Archive of Our Own

The late autumn air was crisp, carrying the quiet stillness that only midnight in a Seoul apartment complex could bring.

At thirty-two, Im Sol was supposed to be celebrating the green-lighting of her latest drama script. Instead, she was bundled up in an oversized padded coat, pushing a stroller around the apartment complex’s playground. She felt a headache blossoming behind her eyes—a mix of writer’s fatigue and a coming cold—but she was on babysitting duty tonight.

"Three bears live in one house..." Sol sang softly, her voice a little raspy as she rocked the stroller back and forth. "Daddy Bear, Mommy Bear, Baby Bear..."

Inside the stroller, her ten-month-old nephew, Je Ha, just stared at her before he let out a tiny, pathetic whimper. He just wouldn't fall asleep.

A few dozen yards away, Ryu Sunjae was heading home. As one of the nation's top actors, his life was a blur of scripts, flashing cameras, and intense public scrutiny. Walking around at night was his only escape.

Suddenly, he stopped.

The soft, melodic sound of a children's nursery rhyme drifted through the quiet night air. He looked toward the playground and saw her. Sitting on a wooden bench under the dim glow of a street lamp, to him, the scene looked straight out of a cinematic masterpiece. Time seemed to have slowed down, and Sunjae stood frozen for a full minute, utterly mesmerised. There was a gentle, radiating warmth about her that completely captivated him.

Wanting a closer look—and specifically wanting to check her left hand to see if a wedding band occupied her ring finger—Sunjae pulled his hoodie up over his head. He stepped onto his electric skateboard and quietly glided in her direction.

Waaah!

Je Ha’s quiet whimpers escalated into a full-blown cry. Sol immediately stood up and lifted the fussy baby out of his stroller, tucking him securely against her shoulder. "Oh, our sweet Je Ha, it's okay, it's okay," she murmured softly, rubbing his back and swaying her body from side to side to soothe him.

Because she had stood up with her back completely turned to the path, she had no idea someone was approaching. She took a step backwards, right into the middle of his lane.

Sunjae’s eyes widened. He threw his weight back, braking hard, and his electric skateboard screeched to a halt just inches before making contact with them.

Startled by the sudden sound behind her, Sol jumped and spun around, tightly clutching the baby. Realising she had stepped blindly into a walkway, she instantly assumed she was at fault. She bowed deeply, her voice frantic. "I am so, so sorry! I wasn't looking where I was going, I'm terribly sorry!"

Sunjae quickly stepped off his skateboard, raising his hands reassuringly. "No, no, it's completely fine. Don't worry about it. Are you and your baby okay?"

Sol looked up, the street lamp illuminating his face beneath the hood. Her breath hitched. As a scriptwriter, she knew the faces of every major actor in the industry, but Ryu Sunjae was in a league of his own. She had always thought he was breathtakingly handsome on screen, but up close? He was unreal.

However, wanting to respect his privacy and not seem like a crazy fan, Sol forced her inner fangirl down and kept her composure. "Yes, we are fine. Thank you," she said politely, keeping her voice level.

Je Ha, unfortunately, didn't care about top-star actors. He let out another loud, frustrated cry and started squirming in her arms.

Sunjae, not wanting to pass up this golden opportunity to keep talking to her, gestured gently toward the baby. "Is he okay? He seems really upset."

"Ah, yes," Sol sighed softly, swaying again. "He's just really tired, but he's resisting sleep tonight. That's why he's crying."

Sunjae tilted his head, studying the baby's flushed cheeks. "Maybe... could he be feeling unwell? Sometimes babies cry like that when they're coming down with something."

His words made her pause. She hadn't thought of that. She carefully placed her palm against Je Ha’s forehead, then slid her fingers to the back of his neck. A wave of guilt washed over her—he felt noticeably warm.

"Oh no," Sol murmured, her eyes widening with regret. "He is warm. Now I know why... I shouldn't have brought him out into the cold air if he was sick. What a clumsy aunt..."

Sunjae’s eyes caught on that last word. He fought a smile. Aunt? But before his brain could fully process the implication, Sol was already moving.

She carefully settled the fussy Je Ha back into his stroller, bundling him up tightly. She turned to Sunjae with a grateful smile. "Thank you so much for the advice. If you hadn't mentioned it, I would have kept him out here longer. I'll take him inside right away."

"Ah, yes, it's best to get him into the warmth," Sunjae replied, his voice softer than usual.

"Thank you again. Have a safe night," Sol said, bowing politely. Sunjae bowed in return. "Goodnight."

Sunjae stood by his skateboard, watching as she pushed the stroller briskly toward Tower B of the apartment complex. A slow, unstoppable smile spread across his face.

While she was checking the baby's temperature, he had peeked at her left hand. Her ring finger was bare. He chuckled softly to himself, shaking his head. He figured if she’d been a single mom, it wouldn’t even have mattered to him at all. She was unforgettable. Picking up his skateboard, he turned and walked toward Tower A, his heart beating a little faster than it had ten minutes ago.

Meanwhile, inside the elevator of Tower B, Sol leaned against the handrail, her heart doing flips for an entirely different reason. She looked down at the sleeping, slightly warm Je Ha and whispered, "Je Ha-ya, you won't believe who your aunt just met. Ryu Sunjae lives in our complex!"

