"Try this designer hanbok," a female student from the fashion design department handed several hanbok sets to Sangwon, which were to be used for the festival promotions.
"You want me to wear this? This?" Sangwon held the clothes up, his face contorted with displeasure.
"These are designed especially for you, Sangwon-ssi," the student insisted, urging him to accept her creations.
"Bring me something else. I'm not touching those rags." Sangwon tossed the clothes onto the couch and walked out of the fitting room. It had been days since his last encounter with Mira, after he agreed to be the face of the festival. He hadn't seen her once since, making it obvious she was avoiding him, sending others to assist him with the promotions instead.
As he walked through the corridors of the design school, he sensed someone following him. He abruptly turned around, catching the stalker off guard.
A girl stood frozen, her phone raised, clearly caught in the act of taking pictures of him.
"Stalking me won't get you anywhere… stop it. How long do you plan on continuing this charade?" he said with a familiar tone.
"Until I catch you in a real dating scandal," she replied, a sly smile forming on her lips.
It was Shin Yesul, former YouTuber and now a celebrity reporter for CBS News.
"Sangwon-ssi, don't you fear me at all? Two years ago, I nearly ruined your career."
"Nearly... You caused my group to disband."
"What? I had nothing to do with your group's disbandment," Yesul retorted, her voice rising in defence.
"Whatever… Why are university authorities even allowing a reporter in here?"
"Why wouldn't they, when I'm an alumna?" Yesul laughed wickedly, elbowing him aside as she headed for the elevator.
Sangwon turned to confront her, but his attention was suddenly diverted. Mira Kohatsu was coming up the stairs. She gave them both a suspicious glance. Yesul smiled as Mira bowed slightly.
"Nice to meet you, Yesul-senior. I've heard a lot about you from the journalism department."
"Well… I'm infamous in that department," Yesul chuckled.
"I can believe that," Sangwon muttered under his breath.
After a brief exchange, Yesul left, leaving Sangwon and Mira alone in the corridor.
"Stop staring at me," Mira snapped.
"I like staring at you."
"That's your problem."
Sangwon leaned casually against the wall, still watching her, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"So… what now? Why have you been avoiding me?"
"The world doesn't revolve around you, Sangwon-ssi. I've been busy with excavation sites."
"I'm the centre of my world, Mira. Aren't you lucky to have spent the night with a top idol?"
"Top idol?" Mira laughed. "You've been banned from public broadcasting channels. Your controversies are sinking your album sales. I think your 'world' consists of that small, dwindling fanbase."
Sangwon smirked. "You seem to know a lot about me for someone who said it was just a hookup." He reached out, gently holding her chin between his fingers.
Mira slapped his hand away, turning her head to hide the growing turmoil in her chest. Her heart raced. It was a new sensation, one that conflicted with the anger bubbling in her mind.
"Shut up… Why did you have to tell Hong Jisoo?"
"I told her because she's the only person I trust." Sangwon straightened up, his height making Mira seem even smaller as she tilted her head to meet his gaze.
"What do you want?"
"You. Your assistance, Kohatsu Mira."
"For what?"
"Your designer friend gave me some terrible outfits for the photoshoot."
"Sangwon-ssi, you're not going to get high-end brands here."
"Then you pick something for me. I'll wear whatever you choose. Simple as that."
Mira pressed her lips together in frustration, glaring at the stubborn man in front of her.
"Are you sure about that?" she asked, heading into the classroom.
"Absolutely."
Inside the design studio, Mira began sorting through modern hanbok designs for Sangwon, who had seated himself nearby. She picked a few sets and laid them out.
"Here. These were all designed with you in mind."
Sangwon continued to stare at Mira as he skimmed through the clothes. Mira, on the other hand, kept her focus solely on the outfits, avoiding his gaze.
"Whatever… just pick one," Sangwon chuckled.
"Try them on. We need to finalise the outfit today, so we can move forward with the accessories. The original ancient pieces will be displayed at the exhibit, and we need to schedule the photoshoot within the next two days."
She paused.
"And?" Sangwon brushed a lock of hair behind her ear, his touch lingering.
"And you won't have to come back to the university. You'll be free to prepare for your performance," Mira replied, her voice cold.
"Oh? Is that what you want?"
"Doesn't it seem like it?"
"Absolutely not."
"You're just delusional, Sangwon," Mira muttered, pushing him away as she placed the hanboks on the desk.
Suddenly, Sangwon grabbed her wrist, pulling her closer.
"Why can't we just date like normal people?"
