Seongbuk-dong District – Late afternoon
A black car slowed to a stop in front of Lee Tae Joon's house.
The chauffeur quickly stepped out and opened the door for Han Yuri, who stepped out calmly, her large bag in hand. She paused for a second in front of the intercom, then pressed the button.
Han Yuri (in a composed voice)
— It's me.
The gate opened immediately.
While the chauffeur drove around to park in the garage, Han Yuri walked silently across the courtyard. Two security guards gave her a brief nod.
Inside, the house was quiet.
She spotted Lee Tae Joon in the kitchen, focused on preparing something at the table. He looked up slightly when he saw her enter.
Lee Tae Joon (calm, almost neutral)
— Oh, you're here.
Han Yuri didn't respond.
She simply removed her sunglasses, walked through the hallway in silence, and sank onto the living room sofa, visibly tired.
Han Yuri (calm, direct)
— Have you already fulfilled the contract?
Lee Tae Joon (pausing, surprised)
— I'm still thinking about it.
Han Yuri (emotionless)
— Fine. Take all the time you need…
But let's make things clear now.
Lee Tae Joon turned off the stove, wiped his hands, and walked over slowly.
Lee Tae Joon (serious look)
— What exactly do you want to clarify?
Lee Tae Joon (arms crossed)
— Everything was already in the contract.
So… what's unclear?
Han Yuri (meeting his gaze)
— I just want to know if my terms really suit you.
Lee Tae Joon (with a faint smile)
— I signed it, didn't I? If I had a problem, I wouldn't have.
A brief silence.
Han Yuri (standing calmly)
— Alright.
Then I'll take a shower. The trip wore me out.
Lee Tae Joon (pointing down the hall)
— It's that way.
She grabbed her large bag.
Lee Tae Joon (raising an eyebrow)
— You're taking all that to the bathroom?
Han Yuri (without turning)
— I need to pick out a few things.
Lee Tae Joon (lightly joking)
— There are clean robes in there, you know… You can leave that here.
Han Yuri (firmer)
— I need specific things from it.
Lee Tae Joon (sighing softly)
— Okay, fine. Just… leave the bag here.
It looks like it weighs a ton.
He reached for the bag — and suddenly, ZIIIP.
The zipper gave way, and the bag burst open.
Its contents spilled dramatically onto the floor.
Among makeup cases and notebooks, several lace undergarments slid onto the wooden floor — black, beige, even a soft red one, clearly visible.
Silence.
The room froze.
Lee Tae Joon stood still. His eyes briefly flicked to the ground, then back to Yuri.
She, frozen too, wide-eyed, glanced between him, her underwear, and the floor.
She bent down slightly to pick them up… but her heels stopped her halfway.
She stayed awkwardly in place — too stiff to move, too proud to give up.
Lee Tae Joon (awkward, kneeling quickly)
— Wait… I'll pick them up.
Han Yuri (sharply)
— No! Don't touch my stuff.
Ignoring her, he grabbed a towel from the bag and delicately used it to scoop up the underwear — making sure not to touch anything directly. He gently put everything back inside.
Lee Tae Joon (handing back the bag)
— See? I didn't touch a thing.
Yuri took the bag, clearly annoyed — but mostly embarrassed.
Slightly flushed, she quickly composed herself and zipped the bag closed firmly.
Han Yuri (coldly)
— Why did you even pull the bag?
Lee Tae Joon (genuinely apologetic)
— I just wanted to help… I didn't think it would burst open like that.
She gave him one last look, then turned on her heel without another word, her
A few minutes later – Bathroom
Steam began to swirl softly in the air.
Han Yuri stood alone, wrapped in the warm hush of the bathroom.
She placed her large bag on the marble counter, unzipped it, and pulled out a few skincare products, a towel, a brush… until her fingers brushed against the delicate fabric of her underwear — now messily folded.
She froze.
A flashback.
The floor.
