Unfiltered Hearts

Author’s Note

Hi Everyone!

First off. This story is inspired by Korean reality dating shows. I just wanted to try something different and write about what it might feel like to enter that kind of space as someone who doesn’t want to play the game and follow the tropes 😆

If you’ve ever watched a dating show and thought, this is less about love and more about pressure, image, and survival, then you’ll understand exactly where this story is coming from.

Please don’t forget to comment and share if you’re enjoying. At the moment it is ongoing but I plan on finishing sooner rather than later. Hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer : This story is purely fictional. All characters, names, events, and organizations portrayed in this work are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to real events or shows is purely coincidental.

"D-Day - The Cameras Don’t Blink”

The courtyard was breathtaking in the soft light of early spring. Traditional hanok architecture blended seamlessly with modern touches, elegant curved wooden eaves with dark tiled roofs, wide glass walls that reflected the blooming cherry blossoms, and warm wooden pillars carved with delicate patterns. Stone pathways wound through manicured gardens where cherry blossom trees stood in full, glorious bloom. Pale pink petals drifted lazily through the air like gentle snow, carpeting the ground in a soft, fragrant layer. The air smelled of fresh blossoms, old wood, and the faint sweetness of spring.

It would have been peaceful... if not for the hundreds of tiny cameras hidden everywhere. Nestled in the wooden beams, behind paper screens, mounted on lanterns, and even woven into the flowerbeds. Red recording lights blinked like watchful eyes.

The PD clapped his hands with way too much enthusiasm. Despite his small stature barely reaching five feet tall, his voice boomed across the courtyard with surprising power, the kind that could stop anyone mid-step and demand attention. He adjusted his thin-frame glasses with one finger, his soft, kind eyes twinkling behind them. “Welcome, everyone, to Hanok Hearts: Hidden Connections! Please line up and walk into the courtyard one by one to introduce yourselves!”

I stood at the very back of the line, clutching the strap of my canvas tote like a lifeline.

Beautiful setting. Terrible idea.

This place looks like it was designed for romantic montages and emotional breakdowns.

Truth is. I didn’t want to be here but I had signed the contract anyway. Not because I believed in their fairy tale, but because three weeks before the application deadline, I discovered something that made my blood boil.

The father who abandoned my mother while she was dying of cancer. He packed his bags and left us to rot is now the Chairman of the broadcasting company that produces this show. I wasn’t here to fall in love.

I was here to find him.

Before this, I tried everything else. I sent letters. I made phone calls. I waited for a response that never came. No reply. No acknowledgment. Not even the dignity of a refusal. It was as if we had never existed to him at all. So this time, I had no choice.If he wouldn’t answer me in private, then I would make sure he had to see me in public.

And maybe, just maybe, embarrass him on national television while I was at it. Let’s see how the big-shot Chairman likes watching his abandoned daughter prove that love is fake on the very network he runs. Poetic justice has never tasted so bitter yet so sweet.

To be honest, I had a problem digesting all of the rules. They literally told me during the final interview that I was the “charity case”. That I am the pitiful, meek-looking girl nobody would want at first. The perfect underdog for their Cinderella narrative. They even urged me to choose a man and follow him around like a puppy. I mean who is really into that nowadays?

Although I disagreed in silent, I smiled sweetly and signed anyway. Some things really are scripted...and I was ready to rewrite the ending.

The participants arrived one by one as they were ordered to, myself included.

We formed a loose line at the entrance of the courtyard. I stayed at the very back, clutching the strap of my canvas tote like it was the only thing keeping me grounded. I really didn’t want to look at anyone. Didn’t care really to be honest.

Here we go. The classic reality dating show lineup. Let’s see how many tropes they managed to collect this season.

Lee Soo Ah stepped forward first, every movement polished. Flawless beige dress, perfect posture, a smile that looked practiced in the mirror at least a hundred times.“Hi everyone, I’m Lee Soo Ah, 24, from Seoul.”

