Han Yuri violently grabbed Kim Yoora's hair, yanking it left and right with uncontrollable rage. Kim Yoora let out a piercing scream of pain.
Kim Min Hee and the man beside her stood frozen, stunned.
Kim Yoora (screaming)
— Let go of me! Oppa, help me! She's completely insane!
Han Yuri, eyes dark, voice icy and trembling with anger, gave a faint, chilling smile.
— Yes... I've gone insane. You wanna see just how far I can go, huh? You really wanna know how crazy I can get?!
She stepped closer slowly, her gaze fixed, threatening, burning with fury.
— Or maybe… you'd prefer I show you what a real murderer looks like?
Kim Min Hee, panicking, quickly tried to step in.
— Yuri-ah, that's enough! Let go of her!
Around them, several bystanders had stopped to watch. Some were even starting to take pictures.
Kim Min Hee (turning toward the crowd, frantic)
— Please, don't take pictures!
Han Yuri, out of control, shouted:
— How dare you disrespect me?! I'm Han Yuri! You think you and I are on the same level?! I'm not gonna let some little wannabe walk all over me!
Her voice grew sharper, louder.
— You're just a replacement.
How dare you speak to me like that?
And her fingers remained firmly tangled in Kim Yoora's hair, the tension at its peak.
Suddenly, a voice thundered from behind her.
Lee Tae Joon (shouting)
— Han Yuri!
All heads turned to him. He rushed toward them, visibly furious.
Lee Tae Joon
— I leave you alone for one second and you start a fight?
(then, lowering his voice)
— Let go of her. Everyone's watching. You want another scandal?
Han Yuri glared at him, hesitated for a moment… then let go of Kim Yoora's hair abruptly. Her gaze was still fierce, burning. Without a word, she turned on her heels and got into the car.
Kim Yoora (yelling after her)
— That psycho attacked me and you're all just standing there?! Useless, all of you!
She tried to fix her hair, furious and humiliated.
Lee Tae Joon turned calmly to Kim Min Hee.
Lee Tae Joon
— Min Hee-ssi, could you notify your director? Tell him not to worry. I'll take care of it.
Kim Yoora (exploding)
— Lee Tae Joon-ssi! How can you tolerate her?! Did you even see what she did to me?!
He turned slowly to her, a faint smirk on his lips.
— Of course I saw. But maybe… you deserved it.
He stared at her, unblinking.
— And besides… what's wrong with loving a woman who's a little crazy? That's totally my type.
He gave Kim Min Hee a polite nod.
Lee Tae Joon
— I'll be going now, Kim Min Hee-ssi.
Kim Min Hee
— Please take care of Yuri.
But before leaving, he stopped in front of Kim Yoora, with a hint of mockery.
Lee Tae Joon
— Oh, by the way… I saw the reviews for your new drama. Not exactly glowing. I wonder if the person who decided to replace Han Yuri with you is already starting to regret it.
And without waiting for a response, he got into the car.
Kim Yoora stood there, seething… and humiliated.
Inside the car, Han Yuri stared straight ahead, her face expressionless. She didn't even glance at Lee Tae Joon. She still looked furious.
Beside her, Tae Joon gave her a quick side glance… then started the engine in silence.
A few minutes later, he stopped near a river, turned off the engine, and faced her.
Lee Tae Joon (raising his voice)
— What were you thinking?! Why start another scandal?
Han Yuri (cold, distant)
— Why are you yelling at me? She started it. I was just defending myself.
Lee Tae Joon
— Oh really? Because what people saw was Han Yuri, the celebrity, yanking another woman's hair. That's your idea of self-defense?
Han Yuri (her voice rising slightly)
— Stop yelling at me. Aren't you supposed to be on my side? That was in the marriage contract, wasn't it?
(Her tone turns icy.)
— And now you're yelling at me… in public. You want everyone to see how pathetic I am?
(A bitter smile touches her lips.)
Or maybe you just want to show them our marriage is a lie?
Lee Tae Joon (calmer, but firm)
— People were starting to take pictures. You had to calm down before it blew up.
