Chapter Text
{AUTHOR's NOTE: For those who don't know when they tell you it's been couple of years they usually mean 2 to 3 so that's where we're at right now}
INT. GALLERY – DAY
On the wall nearby hangs Ha-yeong’s portrait.
A RED-HAIRED WOMAN, mid-30s, confident, curious, stops in front of it.
She tilts her head.
RED-HAIRED WOMAN
What about this one?
Soon-u answers without looking away from the camera.
SOON-U
It’s my friend.
A beat.
Ha-yeong steps in, smooth, already smiling.
HA-YEONG
Actually—
I’m his girlfriend.
beat, then smile
Soon, right?
Soon-u lets out a soft, surprised chuckle before he can stop himself.
The woman looks from Ha-yeong back to the portrait — noticing the difference between the casual image on the wall and the composed woman standing in front of her now.
RED-HAIRED WOMAN
Ah. Of course.
I’ll let you work.
She walks off, slightly embarrassed.
Ha-yeong gives a small, exaggerated ciao wave after her.
Soon-u finally turns to her.
SOON-U
Well.
You look good, my dear girl-friend.
She scoffs.
HA-YEONG
Don’t get comfortable.
She checks her watch, already shifting modes.
HA-YEONG (CONT’D)
Come on. We’re starting soon.
Soon-u nods, slings the camera strap over his shoulder, and follows her.
CUT TO:
INT. GALLERY – LATER
The space is full now. Guests move slowly between photos.
Quiet conversations echo through the large art house.
Ha-yeong stands at the front.
HA-YEONG
Thank you all for coming.
Tonight’s exhibition wouldn’t exist without our special guest — photographer Kim Soon-u.
Applause.
Soon-u gives a modest nod, a half-smile.
LATER
Soon-u and Ha-yeong stand beside a tall table. Observe as the on lookers, still glances on photos and sometimes on the two of them as well.
SOON-U
Congratulations, Ms. Yoo.
Another success for your collection.
HA-YEONG
Thank you, Photographer Kim.
Couldn’t have done it without you.
They hold the formality for a second longer than necessary.
Then—
HA-YEONG (CONT’D)
Okay. That’s enough of that.
Soon-u laughs.
SOON-U
Agreed.
She looks around the room, satisfied.
HA-YEONG
By the way—
Where’s Jun? I kind of missed him today.
Soon-u groans quietly.
SOON-U
Don’t even start.
She smiles, already amused.
SOON-U (CONT’D)
Ten-year-olds are completely different now.
I don’t know where that sweet little kid went — the one who used to make me drawings.
Now he just sits there and plays console all day.
HA-YEONG
That’s heartbreaking.
SOON-U
It really is.
I miss the version that thought I was cool.
HA-YEONG
You were never cool.
SOON-U
Hey.
She laughs, bumping her shoulder lightly into his.
They watch guests move past the photos. Someone lingers in front of Ha-yeong’s work.
Soon-u notices.
SOON-U (CONT’D)
That one’s yours.
HA-YEONG
I know.
A small smile.
They stand there, comfortable. Easy.
Like this has been their rhythm for years.
CUT TO:
INT. SOON-U’S APARTMENT – NIGHT
The door opens.
Soon-u steps inside, drops his keys into the bowl by the door.
From the living room — game sounds. Fast. Loud.
Kim Jun sits on the floor, controller in hand, eyes glued to the screen.
SOON-U
I’m home.
JUN
Hey.
That’s it.
Soon-u pauses for half a second longer than necessary. He watches his son’s back.
SOON-U
How was school?
Anything fun happen?
JUN
Okay.
Soon-u exhales quietly.
He moves closer, sits down beside him, picks up the second controller.
SOON-U
So what are we playing, huh?
You want a match? FIFA?
Or Mario Kart?
Jun doesn’t look at him.
JUN
I’m playing Roblox.
It’s single player.
Soon-u’s smile fades just a little.
SOON-U
…Right.
He sets the controller down and leans back against the pouf on the floor.
Silence, except for the game.
SOON-U (CONT’D)
Did you have dinner with Ms. Go?
JUN
Yeah.
She left some in the fridge if you want.
