🔊 TTS Settings
Chapter 24
Backstage before the event began, the air was thick with tension.
After the countdown, a famous announcer standing on the stage declared the start of the event. Then, the lights dimmed, and a massive screen illuminated the darkened hall with an opening video.
Once the dynamic video ended, the hall fell silent for a brief moment before dazzling lights poured down like stars onto the green runway.
“Wow!”
As famous models began walking down the runway dressed in colorful golfwear, quiet exclamations broke out here and there, and camera flashes went off in bursts.
Choi Kang-jun watched, entranced, a smile spreading across his face that gradually bloomed into pure joy. Seeing the clothes he had designed displayed one after another on the glittering stage filled his chest with pride.
Ye-na had been backstage long before the event began, meticulously checking the progress of everything. Nearby, Jin-sang was pacing back and forth nervously.
“Damn it! Go Eun-chan still isn’t here? The fashion show’s already started! What the hell are we supposed to do if the main model doesn’t even show up?”
“Assistant Manager—no, Manager Lee, I’m really sorry. I called his manager, and they said he’s almost here. His schedule ran late because he had too many appointments. I’m so sorry.”
The event agency staff bowed repeatedly in apology.
“Seriously, what is wrong with you people? How do you even run an event? I planned this whole thing, and if it flops, I’m not letting it slide.”
Jin-sang’s face turned red as he fumed, and the agency staff went pale in fear.
Just as his voice was rising, Go Eun-chan came rushing in, breathless.
“Kyaa! It’s Go Eun-chan!”
“Wow, I can’t believe I’m seeing him in person!”
“Oh my god, it’s really him! Incredible!”
“He’s so damn handsome!”
Even though he arrived long after his scheduled time, none of the gathered models or staff scolded him. Instead, they gasped in admiration at his dazzling good looks.
“Mr. Go Eun-chan, over here! Please change quickly!”
At someone’s urgent shout, Eun-chan smiled brightly.
“Yes, sorry for being late.”
The one who would close out today’s “J.U.N” fashion show was none other than the famous actor Go Eun-chan.
As Vice President Na predicted, numerous reporters had gathered at the venue to capture photos of Choi Ye-na and Go Eun-chan together. For the journalists, their rumored relationship was a far more lucrative headline than “J.U.N” itself.
Ye-na, acting like a head designer, stood at the very front, checking each model as they went out onto the runway. Eun-chan, now dressed and ready, stood at the end of the waiting line, staring at her without moving.
Sensing the weight of his gaze, Ye-na turned slightly—and their eyes met in the air. Startled, she quickly looked away.
When it was finally his turn, Eun-chan stood face-to-face with Ye-na.
At that moment, countless camera flashes went off. Smiling like morning sunlight, Eun-chan extended his hand toward her.
“It’s been a while.”
“…Yes.”
Hesitating, Ye-na shyly reached out. Eun-chan’s smile deepened, his white teeth gleaming.
That fresh, radiant smile made Ye-na’s heart drop. The walls she had built up so firmly since morning crumbled in an instant.
From Eun-chan’s hand, something small passed into hers. Ye-na felt a jolt of surprise but, aware of all the eyes around them, forced herself to stay composed. As soon as their hands parted, she discreetly slipped the tiny object into her pocket.
Eun-chan strode confidently onto the stage, shining under the bright lights. As his tall figure walked down the long runway, the crowd of journalists and spectators frantically snapped photos. When he stopped at the center of the stage for the finale, all the participating models came out in a line to join him.
Once everyone was on stage, the music and lights suddenly shut off, plunging the hall into darkness. Just as murmurs began to rise, vibrant psychedelic lights spun overhead, and the models started dancing to upbeat club music.
The sight of handsome men and beautiful women in colorful golfwear dancing under dazzling lights drew cheers from the audience, and the whole hall shook with excitement. Eun-chan, standing center stage, made a small heart with his hands, extended them toward the crowd, and winked, marking the grand finale of the show.
Choi Kang-jun clapped his hands together with a look of deep satisfaction.
