Jisoo furiously scrolled through her phone, eyes scanning the articles that fueled the growing rumors about her and Taehyung. Despite her carefully crafted "victim" narrative, suspicions of their relationship had only intensified. People speculated that their close bond during her toughest times had naturally evolved into romance. Their playful, childlike banter now only added to the speculation.

What a mess.

“Miss, we’re ready for makeup,” a voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Go ahead,” she sighed, setting her phone aside.

Jisoo caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her brow was slightly furrowed, her face wearing a naturally serious expression. Without makeup, her tired eyes showed faint traces of yesterday's mascara—or perhaps she was just nearing exhaustion, with the threat of dark circles looming. She closed her eyes and leaned back, deciding to nap while she had the chance.

"Miss Jisoo, you’re up for Scene 34, Take #1," a voice called out.

Groaning, she blinked her heavy eyelids open, but what she saw in the mirror jolted her fully awake. She almost screamed at the unfamiliar face staring back at her, only to realize it was her own reflection—transformed by layers of makeup.

Her face had been dramatically painted, with at least three coats of foundation, bold mascara framing her eyes, and golden-red eyeshadow making her gaze sharp. Her lips were stained a deep blood red. She wore a white turtleneck beneath a stunning imperial Phoenix robe, typically worn in ancient marriage ceremonies. Her hair was meticulously styled in a traditional bun.

What the hell? Did I transmigrate or something? She looked around, suddenly confused by the mix of her grand costume and the modern equipment on set.

“Scene 34? Why the skip? Weren’t we supposed to shoot Scene 5?” Jisoo asked, feeling disoriented.

Stacey entered the room. “The director decided to fast-track some promotional scenes for the Golden Globe Awards. We’re on a tight deadline, and they only accept spoiler content, so we’re shooting scenes out of context.”

Alright, no fuss, she thought, trying to shake off the confusion.

“I heard Director Suga is coming to direct the promos,” Stacey added.

Wait, what? Jisoo’s eyes widened.

“And Jungkook and Lisa are here too,” Stacey smiled.

Jisoo felt her spirits soar. Her best friends Jungkook and Lisa were finally joining her, and to top it off, Suga, Seoul’s most acclaimed director, was helming the promo. It was turning into the perfect day.

“Ma’am, we need to put the crown on you now.”

And just like that, her good day hit a minor snag.

The peacock crown they brought forward was massive. As they gingerly placed it on her head and pinned the ornate pieces into place, a new fear crept into her mind. She steeled herself not to wince under the weight of it. Once the staff let go and left her to support the crown on her own, she could have cursed out loud.

Holy shit! It’s a mountain!

But she adapted quickly, as always. With her strength and determination, she straightened her posture, adjusted the weight, and gave a final nod for the touch-ups. Soon, she was ready. As she stepped out of the green room, she heard the crew gasp audibly at her transformation.

The one reaction that amused her most, though, was Taehyung’s.

She chuckled, catching his stunned expression.