Her scattered lingerie.
Lee Tae Joon's gaze.
That awful silence.
And her, stuck there, unable to bend down.
She closed her eyes and sighed deeply.
Han Yuri (muttering to herself)
— Why did I even bring that bag? I knew the zipper was half broken…
A pause.
Han Yuri (more irritated)
— No… actually, this is his fault.
Why did he try to grab it like that?
A few minutes later – Still in the house
Han Yuri stepped out of the bathroom, now dressed in a simple, clean white robe.
She wrapped a towel around her damp hair without much thought.
She walked calmly through the hallway… then paused when she spotted the table.
Several dishes were laid out neatly.
Lee Tae Joon, with his back turned, was still cooking. He turned slightly when he heard her footsteps.
Lee Tae Joon
— Oh, you're here.
Han Yuri (looking at the table, surprised)
— What's all this?
Lee Tae Joon (a little sheepish)
— I didn't really eat much in Jeju.
Thought I'd cook something today.
Yuri didn't respond. She went over to her suitcase in the living room, opened it, pulled out a small bottle, and applied a bit of lotion to her face.
Lee Tae Joon (glancing over)
— Come eat.
No answer.
Lee Tae Joon (sighing)
— Still mad at me?
Nothing.
Lee Tae Joon
— I said I'm sorry…
Why are you still holding a grudge?
And seriously, why is this so awkward?
It was just clothes.
Well… small clothes.
But we're adults, aren't we?
He was trying to lighten the mood.
But Yuri didn't move.
Suddenly, she stood up.
Her steps were calm, deliberate.
She walked over to him and met his eyes.
Han Yuri (calm voice)
— Why do you talk so much?
She looked away, walked around the kitchen island,
and quietly poured herself a cup of coffee.
Silence settled over the room.
A silence that wasn't peaceful — but heavy.
Lee Tae Joon didn't say a word.
Yuri, still calm, went to retrieve her bag from the hallway.
She returned a moment later and placed it beside her suitcase.
Then, slowly, she walked back to the table.
She pulled out a chair and sat down across from him.
Lee Tae Joon (trying to break the tension)
— You finally decided to eat?
Han Yuri (without looking at him)
— It's in the contract. Don't you remember?
She picked up a spoon, tasted a bit of the soup, then set it down.
Lee Tae Joon sat too.
They ate in silence.
Only the sound of cutlery filled the room.
But the tension remained thick.
After a few bites, Han Yuri set down her chopsticks.
Her gestures were slow, almost robotic.
Lee Tae Joon stopped, caught off guard.
He looked at her.
Lee Tae Joon
— Uh… yeah. Right…
Han Yuri (with a sharp look)
— What is it?
Lee Tae Joon (scratching the back of his neck, awkward)
— Thing is… I only have one bedroom.
Yuri stared at him, one eyebrow slightly raised.
Her tone was calm, but her expression said "are you serious right now?"
Han Yuri
— What do you mean?
There are several rooms in this house, aren't there?
Lee Tae Joon let out a small sigh, clearly a little embarrassed to explain.
Lee Tae Joon
— Yeah, but… they're all occupied.
Han Yuri (sharper)
— So you don't have a guest room?
(She crosses her arms, voice tinged with sarcasm)
Then what's in the other rooms?
Lee Tae Joon
— No, I don't have a guest room.
That's the point — to keep people from staying over.
Han Yuri (flat tone, slight frown)
— So… how exactly are we supposed to sleep?
Lee Tae Joon (hesitating, trying to stay calm)
— I suggest… you take the couch tonight.
I'll get one of the rooms ready for you tomorrow.
A tense silence.
Yuri blinked slowly, as if trying to process what she'd just heard.
Han Yuri (sharper now, almost hurt)
— Seriously?
How dare you offer me the couch?
Lee Tae Joon (a bit defensive, shrugging)
— We agreed we'd live our separate lives, right?
