The orchard café shimmered in soft winter sunlight, orange trees dusted with dew, laughter and clinking mugs filling the air. It was the last shoot—everyone sensed the sweetness, a chance to end on warmth after so much storm.
The broadcast was live, but for once, even the crew had relaxed. Mirae helped Seul-gi set mandarin branches in glass jars, Ji-hwan adjusted a baby chair for a family guest, fans outside the windows waving banners for Coffee Prince and Mirae Queen. Joon-ho stood behind the counter, sleeves rolled up, passing out slices of fresh bread. PD Kang moved quietly between stations, nodding, satisfied.
Then—A violent sound shattered the peace.
The screech of tires, abrupt and raw, like a scream torn through silk. Heads jerked up. Fans near the gate scattered back from the curb as a black sedan spun to a stop in the driveway.
For one stunned moment, the world seemed to pause. Even the livestream's chat hesitated, comments freezing in place.
