The Past Unwritten

The read-through began. Everyone was seated with a copy of the script in their hands. The room fell silent as Director Ryu gave a small nod, and the session commenced.

"Do you remember that winter?"

Han Jiwoo's voice rang out in the room — soft, gentle, yet carrying layers of unspoken emotion.

After he finished his line, Min Haejin followed, her voice sharp and precise.

"Do you still hate me, Junseo?"

She was clearly talented. Every eye in the room could see it.

"I thought I did. I told myself a hundred times, a thousand times, that I've moved on. But seeing you standing in front of me today made me realize I was lying to myself. Life without you is meaningless," Park Eun Ho read his lines, focused on the script in his hands.

Eun Jung watched, dumbfounded. Sure, she knew Park Eun Ho as the cold, untouchable actor — but this? She had never imagined this side of him.

"Wow, he's so talented," she whispered to herself in awe before quickly covering her mouth with both hands.

One by one, the other cast members delivered their lines. Director Ryu called for a short break after Act 1 was complete.

During the break, Eun Jung sat still, overwhelmed. She was at a read-through for her own drama. With big-name actors. The weight of the moment hit her all at once, and before she knew it, tears streamed down her cheeks.

"Are you okay, Eun Jung-ssi?" Seo Mira asked gently, handing her a tissue.

"Ne, I'm fine," she replied, dabbing her face.

"I'm just… really happy."

"I understand," Mira said with a smile. "Don't worry, you'll get used to it. You've already come this far — you can do this, okay?"

Eun Jung looked at her gratefully. Seo Mira had been the one guiding her through everything — the contract, the paperwork, the meetings. She had been nothing but kind.

"Fighting!" Mira said, raising a small fist.

"Yes, fighting!" Eun Jung said with a smile.

"Come on, Act 2 will start soon," Mira added, and they both made their way back to the conference room.

As Act 2 began, the room quieted again. This time, the actors were fully immersed in their characters. You could feel it in their tone, their expression, the way they read — it was no longer just acting. It was becoming real.

Eun Jung found herself glancing at Han Jiwoo from time to time. He looked even more handsome up close.

I wonder if he'll remember me, she thought.

While some of the supporting actors were delivering their lines, her gaze shifted — and she suddenly met eyes with Park Eun Ho. His expression was blank. Completely unreadable. His cold aura was just as strong in person.

She panicked slightly and quickly bowed with a small smile before turning away. Her heart was pounding.

By the time the read-through ended, the sun was already setting. Everyone looked tired but satisfied.

"Okay, thank you for your hard work today," Director Ryu said, bowing. "Everyone did great. Let's keep it up. There's no confirmed shoot date yet, but we'll notify everyone once it's decided. Thank you again."

He turned to Eun Jung as the rest of the cast began to leave.

"That's all for today, Miss Eun Jung. See you on site."

"Ne, thank you," she said, bowing.

As she scanned the room, her eyes landed on Han Jiwoo, who was now standing alone.

Maybe I should ask for his autograph she thought to herself 

She mustered up her courage and walked toward him.

"Hi, Han Jiwoo-ssi. I'm—"

"Kim Eun Jung, right?" he cut in with a smile.

Wow. He knows my name… she thought, stunned and giddy.

"It's nice to meet you, Miss Kim. I'm Han Jiwoo," he said, extending his hand.

"Of course I know you. Everyone does. It's nice to meet you too," she said, shaking his hand. The second their hands touched, she felt a strange wave ripple through her body.

This day was officially one of the best days of her life.

He noticed her dazed expression and chuckled.

"Your story is really great. I'm looking forward to working with you."

"Me too," she replied softly.

"Can I have an autograph? I'm actually a big fan," she asked shyly, holding out a script and pen.

"Woah, then it's fate! I'm also a fan," he grinned. "I actually read the whole book after I got the script. I became a fan of yours instantly."

He signed the script and handed it back.

"Thank you," she said, touched.

"Now can I have an autograph too?" he teased, and they both laughed.

"Jiwoo-ah!" a voice called from behind.

They turned. Min Haejin was walking toward them.

"Woah, Min Haejin-ssi, it's been a while," Jiwoo said.

"Yeah, how have you been?" she asked.

"I've been good. Very good. Especially after someone disappeared for six months without a word and didn't even bother contacting me when they came back," he said, pretending to be hurt.

"It's not like that," she said. "I really wanted to call, but when I tried, your manager picked up. He said he'd tell you I called… but I guess he forgot. And by the time I left again, it was too late."

Eun Jung stood awkwardly beside them, unsure what to say or do.

They must be close, she thought.

Finally, Haejin noticed her and smiled politely.

"Hi, you're the writer, right?"

"Yes, I'm Eun Jung," she replied, offering her hand for a handshake.

"Min Haejin," she said, without taking the handshake. Eun Jung awkwardly lowered her hand and brushed her hair back.

"Thank you, Jiwoo-ssi. It was nice meeting you. I'll take my leave now," she said with a small bow.

"It was nice meeting you too, Eun Jung," he said warmly.

She turned and walked toward the exit.

"What was that for?" Jiwoo asked, frowning at Haejin.

"What?" she said, avoiding his eyes.

"You haven't changed a bit, Haejin," he said with a sigh.

Just then, Park Eun Ho walked past them. Haejin called out.

"Eun Ho-ah!"

He stopped and turned slightly.

"I didn't expect you to be part of this project too. This will be our second collaboration. Isn't that great?"

"Mm," he replied flatly.

"Me and Jiwoo are planning to eat out to celebrate. Why don't you join us?" she offered.

"I'm afraid I can't. I have something to do," he said, then walked off.

Haejin watched him leave, hurt flickering in her eyes.

"Haejin…" Jiwoo sighed.

"When will you give up? Why bother asking when you know what his answer will be?"

"Why do you care?" she snapped.

He raised his hands in surrender.

"Anyway, are we really getting dinner together? You still owe me, you know."

"

Fine, fine," she said with a smile. "I'll buy you dinner. We have a lot to catch up on."

And just like that, the two of them walked off together.