— It's been a while, unnie.
The familiar voice echoed softly through the living room.
Yuri turned slowly, her eyes widening in surprise.
Han Yuri
— Ye Reum?! When did you come back?
Han Ye Reum looked up at her with a slightly pouty expression, arms crossed.
Han Ye Reum
— What's that supposed to mean? You're not happy to see me?
Without waiting for an answer, she walked casually into the room, her boots clicking lightly on the floor. Her curious gaze wandered everywhere, as if she were rediscovering the house after years away.
Han Ye Reum (glancing around)
— Where are Father and Mother? I've missed them so much.
Yuri stood still, arms crossed, her face unreadable.
Her voice, calm but sharp, instantly cut through the moment's warmth.
Han Yuri
— Why did you come back? Got tired of having fun abroad?
Ye Reum rolled her eyes, visibly annoyed.
She turned toward her sister, a faint, nervous laugh escaping her lips.
Han Ye Reum
— I was so excited to come home… and that's how you greet me? That's sad.
Anyway, I got bored over there.
I'd rather be here—with my family.
Han Yuri (raising an eyebrow)
— Since when have you been so… family-oriented?
Ye Reum replied with a calm, almost innocent smile.
— Since always.
Her gaze then fell on a framed family photo sitting on the coffee table.
She walked closer, her steps growing slower, heavier.
A quiet stillness filled the air.
Her eyes lingered on the image before a faint, ironic smile curved her lips.
Han Ye Reum
— Oh, by the way, I saw the news.
They say you killed someone…
Funny, isn't it? The perfect Han daughter caught up in some shady business.
She turned her head slightly toward Yuri, a teasing smile tugging at her lips, then picked up the photo and lifted it gently.
Han Ye Reum (with feigned lightness)
— Wow… was I really that pretty in this dress?
Yuri didn't have time to respond.
Their mother entered the room, her expression first startled, then lighting up with pure joy.
Mother
— Ye Reum?! When did you come back? Why didn't you tell us?
Ye Reum flashed a bright, almost childlike smile, the kind that radiated warmth.
— Just now. I wanted it to be a surprise.
Their mother approached her, eyes brimming with emotion, and gently caressed her daughter's cheek.
— You look so beautiful… We missed you so much.
Your father will be thrilled. Tonight, we're all having dinner together. I'll cook myself.
While the two women exchanged warm words, Han Yuri watched them silently.
Her face remained calm, but in her eyes flickered exhaustion and melancholy.
A brief shadow of pain crossed her gaze before she looked away.
She took a small step back, ready to slip away quietly, but her mother's voice stopped her.
Mother
— Yuri-ah! Were you going somewhere? Stay a bit, please.
Your little sister just came home!
And tonight, we're all having dinner together, can you believe it? It's been so long since we've had a proper family meal.
Yuri lowered her eyes slightly, her voice soft—almost a whisper.
Han Yuri
— As a family… that's funny.
Then she slowly looked up, forcing a polite smile.
— I'm sorry, Mother. I'm a bit tired.
And… Min Hee and I still have something to check.
At that name, Ye Reum rolled her eyes in clear irritation.
Han Ye Reum
— Min Hee? Don't tell me you're still friends with that Kim Min Hee?
Seriously, unnie… why do you keep hanging around her? That girl is—
Han Yuri (cutting her off, calm but firm)
— There you go again.
Listen, Ye Reum. I don't know what your problem is with her, but Min Hee is my best friend.
So keep your opinions to yourself.
Without another word, Yuri turned and left the room.
The faint sound of her heels echoed down the hallway, leaving behind a heavy silence.
Ye Reum stood frozen, her jaw tight, while their mother watched her, unsure what had just happened.
A few minutes later.
Han Yuri was lying on her bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling.
Her mind gave her no rest — her father's words kept replaying in her head like a song she couldn't silence.
She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm swirling inside her chest.
But just as she found a brief moment of quiet, her phone buzzed on the nightstand.
She grabbed it right away.
