"There's even an article saying you're about to get married," the voice from the phone stated, cold and direct. "This puts us in a bad spot, Ms. Baek."
I felt my heart sink, a familiar anxiety bubbling up. The hand holding the phone was a blur of motion, but the message was razor sharp. Director Park's words, his expression stern behind his glasses, were unwavering as he looked over at me.
"You know full well the type of character you are playing in this movie," he continued, leaning forward slightly. "If the viewers can't get into the movie... because of your personal life..." He let the thought hang in the air, a silent but heavy threat.
"Of course not, Director Park," I managed to say, my own hand clenching a fist in my lap. I was desperately trying to appear professional, though a brief moment of shame washed over me.
"Look, I'm happy that you and Inkang are so in love," Director Park conceded, a touch of forced warmth in his tone. "I'm also very thankful toward Inkang for helping the two of us meet. But let's not mix business with personal feelings here."
He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly above his glasses. "You're not that dumb... right, Ms. Baek?" The question was more of a low blow than a genuine inquiry, and I lowered my gaze, the shame growing.
"I'm so sorry..." I whispered, trying to keep my voice steady. "I had no idea that a baseless, speculative article like this would blow up."
"I have no reason to cast you. Isn't that right?" The director of my agency, Ms. Seo, intervened, her tone equally serious as she looked at me with an air of disappointment. It was a clear warning—get this under control, or my career was on the line.
Waiting for the Writer
A short while later, Ms. Seo and I were seated at a table with Director Park. The meeting had ostensibly shifted from a tense lecture to a discussion of the project, though the atmosphere still crackled with unspoken tension.
"Hello, Director Park. I'm sorry I'm late," Ms. Seo said as she took her seat.
"It's been a while, Ms. Seo," Director Park replied with a slight nod.
"Hi, Ms. Seo," I added quietly.
"When did you get here, I?" Ms. Seo asked me.
"I just got here as well," I replied.
"I hope it's okay that I ordered a few things ahead of time," Director Park mentioned.
"Of course it's alright, Director Park!" Ms. Seo quickly reassured him. Then she looked around. "Where's your writer? I hope he gets here before the food comes out!"
Director Park casually checked his phone. "He said he was leaving his house a while ago so he should be here soon. Let me step outside and give him a call."
As he stood up, the door slid open with a soft "SLIDE," and with a gentle "THUD," two more people entered the room, the writer finally arriving.
"WHEWWWW," Ms. Seo exhaled, collapsing back onto the cushion with relief as Director Park stepped out. "Did you manage to put out the fires...?" she asked me, wiping a hand across her forehead.
"Not yet... I had to turn my phone off because I kept getting calls," I admitted.
"We put up an official statement asking people not to speculate," Ms. Seo informed me. "I don't know why this kind of thing always happens to the two of you."
She leaned in, her voice dropping. "Have you spoken to Inkang at all?"
"He said he wanted to talk things over with you first," I replied.
"What did Inkang say...? You know he never gives a crap about the press. But Inkang's going on about retiring once his contract expires," she said, her expression anxious. "Now the fans are asking us to at least be honest if you two are getting married... I'm just lost at this point... He's so damn stubborn."
"Retire...? He said that...?" The news hit me like a physical blow.
"Honestly, I see where he's coming from. He has to join the service soon, and his contract is expiring," Ms. Seo explained, sighing and running a hand through her hair. "He worked so hard all his life so he could give his grandma a better life... but she passed away and they couldn't even do anything to save her."
"He has to smile in front of a camera even when he's breaking down inside... and there's horrible articles and comments that come up online every day. He's probably wondering what this is all for now. If he didn't feel burnt out and upset, he'd be a robot, not a human being."
She looked at me, a searching look in her eyes. "You had no idea that he was going to go buy a ring, did you...?"
"I had no clue... We talked about getting promise rings at one point, but I had forgotten all about it... because Inkang's been having such a hard time lately," I confessed, looking down at the cup in my hands.
Ms. Seo placed her hand on my shoulder, her voice becoming firmer. "I don't like saying this to you behind his back... But what he wants is what he wants. You're allowed to want different things."
She held my gaze intently. "Listen, I, this is an incredibly important opportunity. This movie could make you. Opportunities like these don't come by every day. You understand what I'm saying, right?"
I met her eyes, the weight of her words and my own ambitions pressing down on me. I understood all too well.
"I don't like saying this to you behind his back... But what he wants is what he wants. You're allowed to want different things," Ms. Seo said, her words resonating with me as a quiet fire of ambition began to burn.
"Listen, I, this is an incredibly important opportunity. This movie could make you," she stressed. "Opportunities like these don't come by every day. You understand what I'm saying, right?"
She was right. I knew it in my heart.
