"Mira?"
She looked up, a faint smile on her face. "Yes, sir, how may I help you? Do you want to order something?"
Sangwon's voice trembled as he spoke. "Why did you leave me alone there?"
Her brow furrowed. "Sorry... I can't understand..."
"Mira... it's me... Sangwon."
Her eyes briefly flickered with recognition, then quickly hardened. "Yeah, who doesn't know you, Park Sangwon-ssi."
"Not like that... Mira... how can you forget?"
"About what, sir? This is my first time meeting you." Her voice was stern, her demeanour unyielding.
Sangwon stared at her in disbelief. "Jeju Island. The summer solstice festival. How can you pretend it never happened?"
Mira's face remained impassive. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
His frustration boiled over. "We spent the night together! I warned you that if you forgot about that night, you'd regret it!"
Mira's expression didn't change. "I'm sorry, sir, but you're mistaken."
Sangwon's anger flared. "You're lying! You know exactly what happened!"
At that moment, the bar owner, Hyunwoo, appeared from the back room. He placed a calming hand on Sangwon's shoulder. "Sangwon-ah, what's going on?"
"Hyunwoo-hyung, she knows me! We met in Jeju!"
Hyunwoo looked at Mira, who shook her head slightly. "Sangwon, Mira is just a student working part-time here. She doesn't know you like that."
Sangwon clenched his fists, his frustration mounting. "This is absurd. She remembers. She's just pretending."
Hyunwoo sighed. "Sangwon, let it go. You're making a scene."
Sangwon glared at Mira, who stared back with a calm, unreadable expression. He turned and stormed out of the bar, the door banging shut behind him. Outside, the night air was cool, but it did nothing to calm his rage. He couldn't believe that she had forgotten, or worse, pretended to forget. As he walked away, his mind raced with thoughts of what to do next.
…
The hum of excitement filled the grand auditorium of the National Heritage Centre. Scholars and enthusiasts from around the world had gathered for the archaeological research conference, their eyes fixed on the stage where Mira and Han Jiwoo stood. The large screen behind them displayed the intricate details of the Cheonmado painting.
Mira took a deep breath and began her presentation. "Good evening, everyone. Today, I am honoured to present my research on the Cheonmado painting, a relic that has fascinated historians and archaeologists alike. This painting, discovered during our recent excavation, provides invaluable insight into ancient Korean art and cultural practices."
She explained the meticulous process of uncovering the painting, the techniques used to preserve it, and the historical context it provided. "Our studies suggest that this painting was not merely decorative but played a significant role in religious ceremonies of the time. Future research will focus on locating similar relics to expand our understanding of this period."
Mira paused, her eyes scanning the audience. "I would like to attribute this work to my professor guide, Hong Jisoo, who inspired me to pursue this research. Her guidance and support have been instrumental in our success."
A round of applause erupted from the audience as Mira concluded her presentation. Jiwoo smiled beside her, sharing in the moment of triumph. As they stepped off the stage, Jiwoo couldn't help but notice the distant look in Mira's eyes.
"That was amazing, Mira! But you've seemed a bit off lately. Is everything okay?" Jiwoo asked as they walked through the bustling corridors of the conference venue.
Mira forced a smile. "It's nothing much, really. Just some personal stuff."
Jiwoo frowned, unconvinced. "You know you can talk to me, right? But remember, don't let personal thoughts interfere with your brilliant work."
Mira nodded, though her mind was elsewhere. As they reached the entrance, they said their goodbyes. Jiwoo headed off, leaving Mira alone. She stood at the entrance, waiting for the cab she had called. The evening air was cool, and the excitement of the conference began to fade, replaced by the unsettling thoughts that had been plaguing her.
She glanced around, the city's lights twinkling in the distance. Her thoughts drifted back to the encounter with Sangwon at the Red Moon bar. She tried to push it aside, focusing on the success of the presentation, but the nagging feeling of unfinished business lingered. The sound of an approaching cab pulled her from her reverie, and she took a deep breath, preparing herself to move forward despite the turmoil within.
Mira stood up and got into the cab, settling into the back seat. As the cab pulled away from the National Heritage Centre, she couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Glancing into the rearview mirror, she noticed a black-tinted car trailing them. Her heart quickened. The car showed no signs of turning off or slowing down.
"Excuse me, can you take a different route?" Mira asked the cab driver, her voice steady but urgent.
