Celebrity Couple

Ha-young handed the candle to Sung-jun.

As expected, he looked touched. He sniffed it and said it was his favorite scent, a compliment that sounded a bit rehearsed.

Thankfully, the flower market and bookstore plans with Sung-jun could be rolled into tomorrow's date.

Min-ji walked back and forth with a small shopping bag , as expected, it seemed she was heading to Yoon-hyuk. Ha-young silently sent a supportive thought to Yoon-hyuk.

It wasn't just them, the whole house was buzzing, as other cast members also seemed to be exchanging gifts.

Ha-young saw Tae-ri wandering around the house several times holding a gift. Every time their eyes met, Tae-ri smiled awkwardly.

Was she shy about giving a gift? Or was she still undecided?

The entire morning passed like that, and as the now-shorter autumn day came to a close, a new alert popped up on the monitor:

"There will be a dinner party tonight. Please dress in party attire and gather at the location below."

"Wow, we're having a party!"

"Wait, there's more info. Hold on."

Do-jin read the rest of the message.

"Male participants should escort a female friend to the party."

"So we're showing up as pairs? Everything's going to be revealed now."

"I'm excited! Let's go get ready. It's probably going to take a while."

Everyone scattered to their rooms.

Though everyone had been putting effort into their appearance for the cameras every day, today was special, a designated day for party looks. Ha-young returned to her room with a sense of pressure.

Min-ji was already getting ready.

"Unni, how do I look?"

Min-ji turned around.

Ha-young's mouth dropped open. A vivid hot pink mini dress. It wasn't just the color — the dress itself didn't have much fabric. Especially the back — almost completely bare.

"You look beautiful. Like a princess."

"Thanks~"

Min-ji beamed and playfully shook her shoulders. Dressed in such a pretty and flashy outfit, she seemed in much higher spirits than usual.

Thank goodness. I was worried my outfit would be too flashy, but I guess not.

"What are you wearing? Show me!"

Min-ji's gaze shifted, a little too sharp, as if she was already preparing to laugh at whatever Ha-young had picked out.

"Uh... well..."

Ha-young hesitated, then took the dress from her closet. For some reason, she felt embarrassed. It wasn't exactly a typical party dress, people might laugh.

Min-ji's expression turned cold.

"Why? Is it weird?"

"Where did you get this?"

That was a strange question.

"This brand isn't something just anyone can buy."

"It was a gift."

Ha-young had agonized over what to wear for the dinner party. She'd never been to one, aside from childhood birthday parties. Not knowing who to ask, she'd turned to Yoon-hyuk. He was a chaebol, he'd know. Rich people go to parties all the time in dramas, right?

Soon after, Yoon-hyuk had sent over several dresses. She tried to refuse, thinking they must be expensive, but had no real way to return them.

When she told him she'd pay him back after the show, he just laughed and said he'd send the receipt.

"Yoon-hyuk oppa gave it to you?"

Min-ji began biting her nails, clearly jealous.

"Does he give gifts to everyone? I couldn't stand it if my boyfriend gave other girls gifts, even if they're 'just friends.' Didn't he give you a phone last time too?"

This, coming from Min-ji, who had accepted countless gifts from Sung-jun under the name of "friendship."

"Not really often..."

Ha-young kept her response vague.

Min-ji scanned Ha-young from head to toe, then turned sharply and stomped over to the vanity. She was clearly upset.

Ha-young changed into the dress and touched up her makeup. It was one of the more modest options Yoon-hyuk had sent — a black mini dress that subtly highlighted her silhouette.

He even said how to style my hair.

Ha-young sat at the vanity, letting her hair down and styling it as the salon had shown her. If it didn't work, she'd just tie it back like always.

Min-ji, already dressed, gave her a once-over and left the room without a word. Ha-young continued fiddling with her hair for a while.

The result wasn't bad. Her naturally frizzy curls, now styled into soft waves, gave her a more elegant, luxurious look.

Feeling awkward about her exposed shoulders, Ha-young rubbed her arms and stepped out of the room.

"All done?"

Yoon-hyuk was waiting outside. He was dressed in a vest and jacket — perfectly styled. The fabric had a subtle sheen that might have seemed over-the-top on someone else, but with his handsome, delicate features, it looked just right.

He looked like a prince out of a fairytale. His slicked-back hair revealed a clean forehead, giving him a strong, masculine vibe that made him even more striking than usual.

"You look beautiful."

It wasn't until he spoke that Ha-young realized they had just been staring at each other in silence.

She shook her head slightly and returned the compliment in a small voice.

"You too. Looks good on you. Did you do your hair yourself?"

He nodded, then stepped closer.

"Can I fix your hair a bit?"

"Sure."

As soon as she agreed, she felt his fingertips on her hair, adjusting the pin.

Ha-young looked down, then slowly raised her eyes again.

Yoon-hyuk was focused. She gazed at him blankly, unable to hide her admiration.

He's beautiful. Beyond just being handsome, his straight eyebrows, unique eye color, and long lashes created a perfect aesthetic balance.

"Ha-young."

His eyes slowly traced her hair, then moved down until he met her gaze.

In that moment, everything else faded, only his pale eyes remained in focus.

They stared at each other, unmoving. Time slowed. The air felt thick, like a bubble encasing the two of them.

Then, his eyes curved gently into crescents.

Something in her chest fluttered.

"Oh my!"

A sudden voice shattered the moment. Ha-young flinched and turned around.

Ga-eun, wearing a flowy dress, stood at the door, clutching her chest.

"Wow, I thought you two were kissing!"

"W-what? Of course not!"

Her face burned. Looking again, she realized just how close she and Yoon-hyuk had been standing.

She quickly stepped back.

"No, from this angle, it really looked like that."

Ga-eun narrowed her eyes suspiciously, glancing back and forth between them.

Yoon-hyuk didn't explain. He just kept his gaze on Ha-young.

"He was just fixing my hairpin. We're just friends, obviously. You know that."

Even to herself, her explanation sounded overly detailed. Ga-eun nodded vaguely, clearly unconvinced.

"But you both look amazing today. Like a celebrity couple."

"Really?"

Even though she'd stepped back, Yoon-hyuk was suddenly beside her again, offering his arm.

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They got into the car together. The cast had to arrive as "friends," and once at the venue, reveal their official connections.

The car ride was quiet. They'd been alone together plenty of times, but today it felt awkward. Ha-young stared out the window, watching the city pass by.

"Are you cold?"

"No."

"You look cold."

He glanced at her exposed shoulders. Even with the jacket over her sleeveless dress, it wasn't warm enough for a fall night.

"I should've sent something warmer."

"I'm fine."

That ended the conversation.

They arrived. The party was on a rooftop wine bar.

Yoon-hyuk stopped at the stairs and held out his hand.

"Stairs."

He nodded toward her feet.

Her heels were higher than usual. She wasn't used to walking in them.

Apparently, it showed. Ha-young hesitated, then took his hand.

That's what people do in movies, right?

Inside, Sung-jun and Min-ji were already seated. It seemed pairs who had already revealed their "friend" status were called in first.

"Welcome—"

Min-ji's greeting cut off when she saw their hands.

Sung-jun, who'd been staring at Ha-young's face, finally noticed too — and his brow furrowed.