8:30 AM – Nine One Hannam, Seoul
In the minimalist elegance of his sunlit living room, Lee Jae Hyun sat on the couch, a steaming cup of coffee in his hands.
His tired eyes were fixed on the TV screen.
Every news channel was talking about her: Han Yuri… and the explosion that had shaken the Han residence.
As he watched the footage being replayed, a detail resurfaced in his memory — the security camera video. The one where a man was seen planting the bomb, calm, methodical.
Then, without warning, another memory floated back.
Disturbing. Almost forgotten. But impossible to ignore.
Flashback – Hannam-dong, 2025 – 7:10 PM – In Front of the Han Residence
Parked a few meters from the Han house, Lee Jae Hyun silently observed from his car.
His gaze locked in when he saw Han Yuri at the entrance, speaking to a man dressed entirely in black. She looked tense, defensive.
She kept glancing around nervously, like she didn't want anyone to see her.
From his seat, Jae Hyun frowned.
Lee Jae Hyun (murmuring):
— Who is she talking to…?
Even though Yuri was speaking quietly, he caught a few bits of her voice.
Han Yuri (clearly annoyed):
— Why are you here? I told you I'd send you the money…
The man replied, but his voice was too low for Jae Hyun to make out.
The conversation lasted a few moments longer, and then Yuri briefly went back inside.
When she returned, she tossed an envelope at the man. He gave a faint, satisfied smile and spoke again, in a hushed tone.
As he was about to leave, Jae Hyun's car slowly crept forward toward the entrance.
Yuri turned as soon as she heard the engine. The man immediately turned his back and walked away.
But a short distance away, he glanced back over his shoulder.
That's when Jae Hyun saw his face.
The man gave a faint smirk… and then vanished into the night.
A few seconds later, Jae Hyun stepped out of his car and walked over to Yuri, still disturbed by what he'd just seen.
Han Yuri:
— Oppa? What brings you here at this hour?
Jae Hyun smiled softly, acting like nothing happened.
Lee Jae Hyun:
— You left this at my place.
(He handed her a small bag.)
Han Yuri:
— Ah… you didn't have to come all this way for that… Thank you, oppa.
A silence settled between them. Then, hesitantly:
Lee Jae Hyun:
— Yuri… the man you were talking to just now… who is he?
Yuri looked at him for a moment, then gave a faint smile, just a bit too natural.
Han Yuri:
— An employee of my father's.
He sends him sometimes to keep an eye on me when he's away.
But I told him it wasn't necessary.
She looked away as she said it.
But Jae Hyun didn't look away.
He offered a faint smile… though his gaze remained clouded.
Not fully convinced.
Han Yuri (changing her tone):
— Do you want to come in?
Lee Jae Hyun:
— No, I just came to return your things.
He glanced down briefly.
— So… this scandal. I hope it's not affecting you too much.
Han Yuri (smiling faintly):
— I'm fine. I've got this. It'll blow over.
I'm Han Yuri, remember?
Lee Jae Hyun (smiling softly):
— Yeah. I know you can get through anything… like always.
He paused.
— Yuri, I'm in a bit of a hurry. I'll get going.
Han Yuri:
— Oh… alright. Get home safe.
Jae Hyun gave one last smile, then turned to leave.
Once back in his car, he immediately pulled out his phone and dialed a number.
Lee Jae Hyun (on the phone):
— I need you to find someone for me.
He paused.
— No, I don't know his name. But I can send you my dashcam footage.
He listened to the reply.
— Alright. Keep me updated when you find him.
He hung up. Silence filled the car.
He stayed there, hands on the wheel, lost in thought. Then, in a whisper barely audible:
Lee Jae Hyun:
— Han Yuri… what are you hiding from me?
1 Day Later – 10 PM, in Front of the Han River
Jae Hyun sat alone in his car, parked in the quiet near the Han River.
The engine was off. The air was damp.
Only the distant sounds of the city stirred the silence.
He stayed like that for a while… until a man suddenly appeared, gently knocking on the window.
Startled, Jae Hyun turned toward him.
Lee Jae Hyun:
— It's you… the man Yuri was talking to.
The man smiled with amusement.
The Man:
— I was told you were looking for me.
Without a word, Jae Hyun opened the door.
The man climbed in, casually leaning forward, like he was about to whisper a secret.
The Man:
— So? What's the occasion?
