“Well this is very exciting isn’t it?” Junmyeon exclaimed, his eyes sparkling. “2 episode extension. Means that both the broadcaster and the audience are loving The Waves Will Bring Us Together.”

“How are the scripts coming along Baram?” Jin questioned, turning to face the girl.

Baram kept her eyes cast downwards, not having the confidence to face him after their last encounter. She had managed to keep herself busy and thankfully, the nature of her work did not require her to be on set on a daily basis and thus she remained safe within the comforts of her home. Nonetheless, there were still meetings such as today’s that she could not avoid.

“I looked through the feedback last night and will finalise the details by the end of today.”

“Regarding the scene where the female protagonists runs into her ex,” Jin pondered out loud. “How about adding a flashback? Like him showing up in the middle of the night with her favourite food? Just to remind her that he was not really the bad guy, just that the circumstances weren’t right for them. If you know what I mean.”

in her cheeks to stop herself from frowning, Baram was silently screaming at Jin. This flashback scene was a blatant reference to what he had done for Baram on multiple occasions in the past. Maybe he meant no harm, as it is not unusual to use personal experiences and integrate it in the story however, it was his final remark that really stung the girl. Was this his way of excusing himself and his behaviour? Was this his way of declaring his innocence? And if Baram accepted to add this flashback in the scene, would Jin interpret it as his victory? As Baram submitting herself to his whims yet again?

“Is that necessary?” Seulgi interjected. “I mean, the ex already received the blessings from the protagonist earlier on in the story, so wouldn’t adding that flashback just instigate more conflict amongst the audience?”

“Seulgi’s right,” Junmyeon agreed. “They already had their closure so I don’t think it would be wise to add in a flashback, it might mislead the audience into thinking that things are not quite over between them.”

“What do you think Baram?” Jin eyed the girl, an indecipherable expression on his face. “You’re the writer, you know how the characters feel the best.”

Inhaling sharply, Baram fidgeted with her pen as she chewed on her lower lip, trying to formulate a concrete but vague answer to avoid the subject for now.

“I’ll play around with it. Maybe give draft up both versions and see which one resonates with the actors more.”

“Sounds sensible,” Junmyeon nodded as he checked his watch. “Jin and I need to meet with the broadcaster next so let’s end this here.”

“We’ll be looking forward to the scripts Baram,” Jin added, giving her an empty smile.

Ignoring Jin’s remark, Baram grabbed her bag and gave a small bow to the others before hurrying out of the meeting room, eager to escape.

Stepping out of the tube station at Itaewon, Baram realised that she did not feel like going home. She did not want to enter her empty flat and work on the flashback scene in just yet. She needed a distraction. However, recalling her last conversation with Jaebum, Baram felt compelled against going to the speakeasy. She needed some distance to sort out through her thoughts regarding Mark and how they last parted ways. Thus, her feet naturally led her towards the only other place where she felt safe and at ease; the precinct.

・・・

Hanging up his phone after a long and heavy conversation, Youngjae trudged his way back to his desk but frowned upon seeing Baram occupying his seat, typing away on her laptop in concentration.

Feeling a tap on his shoulder, Youngjae turned around to find Yugyeom standing behind him, pointing towards the empty interrogation room, wanting to discuss something with him. Once inside the room, Yugyeom promptly closed the door behind them after checking that Baram had not noticed them.

“Is this about Eclipse?” Youngjae asked, sitting down on a chair.

“Yes, about the underage prostit