Ep 21 - Off-Script and On-Site (Pt 1)

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HIROMITSU:
"Apologize?"

PRIYA:
"For being seen—by you—twice now... in my inebriated state."

PRIYA
(beat, softer):
"It's embarrassing. Highly unprofessional."

PRIYA
(chuckles, dry):
"Especially when I had you lay down with me that night."

Hiromitsu's brow lifts slightly, amused despite himself.

PRIYA
(sincerely):
"I swear, I'm not this addicted, drunk mess of a woman."

HIROMITSU
(smiling, teasing lightly):
"I didn't think you were. Though... I admit, I was surprised when you asked me to stay."

Priya winces—then laughs under her breath, rubbing her forehead.

PRIYA:
"God, don't remind me. I was begging, wasn't I?"

HIROMITSU
(chuckles):
"Let's just say... you were very persuasive."

PRIYA:
"Wonderful. Just the legacy I want to leave behind—drunkenly persuasive."

HIROMITSU:
"It wasn't that bad, Priya. You just... didn't want to be alone."

That lands heavier than either expected.

Priya stops stirring. The soft simmer of the pot fills the pause.

PRIYA
(quietly):
"Maybe that's worse."

Hiromitsu looks down at his notebook—the ink of half-written words smudging faintly where his hand rested too long.

HIROMITSU:
"Not really."

(after a beat)

HIROMITSU:
"Even strong people need someone to keep them steady now and then."

Priya exhales slowly, almost like the truth catches her off guard.

PRIYA:
"You always say things like that. Rational. Kind. No judgment."

HIROMITSU:
"That's because I mean them."

Priya hums softly, contemplative, stirring again.

PRIYA:
"You know, I keep a very short list of people I can actually talk to about things that aren't work."

HIROMITSU:
"And now I'm on it?"

PRIYA
(smiling faintly);
"You're top three."

HIROMITSU:
"I'll take that."

[ANGLE — PRIYA'S KITCHEN COUNTER]
She plates the palak paneer gently, setting her ladle aside.

PRIYA:
"Anyway... apology aside, thank you.... For not making it a thing....For not treating me like a scandal waiting to happen."

HIROMITSU
(soft):
"It's just between us. You have my word."

A long pause. Neither rushes to end the call.

PRIYA:
"You should get some sleep."

HIROMITSU:
"So should you."

PRIYA:
"Maybe I will."

(pauses, quietly)

PRIYA:
"Goodnight, Hiromitsu."

HIROMITSU:
"Goodnight, Priya."

She ends the call.

[INT. HIROMITSU'S BEDROOM – CONTINUOUS]

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