Backstage, Ha-neul and Tae-oh couldn’t stop giggling at the fuzzy lint all over their stage costumes.
“Seriously, are you a baby otter? Why are you covered in fluff?” Tae-oh teased as he picked at Ha-neul’s shoulder.
She went to swat his hand away but stopped, biting her lip.
“Don’t laugh! We’re supposed to look serious!”
“Then stop staring at me. Every time our eyes meet, I want to crack up.”
They rummaged through a prop box, trying to act professional. Suddenly, Ji-min swooped in and plopped a butterfly headband onto Tae-oh’s head.
“You look extra cute now!”
Tae-oh scowled and reached for the headband, but Ha-neul snorted.
“Stop it! If you laugh on stage again, we’re doomed!”
The two sat side by side, forcing themselves to rehearse their corny lines.
“Tae-oh, do you want to go bowling with me after?”
“Um… I’m terrible at bowling.”
“Liar. You got a strike last time.”
They exchanged glances—and both burst out chuckling, faces a little red. Just then, Su-jin lobbed a plush toy at them.
“Hey! Is this a laugh challenge or a romcom? You two need to chill with the flirting!”
Ha-neul raised the toy like she might throw it back but set it down with a grin.
“This time, I’m winning for sure!”
From the stage entrance, the manager poked his head in.
“Get ready! It’s showtime!”
Ha-neul and Tae-oh squeezed each other’s hands. For a weird second, a strange, almost-familiar feeling flickered between them—something from another time.
“Let’s nail it this time,” Tae-oh whispered.
Ha-neul took a shaky breath.
“Yeah. For real.”
A heartbeat of silence. The stage lights blinked on. Hand in hand, they walked out, nerves and butterflies mixing in their chests. Would they finally keep a straight face this time?