The driver nodded, switching lanes and taking a less direct path. Mira guided him through narrow, winding roads, hoping to lose the black car. She kept glancing back, her anxiety rising with each turn. Finally, they reached their destination: her best friend Yumi's house. Mira quickly paid the driver and jumped out of the cab, darting towards the apartment building.
She ran inside, heart pounding, and hid behind the gates, peeking out cautiously. Moments later, the black-tinted car pulled up. Her suspicions were confirmed when she saw Sangwon's manager, Mr. Kim, step out and look around. She knew Sangwon had to be in the back seat, hidden behind those dark windows.
Mira stayed hidden, holding her breath as Mr. Kim scanned the area. After a few tense minutes, he got back into the car, and it drove away. She waited a bit longer, ensuring they were truly gone, before finally emerging from her hiding spot. The fear that had gripped her began to ebb, replaced by a determination to understand why Sangwon was so insistent on finding her.
She made her way up to Yumi's apartment, her mind racing with questions and possibilities. As she reached the door, she paused, taking a moment to steady herself before knocking. The door opened, and Yumi's warm, concerned face appeared.
"Mira, what's wrong?" Yumi asked, immediately sensing her friend's distress.
"I think... I need to stay here for a while," Mira replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "Sangwon... he's following me."
Yumi's eyes widened, and she quickly ushered Mira inside. "Of course, you can stay. Tell me everything."
As they settled into the safety of Yumi's apartment, Mira felt a sense of relief. But she knew this was only the beginning. She would have to confront Sangwon sooner or later, and she needed to be ready.
…
Park Sangwon sat at his synthesiser keyboard in his penthouse in Yongsan, the soft glow of city lights filtering through the large windows. His fingers moved mechanically over the keys, producing a haunting melody that mirrored the storm of thoughts swirling in his mind. The image of Mira at the Red Moon bar kept replaying, her distant eyes and the stern demeanour she adopted cutting him deeper than he cared to admit.
"Why did she even walk into my life if she was just going to leave like that?" he muttered to himself, his voice barely audible over the music. "Did she think of that night as just a one-night stand? Was it nothing to her? Does it really count for nothing?"
His hands stilled on the keys, the last notes hanging in the air. The questions gnawed at him, each one more painful than the last. If she felt nothing, why was she avoiding him now? She could have just told him. A clean break would have been less tortuous than this maddening ambiguity.
For Sangwon, it was a huge matter. That night had been the first time he had been so intimate with a woman, his virginity taken away in that single, unforgettable night. Mira had made him feel things he had never felt before, a connection that seemed profound and real. He had opened himself up to her in a way he never thought possible.
"She made me feel like no one else ever has," he whispered, his voice breaking slightly. He wanted her to be his, to share something more meaningful than just a fleeting encounter. The thought of her dismissing that night as insignificant felt like a betrayal, a wound that wouldn't heal.
He stood up from the keyboard and walked over to the window, staring out at the sprawling city below. The lights blurred as tears welled up in his eyes. Why couldn't she just be honest with him? Why was she confusing him, making him question everything they shared?
He clenched his fists, frustration boiling over. "I need to find out the truth. I need to know what she really feels."
Determined, he turned away from the window. His mind was set. He would confront Mira, make her face the emotions she was so desperately trying to hide. One way or another, he would get the answers he needed.
…
Two days later, the morning sun bathed the campus of Seoul National University in a golden glow, casting long shadows over the bustling grounds. The pre-festival days brought a vibrant energy to the air, with students hurriedly setting up stalls, decorating pathways with colourful banners, and rehearsing performances. The aroma of street food wafted through the air, mingling with the sounds of laughter and excited chatter. The campus was alive with anticipation for the upcoming festivities.
Mira, however, was oblivious to the surrounding excitement. Deep in the excavation site near Seoul, she worked diligently with her archaeological tools—a trowel, a brush, and a sieve—meticulously uncovering ancient relics. Her focus was entirely on the task at hand, carefully brushing away centuries of dirt from a delicate artefact.
Yumi came running towards her, a cheerful grin lighting up her face. "Mira! Have you heard about the festival events? There's going to be so much fun—activities, sports, drama, fashion shows, and even a waterbomb festival! And of course, it all ends with a huge K-pop and K-Hip Hop concert!"
