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Did I eat something wrong?

Or did I skip something I should have eaten?

That was Ha-eun’s first thought upon hearing Dayeon’s sudden declaration of a slap.

Well, this time, I really couldn’t guess the reason at all.

“…What did I do wrong?”

“Well, maybe it’s not about you, Ha-eun?”

“??”

I know that Dayeon isn’t exactly the warmest person.

I was also aware that she had no qualms about expressing her feelings or thoughts toward Ha-eun.

Still, I had never turned a blind eye to or avoided Dayeon’s feelings or thoughts because I technically hadn’t done anything wrong.

For the entire 11 years I had spent being close to Dayeon, I had simply believed that I could wait until Dayeon’s mood cleared up.

In reality, things had usually worked out somehow in the time that passed.

However, this was the first time she was trying to act on her feelings or thoughts.

Moreover, I couldn’t even guess what those feelings or thoughts were about.

The expression that appeared on that familiar face was quite different from the usual anger or sulkiness.

It looked like she was being cautious about something.

Since getting to know Min Dayeon, it was almost the first time I encountered such a careful expression from her, and a certain assumption flashed through Ha-eun’s mind.

At the same time, the two characters ‘Could it be’ also popped into her head, but then again, everyone has their secrets.

“…Are you into that kind of thing?”

With a slight hope, Ha-eun stepped a little closer to Dayeon and whispered, mustering her courage.

In an instant, Dayeon’s face turned bright red.

“W-What are you talking about, you crazy brat!!”

As expected, she shouted loudly, making Ha-eun’s considerate whisper useless.

Not even a few seconds passed before everyone shifted their attention toward Dayeon.

Eventually, Dayeon, whose ears were thoroughly flushed, executed a speedy escape.

‘…Did I really eat something wrong?’

Ha-eun’s question about Dayeon remained unanswered.

However, no matter how calm Ha-eun was, getting slapped right off the bat felt a bit off.

I decided to wait for a time when no one was around and talk to Dayeon again.

Surely, even Dayeon, who seemed to be frantic about catching Ha-eun, wouldn’t have just slapped her without a reason.

However, Dayeon began to avoid Ha-eun.

For a whole week.

In the end, I couldn’t have a proper conversation with her until Friday.

The ‘1’ next to the last chat message sent to Dayeon still hadn’t been deleted.

But as a solid lead role in “The Moonlight Split by Clouds,” Ha-eun couldn’t keep worrying about Dayeon forever.

After deciding to resolve Dayeon’s situation starting Monday, I focused on the first script reading, which was scheduled for Saturday lunchtime.

As time passed and flowed.

About an hour remained until the first script reading of “The Moonlight Split by Clouds” began.

“Oh, what? I thought I was first.”

“Ah… Hello. Nice to meet you.”

I greeted the actors and staff who began to arrive one by one, starting with a middle-aged actor scheduled for a minor role.

After all, there is no better first impression than politely greeting everyone.

However, contrary to Ha-eun’s intention to greet even the last person to arrive.

Another leading actor she was meeting for the first time today spoke to her in a friendly tone.

“Though I’m older by age, you’re way ahead of me in experience, so feel free to treat me casually.”

In the end, Ha-eun had no choice but to stop her polite greetings and sit next to Yoo Seong-jae.

If senior Ha-eun kept standing, it would make things awkward for junior Yoo Seong-jae.

From there, the conversation mainly revolved around the original novel of “The Moonlight Split by Clouds.”

Just like Ha-eun in the past, Yoo Seong-jae had read the original novel several times, making it easy for them to talk.

“What scene did you like the most, Ha-eun? I really liked the part where Yeong-wol reappears in a completely different form.”

“Hmm… The scene where the two talk across a door.”

“You’re referring to the mid-series episode where Crown Prince Lee Hyun first reveals his true feelings, right?”

“Yes.”

“Indeed, that scene was quite impactful.”

As they continued discussing “The Moonlight Split by Clouds,” time flew, and it was soon time for the script reading to begin.

All the actors and staff who were to attend the script reading were already seated.

“Hello, everyone. I’m Jin Gyu-seong, the director of <The Moonlight Split by Clouds>.”

With a greeting from Director Jin Gyu-seong, the script reading commenced.

He expressed his brief thoughts on taking on the role of director for “The Moonlight Split by Clouds.”

It was after that when Yoo Seong-jae, who was sitting right next to Ha-eun, stood up.

“I’m Yoo Seong-jae, portraying the role of Crown Prince Lee Hyun. I will strive to show you some fantastic performances.”

A soft smile.

A bright voice.