Han Yuri looked away, her voice tired.
— That's enough. Just take me home. I'm exhausted.
Lee Tae Joon stared at her for a few seconds… then silently started the car again.
One hour later – at home
Without a word, Han Yuri went straight into her room and shut the door behind her. Lee Tae Joon, still in the living room, watched her go.
He pulled out his phone, scrolled through his contacts, and dialed a name.
Lee Tae Joon (on the phone)
— Hey, hyung. I need a favor. Can you stop some photos from getting out?
Voice on the phone (calm)
— Of course. You know I can handle anything. But what kind of photos are we talking about?
Lee Tae Joon
— It's about Han Yuri. She got into a fight with Kim Yoora. Another actress. Please shut down any posts or pics related to it.
Voice (ironically)
— And what do I get out of this?
Lee Tae Joon (dryly)
— You already forgot you still owe me one?
(A pause, then more pointedly.)
— Or do you want me to remind you? When you asked me to cover for you with your wife, pretending you were at my place while you were out drinking with your buddies?
Voice (groaning)
— Do you have to bring that up every time? When are you going to stop blackmailing me?
Lee Tae Joon (grinning)
— Never. Thanks, hyung.
Meanwhile – in a private karaoke room
Han Ye Reum's friends were dancing and singing their lungs out in the center of the room, laughing and jumping around like the night would never end. But Ye Reum stayed off to the side. Sitting quietly on a couch, she sipped her beer, looking detached. Not far from her, Lee Jae Hyun watched the scene, clapping politely from time to time without really joining in.
Myung Ji (cheerfully, approaching)
— Why are you two sitting all by yourselves? Come sing with us!
Han Ye Reum
— Unnie… I'm not feeling great tonight. I think I'll head home.
Myung Ji
— What?! But the party's just getting started! I even invited more friends…
Han Ye Reum
— What friends?
Myung Ji (grinning mischievously)
— I called our oppas! You know… to keep Jae Hyun company. Poor guy, surrounded by girls. Must be a nightmare, right?
(She winks.)
— And guess what… your crush is coming too.
Han Ye Reum
— Stop calling him that. I'm over it. I never stay in love for long, you know that. Besides… he already has a girlfriend.
She hadn't even finished her sentence when the door swung open.
The boys (cheerfully)
— Hey girls! Ready to turn up the heat?
Myung Ji (getting up to greet them)
— Finally! There you are!
One of the guys walked straight over to Han Ye Reum.
Min Hyuk
— Ye Reum-ah! Still as pretty as ever.
Han Ye Reum
— Min Hyuk oppa… Long time no see. You haven't changed either. Still as handsome.
They exchanged a few light words. Meanwhile, Lee Jae Hyun watched them silently.
Min Hyuk (noticing him)
— Oh! Wait… You're Lee Jae Hyun, right? The actor?
Lee Jae Hyun (polite smile)
— Good evening.
Min Hyuk (getting excited, stepping closer)
— Lee Jae Hyun-ssi! I heard you're close with Han Yuri?
Lee Jae Hyun (softly smiling)
— Seems like everyone knows…
Min Hyuk
— I'm her biggest fan! I swear I've seen everything she's done—dramas, variety shows, even her commercials!
While Min Hyuk rambled on about his fandom, Jae Hyun discreetly glanced at Han Ye Reum… who kept drinking with no restraint.
Myung Ji (returning to the group)
— Min Hyuk-ah, I see you've already found Jae Hyun.
Min Hyuk
— And you, Myung Ji… still just as gorgeous… and sexy.
Myung Ji
— Jae Hyun, did you know he's totally obsessed with Han Yuri? That's all he ever talks about.
Lee Jae Hyun
— Yeah, he just told me.
Myung Ji
— It's a whole obsession. "Han Yuri this, Han Yuri that." I honestly wonder how his girlfriend puts up with him.
Everyone laughed.
Off to the side, Ye Reum was starting to nod off, her cheeks flushed, her head resting on the table.
Myung Ji
— Oh no… Ye Reum's totally drunk. What do we do?
Min Hyuk
— We should get her home.
