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"Congratulations to us!"
The sound of glasses clinking filled the room.
The entire crew of Alien Stage had gathered to celebrate their triumphant night at Sua’s home, having just won Best Musical Performance for “Blink Gone” and Best Original Score.
“Thank you for everyone’s hard work!” Hyuna exclaims, pouring into each of the member’s shot glasses with Soju.
Ivan had won his first-ever award for Best Supporting Actor in the series. Having started his career only two years back, he was greeted with a roar of cheers from the rest of the cast and other awardees when his name was called. In his speech the actor even thanked his castmate Till for his mentoring, proceeding to teasingly blow a flying kiss up to him from the stage.
The camera pans to Till who was in his seat all flushed, a clip that instantly went viral online.
But the true star of the evening was the rookie actress, Mizi. She was met with endless congratulatory comments for securing the Best Leading Actress award.
The excitement was buzzing in the air as colleagues and friends toasted to her breakthrough performance, marking the beginning of a promising future for the 22-year-old. The entire production team was more than thrilled, for a project that even had the cast throw their creative direction in, the series was truly a passion project for everyone, it was only fair for the cast to revel in their success.
Sua suggested to the cast to have an afterparty at her mansion, upon settling in, nearly half of the group had downed themselves in whatever they could get their hands on, thanks to their generous host for allowing them to raid her fridge and pantry.
A few hours in, unbeknownst to the rest of the cast, their star actress had slipped away from the dinner area. They were too busy singing their hearts out to a karaoke machine, unnecessarily belting out to some K-pop hits that didn’t seem to need the extra run-ons.
Mizi had mindlessly wandered around her senior’s home in search of the washroom, which she did eventually find to relieve herself, but wasn’t quite ready to return to the rowdy crowd downstairs, so she decided to take a breather instead. She sits herself on one of the balcony’s bistro chairs, her eyes glued to the night sky as she does. Her thoughts start to drift, Mizi hadn’t quite let today’s events sink in yet, the rookie wondered about what she had done to deserve this award. To think that just a few years ago, she had been a content creator, growing her channel through covers. Now, she’s being professionally trained by one of the best in the industry.
She reminisces about her experiences, how much she learned and improved during production, it was all just too surreal, she would’ve never guessed this was gonna be her breakout role. And the support of the cast really played a huge role in her receiving all this, especially to Sua.
She was never quite able to shake off that nervous energy every time she stepped into a studio. It was the first day of filming Alien Stage, the script clutched in her hand, fidgeting with her brown hair as she looked around. Mizi was in awe at the fact that this was gonna be her first leading role.
Mizi watched as the team set up the gigantic production set, wheeling in the props, the lights and sound were being adjusted and tested, then one by one the make-up artists started rushing into their spaces to begin setting up their work station.
Everyone else seemed to know what they were doing, running around with equipment and discussing plans with one another. It wasn’t her first time shooting for something, she’d been in several commercials and variety shows, not to mention the transition from influencer to lead actress isn’t always taken nicely by audiences, many criticize influencers for taking acting roles away from vocally–trained actors. Even her own fanbase was a little unsure whether she’d give a great performance or not, was she gonna end up making a fool out of herself?
This entire time, she was just standing awkwardly by the craft services table, silently spiraling under the weight of where she was now. A sharp voice cuts through her train of thought.
“Jeez, you look like a nervous wreck.”
The rookie flinches, in front of her was a shorter woman, dressed in baggy clothes, a drink in her hand, even with the shades on Mizi could tell who it was. “You’re Miss Sua…?”
The shorter woman jests, “I sure hope so, the producer would’ve been pissed at the casting director if I wasn’t.”
Mizi swallows, mustering up the courage to speak, “I am… such a huge fan… I watch your work religiously, I made a cover of your latest OST on my channel, and it’s such an honor getting to see you work-”
She’s eyed up and down by the actress, trying to figure out what part of the crew she’s in. “You their new PA?”
"Who, me?" Mizi stammered, a nervous laugh escaping her lips. "No, no. I'm... I'm Mizi." She gestured vaguely towards the bustling set. "I'm... your co-star?"