Lee Jae Hyun:
— What were you talking about with Han Yuri that night?
The man raised an eyebrow, calm as ever.
The Man:
— That's between Miss Han and me. Not your business.
Jae Hyun looked away slightly, his voice low but sharp.
Lee Jae Hyun:
— How much… for you to talk?
The man chuckled.
The Man:
— Wow. I like your style. Straight to the point.
(He paused, smirking.)
— You strike me as someone who's done this before.
Lee Jae Hyun:
— Cut the crap. Give me a number.
I want to know what you talked about with Han Yuri that night.
And what was said before that.
The man stared at him, then slowly leaned back.
The Man:
— And who exactly are you?
Why are you so interested in that lady's private life?
Her boyfriend?
He leaned in again, provocatively, almost mocking.
The Man:
— No… you don't look like her type.
He leaned back, still with that smug smile.
The Man:
— Sorry, but I don't think I can help you.
It's not my style to betray the ones who feed me.
Then, without another word, he opened the door and stepped out, vanishing into the night.
Jae Hyun remained there, silent… still without answers.
End of flashback.
Sitting in his living room, Lee Jae Hyun remained still, lost in thought.
A soft ding broke the silence. He slowly turned his head toward his phone resting on the coffee table.
He reached out, picked it up, and glanced at the screen. A new message had just arrived.
Message
> "He keeps changing addresses, but I still managed to locate him.
Jongno-gu, Cheongjin 14-gil Street, Building 46, 4th floor."
He looked up, his gaze darkening slightly.
He stood up slowly, his expression hardening, and disappeared into his room.
Two hours later – 10:00 AM
Lee Jae Hyun gently pushed open the hospital room door.
Inside, Han Yuri was sitting on her bed, her gaze lost in the void, staring at the sunlit window.
He approached slowly, almost silently.
Lee Jae Hyun (softly)
— Yuri-ah…
She slowly turned her head toward him, as if waking from a dream.
Han Yuri
— Oh… oppa.
Lee Jae Hyun (with a slight smile)
— How are you feeling?
Han Yuri (calmly, almost detached)
— I'm fine. The bruises are superficial. They'll fade.
Lee Jae Hyun (hesitant)
— Yuri-ah… Do you know who planted the bomb?
Han Yuri gave him a strange smile. She looked him straight in the eye.
Han Yuri
— No. How could I know?
A brief silence. Lee Jae Hyun forced a faint smile.
Lee Jae Hyun
— Okay… Your family's already been here, you know.
Han Yuri slowly nodded, as if only half-listening.
Han Yuri
— Mm.
Lee Jae Hyun
— Yuri-ah, I have to go. I just wanted to make sure you were alright.
Han Yuri
— Okay. Thanks for coming.
He turned and headed toward the door. In the hallway, his steps slowed. He spotted Lee Tae Joon walking straight toward the room. They crossed paths. Their eyes met briefly.
Lee Jae Hyun
— Hello.
Lee Tae Joon didn't respond. He approached, straight and silent. Jae Hyun turned once more toward the hospital room door.
Lee Jae Hyun
— Yuri seems to be doing okay.
Lee Tae Joon
— Yeah. The doctor said she just fainted… from the shock.
An awkward silence settled between them.
Then Jae Hyun's phone began to vibrate. He gave Tae Joon an apologetic look.
Lee Jae Hyun
— Ah… excuse me.
(He answers.)
— Yeah, I'm on my way… but I need to stop somewhere first. I've got a commercial shoot today.
— Okay.
(He hangs up.)
Lee Jae Hyun
— I have to go. Take care of Yuri.
He started walking down the corridor. But just before turning the corner, he glanced back at Tae Joon, as if he wanted to say something… Then thought better of it.
8:30 PM
A black car stopped a little farther down a quiet street.
Lee Jae Hyun stepped out, scanned the surroundings, then stared intensely at the building in front of him.
He took a step toward his car, ready to leave, but a figure suddenly called out to him.
The car door slammed shut behind him. He turned abruptly. It was Lee Tae Joon.
Lee Jae Hyun (surprised)
— What are you doing here?
Lee Tae Joon (sharp look)
— I could ask you the same thing.
Lee Jae Hyun lowered his eyes slightly, hesitating.
Lee Jae Hyun
— I found the guy who planted the bomb on the night of the party. Word is he lives in this neighborhood…
Lee Tae Joon
— And you come here alone, without alerting the family?