Mira barely looked up from her work. "Yumi, you know I'm not interested in that stuff. I'm busy with something important here."
Yumi pouted but didn't relent. "Come on, Mira. You should take a break and join in the fun. It won't hurt to participate in at least one event!"
Their friendly banter was interrupted by the arrival of Professor Jisoo, who approached with a purposeful stride. "Good morning, everyone," she said, her voice carrying authority. "I have some important information about the upcoming festival events. The Archaeology Department has been assigned tasks, and I expect everyone to participate."
Mira's heart sank as Professor Jisoo's gaze settled on her. "Mira, there's one event that's mandatory for you."
Mira sighed, knowing what was coming. "What event, Professor?"
Professor Jisoo smiled slightly. "You'll be in charge of holding the excavated artefacts exhibition on the concert day."
Mira frowned. "Why the concert day?"
"Because that's when we'll see an ocean of people entering the campus. It's the perfect opportunity to promote our studies. With many foreigners visiting, it's also an ideal day to spread Korean culture, especially with the ongoing Hallyu wave."
Mira had no comeback for that. She knew Professor Jisoo had a point. Reluctantly, she nodded, accepting her fate. "Alright, I'll do it."
Yumi grinned and patted her back. "See, Mira? It won't be so bad. Maybe you'll even enjoy it."
Mira sighed again, returning to her work. The festival might be a source of joy for others, but for her, it was just another distraction from her beloved research. However, with her task now set, she resigned herself to the idea of participating, if only to fulfil her duty.
…
The late morning sun cast a warm glow over the university hall's expansive courtyard. Mira and her classmates gathered around a large, spread-out map of the university, the excited hum of their voices blending with the ambient sounds of festival preparations. Booths and stages were being erected all around them, the air filled with the scent of freshly painted signs and the distant strains of rehearsals.
"We need to find a spot that's highly visible but not too disruptive to the main flow of foot traffic," one student suggested, pointing to a spot near the entrance of the hall. "What about here?"
Another student shook their head. "Too close to the food stalls. People might just pass by without noticing. How about closer to the main stage?"
Mira stood slightly apart, her brow furrowed in concentration. She held a trowel in one hand, a habit from her excavation work that she hadn't quite shaken. "We need a spot that naturally draws people in," she said. "Somewhere central but also distinct."
"Exactly," Yumi agreed, standing beside Mira. "We want to be part of the festival buzz but not overshadowed by it."
As they continued to discuss, a marketing student from the Mass Media and Communication department approached them. "Hey, I heard you need help with promotions. What's the plan?"
Mira looked up, grateful for the interruption. "We need to get the word out about our exhibition. I was thinking we could provide your team with content—photos, descriptions, some historical context."
"Sounds good," the marketing student nodded. "We'll handle the social media blitz. But what about on-campus promotions?"
"We could use discussion forums and student groups," another classmate suggested. "Maybe even partner with some influencers."
A few students laughed. "We might need to invade the fandom spaces to really get attention!" one joked.
The marketing student's eyes lit up. "Actually, that's not a bad idea. What if we got some celebrities involved to promote the exhibition?"
The group buzzed with excitement at the idea. "List out the celebrities who are attending the concert!" someone called.
"Who's the hot topic these days?" another asked.
"Let's get a famous girl group—they always draw a crowd," someone suggested.
"If that's the case, let's go for the most controversial idol," a student proposed with a mischievous grin.
"Wouldn't that hurt our PR, though?" someone countered.
"Controversial but famous! Someone with a huge fan base despite the controversy," another added.
"Come on, you're giving so many hints! Just say the name!" a voice urged.
"IGNITE PARK SANGWON!" a student shouted, and a cheer of laughter and excitement rippled through the group.
Mira's heart sank, her stomach twisting. She dropped her head, trying to hide her reaction. Yumi, noticing her friend's distress, quickly moved closer, patting her back sympathetically. "Hey, are you okay?"
Mira forced a smile. "Yeah, just... a lot on my mind."
Yumi frowned but didn't press further. "It's just a name. Don't let it get to you."
Mira nodded, but her mind was spinning. Park Sangwon's name seemed to follow her everywhere, no matter how hard she tried to escape. It felt like a cruel twist of fate that he kept appearing in her life, especially now when she was trying to focus on her work.