Sua's sunglasses slid down her nose a fraction, and she peered at Mizi with a hint of amusement. "You’re the one who became famous for those Red Velvet covers right? Weren’t you on that show with Lee Young Ji? Seriously? You clean up nice. I almost didn't recognize you without the TikTok filters." She takes a sip of her drink, eyes still on Mizi.
The newbie was unsure whether she received a compliment or an insult. "You know, for someone about to carry a whole production on their shoulders, you look like you're about to throw up."
Mizi tenses up even more, completely star struck and unsure of what to respond. "Yeah, well... It's a little intimidating. Everyone seems so… professional." Sua chuckles, a warm, genuine sound that contrasted with her earlier teasing. "Listen, 'professional' is just a fancy word for 'pretending we know what we're doing.' Half of them are probably just as nervous as you are, just better at hiding it."
“Besides," she added, her tone softening slightly, "Intimidated is good. It means you care about giving a great performance. Just make sure it doesn’t paralyze you." Mizi managed a small smile. "Thanks. I appreciate that." Is she being pep-talked by one of her favorite actresses?
Sua straightened up, pushing her sunglasses back into place. "Look, Mizi," she said, her voice more serious now, "I've seen all kinds of actors, from seasoned veterans to fresh-faced rookies, judging by how you’re holding yourself, i’m afraid this industry could eat you alive, we don’t want that now, do we?”
Mizi shakes her head ‘no’.
“You already know how netizens can get with feedback, you’re a micro-celebrity after all. Advice is, don't try to be someone you're not, trust your instincts, and have fun. Just don’t forget to get serious when needed." She paused, a small smile playing on her lips.
"I hope you can catch up with me, we're going to be spending a lot of time together. Might as well get used to each other, right?" She extended a hand. "I look forward to working with you."
Mizi returned the gesture, “Likewise.”
Her reminiscing was startled by the sudden cold feeling against her bare shoulders.
"Congratulations, Mizi" Her co-star had gently nudged her with the side of the chilled wine bottle, giggling as she handed one of the two glasses she held.
The rookie gladly accepts the drink, "Sunbaenim? Sorry, I wandered off, I’ll head back downstairs-" She hurriedly gets up from her chair.
"No, it’s fine, sit back down, it's been a while since we got to talk like this, and you can drop the honorifics while you’re at it,” Sua smiles, “It’s just the two of us after all… mind if I join you?"
"No, ma'am."
The shorter woman drags the chair from the opposite end, scooting it next to Mizi’s. So they could hear each other better, of course.
Sua herself started off as a child actress, quickly getting renowned for her incredible vocals. Four years in, she was awarded Best Supporting Actress in a melodrama film. Later down the line, she started to land several leading actress roles in action-packed Korean dramas, eventually receiving three more awards. On top of that, she also contributed to the OSTs of the productions she starred in herself. Despite the serious personas she often played, the actress herself was nothing like her characters in real life. She was strict in her work, professional around set, but bubbly in nature.
Mizi was stunned after learning she would be working on a project with an iconic actress, but nothing would’ve prepared her for how gorgeous she looked up close.
Under the soft glow of the stars, the two girls chatted about almost anything, jumping from one topic to another, their conversation seemed to be endless.
There’s a quiet understanding in their exchanged glances, sipping their drink in between, going over their nostalgia, their expectations, and unspoken feelings. It’s almost as if time had stopped and this night had existed only for them.
"The writers really took the creative liberty to not give our characters any original names." Sua chuckles, as she finishes her glass, Mizi grabs the bottle behind her and pours her friend another glass, "Well, given that neither of us had any last names, they might as well be just us in another universe– Thank some invisible being, we’re in this one." The older woman adds.
“Vivi’s work process is odd, but I prefer not to question her decisions…” Mizi states nervously, it clicks with Sua why she wanted to be alone, “I guess you’re right, despite the questionable work ethic, she manages to produce amazing results anyway.”
The older woman takes a shot in the dark with her question. “Are you here because you’re not sure if you’re worthy of receiving this award?”