Lee Jae Hyun
— I figured it was better this way. If he feels threatened, he might run.
(He exchanged a cautious look.)
— And you? What brings you to a place like this?
Lee Tae Joon gave a slight smirk, almost mocking.
Lee Tae Joon
— Let's just say… I'm running my own little investigation.
10:00 PM – Rooftop of the building
The silence was so heavy you could cut it with a knife.
The wind blew faintly, slipping between the three still figures on the rooftop.
The man chuckled to himself, lost in his own madness, his eyes drifting somewhere between sanity and delirium.
Lee Jae Hyun, livid, leaned in and grabbed him by the collar, lifting him halfway.
Lee Jae Hyun (furious)
— This is insane! Why would she plant a bomb in her own house?!
He trembled with rage. But before he could go any further, Lee Tae Joon calmly placed a hand on his arm to make him step back.
Then, with a slow and deliberate gesture, Lee Tae Joon bent down and grabbed the man's collar.
His gaze was cold—icy, even. A half-smile tugged at the corner of his lips, but it wasn't a kind one.
Lee Tae Joon (calmly, almost amused)
— Hey… Tell us who really hired you.
Do you think we're going to buy that crap? You know what could happen to you if you keep messing with us?
(He leaned in, his voice dropping.)
— If you don't talk now… I'll toss you off this roof. Slowly. And trust me… I'm not the joking type.
The man stared back, visibly shaken… but a strange gleam flashed in his eyes.
He licked his lips and whispered:
The man (with a twisted smile)
— Seems like you don't really know your wife… Why don't you ask her yourself?
Lee Jae Hyun (threatening)
— That's enough. Tell us now. Who sent you?
A nervous laugh escaped the man's throat… then suddenly, his tone shifted. His voice lowered, trembling. He looked down.
The man
— I… I already told you. I'm not the kind to betray the ones who feed me.
(He slowly looked up, locking eyes with Lee Tae Joon.)
— I've got one boss. And it's Han Yuri. She's the one who told me to get inside the Han residence. She's the one… who asked me to plant that bomb.
A brutal silence fell. Lee Tae Joon and Lee Jae Hyun exchanged a stunned look, frozen in place, completely blindsided.
The man took advantage of the moment to shove Jae Hyun away and ran off.
Lee Tae Joon immediately turned toward Jae Hyun, still on the ground, a bit dazed. He tried to catch the man…
But it was too late. He was already too far ahead.
A few minutes later — At the foot of the building
Lee Tae Joon and Lee Jae Hyun came down in silence.
Once outside, Jae Hyun suddenly stopped and turned to Tae Joon.
Lee Jae Hyun
— I think… it's best not to tell the family for now.
One hour later — at the hospital
Lee Tae Joon gently pushed the door to the room. As soon as he entered, he heard Han Yuri's low voice… she was whispering words on the phone, nervously pacing around.
He saw her: she was holding her phone to her ear, eyebrows furrowed, looking agitated.
Han Yuri (thoughts)
— Why isn't he answering…? Who's chasing him? The police? Or worse… the anonymous person?
Lee Tae Joon (low voice)
— Who's calling you at this hour?
Startled, Han Yuri jumped, then turned to him, visibly uneasy. She quickly changed the subject, raised her voice and walked toward him.
Han Yuri, a bit angry
— Where were you? There were tons of reporters, I couldn't even go out or let them in, because my so-called husband wasn't even there! Can you imagine if they'd taken pictures of me alone?
She briefly turned her head, then looked back at Lee Tae Joon, her voice slightly shaken.
Han Yuri
— That would've created another buzz, for god's sake. You were supposed to always be by my side… It was in the contract.
Lee Tae Joon didn't reply. He calmly walked over to a small table, poured a glass of water, and drank it slowly.
Han Yuri, annoyed, suddenly grabbed his arm.
Han Yuri
— I asked you where you were.
Lee Tae Joon briefly turned to her, his gaze calm, almost detached.
Lee Tae Joon (low voice)
— I was at a little meeting… with the guy who planted the bomb at the party.
He paused. Let the silence settle in, then continued:
Lee Tae Joon
— And he told me something very interesting.
Han Yuri's face froze. She remained expressionless. Ice cold.
