Han Yuri is still unconscious in Lee Tae Joon's arms.
He lifts his head slightly, eyes locked on Yuri.
Kim Min Hee rushes over in a panic, pushing through the crew to reach them.
Kim Min Hee (kneeling beside them)
— Yuri-ah… Oh my god! Tae Joon-shi, are you okay?
Lee Tae Joon (straightening up)
— Yes… but Yuri passed out. Call an ambulance.
Without wasting a second, Kim Min Hee grabs her phone and quickly walks away to call for help.
Around them, panic still fills the air. The staff tries to help Lee Tae Joon get up, but he refuses to let go of Yuri, as if frozen.
A FEW MINUTES LATER
Sirens blare in the distance. Red and blue lights flash.
An ambulance pulls up urgently near the set.
Han Yuri is now on a stretcher, unconscious but stable.
The medics lift her into the ambulance under the worried eyes of the crew.
Lee Tae Joon climbs in after her. Before the doors close, he turns to Kim Min Hee.
Lee Tae Joon
— Min Hee-shi, can you contact Han Yuri's family? My phone is off.
Kim Min Hee (nodding, emotional)
— Okay. Please take care of her.
The ambulance doors shut.
The vehicle speeds off, leaving behind a chaotic set and the frightened stares of those still processing what just happened.
INSIDE THE AMBULANCE – ON THE WAY TO THE HOSPITAL
Han Yuri lies still, unconscious, hooked up to a monitor.
Lee Tae Joon sits right beside her, silent, eyes fixed on her face.
A paramedic, focused on Yuri's vitals, suddenly turns to him.
She frowns when she notices blood on the sleeve of his shirt.
Paramedic (calm but firm)
— You're injured.
Lee Tae Joon looks down, surprised. He lifts his sleeve slightly—there's a thin but deep cut running along his arm.
Lee Tae Joon (nonchalantly)
— Oh… it's just a scratch. It's nothing.
Paramedic (already pulling out antiseptic)
— Maybe, but we'll clean it anyway.
Infections can spread fast.
She moves closer and starts disinfecting the wound. Tae Joon winces slightly but stays quiet.
His gaze quickly returns to Han Yuri.
SEOUL HOSPITAL – EMERGENCY ROOM – A FEW MINUTES LATER
The ambulance doors swing open with a loud clack.
Two nurses rush out the stretcher carrying Han Yuri. Her face is pale, her breathing steady but faint.
Lee Tae Joon steps out just behind them.
His shirt is wrinkled and stained with dried blood, his arm still roughly bandaged.
Nurse (while pushing the stretcher)
— She's unconscious but stable. Vitals are good. No visible trauma.
(He turns to Lee Tae Joon.)
— Are you related to the patient?
Lee Tae Joon (pausing briefly)
— I'm her fiancé.
Nurse (nodding)
— In that case, please fill out this form at the front desk.
LATER – IN THE WAITING ROOM
Doctor (arriving with a reassuring tone)
— Mr. Lee?
(She gives a professional smile.)
Don't worry, she's okay. No internal injuries. She just fainted from the shock. She's resting now.
A FEW MINUTES LATER – HOSPITAL ROOM
The door opens quietly.
Lee Tae Joon steps in… and freezes.
Han Yuri is already awake, standing, packing her things.
She still has an IV in her arm but moves as if nothing happened.
Lee Tae Joon (surprised)
— What are you doing? You should still be lying down.
Han Yuri (without looking at him)
— I need to speak to my agency.
See if they can reschedule the photo shoot.
Lee Tae Joon (shocked)
— Are you serious right now?
That thing nearly blew up in your face!
Han Yuri looks him straight in the eyes, unshaken.
Han Yuri (cold, sharp)
— But it didn't.
So why waste time here?
Lee Tae Joon stands frozen, caught off guard. He says nothing.
Calm and focused, Han Yuri finishes packing.
Han Yuri
— Why are you just standing there?
Come on, let's go.
She walks out without waiting. Lee Tae Joon eventually follows in silence.
As soon as they step out, a doctor approaches.
Doctor (surprised, frowning)
— Miss Han? Why are you up already? You should still be in bed!
Han Yuri (smiling, briskly)
— Hello, Doctor. I'm fine, don't worry. But I really have to go.
Doctor (looking at Lee Tae Joon, frustrated)
— How can you let her leave like this?
Lee Tae Joon (sighing, shrugging)
— I tried to stop her…
But as you can see, she's stubborn.