Myung Ji (to the other guys)
— Can someone take her back?
Lee Jae Hyun
— I'll take her.
Myung Ji
— Are you sure?
Lee Jae Hyun
— Yeah. I need to head out anyway.
Myung Ji
— Thanks, Jae Hyun. Really. Take good care of her.
Lee Jae Hyun
— Of course. Good night, everyone.
He helped her walk, guided her to his car, and gently settled her in the passenger seat. Closing the door, he looked at her silently for a moment.
Lee Jae Hyun (softly, to himself)
— Why do you always drink yourself like this…?
He started the engine. A few minutes later, Han Ye Reum slowly opened her eyes, still dazed.
Han Ye Reum
— Where are you taking me?
Lee Jae Hyun
— Taking you home. You were completely drunk. You passed out.
Han Ye Reum
— Just drop me somewhere… I don't want to go home like this.
Eventually, he brought her to his place. She walked in, unsteady, while he collapsed on the couch, exhausted.
Han Ye Reum
— I can't believe I ended up here again…
Lee Jae Hyun
— You can sleep in the guest room tonight.
Han Ye Reum
— Alright… but can I take a shower first? And… do you have something comfy I could wear?
A few minutes later…
Han Ye Reum walked out of the shower, wrapped in a bathrobe. Not seeing Jae Hyun in the living room, she opened a door at random… and came face to face with him, mid-shirt removal.
Lee Jae Hyun (surprised)
— What are you doing? Why are you in my room?!
Han Ye Reum (embarrassed)
— I'm sorry! I thought it was the guest room…
She turned to leave… then paused and spun around suddenly.
Han Ye Reum
— Why are you acting like this? You and I have seen each other in way less clothing, haven't we?
Lee Jae Hyun (frowning)
— What are you talking about?
Han Ye Reum
— Don't act all innocent now. But if you want to pretend nothing happened… fine, I get it.
Lee Jae Hyun
— Wait… what exactly are you talking about? I really don't get it.
Han Ye Reum (shrugging casually)
— I said I get it. So let's just forget about it.
Lee Jae Hyun
— How come you sobered up so fast tonight, when last time you couldn't even stand?
Han Ye Reum (smirking)
— Ah… I wasn't actually drunk.
Lee Jae Hyun (shocked)
— What? I saw you drinking… You were out cold!
Han Ye Reum
— I was just exhausted… And honestly, I was on a date with one of the guys Myung Ji invited. He was boring and clingy. Just thinking about it drains me even more. I don't even want to see him again. Anyway… (short pause)
I just wanted to get out of there, so I faked it.
(short pause)
— Anyway… good night. I'm wiped.
She flashed a small smile and walked off.
Lee Jae Hyun
(smiling, stunned)
— She… faked it? That girl should seriously be an actress.
The next morning – At Han Yuri and Lee Tae Joon's place
Lee Tae Joon was already sitting in the kitchen, a cup of coffee in hand. Han Yuri slowly walked out of her room, quiet. She headed to the coffee machine, poured herself a cup, then sat across from him.
Lee Tae Joon
— I talked to someone. Don't worry, there won't be any article about your argument yesterday.
Han Yuri looked up at him, locking eyes.
Lee Tae Joon
— Why are you looking at me like that?
Han Yuri
— Why did you do that?
Lee Tae Joon
— What do you mean? I'm your husband.
Han Yuri (cold stare, but calm voice)
— Stop using that excuse… You and I both know this marriage is just an arrangement.
Okay, it's not fake… but it's not a love marriage either.
So tell me… what's your real reason for marrying me?
Lee Tae Joon stayed silent, watching her without answering.
Han Yuri
— Fine. If you don't want to answer, forget it. Just like you didn't ask me anything about my scandal, I won't push either.
She put her cup down, stood up, and returned to her room without another word.
A little while later, Han Yuri came out of her room, already perfectly dressed.
High heels, confident stride… She walked across the living room slowly to grab her phone from the charger.
Behind her, Lee Tae Joon's gaze silently followed her.
Lee Tae Joon
— Where are you going this early?
