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“Yes,” Secretary Park says, “a mermaid who’s fond of warmer temperatures, which is why you eventually end up at the bathhouse.”

Hyemi stirs from where she’s curled up in the window seat.Immediately upon boarding the train, she’d fallen asleep, and neither Secretary Park nor I had the heart to wake her.

Hyemi’s role in the episode, unlike Nathaniel’s and mine, is actually significant to the plot. Her character’s family puts the magical conch up for sale after she brings it to them, leading Sun to discover the conch and restore his memories, the catalyst for the second half of the drama.

But even with such an important role, she doesn’t have many lines to memorize. It’s a better use of her time to catch up on much-needed sleep.

Three hours after leaving Seoul, we arrive at the station, which consists of a single platform and three tracks. I haven’t been to the sea in a while, and as we exit out front, I take a deep breath of the salty, crisp air. It’s a little warmer than in Seoul, and the sun is out, so I let my cardigan fall to the crook of my elbows. Closing my eyes and tipping my head back, I stay like that for a brief moment, the sunlight warming my face and shoulders.

A production assistant waits for us in the parking lot and we drive another fifteen minutes along the coast to where the production crew has set up base camp beside the beach, with several tents and food carts.

The “set” is a functioning fishing village, whose elderly residents are being compensated for the use of their homes and businesses. They were also extended invitations to act as extras in the drama itself, with many of them taking up the offer if only to impress their grandchildren.

“Min Sori-ssi, Woo Hyemi-ssi.” A man wearing black metalframe sunglasses with orange gradient lenses and stubble on his chin—presumably the drama’s director—greets us upon arrival. While giving us a brief tour of the set, he explains the day’s schedule. Hyemi will film her first scene by the beach, which is where she’ll discover the magical conch shell, and then I’ll film mine by the tidepools. And then later tonight, Nathaniel and I will film our scene together in the bathhouse.

As we walk from the beach toward the actors’ tent, I notice a dazed-looking woman walking along the coastline holding two cups of coffee and drinking from both.

The director follows my gaze. “That’s the scriptwriter,” he whispers. “Let’s not bother her.”

Over by the tents, Sun lounges beneath a large umbrella, sunglasses on the bridge of his nose. He’s also drinking coffee, though he only has a single iced americano.

“Youngmin sent over a coffee truck,” Sun says, raising his cup. “Help yourself.” He nods to indicate a brightly colored coffee truck set up between the tents. Two baristas in matching green-striped uniforms take orders from a short line of crew members. The drinks are already prepaid by Youngmin, his face depicted on a banner that runs atop the truck with a message to Sun: CONGRATULATIONS TO THESEAPRINCE, OHSUN! FIGHTING!

“Maybe later,” I say, my stomach feeling a little queasy now that I’m about to film my scenes.

“Where’s Nathaniel?” Sun asks. “I thought he’d come with you from Joah.”

At the mention of Nathaniel’s name, my heart starts to poundfaster. I haven’t seen him since my talk with Jenny. When I got back to the house, he was on a call, and so I’d hurried upstairs. It’s unreasonable, but I have this sudden fear that he’ll know, with one glance at my face, that I’ve been thinking about being with him again, and I’m not ready for that conversation, not until I talk with my mother.

“He’s coming later with Ji Seok-oppa,” I tell Sun.

“Hyemi-ssi,” Sun says, having apparently just noticed Hyemi hovering behind me. “Hello.”

She gives him a ninety-degree bow. “Thank you so much for inviting me.”

He nod-bows back to her. “If I’m forced to endure Nathaniel’s company,” he drones, “I, at least, can have the pleasure of yours.”

“Oh, but Nathaniel-seonbae is much more talented and charming than I am,” Hyemi says.

“I see you’re a Nathaniel fan,” Sun drawls.

“I like you too! I mean...” Her entire face turns beet red.

I intervene, throwing a protective arm around Hyemi’s shoulders, then lead her away. She’s due to costume and makeup anyway. “Don’t let Sun tease you,” I say. “He wants you to say you like him best in XOXO, but he’s too old for you. You should prefer someone closer to your age.” Just like I prefer Nathaniel, who was born in the same year as me.

“Not too close,” she says, so soft I almost don’t catch it.

I raise a brow, letting my arm drop as she walks ahead. She’s not interested in Youngmin, then. Which leaves Jaewoo. I watch her pityingly. She’s in for heartbreak, as Jaewoo is very much a boy already in love.

I only have time to see Hyemi start her scene before I’m rushed to hair and makeup.

Stepping inside the tent, I’m surprised to discover that the hairstylist is none other than Kim Soobin, my friend who’d saved Hyemi and me before our recording ofCatch Me If You Can.

“Eonni!” I squeal.

“Sori-yah!”

“Thank you for letting me borrow your outfit the other day,” I say, after we hug. “You were a lifesaver.”