The morning light spilled gently across Minwoo's face, casting a golden hue on his soft skin. His bathrobe had loosened around his chest during the night. Jihan, already awake, sat beside him, silently tracing his fingers along Minwoo's exposed skin. His gaze lingered on Minwoo's peaceful expression.
Jihan (whispering): "Why did you forget about me, coffee boy...? You really don't remember anything."
He gently touched Minwoo's lips with his fingers, almost as if memorizing their shape. His eyes softened briefly.
Jihan (murmuring): "You're so beautiful."
Minwoo looked like a sleeping kitten—serene, unaware, and adorable. Jihan stood up quietly and left the room, leaving Minwoo still in slumber.
After a while, Minwoo stirred. His eyes fluttered open, blinking against the light. He rubbed his eyes and slowly looked around. The bed beside him was empty.
Minwoo (groggy): "He… woke up already? I don't even remember when I fell asleep last night…"
He sat up—and immediately noticed his bathrobe half-open. His eyes widened in panic.
Minwoo (shocked): "W-What did he do to me…?"
He jumped up and hurried over to the couch, where a neatly prepared outfit lay waiting for him.
Minwoo (breathless): "It's… beautiful."
After a quick shower, Minwoo changed into the outfit. When he stepped out of the room, everything felt quiet—eerily silent, just like before. He walked down the grand staircase, and his eyes landed on Jihan, who sat on the couch sipping coffee. A servant stood respectfully in front of him.
Minwoo hesitated, unsure if he should approach. But then—
Jihan (without looking): "Sit down."
Minwoo obeyed and sat across from him, still dazed and confused about everything that had happened.
Just then, the servant brought in a large collection of clothes on a designer rack, all neatly hung. Minwoo's eyes widened as he stared at them in disbelief.
Jihan finally looked at him—his gaze sharp and cold, but lingering for a second longer than usual.
Jihan: "From now on, you're changing your clothing brand. You'll only wear La Lueur."
Minwoo blinked.
Minwoo: "Huh…?"
Jihan stood up and turned.
Jihan: "Let's go. Time for breakfast."
Minwoo got up to follow, tempted to ask a hundred questions, but the cold air around Jihan made him hesitate. Instead, he stayed silent and obediently followed him into the dining area.
There, an extravagant spread of luxurious breakfast dishes filled the long table. It looked like a royal banquet.
Jihan (calmly): "I didn't know what you usually eat, so I ordered everything."
Minwoo (awkward): "You didn't need to order all this…"
Jihan's cold eyes locked onto him. Minwoo immediately regretted speaking.
Minwoo (nervously): "…I-I mean, thank you."
He looked down, deciding silence was safer.
After breakfast, Jihan stood up and straightened his sleeves.
Jihan (calmly): "Today at 4 p.m., there's a meeting at the company about the new series. Don't be late."
Minwoo rubbed his hands together nervously and nodded.
Minwoo: "Okay. I won't be late."
Outside, the driver waited by the car. Minwoo quickly walked out and slipped into the back seat, exhaling deeply as the door closed behind him.
Minwoo (whispering to himself): "Finally… a little break from Ryu Jihan."
The long drive back to his house passed in silence. When they arrived, the driver stepped out and opened the door for him. Minwoo climbed out, stretching his arms, but then froze when the driver began unloading bag after bag of clothes from the trunk.
He watched in disbelief as the driver carried them inside.
Minwoo (thinking): Seriously… Ryu Jihan really wants me to wear La Lueur now?
The driver placed all the designer bags on the couch and gave a small nod.
Driver: "Have a good day, sir."
Minwoo: "Thanks…"
As soon as the driver left, Joon came running down the stairs. He stopped midway, staring at Minwoo with wide eyes.
Joon: "Minwoo…?"
Minwoo looked up at him, still adjusting his cuffs.
Minwoo: "Why do you look like a lost puppy?"
Joon came closer, his gaze jumping between Minwoo's expensive-looking outfit and the pile of La Lueur bags.
Joon (accusingly): "Why did you end our friendship?!"
Minwoo blinked.
Minwoo: "Huh? What are you talking about?"
Joon grabbed him by the shoulders.
Joon (frustrated): "You started working with Starlight Atelier Entertainment. You're starring in Ryu Jihan's new series—with him!—and you didn't tell me anything?! Am I not your best friend? I'm going to die, Minwoooo!"
Minwoo sighed and gently pushed him back.
Minwoo: "Stop being dramatic, Joon. I didn't know either that I'd be working with Ryu Jihan."
Joon's eyes widened in shock.
Joon: "What?! Then what was with that confident attitude last night at the press conference?"
Minwoo sat down on the couch, rubbing his forehead.
Minwoo: "It's a long story…"
Joon dropped down beside him like a brick.
Joon: "Then tell me everything."