Kim Min Hee (excited voice)
— My best friend!
Han Yuri (slightly surprised)
— Huh? What's got you so happy all of a sudden?
Kim Min Hee
— Haven't you seen? The comments about you!
Han Yuri (softly)
— Yeah… I've seen them.
Kim Min Hee
— And? What's with that tone?
You should be happy, right? People are finally starting to support you again!
Han Yuri
— Yeah, yeah… of course.
But you know what? Let's change the subject.
Did you know Jae Hyun oppa is back?
Kim Min Hee (surprised)
— What?! Really? Why didn't he call me?
… Well, actually, that's not so surprising. Jae Hyun's always liked you better than me.
Han Yuri
— That's not true.
He just told me he got back recently, maybe—
Kim Min Hee (cutting her off, teasing)
— Don't defend him, Yuri.
We both know he's always had a soft spot for you.
A small silence followed.
Yuri said nothing, her gaze drifting into emptiness.
Kim Min Hee (more gently)
— Uhm… but tell me, Yuri…
You and Jae Hyun oppa — you really never dated?
You never had feelings for him… not even a little?
The silence returned, heavier this time.
Yuri didn't answer.
Her eyes grew distant, and a memory slowly surfaced.
Flashback — Fourteen Years Ago
It was around eight in the evening.
Han Yuri sat alone in a small neighborhood park.
The cool night breeze played with her hair as she swayed lightly on the swing, lost in thought.
Her clothes were simple and cozy — an oversized gray sweater and faded jeans — as if she wanted to disappear from the world for a while.
She sighed.
The director's words still echoed in her mind: "You don't have the look we're searching for."
She'd smiled, as always, but deep down, it stung.
A sound behind her made her flinch.
She instinctively gripped her bag's strap, ready to run if she had to — but then, a familiar voice broke the silence.
— I knew I'd find you here.
Yuri turned sharply.
— Jae Hyun oppa! You scared me! What are you doing here?
Lee Jae Hyun walked over slowly, hands in his pockets, and stopped right in front of her.
— I should be the one asking that. What are you doing out here alone, at this hour?
— I'm just thinking, she said quietly.
Without another word, Jae Hyun crouched down in front of her, his eyes searching hers.
Lee Jae Hyun
— You okay? I heard you didn't get the role…
Yuri forced a faint smile and nodded silently.
He stayed quiet for a few seconds, then lifted his hand and gently patted her head.
The simple gesture caught her off guard — her heart skipped slightly, but she didn't move.
Her smile stayed, fragile yet warm.
Jae Hyun looked at her with a tenderness that almost made the air around them soften.
He tilted his head slightly, leaning closer.
Their eyes met — and for a moment, time seemed to stop.
Their faces were just inches apart…
But Yuri turned away, just a little.
Jae Hyun froze, looking suddenly uneasy. A brief silence fell between them.
— Oppa… will you push me? she said suddenly, nodding toward the swing with a faint smile.
He blinked in surprise at her sudden change of tone, then stood up without a word.
He placed his hands gently on the swing's ropes, giving it a soft push. The swing began to move slowly, in rhythm with the wind.
— Ah, what if we call Min Hee? Yuri said, pulling out her phone. That'd be fun, right? We could hang out a bit.
She quickly dialed her friend's number. The call was short, filled with small laughs, and then she hung up.
— Min Hee's coming in a few minutes. She lives nearby, she said as she slipped her phone back into her pocket.
Jae Hyun nodded, still silent, a faint smile lingering on his lips as he continued to push the swing — gently, as if he didn't want the moment to end.
End of Flashback
The next morning – Hannam-dong, 8:30 AM
Han Yuri was about to leave.
She wore a long black dress that flowed gracefully with each step, effortlessly outlining her figure. The soft click of her heels echoed lightly against the floor, and a small matching handbag hung from her shoulder. Her loose, wavy hair framed her face in that subtle balance between elegance and nonchalance.
She walked slowly through the garden.
Her driver, spotting her from a distance, hurried to open the car door for her. Yuri gave him a polite nod of thanks before getting inside.
