Chapter 1 - The Morning After (Part 1)
The flashbulbs didn't stop.
Each burst of white light carved Han Jiwon's face into the screens of a thousand phones. "Smile, Jiwon-ssi! Look here!" the photographers yelled from the press line.
He obeyed like a machine—tilt of the chin, small smirk, eyes that glimmered with practiced warmth. The marble-white trophy in his hand caught the stage lights like another flash. Best Actor Daesang. The title he had chased since debut.
Inside the hall, banners read HAN JIWON – THE NATION'S SON. Fans waved lightsticks in shades of silver and blue. From afar, it looked like a galaxy made just for him.
When the applause thundered, he bowed.
"Thank you. Truly." His voice trembled slightly—people thought it was emotion; only he knew it was exhaustion.
---
Backstage, stylists fussed over his tuxedo while managers juggled calls.
"Jiwon-ah, afterparty at the Celeste Lounge, okay? Reporters will follow. Keep the champagne low tonight," Manager Park warned, patting his shoulder.
Jiwon just nodded. "Got it, hyung."
He stepped into the dressing-room mirror. The man staring back wasn't the boy who'd once busked in Hongdae. His reflection looked expensive. Empty.
Jiwon touched his Daesang, half-smiling.
This is everything I wanted, right?
Then his phone buzzed.
1 New Message – Minseo
He blinked.
They hadn't spoken in months—not since the scandal rumors that nearly broke his career two years ago.
He opened the message.
> Jiwon-ah... congratulations. You finally got it.
I'm proud of you.
I just wish I could tell you something before it's too late.
He frowned. "What is this supposed to—"
Another buzz.
> If anyone asks, don't come here tonight. Please.
The message ended there.
"Minseo-ya?" he murmured. He typed back—Where are you? What do you mean?—but the text stayed on "delivered."
Manager Park poked in again. "We're leaving in five."
"Right," Jiwon answered, pocketing the phone. Yet even as he waved to fans at the exit, the unease crawled under his perfect posture.
---
The Night Shifts
The Celeste Lounge shimmered with Seoul's elite: producers, idols, CEOs. Jiwon lifted another glass for photos, laughing when needed, though every sip of champagne burned like guilt.
Around 1 a.m., he slipped out through the side corridor for air. The city below was neon and rain-slick.
He checked his phone again. Still no reply.
Instead, one unread news notification blinked at the top.
> Breaking: Actress Minseo Found Dead in Apartment.
Jiwon froze. His breath shortened. The champagne glass trembled until it shattered softly on the floor.
"Hyung..." he whispered to no one.
Another alert followed.
> Police investigating foul play.
Neighbors report seeing Han Jiwon entering the building earlier.
"What?" He stared at the screen. He hadn't been there. Not tonight.
Inside, camera flashes burst again. Only this time they weren't his fans. Reporters had arrived already.