Most importantly, his handsome face that couldn’t even be called ugly earned him applause.

As soon as Yoo Seong-jae settled back into his seat, the many gazes gathering toward Ha-eun intensified.

It was only natural for some expectation to be mixed in among those gazes.

Ha-eun had mainly held on to supporting or minor roles up to this point.

Yet, her unique ability to steal scenes remained unchanged, and she had managed to draw out at least two or three highlights in each of her roles.

Especially in the leading role for “The Moonlight Split by Clouds,” anticipation for what she would showcase was only natural.

Ha-eun’s audition video had also circulated to some extent.

Although she had never seen the actual video herself, it was enough to raise expectations toward her.

And so, finally.

“I’m Lee Ha-eun, playing the role of Yeong-wol. …I will do my best.”

Ha-eun, who showed a hint of nervousness, stood up and greeted the surrounding actors and staff just like Yoo Seong-jae had moments ago.

A round of applause similar to what had just been given to Yoo Seong-jae followed.

Even after Ha-eun returned to her seat, the greeting time wasn’t over.

However, feeling slightly thirsty, she seized the opportunity to grab a water bottle that was right in front of her as soon as one of the minor actresses finished her greeting.

Just as she was about to take a sip of the lukewarm water.

“…I’m Min Da-yeon, playing Queen Yoon.”

“Cough!”

The identity of the person who had been wearing a black baseball cap for a while was revealed, and Ha-eun choked.

Yoo Seong-jae, who was worriedly glancing at her to see if she was okay, was clearly flustered.

But in this moment, no matter what Yoo Seong-jae said, Ha-eun couldn’t properly comprehend a single word.

Understandably so, since Queen Yoon was the one who was intensely tormenting Ha-eun’s Yeong-wol.

Moreover, the fact that Da-yeon, of all people, was playing the role of Queen Yoon was enough to make Ha-eun worry about what would unfold at the filming site of “The Moonlight Split by Clouds.”

Ha-eun’s eyes were now slightly wide with shock.

Without realizing it, there was even a hint of betrayal directed at Da-yeon.

However, no matter Ha-eun’s current feelings, this setting was for the script reading of “The Moonlight Split by Clouds.”

“Well then, let’s start with [S#13. The Three-Way Standoff in the East Palace].”

She had to calm her slightly irritated throat and shift her focus back to the script.

Even so, she couldn’t help but be concerned about Da-yeon over there, especially since Queen Yoon also appeared in the scene that Jin Gyu-seong had just mentioned, the three-way standoff in the East Palace.

Queen Yoon, who had taken the place of the Crown Prince Lee Hyun’s biological mother, who passed away a few years ago, was strolling leisurely around the palace, while Crown Prince Lee Hyun was subtly keeping an eye on her.

And by the side of Crown Prince Lee Hyun stood Yeong-wol, silently keeping watch.

Since Queen Yoon was also on guard against Crown Prince Lee Hyun, sharp dialogue was only to be expected in this three-way standoff scene.

For example.

“How leisurely to come to the East Palace in broad daylight. It seems Your Majesty is quite free.”

This was a sarcastic remark from Yoo Seong-jae about how the Queen was wandering about leisurely while the king lay ill.

“I ought to be able to stop worrying about the weak Crown Prince, shouldn’t I? If it’s not with Secretary, I wouldn’t even think of stepping outside the East Palace.”

This was Da-yeon’s line, mixing a hint of mockery as she addressed the Crown Prince, who was fully capable of acting as a regent, but always carried Yeong-wol with him.

However, there was one line sharper than any other dialogue.

“How can a minister always indulge in the Crown Prince’s whims? Not even the smallest sparrow would bring food to its grown chicks anymore.”

That was directed at Yeong-wol, who never left Crown Prince Lee Hyun’s side.

The gaze that Da-yeon threw at Ha-eun from across the distance was equally fierce.

‘…Just as I thought.’

From Director Jin Gyu-seong’s perspective, who had pushed Da-yeon into the role of Queen Yoon, this performance from Da-yeon was certainly satisfying.

Unlike other actors who portrayed a so-called ‘elegant’ performance.

Da-yeon displayed a cautious performance, acknowledging both Crown Prince Lee Hyun and Yeong-wol as her foes.

Of course, other actors could have also performed a caution-inspired portrayal of Yeong-wol.

However, ultimately, Da-yeon was the only one among them who effectively showcased that stance.

“I am but a mere beast, Your Majesty. I will only bare my fangs to those who are enemies of the Crown Prince.”

Moments later, Ha-eun’s performance clashed head-on with Da-yeon’s, sending a ripple of satisfaction across Ha-eun’s face once more.