Chapter 37: Too Close to Notice
The atmosphere on the set of My Secret Identity had completely shifted, radiating a warmth that had nothing to do with the summer heat. Clara and Min-ho moved around the studio like two lovebirds caught in their own private world. Every time their paths crossed, there was a lingering look, a subtle brush of shoulders, or a quiet, private smile that they tried—and failed—to hide.
Even during the stressful technical setups, Min-ho's gaze kept drifting toward Clara. The fierce, untouchable CEO looked softer, happier, and completely captivated.
During a quick lunch break, Secretary Kim stepped up next to Min-ho, handing him a cold bottle of water. He adjusted his glasses and looked at his boss with his usual stoic expression, though a rare, genuine warmth flickered in his eyes.
"Mr. Min-ho," Secretary Kim murmured quietly, ensuring no staff members were within earshot. "While I am profoundly happy to see you and Miss Ji-soo in such high spirits, I must respectfully advise a bit more distance while on set. The crew is beginning to whisper, and we cannot afford any rumors leaking to the press just yet."
Min-ho cleared his throat, suddenly looking like a schoolboy caught red-handed. "Right. Of course, Secretary Kim. You are correct. I will... restrain myself."
Shortly after, Min-ho's head of security approached them with a tablet in hand. "Sir, I have a quick update. Our surveillance teams and the local police report that there has been absolutely no trace of the stalker for the past few days. No suspicious accounts, no black envelopes, and no unrecognized vehicles near the studio perimeter. It seems the increased security has scared him off."
Hearing the news, a massive wave of relief washed over Min-ho. Later, when he passed the update along to Clara in her dressing room, she let out a long breath she felt like she'd been holding for weeks. The suffocating fear that had been looming over them finally seemed to dissolve. They were safe. The nightmare was ending.
Or so they thought.
Far below the glittering, secure penthouse apartment, the underground parking structure was silent and cool. It was a concrete labyrinth, heavily guarded and restricted to residents only.
Parked in a dark, forgotten corner near the maintenance shafts sat a white commercial van. On its side, the faded logo of a residential cleaning company was barely visible under a layer of dust. To anyone passing by, it was just a service vehicle authorized to be there.
Inside the van, the air was thick, smelling faintly of instant ramen and chemicals. It wasn't a utility vehicle anymore; it had been meticulously converted into a makeshift camper. The windows were blacked out with heavy curtains, blocking any view of the interior.
Attached to the dashboard was a glowing monitor, splitting the screen into four live video feeds. One camera was aimed directly at the penthouse elevator. Another captured the main entrance of the building.
A figure sat crouched in the dim blue light of the screens. His eyes, bloodshot and unblinking, were fixed on the monitor showing the main lobby. He watched as Min-ho's sleek black car pulled up, seeing Clara and Min-ho step out, laughing and holding hands as they walked toward the private elevator.
A twisted, terrifying smile slowly spread across the stalker's face as he leaned closer to the screen, his fingers tracing Clara's smiling face on the glass. He had bypassed their biometric locks by never trying to enter. He didn't need to break into the penthouse. He was already inside their sanctuary, living right beneath their feet, watching their every move, and patiently waiting for the perfect, fatal moment to execute his final plan.
After all, danger is always much closer than you think.