Love and Limelight

Chapter 3: Foodtruck

As the sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the bustling set of "Starlight Escape," Raya and Ji-Eun found themselves engaged in a hushed conversation behind a stack of equipment crates. They had become fast friends during their time on the show, bonding over their shared love for cinema, when the day's events had taken an unexpected turn.

A sleek, glamorous food truck pulled onto the set, capturing everyone's attention. A woman emerged from it, the epitome of the Korean beauty—slender, with an oval-shaped face, fair skin, and a radiant smile. Her presence seemed to radiate an aura of elegance, making heads turn in her direction.

Raya and Ji-Eun watched as the woman gracefully approached them. She wore a stylish ensemble that accentuated her beauty and confidence. With a friendly smile, she introduced herself, "Hi, I'm Ko Young-ah. I'm here with the food truck, and I was wondering if you could help me find a suitable spot to park it?"

Raya and Ji-Eun exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of how to react to the unexpected request. Raya, feeling a bit starstruck, stammered, "O-of course, Ms. Ko. We'll find a good spot for you."

Young-ah nodded in appreciation, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Oh, and while you're at it, could you take some photos of me with Rae Won in front of the truck?" She pointed toward the area where Rae Won was engrossed in conversation with some of the crew members. "And after that, please announce for everyone to come get their refreshments."

Raya hesitated for a moment, then nodded reluctantly. She glanced at Ji-Eun, who had been observing the entire exchange with keen interest.

After Young-ah walked away to check on the food truck, Ji-Eun leaned in and whispered, "Raya, do you know who that is?"

Raya raised an eyebrow, puzzled. "She sounds familiar."

Ji-Eun grinned mischievously. "That's Ko Young-ah, the famous beauty vlogger. And rumor has it that she's Rae Won's girlfriend."

Raya's heart sank at the revelation. She remembered that she had seen one of Ko Young-ah's vlogs before, but the idea that she might be romantically involved with Rae Won hadn't crossed her mind. She turned her gaze back to Rae Won , who was now laughing with Young-ah, and a strange, unfamiliar feeling stirred within her.

"Come on, Raya," Ji-Eun teased, nudging her playfully. "You've been spending a lot of time with Rae Won lately. Do you have a little crush on our rising star?"

Raya's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she stammered, "N-no, it's not like that."

But deep down, she couldn't deny the truth any longer. As she watched Rae Won and Young-ah interact, a pang of jealousy welled up within her. Raya tried to shake off the creeping thought in her mind.

She couldn't be falling for him; she told herself she was not delusional. But her heart had a way of challenging logic, and as the days on the set of "Starlight Escape" continued, Raya couldn't help but wonder where her growing feelings for Rae Won might lead.

* * *

Raya's heart raced as she walked around the set, several times she'd almost forgotten what was it she was supposed to do, her movement echoing the rhythm of her thoughts. Today was different. Today was the day she'd come face to face with Koo Young-ah, Song Rae Won's rumored girlfriend, the social media sensation with a million followers and a knack for causing a stir with every post. With the secrecy of Korean stars about their personal lives, Raya couldn't help but wonder what their relationship truly was.

The six hosts, including Rae Won , were in the middle of their usual pre-shoot banter, their camaraderie undeniable. As Raya approached the set, Rae Won's eyes lit up as he saw her, a warm smile spreading across his face.