The “J.U.N” launch event was a massive success.
Having confirmed the show’s successful ending, Ye-na quickly made her way to the restroom.
Sitting on the closed toilet lid, she exhaled deeply. The tension that had gripped her all day finally loosened. This was the only place where she could escape people’s eyes. Her stomach churned, and exhaustion washed over her.
After spacing out for a while, she reached into her pocket and pulled out the small object Eun-chan had slipped to her.
It was a neatly folded note. Carefully, as if it might tear, she unfolded it.
[Noona, I missed you.]
Her heart thudded once again.
She ran her fingers through her hair.
Choi Ye-na—no, Kim Ji-yoon. Get a grip. You’re seeing Go Eun-chan for the first time today. Even if you met briefly in the past, there’s no reason to see him again—and you absolutely must not. Kim Ji-yoon, you have too much to do. Please, focus.
Standing before the mirror, she smoothed down her long hair, which had become a tangled mess. After taking a deep breath, she stepped out of the restroom.
She hadn’t taken more than a few steps when a low, familiar voice stopped her in her tracks.
“Noona!”
No way… was he calling her?
She hesitated, then turned. There was Go Eun-chan, his eyes filled with a mix of longing and sorrow. Her body froze.
He strode up to her in quick steps, and her eyes widened.
“Noona, why haven’t you been answering my calls? Do you know how many times I tried to reach you? You didn’t even check my texts. What’s going on?”
At his sudden flood of reproach, Ye-na stammered, her voice small.
“…I-I’m sorry.”
“Is it because of that article last time?”
“I’m sorry, but I don’t think we can meet anymore, Mr. Go.”
As Ye-na stumbled through her words, Eun-chan’s smile faded. His expression turned blank as he reached out a hand. Ye-na quickly stepped back, narrowly avoiding his touch.
“Noona, what’s wrong? What happened? Let’s talk, just for a moment.”
“N-no, I’m sorry. I need to get back to the event…”
“Noona, please.”
From Eun-chan’s point of view, she had cut off all contact overnight and now treated him like a stranger. The frustration was unbearable. If they parted now, he didn’t know when he’d see her again.
As Ye-na hesitated and started to turn away, Eun-chan suddenly grabbed her arm and pulled her back sharply.
Ye-na lost her balance and fell toward him, her body leaning against his chest—creating the illusion of an embrace.
Just then, a calm but firm voice cut through the air.
“Mr. Go Eun-chan, please let go of her hand.”
It wasn’t loud, but it was steady and commanding. Eun-chan turned his head toward the source of the voice.
“And you are?”
“I’m Chief Secretary to Executive Director Choi Ye-na. Let her go.”
Eun-chan’s elegant brows furrowed sharply.
“This is between Ye-na and me. Stay out of it.”
Hyun-seung’s eyes glinted coldly.
“Noona, come on. Let’s just talk for a minute.”
Eun-chan tugged her arm again, and Ye-na looked flustered. When he pulled harder, she couldn’t hide the distress on her face, her eyes welling up.
Eun-chan ignored Hyun-seung completely, determined to take Ye-na away by force if necessary.
But Hyun-seung thrust his arm between them and grabbed Eun-chan’s wrist with crushing strength.
“Let go,” Eun-chan said coldly, glaring.
Hyun-seung didn’t answer—he only tightened his grip.
His hand, firm as steel, squeezed until Eun-chan’s fingers began to slacken. The pain was clear on Eun-chan’s face; his skin reddened, his fingers spread involuntarily, and a strangled groan escaped between his teeth.
“Chief…” Ye-na called hesitantly.
Only then did Hyun-seung’s iron grip slowly release. Eun-chan clutched his wrist, now red and throbbing, his breath unsteady.
Just as Hyun-seung started to escort Ye-na away, Eun-chan, head lowered, suddenly swung a fist at him.
“You son of a bitch!”
Hyun-seung barely tilted his head in time to dodge the punch. Eun-chan, eyes blazing red with fury, lunged at him again—