Han Yuri
— To my agency, since I couldn't go yesterday.
Lee Tae Joon
— I'll give you a ride.
Han Yuri (calmly)
— Why do you always insist on driving me? Don't you work?
Lee Tae Joon
— I have a trusted manager running things, so I can go in whenever I want.
He got up and went to the bedroom. A few minutes later, he came out well-dressed but relaxed.
Lee Tae Joon
— Let's go.
Han Yuri didn't have the energy to stop him anymore.
A few minutes later – In the car
Han Yuri crossed her arms.
— Okay, drop me off and you can go.
Lee Tae Joon
— Alright.
He started the engine.
She closed her eyes, exhausted, and quickly drifted off.
When she woke up, she frowned. The scenery was completely different. She looked around. Trees, an empty road… This wasn't her agency.
Lee Tae Joon looked at her, smiling.
— Finally awake?
She quickly sat up straight.
Han Yuri
— Where are we? This isn't my agency.
He shrugged.
Lee Tae Joon
— We made a little detour.
Han Yuri
— A detour? What time is it?
She checked her watch and went pale.
Han Yuri
— Oh my god… I've been asleep for an hour?!
Lee Tae Joon
— You looked tired. I didn't want to wake you.
Han Yuri let out a frustrated sigh.
She put a hand to her forehead.
— Alright. Now take me to the agency.
But to her surprise, Lee Tae Joon stepped out of the car.
She frowned.
Han Yuri
— Where are you going?
Without a word, he threw the car keys… into the nearby lake.
Her eyes widened.
Han Yuri
— Wait… Are you insane?!
She rushed out of the car and ran toward the water.
Han Yuri
— Tell me this is a joke…
Lee Tae Joon, hands in his pockets, gave her a slight smirk.
— I saw there's a small amusement park not far from here.
She blinked in disbelief.
Han Yuri
— So what?! I told you to take me to the agency, and instead, you bring me here and throw the keys? You're completely nuts.
Lee Tae Joon
— I want to have fun. Come on, please?
She took a deep breath, trying not to explode.
Han Yuri
— That's enough. Give me my phone.
She quickly dialed Kim Min Hee's number, but when she brought the phone to her ear… no signal.
She turned pale.
Han Yuri
— No signal? Where the hell did you bring me?!
Lee Tae Joon
— I know… there's no service here.
Han Yuri
— Wait, wait… Am I dreaming or did I just get kidnapped?
Lee Tae Joon (playing innocent)
— I wouldn't say kidnapped exactly…
Han Yuri
— Really? You brought me somewhere I don't know while I was unconscious.
Lee Tae Joon
— Hmm… When you say it like that, maybe it is kidnapping.
Han Yuri
— Seriously, why do something so stupid? We're in the middle of nowhere with no network and you threw away the car keys.
Lee Tae Joon
— I already told you. I want to have fun. It's been ages since I've been on a ride.
Han Yuri
— You are really…
Lee Tae Joon
— Come on, let's go.
Han Yuri
— No. I'm not going anywhere.
Lee Tae Joon
— So you're going to stay here all alone?
Han Yuri
— This is all your fault. I swear, I won't forgive you for this.
Lee Tae Joon
— Fine, stay here if you want. Someone needs to watch the car anyway… In case any thugs show up, you'll be perfect. See ya.
Han Yuri
— Wait.
Lee Tae Joon
— What? Changed your mind?
Han Yuri
— Just so you know… I'm coming under protest.
A few kilometers away.
They arrived in front of a small, old-fashioned amusement park. Retro vibe. Quiet… almost deserted.
Only a few staff members were busy prepping the rides.
Lee Tae Joon walked over to one of the employees while Han Yuri stayed back, arms crossed.
As he handled the tickets, she scanned the place with a distant look.
The park, nearly silent and empty, felt frozen in time.
Her eyes wandered around… but her mind drifted elsewhere.
Blurry images resurfaced from her memory:
A woman holding a baby…
A little girl holding that woman's hand, walking slowly through a park.
Then that same little girl, sitting alone on a bench.