SOON-U
Okay.
Thanks for letting me know.
Another sigh. This one heavier.
SOON-U (CONT’D)
I’m tired.
Jun hesitates, then—
JUN
Did you meet Mom today?
Soon-u straightens.
SOON-U
I told you not to call Ms. Yoon that.
Jun finally turns toward him.
JUN
Why?
She picked me up from school a lot.
She fed me.
She gave me rides.
She even slept next to me when I had nightmares. Isn’t that what moms do?
Soon-u opens his mouth, then closes it.
SOON-U
…Ah.
You kids these days.
Jun smirks faintly.
Soon-u clears his throat, shifts gears.
SOON-U (CONT’D)
Yeah. Me and Ms. Yoon had a display today.
She asked about you.
That gets Jun’s attention.
JUN
Really?
What did she ask?
SOON-U
If you’re still a good kid. I said that boy is long gone.
Jun rolls his eyes.
SOON-U (CONT’D)
Ya.
Don’t roll your eyes at me, huh?
He lunges suddenly, tickling Jun’s sides.
Jun bursts into laughter, trying to squirm away.
JUN
Dad— stop— please!
SOON-U
Who’s gonna be a good kid now, huh?
More laughter.
Soon-u finally stops, breathless. He pats Jun’s head gently.
A quiet beat.
SOON-U (CONT’D)
Okay.
raises an eyebrow
You want to go get tteokbokki?
Jun looks up at him.
Then nods.
Soon-u smiles — small, relieved.
They get up together.
CUT TO:
INT. PRIVATE PARTY / BALCONY – NIGHT
A red carpet leads up a wide staircase into a private balcony space.
Everything here is expensive, but quietly so.
Well-fitted suits. Low laughter. Champagne poured without ceremony.
Soon U arrives at the top of the stairs.
He pauses.
He knows he belongs in rooms like this now — his name does, at least — but it still feels like entering mid-conversation. Everyone already paired off. Already comfortable.
He considers turning back.
Then—
A hand lands lightly on his shoulder.
He turns.
Ha yeong stands beside him, holding out a champagne glass like she’s been waiting for him to show up.
HA YEONG
You made it.
He exhales, relieved.
SOON U
You did.
I was already considering bailing, but it looks like you needed company.
She smirks, handing him the glass.
HA YEONG
Lucky me.
They fall into step beside each other, facing the railing.
SOON U
So.
How was the States?
HA YEONG
Busy.
A beat.
HA YEONG (CONT’D)
I just want to sleep in my own bed instead of being here.
But my dad wouldn’t let me disappear tonight.
She lifts her glass slightly, resigned.
SOON U
Well…
I can keep you awake enough so you don’t fall asleep standing.
She chuckles softly.
HA YEONG
Thanks.
She glances at him.
HA YEONG (CONT’D)
And you?
How are you doing — besides Jun?
SOON U
Mostly busy too.
Who knew success means people constantly banging on your door?
Playful, but tired.
She hums, amused. She knows exactly what he means.
HA YEONG
Mm.
SOON U
Besides that, not much.
I just got back from Italy a couple days ago.
That catches her attention.
HA YEONG
Really?
She turns toward him fully now.
HA YEONG (CONT’D)
How was it?
Believe it or not, this rich girl has never actually been there.
He smiles, about to answer.
SOON U
Um—
He doesn’t get to finish.
Ha yeong’s gaze shifts past his shoulder. She exhales quietly, almost a sigh.
SOON U (CONT’D)
Something wrong?
He follows her line of sight.
Across the balcony, a man in a perfectly tailored tuxedo watches them openly — glass in hand, smirk unhidden. The kind of confidence that doesn’t bother pretending to be polite.
HA YEONG
That’s just someone my dad wanted me to meet tonight.
Don’t worry about it.
I’ll deal with him later.
Soon U nods, reassuring — though the feeling doesn’t fully settle.
HA YEONG (CONT’D)
You were saying?
SOON U
Ah— yeah.
So the pizza there is—
A presence steps in beside them.
Too close.
The man from before.
KIM MIN-JAE
You’re the photographer Kim Soon U, right?