Minwoo hesitated, but eventually gave in. He recounted everything—how he had stood on the bridge, ready to end it all… how Jihan appeared out of nowhere and stopped him… and how that moment turned into a strange deal that brought him to this point.
As Minwoo finished, Joon stared at him in disbelief.
Joon: "What kind of contract did you make with Jihan?"
Minwoo tensed. His thoughts raced.
I can't tell Joon I made a contract to give him my body…
Minwoo (awkwardly): "Just… a simple contract. I work for his company now."
Joon frowned and scratched his head.
Joon: "A simple contract, huh…"
Minwoo (defensive): "Just leave it, okay?"
Suddenly, Joon pulled him into a tight hug.
Joon: "I'm so happy for you, Minwoo. You're working with Ryu Jihan, the superstar! This is a huge slap in the face to Cha Yejun—and all the media that tried to bury you without a reason."
Minwoo smiled faintly, his chest warming from Joon's support.
Minwoo: "Yeah… It's time to prove I'm not just some useless actor."
Joon said, "And what's with all these bags? Did you go shopping?"
Minwoo shook his head. "Nope. Ryu Jihan wants me to wear La Lueur only."
Joon gasped in shock. "Huu… I see. Ryu Jihan only wears La Lueur!"
Minwoo blinked. "Really?"
"Yes," Joon nodded seriously. "He only wears that brand. It's kind of his signature."
Minwoo looked down, puzzled. Why does he want me to only wear this brand...?
Joon leaned forward. "So what's next, Minwoo?"
Minwoo sighed. "Next... I'll work hard and prove myself."
Joon grinned. "The whole industry's in shock, you know? You don't even realize how big this is. Do you know how many calls I've gotten? So many media outlets want to interview you. And Producer Seung—he's been calling nonstop since last night. He keeps saying, 'I need to meet Minwoo.'"
Minwoo didn't answer. He was lost in thought.
"Hey, Minwoo?" Joon called gently.
Minwoo snapped back. "Joon… Today at 4 p.m., we have a meeting at Starlight Atelier Entertainment."
"Really? Then go get some rest in your room. I'll take care of your schedule," Joon said quickly, getting to work.
Minwoo stood up. "Okay."
Joon smiled. "From now on, you're a busy man again."
Minwoo gave a soft smile and quietly walked up the stairs to his room.
4pm___
At Starlight Atelier Entertainment, Minwoo and Joon arrived at the building. As they stepped inside, a perfectly dressed man approached them.
"Hello, Mr. Han. I'm Donghae, Mr. Ryu's secretary," he said politely.
Minwoo gave a small smile. "Hello."
Donghae glanced at Joon. "And…?"
Joon stepped forward with a friendly grin. "Hello, I'm Joon, Mr. Han's secretary. Nice to meet you."
Donghae nodded. "Nice to meet you. Please, follow me—Mr. Ryu is waiting for you."
Minwoo hesitated for a moment. As they walked, he could feel the eyes of the staff on him. He heard them whispering.
"Isn't that Han Minwoo…?"
"He's so handsome in person…"
"Ahh, he's lucky. After getting dumped by his partner, he's now starring with Ryu Jihan…"
Minwoo ignored the comments and kept walking calmly, his head held high.
In the meeting room, Director Lee sat with Ryu Jihan. Director Lee with hesitation...
"Mr. Ryu… are you really sure it's a good idea to work with Mr. Han Minwoo?"
Jihan's voice was calm but sharp. "Do you have some problem, Director Lee?"
Director Lee gave an awkward smile, clearly flustered. "Nope… I'm just surprised, that's all."
Jihan's cold stare was enough to silence the entire room.
Finally, Minwoo arrived at the meeting room.
Jihan was already seated, and the moment their eyes met, Minwoo's heart started racing.
Director Lee stood up and walked over. "Hello, Mr. Han Minwoo. I'm Director Lee. I'm happy to work with you."
Minwoo smiled politely. "Hello, Mr. Lee."
He then turned to Jihan. "Hello, Mr. Ryu."
Jihan gave a silent nod.
Minwoo quietly took his seat.
Director Lee clapped his hands together. "Alright, let's start the meeting. Mr. Han, the story is about two high school students who fall in love while studying together." He handed over a script. "Here's your copy."
Minwoo took the script and began flipping through it.
Director Lee continued, "Just to note, there are a few more NC scenes in this series than usual. And the kiss scenes… they'll be real. No camera angles or tricks."
Minwoo blinked, surprised. "The kiss scenes are real? What?"
Jihan finally spoke. His voice was cool and steady. "Do you have any problem with that?"
Minwoo hesitated. "N-No, I'm just… nervous. This is my first time doing NC scenes. And… real kissing."
Director Lee chuckled. "Don't worry, Mr. Han. It's also Mr. Ryu's first time doing something like this."
Jihan glanced at Minwoo and said calmly, "I'll teach you."
Minwoo's heart skipped a beat. Those words echoed in his mind like a soft whisper—
I'll teach you…