The Camera-Ready Beauty. Former child actress turned influencer. She knows exactly which angle is her best and will never, ever let a bad frame exist. She’s here for the soft-launch content and the brand deals after the show ends. And she will definitely be caught in a love square because she’s giving main character syndrome.

Park Min Ji followed with quiet elegance. Silk blouse, understated luxury, the kind of presence that made people automatically straighten their backs.“Park Min Ji, 28, originally from Busan, now in Seoul.”

The Elegant Rival. Old money. CEO’s daughter. She’s used to being the most refined person in the room and she’s already calculating who the biggest threat is. Spoiler: it’s probably not me... yet. Also, she’s probably here to brag about her riches.

Choi Ha Yoon bounced in next, pink hair glowing under the spring sunlight, energy radiating off her like a portable spotlight.“Choi Ha Yoon, 23, from Incheon! Let’s make this super fun!”

The Loud Content Creator. TikTok star. She’ll treat this entire experience like a 30-day series. Everything is content. Even her emotions. I am happy with her. She seems... energetic. I might just need a recharge from her unless she’s the draining type. Apparently she’s not allowed to use her own cameras...because...wait for it...

...She’s already on camera.

Jung Tae Min walked in like the courtyard had been waiting for him. Tall, sharp jawline, that effortless chaebol charm that made every woman in the line subtly shift their posture.“Jung Tae Min, 27, from Seoul.”

Rich, confident, and dangerous. He knows exactly why he’s there. Classic “I’m just being polite” strategy that somehow makes every girl feel special. He is in it for the game. A man with his looks wouldn’t come on this show to be serious. Hell, he could have his own show if he felt like it. I am pretty sure he’s just here to look handsome and kill time due to his abundance of boredom and wealth.

Han Ji Hoon came next with an easy, athletic smile. Broad shoulders, tanned skin, the kind of friendly energy that made him look approachable rather than intimidating.“Han Ji Hoon, 29, from Daegu. Glad to be here.”

The Athletic Nice Guy. Soccer player. Warm, straightforward, and probably the least likely to play mind games. The safe choice for anyone who wants a genuine connection... which, of course, means the cameras will probably ignore him.

Kim Dong Hyun offered a gentle nod, glasses resting lightly on his face. He looked intelligent and a little tired, like someone who spent more time committing to his career than his quest for love.“Kim Dong Hyun, 28, from Gwangju. Looking forward to getting to know everyone.”

A doctor. The type who listens more than he talks. Probably the only person here who might actually notice when someone is overwhelmed instead of just performing for the cameras.

Seo Kang Woo went near the end. Guitar case in hand, dark messy hair falling over his forehead, expression completely unreadable. Rings on his fingers. Indi artist vibe. “Seo Kang Woo, 25, from Jeju.”

The Mysterious Musician. Short introduction. Zero extra charm. He’s already observing everyone like he’s collecting material for a song. Borderline creepy... and somehow the most interesting one so far. If there’s one thing that I’m pretty certain he is great at is probably sneaking up on people. I know because he stood a little to close to me in the back of the line. Didn’t even try to hide the fact that he was staring.

Then it was my turn. I walked forward last, the sleeves of my hoodie pulled over my hands, and gave the smallest possible bow. “Kim Ji Eun, 26... from Busan. I work at a bookstore-café. Nothing special.”

I spoke as low as I could just so they wouldn’t care.

And I was right.

They didn’t even acknowledge me. They were all too busy asking each other questions. Except for Kang Woo who was still staring at me.

Of course I had to be the awkward underdog. The one they put here so the audience can or cannot root for. The one who’s not supposed to win or lose.

I could already see the tropes lining up perfectly. The beauty. The rich girl. The loud one. The charming prince. The athlete. The doctor. The mysterious artist. And then the quiet girl introvert girl the hoodie who looked like she’d rather be anywhere else.

Classic reality show casting. Almost too perfect to be real.

