Heejin sat in the expansive, well-lit room surrounded by fellow actors and actresses, each of them clutching their scripts, while the words of a new movie script unfolded. The room was charged with the excitement of a fresh project, but Heejin felt a growing unease in her chest.

 

The script she was reading was a significant departure from her previous roles. She had always portrayed strong, independent, and single women, but now, she was faced with a character she couldn't fully connect with - a mother.

 

As the lines flowed and the dialogue of her character filled the room, Heejin felt an increasing sense of disconnect. She struggled to relate to the character's experiences, emotions, and the challenges of motherhood. The other actors seemed to be deep into their roles, but Heejin couldn't find the connection that had fueled her previous performances.

 

After the script-reading session, Heejin approached her manager, a supportive woman with a keen understanding of the industry. She hesitated for a moment before speaking up, her concern evident in her voice. "I don't know if I can do this, unnie. This role... It's just so different from what I've done before."

 

Her manager, a mix of maternal support and professional wisdom, looked at Heejin with understanding. "It's okay, Heejin. It's a challenge, but remember, as an actress, growth comes from pushing boundaries. You've done brilliantly so far, and I believe you can master this role too."

 

Heejin nodded, appreciative of her manager's encouragement, but there was a nagging feeling in her heart. As she left the script-reading session and walked out into the bright Seoul streets, she couldn't shake the sense of uncertainty that had settled within her.

 

🐰🐰🐰

 

Heejin ventured into the bustling Seoul nightlife, where the city lights painted the town in vibrant hues. She joined a gathering of friends from the entertainment industry, a mix of K-pop idols and fellow actors. 

 

The night was alive with laughter, music, and the carefree atmosphere of Seoul's nightlife. Heejin sipped her drink, lost in the chatter of her friends, yet feeling a growing void within herself.

 

In her interviews and public appearances, Heejin often reiterated her commitment to her career. She was known for her dedication and focus on building a successful life as an actress. However, with each passing year, she couldn't help but question if that was enough. While she had enjoyed flings and casual relationships, she had never dared to delve into a full-blown romance.

 

As she mingled with her celebrity friends, she recognized the irony of her situation. Surrounded by people who adored her, living her dream, she still felt that pang of loneliness gnawing at her heart. Her career had been a source of passion and purpose, but she couldn't help but wonder if she had overlooked something essential in the process.

 

The night wore on, and Heejin continued to laugh, dance, and party with her friends. Yet, beneath the glimmering city lights and amidst the energetic atmosphere, she couldn't escape the whispers of solitude that had become her nighttime companions.

 

With every passing moment, the questions she had buried deep within her soul seemed to rise to the surface. She yearned for something more, something deeper than the fleeting connections she had experienced over the years. But, for the moment, she masked her true feelings and danced to the rhythm of the night, seeking solace in the company of her friends.

 

The nightclub's thumping music enveloped them in its relentless rhythm, pulsing through their bodies and encouraging the euphoria that often came with the night. Heejin had allowed herself to get swept away by the energy of a younger actor, their hands exploring and mingling in the dimly lit corner of the club.

 

Laughter and flirtatious teasing filled the air as they indulged in the dance of attraction. Heejin couldn't deny the appeal of this fleeting connection, but her mind kept drifting back to the source of her sudden unease—the haunting lyrics of a familiar song that now played in the background.

 

The melody brought a sharp pang of pain, not for the nostalgia it typically evoked, but for the bittersweet memories of an old friend. She felt the weight of her past and the burden of choices she had made, which had brought her here, to this moment.

 

The remix of Lorde's "Ribs" filled the club, echoing with its ethereal quality, and Heejin's thoughts were immediately transported back to another time, another place. The memories rushed in like a wave, carrying her away to a night that was etched in her heart.

 

She remembered how Hyunjin had played this song during one of their impromptu night drives. The heavy weight of the company's drama had threatened to suffocate them, and they had needed an escape. Heejin still felt the cool night breeze on her skin, the sensation of freedom as they sped down winding roads, and the music that had filled the car with an unspoken connection.

 

They had let the song wash over them, embracing the freedom and camaraderie it offered. In that moment, beneath the starlit sky, their bond had been unbreakable, a sanctuary from the chaos that waited for them when they returned. And even now, in the midst of a wild club, Heejin could feel the echo of that shared experience—a haunting reminder of the friend she had lost.

 

Heejin throws herself into the dance, lost in the music and the lights. She lets the rhythm sweep her away, hoping to drown out the memories and emotions that threaten to overwhelm her. The bass pulses through her, resonating with her heartbeats. 

 

As she dances with the young actor, their bodies moving in sync with the music, Heejin feels a brief moment of escapism. It's a reminder of the fleeting pleasure that comes with these nights out, a distraction from the reality that gnaws at her. 

 

But deep down, she knows that no amount of dancing and temporary companionship can truly fill the void in her heart. The past has caught up with her, and she can't outrun it forever.

 

🐰🐰🐰

 

Heejin's head pounds with a relentless drumbeat as she makes her way to the Jo-Wong household. Her commitment to visit her old friends and goddaughter outweighs her throbbing headache, though.

 

She arrives at the house around noon and is greeted with laughter and playfulness. The lively sound of her goddaughter's laughter fills the air. Yeojin is in the middle of a spirited game of chase with Haseul, refusing to surrender to the idea of a bath.

 

Heejin watches the scene with amusement as she approaches the duo. "Looks like someone's having a blast," she remarks, her voice tinged with a hint of exhaustion.

 

Haseul, attempting to catch the giggling Yeojin, responds with a chuckle. "Oh, you have no idea. She's a bundle of energy today."

 

Yeojin, sensing her godmother's presence, breaks free from her mother's grasp and rushes towards Heejin, her small feet pattering on the floor. "Heekkie, Heekkie! Look, we're playing a game!"

 

Heejin crouches down to meet Yeojin's enthusiastic gaze, offering a warm smile. "I see that, Yeojin. You're doing a fantastic job running away from your mom."

 

Haseul pouts playfully. "Thanks for pointing that out, Heejin."

 

Yeojin takes Heejin's hand, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Heekkie, why are you so late today?"

 

Heejin ruffles the little girl's hair gently. "Well, I had some grown-up stuff to do in the morning, but now I'm here to play with you."

 

As Heejin played with Yeojin, the young girl displayed her mischievous and witty side, just like her mother. It didn't take long for the toddler to switch tactics and decide to hide behind her godmother, much to Haseul's dismay.

 

Yeojin's eyes twinkled with a playful glint, and she tried to maintain her solemn expression. "Heekkie," she whispered conspiratori