Hyoseop was laughing so hard he was holding onto his chest, "And guess what she did next? She actually hit me so hard my face turned red, she felt bad about it but it was the perfect adlib!"
"Ah, really?"
"Yeah!" Hyoseop replied, "You should really watch it when the final cut is out, I think it's one of the funniest scenes we've done to date!"
"I see, I take it you're looking forward to the next few days then?"
"Of course! Ah, I've been looking really looking forward to this all week. I was so tired but I could barely sleep last night, so excited."
Hyoseop couldn't see, but his manager had a massive smirk on his face, "Yah, Hyoseop-ah,"
"Hmm?"
"Sejeong's pretty great isn't she." he looked at the rearview mirror to study his reaction, which was a blush on Hyoseop's cheeks as he smiled brightly.
"Yeah," Hyoseop smiled softly, "she really is."
His manager let out a chuckle, he knew it. She was the only thing Hyoseop could talk about since they started filming. All of his stories started with, "I need to tell you what Sejeong did today," or "Sejeong and I talked a lot today!". Anyone could tell from a mile away that he instantly lit up the moment she walked into the room, and that being together with her was the highlight of his day.
"I think someone's got a little crush,"
Hyoseop felt his heart race, "Don't be silly," he denied, "She's just the best co-star I've worked with in a while."
"Sure."
"Yah, I mean it."
"Whatever you say!"
It wasn't a crush, at least Hyoseop didn't think it was. He had to admit, he found her incredibly charming. Her smile was so bright it captivated him, and she always knew the right things to say. She made him laugh harder than anyone had ever before, and she was so easy to talk to. They could talk about anything and everything, and Hyoseop had told her many secrets that he hadn't shared with anyone before.
Of course, they were just friends. Surely that didn't mean he had a crush on her?
"Hyoseop-ah?"
He snapped out of his daze, "Oh?"
"Are you going to get out of this van and start filming or will you stay here forever?"
He looked outside the window, he didn't even realise they had arrived, "Sorry!" he said as he quickly stepped out.
The crew had pretty much finished setting up by the time he got there. He made his way to the director and greeted him, "Good morning,"
"Morning! Glad you're here, we've got a few big scenes to film over the next few days. I'm looking forward to it!"
His cheeks raised as he smiled, "So am I,"
Hyoseop started scanning the film site, where was she? Director Park Seon-ho laughed, he knew exactly who he was looking for.
"Sejeong's inside the terminal at the moment, we wrapped up filming her scenes in there while waiting for you, her team's just doing touch-ups before she joins us."
As if on cue, Sejeong came out of the terminal looking as cheerful as ever, her smile becoming even brighter (if that was even possible) when she spotted him. She had a camera in her hand, which means she had been filming some behind-the-scenes content.
Sejeong ran over quickly to approach him, "Wah, look at you, oppa!" she exclaimed, "Looking good."
Hyoseop laughed, "You're not so bad yourself,"
"I hope you're not sick of me yet because we're going to be spending a lot of time together over the next couple of days."
There was no way he could ever get sick of her, "We're about to learn a whole lot about each other,"
She winked at him, "Absolutely right,"
"Alright you two," Seon-ho smirked, "save the flirting for the cameras. Hyoseop-ah, take your place and we'll start running lines in a few."
...
"Cut! Perfect, let's reset over by the truck before we bring Tei in. Hyoseop, Sejeong-ah, take five."
They had been filming at the beach for the past hour or so, and if it weren't for the strong winter winds, it would've been the perfect day to just lay in the sand, enjoying the bright sun. Sejeong had bolted off towards the beach shack, shielding herself from the wind. Hyoseop couldn't help but laugh at the sight and how cute she was, making sure to point it out when the behind-the-scenes camera came over to interview him.
After quickly finishing the interview, he approached Sejeong, "You alright there?'
"Hanging on for dear life but other than that, pretty alright!"
Hyoseop chuckled as he moved to shield her, "I can at least try to help?"
Sejeong smiled and brought her head out from its hiding place, "Now if you could just stay there for the next two hours, that'd be great."
"I wish I could, but we have to continue filming you know?" he teased, "Come on, let's head towards the truck, the crew's probably set up a place to sit near there."