"I don't believe in love. There's only physical attraction between us."
"No… I've never wanted anyone like this before. It's not just physical…" Sangwon's voice grew thick with emotion.
"Our worlds are completely different. You wouldn't be able to handle my reality, and I can't handle your glamour."
Mira pulled her hands free from his grip. "Let's not be stubborn. This won't lead us anywhere. We're both adults. Think about it logically."
Sangwon yanked his hands away, frustrated. Mira stumbled back, falling against the desk, her ankle throbbing in pain as Sangwon stormed out without looking back.
"That's right. That's how it should be," she murmured to herself.
---
"He just walked out like that?" Shina exclaimed, staring at her friend, who had her head down on the desk.
"Stop overreacting, Shina," Mira muttered, lifting her face slightly before turning to gaze out of the window.
Raindrops trickled down the branches of a nearby tree, making it appear melancholy. The sound of the downpour outside filled the room, creating a peaceful, yet suffocating silence. Mira's heart felt heavy—a feeling she hadn't experienced before. The cold breeze drifted in, carrying droplets of rain that kissed her face, making it damp.
Shina watched her friend with concern. "Mira… exams are coming up. I hope you'll sort out this situation and focus on your research. Jisoo-nim also said we'll be heading to an excavation site after the festival next month."
"Do I need to sort it out? I feel like it'll only get more complicated if I try."
"Your choice. Just don't wander around like a lost puppy."
Mira sighed and continued staring out at the rain.
---
"Cheonmado paintings excavated from Jeju Island. Further studies conducted at the National Center of Cultural Heritage."
The news flashed across the television screen in the SH Entertainment office. The room was silent, except for the voice of the newscaster. Park Sangwon entered the building, heading straight for the conference room, with his manager, Mr. Kim, trailing behind.
"What are we going to do about this broadcasting ban on Sangwon? This is a deliberate move to ruin his reputation by preventing him from promoting his album!" SH Entertainment CEO Juyoung Lee slammed her hand on the round table, her expression sharp. She was furious, but it was a cold, calculated anger that made the staff cower without her raising her voice.
"Ma'am, just give us a little more time. We'll manage this situation," one of the staff members spoke hesitantly.
"Your timid voice shows your confidence! Fools!" Juyoung scolded them.
"Juyoung-ssi… don't terrorise them like that."
A deep, commanding voice echoed across the room. Sangwon stepped in, standing behind the enraged CEO.
"What's got you so worked up? Calm down," he said, casually grabbing a bottle of water from the table and taking a sip.
"Do I need to explain? Can't you see that this ban will affect not just you, but the careers of our other artists?!" Juyoung was on the verge of losing her patience, seeing Sangwon so calm in the face of a crisis.
"Didn't I already tell you to terminate my contract? You're the one refusing to let me go," Sangwon replied nonchalantly, leaning back in his chair.
"Yes, I'm the one being stubborn, because I refuse to waste your talent over one person's vendetta," Juyoung said, her eyes locking onto his, exuding her unwavering authority.
"Don't bring IAN into this. This is between you and me."
"I will always bring him into this, until you do as I say. After all, he's the reason IGNITE disbanded."
"IAN hyung isn't responsible! You are!"
"Shut up, Sangwon! You don't know a damn thing!"
"Then tell me! Why won't you explain? Why can't anyone just talk to me properly?!"
Juyoung noticed the sudden shift in his demeanour. Something was clearly bothering him, and it wasn't the three-year-old disbandment of his group.
"Sangwon… is something else on your mind?" she asked cautiously, her voice softer now.
He stayed silent.
Juyoung gestured for the staff to leave the room. Once they were alone, she spoke again. "You can tell me. What's really bothering you?"
"It's nothing," he brushed off her concern.
"Don't tell me you're crushing on someone again?"
"No!"
"Oh? But you're acting exactly like when you tried to win over that actress."
Juyoung tilted her head, observing him closely. She always found him endearing when he pouted in anger. She had known him since his trainee days, when she was a rookie director and he was just a trainee in the industry. They had debuted together—she with her directing career and him as part of IGNITE. Over the years, she had come to know him better than anyone. Though they were best friends, Juyoung had always harboured feelings for him—feelings she never expressed, knowing he didn't see her that way. When IGNITE disbanded, she let go of all the members except Sangwon. She couldn't bring herself to let him go.
"Alright, fine… Whatever's going on, just don't lose yourself. Not again," Juyoung said softly, smiling as she tried to ruffle his hair.
