“The Quiet Between Us”
887 Words
Live on Air / Euntak Watching
As people say, life goes on after school, and the real world begins. For the rich, it might be smooth and easy. For others… the opposite.
“Just pray God guides everyone,” Ayan said softly, finishing her segment on the live TV show.
Ayan (to the camera): “It may be smooth for the rich… for the rest of us, we just pray God leads everyone.”
“The Quiet Between Us”
📸 CAMERA FADE IN
The segment ended, and Ayan turned to Chang Wook.
Ayan (smiling faintly): “So… how many viewers did we catch today?”
Chang Wook: “More than two million.”
Ayan: “Still cool. Last time we had just over a million. Gradually, we’ll hit the top.”
Chang Wook: “Yes, Ayan.”
Ayan yawned, rubbing her eyes tiredly.
Ayan (voice low, exhausted): “I think my schedule is finally free. I have nothing else to do… I need sleep.”
Chang Wook (concerned): “Yeah, you should head to the changing room and rest. Your schedule can get hectic anytime, so take care of yourself before… bringing yourself to the world.”
Ayan (softly, almost whispering): “Bringing myself to the world… it’s tiring. I’m tired. All of me… is tired.”
Chang Wook gave her a soft, understanding nod.
Chang Wook: “Alright. Go get some sleep, and stop dragging me into unnecessary conversations.”
Ayan stood slowly, her body heavy with exhaustion. She walked to the changing room, letting the quiet relief of a free moment wash over her. The hum of the studio faded behind her, leaving only the stillness she’d been craving.
⸻
Scene: Euntak Watching the Show / Phone Call
Euntak sat on the sofa, eyes glued to the TV as Ayan’s live show played. On the screen, she was perfect — focused, graceful, and her smile lighting up everything around her.
Hanuel walked in, a proud grin plastered across her face.
Hanuel: “Proudly proud of my girl… she looks so cute on camera!”
Euntak glanced at her, trying not to smile too much.
Euntak: “Yeah… she is.”
Hanuel’s eyes widened in mock offense.
Hanuel: “Wait, did you just admit someone else looks cute?”
Euntak (smirking): “Don’t start your teasing, play.”
Hanuel turned dramatically toward her brother, striking a pose.
Hanuel: “Then tell me… who’s cuter? Me or Ayan?”
Euntak groaned, covering his face like he might actually melt.
Euntak: “Awww… come on.”
Hanuel wagged her finger, smiling teasingly.
Hanuel: “You’re such a bad brother. Your only sister and one sibling isn’t cute?”
Euntak: “And when did I say that?”
Hanuel (grinning): “Actions speak louder than words.”
Euntak (relenting, laughing): “Fine… my sister is the cutest.”
Hanuel sauntered over, nudging him playfully.
Hanuel: “I know it.”
Euntak (laughing): “I was joking!”
Hanuel (mock sighing): “I hate you.”
They both laughed, their voices filling the room as Ayan’s show ended on the TV.
Hanuel picked up her phone, dialing quickly.
Hanuel (smiling, teasing): “Ayan… pick up, pick up!”
On the other end, Ayan’s tired voice answered, soft and worn from the day, setting the stage for the quiet, emotional phone scene where she finally gets to rest and share her thoughts with her best friend.
Ayan (softly, exhausted): “Hey…”
Hanuel (cheerful, teasing): “Heyyy! Did you see yourself on TV? The network said it was one of their biggest audiences yet! You were amazing!”
Ayan let out a quiet laugh, her voice heavy with fatigue.
Ayan (softly): “Yeah… I made it to that many viewers, but…” she signed lightly “…it doesn’t feel amazing. I’m just… tired, Hanuel. All of me is tired.”
Hanuel (gently): “I know… I can hear it in your voice. That’s why I called — to remind you it’s okay to feel tired. You’re allowed to rest.”
Ayan (sighing deeply): “Every time I try to show the world who I am… it drains me. I try to smile, speak, appear strong… and by the end, there’s nothing left.”
Hanuel: “That’s because you give your whole heart to everything. And that’s what makes you… you. People see the surface, the show, the smile… but I see the real you. The one who’s human, who’s exhausted, who’s amazing anyway.”
Ayan’s eyes filled with tears.
Ayan: “Sometimes I feel like I don’t even know who I am anymore… just surviving day to day.”
Hanuel: “Then let’s survive together, Ayan. One day at a time. But for tonight… just be you. Rest. Forget the cameras, the viewers, the expectations. Just… you.”
Ayan’s lips curved into a faint, grateful smile.
Ayan: “Thank you, Hanuel… for always being here. Even when I feel lost, you remind me there’s someone who understands.”
Hanuel: “Always, my fav. Always.”
They stayed on the line a little longer, letting the quiet connection speak louder than words. For the first time that evening, Ayan let herself breathe, let herself rest — even if just a little.
Scene fades to quiet, soft music playing in the background.
- Writer
