Park Eun Ho left the restaurant that night with a sour taste in his mouth. Not from the food, but from the sheer exhaustion of dealing with people. Fans, producers, fake smiles — and that drunk girl who practically tackled him in the restroom. He shook his head at the memory.
When he got home, his phone buzzed before he could even toss his keys on the table.
"Yah, you're finally back," Choi Minhyuk's voice rang through the phone like he owned the place.
"Why are you in my house again, Minhyuk?" Eun Ho sighed.
"I came for the beer you owe me. Remember?"
"I was drunk when I promised that."
"Not my problem. Come upstairs."
Eun Ho groaned but made his way inside. Minhyuk was already sprawled on the couch with a bag of snacks and beer cans scattered on the table.
"You really have no shame," Eun Ho grumbled.
"I live for it." Minhyuk grinned. "Now, sit. Spill. Why's your name trending again? I heard something about a restroom incident?"
Eun Ho gave him a look. "Some drunk girl mistook the men's room for the ladies' and caused a scene."
Minhyuk burst out laughing. "You attract the weirdest situations."
"Tell me about it."
As they drank, Minhyuk leaned back. "So… any word on that girl you've been searching for? The one from years back?"
Eun Ho's fingers tightened around the can. "I actually got a call tonight."
Minhyuk straightened. "And?"
"They found the orphanage she was taken to after the accident. It's in Jeju."
"Seriously?" Minhyuk's grin faded into something more solemn. "And what happens if you find her… but she's moved on? Different life, maybe married, maybe doesn't remember you at all."
Eun Ho let out a long breath. "As long as she's happy and safe… that's enough for me."
Minhyuk stared at him for a moment, then scoffed. "You're annoyingly noble sometimes."
"Yeah, well… don't stay over. I have a flight tomorrow."
"Tch. Always kicking me out," Minhyuk muttered, gathering his things. "Good luck, though. Really."
Eun Ho gave him a small nod.
---
The next morning, Eun Ho boarded an early flight to Jeju. As soon as he landed, he called his manager.
"Go to the set ahead of me. I'll meet you there later."
His manager protested but Eun Ho had made up his mind.
He drove to Seongwha Orphanage, a modest old building with weathered walls and flower pots by the entrance. Children's laughter drifted from somewhere out back. It was peaceful in a way that felt distant to him.
A kind middle-aged woman greeted him. "Can I help you?"
"I'm here to see the director."
"She's in her office. This way."
He followed her down a hallway lined with faded photos and crayon drawings. Inside a small office sat an elderly woman with sharp eyes and a gentle face.
"Good afternoon, sir," she greeted.
"I'm Park Eun Ho."
Recognition flickered in her gaze. "How can I help you?"
"I'm looking for someone… Yoon Seri."
At the mention of the name, the woman's hands trembled slightly. She stared at him for a long moment.
"I… never thought anyone would come asking for Seri," she murmured.
"You knew her?"
"She came here fourteen years ago," the woman sighed. "Her mother brought her, promising to come back… but months passed, and she never did. Then we got word that her mother died in a car accident. Poor child cried for days, wouldn't speak to anyone for weeks."
Eun Ho felt something twist inside him. "What happened after that?"
"A married couple came. They had no children, and they adopted her. Seri left with them."
"Do you have their names? A contact number?"
The woman's face fell. "Ten years ago, we had a terrible fire. Most of our records were lost — including the adoption files."
Eun Ho closed his eyes for a moment, frustration tightening his chest.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Park. If I hear anything… anything at all, I promise I'll reach out."
He stood, offering a respectful bow. "Thank you."
As she walked him to the gate, the director paused. "I wonder how Seri's doing now…"
Eun Ho looked back at the orphanage. The place felt heavy with memories he didn't even own.
Yoon Seri… wherever you are, I promise I'll find you.
He whispered the vow to himself before slipping into his car and heading toward the film set.
---
Meanwhile, in Seoul, Kim Eun Jung woke up with a groan and a head that felt like it had been used as a drum.
"Why does soju hate me?" she muttered, dragging herself out of bed.
In the kitchen, Taeri was already frying something that smelled heavenly.
"Yah! Look who's alive," Taeri teased.
"I'm not alive. I'm a ghost."
Taeri chuckled and handed her a glass of water and painkillers.
They ate breakfast in silence for a while, until Eun Jung noticed the TV.
"Wait… why are you watching that drama?" she asked, squinting at the screen. "Out of all the new releases?"
Taeri smirked. "Because I met Park Eun Ho yesterday, duh. I want to see if he looks as good on screen as he did in person."
"You're unbelievable."
"I regret not asking for his autograph. He's even more handsome up close."
"You need help," Eun Jung sighed.
"Okay, but seriously. You're the only person in Korea who doesn't stan him."
"Because he's overrated. I'd take Han Jiwoo any day."
Taeri laughed. "You mean the guy who saved you from those thugs?"
"Yeah. He was like a drama hero. He told me to be careful and then just… left."
Taeri grinned. "You live the weirdest life."
"I know."
Their laughter continued as the drama played in the background.
"Oh look," Eun Jung pointed at the screen. "There's Min Haejin the diva queen herself."
Taeri made a face. "Ugh, I hate the rumors about her and Park Eun Ho dating."
"You're just jealous."
"She's not even that pretty."
They burst into laughter again, roasting each other like sisters.