So it makes sense that I keep sleeping in my room.
Han Yuri (arms crossed, her voice icier)
— Maybe that's what the contract says…
But how can you offer a woman the couch while you sleep comfortably in a big bed?
Lee Tae Joon (getting a little annoyed, sarcastic)
— Then what do you suggest?
That we share the bed?
Han Yuri (calm, unbothered, almost provoking)
— Why not?
We've done it before, haven't we? On our honeymoon?
A sudden silence.
Lee Tae Joon froze. His eyes locked onto hers.
Lee Tae Joon (shrugging slightly, keeping a neutral tone)
— Alright.
Han Yuri, slightly caught off guard, stared at him for a few seconds.
She had expected a refusal, an excuse — maybe even a joke to dodge the topic…
But not this.
Han Yuri (brows tightening slightly)
— What… You're serious?
Lee Tae Joon (setting down his chopsticks, voice even)
— Yeah.
Like you said… we've already done it during the honeymoon.
Another silence.
Heavier than the last.
Han Yuri (colder now, as if regaining control)
— Fine.
Then I'll go change.
She stood, straight-backed, face unreadable, and walked out of the room without another word.
Lee Tae Joon remained seated, eyes fixed on the door she had just walked through.
A few minutes later
In the dim bedroom, Han Yuri and Lee Tae Joon now lay side by side in the same bed.
A soft light slipped through the curtains, casting gentle shadows on the walls.
They were turned away from each other.
Back to back.
Each in their own space.
The silence stretched. Too long.
No words.
No movement.
Only the sound of their breathing.
Slightly out of sync — as if each was pretending the other wasn't there.
Han Yuri, already asleep, slowly turned toward Lee Tae Joon.
A few seconds later, Lee Tae Joon turned as well.
They now faced each other.
He looked at her for a few moments, in silence…
Then slowly closed his eyes too.
Silence returned.
But this time, it felt a little different.
A little softer.
The next morning — 7:30 a.m., Hannam-dong
In her bedroom, Han Ye Reum was getting ready to head out.
One last swipe of mascara, a touch of gloss, and she smiled at her reflection.
Han Ye Reum
— A little makeup… There. Ready for some shopping therapy!
A few minutes later...
She hopped into her car, slipped on her sunglasses, and cranked up the volume.
"God's Menu" by Stray Kids blasted through the speakers as she sang along at the top of her lungs, carefree.
Until— BAM.
A car slammed to a stop right in front of her.
She hit the brakes, but it was too late. The impact was unavoidable.
Furious, she jumped out, slamming the door behind her.
Han Ye Reum (furious)
— Are you kidding me?! Do you even know how to drive?!
A man stepped out calmly from the other car.
Elegant, way too polished for this early in the day.
He approached with a sincerely apologetic look.
The Man
— I'm truly sorry… My driver made a mistake. It's entirely our fault.
Ye Reum glanced at her dented car, dismayed.
Han Ye Reum
— Great… My car's wrecked because of you.
The man calmly pulled out a business card and handed it to her.
Lee Tae Min
— I'll take care of everything. My driver is fully responsible. I'll cover all the repair costs.
Ye Reum took the card… and her eyes widened as she read the name.
Han Ye Reum (shocked)
— …Lee Tae Min?
She looked up, stunned.
Han Ye Reum
— Wait… You're the Lee Tae Min?
Lee Tae Joon's older brother?
Lee Tae Min (slightly amused)
— Yes. You know my brother?
Han Ye Reum
— He's married to my sister.
Lee Tae Min
— Ah… I heard about the wedding.
Han Ye Reum (a bit pointed)
— And why weren't you there?
Lee Tae Min
— I just got back. I've been overseas for business.
He studied her with polite curiosity.
Lee Tae Min
— So, you're the sister of the famous actress Han Yuri?
Han Ye Reum
— Yeah… but whatever.
