35. A Frosty Relationship

Ha-neul and the woman next to him arrived in front of Luna and Brad. The woman had an undeniable beauty, with long, chestnut brown hair cascading down her back in soft, wavy locks that gleamed under the sunlight. Her skin was fair and flawless, with a delicate blush on her cheeks that gave her a youthful radiance. She had striking green eyes, framed by thick, dark lashes, that sparkled with intelligence and a hint of mischief. Her lips were full and naturally rosy, often curved into a warm and inviting smile.

She wore a casual yet stylish outfit that accentuated her elegant yet effortless charm. A light blue, off-the-shoulder top highlighted her graceful neckline and slender shoulders, the fabric soft and airy, perfect for a warm day. She paired it with fitted, high-waisted jeans that hugged her figure, showcasing her long, toned legs. On her feet, she wore white sneakers, adding a touch of practicality and comfort to her look. She accessorized with simple, silver jewelry—a pair of small hoop earrings and a delicate bracelet that glinted subtly as she moved. Completing her outfit, she carried a crossbody bag, its strap resting comfortably across her torso, adding a final touch of casual sophistication to her appearance.

"Nice to meet you here, Luna," the woman greeted and smiled.

Luna didn't seem to like seeing Maddie, but she forced a smile. "Hi, Maddie."

Seeing that, Ha-neul smiled widely. "Ah, you already know each other. Well, Maddie will also get a role in our movie, Luna."

Instead of Luna responding, Brad first said, "Shall we go to the location now?"

Ha-neul nodded. "Sorry, I hve to trouble you guys."

Brad smiled. "No, don't mind it. Come on."

As Ha-neul, Luna, Brad, and Maddie stepped out of Ordial Restaurant, the warm midday sun greeted them, casting bright rays that danced on the cobblestone street. The restaurant's bustling energy faded behind them, and the cheerful hum of the city surrounded them. The sky was a brilliant blue, dotted with a few fluffy clouds drifting lazily. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of nearby trees, adding a refreshing touch to the sunny day. The group's footsteps echoed softly as they made their way to Brad's car parked a short distance away, their chatter blending into the lively hum of the afternoon.

Once they were all settled inside the car, a noticeable tension filled the air. Brad took the wheel with Ha-neul beside him, while Luna and Maddie occupied the back seat. The atmosphere between Luna and Maddie was palpable; a frosty silence stretched between them like an invisible barrier. They both stared out of their respective windows, avoiding eye contact and any attempt at conversation.

Ha-neul and Brad, sitting in the front, tried to maintain a light-hearted dialogue to bridge the gap. Their voices were the only sounds breaking the silence, discussing various topics from the delicious meal they'd just had to upcoming projects. Ha-neul glanced in the rearview mirror occasionally, hoping to catch a glimpse of camaraderie between the two women, but he was met with stony expressions and stiff postures.

The coldness between Luna and Maddie stemmed from their professional rivalry. Both were rising stars in the film industry, having emerged from the same acting cohort. They often found themselves vying for the same coveted roles, leading to a competitive tension that spilled over into their personal interactions. Despite their mutual respect for each other's talent, the constant competition had driven a wedge between them, making any moment of shared proximity uncomfortable and strained.

As the car approached their destination, the tension in the back seat remained unbroken. The only sounds were the hum of the engine and the occasional comment from Brad, trying to keep the mood light. Finally, the car rolled to a stop at the edge of the beach. The rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shore greeted them, along with the salty tang of the ocean breeze.

The beach was bathed in the bright, golden sunlight, creating a picturesque scene. The sand gleamed white under the sun, and the water shimmered with dazzling reflections. Ha-neul and Brad stepped out first, stretching and inhaling the fresh sea air. Luna and Maddie followed, their footsteps sinking into the warm sand as they walked towards the shoreline.

