Han Yuri (intrigued, slightly frowning) —What are you talking about? What plan?
Lee Tae Joon (smiling softly) —Turning one rumor into another… It's rather clever.
A heavy silence settled. They remained motionless, their gazes locked, refusing to look away. The air seemed to thicken, each second stretching the tension between them. Finally, Han Yuri broke the silence.
Han Yuri (calm, composed) —So… you knew.
Lee Tae Joon (briefly chuckling, tone dry) —Do you think I'm stupid? I was born and raised in this world. I know exactly how it works. (He fixed her with an intense stare, a faint smile at the corner of his lips.) Actually… I knew from the start. But I never imagined anyone would accept a marriage just to protect their reputation. (He turned his gaze to the horizon, his smile bitter.) It's… amusing.
Han Yuri (calm, almost indifferent) —And so? What's wrong with wanting to protect what you've fought for your whole life?
Lee Tae Joon slowly turned to her, eyes scanning her without blinking.
Han Yuri continued, her voice soft but firm: —The world works like this. Everyone uses everyone… to save what they've worked so hard for. Or simply… to hope for more.
Lee Tae Joon (tightening his jaw imperceptibly) —Do you really think a marriage will erase your scandal?
Han Yuri (fixing him without a hint of tremor) —No. (A thin smile brushed her lips.) But at least… it would buy me a little time to handle it.
Lee Tae Joon stared at her for a few moments, intrigued.
They sat in silence for long minutes, their eyes locked like two blades unwilling to yield.
Then suddenly, Han Yuri's phone vibrated, shattering the heavy atmosphere. She glanced down at the screen, her face still calm, while Lee Tae Joon remained motionless, staring at the horizon.
It was Kim Min Hee.
Han Yuri answered.
—Hello, Min Hee?
Min Hee (voice breaking with sobs) —Yuri… can I sleep at your place? I'm outside…
Han Yuri (her voice instantly tinged with worry) —Why are you crying? What happened?
(A brief silence, then her tone grows firmer.) You know what… wait for me. I'll be there in a few minutes.
She hung up and looked up at Lee Tae Joon.
Han Yuri —I have to go. My friend needs me.
(She paused, her expression darkening.) I think… we have nothing left to discuss.
She turned, ready to leave.
But a calm, sharp voice rang out behind her.
Lee Tae Joon —Very well. Then let's announce our marriage.
Han Yuri froze. She slowly turned, her eyes searching his.
Han Yuri (slightly surprised, holding her breath) —Why would you do that?
Lee Tae Joon locked his gaze on hers, a faint smirk playing on his lips.
Lee Tae Joon —Because it would be… entertaining.
(He stepped closer, his voice low, almost provocative.) I want to see how far you're willing to go to protect your reputation. Pretending to love someone, marrying them…
(He stared at her without blinking, his smile widening just a fraction.) I want to see that. And I also want to see… how good of an actress you really are.
A heavy silence fell again, more oppressive than before.
30 minutes later
Yuri's car pulled up in front of her house. From a distance, she saw Min Hee, collapsed in tears, sitting near the door.
Without hesitation, Yuri hurried out and rushed toward her.
Han Yuri (worried) —Min Hee, why are you crying? What happened?
Min Hee threw herself into her arms, trembling, sobbing uncontrollably.
Kim Min Hee (crying) —Don't leave me, Yuri… you're the only person I have…
Han Yuri (holding her gently) —Min Hee… talk to me. What's going on? Why are you like this?
But suddenly, Min Hee pulled back. Her tears stopped almost immediately, and her face lit up with a smile, as if nothing had happened.
Kim Min Hee (smiling) —Yuri! I brought some kimchi. The neighbor gave it to me, she just made it.
Yuri froze, looking at her with a mix of concern and suspicion.
Kim Min Hee (still smiling) —Why are you looking at me like that? Come on, let's go inside, I'm cold.
Han Yuri (softly, but troubled) —…Alright. Let's go in.
Inside
The footsteps of the two young women echoed down the hallway. Min Hee paused for a moment, sweeping her eyes across the room, her gaze shining with admiration.
Kim Min Hee —Yuri, your house is so beautiful… Every time I come here, I'm impressed. I'd love to live in a house like this.
A housekeeper approached, her smile polite.
Housekeeper —Miss, dinner is ready.
Han Yuri —Alright, thank you.
A few minutes later, they were both seated at the table. A heavy silence lingered in the air.
Yuri's father, sitting across from them, broke the silence with a cheerful voice.
Father of Yuri —Min Hee! It's been a while.
Kim Min Hee (playing it light) —Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Han. Your daughter keeps me so busy, you know! I haven't even gone out with anyone since… uh… I don't even remember!
Her father laughed heartily.
Father of Yuri —Ah! So you're staying the night?
Kim Min Hee —Of course.
Father of Yuri (to a housemaid) —Prepare the guest room for Miss Kim.
Kim Min Hee (hastily adding, with a small smile) —Oh no, that's not necessary. I can sleep in Yuri's room.
Father of Yuri (a little surprised) —Really? Are you sure?
Kim Min Hee —Yes, Yuri and I still have so much to talk about.