Mizi was surprised at how spot on she was, “It’s a lot to take in…” She admits.
Sua smiles, reaching her hand out to fix a strand of Mizi’s hair, tucking it behind their ear, this was gonna be a long night for the both of them. Not like the people downstairs are gonna be needing their host anyway, as long as they don’t break anything. “Oh please, it’s not like you’re the first actor in history to ever land this huge of an award for their first role, Ivan won too, remember?” He wasn’t old, in fact, he’s the same age as Mizi.
“But what if they made a mistake? There were other nominees who are way more talented and have more extensive careers than I do, they should’ve gotten that award.”
The senior chuckles, “And yet, they didn’t.” Sua, places a hand on her friend’s thigh, reassuring her.
“But-”
“Look Mizi, even if you hadn’t won, or if someone else had taken the award, would that change the fact that you worked hard? Would it stop you from wanting to get any better? You’re not gonna quit acting just because you got such a prestigious award on your first try, right?”
She has a point, Mizi thinks. It’s just so hard to shake off the mix of appreciation and guilt, every time she looks at her trophy.
The senior reaches down into her own brassiere, this display was so jarring it might have snapped Mizi to be sober. Sua pulls out a cigarette stick that was hidden in her dress, she offers one to her co-star. “Want one?”
Mizi shakes her head profusely in response, “I don’t smoke” Sua rolls her eyes, ”Follow up question, do you want to try smoking? It usually takes off the edge.”
Oh dear, this is like high school all over again. “No? That’s alright, I thought you were one of those people who’d start lecturing me about how it’s bad for your health... Unless, you’re the type to vape-”
“No! Maybe... I could’ve - not, I don’t smoke… anything! But - yeah, no, nevermind, I’ll pass.” She stammered over her words whether she’d agree, decline, or remind her how bad it is for her as a singer, obviously didn’t have the guts to voice any of these options. It was Sua’s turn to be shocked, she could physically see the mental dillema younger girl is going through, she was very expressive which amused the seasoned actress.
Looks like this one doesn’t have much vices, does she?
By this time, she’d already lit up her stick using the lighter she had in her pocket, the older woman shrugs, “Hey, at least you know what you're into, I kinda love that about you.”
Maybe if Mizi were any braver she would have taken that offer, but thank the stars she was so pathetic, or she would’ve never gotten to hear that compliment from Sua. “You observed?” Her question was prying for details. “Yeah, remember on our way to the script reading? Hyuna-unnie invited us for ice cream afterwards and when you announced that your flavor was mint ice cream, everyone in the van gagged out loud and booed at you!”
The actress takes another sip, “I’ve never seen you so offended! This was an ice cream flavor for fucks sake, you were willing to defend it or die trying - when you got your pint handed to you, you just ate it without any care in the world. In all honesty, I was almost jealous of that ice cream.”
“Oh come on, mint cream is good! But you're exaggerating it, I never wanted to fight anyone on it...” The younger woman trailed off, the anecdote made some of Mizi’s blood rush to her face, she didn’t think Sua would remember those events, let alone find that comical. “Is there anything else?”
Sua drags out a stream of smoke, the fume curling lazily from her lips, watching Mizi through half-lidded eyes. “More? Now you’re just feeding your own ego,” she teases.
“During dress rehearsals for round five, you kept tripping over your own costume during the run-through with Luka, you were so upset with yourself that day – He told you to ask them to alter it, but apparently you didn’t want to bother the crew, so you took extra hours practicing alone to get yourself used to the outfit, I couldn’t help but admire that dedication from you.” She finishes, placing her hand on top of Mizi’s, looking at her in awe.
Sua goes on to talk about how much she loved filming with the crew, how they clicked so easily and amazing it is getting to be genuine friends even outside of production, something that was rare for her in her previous works.
She recalls the conversations they had in the dressing room, learning how they both grew up liking the same celebrities and media, hanging out in cafes after shooting, even sharing inside jokes that only they understood. The entire time her co-star was listening attentively, hanging on to her every word.
