Episode 2
While absently fiddling with her handkerchief, Hari drifted into a light doze. By the time she stirred, the car had already pulled into a high-rise building standing on prime real estate along Gangnam Boulevard. It was the headquarters of Chacha Entertainment, the largest entertainment company in the country.
“Let’s at least be grateful this happened after we moved to this company. They’ve got a PR team dedicated just to handling the media, and a legal team for lawsuits and complaints. They’re quick to respond in situations like this.”
As if reminding himself to stay positive, Jungwook spoke even more cheerfully than usual.
Hari had naturally become part of this company when her previous agency, Bless You Entertainment, had been acquired and merged into it—an event that had happened just a week ago. It wasn’t empty optimism; larger companies really did handle risks like this more efficiently.
They took a VIP elevator up to the 20th floor, then walked down a private corridor. Through the windows, Hari watched employees busily moving about, and it struck her anew just how massive this company was.
“Oppa, what kind of person is the CEO here?”
“You know the Chayoung Group, right? He’s the chairman’s youngest son. This building is his, too.”
“I see.”
“Hyunseo says he’s insanely handsome. Tall, great body, even a nice voice. Apparently, he’s got everything—it’s almost unfair.”
“Really? Now I’m curious, hearing that from her.”
What would it feel like to be born to wealthy parents and inherit a building like this? Hari, who had grown up in an orphanage after losing her mother, couldn’t even begin to imagine it.
They entered a meeting room at the end of the corridor, and the reception area inside was so spacious and luxurious it felt more like a hotel.
So this is what a company run by a chaebol’s son looks like.
Impressed, Hari sank into the plush sofa. She closed her eyes for a moment, still plagued by a lingering headache, when a man soon entered the room with hurried steps.
“Whew, busy, busy!”
The man, whose bulging arm muscles strained against his dress shirt, was Kim Minsoo, the chief secretary to the company’s CEO. Hari recognized him from last week, when he had brought over the management contract papers.
“The whole place is in an uproar over the threats against our actress. Ms. Yoo Hari, Manager Jungwook—good morning. Have you eaten?”
Choi Jungwook, ever the devoted manager who worried about Hari day and night, got straight to the point.
“What’s going to happen? Is our Hari going to be okay?”
“Well… we checked with the police. For now, it seems they’re treating it as a minor offense—property damage.”
“Property damage? That’s clearly a threat and stalking!”
“They say it could end as a one-time threat, so they want to observe the situation first.”
“And if something happens to her while they’re just ‘observing,’ will they take responsibility?”
“Exactly. It’s frustrating.”
“Ugh.”
As Jungwook ground his teeth in anger, Minsoo patted his shoulder to calm him.
“The legal team is preparing a full criminal complaint, so let’s wait and see.”
“What about security? When will that start?”
“They should be arriving shortly.”
“Wow, that fast? You guys work quickly.”
“Yes. Our CEO personally hired this individual with special attention.”
Hari knew that having private security assigned wasn’t a privilege even most top stars enjoyed. Given that this was a death threat, it made sense—but it still felt excessive, almost burdensome.
Before she could say anything, a sharp knock echoed through the room.
“They must be here.”
Minsoo quickly went to open the door, and the silhouette of a large man appeared.
Hari forgot even to breathe as she stared at him.
The sound of his heavy footsteps seemed to slow down, as if in a dream. His neatly slicked-back pomade hairstyle and sharp, panther-like features gave him an intense presence. Tall, with long limbs, and without even needing to see beneath the suit, it was obvious his body was solidly built—his perfectly tailored suit revealing it effortlessly.
“Nice to meet you. My name is Cha Jisang.”
Even his low, resonant voice sounded mesmerizing, making Hari’s heart tremble.
That’s… him…
A voice she had always longed for. A name she could never forget, no matter how much time had passed.
The soldier she had only ever seen in her dreams now stood before her, as if summoned by fate. Her heart raced, and for a fleeting moment, even the headache that had been tormenting her seemed to vanish.
“Whoa! Are you really a bodyguard? You’re way too handsome!”
Despite Jungwook’s exaggerated reaction, Jisang’s expression didn’t change in the slightest. Embarrassed, Jungwook nudged Hari, seeking agreement.
“He’s handsome, right?”
“…Yeah. He is.”
Hari forced a small smile and glanced at Jisang. He didn’t react at all—not even to her voice.
Does he… not remember me?
That couldn’t be. He had said he would watch over her.
Growing impatient, Hari stared at him intently, hoping he would recognize her.
Breaking the awkward silence, Minsoo suddenly clapped his hands.
“Oh! I had a script to give you, but I left it in my office in all the chaos. I’ll be right back—please wait a moment.”
As he hurried out, Hari seized the opportunity to be alone with Jisang.
“Oppa, can you get me some water?”
“Huh? Oh, sure.”
With that plausible excuse, even Jungwook left, and a quiet stillness settled between the two of them.
Unable to hold back, Hari let out a soft laugh. Still, he didn’t even glance at her. Irritated, she stood up and walked over to him, rising onto her tiptoes and bringing her face close to his.
“Mister… you know me, right?”
At her boldness, Jisang—who had stood as stiff as a mannequin—finally moved his eyes to look at her.
“You do know me. I know you very well.”
Yoo Hari was nicknamed “human forsythia” because her smile was as bright and cheerful as the yellow blossoms. And when she deliberately smiled like this, even he couldn’t remain unaffected.
“Did you keep your promise?”
As his previously rigid expression softened into a faint smirk, Hari smiled back comfortably.
“Of course. I’ve never forgotten—not even once.”
Because you’re so precious to me.
He had been the first truly kind adult she had ever met. Perhaps that was why, as time passed, her feelings toward him had only grown more tender.
Whenever life became especially difficult, she would recall the warm advice he had given her that day. Even though he had only been a passing acquaintance, she had relied on him as if he were an older brother.
She had always wished to meet him again someday—and perhaps that wish had been so strong that it brought them together like this.
“How did we meet like this? I really missed you.”
“…Is this really a coincidence?”
“It is!”
Despite her excitement, he remained as composed as ever—just like before. Still, compared to the stern man he used to be, he now seemed more mature, more refined. Perhaps it was the sharp suit instead of a military uniform, but his overall presence felt even more striking.
“Mister, but…”
She wanted to ask everything—when he had been discharged, how he became a bodyguard, whether this meant they were truly fated to meet again—but unfortunately, Minsoo and Jungwook returned too quickly.
“Man, this office is ridiculously huge.”
“Hari! Here—your water!”
At their return, Jisang’s expression hardened again as he resumed his professional demeanor. Hari, undeterred, held out her hand for a handshake.
“I’ll be in your care from now on, Mr. Bodyguard.”
“Yes.”
Jisang gave a short reply and clasped her hand. His grip was far stronger than a simple handshake, and Hari felt the full force of it.