"She's right... This is the moment I've been waiting for." I thought to myself, the resolve hardening my gaze. "This is my one chance to soar even higher. Once I climb this set of stairs, a whole new world will open up for me."
My career, my future, was at a critical juncture. "I can't let anything hold me back at such an important point in my life." I looked in the mirror, applying my lipstick with fierce determination. "No matter... who it is... or what it is... I will sweep away whatever dares get in my way."
The Writer's Revenge
Meanwhile, the writer, the one who was supposed to be at the meeting, was standing alone on a balcony, smoking. He was clearly upset about the news surrounding me and Inkang.
"She never told me a thing about getting married, but now there's articles all over the place saying she is," he muttered, shaking his head. "Haha, is this her way of telling me that she's done with me?"
His face twisted into a smirk, a darker motivation taking root. "Whatever. I have things up my sleeve too..."
He took a drag from his cigarette, a dangerous glint in his eye. "Seonghee Shim told me... some shocking things."
He recounted the supposed secrets with chilling precision: "She said that I was a loan shark and used someone to take the fall when that accounting book was found... and that I used another student to make Seonghee Shim look like a thief in front of the whole class."
The writer, armed with these potentially damaging rumors from Seonghee Shim, seemed ready to use them.
The writer continued to fume on the balcony, clutching the damaging information he had been given.
"Of course, I don't believe every word she said... but if any of this is true... I have the perfect title for the article I'd write about it." He took a slow drag from his cigarette.
"The problem is that there's no evidence..." He flipped through his notebook, which had names scrawled on it: "loan shark = Jaeo Kim?", "classmate = Junseo Yun (friend)", and the location: (Nojung High). "Plus, it was all so long ago that there's no real way to prove it happened."
His eyes narrowed in frustration. "I guess I have no choice but to dig there first..."
He pulled out his phone and made a call. "Hello? Hey, it's me, Heeguk!"
"Yeah, it's been a while, haha!"
"Hey, can I ask you a favor? Could you find me a high school graduation album? I can't exactly tell you why I need it yet... Aw, come on! You're the best at this kind of stuff."
A smile spread across his face as he got the answer he wanted. "Yeah, you got it, buddy! I'll buy you a couple drinks next time." The writer was officially setting his plan in motion to gather evidence against me.
A Clandestine Meeting
Elsewhere, a woman with short blonde hair and a red jacket sat across from a man in a tan jacket. It was a secret meeting, and it was being recorded by a hidden camera.
"What did you end up telling your manager?" the man asked.
"Oh, I told him I was seeing an old friend from high school. It gives me an excuse if people ever take photos of us together. My management company would be very upset if they found out that I met up with a fan in person," she explained, taking a bite of food.
The man smiled warmly. "Would you like to go shopping after dinner? I reserved the entire store for us, so you can take your time picking out what you want."
"Aww, you didn't have to!" she replied, surprised.
"I wanted to make sure I make it up to you," he said.
The camera continued to roll, capturing the scene of their seemingly intimate evening.
While the camera continued to record the clandestine dinner, the man who was meeting the celebrity, Jaeo, was speaking with another man.
"Hey, Jaeo. What's with that lighter? It looks new," the other man asked, pointing to a sleek, dark object on the table.
"What do you mean? I found it in the office!" Jaeo Kim replied defensively.
"Since when do I own such a shitty lighter...?" his friend retorted.
"It's not a lighter. It's a tiny video camera. You're the one who spent 300,000 won (approximately $270 USD) on it," Jaeo's friend revealed.
"What the hell do you need this for?! Hey, if you get into trouble, you're dead," the man warned.
Jaeo dismissed the concern with a casual smile. "It's nothing like that. Just enjoy your fancy meal."
Jaeo's Departure and Debt
The friend then brought up a new topic. "Hey, Mr. Ahn called me earlier today. He was wondering when you'd be able to come to Hong Kong."
Jaeo paused, his fork hovering mid-air. "I told you, I can't go right away. I have to wrap a few things up here before I can leave."
His friend frowned. "Are you kidding me? I took you in so you'd never have to get your hands dirty! You're the one that's leaving me to go to Hong Kong all of a sudden. This is why you never trust someone to repay a kindness."
Jaeo, clearly annoyed, tried to smooth things over. "Hey, it's not like I'm leaving forever. But hey, I bet you're happy to be rid of me."
"Come on, why're you so mad? Ugh, I know. Just shut up and eat," his friend grumbled, clearly still upset by Jaeo's impending departure, which seemed to be related to a debt or obligation, a stark contrast to the easy money he was making from the video camera scam.
Inkang's Anxiety
Meanwhile, Inkang was anxiously waiting, the sound of a clock ticking audibly in the background.