Viewer Comments (already scrolling on the side monitor):

“Tae Min walked in and the temperature rose at least 10 degrees

"Who gave him the right to look like that?”

“Soo Ah is actually unreal... she looks like she walked straight out of a commercial. Too beautiful for real life.”

“Ji Eun really showed up in a hoodie and introduced herself like she was being held hostage. The awkward energy is strong.”

“Why is Kang Woo just standing there staring at Ji Eun like he already knows her? The staring problem is crazy.”

“Ji Eun: ‘Nothing special’ while the rest of them look like they came from a magazine shoot. The contrast is hilarious.”

“Kang Woo hasn’t said more than five words but somehow has the most intense presence. And he keeps looking at the hoodie girl...”

“Someone tell Ji Eun it’s okay to make eye contact. She looks like she’s already planning her escape.”

***

We finally moved to the welcome table, which was set with an elegant spread of coffee, different kinds of tea, small tea party snacks, tiny sandwiches, delicate cookies, and pastel-colored macarons.

My stomach immediately responded with a loud, traitorous growl. I quickly pressed my hand against it, hoping no one noticed. Great. First impression: hungry and awkward. Perfect combination.

This was it. The seating arrangement scene.

Just like in every Korean reality dating show I’d ever watched, the men stepped back and politely waited for the women to sit first. Classic chivalry trope.

Soo Ah led the way with complete confidence, choosing a seat near the center as if the table had been waiting for her.

Min Ji followed right after, sitting gracefully beside her with that same quiet elegance.

Ha Yoon bounced over next, still radiating energy, and plopped down with a bright smile.

I hesitated for half a second before walking over and sitting directly next to Ha Yoon. No dramatic empty seat. No strategic positioning. I just didn’t care enough to leave a gap.

Obviously at this point I think I could’ve been murdered by the glares at I got for butchering the seating arrangement.

The men finally moved in carefully.

Tae Min led them, of course. He walked with that effortless confidence and sat across from the girls, naturally placing himself in a position where he could talk to almost everyone.

Ji Hoon followed with his easy athletic smile and took the seat next to him.

Dong Hyun sat more carefully, adjusting his glasses as he settled on the empty seat next to Ha Yoon.

And then there was Kang Woo. He was the last to sit, moving slowly like someone who would rather be anywhere else. He chose the seat farthest from the center, almost at the edge of the table, and leaned back slightly with his arms loosely crossed. His expression remained unreadable, but his eyes still managed to find me for a brief second before looking away.

I stared at the snacks in front of me, trying very hard not to look at anyone.

And just like that, the board is set.

Tae Min immediately slipped into full gentleman mode. He picked up the teapot and poured for Soo Ah first, voice smooth and low.

“Here, the tea smells nice. Thought you might like some.”

Soo Ah smiled brightly. “Thank you.”

Min Ji didn’t miss a beat. She slid her cup over with bold confidence. “I’ll take some too, if you’re offering.”

Tae Min poured for her without hesitation, adding a polite smile that made the other girls shift closer.

Ha Yoon laughed a little too brightly at one of his minimal comments. Even quiet Soo Ah kept glancing his way. The classic harem formation was already assembling around the acts-of-service king.

I stayed on the edge of the circle, arms crossed. Predictable. Give it two days and they’ll all be fighting over who gets the dramatic sunset confession with him.

When I reached for my glass of water, my clumsy fingers betrayed me. It tipped straight over, splashing across the table and onto the floor. “Amazing,” I muttered beneath my breath. “Ten out of ten for first impressions.”

Before I could grab a napkin, Tae Min was already there, pouring a fresh glass and offering it to me with that perfect, charming smile. “Here. New one.”

Dong Hyun rushed to help me clean up the mess like a gentleman. His intentions were clearly different from Tae Min.

The courtyard went oddly quiet. All the women side-eyed me. I stared at the glass, then at him. “Uhh... why me? Why not focus on them?”