A flush that had nothing to do with her oncoming cold crept up her cheeks. He was even more handsome in person and surprisingly kind. As the elevator dinged to a stop on her floor, Sol couldn't help but hope that maybe, just maybe, she’d run out of baby formula or need to take a stroll at midnight again very soon.

~~~

The past two weeks had been a brutal, unrelenting blur for Ryu Sunjae. Between the gruelling night shoots for his upcoming film, flying out to Paris to attend a high-profile fashion show as a global ambassador, and rushing back to Seoul for endless script readings, he was utterly drained.

He collapsed onto his living room couch, staring blankly at the ceiling. Finally, starting tomorrow, he had a glorious three-day break.

As he let out a long sigh, his gaze drifted across the room and landed on his electric skateboard resting by the front door. Instantly, his mind flashed to her—the beautiful neighbour from the playground. He wondered how she was doing. Most importantly, he wondered if he would ever see her again.

What are the odds if I go out right now— he thought, glancing at the clock. It was 9 PM. No way, right? She’s probably already asleep herself.

But the urge to at least try—to find out her name and introduce himself properly—was too strong to ignore. Sunjae dragged himself up, took a quick, refreshing shower, grabbed his skateboard, and headed out.

As it turned out, fate was entirely on his side.

The moment Sunjae stepped out of his building's lobby, he spotted a familiar figure emerging from the adjacent tower. She wasn't pushing a stroller tonight. Instead, she was dressed casually yet elegantly in a long cream skirt and a cosy, matching cream knit cardigan.

She didn't notice him. She was walking with a light, brisk pace toward the main road.

Tucking his skateboard under his arm, Sunjae followed her on foot from a careful distance, not wanting to startle her or make it obvious. He tracked her all the way to a brightly lit convenience store not far from the complex. He waited a beat after she entered, pulled his hoodie over his head for cover, and slipped inside.

Because of his towering height and the fact that the store was empty except for them and a sleepy cashier, he spotted her instantly. To blend in, Sunjae grabbed a random snack and a drink from the aisle, then casually moved to stand behind her in line.

As she placed her items on the counter, he couldn't help but peek: some instant ramen, a sausage packet, cream bread... and a can of baby formula.

Suddenly, she turned her head slightly to grab a pack of gum, and their eyes locked.

Sol’s eyes went wide with recognition. Seeing that spark of familiarity in her face made something warm bloom in Sunjae's chest. He didn't care if she recognised him as the famous actor or just as the guy from the playground; the mere fact that she acknowledged his existence was more than enough to make him happy.

"That will be 14,500 won, miss," the cashier interrupted, breaking the silence.

"Ah, yes! Here you go," Sol said quickly, her cheeks tinting pink as she scanned her card on her phone. She gathered her bag hurriedly and made her way out into the cool night.

A minute later, Sunjae paid for his things and stepped outside. He scanned the sidewalk and saw her a short distance ahead, already walking back toward the complex. Smiling, he dropped his electric skateboard onto the pavement and glided forward.

Hearing the soft whir of the motor, Sol glanced over her shoulder. Their eyes met for the second time that night.

Sunjae slowed to a stop beside her, pulling down his hood, and gave her a warm smile. "Hi there," he said, bowing politely.

Sol stopped, mirroring his bow. "Hello."

"Do you... remember me? From the playground two weeks ago?" he asked, suddenly feeling a little self-conscious.

"Yes, of course I do," Sol replied, a soft smile breaking across her face. "How could I forget? You saved us from a cold night."

"I'm glad to hear that," Sunjae said, gesturing ahead. "Is it–is it okay if I walk back with you?"

Sol looked visibly surprised, swallowing hard before she nodded. "Ah... yes, sure. That would be nice. Thank you."

As they began walking side by side, Sunjae cleared his throat, trying to calm his nerves. "I realised I never properly introduced myself last time. I'm Ryu Sunjae." He hoped he didn't look completely foolish; truth be told, his heart was hammering against his ribs like an amateur rookie on a first date.

"I know who you are, Sunjae-ssi," Sol said softly. Then, tilting her head away so he wouldn't hear, she mumbled under her breath, "...it's kind of hard not to when you're that handsome."

Sunjae’s lips twitched. A massive smile threatened to break across his face, but he quickly bit it back, his chest swelling with silent delight. She thinks I'm handsome.

“And my name is Sol. Im Sol.”

Sol’s hands were gripping her plastic bag so tightly her knuckles were white as she introduced herself, silently thanking the gods that her voice didn’t break despite her heart beating so fast. She was walking next to her ultimate celebrity crush! Ever since their interaction two weeks ago, she had been a mess. Every time she left her apartment, she found herself scanning the grounds, hoping to catch a glimpse of him, even though she knew it was a pipe dream given his status. She had even stayed up late following his updates when he attended the Paris fashion show, swooning over the photos. 

And now, he was right here in front of her, chatting with her, walking beside her. 

"Nice meeting you, Im Sol-ssi. So, what about you?" Sunjae asked, breaking her out of her thoughts. "What do you do for a living, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Oh, not at all. I'm a scriptwriter," Sol answered.

Sunjae blinked, genuinely surprised. "A scriptwriter? Really? Wow. Have you written anything I might know? What are some of your works?"

Sol hesitated for a moment, suddenly feeling a bit shy under his intense gaze. "Well, I mostly do dramas and ads now, but a few years ago, I wrote a couple of indie romance films. One of them is called The Violet Hour."

Sunjae stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes wide. "Wait. You wrote The Violet Hour?!"

Sol stopped too, startled by his intense reaction. "Yes... Did you see it?"

"Did I see it?" Sunjae exclaimed, his usual cool demeanour completely melting away into pure excitement. "I absolutely loved that movie! When it came out in theatres, I was so moved by it. I actually rented out an entire theatre screen just so I could watch it a second time with my father and a few close friends. The dialogue was incredible."

Sol’s heart did a violent flip. To hear that a top-tier actor loved her work was one thing, but to hear that he cherished it so much that he shared it intimately with his family? She was deeply touched, a flush of pure happiness warming her cheeks. "Did you really? Wow... thank you so much. Hearing that from you means the world to me, Sunjae-ssi."

As they resumed walking—now much, much slower than before—Sunjae couldn't help but marvel at the sheer serendipity of it all. Our jobs are related. It really must be fate, he thought, practically beaming.

"I've always wondered about the ending," Sunjae continued eagerly. "What made you decide to have them meet again at the train station instead of the cafe?"

"Ah, that," Sol smiled, completely losing her nervousness as they dove into her favourite topic. "I felt like the cafe was too static. The train station represented movement, like their lives were finally moving in the same direction again. I wanted the audience to feel that momentum."

"That's beautiful," Sunjae said softly, looking down at her. "It definitely felt that way. I think my dad even shed a tear during that scene."

Sunjae listened with rapt attention, completely captivated by the passion in her voice and the way her eyes lit up when she talked about her art. They were walking so slowly that a five-minute stroll turned into twenty, but neither of them cared.

Eventually, all too soon, they arrived at the glass doors of Sol’s building.

Sol turned to him, feeling a sudden pang of reluctance to end the night. "Well... this is my building, hehe. Thank you for walking me back, Sunjae-ssi. It was really wonderful talking to you."

Sunjae shifted his weight from one foot to another. He knew if he let her walk through those glass doors now, he might have to wait another two weeks or longer just to see her by chance. He had to take a leap of faith.

"Um, Sol-ssi," Sunjae started, rubbing the back of his neck as a nervous smile played on his lips. "If it's okay with you... Would you like to exchange numbers? I'd really love to talk more about your writing. And, well... just get to know you better."

Sol stared at him, her brain temporarily short-circuiting. A top star—no, Ryu Sunjae—was asking for her number.

A breathless, radiant smile broke across her face. "Yes," she said, her voice breathless but steady despite the butterflies fluttering in her stomach. 