Sua exhales, watching the smoke fade into night stars, leaning her head on her friend’s shoulder, and suddenly the air between them becomes a little thicker (And not just because of the cigarette). “I couldn’t stop thinking about how you started off so shy but opened up quick. During the last night of the premiere, we were all told to meet at a bar. You ended up sitting next to me, and I swear, everytime I so much as leaned in to talk to you, you’d flinch! I don’t bite, you know!”
Mizi remembers that night vividly too. She had already been feeling strange around Sua during promotions, while she started to have a bit of an idea what it was. Without realizing it, she had also started to put distance between them out of fear.
“At first, I thought maybe you were just tired. We had done so many interviews that day after all, that must’ve been the reason. But then you started making excuses to switch seats, you told me you ‘needed to go to the restroom’. Then suddenly, you ‘had to help Ivan with his drink’ I mean, what the hell was that? Honestly? It made me a little sad. I thought we had something good going on.” She rolls the stick between her fingers, before flicking it to the floor and putting it out with her shoe.
Mizi grips the stem of her glass, the guilt bubbling up inside her. “It wasn’t like that. I just… I needed some space after everything.” It wasn’t entirely a lie, apart from the fact she wasn’t used to the spotlight, everything else was so new to the former influencer.
"Is that why you've been avoiding me?"
The rookie looks at her wide-eyed, this makes Sua laugh. "Relax, I'm not upset or anything, but I do want an answer at least.” Mizi fumbled over her words, it’s true that she was avoiding her, not because she came to dislike her, it was far from that. She wasn’t sure if the growing feelings she had were right, but she so desperately wanted to be around her too. It’s all so confusing.
Despite the dozens of public appearances they’ve had together, promotional material, interviews, and who could forget that chemistry they had on screen. It’d be shocking to learn that Mizi was doing everything she could to flee the scene once her job with Sua was over.
“Is it true you weren’t wearing a wig in the series?”
“Funny story, after the table read, the make-up artist comes up to me and goes: ‘Sweetie, do you happen to like reading books?’ I ask why, then she sits me down on the chair, and starts to bring out tin foil.”
Mizi proceeds to talk about the bleaching process and how excruciating it was to sit in the chair for so long. Meanwhile Sua is laughing at the dramatic story-telling of her co-star, like it was the most hilarious thing she’s heard.
“Tell us about how you both prepared for the opening scene.” The host continued.
“That was actually our first time meeting our child counterparts, I remember after the shoot, we had a photo with the two of them. When we checked out the photo Ivan took, he started laughing, telling us ‘You guys look like a family of four’, I genuinely thought it was so cute.” Mizi imitated Ivan’s accent, throwing in mocking gestures.
The host switches his attention to the other actress, pressing for her to add on. “I think we just have great chemistry and teamwork, if we were to star in a romantic comedy film, we’d kill it as a couple, honestly.” Mizi smiles, bumping shoulders with the other woman. “I totally agree.”
The host awkwardly laughs, suddenly noticing the intimate body language between the two actresses. “Moving on to the next question, Sua had a promotional shoot where she wore a wedding dress? Tell us more about it.”
“I’d like to think that you had a good reason, I genuinely thought we were enjoying ourselves.”
“It’s just that...” She trails off, was she really just gonna blurt this out to her? Her closest co-star? The woman she’s admired for so long? For someone who just got her big break in acting, she sure as hell isn’t good at hiding her feelings.
“During promotions, I believe I started to develop feelings for you - and before you say anything, I know it’s unprofessional for an actress to fall in love with their co-star, it’s just acting after all!" Her embarrassment was becoming more evident.
"I've idolized you for so long that I think it manifested in this… weird way? I understand if you find it weird, I’m weirded out about it myself! – Not that I find being attracted to you a bad thing, you’re absolutely ethereal, I meant that it wouldn’t be so great for the both of us were to have all this awkward air around.” She rambled on.
“Mizi," Sua interjects, "I've been trying to flirt with you for months.” Sua interjects, dumbfounded.