"TICK TOCK," the clock went.
He was on the phone, clearly distressed. "Oh, yeah. Her phone has been off all day. People kept calling and texting her to ask if she's really getting married... Right... I just got a little antsy because I couldn't get in touch with her all day."
"Ms. Seo hasn't been picking up either," he continued.
The person on the other end offered an explanation. "Oh, I think they're currently in a meeting with Director Park. That's probably why she can't pick up."
Inkang pressed for more information: "You're not with me right now, are you?"
He was clearly worried about me, unaware of the serious conversation I was having with Ms. Seo and Director Park, or the plot the writer and Jaeo were cooking up.
We now know Jaeo Kim is actively recording a meeting with a tiny camera, likely for a scandal, and he is the one who was previously named as the "loan shark" in the writer's notes.
The revelation that Jaeo Kim, the man secretly filming the celebrity, is the same person the writer identified as the supposed "loan shark" in the high school rumors, creates a dangerous feedback loop.
1. Career Sabotage via Scandal
The most immediate and severe threat is the tiny video camera footage. Jaeo Kim is actively recording a famous person (the blonde woman) on a secret dinner date.
My Ambition is at Risk: The director, Director Park, already warned me that personal scandals can ruin my chance in this "incredibly important opportunity" movie. A major celebrity scandal involving one of my associates (Jaeo Kim, who is implicated in my past) could easily be traced back to me, dragging my name into the muck. The entertainment industry's reaction to one scandal (my rumored marriage to Inkang) was already harsh; a link to a covert filming/fan relationship scandal could be career-ending.
The Writer's Weapon: The writer, driven by what he perceives as a personal slight over my relationship with Inkang, is actively seeking evidence about my past with Jaeo. If he finds proof that Jaeo was a "loan shark" who used someone to "take the fall" and is connected to me—and then links that to the current, fresh scandal Jaeo is creating—he would have an explosive article with both historical and current evidence to publish. The two plots are feeding each other: the writer gives the historical motive, and Jaeo gives the current, sensational news.
2. Threat to My Relationship with Inkang
The combined pressure from the world and Inkang's desire to retire places a massive strain on our relationship, especially since I am now resolved to prioritize my career.
The Retirement Conflict: Inkang is "burnt out and upset," dealing with constant negative articles, and talking about retiring to escape the industry's cruelty. My choice to see this new movie as my "one chance to soar even higher" puts our goals directly at odds. Ms. Seo's words—"you're allowed to want different things"—highlight this growing chasm.
Inkang's Anxiety: He is already "antsy" and worried because he can't reach me, while I'm actively trying to "sweep away whatever dares get in my way." My single-minded focus on my career opportunity, while he contemplates a life-changing decision (retirement), means a lack of communication and support during his crisis. If a massive scandal erupts involving my name and Jaeo (a former associate with a dark past), the emotional toll on Inkang, who is already struggling, would be immense, potentially forcing him to make his final retirement decision and end our relationship to protect himself.
The intertwining of Jaeo's current criminal activity and the writer's pursuit of my past connection to Jaeo means I face not just one, but two simultaneous and potentially catastrophic threats.
Heeguk, the writer, was now walking briskly down a crowded street, phone pressed to his ear. He was still pursuing the old high school dirt on me, his motivation a messy mix of jealousy and professional revenge.
"Okay, I get it, finding a high school album from Nojung High is a tall order," he conceded, frustration evident in his voice. "But you're telling me you can't even get the name of Junseo Yun's homeroom teacher?"
He paused, listening. The connection wasn't yielding the quick results he'd hoped for. "Look, I'll send you an extra 300,000 won (approx. $270 USD). I need that information as soon as possible, okay? No later than tomorrow." He hung up with a decisive snap.
Heeguk looked at the notes on his phone one last time: "I will get to the bottom of this." He was convinced that exposing my past connection to Jaeo Kim, the alleged loan shark, would be the perfect way to bring down my burgeoning career.
My Private Crisis
I was finally home, but the silence of my apartment felt oppressive. Inkang's earlier anxious phone call played in my mind. I knew he was hurting and I was avoiding him, consumed by the pressure of the movie and Ms. Seo's words about ambition. I looked at the dark screens of my phone and laptop, the endless articles and comments a crushing weight.
"CLICK," the lock on my door engaged as I secured it. I had turned off my phone to escape the calls, but now I felt totally isolated. The stress was too much. I walked into the bathroom and threw a handful of water on my face, trying to clear the mental fog.
As I stared at my reflection, the phone on the counter suddenly vibrated with a BUZZ, despite me thinking it was off. I snatched it up, my heart pounding. It wasn't a call or a text, but a small, unassuming photo file sent to my messenger app.
