Six Months Later, June 2024
On a rainy June morning in 2024, Yoon Seong-ah woke up from her sleep and turned her face, finding Lee Hangyul sleeping soundly beside her. His silky brown hair was tousled, covering his eyes, and his lips were closed in a soft pout. Seong-ah let out an exhausted smile as she found her naked body covered with blankets, searching for her night robe nearby.
It had been six months since they started living together in Hangyul's flat apartment. Their love had blossomed with each passing day, finally free from the shadows of their past. Yoon Seong-ah continued her daily routine as a criminal journalist for the CBS network, while Lee Hangyul stayed home, working as an illustrator and graphic designer for gaming platforms. He was living his dream job, which he had always wanted, being an artist and living a simple, cozy life with his loved one.
Seong-ah was happiest when Hangyul announced his decision to step down as the CEO of Phoenix Group and pursue a full-time profession as an illustrator. She wanted to live a peaceful life without constantly fearing someone harming Hangyul for his position. He was never mentally built for that power struggle. Park Heejin was initially reluctant about their decision but eventually accepted it, as she no longer had a say in her son's life. She took over the director board of Phoenix Group and appointed Hong Siwoo as the CEO, as everyone thought he was the most suitable person for the role. He entered Phoenix Group of Industries with his BlueChip Investments and worked tirelessly for the company's betterment.
Occasionally, Siwoo would ask Seong-ah to reconsider him, playfully reminding her that he was now a successful entrepreneur. She always chuckled at his words, telling him to shut his mouth. Lee Hangyul and Hong Siwoo never talked to each other during those six months. There was nothing between them—no hatred, no jealousy, no feelings. They were like strangers on the road, occasionally acknowledging each other's existence with brief smiles.
On the other hand, Lee Hangyul hung out with his best friend Kim Haneul every weekend. They would go cycling, trekking, camping, or playing sports, trying to make up for the lost time during Hangyul's decade-long absence. Haneul, despite his busy schedule as a senior detective, always made time for his dear friend. Sometimes, the childhood trio of Yoon Seong-ah, Lee Hangyul, and Kim Haneul went on outings to Damyang to reminisce about their old memories, sharing secrets from their university days. They recalled how Hangyul had a serious crush on Seong-ah, only to be stopped by Haneul in their twenties.
Seong-ah slipped out of bed and tiptoed to the kitchen, careful not to wake Hangyul. She loved these quiet moments in the morning when she could reflect on how much their lives had changed. As she prepared coffee, she glanced out the window at the falling rain, feeling a sense of peace she hadn't known in years.
Hangyul stirred awake, his eyes slowly opening to the sound of raindrops and the smell of freshly brewed coffee. He smiled to himself, feeling a warmth he had missed for so long. He stretched and got out of bed, walking to the kitchen where Seong-ah was waiting with a cup of coffee.
"Good morning," she said, handing him the cup.
"Good morning," he replied, kissing her on the forehead. "How did you sleep?"
"Better than ever," she said, leaning into him. "And you?"
"Like a rock," he chuckled, taking a sip of his coffee. "What's on your agenda for today?"
"I have an interview with a retired detective about a cold case," Seong-ah said. "But I should be done by early afternoon. What about you?"
"Just some illustrations to finish," Hangyul replied. "Then I was thinking of heading to the art supply store. I'm running low on a few things."
"Sounds good," she said, smiling. "Maybe we can have dinner together later?"
"Definitely," he said, wrapping his arms around her. "I love our little dinners."
As the day progressed, they both went about their respective tasks, but their thoughts often drifted back to each other. Hangyul immersed himself in his artwork, losing track of time as he brought his creations to life. Seong-ah, on the other hand, conducted her interview with the retired detective, her mind sharp and focused on uncovering the truth.
In the late afternoon, Seong-ah finished her work and decided to surprise Hangyul. She picked up a few of his favorite snacks and some new art supplies she knew he needed. When she returned to the apartment, she found him still at his desk, deeply engrossed in his work.
"Hey, artist," she called out, placing the bags on the table.
Hangyul looked up, his face lighting up with a smile. "Hey, journalist. What did you bring?"
"Just a few things to make your day better," she said, walking over to him and peeking at his work. "Wow, that's amazing, Hangyul."
"Thanks," he said, blushing slightly. "I was in the zone."
"I can see that," she said, kissing him on the cheek. "Take a break. I brought your favorite snacks."
