Yuna rubbed her eyes as she listened to the hum of the coffee machine in Hwan's modern and stylishly furnished apartment kitchen. The exhaustion of starting the day so early was evident on her face, her eyes still red from lack of sleep. This fake marriage and all its complications were wearing her down a little more each day.
Hwan had just stepped out of the bathroom, wearing a comfortable T-shirt and sweatpants. His damp hair fell onto his forehead as he squinted at Yuna. "Up early again?" he asked with a smile.
Yuna shrugged without looking at him. "Just a habit. I'm used to early shifts at the café."
Hwan leaned against the counter, watching her. "You're the boss's wife now. You don't have to go in that early, Yuna."
Yuna rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smile slightly. "There's no need for that. I should keep living my life as it is," she said.
As they prepared breakfast together, their conversation was smooth and natural. Hwan cracked small jokes to make Yuna laugh, and she didn't hold back from responding. Hwan's eyes lingered on her smile—seeing her like this made him happy.
"What are you doing today?" Yuna asked, taking a sip of her coffee.
Hwan shrugged. "Meetings. But we could have dinner together tonight. Maybe eat out?"
Yuna shook her head. "It's accounting day today, so I might leave a little late."
Hwan kept his smile, nodding. "Got it. Then I'll pick you up after work."
Yuna's lips parted for a second, but then she chuckled. "Is this a friendly gesture?"
Hwan didn't look away as he answered. "Of course. Friends buy each other dinner."
Yuna took a deep breath and changed the subject. "Alright, then. I shouldn't tire my contract husband too much. I have to go."
For a brief moment, disappointment flickered in Hwan's eyes, but he quickly masked it. "Alright, be careful. See you tonight."
Yuna quickly put on her shoes and headed for the door. Hwan opened it for her, and Yuna gave him a small nod.
"Thanks, Hwan," she said with a teasing tone.
Hwan smiled with a meaningful look in his eyes. "Yeah, but sometimes friendship turns into something more."
Yuna laughed as she walked out. "Keep dreaming, Hwan."
As the door closed, Hwan sighed. Was he really just dreaming? Or had he found the right way to win Yuna over?
He muttered to himself, "Just friends, huh? Let's see, Yuna… Will you still think that after these three months?"
Hwan wasn't going to rush. He was going to give her the best friendship of her life. And in the process, maybe—just maybe—he'd win her heart.
______
Meanwhile, Nova stepped into the studio, an atmosphere brimming with high energy. The spacious room, its walls covered in graffiti patterns, was illuminated by bright spotlights. The set resembled a post-apocalyptic cityscape—crumbling buildings, flickering neon lights, and smoke effects.
Doyoon took the lead, exuding confidence. His eyes shone with determination. The group members, carrying the fatigue of their intense training, stood in their places, ready to bring their passion to life. Their new music video was called Phoenix—a story of rebirth.
The director clapped his hands. "Alright, guys! I want raw power and fury in this scene. Is everyone ready?"
Eunwoo closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. The pain from Yuna's marriage news still lingered, but he was going to channel that emotion into his performance.
"Action!"
The music started with a strong beat. Nova members executed their choreography with perfect precision. Their movements were powerful and sharp—punches and spins conveying anger, rebirth, and struggle.
Eunwoo's voice filled the microphone:
"Burn me down, rise from ashes,
Bound by fate but breaking chains,
I'll be stronger, I'll be free,
No more shadows haunting me."
When the camera zoomed in on his face, the fire in his eyes was intense enough to captivate any viewer. The emotions he felt—love, anger, and the wounds in his heart—were pouring into his performance.
As the choreography reached its climax, the group members leaped into a dramatic pose. Smoke rose, neon lights flashed, and the music stopped.
"Perfect!" the director shouted.
Two Days Later...
Nova's Phoenix music video was uploaded to streaming platforms and social media channels. Within hours, its views soared into the millions. Comments flooded in like a storm:
"Nova is back!"
"This performance is legendary!"
"Eunwoo's gaze pierced my heart!"
Topping the trending charts, Phoenix cemented Nova's place at the top once again. The company's stocks surged, and fans showered the video with praise. Critics hailed it as the best comeback of the year.
As Nova members celebrated their success at the company building, Eunwoo remained quiet. A faint smile played on his lips, but his eyes carried a deep sadness.
Victory brought triumph—but not true happiness.