Soorin's stomach drops.
She knows this play. Recognizes it immediately.
It's the flour moment. The thumb-wipe. The viral clip of Haejin gently wiping flour from her cheek, intimate and tender.
Sera's recreating it. Trying to manufacture her own viral moment.
Time seems to slow.
Haejin looks at Sera. Sees the sauce. His expression doesn't change.
But something flickers in his eyes.
Understanding. Recognition. Refusal.
The cameras are recording. His members are watching. Soorin is watching.
He reaches over.
Soorin holds her breath.
He grabs a clean paper towel from the nearby holder.
Hands it to Sera.
"Yeah, right there at the corner. Paper towel will get it."
His voice is helpful. Polite. Completely impersonal.
Like he's helping a stranger at a restaurant.
Sera's smile freezes. Something flashes across her face.
Disappointment. Frustration. Anger.
She takes the paper towel. Wipes the sauce away herself.
Her movements are jerky. Less graceful than before.