Han Yuri (calm, controlled, firm)
— Thank you, Doctor, really. But I'm fine.
And I need to go now.
She turns gracefully and walks away.
Lee Tae Joon (bowing slightly)
— Thank you for everything, Doctor.
(The doctor stands speechless, surprised by how everything just unfolded.)
SEOUL HOSPITAL – MAIN ENTRANCE
Han Yuri approaches the automatic doors. Without slowing down, she slips on her dark sunglasses.
With determined steps, she walks out, silently followed by Lee Tae Joon.
Without even glancing at him, she raises her hand to hail a taxi. A car pulls over instantly.
She opens the door, ready to step in… but pauses for a moment, turning briefly toward him.
Han Yuri (calm voice, slightly distant)
— I bet the reporters are already on their way.
After hearing the news, they'll all gather here to see how I handle the situation.
(She pauses briefly, her gaze hidden behind her sunglasses.)
— That's why I doubt we'll have a chance to see each other again before the family dinner.
I'll contact the photographer and see if we can resume the photo shoot.
She's about to get into the taxi. One hand on the door, her tone neutral but firm:
— Oh, and I'll send you the restaurant details once it's confirmed.
(Without waiting for a reply, she gets in and shuts the door. No attempt to look back.)
Lee Tae Joon (murmuring, a bit frustrated)
— She didn't even let me say a word…
(He sighs, then raises his hand to hail a taxi.)
A FEW MINUTES LATER
Han Yuri, seated in the back of the vehicle, takes out her phone and dials a number.
Kim Min Hee (on the phone, worried voice)
— Yuri?! Are you okay? I'm still on set, wrapping a few things up, but I'll head to the hospital right away.
Han Yuri (calm, almost nonchalant)
— I'm not there anymore. I'm in a taxi, heading home.
Kim Min Hee (panicked)
— What?! You just fainted! You're already going home? Are you insane? Go back to the hospital immediately!
Han Yuri (unshaken)
— I'm sure the journalists are already crowded in front of the agency.
I can't go there. It's better if I go straight home.
But… can you do me a favor? Talk to the photographer.
See if we can resume the shoot.
(A brief silence. Kim Min Hee sighs, exasperated.)
Kim Min Hee
— Is that really all you care about right now?! You just regained consciousness, Yuri-ah.
You should rest. A photo shoot can wait.
Han Yuri (firm but composed)
— Min Hee. Can you just talk to the photographer?
Ask him when we can resume. Nothing more.
Kim Min Hee (resigned)
— Fine… I'll talk to him.
But promise me you'll rest, okay? Just… a little.
(Han Yuri doesn't answer. She hangs up without a word, her gaze lost through the window as the taxi weaves through the streets of Seoul.)
HANNAM-DONG – 5:00 PM
An hour later, Han Yuri finally arrives home.
The taxi stops in front of the large residence. She slowly steps out, pays the driver, then walks quietly through the garden.
She climbs the few steps to the door.
As soon as she enters, her stepmother appears, visibly worried.
Stepmother
— Yuri-ah, are you okay? I heard the news… How are you feeling?
(She approaches to touch her arm, but Han Yuri subtly pulls back.)
Han Yuri (murmuring, a slight smile on her lips)
— If you were so worried… why didn't you come to the hospital?
Stepmother
— We were just about to go… but Kim Min Hee called to say you'd already left.
Han Yuri (voice calm, polite but distant)
— Mother… I'm still a little tired.
I don't have the energy to argue about this. I'm going up to my room.
(Without waiting for a reply, she turns and walks away, composed and elegant.)
Stepmother (watching Yuri leave, slightly saddened)
— Alright… get some rest.
HAN RESIDENCE – 7:00 PM
As usual, the whole family is gathered around a perfectly set dinner table.
Yuri's Father
— Where's Yuri?
Stepmother (gently)
— She must've fallen asleep. After everything that happened, she needs rest… It must've been hard on her.
But before she can finish her sentence, a cold voice cuts her off:
Han Yuri
— Why would it have been hard? The equipment didn't even fall on me.
Everyone turns. Yuri is standing behind her stepmother's chair.
Stepmother (surprised)
— Yuri-ah… How long have you been here?
Han Yuri (taking her seat, calm and elegant)
— Just now.
Han Yuri is now at the table. She eats in silence, detached. Her father is the first to speak.
Yuri's Father
— Why didn't you stay at the hospital?
It would've been good for your image. A little attention around the accident wouldn't hurt.
