Two weeks.

    That’s how long it had been since Da-yeon and I had spent any real time together.

    It wasn’t an incredibly long period, but it wasn’t particularly short, either.

    Truthfully, things had grown slightly awkward between us during this time.

    Even though it’s impossible to suddenly become strangers with someone you’ve known for over a decade,

    there’s a reason people say that when bodies drift apart, so do hearts.

    There were moments when I wondered if we could ever return to the way we used to be.

    We had agreed to keep our distance during the drama’s filming period, which made sense, but after the shoot,

    I hoped we could go back to how things were.

    The problem was situations like this—when we happened to meet during the filming period.

    ---

    "...If you have something to say, spit it out."

    Strictly speaking, I was the one who sought her out this time.

    But even so, breaking through the awkward air that had developed between us while we’d been apart and actually speaking up wasn’t easy.

    Asking why she suddenly started watching VTuber streams? That was even harder.

    At least she hadn’t recognized my voice—it was a massive relief.

    But why had someone like her, who never even mentioned the word "VTuber," suddenly changed so much?

    At this moment, I was more curious about what had changed Da-yeon than I was about what might have changed in myself.

    At the same time, I couldn’t help but worry.

    ---

    No one in her class seemed to know where she went these days.

    The only thing I managed to hear was that she would sometimes disappear without explanation.

    Concerned, I reached out to her parents, taking the risk of being seen as intrusive, but they said everything at home was normal.

    The Da-yeon I knew would never ask for help herself.

    She had such a stubborn pride that I’d seen her take on unnecessary struggles just to avoid leaning on others.

    Of course, I knew my meddling might be unwelcome.

    Da-yeon wasn’t the warmest friend, and her personality could be challenging to deal with.

    But I’d spent too much time with her to ignore the way she seemed to be hiding something.

    Even if it meant we’d have to become complete strangers one day, I wanted to ensure that “incident” didn’t happen before that.

    ---

    I’ve never been the type to just stand by while people I care about suffer.

    Just as I was finding happiness in my life as Dia, I didn’t want others to stray too far from their own normal routines.

    ---

    So I said it.

    "If you’re struggling with something, just tell me. ...Please."

    I pleaded earnestly, my expression and tone serious, asking her to let me help.

    ---

    The problem was that no matter how much time passed, Da-yeon didn’t say a word.

    Well, she *did* say something just as we were about to part ways—

    ---

    "...If a dating rumor about us spreads, it’ll be a huge problem. End it quickly before things get out of hand."

    ---

    But even that had nothing to do with what was actually troubling her.

    Once again, I found myself at a loss for words, unable to offer any meaningful response as I watched her walk away.

    ---

    *...Why does she even think I’m dating someone...?*

    ---

    ### **Interlude**

    "Doesn’t Ha-eun seem a little different lately?"

    The question sent Yoo Seong-jae into a mild panic. His eyes quickly scanned her from head to toe.

    But aside from her slightly gentler demeanor compared to the first shoot, he couldn’t spot any changes.

    ---

    "...Did you change your lipstick?"

    "No."

    "Uh, then... Maybe your eyeshadow is a little darker?"

    "I don’t wear eyeshadow."

    ---

    His guesses, none of which related to her acting, were all wrong.

    ---

    "You really can’t tell?"

    "...No."

    ---

    He answered honestly, and to his surprise, Ha-eun’s expression brightened slightly.

    He’d expected her to look disappointed and found himself confused by her reaction.

    ---

    "Thank you for being honest," she said with a smile.

    "It seems everyone else was just mistaken."

    ---

    Before Yoo Seong-jae could figure out what she meant, the countdown to the shoot began.

    ---

    "Three, two, one... Action!"

    Pushing his curiosity aside, Yoo Seong-jae stepped into his role as Crown Prince Lee Hyun.

    ---

    The scene, S#51, was a leisurely stroll through the market—a rare outing for the Crown Prince and his bodyguard Yeong-wol.

    Unlike earlier scenes where Yeong-wol was nothing more than a loyal guard, this one depicted her slowly coming to terms with her feelings for Lee Hyun.

    ---

    "These bracelets symbolize wishing for each other’s safety. Would you like to try one on?"

    The simple gift of a bracelet left Yeong-wol visibly shaken, her usually sharp gaze softening.

    ---

    Her attempts to act unaffected crumbled when Lee Hyun noticed her flushed cheeks.

    "Your face is red. Do you have a fever?"

    "...! Y-your Highness!"

    ---

    S#51 was a quintessential romantic scene, full of subtle tension as Yeong-wol, unmistakably in love, struggled to maintain her composure, while Lee Hyun remained oblivious.

    This scene was a build-up for S#52, where the lighthearted atmosphere would take a drastic turn, catching viewers off-guard.

    ---

    "...Know your place!"

    *Slap!*

    No one would have predicted that Yeong-wol’s budding feelings would lead her straight into the clutches of Queen Consort Yoon’s schemes.

    Her tender vulnerability in S#51 would soon be met with harsh betrayal, leaving both the characters and viewers reeling.