Sangwon abruptly pushed his chair back and left the room without another word.
---
"What the hell, Mira? Who leaked the news to the media outlets?" Hong Jisoo bellowed, slamming her desk in frustration.
Kohatsu Mira and Han Jiwoo stood in front of her, heads bowed in shame. Mira was being held responsible for the leaked images of the Cheonma painting, as she was one of the few people with access to the research materials, aside from Jisoo and Jiwoo.
"Jisoo, I think someone from the conference might've leaked it…" Jiwoo spoke up, trying to defend Mira.
"How long have you been in this field, Jiwoo-yah? You know how confidential these conferences are!" Jisoo shot back, glaring at her colleague.
"Professor, trust me! I didn't leak anything to the media!" Mira pleaded, desperate for her mentor's trust.
"Then who could have accessed the restricted archaeological lab?" Jisoo demanded.
Mira racked her brain, recalling the people she had encountered over the past few days. The festival preparations were in full swing, and it was possible for event staff or decorators to have roamed freely. But accessing the restricted lab? That required clearance that only she, Jisoo, and Jiwoo had.
While Mira was lost in thought, Jisoo's complaints continued.
"That's exactly why I told you not to rush into presenting the work at the conference! Our studies weren't even complete, but you and your overenthusiastic student stood there like clowns!"
"Stop it, Jisoo! You just wanted to steal the credit from us!" Jiwoo snapped.
"The credit was mine from the start! You two are just working for me!"
As the two friends argued, almost ready to come to blows, Mira stepped between them, trying to calm the situation.
"I think… I think I know who might've leaked the images."
Both of her mentors turned to her, waiting for her to explain.
"Shin Yesul."
"Who's that?" Jisoo asked, her tone dismissive.
"Are you kidding? Dumb bitch! She's the most notorious reporter at CBS!" Jiwoo yelled.
"Don't call me a bitch!"
"Because you are one!"
Mira once again had to intervene to stop them from escalating their bickering.
"Calm down… Shin Yesul was here yesterday. I don't know what for, but the question is, how did she access the lab?"
"How can we stop the news from spreading?" Jiwoo asked urgently.
"We need to meet her," Jisoo suggested.
"You. You will meet her and convince her, Mira," Jisoo ordered.
"Fine. I'll meet her," Mira agreed with a heavy sigh, feeling the weight of yet another unexpected problem.
---
The newsroom at CBS was a chaotic whirlwind of staff members rushing about, exchanging documents, and journalists running out the doors. Amid the frenzy, Kohatsu Mira stepped inside, wide-eyed and overwhelmed by the bustling environment. No one paid much attention to her presence; they were too busy with their work.
Mira approached the receptionist and asked for Shin Yesul.
"She's out on duty. You'll have to wait for an hour or two," the receptionist replied.
"Oh… okay. Where should I wait?"
The receptionist directed her to a waiting area. Mira sat down, taking out her water bottle and sipping as she watched the news playing on the television. After thirty minutes, there was still no sign of Yesul. Bored with the political news, she flipped through the channels and landed on an entertainment show—a music program.
"Are you waiting for him? Am I waiting for him? Flames!!! Here comes the man of every woman's dreams!!! The coolest idol!!! Sang! Sang! Sangwon!!!" the announcer's voice boomed, followed by cheers from the audience.
Mira rolled her eyes.
Not again
---
🎶 "The grey city and my jet-black heart,
I look out the window all by myself,
You're coming from afar,
It looks like a scene from a movie..."
In that frozen moment, I walk in,
If we happen to meet inside,
Show me your eyes full of love,
Your eyes and mine...
The moment they meet, time stops...
Hold my cold hands..." 🎶
The soothing melody of guitar chords and Park Sangwon's honeyed voice echoed through the room. On the screen, Sangwon sang with intense passion, his handsome face captivating as usual. Today, his outfit was a simple, loose white shirt and matching pants—far from his usual glittering stage clothes. The open collar revealed his broad chest muscles, making him appear almost godly. Mira watched, unable to tear her eyes away, despite knowing how dangerous he was to her heart.
She knew better. She kept telling herself that they came from two completely different worlds. But no matter how hard she tried to suppress her feelings, she was undeniably drawn to him.
The sudden click of a door handle brought her out of her daze. Mira turned to see Shin Yesul entering the waiting room. Yesul smiled slyly, like a fox, and took a seat beside her.
"I heard you waited two hours?" Yesul asked, her eyes scanning Mira up and down.
"Two hours? Has it been that long already?" Mira mumbled to herself, still dazed.