They spent the evening enjoying each other's company, talking about their day and making plans for the future. For the first time in a long while, they felt a sense of normalcy, a routine that was both comforting and fulfilling.
Meanwhile, Park Heejin was adjusting to her new role at Phoenix Group. She had to regain the trust of the board members and employees, but she was determined to make things right. Hong Siwoo, now the CEO, proved to be a competent and dedicated leader. Despite his occasional teasing of Seong-ah, he respected her relationship with Hangyul and focused on his work.
Siwoo's transformation from a troubled young man to a successful entrepreneur was nothing short of remarkable. He had channeled his past experiences into a drive for success, and it showed in the company's improved performance. Yet, despite his achievements, there was still a lingering sense of unresolved tension between him and Hangyul.
One weekend, while on a camping trip, Hangyul and Haneul talked about everything that had happened. They sat by the campfire, the flickering flames casting shadows on their faces.
"How are you holding up?" Haneul asked, poking the fire with a stick.
"Better," Hangyul replied. "It's still a lot to process, but I'm getting there."
"That's good to hear," Haneul said. "I'm glad you're finding your path."
"I owe a lot of it to you," Hangyul said, smiling. "You've always been there for me."
"And I always will be," Haneul said, patting his friend on the back. "We're like brothers, Hangyul. Nothing can change that."
As they sat there, reminiscing about their childhood and university days, Hangyul felt a renewed sense of hope. He was surrounded by people who loved and supported him, and he knew he could face whatever challenges lay ahead.
….
Life had returned to a semblance of normalcy for most, but for Shin Yesul, a fearless budding journalist and YouTuber, things had only just begun to change. Her role in exposing Kang Minseok's dark deeds had earned her immense respect, but it also brought her closer to someone she never expected: Kim Haneul.
Yesul admired Haneul from the moment they started working together. His unwavering sense of justice, his dedication, and his quiet strength drew her in, even though he intimidated her with his seriousness. Despite her bold personality, she struggled to express her feelings, fearing his cold exterior would reject her advances.
Haneul, on the other hand, found himself increasingly fascinated by Yesul. Her energy and fearlessness were a stark contrast to his own reserved nature, and her quirky antics often brought a rare smile to his face. His old crush on Seong-ah had faded, allowing him to see Yesul in a new light. Slowly, his demeanour towards her softened, and he began to look forward to their interactions.
One rainy evening, after a particularly gruelling case, Haneul invited Yesul for a drink. They sat in a cozy bar, the dim lights casting a warm glow around them. As they sipped their drinks, conversation flowed easily, their professional boundaries blurring into something more personal.
"You know, Yesul," Haneul said, his serious face softened by a rare smile, "I really admire your courage. You remind me of Seong-ah in many ways, but there's something uniquely special about you."
Yesul blushed, her heart racing. "Thank you, Haneul-ssi. That means a lot coming from you. You're always so composed and strong. It's inspiring."
Their conversation continued, the attraction between them growing undeniable. Yesul's fear of his coldness melted away as she saw the warm, caring man beneath the tough exterior. For Haneul, Yesul's courage and bubbly personality were a refreshing contrast to his usual seriousness.
As the night wore on, the rain poured harder outside, creating a cozy atmosphere inside the bar. Mustering all her courage, Yesul spoke, her voice trembling slightly.
"Haneul, I... I have to tell you something. During the investigation, I started to develop feelings for you. I didn't know how to say it because I was afraid you'd think it was unprofessional or that you wouldn't feel the same."
Haneul's eyes softened, his heart pounding. "Yesul, I... I had no idea. I've been feeling something too, but I thought it was just me. I admire you so much. Your bravery, your spirit... you make me feel things I haven't felt in a long time."
A shy smile spread across Yesul's face. "So, what do we do now?"
Haneul reached across the table, taking her hand in his. "We take it one step at a time. Let's see where this goes, together."
Their unspoken feelings and underlying attraction pulled them together like magnets. Despite the ten-year age gap, they complemented each other perfectly, balancing seriousness with playfulness, bravery with steadfastness.
…
CBS Broadcasting Station.
In the bustling newsroom, Yoon Seong-ah and her assistant, Jung Bomin, were taking a rare moment to relax. The last few months had been a whirlwind, but today, the atmosphere was light and cheerful.
"How's your dad doing, Bomin?" Seong-ah asked, a teasing glint in her eye. "I heard he's been spending a lot of time at home since he was revoked as a candidate for the parliamentary elections."
