Is that the new beginning?

Love in the Spotlight

The buzz around Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon's relationship had barely settled when a new opportunity presented itself. Producers from a leading drama series had taken notice of their undeniable chemistry in "Lovely Runner" and wanted to capitalize on it. They were offered roles as each other's love interests in a new series, but both Woo Seok and Hye Yoon hesitated.

They had loved working together in "Lovely Runner," but the idea of turning their newfound relationship into a public spectacle worried them. They didn't want to burden the production team with the media frenzy their on-screen romance might attract. More importantly, they wanted to protect their relationship from the pressures of constant scrutiny.

After much deliberation, they decided to turn down the offer. One evening, while enjoying a quiet dinner at Woo Seok's apartment, they discussed their decision.

"I think it's the right choice," Hye Yoon said, savoring a spoonful of Woo Seok's homemade kimchi jjigae. "We need to be careful, especially now."

Woo Seok nodded, reaching across the table to take her hand. "I agree. But it's still hard to say no to such an exciting project."

Just as they were about to finish dinner, Woo Seok received a call from his manager. A different proposal had come in – one that intrigued them both.

This time, the series was a crime-thriller where Woo Seok would play the lead role of a prosecutor. His character was driven by justice and a complex past. Hye Yoon, on the other hand, was cast as the daughter of a conglomerate, a woman on a mission to clear her father's name after he was framed. Her role was intense, filled with the thirst for revenge and a quest for truth.

They wouldn't be love interests in the series. Their characters would operate in parallel narratives, their paths crossing only occasionally. This separation meant they wouldn't be acting opposite each other for most scenes, allowing them to maintain a professional distance while still supporting each other.

They accepted the roles, excited and relieved by the balance it provided. The drama, titled "Justice's Shadow," quickly became one of the most anticipated shows of the year.

Despite their busy schedules, Woo Seok and Hyeyoon found ways to support each other. Woo Seok, ever the thoughtful boyfriend, frequently sent food trucks to Hyeyoon's filming location, delighting her and the crew with delicious meals.

One day, as Hyeyoon was in the middle of a particularly grueling scene, a food truck arrived with a banner that read: "To my amazing HyeYoon-ah and her hardworking team, enjoy the food and keep up the great work! – Woo Seok."

Hyeyoon laughed as she saw the message, feeling a warm glow in her chest. She took a selfie in front of the truck and sent it to Woo Seok with a caption: "You're the best, oppa! Thank you!"

Similarly, when Woo Seok had long, exhausting days on set, Hyeyoon would surprise him with thoughtful gestures. One afternoon, Woo Seok was struggling with a challenging courtroom scene when a food truck arrived bearing a banner that read: "To my incredible prosecutor Byeon, keep fighting for justice! – HyeYoon-ah."

Woo Seok grinned as he saw the banner and immediately sent Hyeyoon a text: "You always know how to make my day better. Thank you, HyeYoon-ah."

One evening, after a particularly demanding day of filming, Woo Seok and Hyeyoon decided to unwind with a quiet dinner at Woo Seok's apartment. He had prepared a simple but delicious meal, and they enjoyed it on the balcony, the city lights twinkling below them.

"How was your day, oppa?" Hyeyoon asked, sipping her wine.

"Challenging, but seeing your message and the food truck really lifted my spirits," Woo Seok replied, reaching across the table to take her hand.