Despite the beautiful surroundings, the icy silence between Luna and Maddie lingered. They stood a few paces apart, each lost in their thoughts, while Ha-neul and Brad continued to chat animatedly, their voices blending with the soothing sounds of the ocean. The gentle waves lapped at their feet, a stark contrast to the underlying tension that still hung between the two actresses.

As the afternoon wore on, the serene ambiance of the beach began to work its magic. The vastness of the ocean and the beauty of the sunlit sky seemed to slowly chip away at the barriers between Luna and Maddie. Though they didn't speak, a subtle shift in their posture hinted at a thawing of the icy atmosphere. For that day, at least, the rivalry took a back seat to the simple pleasure of being in such a stunning, tranquil place.

However, one of Maddie's actions made the atmosphere even more uncomfortable. Suddenly, Maddie stepped forward and walked between Brad and Ha-neul. The sight made Luna's heart feel as if it were burning. She continued to glare at them sharply, her hands clenched into fists. Maddie, sensing Luna's reaction, glanced back discreetly and saw Luna's face flushed with anger. A satisfied smile played on Maddie's lips; it seemed she had guessed that Luna harbored feelings for Ha-neul, and she had done it intentionally.

Maddie’s calculated move had deepened the existing tension, adding a personal sting to the professional rivalry. Luna's knuckles whitened as she struggled to maintain her composure, the serene beach now a silent witness to the unspoken battle of emotions. Maddie's satisfied smile lingered, knowing she had hit a nerve, while Ha-neul and Brad remained oblivious to the silent drama unfolding behind them.

Meanwhile, at the same time, in a quiet library, Starla sat at one of the wooden desks, immersed in the pages of a novel. The library in the afternoon was a sanctuary of calm and quiet. Soft, golden sunlight filtered through the tall, arched windows, casting gentle patterns on the wooden floors and filling the room with a warm glow. The rows of bookshelves, towering and filled to the brim with volumes of all sizes and colors, stood like silent sentinels, creating narrow, inviting aisles for patrons to explore.

The air was filled with the faint, comforting scent of old paper and polished wood. The occasional rustle of pages turning and the soft footsteps of readers moving between shelves were the only sounds, adding to the serene atmosphere. Large, sturdy tables were scattered throughout the room, each with comfortable chairs that invited long hours of study or reading. Green-shaded lamps adorned these tables, casting pools of light that illuminated the open books and notebooks of the library's patrons.

In one corner, a cozy reading nook with plush armchairs and small side tables offered a perfect spot for those seeking a more relaxed environment. The walls were adorned with framed prints of classic book covers and portraits of famous authors, lending an air of literary reverence to the space. A large, ornate clock hung on one wall, its hands moving steadily forward, marking the passage of time in a slow, almost deliberate manner. Despite the hour, the library remained a haven of tranquility, providing a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the outside world.

Every so often, Starla paused to jot down notes in her small, leather-bound notebook, her pen gliding across the pages with ease. Despite the peaceful setting, there was a subtle restlessness about her. Her fingers drummed lightly on the table, and her eyes frequently darted to her phone, lying next to her book.

With a sigh, Starla picked up her phone again, hoping to see a new message or a missed call from Ha-neul. The screen remained blank, and a wave of disappointment washed over her. She had been waiting all day to hear from him, to know how his outing with friends was going, but the silence was becoming unbearable. Setting the phone down, she tried to refocus on her book, but her mind kept wandering back to Ha-neul.

Lost in thought, she didn't notice the quiet footsteps approaching her from behind. Suddenly, she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder, and she jumped in surprise, her book slipping from her grasp and landing with a soft thud on the table.

"Oh, my God!" Starla screamed.

Starla’s face turned crimson as she felt dozens of eyes on her, curious and slightly annoyed at the disruption. Her heart pounded, both from the shock and the embarrassment of having caused a scene. As she turned around to see who had startled her, relief washed over her like a calming wave.

"It's you ...." Starla breathed a sigh of relief.