Bomin laughed, shaking his head. "Yeah, it's a big change. He's mostly home now, spending time with me and my little sister. We have dinner together, watch movies… it's nice. I didn't realize how much I missed out on family time all these years."
Seong-ah smiled, genuinely happy for him. "That's great to hear. And your rehab? You look much healthier these days."
"Thanks," Bomin said, his tone more serious. "I've been taking it seriously. Getting caught at those rave parties was a wake-up call. I'm clean now, and it feels good."
Seong-ah's expression softened. "I'm proud of you, Bomin. But tell me, do you regret being my assistant and helping with this case? It did lead to your father losing a lot of his assets."
Bomin shook his head firmly. "Not at all. I'm glad I was part of your revenge story. I've always admired your fearless reporting. Working with you, solving cases… it's been a dream come true."
Seong-ah chuckled, playfully nudging him. "You flatter me too much. But seriously, thank you."
Their playful banter was interrupted by the urgent ring of Seong-ah's phone. She answered it, her expression turning serious. "There's a fire. We need to get on site, now."
She hung up and turned to Bomin. "Get the camera equipment ready."
Bomin grinned, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Ready to ride on my bike?"
Seong-ah rolled her eyes and flicked his forehead. "Always the jokester. Come on, let's move!"
They rushed out of the newsroom, adrenaline pumping as they prepared to cover the breaking news. Despite the challenges, they were a formidable team, ready to face whatever came their way.
…
Myeongdo Orphanage, Damyang.
Yoon Seong-ah and Lee Hangyul arrived at Myeongdo Orphanage in Damyang, a place now free from the dark shadows of black magic and drug rackets and handled by Yoon Seong-ah. The children ran playfully around them, their laughter filling the air and bringing life to the once bleak corridors.
Seong-ah distributed the gifts she had brought, smiling as she handed out toys and clothes. Hangyul, standing beside her, donated a generous amount to support the orphanage. The caretakers thanked him profusely, their gratitude evident in their eyes.
As they walked through the now cheerful halls, Hangyul turned to Seong-ah. "Did you forget to ask me something?"
Seong-ah looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"
"Remember the first time you confronted me at my house? You accused me of being the boy you saw running out of your house on the day your parents were murdered."
Seong-ah sighed deeply, the memory surfacing. "Yes, but it's fine. Everything's cleared up now."
Hangyul shook his head. "No, you deserve to know the truth."
He took a deep breath before continuing. "That was the same day my father was killed. I ran out of my house with a knife, given to me by the murderer, Hong Yushik. I saw Yushik heading toward your house and decided to follow him. But when I got there, it was too late. Your parents were already gone."
Seong-ah's eyes widened in shock. Hangyul continued, his voice trembling slightly. "When you came back from your aunt's place, I panicked. I didn't want you to see me in that state, so I ran out from the back door. That's why you saw me running with a knife."
Seong-ah's eyes filled with tears as she realized the truth. The misunderstanding that had haunted them for ten years dissolved in an instant. She stepped closer to Hangyul and wrapped her arms around him, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Thank you for telling me," she whispered. "I'm so sorry for everything you've been through."
Hangyul held her tightly, his own eyes moist. "We've both been through so much, but we made it here together."
As the sun set over Damyang, casting a warm glow over the Myeongdo Orphanage, Yoon Seong-ah and Lee Hangyul stood hand in hand, their hearts lighter than they had ever been. The laughter of the children, free and unburdened, filled the air with a melody of hope and renewal.
The journey they had endured, marked by pain, loss, and misunderstandings, had brought them to this place of healing and love. Together, they had unraveled the dark threads of their past, revealing a tapestry of resilience and strength.
In this place, where innocence once shattered was now restored, they found solace and purpose. Their love, tested by time and trials, had emerged stronger, a beacon of light in the aftermath of darkness.
As they looked into each other's eyes, they knew that their story was one of redemption and forgiveness. It was a testament to the power of truth and the unwavering strength of the human spirit.
The road ahead was still unwritten, but they would walk it together, hand in hand, facing whatever came their way. For in each other, they had found not only love but also a profound understanding that transcended the pain of their past.
And so, as the last light of day faded into night, Seong-ah and Hangyul embraced the future with open hearts, ready to write the next chapter of their lives—one filled with hope, love, and endless possibilities.
---
**The End**