~~~

The next day, Sol was sitting at her desk at the production office, a half-eaten salad in front of her. Her phone buzzed on the desk, and a helpless smile immediately spread across her face.

It was a text from Sunjae.

They had been texting back and forth since last night. At first, Sol had felt a twinge of guilt, wondering if she was just projecting a superficial celebrity crush onto him. But the more they messaged, the more she realised that the Sunjae behind the screen was entirely different from the untouchable actor on TV. He was smart, surprisingly witty, mature, and it was deeply endearing how much he loved his father.

She tapped the screen to read his latest message.

Sunjae: Are you busy tonight? I was wondering if you’d like to have dinner with me.

Sol’s heart did a little flip. She stared at the screen, excitement rushing through her, followed quickly by a moment of hesitation. Was she ready for this? This wasn't just a fan meeting with a famous person that she happened to love anymore; she was developing genuine, real feelings for the man himself.

Deciding to be brave and give herself a chance at happiness, she quickly typed back.

Sol: I’d love to. Where are we going?

Sunjae: How do you feel about traditional Korean food? My dad owns a restaurant. It’s really good, and more importantly, it has great private rooms so we won't be disturbed.

Sol smiled softly at his thoughtfulness, completely understanding the need for privacy. He thinks of everything.

Meanwhile inside his apartment, Sunjae was staring at his phone like a man possessed. The moment Sol’s "I’d love to" popped up on his screen, he threw his head back, let out a silent, dramatic fist pump, and did a ridiculous, silent happy dance right there in his living room, completely losing his cool top-star composure.

Calming himself down, he immediately dialled his father.

"Dad," Sunjae said, trying to sound casual but failing miserably as a grin stretched across his face. "Are you busy tonight? I need you to save my usual private room."

"Oh? Sunjae-ya? You’re coming by? Are you bringing the guys?" his dad's voice boomed warmly over the line.

"No, actually," Sunjae cleared his throat, his tone softening. "I’m bringing a um... a special friend."

There was a distinct pause on the other end. "Special?" his dad repeated, his voice practically dripping with sudden curiosity.

"Yes, Dad. A very special friend," Sunjae chuckled, his cheeks flushing. "I might see you tonight, okay?"

"Alright, alright! I’ll make sure the room is ready. I’m definitely looking forward to meeting this 'special friend' of yours."

Later that evening, Sunjae was dressed and ready to go, grabbing his car keys and heading toward the door. Just as he reached for the handle, his phone buzzed.

Sol: Sunjae-ssi, I am so sorry. I think I have to cancel our dinner tonight... 😭 Je Ha’s parents just called & they have to stay later at work, and the babysitter can’t stay past her hours. I’m so incredibly sorry to do this last minute.

“What???” Sunjae’s shoulders slumped in disappointment. He stared at the text, his heart sinking. But as he thought about it for a second, a thought struck him. Why should a baby stop them?

He bypassed texting and dialled her number immediately. She picked up on the second ring.

"Sol-ssi?"

"Sunjae-ssi, I’m really so sorry—" her voice sounded frantic, with a faint sound of Je Ha babbling in the background.