Her father nodded, an amused smile on his lips.
Father of Yuri —Alright, as you wish.
After dinner, the house gradually fell silent. A few minutes later, everyone had retreated to their rooms.
Already in her pajamas, Yuri lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling, while Min Hee, sitting at the vanity, gently ran her brush through her hair. Suddenly, she put the brush down and picked up a photo frame.
A smile stretched across her lips.
—This photo of the three of us… it's really nice. We looked so close back then.
Yuri turned her head toward her, intrigued.
—Why do you say "back then"?
Min Hee gently traced the glass of the frame before setting it down carefully. Her smile faded, and she sighed, taking on a pouty expression.
—The thing is, ever since you and Jae Hyun became celebrities… we spend much less time together. You're always caught up in your dramas. I see him at work, but he's either stressed or tired every time. I understand life has changed since we were teens… but sometimes, Yuri, I really feel alone.
Yuri sat up slightly, her eyes on Min Hee.
—I'm sorry if you've felt left out… But you know what it's like too, right? We're always busy, always under pressure. Today, a drama shoot, tomorrow a commercial… And we can't just walk around the streets like we used to.
Min Hee nodded softly.
—I know… and I completely understand. But sometimes, I just feel… — she stopped abruptly, forcing a smile. — You know what? Forget it. I guess I'm just a little nostalgic. This photo brought me back. And besides, we're not teenagers anymore… especially with everything you're going through right now.
Yuri reached out and gently took her hand.
—Listen… Even if it's not like before, I promise that once this scandal is behind me, we'll do something good. Just the three of us. Like old times.
Min Hee gave a relieved smile.
—Alright… But this conversation made me thirsty. I'll get some water downstairs.
She stood up gently. Yuri watched her go, giving her a faint smile before lying back down.
A few minutes later, in the kitchen, Min Hee opened the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water. She took a few sips, then closed it, keeping the bottle in her hand. As she walked back toward the stairs, she jumped slightly, spotting Yuri's father standing in the living room. He was staring thoughtfully at the family photos lined up on the shelf.
Kim Min Hee —Sir… you scared me. You're not sleeping?
Yuri's father didn't answer immediately. He glanced at her briefly, then returned his gaze to a photo of Yuri as a child.
Min Hee took a step back, ready to go upstairs.
—I just came to get some water. Good night, sir.
She was about to turn away when a deep voice sounded behind her:
—You know… I've always put my family first. It's for them that I fight every day. Especially for Yuri. I've worked hard so she lacks nothing, and so she's always number one.
Min Hee froze. Slowly, she turned her head toward him, letting out a nearly enigmatic smile.
—That's normal. Parents always want the best for their children, out of love. But sometimes… that love can be too strong. To the point of pushing them to do… unimaginable things. Don't you think?
Yuri's father stared at her for a long moment, then gave a calm smile.
—It's true… For the sake of their children, parents must do whatever it takes. So they don't suffer, so they never feel humiliated in their lives. And even when they're grown, parents continue to watch over them, from the shadows.
Min Hee, still smiling, nodded slowly.
—Of course… I understand. You always have to be ready to do anything to protect the ones you love. Even if it means sacrificing what's most precious…
She paused briefly, her gaze shining with a strange light, before adding in a soft yet weighty voice:
—I completely understand what you're saying… I've lived through it before. You know it very well.
A chilling silence fell over the room. Both remained still, their strangely enigmatic gazes meeting in a heavy, tense atmosphere.
Kim Min Hee finally broke the silence with a light smile.
—Oh… I almost forgot, I still need to work a bit on Yuri's speech for the press conference. I'll leave now. This conversation has been… very interesting.
She gave a slight bow.
—Good night, sir.
Yuri's father responded with a smile and a simple wave, allowing her to leave.
She climbed the stairs without another word. Behind her, Yuri's father's smile gradually faded, replaced by a cold, almost unsettling expression.
Upstairs, Han Yuri, still awake, held her phone in hand, scrolling through articles about herself. The rumors about her supposed meeting were making headlines. Slowly, her mind wandered. The scene with Lee Tae Joon came back to her memory.
Flashback
Han Yuri, her gaze serious:
—Why do you still want to announce the marriage? What are you expecting from me?
Lee Tae Joon barely shrugged.
— I told you… I'm just curious to see.
Han Yuri let out a soft sigh.
— Really… that's a shame. Because you won't see it. Actually, I called you today to tell you that the marriage won't happen. I'm a mature person—I prefer to inform the other party rather than let them hope. So… tell your father it didn't work out. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be going.
She turned on her heel, but Lee Tae Joon's voice stopped her.
— Let me know if you change your mind. We'll talk… over pizza.
Yuri paused and turned back for a moment. He gave her a small smile before looking away again toward the horizon. Curious, she looked at him one last time, then slowly walked away.
End of flashback
Han Yuri, deep in thought, remained still for a few minutes, the phone still in her hands. Then, as if driven by a sudden impulse, she dialed a number.
Bringing the phone to her ear, she murmured in a low yet determined voice:
— Hello, Lee Tae Joon-ssi? … It's me, Han Yuri. I'm in for the pizza night.
To be continued…