Lee Tae Min
— I'm really sorry, but I have to run.
I'm sure we'll run into each other again.
Feel free to contact me — I'll make sure your car is repaired as soon as possible.
He gave a small nod and walked off.
Ye Reum stood there for a moment, still a little dazed.
Then she got back into her car, glanced once in the rearview mirror, and sighed.
Meanwhile — Back at Lee Tae Joon's house
They were still lying in bed, face to face.
Han Yuri had already opened her eyes, but she remained still, her gaze fixed on Lee Tae Joon's sleeping face.
A few quiet seconds passed…
Then, slowly, he opened his eyes too.
Their eyes met. A suspended moment.
Lee Tae Joon (softly, with a half-smile)
— So this is what an actress looks like in the morning?
Han Yuri suddenly sat up, slightly flustered, and ran a hand through her hair.
Lee Tae Joon sat up too, clearly amused.
Han Yuri (coldly)
— I'm going to take a shower.
She turned and walked out of the room without another word.
A few minutes later — Kitchen
Han Yuri returned, her hair still damp.
She walked into the kitchen calmly.
Lee Tae Joon looked up as she entered.
Lee Tae Joon
— All done? Come eat.
Yuri stepped closer, her gaze drifting to the neatly prepared table.
Han Yuri (mildly surprised)
— Looks like you enjoy cooking.
Lee Tae Joon (with a small smile)
— I like eating… So I figured I should learn to cook.
He placed a plate in front of her.
Lee Tae Joon
— Scrambled eggs with my secret ingredient.
And of course… a good cup of coffee.
Yuri took a bite.
Lee Tae Joon watched her, slightly anxious.
Lee Tae Joon
— You don't like it?
Han Yuri (raising her eyes, softly)
— No… It's not bad.
He smiled, satisfied.
Lee Tae Joon
— Of course. Why do I even ask?
I'm the perfect man — I can do everything. I'm handsome, rich, smart… and I cook.
Han Yuri rolled her eyes, but a small smile betrayed her.
She quickly looked down at her plate to hide it.
They continued eating in silence until Yuri set her chopsticks down gently.
Han Yuri (calmly)
— Oh right… I need to stop by my agency today.
Lee Tae Joon leaned back in his chair, relaxed.
Lee Tae Joon
— Hang on, I'll take a shower and get ready.
Han Yuri (eyeing him, surprised)
— Get ready… for what?
Lee Tae Joon (as if it were obvious)
— I'm going to drive you there.
Han Yuri (raising an eyebrow)
— That's not necessary. I have a chauffeur, remember?
Lee Tae Joon (grinning)
— Then we'll drive you together.
And without waiting for a reply, he left the room —
as if the decision had already been made.
A few minutes later — Outside the house
They stepped out together. The black car was already waiting in front of the entrance.
As soon as they appeared, the chauffeur rushed over and politely opened the door.
Han Yuri got in without a word.
Lee Tae Joon slid in from the other side, like it was the most natural thing in the world.
The engine started, and the car quietly drove off through the still-calm streets of Seoul.
In front of LYRA Entertainment — 9:20 a.m.
The car slowly came to a stop in front of a sleek, modern building.
The shiny logo of LYRA ENTERTAINMENT gleamed in gold above the entrance.
Han Yuri glanced quickly outside, then turned to Lee Tae Joon.
Han Yuri (curtly)
— Wait here.
Lee Tae Joon (raising a brow, mock-offended)
— Why? Doesn't everyone know me already?
Han Yuri (sighing, exasperated)
— Ugh, fine. Let's go.
(she steps out, then turns back to him)
— You're seriously so immature…
They walked through the agency doors together.
Inside, all eyes turned toward them.
Director's Office – LYRA Entertainment
As soon as the door opened, the director looked up from his files.
His face instantly lit up at the sight of Han Yuri.
Director (enthusiastic)
— Ah, Yuri, you're finally here!