The rookie swallows, unsure if she'd heard correctly. "You didn’t pick up on any of that!?” The older woman raises her voice, getting up from her seat. This makes Mizi panic, her face turning red, and this isn’t just from the alcohol. “No, I-”
Sua sits back down, frustrated from the realization she may have fallen for an idiot. “For someone so talented, I couldn’t imagine you’d be so oblivious to these things.” If it were possible to see, a buffering icon seemed to appear on top of the younger actresses’ head, “Wait, I'm sorry, you’ve been hitting on me?”
“I’ve been doing it since earlier! What kind of friend initiates this much skinship?” Mizi tries to shush her friend, afraid she’d be heard by either their other co-stars or said co-star’s neighbors.
“This means you like me?” She mutters, not exactly asking Sua directly, but to herself in disbelief, something snaps inside the homeowner.
In a swift motion, Sua cups her hands on Mizi’s cheeks, yanking her lips towards hers, a kiss shared a little aggressively. The younger woman pulls away in surprise from the action, and the sudden taste of Nicotine.
All that time spent daydreaming of different scenarios how their first kiss would go, Sua imagined it’d be charming just like in the movies, but sadly that expectation went down the drain 5 minutes ago.
“Mizi. Please stop asking me these dumb fucking questions.”
“Yes ma’am.”
...
“...Can I ask one last stupid question?”
“...Fine”
“How long have you known?”
Sua leans back on her seat, racking through her brain for an answer. “It started off as a crush I think… During the shoot for ‘Karma'.”
She continues, “Something about the way you smiled at me, made me feel so giddy, I was like ‘Fuck, I’d love to wake up to that every morning’.” That was the moment Sua realized that her thoughts about her co-star had surpassed 'being besties'. Sua's head slides down, resting on the collarbone of her co-star. “I hadn’t had this much fun in years with someone.”
The cotton-candy haired girl stiffens up, not wanting to make her friend(?) move from her position. What does this make us then? How do we go from here? What would the public think?
“What are we?” Is what she manages to say.
“We don’t need to announce it. Sure, maybe only to a handful of people, if somehow we get found out, we’ll deal with it together.” Sua suggests, burying her nose on the crook of Mizi’s neck, taking in her scent.
“Does that mean we’re girlfriends now?” Mizi asks, a little too hopeful. Her co-star laughs to herself, “I wouldn’t jump too quickly on that, maybe we’ll go on a few dates first, then see if it’s a good call.”
“Right, right, baby steps, nothing too big...” Mizi trails off, the older woman notices her tone, lifting her head to meet her partner’s eyes.
The rookie sheepishly asks, “Are you gonna ask me out or…”
Sua rolls her eyes in amusement, it’s as if she reverted back to being the naive cheeky girl she met years back. “Mizi, would you like to go on a date with me?”
Mizi clasps her new date’s hands theatrically. “ABSOLUTELY.” This time Sua was the one shushing the younger girl, gesturing to the neighbors’ houses.
“Yes, I’d love that,” Mizi repeated, this time, in a whisper. Sua places another kiss on her friend’s lips, it was chaste but much more tender than their first one. “We should really head back downstairs, it’s oddly quiet, I think most of them have already passed out somewhere.”
Mizi chuckles, "Probably. Knowing them, they've probably raided everything in your kitchen.” She pulls Sua to her feet, to which the other actress wobbles doing so, grabbing Mizi’s shoulders trying to catch herself, maybe she had a little too much to drink.
They tiptoe back downstairs, hand in hand, and to no one’s surprise, their prediction proves accurate. A tapestry of bodies sprawls across the couches and floor of the dining room, illuminated by the light of the television, which displayed a low score for the song Heart Attack by Chuu, caused by an unknown singer.
Empty chip bags and discarded fried chicken boxes litter the dinner table. Hyuna has somehow managed to drape themselves over the arm of the sofa, their feet dangling precariously close to a half-eaten bowl of ramen.
Mizi stifles a laugh. "They look like they've been through a battlefield, if you angle it just right, this could be a poster for the second series.” Sua grimaces at the sight. "I don’t wanna think about the clean up I'd have to do tomorrow, let’s just grab something to sober up with and retreat to my room instead.”
"Agreed."