“But I’m curious too. Are you really from a wealthy family? Should I have treated you even better…”

A muttered sentence, and a smile fitting with it appeared on one side of his mouth. Maybe it’s time to stop.

Tick[Dash] Tock[Dash]

A moment later, when she pressed refresh with her finger, the article had completely disappeared.

It was somewhat interesting that with just one call and one finger, an article could be erased. However, there are articles that cannot be stopped even with desperate struggles, and just reading the title makes the heart sink.

Monday morning. Although she made excuses for late awakening and lazed around for packing on Sunday, today Hye-yoon started her day early as usual. Watering the plants, watching the morning news. And even before 9 a.m., she heard Ji-ho’s voice.

“Aren’t you shooting right now?”

[Dash]Yes. We paused for a moment, so I have to go back in.

“It must be tiring. Hang in there for a few more days.”

[Dash]Why would it be tiring? But…

“Yeah?”

Ji-ho had started shooting from dawn today as well. It was the same as usual, but receiving a call at a time when she should be working made her a bit suspicious. The deep voice that elongated at the end of the unfamiliar hour was even more intriguing.
A slightly delayed response that did not provide any answers. Hye-yoon urged to unravel all these questions.

“Ji-ho?”

[Dash]Yes. Later… after 9 o’clock, there will be an article popping up.

“An article?”

[Dash]Yes. I tried to block it, but their company is too big. It didn’t work well.

Hye-yoon lowered the volume of the TV. Her head moved slightly up and down as if her neck was broken. And as if he had seen all her invisible actions, Ji-ho advised her. It was the usual gentle tone.

[Dash]It’s nothing special. We anticipated it, so we’ll respond promptly on our end.

“Oh, I see…”

[Dash]Yes. Don’t be surprised; it’s common for controversies to arise when starting a new project. Don’t get hurt.

“I won’t get hurt. It’s natural to receive criticism where I lack.”

So Hye-yoon responded confidently in her resolute voice, but her counterpart seemed dissatisfied with that.

[Dash]Don’t think like that. You’re absolutely not lacking.

The voice that followed immediately was so firm that it was frightening. The previous mildness had completely disappeared, and his efforts to suppress his anger were clearly felt. Hye-yoon widened her eyes roundly.

“Wow, your voice is scary.”

[Dash]Of course. Touching Jang Hye-yoon… I can’t stand it.

It was a warning she had never heard before, sharp and piercing. Just imagining how sharp his eyes would be with a tone that was tensely solid made Hye-yoon feel his warmth trying to protect her.

Don’t worry. It’s okay.

“Um… Ji-ho seems really angry.”

She deliberately added more awkwardness to the tone she always teased him for being awkward. Then, through the receiver, a small whiff of air was heard.

Ji-ho knew that Hye-yoon was trying to ease the atmosphere. Of course, he knew everything, including that she would speak like she was telling a fairy tale every time she deliberately separated her title and called him by his name.

[Dash]Do you know it feels awkward every time you call my name? So it’s cute.

“Yeah. Do you know why?”

[Dash]Is it strange because I suddenly started speaking informally?

He enjoyed Hye-yoon’s laughter, trying to postpone his worries. But soon, the laughter disappeared. There was no trace of hesitation in the following response.

“No. Even calling your name makes me nervous because I like it too much.”

[Dash]…

It was an unprecedented decisiveness. Ji-ho felt like his breath had stopped for a moment. In contrast, on the other side of the phone, Hye-yoon calmly uttered a light voice. At moments like this, the term “nuna” that she emphasized as cute truly resonated.

“I told you before, right? I have a tendency to find myself too cute, Ji-ho.”

[Dash]Ah… I was so surprised a moment ago.

“Haha. I know you’re trying to protect me. But I… won’t just stand by if Ji-ho gets involved.”

[Dash]Oh, won’t you?
Regardless of whether it’s announcing an official statement or holding a press conference, or even resorting to using fists, I will do it. Don’t worry. Now that I have plenty of time, I can learn martial arts.

The pleasant laughter of a man echoed from Busan to the distant Seoul. Soon, it turned into laughter that surpassed the pleasant level, surprising everyone around with its intensity.

Because of words that didn’t suit the girl at all.

“Mr. Ji-ho, reality is not a fairy tale.”

Although everyone turned to Ji-ho at the sound of the loud laughter, only Ji-ho could hear the small murmurs from Seoul.

‘Keep poking, just like that. I’ll show you the scary reality.’ Something like that.

He folded his fingers and pressed his eyes. It seemed like he laughed so much that there were tears in his eyes. Always trying to comfort her, a woman who poured affection all over me like it came from nowhere.

Grateful and adorable.

[Dash]Haha. Our Hye-yoon is really…

“Do you miss me?”

[Dash]…Yes. I miss you.

The only person he wanted to see at every moment.

Ten minutes before 9 o’clock, fully aware that a storm was approaching, the two decided to enjoy the short pleasure of their call. The worries at 9 o’clock couldn’t even scratch the happiness of 8:50.

And around 9:20, in the places where each of them was left alone, there was no more laughter.

Love with the Adopted Cousin?

Through a well-known media outlet, a headline that anyone would be curious about began to hang at the top of the internet page. More precisely, it was an expression that everyone could frown at. Attacks pouring in with that article.

As 1 PM approached, the defense became stronger.

Ahn Ji-ho “Misinterpretation of the Work Led to Misunderstanding”

Ahn Ji-ho’s official statement “All responses regarding suspicions will be through the work”

Kim Min-woo PD “No Value in Responding to Scratches”

Even though the drama special with an average viewership of 2% created a miracle of 12%, it was all buried.

The drama on the adjacent channel, which had been the undisputed leader, wavered from 29% to 23%. Finally, at 4 PM, the hidden true colors emerged as article titles.

Writer Jang Hye-yoon Remains Silent

Controversy over artistic value, Jang Hye-yoon still silent

And now, at 5 PM. The article title written on the laptop screen scratched Hye-yoon’s eyes.

How long will Jang Hye-yoon keep hiding behind Ahn Ji-ho?

It was an arrow, not words. If you don’t want it to hit your chest directly, stop hiding now. Hye-yoon clenched her fist. The ringing of her phone started at the same time.