Han Yuri doesn't reply.
Stepmother
— But Yuri… are you sure it was really an accident?
Han Yuri turns her head toward her, her gaze ice-cold.
Han Yuri
— Of course. Why ask?
Stepmother
— No, it's just that… it's strange. That kind of incident never happened before.
Maybe it's that same person who sent the message…
But why go that far?
Han Yuri
— It was just an accident. Things like that happen.
I can't keep moving forward if, every time something bad happens, I start connecting it to that person.
That's bad for my mind.
And I have no intention of going crazy over someone who has nothing better to do than send weird messages about actresses.
Her stepmother was about to respond, but Han Yuri didn't give her the chance. She turned toward her father, ending the conversation.
Han Yuri
— Ah, Father… how's the family dinner planning going?
Yuri's Father
— My secretary already made a reservation at a great restaurant. It's elegant, and I hear the food is excellent.
Han Yuri
— Very well.
Stepmother
— Wouldn't it be easier to have it here? It would feel more intimate, don't you think?
Yuri's Father
— Maybe another time. But for a first meeting between in-laws, a nice restaurant is more appropriate.
Han Yuri
— And Ye Reum? Did you talk to her? Is she coming?
Yuri's Father
— Why wouldn't she?
We're family. We should be together for important moments.
(He turns to the stepmother.)
Tell Ye Reum to adjust her schedule. I don't want a refusal.
It would look bad for the family if we weren't all there.
Stepmother
— Alright, I'll let her know.
THAT EVENING – IN HAN YURI'S ROOM
Lying on her bed, Han Yuri is still awake. The light is dim. Phone in hand, she scrolls through the news articles one by one.
They all talk about the same thing: the accident.
Suddenly, one headline catches her eye.
At the top, a photo: her, in Lee Tae Joon's arms, lying on the ground, clearly unconscious.
The moment was captured right after the accident.
ARTICLE:
> *Actress Han Yuri narrowly escaped an accident today when a set prop nearly fell on her during a photo shoot.
The scene occurred just after her interview for the show "CelebTime — Couple Spotlight," where she had been posing alongside her fiancé, Lee Tae Joon.
Fortunately, he reacted quickly: he pushed her out of harm's way at the last second.
This heroic gesture hasn't gone unnoticed, especially on social media, where fans are calling the moment "straight out of a romantic drama."
For now, the actress has not made any public statement, but her agency, LYRA Entertainment, released a short note confirming that she is currently resting.
Once again, Han Yuri is at the center of every conversation.
We wish her a speedy recovery.*
Reading the article, Han Yuri stays silent for a moment. Then her gaze drifts.
FLASHBACK —
The metal had crashed down loudly… but beside her. Not on her.
She and Lee Tae Joon had fallen to the ground.
Yuri had opened her eyes in that moment.
Still dazed, she had felt the floor beneath her… and Tae Joon's arm still around her shoulders.
Their eyes had met.
Lee Tae Joon (out of breath)
— Are you okay?
Han Yuri hadn't answered. Eyes wide open, frozen.
She seemed elsewhere, caught in a fog.
As if her mind refused to process what had just happened.
Lee Tae Joon (more urgent)
— Han Yuri-ssi… say something. You're not hurt?
She was still looking at him. Then suddenly, her eyelids had grown heavy.
She had heard his voice again… distant… warped.
Lee Tae Joon (faint echo)
— Han Yuri-ssi…
Then another voice… higher-pitched… Min Hee's, panicked.
And after that… complete darkness.
END OF FLASHBACK
Han Yuri stares at the image on her screen again.
That photo — taken in panic, in fear.
But with a strange calmness, she murmurs softly, almost to herself:
Han Yuri
— It's… a pretty picture.
She lets the phone fall silently beside her on the bed, then closes her eyes for a few seconds.
Sunday, 9:30 a.m. — Family dinner between the Lees and the Hans
A large private room in a high-end restaurant in the heart of Seoul.
The table is beautifully set. White tablecloths, elegant dishware, a refined floral arrangement at the center.
Both families begin to arrive, dressed in modest yet refined attire.
Lee Tae Joon's Father (smiling broadly, looking around the room)
— Aigoo, this place is truly beautiful.
Hello everyone, and thank you for going to the trouble of organizing this dinner.
Although, as the groom's family, I suppose we should have hosted it, no?
Han Yuri's Father (smiling)
— It's nothing, we're all one family now.
This is my wife, and our youngest daughter, Han Ye Reum. She just returned from the United States.
