FALLING | 𝒟ex

I. SOFT START

FALLING
CHAPTER ONE

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The conference room was quiet, occasionally interrupted by paper rustling and ceramic mugs gently clinking on the polished table. The rich aroma of coffee filled the air, mixing with the fresh scent of new scripts, creating a feeling of excitement.

Park Jaemin adjusted her coat collar, her fingers brushing the fabric nervously. She sat near the center of the table, moving deliberately to avoid drawing attention.

Around her, voices quieted to soft conversations. Everyone was focused on their scripts, exchanging polite nods. In front of Jaemin lay the script for Shadows of the Heart, its title printed in bold. Just seeing it stirred a mix of emotions inside her.

Online, fans had been buzzing about this drama. They talked about a complex love story filled with heartbreak and secrets, eagerly speculating on new character updates.

Jaemin opened the script with a shaky hand, gliding over the first page. Her name appeared next to the role of Choi Eun-bi, a supporting character. The words looked familiar, but this was the first time she would say them in this room with these talented actors.

The door creaked open, drawing everyone's attention as Director Jang entered. He had a quiet authority that commanded respect, despite his calm tone. "Alright, everyone's here. Let's begin."

Everyone opened their scripts. Jaemin quickly scanned her lines, feeling a sense of déjà vu, but she would share them aloud this time.

"We'll start with the love story between Min-ki and Soo-young's characters," the director said, leaning forward with creative energy. "I want to see their connection. Make it feel natural."

Min-ki stayed calm, his expression steady and voice soothing. Soo-young spoke with a gentle fragility that captivated everyone. As they began to read, the rest of the world faded for Jaemin, leaving only the scene: two souls in a café, rain pattering outside, with unspoken words lingering between them.

"I never knew love could feel like this," Soo-young said, her voice low with emotion.

"The whole world feels different," Min-ki replied softly but meaningfully.

For a moment, the room felt tense and focused. Jaemin watched, mesmerized by their performance. Their chemistry made the moment feel real.

Director Jang nodded, a small smile appearing. "Good. Keep going."

Jaemin smiled back but soon lowered her gaze, emotions stirring inside her. She felt a longing; they were bravely exploring something raw and vulnerable.

Her role didn't require such emotional depth. That may be best. She wasn't sure she was ready to uncover her feelings so openly.

Jang glanced at his watch, breaking the spell. "Let's take a short break. When we return, we'll move to the next scene—where the best friend," he looked at Jaemin, "gets involved."

Several faces turned toward her, offering friendly smiles. She returned their gestures, trying to keep a calm face even as anxiety tightened her chest.

Standing slowly, she reached for the thermos beside her bag, the cool metal comforting her. As she poured a cup, she enjoyed the brief silence around her.

This role might not demand everything from her, but it was a step forward—a hopeful beginning—a manageable way to ease back into acting, one scene at a time.

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Outside the big building, the clock showed 6:00 PM, its face lighting up as night fell. A soft hum and flickering lights in the elevator lobby created a quiet atmosphere. Jaemin walked across the polished floor, steady despite her exhaustion from a long day of filming and discussions. She only wanted a calm room filled with soft blankets and silence.