Min Ji’s eyebrows shot up.

Soo Ah blinked in surprise.

Ha Yoon covered her mouth like she was trying not to laugh.

Tae Min just chuckled softly, unfazed. “You just looked like you needed it after the spill.”

Before I could respond, Min Ji tilted her head slightly, her voice smooth but pointed.“Ji Eun... you work at a café and bookstore, right?” she asked. “So you serve people for a living?”

I met her gaze evenly. “Yes.”

Min Ji’s lips curved into a polite but sharp smile. “Then why is Tae Min the one serving you right now?”

The table went even quieter. I looked at her for a second, then at Tae Min, who was still holding the fresh glass of water, before turning back to Min Ji.“It’s simple,” I said dryly. “If he doesn’t, he won’t impress you.”

A short, stunned silence followed.

Ha Yoon let out a tiny choked sound.

Soo Ah’s eyes widened.

Even Tae Min looked slightly caught off guard before he recovered with an amused smile.

Min Ji’s expression tightened just a fraction, though she still managed to keep her elegant composure. I took the glass from Tae Min with a small nod. “Thanks.”

Then I looked back at Min Ji, completely unbothered. If you’re going to throw subtle digs, at least expect one back.

Live Comments:

“JI EUN CALLED HIM OUT LOUD”

“Min Ji’s side eye could cut glass”

“She really said ‘why me’ to Tae Min’s face. Icon behavior”

“Min Ji really tried to humble her by bringing up her job and Ji Eun just hit back with no hesitation”

“‘If he doesn’t, he won’t impress you.’ THE AUDACITY. I love her.”

“Ji Eun is not playing. She just called out the whole acts-of-service strategy in one sentence”

“Min Ji’s face after that reply... she was not expecting the quiet girl to clap back”

“Ha Yoon choking in the background is so real”

“Tae Min looking amused while the girls are in a silent war... this man is enjoying the chaos”

“Protect Ji Eun at all costs. The quiet ones are always the most dangerous”

***

Throughout the welcome table chat, Kang Woo and I quietly competed for “least words spoken.” He won by a hair when he answered a PD question with just a nod. I came in second with one reluctant “mm-hmm.”

Every time I glanced up, he was watching me with that unreadable expression and the tiniest mocking smirk, like he could hear every sarcastic thought in my head. Stop smirking at me, Jeju boy. It’s borderline creepy and I don’t trust anyone who looks amused by my chaos.

Production voice out, “First Connection Choice will now begin. Please gather at the main table.”

We all sat down again, exhausted but tense.

The black envelope was opened.

“Each of you will privately write down one person you’re interested in. Choices are final. Mutual matches will go on a private date tomorrow. Non-mutual high-interest pairings may still be selected by producers.”

Perfect, I thought. Time to execute Operation Safe Rejection.

I already knew my choice: Jung Tae Min. He had spent the entire evening flirting with Soo Ah, Min Ji and Ha Yoon. There was zero chance he would pick the awkward, hoodie-wearing bookstore girl who barely made eye contact. He was the safest possible option.

We went into the private booths one by one. When I wrote his name, I felt a small rush of relief.

Back at the table, the automated voice began reading the results.

“Lee Soo Ah chooses... Jung Tae Min.” “Park Min Ji chooses... Kim Dong Hyun.” “Choi Ha Yoon chooses... Han Ji Hoon.”

Then my name.

“Kim Ji Eun chooses... Jung Tae Min.”

A ripple of surprise went through the group. I kept my eyes on the table, cheeks burning. Yes. Phase one complete.

Tae Min leaned back, a slow, amused smile spreading across his face.

The men’s choices continued.

“Han Ji Hoon chooses... Choi Ha Yoon.” “Kim Dong Hyun chooses... Park Min Ji.” “Jung Tae Min chooses... Kim Ji Eun.”

The entire room went dead silent.

