Chapter Twenty-Six: The Rose Is

Escape meant that you took my hand, as if leading me toward a whole new world. In that fleeting moment, uhey truly felt it—Jiang Xinyu’s palm was warm and large, and holding her hand filled her with a sense of safety.

They left the dance studio and ran down the streets of Seoul. Uhey did not bow her head; Jiang Xinyu made no attempt to hide. Perhaps it was precisely because they appeared so openly that people were shocked, thinking, “This can’t be real, can it?” By the time the onlookers realized it truly was the nation’s sweetheart and Jiang Xinyu, the two had already disappeared into the distance.

Jiang Xinyu was acting on impulse, barely thinking before he pulled uhey outside. Only after they stopped running did they look at each other, realizing their hands were slightly damp with sweat.

Jiang Xinyu felt a bit embarrassed. Uhey took out a tissue and handed it to him. “Here, wipe your hands.”

Trying to avoid the fans who were surely on their trail, the two ducked into a nearby park. Since it was midday and most people were at work, the park was quiet.

Uhey felt uneasy. If she pretended not to understand Jiang Xinyu’s feelings now, her emotional intelligence would be in question. Precisely because she understood, she felt even more awkward—he had always been just a good friend.

“So, your movie’s premiere is coming up, isn’t it?” Jiang Xinyu broke the silence first, knowing that if he didn’t change the subject, things would only get worse.

He was annoyed at his own recklessness.

“Yes, on the seventeenth of this month,” uhey replied with a soft laugh, clearly flustered, her gaze darting about, unable to look at Jiang Xinyu.

A trace of disappointment flickered in the man’s heart.

“Ah… oppa!” uhey suddenly exclaimed. “Anna just told me I need to go to the office. I’m going to be late!”

She threw out this clumsy excuse and hurriedly left.

Jiang Xinyu watched her retreating figure and, for the first time, truly understood what regret felt like. Why couldn’t he control himself? Why was he so impulsive?

Uhey felt like her whole body was burning. She carefully chose less crowded paths, covering her face as she rushed toward the company. Halfway there, she ran into Hwang Tae-kyung, masked and incognito, who tossed her something like a scarf.

“Put this on.”

His tone was full of mockery, his usual style, but there was something different lurking beneath it.

Uhey was momentarily stunned, not expecting Hwang Tae-kyung to help her out. She felt a bit grateful, even though the silk scarf was hideous and had to be draped over her face—it was almost unbearable—but to avoid being mobbed by fans, she reluctantly accepted.

She tied the scarf around her face and thanked him, but just as she was about to leave, Hwang Tae-kyung blocked her way.

“Where’s Xinyu?”

“…How should I know!” uhey snapped, immediately darting past him.

Hwang Tae-kyung fumed, glaring at her back, muttering, “Doesn’t know what’s good for her! Stubborn brat!”

Uhey really shouldn’t have gone back to the company. Her plan for the afternoon was just to practice dance and then go home. Jiang Xinyu’s sudden move had left her stunned, and it wasn’t until she opened Anna’s office door that she realized what she had done.

Anna hadn’t noticed anything amiss yet and simply said, “Everything’s been arranged. Tomorrow you’ll be able to move into their apartment. Reporters will be following you and Jiang Xinyu all day, so try to act a little more affectionate. I’ll pick you up in the evening. We’ll release some behind-the-scenes tidbits in advance to whet everyone’s imagination.”

“…How am I supposed to face Xinyu oppa now?” uhey thought. She’d always believed their natural chemistry made them good friends, but now everything was so awkward. “Anna…”

Uhey couldn’t find the words to refuse and just stared, blushing, at Anna.

Anna paused, then suddenly seemed to understand something.

Well, at least he’s better than Hwang Tae-kyung—this might be for the best.

Pretending not to notice uhey’s embarrassment, Anna continued, “Your schedule is packed lately. While filming behind-the-scenes footage, you’ll also need to prepare for your album and the premiere. This will add to the show’s appeal. You and Xinyu need to develop more chemistry—look at the Winnie Couple! They’re so in sync and sweet, even I get jealous. You and Xinyu have to outshine them!”

Uhey recalled binge-watching the entire Winnie Couple series these past few days and felt overwhelmed. Holding hands was one thing, but were they also expected to kiss and hug at every opportunity?

―

By the time Jiang Xinyu returned to the apartment, it was already afternoon. After uhey left, he’d gone for a walk to clear his head. Upon coming back, he saw Hwang Tae-kyung in a pristine white vest, his hair tied up in two high pigtails, arms crossed, glaring at Go Mi-nam. The two seemed to be having a heated conversation; Go Mi-nam was sobbing, and after a moment, rushed forward to hug Hwang Tae-kyung.

…

Jiang Xinyu turned to leave, but just then, Jeremy dashed over, startling him. Jiang Xinyu instinctively hugged Jeremy.

Jeremy’s face flushed with anger. “Tae-kyung hyung definitely likes women. No way he’d hug a guy!” His big brother couldn’t possibly be bent!

Jiang Xinyu patted Jeremy’s head helplessly but said nothing as he walked away.

Jeremy glanced back—Go Mi-nam had already let go of Hwang Tae-kyung. After a moment’s hesitation, Jeremy followed Jiang Xinyu.

“Hyung, are you upset?” Jeremy held an orange in his hand, debating whether to offer it.

“Jeremy, do you have a girl you like?” Jiang Xinyu smiled, noticing Jeremy’s hesitation.

“Uhey, of course. She’s my ideal type.” Jeremy answered without hesitation.

…Why did it seem like there was so much competition? Was it really okay that all three of them had feelings for uhey?

But Jeremy’s affection was innocent and straightforward; it was clear from his eyes he saw uhey as an admired actress and friend. As for Hwang Tae-kyung… judging by his embrace with Go Mi-nam just now, perhaps Jiang Xinyu was overthinking things.

Jiang Xinyu’s mood brightened again.

And even better, uhey would be moving in tomorrow!

―

Meanwhile, something had gone wrong on Rachel Yoo’s side.

She’d drunk too much after the party that night, so Kim Won hadn’t told her anything, simply sent her home and had a brief conversation with Esther. The next day, news of Kim Won’s dismissal exploded across the papers.

Rachel was utterly stunned. As soon as she heard, she went to ask Esther, only for her mother to reply airily, “Kim Won must have a plan.”

How could she be so satisfied with this? Rachel was furious, and called Kim Won, but he only told her that things hadn’t settled yet and not to worry.

Feeling down, Rachel couldn’t help but think that compared to Kim Won, she was still so immature. Though she’d been exposed to business since childhood thanks to her mother, all she really had was theory, not experience. Still, she wished Kim Won would confide in her.

So Rachel unilaterally gave Kim Won the cold shoulder.

At first, Kim Won didn’t notice. But after a secret meeting with Yoon Jae-ho, he called Rachel—no answer. He figured she must be in class, but when he called again after her class should have ended… her phone was off.

Kim Won immediately sensed something was wrong. His first reaction was that something had happened. He called Lee Bo-na, who was also close with his family.

“I don’t know,” Lee Bo-na replied. “She just seems really sad.”

At that moment, Rachel was sparring with Choi Young-do, not showing any sign of unhappiness on the surface.

Of course, Rachel would never tell Bo-na what was going on between her and Kim Won, but since Kim Won had called, Bo-na guessed what was happening and decided to play matchmaker.

“Don’t thank me too much~”

So, when class ended, Kim Won was waiting at the school gate. Rachel’s heart leapt a little, though she kept a cool expression as she walked over.

Just as she was about to speak, Kim Won produced a rose.

Just one.

Yet so vivid, so passionate.