He extends a hand, smile sharp.
KIM MIN-JAE (CONT’D)
I’ve heard a lot about you.
I’m Kim Min-jae.
Nice to meet you.
Then, already shifting his attention—
KIM MIN-JAE (CONT’D)
If you don’t mind, buddy, I’d like to steal Miss Yoon for a second.
Something tightens in Soon U’s chest.
Unfamiliar. Uncomfortable.
SOON U
Actually, we’re still talking.
So if you could wait—
Ha yeong glances at him, surprised by the firmness. It’s subtle, but she notices.
Kim Min-jae doesn’t.
KIM MIN-JAE
Oh, don’t worry.
We won’t take long.
Soon U opens his mouth again —
—but Ha yeong steps in gently.
HA YEONG
Soon U, it’s fine.
I’ll be back in a second.
She gives him a small smile. Apologetic. Reassuring.
He doesn’t like it.
But all he can do is nod.
She walks away with Kim Min-jae. They fall into polite conversation almost immediately — neutral expressions, careful distance.
Soon U watches.
He tells himself he’s not jealous.
It’s just strange.
Unsettling.
The idea that someone is after his friend sits heavier than he expects.
He looks down at his untouched champagne.
CUT TO:
EXT. PRIVATE PARTY BUILDING – NIGHT
The party thins out.
Guests leave in small clusters, voices fading as cars pull up and disappear.
Soon U steps outside, jacket over his arm.
He looks for her.
He didn’t really get to talk to Ha yeong all night — not properly. People kept interrupting, pulling them into different conversations. Still, he watched her when he could.
He spots her near the curb, phone in hand.
Soon U jogs lightly toward her, just enough not to draw attention. He taps her arm.
She turns — her expression softening when she sees him.
SOON U
So, Ms. Yoon…
Looks like you need a ride.
Want to tag along?
She almost says yes.
Then—
KIM MIN-JAE (O.S.)
Ms. Yoon.
They turn.
Kim Min-jae approaches, already holding his keys.
KIM MIN-JAE (CONT’D)
I believe we still have more to discuss.
You still had a lot to say earlier.
Ha yeong exhales quietly.
She looks back at Soon U.
HA YEONG
Sorry, Mr. Kim.
I guess we’ll have to postpone our chat to next time.
There’s clear disappointment there.
Soon U nods.
She turns, walks toward Kim Min-jae’s car, and gets in.
The door closes.
The car pulls away.
Soon U stands there for a moment.
His hand tightens into a fist — just briefly.
A dull ringing fills his ears, then fades.
He exhales, turns, and walks back toward his car.
CUT TO:
INT. SOON U’S CAR – NIGHT
Soon U sits down behind the wheel.
He doesn't turn the engine on right away.
The parking lot is almost empty now. Reflections from streetlights stretch across the windshield.
He doesn’t move.
His hands rest on the steering wheel, fingers still curled tighter than they need to be.
He sighs.
Then again.
The quiet presses in.
That uncomfortable feeling from earlier is still there — not sharp, just persistent. Like something stuck under the skin.
He shakes his head slightly, as if to reset.
SOON U
Get a grip.
He leans back, staring up at the ceiling of the car.
It’s nothing.
She’s busy.
He’s busy.
This is normal.
He straightens, reaches for the key — then pauses.
The image of Ha yeong stepping into someone else’s car flashes through his mind.
He tightens his grip again, annoyed now.
SOON U (CONT’D)
It’s not like that.
He starts the engine.
The radio comes on. He turns it off immediately.
Silence again.
Soon U pulls out of the parking lot, the feeling still riding with him.
He doesn’t name it.
Not yet.
CUT TO:
INT. DARIM & JI HYEOK’S APARTMENT – DAY
The door opens.
Darim stands there, smiling a little too brightly, hair loosely tied like she forgot to check it.
DARIM
Oh! Soon U—
Hi! It’s so nice you visited!
SOON U
Yeah. I told you a couple days ago.
Remember?
She blinks, then laughs.
DARIM
Right.
Sorry — the days are just… melting together.
Lack of sleep.
She steps aside, waving him in.
DARIM (CONT’D)
How are you doing these days?
