Ep~5: Love in the Spotlight

The sun had barely risen, but the streets of Seoul were already buzzing with life. Ji-eun clutched her makeup kit, weaving through the early morning crowd toward Eclipse’s rehearsal studio. Today wasn’t just another ordinary day; the media had caught wind of the subtle interactions between her and Min-jae. Rumors were spreading like wildfire.

As she entered the studio, the atmosphere was charged. Min-jae was pacing, phone in hand, occasionally glancing at the clock.

“Ji-eun-ssi!” he exclaimed as he saw her. “You’re here. Perfect timing.”

She smiled, trying to mask her anxiety. “Morning, Min-jae. You seem… tense.”

“Can you blame me?” he muttered, running a hand through his hair. “The press is already buzzing about us. Pictures from the rooftop leaked. Fans are speculating, and my agency… well, they’re not happy.”

Ji-eun’s stomach twisted. So everyone knows… She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “We can handle it. Just… focus on the shoot.”

⸻

The Rehearsal

As the rehearsal began, Ji-eun’s hands moved with practiced precision, adjusting Min-jae’s eyeliner, smoothing his hair, and subtly guiding his appearance for the cameras. Yet, every time he looked at her, a flicker of vulnerability appeared—something that only she could see behind the glittering mask of celebrity.

“You always know exactly what I need,” Min-jae whispered during a short break, leaning closer. His fingers brushed hers, sending a jolt through her.

Ji-eun’s cheeks flushed. “Years of practice. And… paying attention,” she murmured.

He grinned, eyes darkening with playful affection. “I like it when you pay attention… to me.”

Before she could respond, Joon-ho appeared quietly in the corner, clipboard in hand.

“Min-jae, your next scene requires wardrobe adjustment,” he said calmly, but his gaze never left Ji-eun.

Min-jae noticed, smirking slightly. “Always watching, huh?”

Joon-ho’s lips curved into a faint, unreadable smile. “Someone has to make sure things go smoothly.”

⸻

Media Scrutiny

By the afternoon, rumors had exploded online. Ji-eun tried to keep her phone tucked away, but notifications kept buzzing relentlessly. Fans, paparazzi, and gossip columns speculated endlessly about her relationship with Min-jae.

“Ji-eun-ssi, are you okay?” Joon-ho’s voice broke through the haze of anxiety. He stood beside her, hands in his pockets, exuding calm and control.

She nodded, forcing a smile. “I… I’ll be fine. It’s just… a lot.”

Joon-ho placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Don’t let it get to you. I’m here if you need anything.”

The touch was brief but grounding, sending a shiver down her spine. Why does his calm presence feel so… comforting?

⸻

A Private Confession

After rehearsal, Min-jae insisted on taking Ji-eun to a quiet café nearby. The world outside was busy, chaotic, and full of flashing cameras—but inside, the café was warm, quiet, and intimate.

“Ji-eun,” Min-jae began, reaching across the table to hold her hands. “I know this is hard… having everyone watch us. But I don’t care about the rumors. I care about you. Only you.”

Tears prickled her eyes. “Min-jae… it’s overwhelming. I want to be with you, but… sometimes it feels like the world won’t let us.”

He smiled gently, brushing a tear from her cheek. “Then we make our own world. Just you and me.”

Ji-eun’s heart swelled. His words, warm and unwavering, wrapped around her like a protective shield. For the first time, the chaos of fame seemed distant, irrelevant.

⸻

The Shadow of Joon-ho

Later that evening, as Ji-eun returned home, she found a message from Joon-ho:

“He’s right about one thing—you should be with someone who sees you, truly sees you. Just… remember that I’m always here, in case you need someone steady.”

Her heart ached. Steady… different from Min-jae… safe… She stared at the message, torn between passion and calm, desire and security.

The duality of her heart was becoming impossible to ignore. Min-jae’s love was fiery, consuming, and thrilling—but Joon-ho’s care was quiet, protective, and grounding.

⸻

An Evening of Reflection

Ji-eun sank onto her couch, brushing a hand through her hair, and let herself think. Memories of Min-jae’s rooftop confession, his playful touches, and whispered promises mingled with flashes of Joon-ho’s steady gaze, his calm voice, and subtle acts of protection.

I love Min-jae… but Joon-ho… he’s not leaving my heart untouched.

Her phone buzzed again—this time a selfie from Min-jae, smiling, holding a tiny stuffed animal he’d bought for her.

Ji-eun’s lips curved into a soft smile, tears glimmering in her eyes. “This isn’t going to be simple,” she whispered to herself.

No. Not simple at all.

The love triangle had begun in earnest, and her heart was about to be stretched in ways she could never have imagined.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***