My breath caught in my throat as I looked at the image. It was a picture of Inkang—a photo I had taken of him, smiling and holding up a pair of shoes he'd just bought. It was a casual, intimate moment.
Then, a text message followed from an unknown number: "You've really hurt him, haven't you?"
The simple, accusatory message, paired with the stolen private photo, sent a chill down my spine. The threat wasn't just to my career now; it was deeply personal, preying on my guilt and my relationship with Inkang. Someone was watching us, and they were using his pain against me.
I stared at the photo of Inkang on my screen, my hands trembling. It was a picture only I had taken, a moment we shared privately, yet here it was, in the hands of a stranger. The message, "You've really hurt him, haven't you?", was a dagger to my conscience, preying on the guilt I already felt for prioritizing my career over his pain.
Just then, my phone rang again, pulling me from my daze. It was Inkang.
"Hello, I?" he asked, his voice sounding tired but relieved.
"Inkang!" I replied, my voice catching in my throat. I couldn't bring myself to mention the message.
"Where are you? I've been calling all day," he said, the concern in his tone making my heart ache.
"Oh, I was with Ms. Seo and Director Park. We were talking about the movie," I lied, omitting the tense lecture and the emotional toll of the day. "My phone must have died."
"I see... I was just getting a little worried," he admitted.
"Sorry for making you worry," I said, forcing a cheerful tone. "Did you eat? I'm starving."
"Yeah, I ate already. I was going to head home now," he replied.
"Oh, okay. Drive safe," I told him, trying to sound normal.
"You too. Be safe," he said, and then added softly, "I love you, I."
"I love you too, Inkang." I hung up, sinking onto my bed, the picture and the anonymous text still burned into my mind.
The Threat Revealed
A moment later, a call came through from Ms. Seo. "I! Where were you? Why weren't you picking up?" she demanded.
"I'm so sorry, my phone died after the meeting," I quickly apologized.
"You are in deep trouble," she stated bluntly. "Inkang's manager, Mr. Hwang, just called me. He told me that Inkang had an intense confrontation with Jaeo Kim on the rooftop of his apartment building. He said Jaeo showed him something that has Inkang completely distraught."
My blood ran cold. Jaeo Kim... the name connected to the writer's rumors, the tiny camera, and now, my boyfriend.
"What did Jaeo show him?" I whispered.
"I don't know the specifics, but Inkang immediately told Mr. Hwang to set up a press conference and announce his immediate retirement," Ms. Seo revealed, her voice strained. "It's worse than we thought, I. The one who sent you that picture of Inkang was Jaeo Kim. He used your guilt and Inkang's distress to drive a wedge between you two."
I clutched the phone, the realization hitting me like a physical blow. The writer wanted to expose my past, but Jaeo Kim wanted to destroy my present—my relationship with Inkang—by manipulating our situation. He was the mastermind behind the personal attacks.
"What does Jaeo Kim want?" I asked, my voice barely a tremor.
"He wants money, of course. He has some dirt on you and Inkang, and he's going to release it all unless you pay him," Ms. Seo explained. "I already told Mr. Hwang that we would handle it, but you need to tell me everything now."
The choice was laid bare: my future was in the hands of a blackmailer, and my silence had caused Inkang to sacrifice his career.
The air in the room felt heavy, thick with the unspoken consequence of my words. I saw the way their eyes, usually so warm and welcoming, had already begun to cloud over with confusion, perhaps even a premonition of pain. I had rehearsed this moment a hundred times in my head, knowing that no amount of smooth delivery would truly soften the blow.
I smoothed the lapel of my crisp white jacket, a small, unnecessary gesture to steady myself. My voice, when it came out, was practiced and low, betraying none of the turmoil churning inside.
"You're a sweet person who always does whatever I ask..." I began, allowing a ghost of a smile to touch my lips. It was a truth, after all. They had always been pliable, endlessly generous, utterly devoted. It was a devotion I had come to rely on, perhaps even exploit, and the realization tasted like ash.
I paused, letting the compliment hang in the silence, hoping it might act as a buffer for what was to come. I needed to leverage that history of compliance, that wellspring of selfless giving. This was the hardest thing I would ever ask.
"So I'm hoping you can do this one thing for me."
My gaze was steady, meeting theirs head-on. There was no flinching, no wavering. I didn't want to make this easier, because if it was easy, I might not go through with it. I had to be the cold, beautiful villain in this final scene. I had to be absolute.
I took a breath, letting the finality sink into the silence. The rose-shaped earrings I wore felt suddenly heavy, cold against my skin. I lowered my eyes only slightly, just enough to break the intensity for the moment it took to deliver the final line, the one that would sever the thread between us forever.
And then I said it, quiet and absolute, as though asking for a cup of tea.
"Let's break up."