My head snapped up. “Wait... what?” Before I could say anything more, the voice cut me off.

“Seo Kang Woo also chooses Kim Ji Eun.”

Tae Min’s smile widened, confident and a little cocky. “Surprised?”

Everyone stared at him, shocked. He shrugged casually. “She showed the least interest in me all evening. Barely looked at me, kept hiding in her hoodie. I do like a challenge. I’m going to make her interested.”

I felt myself glaring in disbelief. I could stay quiet but I didn’t. “This isn’t a competition show, Tae Min ssi,” I said, voice dry but steady. “And I’m not a chess piece for you to conquer just because you’re bored. Question? Do I really look like the ′make the quiet girl fall for me′ achievement unlock person?”

Kang Woo who had taken a sip of water, spat it out in response.

They all turned to look at him. He simply wiped his mouth with a napkin and smiled.

Tae Min let out a low chuckle, clearly entertained. “Even better. I love it when the game fights back.”

I didn’t even want to look at Kang Woo to find out his reason. I already had enough of cringe from Tae Min.

Kang Woo, who had been silently observing the whole time suddenly spoke up, his voice calm but firm.”PD-nim,” he said, looking toward the nearest camera. “If there’s only one mutual match, can I still join their date anyway? As a third wheel and high interest pairing?”

The entire group turned to him in disbelief as if they just noticed him for the first time. The automated voice replied after a short pause: “Request noted. The decision will be made by producers.”

Min Ji didn’t even try to hide her disappointment. Her elegant face fell completely, and she looked down at her hands, lips pressed into a thin line.

Ha Yoon’s mouth dropped open. “So the one person trying not to get chosen just became the most chosen?”

Even Soo Ah looked stunned.

Live Comments Exploding:

“TAE MIN PICKED JI EUN AS A CHALLENGE The audacity!!"

“Ji Eun really just called herself a ‘chess piece’ and an ’achievement unlock’ to his face... she’s so done already"

“THE WAY SHE SAID ‘Do I really look like the make the quiet girl fall for me achievement unlock person?’ I’m deceased”

“Kang Woo literally spat out his water. What was that reaction??”

“Kang Woo choking on water is the best thing that’s happened so far”

“Ji Eun went from invisible to most wanted in one day... the plot twist no one saw coming”

“Min Ji’s face just completely dropped. The silent heartbreak is real”

“Ha Yoon’s ‘the one person trying not to get chosen just became the most chosen’ is the summary of this entire show”

“Kang Woo casually asking to be the third wheel like it’s the most normal request in the world... the confidence??”

“Why does Kang Woo suddenly look so interested?? He’s been quiet this whole time and now he’s volunteering to crash their date”

“The slow burn between Kang Woo and Ji Eun is already stronger than most actual couples on these shows”

“Ji Eun’s face when she realized she has to go on a date with Tae Min... pure horror 😱"

“Someone protect Ji Eun. She just wanted to stay low key and now she has two men fighting over her”

***

After the rock-paper-scissors chaos, I ended up paired with Ha Yoon for the women’s wing. She was already bouncing excitedly about “roommate bonding,” but I just wanted to disappear.

I was halfway down the wooden walkway when a hand gently but firmly caught my wrist.

Before I could react, Kang Woo pulled me into the narrow blind spot behind the old wooden storage pavilion.

The lattice created a tiny pocket of shadow where the cameras couldn’t fully reach. My back hit the cool wall. He stood close. Close enough that I could feel his warmth. He signalled silently for me not to speak, holding his finger up to his lips.

I immediately yanked my hood tighter, pulling the fabric down until only my eyes and the tip of my nose peeked out. Good thing for the low lighting. Please don’t notice how red my face is right now.

Up close, he was devastating.

His dark hair, slightly longer and messy in that effortlessly artistic way, fell across his forehead in soft waves. A few strands brushed his brows. His eyes are deep, expressive, framed by unfairly long lashes. He looked at me with quiet intensity. His nose-straight and refined. His lips looked soft but serious. He had a delicate yet defined jawline and pale, flawless skin that glowed faintly in the dimness. He smelled like wood and clean rain.