"Alright, everyone," Mira said, forcing herself to stay composed. "Let's focus on setting up the exhibition. We need to make it as engaging and informative as possible."
They turned their attention back to the map, discussing the best layout for their displays. "We should have a section for interactive elements," Mira suggested. "Something that allows people to touch and feel replicas of the artefacts."
"Good idea," Yumi agreed. "And maybe a timeline of the excavation process, showing how we discovered and preserved the artefacts."
The group continued brainstorming, each idea building on the last. Despite the underlying tension Mira felt, the enthusiasm of her classmates was infectious. They decided on a location near the main pathway leading to the concert stage, ensuring high visibility without being overshadowed by the louder festival attractions.
As they began sketching out the design for their exhibition space, a few students continued to joke about celebrity endorsements. "Imagine if Park Sangwon actually showed up to promote our exhibit," one laughed.
Mira's forced smile faltered. She could only hope that fate wouldn't be so cruel. She glanced at Yumi, who gave her an encouraging nod. They had a lot of work ahead of them, and Mira was determined not to let her personal turmoil interfere. For now, she had to focus on the task at hand and prepare for the biggest event of the year.
…
A day later, Park Sangwon was deep into his vocal lessons in the practice room of his agency. The soft, melodic strains of his voice filled the room, resonating with the walls adorned with awards and memorabilia. His vocal trainer, a middle-aged man with a discerning ear, listened intently.
"I must say, Sangwon, you've maintained your vocals very well even after the military service," the trainer complimented, his eyes crinkling with a smile.
"I've never given up on your vocal lessons, teacher," Sangwon replied with a modest grin, wiping the sweat from his brow. The discipline and dedication ingrained in him were evident in every note he sang.
Just then, Mr. Kim, his manager, entered the practice room with an iPad in his hand. "Sangwon-ssi, this upcoming 22nd of September... Do not plan anything else on that day."
Sangwon raised an eyebrow, pausing his practice. "Why? What's happening on the 22nd?"
Mr. Kim adjusted his glasses and replied, "You'll be attending the Seoul National University festival."
Sangwon sighed, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice. "Here we go again... The festivals and everything... Without my whole group."
Mr. Kim glanced at him, his expression serious. "The marketing team of the festival is sitting outside in the lobby, waiting for you. As you already know, our CEO has always emphasised the importance of these university festivals. They garner more attention from the youth, giving an artist a reality check of their current popularity and the same youth are the largest part of the music streaming culture in the country, so it's crucial for them to accept an artist. This will help you in charting on various streaming platforms, maintaining the longevity of our music. It is a 'must to do' promotion before releasing your next album"
Reluctantly, Sangwon nodded. He understood the strategic importance, even if he didn't relish the solo appearance. As he walked out of the practice room, he saw two male students standing at the reception, their heads swivelling around in awe at the IGNITE pictures displayed on the wall. Music videos of Sangwon and other artists played on LED screens, while a flurry of idols and trainees moved in and out of the company. It was a usual sight for Sangwon, but for these students, it was like stepping into a dream.
Approaching them, Sangwon asked, "What brings you to my agency?"
The students, wide-eyed and nervous, exchanged glances before one of them spoke. "We're looking for the brand ambassador for our SNU festival. After much discussion, we've decided that Park Sangwon is the perfect fit for our brand ambassador image. Also, the festival will feature an archaeological exhibition on concert day."
At the mention of the Archaeological department, Sangwon's eyes sparkled with interest. He had already extracted some information from his hyung, Hyunwoo, about this. Pretending to think deeply, he studied the students, who looked at him expectantly, praying for him to accept their offer.
After a few minutes, Sangwon said, "I need to know what this exhibition is about."
The marketing team began explaining the concept of the exhibition, detailing the various relics and historical artefacts that would be on display. But Sangwon stopped them mid-sentence, raising a hand. "I believe you guys are not from the cultural department. I need to understand the core essence of this event to promote it wisely. Tell someone who's in charge of this exhibition to come and meet me. Only then will I consider your offer."
The students exchanged worried looks but nodded eagerly. "We'll make arrangements immediately," one of them promised.
Satisfied, Sangwon watched as they hurried off to contact the cultural department. His mind raced with thoughts of Mira. He knew she had to be involved in this exhibition, and this might be his chance to confront her again, to finally get the answers he desperately needed. For now, he would wait and see how the pieces of this puzzle fell into place.