"Hey, don't apologise," Sunjae interrupted gently, a warm smile returning to his face. "It's totally fine. Why don't you just bring Je Ha along with us?"

There was a stunned silence on her end. "What? Bring Je Ha? Are you sure? He might be fussy, and it's a restaurant..."

"Of course I'm sure," Sunjae said smoothly. "My dad’s place is private enough. No one will mind. Bring him."

"Wow... thank you," Sol breathed out, clearly relieved. "In that case... would it be okay if we take my car instead? Je Ha's car seat is already installed in the back, and it's a hassle to move it."

"Sure! That makes total sense. Let's do that."

"Okay. It might take me a bit more time, though. I need to change his clothes and pack his diaper bag. I'm sorry for making you wait."

"Take your time, Sol-ssi. There's no rush at all," Sunjae replied softly. "Do you need a hand bringing everything down?"

"No, it's okay! Just meet me downstairs in front of your lobby in, say, twenty minutes?"

About twenty minutes later, Sol pulled her car up to the entrance of Tower A. The passenger door opened, and Sunjae slipped into the seat, his tall frame instantly making the car feel a bit cosier.

Before she put the car in drive, Sol turned to him, her eyes filled with apology. "Sunjae-ssi, I’m really sorry for messing up our first plan like this. This wasn't how I envisioned our dinner."

Sunjae just laughed softly, turning his body toward her. "Sol-ssi, seriously, it’s fine. Plans change; it’s no big deal. I’m just happy I still get to spend time with you tonight."

He then leaned over the centre console, looking into the backseat where the cute baby was strapped into his car seat, wide awake and holding a plush toy.

"Hi, Je Ha-ya," Sunjae said in a remarkably soft, sweet voice, waving a hand. "Remember me? I’m your aunt’s friend. Let's have a fun time tonight, okay?"

Je Ha blinked at him, letting out a tiny, happy squeak.

Sol watched the interaction, a wave of profound warmth washing over her. The sight of the nation's heartthrob melting into a soft puddle for her nephew was almost too much for her heart to take. She smiled brightly, shifting the car into drive.

"Alright then," Sol said softly. "Let’s go. I’m starving."

~~~

Time flew by fast. It was now February, two and a half months since their first midnight encounter at the playground, and two months since that unforgettable dinner at his dad’s restaurant.

Over the last eight weeks, Sol and Sunjae had grown incredibly close. Whenever Sunjae had a sliver of free time between his brutal schedules, they would meet up. Sometimes, their dates were just twenty-minute rendezvous at their apartment complex's playground late at night, catching up under the dim streetlamps after a long day of work. When they both miraculously had a full day off, they would venture out of the complex together.

Despite being the nation's most sought-after actor, Sunjae was still an absolute loser in love when it came to Im Sol. He would genuinely fist-pump the air or grin like an idiot whenever her name popped up on his phone, especially when she texted first just to remind him to eat lunch or to take his vitamins during a gruelling overnight shoot. She was the only one who could ever make him feel and act this way. Not that he’d had much experience in the feelings department with other girls before. 

Sol, on the other hand, was incredibly understanding. She knew the crushing weight of his celebrity status, so she never minded when he couldn't reply for hours, or when he had to cancel a dinner because a shoot ran late. If anything, she just felt profoundly sorry for him. She worried constantly about his health, often wondering how on earth he managed to maintain any semblance of a social life with a schedule like his.

She vividly remembered New Year’s Day. Sunjae had invited her to a party hosted by one of his best friends, and they had planned to go together. But at the last minute, he had called her, utterly devastated because his shoot was so far outside of Seoul and there was no way he'd make it back before midnight. Sol had felt a pang of disappointment, but she immediately assured him it was fine, secretly wishing he would just go straight to sleep and rest instead of forcing himself to go to a party.

But Sunjae being Sunjae, he had surprised her. It was past midnight when he texted her: 'Are you awake? Meet me downstairs.' She knew he meant the playground. When she ran down, there he was, hiding a box of sparklers behind his back. They had lit them together, watching the bright sparks fly in the freezing January air, celebrating the new year just the two of them. It was easily one of the best nights of both of their lives.

Now, it was a few days before Valentine’s Day.

Sunjae had been planning this since December. He had practically begged his manager to secure a two-day break for him, and by some miracle of the universe, February 14th fell on a Sunday. Knowing Sol would be free from her writing team meetings on the weekend, he had gone all out and booked an entire rooftop restaurant that he often frequented for the night.

The big night arrived. Sunjae smoothed down his black pinstripe suit jacket, adjusted his dark grey crewneck shirt, and pulled his car up to the lobby of Sol’s building.

When she walked through the sliding glass doors, Sunjae’s breath was completely caught in his throat. Sol was stunning. She wore a beautiful, flowy black dress that moved elegantly with every step, topped with a soft brown cashmere coat.

Sunjae quickly got out of the car, his heart hammering against his ribs. Both of them stood there for a second, secretly and intensely admiring what the other was wearing.

Sol offered a shy, brilliant smile, her cheeks flushing slightly. “Sunjae-ya… Hi,” she had been using his name without the formal suffix, a comfortable habit they had slid into over the past month.

"Hi," Sunjae replied, his voice a little breathless. He cleared his throat, a faint blush creeping up his neck. "You... wow. You look so b-beautiful tonight, Im Sol."

Sol’s smile widened, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. She found it absolutely adorable how the man who stared down high-fashion cameras for a living could still stutter just looking at her. "Thank you. You look exceptionally handsome yourself. That suit? It really suits you."

Sunjae beamed, practically melting. “Ready to go?”

Sol nodded.

He quickly hurried around to the passenger side and opened the door for her, placing a hand over the frame so she wouldn't bump her head. "After you."

"Thank you," Sol said softly.

As Sunjae got into the driver's seat and started the engine, Sol turned to him with curious eyes. "So, are you finally going to tell me where we're having dinner? You've been keeping it a secret for days!"

Sunjae flashed a mysterious, playful smirk as he steered the car out of the complex. "No way. It’s a surprise. Just trust me, okay?"

"Fine, I'll be patient," Sol laughed.

During the drive, they chattered effortlessly about their week. It was funny because they had already texted each other almost every detail of their daily lives as they happened, yet hearing it out loud, exchanging animated expressions and laughter, made it feel brand new.

But beneath his casual, smiling facade, Sunjae’s hands were gripping the steering wheel a little tightly. He was incredibly nervous. He felt reasonably confident that Sol felt the same way about him—the way she looked at him, the way she worried over him, it couldn't just be friendship. But tonight, he was going to ask her to be his girlfriend. He was going to lay his heart completely on the line, and the sheer anticipation was making his stomach do wild, anxious flips.

Meanwhile, Sol leaned her head back against the headrest, pretending to watch the neon signs of Seoul flicker by, but her mind was racing.

Today is February 14th, she thought, her heart giving a sharp, nervous thud against her ribs. Valentine’s Day.

She stole a quick glance at Sunjae’s side profile. He looked breathtakingly sharp in his black suit, his long fingers casually resting on the steering wheel. Sol’s hands tightened around her purse in her lap.

Did he realise what today was when he asked me out? Or it just so happens that today is the only day he’s free?

Over the last two months, they had crossed so many unspoken lines. They weren't just neighbours anymore. They were the first person the other texted in the morning and the last person they spoke to at night. But neither of them had explicitly defined what this was.

Sol swallowed hard, a sudden wave of butterflies fluttering wildly in her stomach. If this dinner really was for Valentine's Day, it meant Sunjae saw her as more than just a close friend or a favourite scriptwriter. It meant he wanted something real. The thought made her both dizzyingly happy and incredibly anxious. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart, terrified that if she spoke, her voice would betray just how much she hoped this was a real date.