Memories came rushing in.

Kang Woo’s smirk grew. Without warning, he reached up and gently unclipped the small wireless mic from the collar of my hoodie--which felt too close for comfort. He switched it off with a soft click, then did the same to his own.

“There,” he said, voice even lower now that we were truly off-mic. “No audience for thirty seconds.”

My eyes widened. “Did you just... commit mic murder? That’s probably against like the seventeen rules.”

This is so unfair. I came here to prove love is fake, not to get cornered by someone who looks like he was designed to ruin my emotional walls. The world didn’t need to know my history with Seo Kang Woo.

Because there really isn’t much. We crossed paths several times. And I can say that I always ran from him. Yet here I am...caught.

“You keep running away,” he said, voice low. “Always running in this endless marathon.”

I stared at him, the cool wooden wall pressing against my back. For a second, the old memories threatened to surface. The rain, the song, the phone call but I pushed them down hard. “I’m used to running,” I said finally, my voice quieter than I intended. “From everything. Especially problems.”

Kang Woo tilted his head slightly, eyes still fixed on mine.“Am I a problem then?”

I let out a short, breathy laugh and raised an eyebrow.”Technically? Yes. You are a problem.” I gestured vaguely between us and the dark alcove. “You just pulled me aside on live television, turned off both our mics, and started asking questions in a camera blind spot. That’s the definition of a problem, Guitar Guy.”

A small smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, but his eyes stayed serious.“Maybe,” he murmured. “But you still haven’t run yet.”

I clicked my tongue. “That’s because you’re blocking the exit. Very strategic of you.”

“I prefer the term ′efficient,’” he replied smoothly.

“Efficient at what? Making me question my life choices on national television?”

Kang Woo leaned in just a fraction more, his voice dropping. “You’re the one who keeps answering me instead of walking away.”

I narrowed my eyes. “I’m being held hostage by a man who thinks turning off mics counts as a romantic gesture and has a dangerous lack of emotional awareness. Forgive me for not making a dramatic escape.”

He let out a quiet laugh. “Lack of emotional awareness? That’s a new one. Most people just call me quiet and weird.”

“They’re not wrong,” I shot back. “You’re both. Quiet, weird, and currently committing several production rule violations.”

Kang Woo’s eyes flickered with amusement. “And yet you’re still standing here arguing with me instead of reporting me.”

I opened my mouth, then closed it again. Damn it.“That’s... temporary,” I muttered. “I’m...just gathering evidence.”

“Mm.” He tilted his head. “And how’s the evidence collection going so far?”

“Poorly,” I replied without missing a beat. “The main suspect keeps interrupting the investigation with unnecessary observations and strategic mic theft.”

Kang Woo’s smirk deepened just slightly. “Sounds like the suspect is winning.”

“Temporarily,” I corrected him. “I’m still building a case.”

“Against what, exactly?”

“Against men who drag people into blind spots and then act like it’s a philosophical discussion instead of a production violation.”

He let out a soft, low laugh. “And yet you’re still here participating in the discussion.”

I narrowed my eyes. “I’m gathering more evidence. Don’t confuse cooperation with consent.”

Kang Woo leaned in just a fraction more, his voice dropping. “Then why haven’t you left yet?”

I clicked my tongue. “Because if I leave too quickly, you’ll claim I ran away again. I’m not giving you that satisfaction.”

A quiet amusement flickered in his eyes. “So this is you... not running?”

“This is me conducting a controlled assessment of a high-risk situation,” I shot back. “There’s a difference.”

Kang Woo’s smile softened, but the challenge in his gaze remained. “You’re very thorough, Origami Girl.”

I tugged my hood tighter and mocked,“And you’re very annoying, Guitar Guy.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“It wasn’t.”