And the woman's voice, fading away:
"Wait here, I'll be right back."
Han Yuri blinked as the images faded like a dream.
She stood there for a moment, motionless, lost in silence.
A hand on her shoulder made her jump.
She turned around suddenly.
Lee Tae Joon (light smile)
— What are you thinking about? Let's go, I've got the tickets.
Still a bit dazed, Han Yuri followed without a word.
They entered. Han Yuri looked around.
Han Yuri
— Wow… It's so empty here. Does no one ever come?
They walked slowly.
Lee Tae Joon
— No cell service. You know how people are these days…
This park's been around since I was a kid. I used to come all the time. We lived nearby back then.
He pointed at a slightly rusty ride.
Lee Tae Joon
— Have you ever been on one of these?
Han Yuri
— Of course. We often film romantic scenes in places like this.
Lee Tae Joon
— Let's try it.
Han Yuri
— Go ahead. I'll wait here.
Lee Tae Joon
— Come on. It'll be fun.
He insisted with a boyish smile.
Han Yuri
— Fine…
They got on a ride shaped like a snake.
Lee Tae Joon
— Oh boy, here we go! If you get scared, just say so.
Han Yuri crossed her arms proudly.
Han Yuri
— I'm not scared. It's not like this is my first time on a ride.
It started off gently… then suddenly sped up.
The few people on it screamed with a mix of thrill and panic.
Lee Tae Joon laughed like a child.
Han Yuri, calm at first, began to squirm.
As it sped up even more, she also screamed…
And in panic, she instinctively grabbed Lee Tae Joon's hand.
A few minutes later, the ride came to a stop.
They got off.
Han Yuri was still holding his hand.
Lee Tae Joon
— That was fun, wasn't it? But… are you planning to hold my hand forever? Were you that scared?
(He burst out laughing.)
Han Yuri looked down at their hands… then quickly let go.
Han Yuri (slightly raising her voice)
— I-I wasn't scared! I just…
Lee Tae Joon
— Yeah, sure...
She was about to justify herself again, but he walked away with a smirk.
Lee Tae Joon
— Look! Cotton candy. Want some?
Han Yuri
— It's too sweet. I don't really like sugary things.
But he had already ordered one, pretending not to hear.
A moment later, he came back with a cotton candy shaped like a little bunny.
Lee Tae Joon
— Here, try this.
Han Yuri
— No. I told you I don't like—
Before she could finish, he gently lifted it toward her mouth.
She looked at him, surprised.
Then reluctantly took a bite.
Han Yuri
— …Okay, fine. It's not bad.
Lee Tae Joon (with a satisfied little grin)
— Told you.
Come on, let's try that ride. They say it's really exciting.
Han Yuri
— We already went on a ride… Why another one?
Lee Tae Joon rolled his eyes like he was dealing with a stubborn child.
Lee Tae Joon
— Let's gooo.
He gently grabbed her wrist. She hesitated, then followed.
They tried more games and rides.
Gradually, Han Yuri started to relax.
She even cracked a few smiles… shy, subtle ones.
From time to time, Lee Tae Joon would glance at her, as if trying to memorize every expression.
Around 3 p.m., after nearly exhausting all the attractions, they strolled slowly toward the exit.
Lee Tae Joon munched on a hamburger with enthusiasm, while Han Yuri sipped bottled water.
Lee Tae Joon
— You sure you don't want a bite? It's delicious.
Han Yuri (shaking her head)
— No, too many calories.
Suddenly, she stopped.
Han Yuri
— Oh wait… We didn't even take any photos!
(She checked her pockets.)
Ah, damn… I forgot. My phone's in my bag. I left it in the car earlier so I wouldn't be bothered…
Lee Tae Joon
— No big deal. Let's do it old-school. Come on.
He led her to an old-fashioned photo booth.
They went in together.
Lee Tae Joon posed with a fake cool-guy attitude.
Han Yuri looked elegant but stiff, as if modeling for a luxury brand.
Lee Tae Joon
— This isn't a fashion shoot. Relax a little.
She looked at him… then took a breath.
