a tray full of coffee and tea, a bright smile on her face - it felt good to be back in a familiar rhythm. The holidays were a welcome break, but there was something comforting about routine, about being around the camera. Balancing the tray, she greeted the crew with a cheerful, "Good morning!"

She settled on the couch with P'Wan and the mentor, who were discussing the day's plan. Her eyes wandered toward the door, unconsciously scanning for a particular face. Yoko wasn't here yet. It's not like her to be late, Faye thought, a small flicker of concern crossing her mind.

She fiddled with the extra cup in the tray—Yoko's tea. It was always the same order, a specific blend that Faye pretended to forget but never did.

The door swung open suddenly, cutting through her thoughts, and in walked Yoko. Without hesitation, she ran straight to P'Wan and enveloped her in a tight hug.

"Mami! Don't leave your kid alone for this long," Yoko whined, throwing her arms around P'Wan in a dramatic hug.

P'Wan laughed and hugged her back warmly. "Did my baby miss me?" she teased, rubbing Yoko's back.

Their exchange drew amused smiles from the crew. Faye couldn't help but smile as well at the scene.

As Yoko moved through the room, greeting everyone with her signature blend of warmth and awkwardness, Faye watched quietly. For someone so extroverted in these moments, Yoko had an unspoken shyness about her. She greeted each person with care, her body language subtly reserved. An introvert, Faye mused, surprising herself with how much she noticed.

When Yoko finally made her way over, her gaze locked on the tray in Faye's hands. "Where's my tea?" she asked, her tone exaggeratedly demanding.

Faye leaned back, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Who said I got you tea?"

Yoko narrowed her eyes, catching the tease immediately. "You don't want to buy me another udon, do you?"

The reference caught Faye off guard, and she let out an unguarded laugh. "Here it is," she said, holding up the tea, though she kept her grip firm just to annoy Yoko a little longer.

Without warning, Yoko lunged forward. Faye barely had time to react before Yoko was in her lap, the tea forgotten between them. The world tilted slightly as Yoko's face ended up mere inches from hers.

Faye froze.

Her breath caught in her chest as she registered the proximity - the warmth of Yoko's body pressed against hers, the faint scent of her shampoo, and the way her dark eyes held a hint of mischief and surprise all at once. Faye's heart stuttered, then pounded, each beat a reminder of just how close they were.

Yoko's lips parted as if to say something, but no words came. For a moment, her playful façade seemed to slip. Her eyes softened, a flicker of something unguarded passing through them.

Faye's mind raced. What is going on? She found herself staring at Yoko's nose and at her lips. She lost all sense of time or place.

Yoko blinked, breaking the moment with a laugh. She snatched the tea from Faye's hand. "Got it!" she declared triumphantly, pulling back and taking a victorious sip.

Faye exhaled slowly, her hands falling to her sides as she tried to gather herself. She forced a laugh, though her voice felt strange in her throat. "Don't get used to this, Nong."

Yoko grinned, her confidence back in full force. "We'll see, P'Faye."

Faye watched as Yoko returned to her seat, her movements light and carefree. This wasn't supposed to feel like anything, just another silly moment between colleagues, a byproduct of Yoko's impulsiveness. But why was her heart being so loud? She was sure the entire studio could hear it.