Back Home, Sprawled with Tea & Headlines
RHEA’S APARTMENT – EVENING
Milk steaming. Sweater sleeves pulled down over her hands.
She scrolls through tags and headlines on her phone:
> “Berlin Fusion Residency Features Indian-Korean Sensation” > “‘Echoes & Origins’ by Rhea Sharma Hits #3 on Global Indie Fusion Charts” > “Strings Across Continents: A Voice That Defied Labels”
She chuckles. Takes a sip. And whispers to no one:
> Rhea: > “Now... that’s the return I was always meant for.”
##Rhea signs a ECO system based Ad Brand Campaign
: “SCENE STEALERS" – Day One of the Brand Campaign Shoot
ECO. STUDIO – LATE MORNING
The set glows with soft amber lights. Instruments framed against eco-textured backdrops. A warm breeze pumps gently from the vents, simulating the outdoors. Crew members buzz with excitement—today’s the big ad shoot: “Voices of Change”, featuring two of Korea’s most compelling artists.
But no one expected this pairing.
Rhea enters first.
Her curls are tied in a relaxed, high bun, silver hoops gleaming. Dressed in soft olive wide-leg pants and a minimalist crop top layered with a flowing kaftan jacket. Barefoot, bangles stacked on one arm. A fusion goddess ready for camera.
She’s checking the script board when she hears the unmistakable voice from behind:
> Sunny (to a crew member): > “Microphone cable’s tangled. Can we swap out the boom?”
She freezes. The clipboard almost slips.
Turns.
Sunny stands at the far end of the set. Casual in a white tee, linen overshirt open, dark jeans. Earpiece slung around his neck, hair tousled like he didn’t try—but maybe he did. He’s sipping something with mint and mischief.
Their eyes lock.
One.
Beat.
Rhea’s brows launch into full storm mode.
She pouts—classic, disapproving, deliberate. Walks directly past him, chin high, voice sharp enough to slice through set chatter:
> Rhea: > “IDIOT.”
No smile. Not even a side glance.
Sunny blinks. Turns to follow her movement like someone watching a firework that wasn’t supposed to go off.
> Sunny (to himself): > “ ‘idiot’”
She moves to the far makeup station. The stylist whispers, giggling.
Across set, everyone watches.
The cameraman mutters to the lighting tech:
> “They dating… or divorced in a parallel universe?”
The director sips his coffee and quietly grins.
> Director (to assistant): > “Don’t adjust a thing. That’s not tension. That’s art.”
Back on set, their first rehearsal begins::
The script calls for:
*Shared Microphone
*A pretend inside-joke moment
*Close-up with “natural intimacy”
Sunny steps beside her, voice low.
> Sunny: > “You didn’t ask who the male artist was either, did you?”
She exhales sharply through her nose. Doesn’t look at him.
> Rhea (murmurs): > “Didn’t think I needed to brace for your jawline again.”
He tries not to laugh.
They lean in toward the Mic stand.
The director calls out:
> “A little closer, Rhea. That’s it. Lean into him—yes, almost touching lips. Perfect.”
Rhea shifts. Just enough. Lips graze. Sunny stills. His eyes flick toward her mouth—recognition flooding in, unspoken but real.
She leans back. The corner of her mouth twitches.
> Rhea (without looking): > “Careful. Your history’s showing.”
And walks off for a water break.
The director sets down his headset and mutters:
> “Best casting accident I’ve ever seen.”
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