Ep~2: Between Lights and Shadows

The roar of the crowd hit Ji-eun like a tidal wave. From the backstage observation room, she could see Min-jae on stage, lit by dazzling spotlights that made his every movement glow. The fans screamed in perfect unison, waving light sticks that painted the arena in a sea of colors.

Ji-eun gripped the edge of the glass panel, her heart pounding. Her hands, which were usually steady when holding brushes and palettes, shook slightly. He’s…so alive on stage. So different.

Min-jae’s eyes scanned the crowd, but then, for just a heartbeat, they flicked toward the backstage window where Ji-eun sat. A small smile, only for her. Her stomach flipped.

Focus, Ji-eun. You’re just watching a performance. That’s it.

And yet, every note he sang seemed to pull her deeper. She remembered the way his laugh had made her heart skip yesterday, the way he leaned in so casually, yet so intimately, during makeup.

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The Afterparty

After the concert, Ji-eun stayed behind to touch up Min-jae for interviews. The press had been relentless, snapping photos, asking him about his rumored romance, and the ever-present paparazzi waiting outside.

Min-jae leaned back in his chair, exhausted but still impossibly charming. “You stayed?” he asked, eyes half-lidded with fatigue.

Ji-eun nodded. “I promised I’d make sure you looked perfect. That’s my job.”

He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “I know. That’s why I like having you around. You’re…different from everyone else. You don’t act starstruck.”

Heat rose to her cheeks. “I…try not to. Stars get nervous sometimes too, you know.”

Min-jae chuckled, leaning closer. “Maybe. But I’m not nervous when I’m around you.”

Ji-eun’s pulse raced. She wanted to say something—something daring—but the room suddenly felt small, suffocating, and yet intimate. She cleared her throat. “Your schedule’s packed. You should rest.”

Before she could move, Min-jae caught her wrist gently. “Stay with me a little longer. I like…this. Us.”

Ji-eun swallowed hard, torn between professionalism and the fluttering feeling she couldn’t ignore. He’s saying “us.” He means me.

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An Unexpected Encounter

Just as she was about to respond, the door opened. A tall figure stepped in, dressed in a crisp blazer and casual jeans, carrying a tablet and a polite smile.

“Ji-eun-ssi?” the man asked, voice calm but warm.

She blinked. “Yes…?”

“I’m Park Joon-ho. We met at the fashion shoot last month.” His gaze lingered on her for a beat, and she felt a strange familiarity, though she barely remembered him.

Min-jae’s eyebrows raised slightly. “Joon-ho? What brings you here?”

“I was coordinating the drama crossover event. I needed to check the schedules for tomorrow’s shoot.” Joon-ho smiled politely but his eyes, dark and observant, didn’t leave Ji-eun. “I hope I’m not disturbing anything.”

Ji-eun quickly shook her head. “No, not at all.” She felt a pang of guilt. Why do I feel…something just by seeing him?

Min-jae, however, noticed her hesitation. “Don’t worry. Ji-eun and I were just finishing up. You can join if you like.”

Joon-ho nodded, but his gaze softened as he looked at her. “It’s been a while, Ji-eun-ssi. You’ve…changed. In a good way.”

Ji-eun blinked, caught off guard by his words. Min-jae, sensing the tension, nudged her lightly with his elbow. “See? You make friends everywhere.”

Ji-eun forced a smile, but internally, something stirred. Joon-ho was calm, quiet, and observant—different from the chaotic energy of Min-jae. Yet somehow…intriguing.

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Late-Night Walk

After the interviews, Min-jae insisted on walking Ji-eun to the subway. The city was alive, neon lights reflecting on wet streets from the earlier rain.

“You’ve been awfully quiet,” Min-jae said, slipping his hand into hers.

Ji-eun looked up, startled. “I’m…thinking about work. And schedules.”

“Mm,” he hummed, drawing her closer. “I like it when you’re quiet. Makes me think you’re just…all mine for a second.”

Her heart stuttered. “Min-jae…”

He stopped, turning to face her fully. “I mean it. No cameras, no fans, just us.”

Ji-eun’s breath caught as his fingers brushed hers, and the world seemed to shrink around them. The city buzzed in the distance, but here, in this moment, there was only him.

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The Triangle Begins

As Ji-eun descended into the subway, she didn’t notice a figure in the distance, leaning casually against a lamppost, watching them. Park Joon-ho’s expression was unreadable, but there was a flicker in his eyes—something protective, something that hinted he wouldn’t step away so easily.

“Interesting,” he murmured to himself. “She loves him… but maybe… she doesn’t know what she’s missing yet.”

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