Yesul glanced at the television screen, her smirk widening.
"Sangwon fan?"
"What? No… I was just bored…" Mira quickly fumbled for an excuse. "I'm not into K-pop."
"Hmm… I see. So, what brings you here?"
Yesul's sudden question reminded Mira why she had come in the first place.
"I'm here about the Cheonmado painting…"
"Yes, and?" Yesul leaned back, her interest piqued.
"You aired news about the discovery. I need you to stop broadcasting it."
"And why would I do that?"
"I'm the archaeologist working on that relic. You don't have the authority to reveal my research to the public," Mira said, her tone firm.
Yesul, still wearing that foxy smile, leaned forward, her gaze sharp. "I like your confidence, Mira. Reminds me of my seniors." She then paused before continuing, her voice dripping with manipulation. "But, sweetheart, this world runs on give and take. Don't think you can intimidate me with your so-called authority. The Cheonmado painting is a national treasure, and I have every right to broadcast it. You don't own it."
"Don't you understand the risk? If the wrong people find out about the discovery, it could fall into the hands of collectors with bad intentions!" Mira exclaimed, her frustration mounting.
"And that's why I need something from you," Yesul replied, her tone turning ominous.
Mira narrowed her eyes. "What do you want?"
Yesul's lips curled into a wicked smile. "Get close to Park Sangwon."
Mira's heart dropped. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me. Get close to IGNITE's Sangwon. Make him trust you. Make him fall for you," Yesul said, her words careless, as though manipulating people was second nature.
"Why? What are you planning to do to him? Are you trying to hurt him?" Mira stammered.
"No, darling. I just want to gather some information from his social circle. There's a high chance there's a drug and sex racket hidden behind the glamorous façe of the entertainment industry," Yesul explained calmly.
Mira stared at her in disbelief. "You think he's involved?"
"No, not at all," Yesul replied with a shrug.
"Then why target him?"
"Because he's one of the most veteran idols still active in the industry. He's well-connected with many groups, staff, brands, and companies. He's been part of this world for over a decade, and I need someone with access to his network," Yesul said matter-of-factly.
Mira's suspicion deepened. "But if he's not suspicious, why are you doing this?"
"Because he's not suspicious. He's so clean it's almost unbelievable. This is the guy who's managed to avoid every scandal for years. No dating rumours, nothing. He doesn't even talk to women outside his circle. It's almost… curious," Yesul chuckled softly.
Mira glanced at Yesul, sensing the gravity of the situation. This wasn't just a dangerous plan; it was potentially life-threatening. If the racket Yesul suspected truly existed, getting involved could endanger her career—and her life.
Yesul, growing impatient, tapped her nails on the armrest. "Come on, girl. I don't have all day. Are you in or not?"
Mira felt the weight of the decision pressing on her. "I need time to think."
"No. Think for now and give me an answer. My senior is waiting for your response."
"Who is this senior?" Mira asked, trying to delay the inevitable.
"You don't need to know that. Just tell me. Are you in or out?"
Mira hesitated. "But I don't have time for this! I'm a student and a part-time bartender!"
"Yes, which is why we want you! You have access to all sorts of people at your bar. You're the perfect candidate for this job! And don't worry, we'll provide full protection. No one will harm you. We have law enforcement backing this investigation," Yesul insisted, her voice growing more persuasive.
Mira stood up suddenly, pacing the room. Her fingers fidgeted nervously as she mulled over the offer. After a few minutes, she sat back down, determined in her eyes. "If I agree to this, it won't be just for the Cheonmado painting. I want money."
"How much?"
"Ten million yen."
"Yesul's eyebrows raised in surprise. "Are you sure?"
"Yes."
For a brief moment, Yesul was taken aback. She had expected a higher price. But now she knew that Mira was an honest person. Yesul had already conducted a background check and knew about Mira's financial troubles with loan sharks in Japan. The amount she requested was just enough to pay off her debts.
"Alright, sweetheart. Done. You'll get your payment by this evening. Start the job tomorrow," Yesul confirmed, her eyes glinting with satisfaction.
Mira walked out, her thoughts swirling.
Am I really going to do this? Using Sangwon's feelings like this… But I would never earn this huge amount by working at a bar, I need this money badly… more than Sangwon…
Am I a bad person? she wondered.
Maybe it's okay to be a little evil sometimes… right?
Inside the waiting room, Yesul picked up her phone and dialled a number. "She's in. Let's just hope she doesn't actually fall for him..."