In a short while, Mira arrived at the SH Entertainment office, breathless from her sprint. Her heart pounded as she tried to compose herself, running a hand through her hair and straightening her clothes. The marketing team rushed towards her, faces lined with panic.
"Mira, let's go meet Park Sangwon," one of them said urgently.
"No," Mira panted, holding up her hand. "You guys carry on to the other celebrities. I can manage him. I just need to explain our research, that's it." She waved them off, sending them away with a confident smile.
As they dispersed, she approached the reception desk. "Excuse me, where can I meet Park Sangwon-nim?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
The receptionist smiled and handed her a temporary identity card. "Please wait in the guest waiting room on the first floor."
Mira nodded and headed to the elevator, clutching the card tightly. The ride up felt interminable, her nerves winding tighter with each passing second. When she reached the first floor, she stepped out and looked around, her eyes scanning for the guest room.
"Lobby... I guess this is the one," she muttered to herself, approaching a door. She turned the knob slowly, knocking gently before entering.
"Sang—" The word died on her lips as she saw him. Park Sangwon was sprawled on the couch, manspreading and occupying the entire seat. His hair was tousled, and his well-defined muscles and arms were on display through a sleeveless t-shirt. He looked up at her with a calm, almost lazy gaze.
"Oh... You need anything?" he asked casually, as if he didn't have a care in the world.
"Uh... Yeah... About our college festivals," Mira stammered, trying to regain her composure.
"Oh right, so you're the one in charge of that exhibition?" His eyes sparked with interest, a predatory glint lurking beneath the surface.
"Yes," she replied, her voice firming up.
"Explain it to me. I want to know everything—what I'm supposed to promote and how you plan to attract the crowd using a controversial artist like me as your brand ambassador."
Mira took a deep breath. "We are working on one principle: any promotion is a good promotion, whether it's favoured or controversial," she replied firmly.
Sangwon leaned back, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "Okay, fine then. You will manage everything for me until this festival. As a brand ambassador, I need the exhibition in charge to guide me throughout this journey. I have no idea about your subject of study."
Mira recognized the ploy to keep her close. She gave him a familiar, irritated look. Sangwon stood up and sauntered closer to her, his gaze locked on hers.
"Why? Won't you do that?" he asked, his voice low and almost menacing.
Mira remained silent as he closed the distance between them, pinning her against the nearby wall. The air grew tense, the quiet room amplifying every heartbeat, every breath. Sangwon moved closer, his breath warm on her skin, his presence overwhelming.
"Can't you just pretend it never happened?" Mira asked softly, her wide eyes pleading with him.
"Why should I listen to you?" Sangwon murmured, his hand sliding to her waist, gripping her tightly. "See... Liar... You can't even resist me... Can't even push me away..."
Mira gasped at his words, feeling his lips brush against her neck. "I know, Mira... you want me... badly..."
Her mind swirled with conflicting emotions, desire battling with reason. Gathering all her inner strength, she pushed him away, her hands shaking.
"Park Sangwon, behave yourself!" she snapped, her voice trembling with anger. "That was just a one-night stand... nothing else. Stop stalking me, stop meddling in my life. It's done and dusted. You want me to work with you? Fine, I'll help you throughout this festival. But please, do not engage in any kind of personal feelings. We will remain strictly professional."
Sangwon's face hardened, a flicker of something unreadable passing through his eyes. Mira stood her ground, staring into his soul, her anger and frustration palpable. With a final, seething glare, she turned on her heel and stormed out of the room.
As she exited SH Entertainment, Mira's mind raced. She had faced Park Sangwon, and she had stood firm, but the encounter had left her shaken. The city air hit her like a cold wave, bringing a temporary sense of clarity. She hailed a cab, needing to distance herself from the suffocating environment of the agency.
In the cab, she leaned back against the seat, her mind replaying the tense confrontation. Why did he have to reappear in her life like this? Why did he insist on dredging up the past? Mira's thoughts swirled as the cab made its way through the bustling streets of Seoul. The city was alive with activity, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside her.
Back at SH Entertainment, Sangwon stood in the guest room, staring at the door Mira had just walked out of. Her words echoed in his mind, and for the first time, doubt crept in. But the memory of their night together, the intensity of their connection, wouldn't let him go. He needed answers, and he was determined to get closer to Mira, by hook or by crook.