(then noticing Tae Joon)
— Oh... Mr. Lee Tae Joon, you're here too? Hello!
— You're even more handsome up close.
(He let out a small laugh.)
Lee Tae Joon (smiling confidently)
— Hello. I remember you — weren't you at our wedding?
Director (nodding eagerly)
— Yes, exactly!
(stepping forward to shake their hands)
— We didn't really get a chance to talk that day.
I'm Yoon Sung Joon, Director of LYRA Entertainment.
He gestured warmly for them to sit.
The mood was light, but Han Yuri sat straight, polite yet a bit guarded.
He pressed a small intercom button on his desk.
Director (with a calm smile)
— Please bring us some coffee.
A few minutes later, the secretary walked in with a tray carrying three steaming cups.
She placed them carefully in front of each person, then slipped out quietly.
The director took a sip, then turned toward Lee Tae Joon with a slightly mischievous glint in his eye.
Director
— Tell me, Mr. Lee… Have you ever thought about becoming an actor? Or even an idol?
Lee Tae Joon (smirking)
— No, thank you. Acting's not really my thing.
I'll leave that to my lovely wife.
(he glanced at Yuri, slightly amused)
— And even if I do have a nice voice, I really don't see myself doing choreography.
Director (laughing softly)
— Really? Never too late, you know.
Han Yuri (cutting in, calm but direct)
— Director… Why did you call me in today?
Director (snapping back to the point)
— Ah yes, sorry!
(he shuffled through his papers and pulled out a folder, handing it to Yuri)
— You've received an offer. For a commercial.
Han Yuri (raising an eyebrow slightly)
— A commercial?
Director
— For a car. A major Korean brand.
(he gave her an encouraging smile)
Han Yuri (crossing her arms, visibly annoyed)
— For a car? Seriously… I'm Han Yuri, not some rookie actress desperate for a little attention.
Director (giving her a firm look, slightly irritated)
— You should be grateful a brand even considered you — especially after everything that's happened.
(he leaned forward, more serious)
— You know as well as I do: even if your image is slowly improving, the industry doesn't forget.
An actress caught up in a murder scandal… That scares off sponsors. Very few are willing to take that risk.
(he picked up a sheet of paper and held it up)
— And this isn't just any commercial.
This is one of those campaigns.
The kind that can completely restore a reputation.
(pausing)
— With this ad, it's like saying: "Han Yuri is back." So take it seriously.
Han Yuri (lowering her eyes briefly, then lifting her chin with confidence)
— Alright. Give me the time and place of the shoot.
Director (relaxing a bit)
— Min Hee will send you all the details.
Han Yuri (frowning)
— Min Hee? Where is she, anyway?
Director (rolling his eyes)
— No idea. Honestly, when you're not around, she's nowhere to be seen.
(sighs dramatically)
— I don't even know why I still pay her.
Han Yuri (dryly)
— Fine. If that's all, we'll be going.
She stood slowly, then looked at Lee Tae Joon.
Han Yuri
— What are you waiting for? Let's go.
Lee Tae Joon stood as well, flashing a small smile.
Lee Tae Joon
— It's been a pleasure.
Director (standing quickly, still cheerful)
— Likewise! And if you ever change your mind, don't hesitate to reach out…
I'm serious.
Han Yuri (with a frosty tone, not even looking at him)
— Director.
Director (raising his hands, feigning innocence)
— Alright, alright… message received.
They walked away from the building.
Once back in the car, Han Yuri spoke calmly to the driver:
Han Yuri
— Take us to the Han residence, please.
Chauffeur
— Yes, Miss.
Lee Tae Joon, sitting beside her, glanced at his phone.
Lee Tae Joon
— I need to stop by the office. You can drop me off somewhere on the way.
A few minutes later
The car slowed down. Tae Joon got out, gave them a quick nod, and walked away.
The car continued on.
Han Residence
Han Yuri entered the house quietly. Everything was still.