Han Ye Reum (bowing politely)
— Hello.
Lee Tae Joon's Father (amused, with a small wink)
— Oh, hello there! You're absolutely lovely. Honestly, if Tae Joon had a younger brother… our families would be tied together forever!
(A light chuckle ripples around the table.)
Yuri's Stepmother (smiling)
— Hello. It's a real pleasure to meet you.
I hope we'll have more opportunities to share dinners like this one.
Han Yuri's Father
— And of course, this is our eldest daughter, Han Yuri.
Han Yuri (bowing gracefully with a composed smile)
— Hello.
Lee Tae Joon's Father
— You're truly lucky, Mr. Han… to live surrounded by three such elegant women — and all equally beautiful.
Han Yuri's Father (with quiet pride)
— I know. They're my most precious treasures.
Lee Tae Joon's Father
— And here is my son, Lee Tae Joon.
I apologize that my other son couldn't make it — he's away on business overseas.
Lee Tae Joon (slightly bowing his head)
— Hello.
Han Yuri's Father
— Oh, it's perfectly fine. There will be other chances to meet.
Lee Tae Joon's Father
— Great, let's all sit down.
Everyone settles around the beautifully decorated table.
Soft background music plays in the air.
A few moments later, uniformed servers discreetly arrive, bringing the first course: refined appetizers paired with carefully selected wines.
Han Yuri's Father (smiling with pride)
— This is one of the best restaurants in Seoul.
Lee Tae Joon's Father (impressed)
— Ah, I can see that.
It almost feels like a royal engagement dinner.
(The servers place the dishes in front of each guest, bow politely, and exit without a sound.
Dinner begins in an elegant atmosphere, though slightly tense behind the polite smiles.)
(The air around the table is refined but strained, each person weighing their words.
Sensing the pressure, Han Ye Reum decides to lighten the mood.)
Han Ye Reum (smiling, looking at Lee Tae Joon)
— Lee Tae Joon-shi… you're even more handsome in real life than in the photos.
Lee Tae Joon (with a slight smile)
— I know, people say that a lot.
But thank you. I must say, you're very beautiful too, Miss Han Ye Reum.
Han Ye Reum
— That's kind of you. Thank you.
Lee Tae Joon's Father (amused)
— Looks like the kids are getting along already.
Han Yuri's Father (nodding)
— Indeed. Now, shall we move on to the topic of the wedding?
Lee Tae Joon's Father
— I believe the sooner it happens, the better.
Han Yuri's Father
— That's a good idea, but let's hear what the bride and groom think first.
Lee Tae Joon (looking at Han Yuri)
— I think my father's right. You're not against it, Yuri-shi?
Han Yuri (calmly, without hesitation)
— No, that would be fine.
Han Yuri's Father
— Perfect. If everyone agrees, how about holding the ceremony in two months?
Lee Tae Joon's Father
— Excellent. It will be a grand wedding. And for the engagement?
Han Yuri's Father
— We could host it at our home. Just a small reception, an intimate gathering.
Lee Tae Joon's Father
— Wonderful idea.
Lee Tae Joon's Father (turning to Han Yuri)
— Ah, Yuri-ssi, I heard about the accident during your photo shoot. How are you feeling?
Han Yuri (in a calm, composed tone)
— Yes, that's true… but luckily, nothing serious.
Thank you very much for your concern.
Han Yuri's Father (looking at Lee Tae Joon)
— I heard you protected her. Thank you… truly… for looking after my daughter.
Lee Tae Joon (slightly embarrassed but humble)
— It was nothing. Anyone would've done the same in that moment.
Lee Tae Joon's Father (raising his glass, smiling)
— Since we're all gathered here today… allow me to make a toast.
(He looks around at both families.)
— To our children, Han Yuri and Lee Tae Joon.
May their union be filled with happiness, strength, and success.
And may this dinner mark the beginning of a beautiful story between our two families.
Everyone
— To their happiness.
(They clink glasses. The sound of crystal meeting crystal fills the air with a lighter mood.)
Han Yuri's Father (smiling, raising his glass as well)
— I'd like to join this toast.
(He looks at Han Yuri with a hint of emotion.)
— Yuri has always been strong, but even the strongest need a reliable partner.
So… may this marriage be the beginning of a true and solid bond — between them, and between our families.
Everyone
— To the future.
(They toast again, the atmosphere growing a little more heartfelt.)
The dinner continues…
The meal goes on in a polite atmosphere, sprinkled with quiet laughter and exchanged smiles — mostly between the two fathers.