SOON U
Okay.
Busy.
He looks at her properly now.
SOON U (CONT’D)
Still better than you in the sleeping department, it seems.
She lets out an awkward chuckle — caught, but amused.
DARIM
You have no idea.
Come on, come in. Sit down.
Inside, the apartment feels warm and busy.
Toys near the couch. Soft blankets.
Every sharp corner padded with care.
A toddler crawls across the floor.
DARIM (CONT’D)
Hae-in, look who’s here!
The little girl looks up.
HAE-IN
Uncle!
Soon U crouches automatically as she toddles over.
SOON U
Hey.
She bumps into him and laughs.
DARIM
She’s been calling everyone “uncle” lately.
But I'm sure you're her favorite.
Soon U smiles, then glances toward the kitchen.
DARIM (CONT’D)
Hungry?
Honey! Can you start preparing dinner?
JI HYEOK (O.S.)
Already am.
Darim lifts Hae-in.
DARIM (CONT’D)
Aigoo— I think my baby girl needs a diaper change again.
Come on, little one. Who’s my lovely daughter, huh?
She bounces her gently, pulling exaggerated faces.
Hae-in laughs loudly.
DARIM (CONT’D)
You are. You are.
She disappears down the hall with the child.
Soon U hesitates — then heads toward the kitchen.
INT. KITCHEN – CONTINUOUS
Ji Hyeok stands at the counter wearing an apron, focused, steady.
Vegetables neatly lined up.
Soon U stops just inside.
A brief silence.
Not hostile. Just measured.
JI HYEOK
Do you want something to drink?
SOON U
No, Thanks.
Ji Hyeok pours without asking.
Soon U notices the details now — cabinet locks, covered edges, everything quietly adjusted for a small child.
From the hallway—
DARIM (O.S.)
Ah— did my little daughter make a mess again?
Ji Hyeok glances over his shoulder.
JI HYEOK
Look at Appa, huh?
Hae-in looks toward him.
Ji Hyeok smiles. Small. Genuine.
Soon U watches, then nods once to himself.
SOON U
That apron really suits you.
Ji Hyeok pauses.
SOON U (CONT’D)
You ever consider opening a new product line?
I bet you’d be a great campaign face.
A beat.
Ji Hyeok smirks — not offended, not flattered.
JI HYEOK
No, thank you.
I’ve got enough on my plate already.
He turns back to the counter.
JI HYEOK (CONT’D)
Have to make sure my wife eats well.
Soon U smirks.
A pause settles between them.
There’s still something competitive there.
Soon U's gaze drifts past the kitchen doorway — to the living room.
Darim reappears with Hae-in, the baby now clean and calmer, perched on her hip. Darim talks to her softly, nonsense words, exaggerated praise. Hae-in reaches for her hair, curious.
Ji Hyeok glances over automatically.
JI HYEOK
Careful.
Darim rolls her eyes, smiling.
DARIM
She’s gentle.
Most of the time.
Hae-in laughs, loud and sudden, the sound filling the room.
Soon U watches.
Ji Hyeok reaches for the stove and lowers the heat without looking.
Darim shifts Hae-in on her hip, still talking to her, still smiling, adjusting her grip the way people do when they’ve done it every day for years.
Hae-in leans into her shoulder, already settling.
Nothing pauses for the moment. No one acknowledges it.
The apartment feels like it's breathing, due to the daily lifes of those 3 people.
His eyes drift to the couch, the small blanket folded over the armrest.
The toys near the table.
The covered edges of the furniture he noticed earlier, now lining up into a pattern.
He looks away, toward the counter — then back again.
Darim catches his glance and smiles, easy and unthinking, already half-turned back to her daughter.
Soon U lowers his eyes to his hands, laying against the flat counter.
He doesn’t say anything, just sits there like that.
He looks away — then looks back again.
For a brief second, something settles in his chest.
Not longing exactly. More like recognition.
A quiet understanding of what he hasn’t had in years — and how deeply normal it looks when it finally exists.
Darim catches him looking and smiles, unaware.
He smiles like back to her, bitter, becose he knows now what's no, who's missing next to him.
CUT TO: