Ep:4~ Confessions under the Moonlight

The city was a glittering tapestry beneath her apartment window, neon signs reflecting off rain-slicked streets. Ji-eun leaned against the glass, brush in hand, absentmindedly cleaning her palette from earlier work. Her phone vibrated again, a familiar name lighting up the screen:

Min-jae

“Meet me tonight. Rooftop. 9 PM. Just us.”

Ji-eun’s heart skipped. Rooftop meetings with Min-jae were never just casual. They carried weight—moments that hovered on the edge of intimacy. She set down her tools and left, dressed simply, her hair falling in loose waves.

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The Rooftop

The rooftop of the high-rise studio was deserted except for a few scattered chairs and a faint breeze carrying the scent of rain and asphalt. Min-jae was already there, leaning against the railing, his silhouette framed by the city lights.

“Ji-eun,” he greeted softly, eyes lighting up as she approached. “You came.”

“Of course,” she replied, heart thudding. “You sounded… serious.”

He smiled, but there was tension in his shoulders. “I am serious. About… us.”

Her pulse quickened. He’s going to say it. He’s going to say what I’ve been hoping for…

Min-jae stepped closer, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “I can’t stop thinking about you. Every time I see you, every time I hear your voice… it’s like the world slows down. Ji-eun, I…”

He faltered slightly, searching her eyes for permission to continue.

Ji-eun’s breath hitched. “Min-jae…” she whispered, her fingers trembling slightly as she reached for his hand.

He took it without hesitation, holding it firmly. “I love you. Not just as a friend. Not just as someone I enjoy being around. I… love you. Completely. Will you… be with me?”

Time seemed to halt. The distant hum of the city faded. All that existed was the warmth of his hand, the intensity of his gaze, and the rapid beat of her own heart.

Tears prickled at her eyes. “Yes… yes, Min-jae. I love you too.”

He pulled her into a gentle embrace, her head resting against his chest as the city lights flickered like stars around them. For the first time, Ji-eun felt the kind of love she had only imagined in dreams.

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Moments of Intimacy

Their relationship quickly became the center of her universe. Every morning, she’d find small messages hidden in her makeup kit:

“Good morning, my beauty artist. I hope your day is as radiant as you.”

Min-jae would brush past her in hallways, fingers grazing hers intentionally, sharing fleeting smiles that set her heart racing. Even during the chaos of concerts, he found her, whispered small jokes, and held her hand when cameras weren’t looking.

One evening, while they worked together on a photoshoot, Min-jae leaned in close. “You know,” he murmured, brushing a fingertip along her jawline, “I could get used to this… having you this close.”

Ji-eun’s breath caught. “Min-jae…”

“I mean it. I don’t just like you. I need you. With me, near me… always.”

The words were bold, raw, and intoxicating. She closed her eyes, letting herself lean into the warmth of his embrace.

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Joon-ho’s Quiet Presence

Meanwhile, across the city, Park Joon-ho’s thoughts were anything but idle. He had seen the messages, glimpsed the intimate glances, and felt the subtle pull Ji-eun had toward Min-jae. Yet, he didn’t step back.

Instead, he started arranging meetings coinciding with her projects, offering professional advice under the guise of collaboration, watching her from afar, ensuring her safety and comfort—always just enough distance to not intrude, but close enough to matter.

She’s his. And yet… I can’t let her go.

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Unexpected Confessions

One late night, Ji-eun stayed back at the studio to tidy up. Min-jae had gone for an interview, leaving the space quiet except for the soft hum of fluorescent lights. Joon-ho appeared silently, leaning against the doorway.

“You work too hard,” he said, voice low. “You should rest.”

Ji-eun jumped slightly, startled. “Joon-ho… you scared me.”

“I’m sorry,” he said, stepping closer. “I just… wanted to check if you were okay. You’ve been running yourself ragged, and I… care.”

Ji-eun’s breath hitched, caught off guard by the sincerity in his gaze. “I… I’m fine. Really.”

“You’re not,” he replied softly. “I can see it. And I can’t just stand by.”

Her hands trembled, caught between the comforting intensity of his concern and the passionate love that Min-jae had already claimed in her heart.

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The Triangle Deepens

That night, Ji-eun lay in bed, her mind replaying the day:

• Min-jae’s heartfelt confessions under the rooftop lights.

• The tender moments that made her heart race.

• And Joon-ho’s quiet, unwavering presence, watching over her, caring in a way that made her feel both safe and conflicted.

Why does my heart feel torn? she thought, staring at the ceiling. I love Min-jae… but Joon-ho… he’s different. Safe. Kind. Protective… and somehow, I feel like I could fall for him too.

Her phone buzzed. A single message from Min-jae:

“Sleep well, my love. Dream of us.”

She smiled softly, but her heart betrayed her with a pang she couldn’t ignore. This isn’t going to be simple.

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