~~~

Two years had passed since that unforgettable Valentine’s Day rooftop date—two beautiful, whirlwind years of secret movie nights, quiet walks on the beach, and fiercely protecting the love they had built.

That morning, the winter sun was just peeking through Sol’s bedroom curtains when her phone vibrated on the nightstand. She groaned, reaching out blindly to answer it.

"Hello?" Sol mumbled, her voice thick with sleep.

"Sol-ah! Are you awake?! Wake up right now!" her best friend Hyun Ju’s frantic voice blasted through the speaker. "Open the news. Right now. Go to the trending or entertainment main page!"

Sol sat up instantly, the urgency in Hyun Ju’s voice making her blood run cold. "Hyun Ju, what is it? Did something happen to Sunjae?"

"Just look at the articles, Sol!"

With trembling fingers, Sol opened the web browser on her phone. She didn't even have to search for it. The main entertainment portal was completely flooded, a bold headline staring back at her:

[EXCLUSIVE] Top Actor Ryu Sunjae Rumoured to be in a Serious Relationship with a Non-Celeb... Captured Sharing an Affectionate Moment at a Private Event.

Sol’s breath caught in her throat. She scrolled down, her heart hammering against her ribs as the main photo loaded.

It was a picture taken at a celebrity friend’s outdoor garden wedding just a week ago, the article stated. The photo was taken in broad daylight, capturing the couple sitting at a table slightly away from the crowd. Was it because it was a private event that they had thought they were safe from paparazzi?

Though the woman’s face was heavily blurred to protect her identity as a non-celebrity, it was clear that they were in love with each other. 

But it was Sunjae’s expression that made the photo so definitive.

He was leaning in close, completely oblivious to his surroundings. A massive fond smile lit up his face as he gazed at her. One of his large hands was resting gently on the back of her head, his fingers buried in her hair, softly patting her.

Sol swallowed hard, her eyes stinging as she stared at the screen. She remembered that exact moment perfectly. They had been whispering about the beautiful garden ceremony. Sol had been rambling excitedly, gesturing with her hands as she described what her own dream wedding would look like, and Sunjae had just listened to her like she was the only person in the universe, reaching out to pet her head because he found her so incredibly endearing.

Both Sol and Sunjae had discussed whether appearing at the party together would be a good idea prior to the day, but their friend, who was the groom, had reassured them about the complicit instruction they had given the guests in the wedding invitation, that the wedding was an intimate and private occasion, implying no videos or photos were allowed to be posted without their consent.

"Sol? Earth to Im Sol, are you still there?" Hyun Ju’s worried voice broke through her daze. "What are you guys gonna do? Will his agency be releasing a statement?"

"I... I don't know yet," Sol whispered, her hand shaking as she gripped the phone. "I'll call you back, Hyun Ju-ya."

Hanging up, Sol collapsed back against her pillows, staring at the ceiling. A wave of intense anxiety washed over her. She wasn't worried about herself—her face was blurred, and she could handle a few whispers from colleagues. And most of their friends in their circle knew about them, anyway.