She climbed up to her room, opened a drawer, and began gathering a few of her things.
Suddenly, the door burst open.
Han Ye Reum (startled)
— Unnie! I thought it was a burglar! Why didn't you say you were coming?
(her eyes widened)
— Wait… why are you back from your honeymoon already?
Han Yuri (without stopping)
— Why would I need to say anything? It's still my house.
I just came to grab a few more things. I couldn't take everything last time, and I don't trust movers.
I'll come back with Min Hee when she's free.
Han Ye Reum (rolling her eyes)
— Ugh, her again? Why do you keep talking about her?
Seriously, that girl's totally crazy.
Han Yuri (sighing, annoyed)
— Ye Reum, please. Stop it. Why do you hate her so much? She's never done anything to you.
Kim Min Hee is a very kind person.
You could at least make an effort… for me.
And stop talking badly about her. I'm tired, okay?
Just stop being so immature.
Han Ye Reum (bitter)
— Immature? Right.
I'm the immature little sister, and you're the perfect big sister.
Han Yuri (calmer)
— What's that supposed to mean?
Han Ye Reum (voice trembling)
— It's true. I was never good enough for Dad, or Mom.
No one ever really cared about me because they were too busy taking care of the star of the family.
But fine. I get it.
Why would Dad care about me anyway?
I'm not even his real daughter…
Han Yuri (shocked)
— Ye Reum… why would you say that?
Everyone here loves you. We do care.
Han Ye Reum (voice cracking)
— Really?
Then why doesn't it feel like it?
She turned around. Just before walking out, without even looking back, she said:
Han Ye Reum
— Be careful, unnie.
Your "best friend"? She's not a good person.
Han Yuri stood still, her hands covering her face.
Silent. Exhausted. Lost.
Suddenly, her phone vibrated.
A new message.
Kim Min Hee
> The director said you stopped by the agency.
Too bad we didn't get to see each other…
The shoot is in two days.
I know it's short notice, but I also know you've got this. Fighting
I'll email you all the details tonight.
Han Yuri
> Got it. Thanks, Min Hee.
Just after she replied, her phone vibrated again — an incoming call.
Lee Tae Joon.
Han Yuri
— What is it?
Lee Tae Joon
— My father just called.
My brother's back from overseas, so he wants to have a family dinner tonight.
(He paused, his tone casual)
— We don't have to go if you don't want to. No pressure. Honestly, I'm not really in the mood either.
Han Yuri (calmly)
— No… let's go.
Lee Tae Joon (surprised)
— You sure?
Han Yuri
— Where should I meet you?
One hour later
Han Yuri had picked up Lee Tae Joon, and now they were on their way to the Lee family residence in Itaewon Hill.
ITAWEON HILL – LEE FAMILY RESIDENCE
The black car came to a stop in front of the grand iron gate.
The uniformed guards recognized them immediately and opened the main entrance.
The car rolled slowly up to the front door.
The chauffeur stepped out and opened the door with care.
Han Yuri and Lee Tae Joon got out calmly, walking side by side toward the house.
As soon as they reached the steps, the front door opened.
A housemaid greeted them with a polite bow and stepped aside.
The moment they entered the vast hall, a man began descending the staircase.
Elegant. Tailored suit. Confident stride.
Lee Tae Joon and Han Yuri stopped in their tracks, eyes locked on the man.
When he reached them, he gave a polite nod with a courteous smile.
Lee Tae Min
— You're finally here.
(he turned to Yuri)
You must be Han Yuri…
Good evening. I'm Lee Tae Min, Tae Joon's older brother.
It's a pleasure to meet you.
Han Yuri bowed with equal politeness, her voice composed.
Han Yuri
— Good evening. Likewise.
Lee Tae Min gazed at her with a mysterious smile.
Lee Tae Min
— You're even more beautiful than in the photos, Han Yuri-ssi.
To be continued...