They looked at each other in silence for a few seconds. Then she briefly looked away, crossed her arms, and stared straight into his eyes.
Han Yuri (low, calm, cold voice)
— What did he tell you?
Lee Tae Joon stared back at her.
Lee Tae Joon
— He claims, and insists, that it was you who hired him to plant that bomb.
Han Yuri lowered her eyes, took a slight breath in, then looked at him again without replying.
Lee Tae Joon smiled.
— That's funny. You're not even denying it.
He too lowered his eyes, breathed in a little, then looked at her again.
— So I guess what he said… is true.
Han Yuri (still cold tone, arms crossed)
— So what?
Lee Tae Joon looked at her, surprised by her response.
Lee Tae Joon
— "So what"?
Han Yuri gave a faint smirk. A smile without warmth, almost cynical.
Han Yuri
— I told you I'd become who I used to be… at any cost.
Lee Tae Joon slightly raised his voice.
Lee Tae Joon
— If the bomb hadn't been hidden in a vase, you could've been hurt, or hurt someone else! Do you realize that?
Han Yuri (sharp tone)
— I already told you to stop acting like this.
She turned her back for a moment, took a deep breath, then faced him again. Her voice rose, harsher, more direct.
Han Yuri
— Honestly, why are you so surprised? I've always been like this.
She slowly approached him. There were only a few meters left between them.
Han Yuri (in a cold, perfectly controlled tone)
— I'm that kind of woman. I married a man I didn't love, just to get attention.
They looked at each other. Lee Tae Joon's eyes locked into Yuri's. He stood still for a few seconds… then gently smiled, with an expression both sad and disappointed.
Lee Tae Joon
— Looks like I was wrong about you.
He stepped away, walked to the door, and left without turning back.
Han Yuri stood there, silent, her gaze empty. Slowly, she sat down on the bed, looking exhausted. She hid her face in her hands, then eventually lifted her head again.
Meanwhile, on Lee Jae Hyun's side
Jae Hyun sat alone in his car, staring blankly, looking deeply troubled. He stared into the void through the windshield, fingers gripping the steering wheel.
Lee Jae Hyun (murmur)
— It's impossible… Why? Why would she do that? She would never go as far as jeopardizing her own father's event just to create buzz… That's not her. It can't be.
His thoughts raced, confused. He closed his eyes for a moment, and a phrase came back to him, like an echo.
The man (voice in his head)
— It was Han Yuri who hired me.
Han Yuri (voice in his head)
— Don't worry, oppa. I got this. I won't let this scandal bring me down. I'll do whatever it takes to bounce back.
The two voices overlapped, like an infernal echo.
He suddenly opened his eyes again.
Lee Jae Hyun (to himself, even lower)
— Yuri… what did you do…?
The next morning — 9 a.m., at the hospital
Several journalists were already in Han Yuri's room. Some were taking pictures, others setting up their equipment. Lee Tae Joon stood behind her, expressionless.
Journalist
— Yuri-ssi, can we start with the video?
The door suddenly swung open. Kim Min Hee entered the room, visibly worried.
Kim Min Hee
— Do you really think this is a good idea? Yuri isn't even recovered yet...
Han Yuri
— It's fine. It's not like I have to stand up. It'll just be a short video.
Journalist
— Very well. We'll proceed as planned, no Q&A format, just like your agency requested.
He turned on the camera. Silence fell instantly. Yuri took a soft breath, then bowed slightly toward the lens.
Han Yuri
— Hello. I'm Han Yuri.
I'm here today to talk about what recently happened at my parents' house.
As some of you already know, we organize a small party every year.
But this time… someone planted a bomb. Fortunately, it wasn't a dangerous device, so no one was seriously injured. But...
She continued calmly, her voice steady despite the fatigue. After a few minutes, she concluded.
Han Yuri
— I sincerely thank you for your support.
We're doing everything we can to find this malicious person. So please… wait for the facts before spreading baseless rumors.
Thank you so much, my dear fans. I'll recover soon, so don't worry.
With the support of my husband...
She cast a brief glance at Tae Joon, offering a faint smile.
Han Yuri
— … and that of my family, I believe I can overcome even the worst trials.
One last discreet smile. The journalist turned off the camera.
Journalist
— Very good, Yuri-ssi. That was perfect.
Lee Tae Joon
— I'm going to get something to eat outside.
He slowly walked toward the door. Han Yuri didn't look at him.