She was scared for Sunjae. He was at the absolute peak of his acting career, with massive brand endorsements and a blockbuster movie set to release. In the entertainment industry, a dating scandal of this magnitude could derail everything overnight. 

What if his contracts get cancelled? What if the public turns on him? Sol thought, a heavy weight pressing down on her chest. She desperately wanted to call him, but she knew his phone was probably ringing off the hook with frantic calls from his CEO and manager. All she could do was wait, her heart aching with worry for the man she loved. 

She closed her eyes and let out a deep sigh. I could not catch a break.

Later that afternoon, Sol sauntered over to Sunjae’s apartment and let herself in. She knew no one was home, but the anxiety growing in her chest since this morning had become too heavy to bear alone.

It had been an utterly brutal week. First, the director for a commercial she had been hired to write unfairly rejected her entire, completed script simply because he wanted to use that of a friend's instead—blatant nepotism that left her feeling cheated and mentally exhausted. 

Then, her car had completely died on her. The mechanic told her that buying a new one would actually be cheaper than trying to fix it. It wasn’t that she couldn't afford it, but the timing felt particularly cursed. Then, the explosive dating news this morning.

On top of all that, she desperately missed Sunjae. He had been abroad for a film festival for almost a week. While she was used to his long absences, everything hitting her at once left her thoroughly drained. She just wanted to cry while surrounded by his scent.

Meanwhile, Sunjae had just landed an hour ago. He had deliberately kept his arrival time a secret, wanting to surprise his girlfriend. It was only when he got into his manager’s van that he was informed about the massive dating scandal blowing up the internet.

Sunjae wasn't even the least bit worried about his career. He was independently wealthy enough now to last four generations; his Sol would never go without. Honestly, he actually loved the paparazzi photo—it perfectly captured his love because that was exactly how he always looked at her. His only real worry was Sol, the love of his life. The woman who had never failed to make his day ever since he met her. 

He was terrified of how she was handling the sudden media storm, even though he doubted anyone would recognise her from a heavily blurred photo. He just wanted to hold her and reassure her that everything was going to be fine and that he’d take care of it.

Intending to drop his bags off before rushing over to her place, Sunjae unlocked his front door. He froze. Sitting neatly in the foyer were Sol’s sandals.

Abandoning his suitcases right there, he quietly walked through the apartment. He checked the bedroom, but the bed was empty. Then, he heard the faint sound of the shower running from the ensuite bathroom.

Relieved, Sunjae tossed his jacket onto a nearby armchair and took a seat, deciding to wait for her.

A few minutes later, the bathroom door clicked open. Sol stepped out, a towel wrapped tightly around her body and another twisted around her hair. Her eyes were red, her face slightly puffy, and her nose was flushed. Sunjae's heart squeezed painfully—she had clearly been crying.

"Sol-ah," he said softly.

Sol let out a sharp scream, jumping back and clapping a hand over her chest. When her wide eyes finally registered that it was Sunjae sitting in the chair, her bottom lip instantly trembled. A fresh wave of tears welled up at the sheer shock and relief of finally seeing him.

Sunjae didn't waste a second. He immediately stood up, stepped into her space, and wrapped his arms tightly around her towel-covered waist, pulling her into his chest. Sol buried her face in his neck, her arms tight around his neck as she broke down into heavy sobs all over again.

"Shh, it's okay, I'm here," Sunjae murmured, rubbing her back soothingly and kissing the side of her head. "I've got you, Sol-ah. It's okay. Shh…"

After a minute of letting her cry out her built-up frustration, Sunjae effortlessly lifted her into his arms. He walked back to the armchair and sat down, settling her sideways across his lap. He gently used his thumbs to wipe away the tears streaming down her damp, flushed cheeks. Even with a towel on her head and her face puffy from crying, he thought she looked breathtakingly beautiful.

"What happened, hm?" he asked, his voice incredibly soft and tender. "Tell me."

Sol hid her face in his neck, muttering in a low, pouty tone, "I just missed you so much..."

Sunjae pursed his lips, his heart melting at how adorable she was being despite her distress. "I missed you so much too. The time difference sucked, didn't it?"

Sol nodded miserably against him. He could feel her lips against his throat, making desire arise despite the timing. 

"Are you feeling a bit better now?" he asked, continuing to gently stroke her back and her bare leg where the towel parted. "Now tell me what else happened. I know it's not just because you missed me."

Sighing, Sol finally spilled everything. She told him about the unfair rejection of her commercial script, the sudden death of her car, and finally, the stressful news from this morning.

Sunjae listened patiently, his jaw tightening slightly when she mentioned the nepotism with the director, but his expression softened as she continued.

"Why didn't you tell me about your car?" he asked gently.

"It wasn't just the car... it was just the terrible timing of it all," Sol mumbled, tracing the collar of his shirt. "I swear I don't mind taking the subway at all. It's just... everything happened at once. And then the articles this morning... Sunjae, what if this hurts your career? I was so worried I was ruining things for you."

"Hey, look at me," Sunjae commanded softly, tilting her chin up so their eyes met. "Look at how calm I am. Everything is going to be perfectly fine, I promise you. You could never ruin anything for me."

Taking a deep breath, Sol calmed down, and like the mature adults they were, they began to discuss their next steps. They weighed the risks of going completely public versus doing a full face reveal for Sol. Sunjae made it clear he was happy with whatever she chose, but his priority was her safety and peace of mind.

