After dinner, Joon and Minwoo arrived home. Joon glanced at him and said, "Minwoo, you must be tired. Tomorrow, you have a photoshoot with Ryu Jihan. Go and get a long sleep."
Minwoo nodded. "Thanks. I'll go now."
He started walking up the stairs when Joon suddenly called out, "Minwoo."
Minwoo turned back. "What?"
Joon said, "Don't attend any calls from Cha Yejun. Today, his secretary contacted me—he wants to meet you."
Minwoo sighed. "Don't worry, Joon. I already blocked him."
Joon smiled faintly. "That's good. I just don't want you to get stuck in another scandal."
Minwoo nodded again. "I know."
With that, he turned and continued walking upstairs to his room.
Minwoo lay down on his bed and sighed, his thoughts drifting to Cha Yejun.
He remembered the first time he saw Yejun—Minwoo was just a newbie back then, and he had been deeply impressed by Cha Yejun's personality. After their first series together, the company paired them as a BL couple. Everything had seemed perfect… until the day Yejun suddenly dumped him and destroyed his career.
"But Ryu Jihan…"
Minwoo blinked, his thoughts shifting. Suddenly, the memory of the kiss in the meeting room flashed through his mind.
He rubbed his temple. "I don't understand this man, Ryu Jihan. He's clueless… no one can figure him out."
His fingers unconsciously touched his lips.
"Why do I feel like we've met before…" he whispered to himself.
The next morning…
A sharp knock echoed from the door.
"Minwoo, wake up! We're getting late!" Joon's voice called out firmly from the hallway.
Minwoo groaned and pulled the blanket over his face, burying himself deeper into the bed. He had no intention of waking up.
Joon knocked again. "Minwoo, are you listening? I'm coming in."
Without waiting for permission, Joon opened the door and stepped inside. He spotted Minwoo, still curled up under the blanket.
With a sigh, Joon walked over and yanked the blanket off Minwoo's face. "We are getting late, Minwoo!"
Minwoo kept his eyes shut and muttered, "I don't want to wake up… I need more sleep…"
"No!" Joon grabbed his arm and pulled him up from the bed, making him stand. "We don't have time for this!"
Finally, Minwoo opened his eyes, groggy and reluctant. Joon dragged him toward the bathroom and pushed him inside.
"Take a shower. Now. Quickly," Joon ordered, shutting the door behind him.
Minwoo stood in front of the mirror, staring at his reflection. His hair was a mess, sticking out in all directions. He ran a hand through it slowly.
Suddenly, a name slipped from his lips. "Ryu Jihan…"
His eyes widened as the realization hit him. "I can't be late again…"
After getting ready, Minwoo walked down the stairs. Joon was already seated at the breakfast table, silently sipping his coffee.
Minwoo took a seat without saying a word, knowing full well that Joon was upset.
Joon (sternly): "Minwoo, you need to correct your habits. We're working with a major company now—we can't afford to be late like some loser."
Minwoo took a small bite of his breakfast and replied quietly, "I know... I just couldn't sleep well last night."
Joon (with a sigh): "Why? Still thinking?"
Minwoo (softly): "Just… thinking."
Joon (shaking his head): "Stop thinking about the past. Focus on the present and your future now."
He took a sip of his coffee, then added, "By the way, you're signing the series contract today. Mr. Donghae told me about it."
Minwoo, still chewing his food, looked over at Joon.
Joon caught his expression and smirked.
Joon: "Don't look at me like a kitten. Hurry up and finish your breakfast—we need to go."
After some time, Joon and Minwoo arrived at the company. They both took their seats at the meeting table. Shortly after, Mr. Donghae entered the room with a pleasant smile.
Donghae: "Hello, Mr. Han. Hello, Mr. Joon."
He sat across from them and added, "I'm sorry, Mr. Han—Mr. Ryu is running a little late today."
Minwoo smiled politely.
Minwoo: "It's okay. I can wait."
Donghae: "Thank you, Mr. Han."
He handed a file to Joon.
Donghae: "Please review and have Mr. Han sign the contract with Starlight Atelier Entertainment. Once signed, Mr. Han will officially be a part of the family."
He gave a bright, encouraging smile.
Joon carefully reviewed the document, then placed it in front of Minwoo and handed him a pen. Without a word, Minwoo signed the contract.
Donghae beamed.
Donghae: "Congratulations, Mr. Han."
He stood and exited the room, still smiling.
Joon (in disbelief): "Unbelievable. Atelier is offering such incredible benefits to their actors."
Minwoo didn't respond. His heart was racing—he couldn't stop thinking about the upcoming photoshoot with Ryu Jihan.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Minwoo blinked as Park Soo-bin entered the room with a graceful smile.
Soo-bin: "Hello, Mr. Han."
Joon glanced at her and felt his heartbeat quicken.
Joon: "Hello, Miss Park. I'm Joon, Mr. Han's secretary. Nice to meet you."
Soo-bin smiled warmly.
Soo-bin: "Nice to meet you too, Mr. Joon."
She turned to Minwoo.
Soo-bin: "Mr. Han, please follow me. I'll help you get ready for the photoshoot."
Minwoo stood and nodded.
Minwoo: "Okay."
They both left the room together.
Joon remained standing, frozen in place, his eyes still on the door.
Joon (to himself): "She's… so beautiful."
Minwoo sat in front of the mirror as Park Soo-bin finished adjusting his appearance.
Soo-bin (smiling): "Mr. Han, you look so cute in the school uniform."
Minwoo gave a shy smile.
Minwoo: "Thanks, Miss Park."
Just then, a staff member stepped into the room.
Staff: "The set is ready, Mr. Han. Please come with me."
Soo-bin gently set Minwoo's hair one last time.
Soo-bin: "That's all. You're good to go."
Minwoo stood and followed the staff to the photoshoot set. As he stepped onto the set, his eyes landed on Ryu Jihan—already dressed and ready for the shoot.
Minwoo's eyes widened slightly. How can someone look this handsome in a school uniform…? he thought.
Just then, Ryu Jihan's cold gaze locked with his. Jihan walked toward him without breaking eye contact. Minwoo blinked, momentarily frozen.
Minwoo: "Hello, Mr. Ryu."
Jihan looked at him slowly, from head to toe, silently taking in Minwoo's appearance. He really does look cute in this, he thought to himself.
Minwoo, confused by the intense gaze, shifted slightly. Why is he looking at me like that...?
A staff member called out,
Staff: "Mr. Ryu, the set is ready!"
Jihan gave a slight nod and walked toward the set. Minwoo followed close behind.
They stood side by side as the photographer approached them.
Photographer: "Mr. Ryu, we'll start with a romantic pose. Please hold Mr. Han's waist and pull him closer."
Without hesitation, Jihan placed his hand on Minwoo's waist and gently pulled him close. Minwoo's heart skipped a beat. His chest tightened as he felt the warmth of Jihan's touch.
Photographer: "Mr. Han, please look into Mr. Ryu's eyes."
Minwoo followed the direction and looked into Jihan's eyes. The intensity made it hard to breathe.
Jihan (quietly): "Why is your heart racing?"
Minwoo didn't reply. His lips parted slightly, but no words came out.
Suddenly, Jihan tilted Minwoo's face closer—so close their lips nearly touched. One of Jihan's hands slid into Minwoo's hair, fingers brushing against his scalp. Their breaths mingled.
Photographer: "Perfect. Hold it there."
The camera clicked loudly, flash after flash capturing the moment.
But Minwoo didn't hear them.
He was lost—completely lost—in Jihan's eyes.