Just as the vehicle started moving, another car — sleek and black — stopped right in front of the main gate.
Curious, Yuri glanced through the windshield.
A man stepped out, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, both modern and understated. His presence was calm, confident — the kind of charisma that made it impossible not to notice him.
She recognized him instantly.
She whispered under her breath, "Lee Jae Hyun."
A little startled, she got out of her car and walked toward him.
Han Yuri
— Oppa? What are you doing here? I told you I'd come myself.
Lee Jae Hyun
— I know. But I wanted to see you. I couldn't wait.
(He glanced briefly at the driver.)
— You can head back, I'll take it from here.
Then, with his usual effortless grace, he opened the car door for her.
But before she could even take a step, a red car came speeding around the corner.
The engine roared, the tires screeched slightly. Yuri and Jae Hyun exchanged a quick, startled glance.
Lee Jae Hyun
— Who the hell drives like that? he muttered, frowning.
The red car came to an abrupt stop right in front of them.
Silence.
Then the driver's door opened slowly.
A man stepped out — wearing black pants, a leather jacket, and dark sunglasses.
His walk was steady, his expression unreadable. Despite the simplicity of his outfit, he radiated a quiet authority that couldn't be ignored.
Still surprised, Yuri turned toward him.
Han Yuri
— Lee Tae Joon-ssi… what are you doing here?
Tae Joon removed his sunglasses, revealing eyes both calm and sharp.
Lee Tae Joon
— What kind of question is that? I came to pick up my fiancée, of course.
Yuri froze for a moment, while Jae Hyun beside her furrowed his brows.
Lee Jae Hyun
— Fiancée? he repeated, uncertain.
(He looked toward Yuri.)
— Who exactly are we talking about?
Tae Joon gave a polite yet distant smile.
Lee Tae Joon
— Ah, sorry. I didn't introduce myself. I'm Lee Tae Joon.
Jae Hyun gave a short, courteous nod.
— Nice to meet you…
Before he could say anything more, Yuri spoke quickly, her voice slightly tense.
Han Yuri
— Oh, oppa… I was going to tell you about it. But I guess you've already figured it out.
(She took a small breath.)
— I… I'm currently seeing Lee Tae Joon.
The silence was instant.
Both men stood facing each other — expressionless, yet the air between them grew heavy.
Tae Joon turned to Yuri with a faint smile.
Lee Tae Joon
— Ah, Yuri-ssi… and who is he, exactly?
Before Yuri could answer, Jae Hyun stepped in, placing a protective hand on her shoulder.
Lee Jae Hyun
— We're close friends, he said, eyes locked on Tae Joon.
Tae Joon chuckled softly, his tone calm but edged with subtle irony.
Lee Tae Joon
— I see. The kind of friendship that's been around for quite some time, right?
Jae Hyun gave a small laugh in return, still looking at Yuri.
Lee Jae Hyun
— Yeah. So long, in fact, that sometimes I feel like nothing could ever break it.
(He paused, his smile faint but sincere.)
— It's been fourteen years.
Tae Joon raised an eyebrow, pretending to be impressed.
"Wow… quite the friendship. So you're like her older brother then?"
(He tilted his head slightly, tone casual but teasing.)
"Or should I be calling you… brother-in-law?"
The words hit the air like a sharp note.
Jae Hyun froze for a second, surprised, while Yuri averted her gaze, clearly uneasy.
Finally, Tae Joon broke the silence with an even, composed voice.
Lee Tae Joon
— Anyway… (He stepped closer to Yuri.)
— If you'll excuse us, I'll be taking her now.
He reached out, gently taking Yuri's hand.
But before she could move, another hand gripped her arm.
Jae Hyun's voice was low, his expression dark.
Lee Jae Hyun
— Sorry… but we already had plans, just the two of us.
Yuri froze, caught between them.
Their eyes locked — one calm yet firm, the other wounded but unyielding.
The world seemed to hold its breath.
To be continued…