“I’ll still take it.” He leaned in a fraction. “I’m curious. You picked Tae Min because you thought he wouldn’t choose you back. I picked you because I knew you’d do the same to me. We’re both cowards using the same strategy.”

I let out a quiet laugh. “Wow. Calling yourself a coward while literally cornering me in a dark alcove? Bold strategy. Zero out of ten. Would not recommend.”

“I’m not cornering you,” he murmured, eyes sparkling. “I’m... strategically observing.”

“Oh sure,” I shot back. “And I’m strategically hiding under this hood like a dramatic Victorian ghost. We’re both very normal and well-adjusted.”

“You’re flushed.”

“I am not,” I lied, yanking the hood even tighter. “This is an allergic reaction to emotional vulnerability and illegal mic tampering.”

For a second, the banter faded. His eyes dropped to my lips. The air between us suddenly felt way too warm.

“It’s still there,” he said quietly. “I see it.”

I froze. “What?”

His eyes flicked across my face, lingering just a second too long. “Your freckles.”

My heart stumbled. What are you doing Seo Kang Woo?

Of course. I suddenly thought, a cold clarity cutting through the tension.

Backstory. He’s a struggling indie musician. The kind who’s been playing the same small stages for years without ever really breaking through. This show is the perfect exposure for someone like him. He’s not here because he’s interested in me. He’s here for the game. Just like everyone else. The quiet intensity, the mysterious act... it’s all part of the branding.

I pulled the hood even tighter over my face, trying to create more distance between us.“They’re just freckles,” I muttered. “Nothing special.”

Kang Woo didn’t move back. He just kept looking at me with that unreadable expression, like he was trying to figure something out.

After a short pause, his voice dropped even lower.“Why are you here, Ji Eun?”

The question landed heavier than I expected. I blinked. “What?”

“You don’t seem like the type who’s interested in finding love on television,” he said quietly. “Most people come here hoping to be chosen. You look like you’re hoping to disappear. So... why did you really apply?”

My fingers tightened around the edge of my hoodie. Better to keep it to myself now. “Maybe I just wanted free food and a free vacation in a fancy hanok. Is that not a good enough reason?”

Kang Woo’s eyes stayed on mine, unconvinced.“No,” he said simply. “It’s not.”

I suddenly remembered the mics. I pointed at the two devices still in his hand and raised an eyebrow. “You said ‘no audience for thirty seconds.’ That was way longer than thirty seconds.”

A small, almost guilty smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.“Was it?” he murmured. “I must’ve lost track of time.”

Then I heard Ha Yoon’s voice calling from the hallway. “Ji Eun unnie? You coming?”

I ducked under his arm in one clumsy motion, nearly tripping. “Duty calls. My roommate awaits. Try not to get us both kicked off the show for mic tampering, Guitar Guy.”

Kang Woo stepped back, handing my mic to me as he turned it on time just for the audio to catch him saying quietly,“Sweet dreams, Origami Girl.”

Live Comments Exploding:

“Wait... did Kang Woo just turn off their mics?!?!"

“Origami Girl is legendary but why Origami Girl??”“#HanokHearts #KangJi tension broke the internet”

“WHERE DID THEY GO?? Both of them just disappeared from every camera angle”

“Someone check the blind spots. I swear they walked behind that pavilion and vanished”

“Why are Ji Eun and Kang Woo suddenly not on any camera... this feels illegal”

“Production better not be hiding a private moment right now "

“The fact that both of their mics went silent at the same time is so suspicious”

“They were just walking and now they’re gone. Something is definitely happening off-camera”

“Kang Woo pulled her somewhere. I can feel it in my bones”

“Why does it feel like they’re having a whole conversation we’re not allowed to hear”

“Ji Eun and Kang Woo are the only two people missing from the main feed... interesting”

“If they turned off their mics on purpose I’m going to lose it”

“The way the cameras can’t find them is actually crazy. This show is about to break”