Sejeong nodded as the two walked together on the beach, Hyoseop making sure to stay on her right so that the worst of the wind wouldn't hit her. It was little gestures like these that made her realise just how caring he could be. He was so attentive towards her, wanting to make sure that she was comfortable in all situations. She couldn't help but wonder if he was like this to all his female co-stars.
"Ey, it's not like you should be thinking of that, Sejeong-ah," she muttered under her breath, shaking those thoughts out of her head.
"What was that?" Hyoseop asked.
"Oh? Nothing, never mind. Do you want to have a snack before we go back to filming? I packed those jellies you like so much."
"I swear, every week, your carrier gets fuller. You can literally find everything in there, it's like Mary Poppins' trunk of wonders."
Sejeong shook with laughter, "Look, at least you can say I'm prepared for all situations."
"That you are," he smiled, "yeah let's sit and have a snack."
They wandered over to where the crew were. Sejeong started asking everyone if they were doing alright, as they had struggled to bring the truck in. Her hair and make-up team ran over to start fixing her up, and Sejeong thanked them generously for their hard work.
Hyoseop had noticed this early on, she always put others first. No matter how she was feeling, she did her best to make sure the atmosphere around her was positive. He could tell she was tired by the time the both of them sat down, and she gratefully accepted the bottle of water he had passed on.
Sejeong sighed and closed her eyes for a bit, enjoying the scent of the ocean. If she was honest with herself, she was exhausted.
She opened her eyes as she felt a nudge from Hyoseop, "Yes?"
"Sejeong-ah," Hyoseop paused, looking around making sure no one was paying attention to them, "do you want to see something funny?"
"Uh, sure," she was confused, but she wanted to see where this went.
Hyoseop did one last scan of their surroundings, the crew was too busy setting up. He looked over at Sejeong, who was studying him closely. It took everything in him not to laugh as he changed the expression on his face to a blank one. He then looked her dead in the eye and thigh clapped rapidly for a solid five seconds.
Sejeong was speechless, "I- oppa... what?" she said as she burst out laughing so hard the crew turned to look at them.
Hyoseop smiled and waved at everyone, "Nothing to see here, as you were!"
She was in absolute shambles, laughing hysterically to the point of tears, "Oh my God, that was the best thing I've seen in my life."
"Told you it was funny."
"Oppa," Sejeong placed a hand on his shoulder, "you are the last person in the world I expected to see that from. Thank you, sincerely, for making my day."
He laughed, "I'm glad I cheered you up, but please, let's keep that our little secret."
...
Sejeong couldn't stop giggling at the memory while she sat in her hotel room later that evening. Just the thought of Hyoseop, who was so shy when she first met him, making an absolute clown of himself. She wished she had photographic memory so she could replay that moment over and over again.
"Sejeong-ah,"
"Yes?"
"I love you, but please stop moving so much," her make-up artist begged, "I'm trying to fix you up here!"
She laughed once more and dabbed beneath her eyes, "I'm sorry, I just saw something really funny earlier."
"Seriously, will you tell us what it is?" her manager chimed in, "You kept laughing to yourself all the way here."
"I can't," she smiled apologetically, "I made a sacred promise."
Her manager gave her a look, "What did Hyoseop do?"
"Why do you think it's about oppa?"
Mae-nim rolled her eyes, "Please, I can read you like an open book. You start acting like a schoolgirl with her first crush when it comes to him."
"I do not!"
"Can't blame you, Sejeong-ah," her make-up artist agreed, "he is one fine specimen."
"Oh, one hundred percent! I'm surprised a man like him is single, he must have girls falling over him all the time."
Sejeong felt a "pang!" go off in her heart. That's exactly what she had been thinking earlier. Hyoseop would definitely have girls try and get his attention all the time. Maybe he was dating in secret?
"I suppose you're right," she replied with a stern expression.
"Aye," her manager laughed, "I was just joking, no need to get jealous."
"I'm not-" she sighed, "you know what, forget it."
Mae-nim laughed and shut up, this was the first time Sejeong had fallen for one of her co-stars, even if she wouldn't admit it. She had noticed several weeks ago that Sejeong and Hyoseop had this special bond. She was always so keen to tell stories about what they did together, and the two were constantly texting when they weren't on set.
She smiled and stood up, "Alright then, gorgeous. Let's finish you up and send you back out, we've still got a few scenes before the end of the night."
...