"I don't care about my reputation, but I care about your privacy," Sunjae said firmly. "I will protect you, no matter what we decide. I do what you say."

"Then..." Sol said thoughtfully, "I think… I think it's okay if your agency confirms that you're in a relationship. That photo makes it very obvious that you do have a girlfriend, anyway. But let's keep my identity a secret. I'm not ready for the public eye."

"Alright. I have a meeting at the agency tomorrow morning about this," Sunjae said, kissing her forehead. "I'll tell them our plan and let them handle the rest of the press. You don't have to worry about a single thing anymore, okay? And besides, most of our friends already know about us anyway. We trust them, right?"

Sol nodded. She let out a long, relieved breath, the heavy knot in her chest finally dissolving. She was so incredibly grateful for his calm, grounding presence. "Okay. Thank you, Sunjae-ya."

Seeing that she was finally smiling again, a mischievous glint sparked in Sunjae's eyes. His hands shifted on her waist, pulling her just a fraction closer.

"Now that we've settled that..." Sunjae whispered, his voice dropping an octave as a smirk played on his lips. "Do you want to eat dinner first? Or should I eat you first? Either way, I'm eating."

Sol's eyes widened, a furious blush rushing from her cheeks all the way down to her chest. "Ryu Sunjae!" she gasped, swatting his shoulder, though she couldn't hide her smile.

Sunjae laughed, the rich, warm sound vibrating against her chest before he leaned in and captured her lips in a deep, passionate kiss, sealing his homecoming perfectly.

~~~

A few days later, a cosy stillness filled Sol’s living room. The media storm had finally settled into a manageable simmer after Sunjae’s agency released the official statement confirming his relationship while fiercely requesting privacy for his non-celebrity partner.

Sol was curled up on the sofa, her back pressed comfortably against Sunjae’s broad chest, while his long arms wrapped securely around her waist. Together, they were hovering over a tablet, scrolling through the public's response to the news.

"See? What did I tell you?" Sunjae murmured into her hair, his chin resting on her shoulder as his fingers gently stroked her arm. "Most of it is actually really nice."

Sol hummed, letting out a soft sigh of relief. The top comments on the main portal were surprisingly supportive:

[+4200, -89] Honestly, looking at that paparazzi photo, you can just tell he’s madly in love. The way he’s patting her head? I’ve never seen the man smile like that on broadcast.

[+3100, -112] He’s 34 now; it’s completely normal for him to date. I hope they’re happy!

"Yeah, you're right," Sol said, her heart feeling lighter than it had in days. "It’s much better than I expected. I was so worried for nothing."

But as she kept scrolling into the deeper forums, the tone began to shift. Some of his hardcore female fans were absolutely refusing to accept reality.

— Oppa, tell me this is a lie. Who is this woman? She doesn't deserve you. 

— I bet she’s just using him. There’s no way Sunjae-oppa would fall for a regular nobody.

Sol let out a loud, dramatic scoff, her eyebrows knitting together. "Wow. Talk about delusional. 'Who is this woman?' I'm the woman who makes sure he takes his vitamins, thank you very much," she mumbled under her breath.

Sunjae hid a chuckle against her neck, loving how protective she was being. "Just ignore them, Sol-ah. They don't know anything."

Sol kept scrolling, but suddenly, her thumb froze over a specific thread. Her eyes narrowed as she read the comments beneath it.

— Ugh, I was seriously hoping the rumours about him and Choi Stephany were true. They looked so good together in 'Against All Odds'. 

— Right?! Did you see their chemistry during the press conferences? Choi Stephany is so beautiful, they would have been the ultimate power couple. Who is this blurred-out nobody?

Instantly, the temperature in the room seemed to drop.

A sharp spike of jealousy flared up in Sol's chest. She remembered that movie promotion cycle vividly. Even though she and Sunjae were already dating back then, watching the promotional interviews had been a test of her patience. She distinctly recalled one particular broadcast where the beautiful female co-star had practically glued her chair to Sunjae's, sitting entirely too close and constantly trying to lock eyes with him while laughing high-pitched at his jokes.

Sunjae hadn't done a single thing wrong—he had been a perfect professional, maintaining a polite distance and keeping his eyes fixed on the interviewer—but just remembering how that woman had looked at her man made Sol's blood boil all over again.

But turned out that the woman was already in a relationship, as well, Sunjae had informed her. Sol thought that must be just her TV persona, then. She was extraordinarily convincing at selling their chemistry! God, was she embarrassed. The comments brought back that memory.

Sitting right behind her, Sunjae felt the sudden tension in Sol’s posture. He watched her grip the edges of the tablet a little tighter, her jaw clenching as she glared at the screen.

Uh oh, Sunjae thought, a bead of sweat practically forming on his forehead. As a top actor, he could face an arena of screaming fans without blinking, but a jealous Im Sol? That genuinely terrified him.

Desperate to diffuse the bomb before it went off, Sunjae quickly reached over to the fruit bowl on the coffee table. He picked up a plump, sweet green grape, leaned forward, and gently popped it right into her pouty mouth.

Sol blinked, her train of thought interrupted as she automatically chewed on the sweet fruit. She glanced over her shoulder, giving him a playful, narrowed-eyed glare.

"What's this?" she asked around the grape, her tone sharp but amused. "Are you trying to bribe me, Ryu Sunjae?"

Sunjae flashed his most charming, innocent puppy-dog smile, tightening his arms around her waist and pulling her flush against him. "Is it working?" he whispered playfully, kissing her cheek. "Because I swear, the only person I’ve ever wanted to sit close to, look at, or marry... is right here in my arms. Hehe…"

~~~

Sunjae sat in the driver’s seat of his parked SUV, tapping his fingers impatiently against the steering wheel. He was waiting in the underground parking lot of Sol’s production company, excited to take her out for dinner.

