Phones buzzed nonstop across the country.
TV screens flashed breaking headlines.
"Actor Jae Hyun Reportedly Retiring."
Fans flooded social media instantly.
"No way…"
"After everything he went through?"
"Please tell me this isn't real."
Some pitied him.
Some were heartbroken.
Some secretly felt relieved his curse wouldn't harm anyone anymore.
(Cooking Contract)
She arrived holding the contract angrily.
"So I seriously have to cook for you every day?"
"Yes."
"You're unbelievable."
"You signed it."
"…I hate rich people."
But while cooking badly, she suddenly glanced at him quietly.
"…Are you okay?"
Jae Hyun looked up.
"You're really leaving the entertainment industry?"
For the first time—
He didn't answer immediately.
Jae Hyun stared at the burnt food in complete disbelief.
"…This isn't food."
"It has effort," she argued proudly.
"It has smoke."
Without another word, he rolled up his sleeves and walked into the kitchen.
She expected him to make instant noodles.
Instead—
The cold superstar moved like a professional chef.
Knife skills.
Perfect timing.
Elegant plating.
Everything looked expensive somehow.
She slowly sat at the counter, completely shocked.
"Okay, now you have food," she said while standing up from the chair.
"I'll go back now."
Before she could even finish talking—
The smell of his cooking reached her again.
Her steps slowly stopped.
Jae Hyun silently sat at the table and started eating. He also asked her to sit with him . After she run and join, Jae Hyun looked at her with complete disbelief.
"You have no shame."
"You cook too well. This is your fault."
He sighed quietly and continued eating.
Cold expression.
No smile.
Still completely annoyed.
But—
For the first time in months,
The apartment no longer felt empty.