"Cut, well-done everyone! We're wrapping up tonight, but see you bright and early tomorrow for round two of our Sokcho shoot. Thanks again for your hard work."
Sejeong sighed in relief as she glanced toward the clock on the wall. The hour had just ticked over two in the morning, so technically it was already bright and early. She was looking forward to getting at least a few hours of sleep before doing this all over again.
"Well done, you."
She smiled and turned to face Hyoseop, "Another day done and dusted! Are you exhausted yet?"
He shook his head in response, "I'm actually feeling quite alive."
"I suspect that's the adrenaline rushing through your veins."
Or the fact that he was looking forward to being with her over the next few days, "Yeah, I suppose that's it." He paused for a second before continuing, "Did you have any additional photography to do or are you definitely done for the night?"
"I'm all good to go."
He thought about whether he was going to push forward with asking what he was about to ask, but he would regret it he didn't, "Do you mind if I walk you to your room?"
"Oh?" Sejeong was surprised, but gladly accepted, "Of course! How chivalrous of you, oppa."
She couldn't help but feel butterflies in her stomach as he gestured over to the door, the two of them bowing goodnight to the rest of the crew before leaving together. Most of Sejeong's team had retired for the night, but she was sure the ones who were there would bombard her with questions in the morning.
Once the two of them got into the elevator, Hyoseop asked, "What floor?"
"Seventh," she responded, "are you on the same floor oppa?"
"Nah, I'm on level ten."
"You really don't have to walk me back! You should head up and get some rest."
He smiled at her, "It's not like we're staying in different hotels. I just want to make sure you get back safe."
She let out a giggle, "I'm sure I'll be fine on the two-minute walk from the elevator to my hotel room door."
"Hey! You never know, there are a lot of weird stalkers nowadays."
"I suppose you're right," she caved, it's not like she minded having him with her for a bit longer.
The two of them stood in silence for a while, waiting for the elevator doors to open. It wasn't an uncomfortable silence, in fact, they both felt completely fine with just being next to each other. When the doors finally opened, they continued to walk together, practically shoulder to shoulder.
Hyoseop felt his heart race again, it took everything in him not to reach down and hold her hand. He wasn't sure why he was feeling this way, but having spent the past few months getting to know her, he couldn't deny that he had started to care for her beyond how co-stars, or even friends usually cared for each other.
He didn't realise he was staring at her until she nudged him, "Everything ok? Is there something on my face?"
He smiled, "Nothing, just excited for the scenes we'll film tomorrow!"
"You mean on the boat? Look, I'm usually good on boats but depending on the current, it might be life imitates art tomorrow so you better not be grossed out if I get seasick."
"I'll keep that in mind," he chuckled, "Besides, I've got your back, Sejeong-ah."
The two of them reached her hotel door, "You know, you should really use those lines on people you like, I bet you they'd fall on their knees, swooning." she teased.
"Believe me, I'm trying." He winked at her without even realising, Sejeong just seemed to bring out a different side of him.
Sejeong was slightly taken aback, did he mean what she thought he meant? No, don't overthink it. She decided to brush it off and play cool, "Well, good luck with that then! This is my stop, oppa. Thanks again for walking with me."
"You're welcome, I'll see you in the morning?"
"I'll see you in the morning then," Sejeong replied as she unlocked the front door, "sweet dreams, oppa."
He stopped her, "Sejeong-ah?"
"Hmm?"
"Do you, maybe, want to get a drink tomorrow after filming? I mean, we've been working together for a while now but have never properly hung out after. And we should really make use of the minibar before we check out. I volunteer my room."
She smiled shyly, "I'd love that, oppa. I'll bring the contents of my minibar over too."
Hyoseop's eyes lit up with happiness, "Alright then, I'll see you in a couple of hours, sweet dreams, Sejeong-ah."
"You too, oppa! Walk back safely to your room."
"I will," he smiled at her one last time as she closed the door.
Sejeong pushed her back against the door and slid to the floor, "Calm down, Sejeong-ah. Your heart's just fluttering because you haven't dated, like, ever... it's all good, everything's going to be okay."
Little did she know Hyoseop was still standing on the other side of the door doing the same thing.
There was one thing for sure, the two of them had fallen for each other, and there was no going back.
--
Author's note: You just know I had to fit Sokcho into the timeline somehow~