But among the younger generation, the mood remains more rigid: smiles feel forced, glances are brief.
Han Yuri avoids looking at Lee Tae Joon, while Han Ye Reum quietly watches everything unfold.
End of the dinner
Eventually, the meal draws to a close.
The two families rise, exchanging words of thanks and polite gestures.
Handshakes, bows — everything done with precision, like a scene long rehearsed.
Everyone then heads to their respective cars.
A quiet moment settles in… but it's not empty.
It's heavy with unspoken thoughts.
One hour later – Lee Residence
Lee Tae Joon walks into the large family home.
He shrugs off his jacket and tosses it onto the back of an armchair.
He runs a hand through his hair — looking tired, maybe even a little irritated.
His father's voice echoes from behind.
Lee Tae Joon's Father (sitting in the living room with a glass of whisky)
— That was a nice dinner.
Lee Tae Joon (weary)
— Yeah… I'm gonna stay here tonight. Too tired to drive.
Lee Tae Joon's Father
— Of course. Stay tonight, tomorrow… even the day after.
This will always be your home.
(Lee Tae Joon gets up, ready to head to his old room. But his father stops him.)
Lee Tae Joon's Father
— One last thing.
(Lee Tae Joon pauses and turns back, curious.)
Lee Tae Joon's Father
— Last time, you asked me why I cared so much about this marriage…
Now it's my turn to ask: why did you agree?
You always refused the arranged meetings.
So… what's in it for you? What are you trying to get from the Han family?
(A short silence. The atmosphere tightens just a bit.)
Lee Tae Joon (half-smiling)
— She promised to buy me pizza.
And you know I'm weak when it comes to free food.
(He turns and walks off, leaving his father alone with his thoughts.)
A few weeks later — Engagement Day
Han Residence – 5:30 p.m.
The large room is decorated with refined taste: ivory drapes, gold accents, grand floral arrangements…
It looks like something out of a fairytale.
Discreet waiters move about with silver trays as guests begin to arrive.
Upstairs, in her room, Han Yuri finishes getting ready.
Her gown is a long ivory satin mermaid dress, gracefully hugging her figure without overdoing it.
Under the light, soft silver hues shimmer subtly, giving her just the right amount of glow without stealing focus.
A sweetheart neckline, gently draped, adds elegance and softness,
while the long sheer tulle sleeves are delicately embroidered with pearly beads and silver floral details.
In the back, a plunging V adds subtle sophistication, balanced by a light flowing train that trails smoothly behind her.
Her waist is cinched with a fine beaded belt, enhancing her silhouette with grace.
Her hair is styled in a clean low bun, with a few loose strands framing her face just right.
No necklace — the neckline speaks for itself.
Only a pair of long pearl earrings, and a minimalist silver clutch in her hand.
She stands before the mirror for a moment, silent, then turns toward Kim Min Hee, who is helping her adjust a piece of jewelry.
Kim Min Hee
— Yuri, you look stunning… But why not just get married straight away instead of throwing an engagement party?
(Knock knock.)
Housekeeper (at the door)
— Miss Kim Min Hee, someone's asking for you.
Kim Min Hee
— Okay, I'm coming.
(She turns to Yuri.)
— Oh, by the way, is Jae Hyun not here yet?
Han Yuri (calm)
— He's not coming.
Kim Min Hee (surprised)
— What? These are your engagements, how can he miss this?
Han Yuri
— He's filming abroad today.
But he already called to congratulate me.
Kim Min Hee
— Hm… Still, it's kind of sad he's missing such an important moment.
Han Yuri
— It's just the engagement. There's still the wedding.
Kim Min Hee
— Alright, I'm going downstairs. I think they need me for the cake.
Han Yuri
— Alright.
(Min Hee exits. Yuri remains alone.
She turns back to the mirror, takes another look at herself. Silent.
Then her phone vibrates.)
(Yuri walks to the bed, picks up her phone, unlocks it, checks the notification.)
> You look so beautiful today. I watched your little speech… Impressive.
So, my photo was a fake?
Good thing I have a video.
(Yuri opens the video. Her face freezes.
It's the accident scene.)
> Congratulations on your engagement.
Did you like my gift?
(Her hands start to tremble.
Her eyes stay glued to the screen.
The phone slips from her fingers and falls to the floor.
She doesn't pick it up.
Frozen. Empty eyes…
A cold fear written all over her face.)
TO BE CONTINUED…