His eyes lit up as the glass doors finally slid open and Sol stepped out. But his excitement instantly vanished, replaced by a dark, simmering irritation.

Walking right behind her was a tall, remarkably good-looking man. The guy was carrying a large box while Sol walked beside him, chatting away animatedly. Suddenly, the guy leaned in slightly and said something to her. Sol threw her head back and laughed out loud, her eyes crinkling in that bright, beautiful way that Sunjae usually considered his exclusive territory.

Sunjae’s grip tightened on the steering wheel. Every protective, possessive instinct in his body screamed at him to throw open the car door, march over there, and stake his claim for the entire world to see. But he knew he couldn't risk creating a scene in her office parking lot.

Gritting his teeth, he grabbed his phone and dialled her number.

He watched through the windshield as she pulled out her phone. "Hello?"

"I’m parked on the left side, near the exit," Sunjae said, his voice coming out flatter than he intended.

"Oh, I see you!" Sol replied cheerfully. "I'm coming right now,"

She hung up. Sunjae watched like a hawk as she turned to the tall guy, carefully taking the box out of his hands. They exchanged a few more words, the guy bowing politely, before Sol turned and made her way toward his car.

From inside, Sunjae popped the trunk. He watched her in his rearview mirror as she placed the box inside, closed the trunk, and finally opened the passenger door, slipping in and putting her seatbelt on with a bright, lingering smile.

"Hi!" Sol beamed. Without even taking off her seatbelt, she leaned across the centre console toward him. She closed her eyes and playfully pouted her lips, tilting her face up to ask for her greeting kiss.

Sunjae stared at her plump, pink lips. His chest ached with the overwhelming urge to lean down and kiss her thoroughly, but his jealousy won the battle. He kept his expression completely stoic, his own lips forming a sullen, stubborn pout.

After a few seconds of waiting in total silence, realising his lips were never touching hers, Sol opened her eyes.

She blinked, utterly confused by the sight of her beloved looking like a deeply offended puppy. "What's wrong?" she asked, leaning back a bit. "Why are you making that face?"

Sunjae stayed quiet for a long beat, staring straight ahead through the windshield before he finally cracked. He turned his head and looked at her, his voice dripping with petty annoyance. "Who was that guy?"

"Huh?"

"The guy," Sunjae pressed, crossing his arms. "The tall one who was carrying your box. And what exactly did he say to you that was so incredibly funny? You were laughing so loudly."

Hearing the rapid-fire questions and seeing the fierce glint in his eyes, Sol froze for a fraction of a second before a massive grin broke across her face. She instantly got it. Ryu Sunjae is jealous.

"Oh… Him," Sol chuckled, leaning back in her seat. "That’s Ah-In. He’s a junior scriptwriter who just joined our team recently. The box was heavy, full of my archived scripts that I needed to clear out of my desk, so he was just being polite and helping me carry it down."

Sunjae’s arms remained tightly crossed. "Okay, fine, he was helping. But what did he say to make you laugh like that?"

"Ah, that," Sol said, her smile widening as she recalled the incident. "We were in the elevator coming down, right? And this really arrogant, rude senior producer started yelling at Ah-In for absolutely no reason, just because he's a rookie. Everyone in it felt the tension in that tiny elevator; it was suffocating."

Sunjae tilted his head, his jealousy losing ground to curiosity. "And?"

"So, to diffuse the tension and save Ah-In, I had to step in," Sol explained, gesturing with her hands. "I just pretended to gasp and pointed aggressively at the rude jerk’s feet. I screamed and shouted: 'Oh my god, look at that!' The jerk panicked so hard that he tripped over his own feet and his entire wig flapped completely open!"

Sunjae’s eyes widened.

"Everyone in that elevator was dead silent for a second, totally shocked, and then we all just burst out laughing," Sol giggled, clapping her hands. "The guy was so embarrassed, his face was soooo red. Then he ran out of the elevator so fast, the second the doors opened. Ah-In was just thanking me for saving him from the scolding, and he was mimicking the guy's face when his wig flew back. That’s why I laughed."

As the hilarious image painted itself in Sunjae's mind, his stubborn pout slowly dissolved. His shoulders relaxed, and a breathless, defeated laugh escaped his lips. He looked at Sol, his heart swelling with a mix of amusement and overwhelming affection. That’s my Sol. She was always so brave, so clever, and so entirely herself.

"So..." Sol teased, leaning back over the console, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "Are you still mad at my junior?"

"I— I wasn't mad," Sunjae mumbled, though a soft smile finally broke across his face. He reached out, unbuckling her seatbelt so he could pull her gently into his space. His large hand cradled the back of her neck, his thumb caressing her cheek. "I just don't like other guys making you laugh like that. It makes me crazy."

Sol smiled softly, her heart melting at his honesty. "You're the only one who can make me truly happy, Sunjae-ya."

"Good," Sunjae whispered against her skin before finally leaning down to claim the kiss she had asked for, kissing her deeply until all traces of his jealousy completely melted away.

~~~