A small smile tugged at her lips. She relaxed—just a little.
But suddenly, the machine froze.
Lee Tae Joon
— Huh? What's this? Looks like it's jammed.
He leaned forward to inspect the buttons. Han Yuri leaned in too.
As they straightened up at the same time, their faces ended up incredibly close.
Silence.
Their eyes met… lingered.
But Han Yuri quickly turned away.
Han Yuri (voice softer)
— We should head back. It's getting late.
She exited the booth, avoiding his gaze.
Lee Tae Joon sat for a second, thoughtful.
Then followed her out without a word.
He picked up the printed photo strip, then rejoined her.
They were now outside the park.
But instead of walking toward the car, he headed in the opposite direction.
Han Yuri
— Where are you going? The car's that way…
Lee Tae Joon
— We're making a little detour.
Han Yuri
— Again? Where now?
He didn't reply. He just kept walking.
Han Yuri followed cautiously.
He led her down a narrow alley, not far from the park.
In front of a small house, he stopped and rang the bell.
An elderly woman opened the door.
Grandmother (smiling)
— Oh, Tae Joon! It's been ages. Here for a cake?
Lee Tae Joon (smiling)
— Good evening. Sorry I've been a bit busy lately…
Han Yuri (slightly bowing)
— Good evening.
Grandmother
— Hello, sweetie. Come in, come in.
Lee Tae Joon
— It's getting late… We'll just take it to go.
Grandmother
— Alright, wait here. I'll be right back.
Han Yuri (whispering)
— What is this? An underground bakery?
Lee Tae Joon
— You know how it is.
Han Yuri
— Wait, what? Are you serious?
Lee Tae Joon (amused)
— Nah, I'm kidding. She opens in the morning, but we're way too late, so we came straight to her house.
The old lady returned with a beautifully wrapped box.
Grandmother (handing it over)
— Here you go.
Lee Tae Joon (glancing at Han Yuri)
— This is my wife.
Grandmother
— Really? She's stunning!
Lee Tae Joon
— How much do I owe you?
Grandmother
— Nothing at all. It's my wedding gift.
Han Yuri
— Oh no, that's really not necessary, ma'am…
Grandmother
— Oh hush. It's from the heart. Congratulations to both of you.
Han Yuri (a bit moved)
— Then… thank you very much.
Grandmother
— Now, go home. It's getting late.
A few minutes later, in the car…
Han Yuri
— She seems really sweet.
Lee Tae Joon
— Just wait till you try her cake… Way better than our overpriced wedding cake.
Han Yuri didn't respond.
She just turned toward the window, a faint smile playing on her lips.
Back at home, they opened the box.
Lee Tae Joon grabbed two small spoons and let Han Yuri taste it first.
Han Yuri
— Hmm… You're right. This is really good.
Lee Tae Joon
— Told you. Best of the best.
She stared at him for a moment, curious.
Lee Tae Joon (noticing)
— What? Why are you looking at me like that?
She stayed silent, took another bite… then froze.
Han Yuri
— Wait… How did you get the car key back?
Lee Tae Joon
— Huh? What?
Han Yuri
— I just remembered… You threw it into the lake, right?
So how did we drive back?
Lee Tae Joon (chuckling)
— Oh… I didn't actually throw it.
Han Yuri
— Excuse me? But I saw something fall.
Lee Tae Joon
— I just tossed a rock.
Han Yuri
— So… you made me think we were stuck there?
Lee Tae Joon (grinning)
— We had fun though, didn't we? Let's not overthink it.
Han Yuri slowly stood up, eyes intense.
Lee Tae Joon
— Wait, why are you walking toward me like that…?
She didn't answer.
He stood up too, just in case.
She tried to swat him playfully. He dodged, laughing.
Han Yuri
— Get over here, you—
Lee Tae Joon
— Not a chance!
She lunged… and tripped.
In an ungraceful tumble, she fell on top of him.
They landed on the couch.
And in the mess of limbs and cushions… their lips brushed.
Then kissed—accidentally.
A pause.
Electric.
Frozen in time.
To be continued…