A few minutes later, the journalists began to leave one by one. Han Yuri and Min Hee were still chatting when suddenly the door opened.
Lee Jae Hyun stepped in quietly.
Kim Min Hee turned to him with a small smile.
— Oh, oppa.
Lee Jae Hyun returned a soft smile.
— Min Hee-ah, can you give us a moment?
Kim Min Hee
— Alright.
She stood and left the room.
A heavy silence fell immediately.
Lee Jae Hyun (calmly)
— How are you?
Han Yuri
— You know too, don't you? That I'm the one who asked that man to plant the bomb...
Lee Jae Hyun slowly lowered his eyes, as if the words were too heavy on his tongue. A long sigh escaped his lips, almost painful. Then he looked back up, locking his dark eyes onto Yuri's, his voice lower, almost broken.
Lee Jae Hyun
— I really hope you'll tell me that man is lying… Yuri-ah… what's happening to you? Why have you become… like this?
Han Yuri (cold look)
— "Become"? (she smiled softly) Oppa, I've always been like this. You know me well, don't you?
I've always done everything I could to get a little attention. So people would talk about me...
She stared straight into his eyes, her voice lower, sharper.
— It's not like it's the first time I've lied to everyone to get what I want… and stay on top.
A heavy silence settled in, hanging in the air like an invisible thread. Suddenly, the door opened without warning. Yuri's manager burst into the room, a bouquet in hand, smiling brightly.
Manager
— Yuri-ah...
He froze as soon as he saw Lee Jae Hyun. A brief look of surprise crossed his face.
Manager
— Jae Hyun? You're here too? I thought you were filming today.
Lee Jae Hyun stayed calm. His gaze shifted slightly, as if refusing to meet the manager's eyes.
Lee Jae Hyun
— I just came to see how Yuri was doing. But I'll be going now.
(He bowed politely.)
Take care.
He passed by the manager without another word, then left silently, closing the door behind him.
Yuri remained there, frozen, eyes empty, lost in her thoughts, while the manager slowly approached to speak with her.
8:00 PM – Not far from the hospital
Inside a black car with tinted windows, slightly rolled down.
A man—the same one Lee Tae Joon and Lee Jae Hyun had seen earlier—got into the car. He turned to the figure sitting beside him, still hidden in the shadows.
The Man
— I've done what you asked.
So… where's my money?
He winced slightly, placing a hand over his chest, as if betraying Yuri had actually hurt him.
The Man
— Damn… It really pained me to turn on Miss Han.
I actually like her.
But hey… life's weird like that sometimes.
Without a word, the other person handed him a small envelope.
He grabbed it, weighed it in his hand, then opened the door to get out.
Before stepping away, he leaned back toward the half-open window.
The Man
— I'm available if you need more favors.
Then he walked off.
The door slammed shut.
A soft click followed—the person in the shadows had just opened a black phone.
They dialed a number.
In Yuri's hospital room
A dim nightlight bathed the room in a soft glow.
Sitting alone on the edge of the bed, Yuri stared into the void, lost in thought.
Her phone vibrated.
Incoming call.
Blocked number.
She didn't move right away.
She stood, letting it ring a few seconds, then stopped in front of the window, eyes turned outward.
Finally, she picked up.
Silence.
Han Yuri (softly)
— It's you… isn't it?
Her gaze dropped for a second.
— I know it's you.
She straightened, her eyes turning sharp.
— Hiding behind a blocked number…
Can't even face your enemy head-on.
Another silence. Then a voice came through the line—synthetic, distorted, neither male nor female.
Coldly mechanical.
Voice on the phone
— So, did you like my little surprise?
Pretty funny, wasn't it?
Han Yuri
— You psychopath…
Her gaze flared with anger.
— If you think this kind of stunt will scare me,
you don't know me at all.
A low, distorted chuckle echoed on the other end.
Voice on the phone
— Scare you?
That wasn't the point.
On the contrary… I'm doing you a favor.
Now everyone's talking about you.
Just like you always wanted…
Don't I at least deserve a thank you?
Another laugh—icy and cruel.
Yuri hung up without a word, her eyes still locked on the window.
Her fingers trembled slightly as she gripped her phone so tightly, it looked like she might crush it.
She took a deep breath, fighting the storm rising inside her.
Her jaw tightened.
She refused to let fear win.
To be continued.