Flashback — August 5th, 2011, 2:00 PM
Not far from the school gates, Kim Min Hee stood in her uniform, half-hidden behind a wall. Her eyes nervously scanned the area.
Kim Min Hee (under her breath, annoyed):
— Why isn't she out yet...
She waited a few more minutes, tapping her foot impatiently. Finally, a familiar figure cautiously stepped out of the building. Han Yuri, also in uniform, walked carefully, glancing right and left like a fugitive on the run.
Min Hee discreetly raised her hand and called out in a low voice:
— Yuri, over here.
Yuri joined her, still wary, arms crossed.
— Min Hee… I don't think skipping class in the middle of the afternoon is a great idea. We should go back inside.
Min Hee shrugged with a small smile.
— Come on, just for today! The drama we've been waiting for is finally out.
Han Yuri
— We can download it later. If my dad finds out I skipped class, he's going to kill me.
Min Hee hesitated, lowering her eyes slightly, clearly uncomfortable.
Han Yuri (frowning):
— What is it?
Min Hee eventually said, lightly:
— We don't have a TV anymore. My dad came home drunk last night… he smashed it.
Yuri stared at her for a moment, unsure of what to say.
Min Hee forced a small smile.
— But it's more fun to watch it at the theater, right? And we'll see it together.
Yuri hesitated for a second, then sighed.
— Fine… But we're going straight home after, okay?
Kim Min Hee (grinning):
— Yes, of course.
She hooked her arm through Yuri's.
They had barely taken a few steps when a familiar voice stopped them.
— Where do you think you're going?
Lee Jae Hyun, hands in his pockets, looking casually suspicious:
— The way to school isn't that way.
Min Hee looked momentarily surprised but quickly recovered.
— Go ahead first, oppa. We're just buying something, we'll be right back.
Jae Hyun didn't look convinced but nodded:
— Fine...
As soon as he turned around, the two girls bolted in the opposite direction.
A few minutes later, they were seated in the dark cinema room. Min Hee, practically bouncing with excitement, had stars in her eyes.
Kim Min Hee
— This is amazing. I can't wait for it to start!
Han Yuri
— But…
Someone gently tapped them on the head.
They both jumped and turned around.
— So, what exactly were you going to buy? said Lee Jae Hyun, a sarcastic smirk on his lips.
Han Yuri
— Oppa?! How did you find us?
She turned to Min Hee.
— You told him?
Kim Min Hee
— Nope.
(Glancing toward the screen)
— Oh, it's starting!
The drama captured their attention, silencing them for a while. Jae Hyun, seated behind them, watched them with a resigned expression.
After the screening, they exited the theater chatting excitedly about the show. Laughter, debates, knowing smiles… a bubble of adolescence stolen from routine.
But as they walked, Yuri received a phone call. She pulled out her phone and paled when she saw the name: her father.
She was about to answer, but Min Hee snatched the phone from her hand.
Kim Min Hee
— No phones today! We're here to have fun.
Han Yuri
— We agreed I'd go home right after the movie…
Kim Min Hee
— I know,
she replied, eyes sparkling.
— But I changed my mind.
Lee Jae Hyun stepped in:
— Min Hee…
Kim Min Hee
— What? You two are seriously such sticks in the mud. We're teenagers—did you forget what that feels like?
Lee Jae Hyun
— Min Hee, as the eldest, I have a responsibility—
He didn't get to finish. Min Hee suddenly grabbed both their arms.
Kim Min Hee
— Come on! I know a cool spot. We're going to have a great time, you'll see.
And without leaving them any choice, she dragged them along into the rest of what, at the time, still felt like an ordinary afternoon…
Later, in a lively neighborhood
Min Hee greeted everyone they passed. Yuri stayed a bit withdrawn, still cautious. Lee Jae Hyun followed quietly. Min Hee weaved joyfully through the alleys as if the whole neighborhood belonged to her.
They finally reached a quiet spot on a hill, offering a stunning view of Seoul. It was already 5 PM. The wind blew softly. They sat down to enjoy the fresh air.
Kim Min Hee (smiling):
— That drama… seriously, it was so good, right?
Han Yuri (smiling shyly):
— Yeah, it wasn't bad.
Min Hee suddenly turned serious.
Kim Min Hee
— Guys… what's your dream? I mean your real dream.
Yuri and Jae Hyun exchanged a surprised look.
They paused for a moment, then Han Yuri slowly lifted her gaze to the horizon.
She took a deep breath, as if she were inhaling the whole world, then murmured with a quiet smile:
Han Yuri
— My dream… my real dream is to become the best actress in the world.
I want my photo hanging over there.
She pointed at a massive, glimmering building in the distance—probably a big agency or a famous theater.
— I want people to recognize me everywhere… I want them to be proud of me.
(She smiled, a little emotional)
— That's what I want.
Kim Min Hee
— And you, oppa?
Lee Jae Hyun
— Same as Yuri.
Kim Min Hee
— Now I get why we became so close, so fast.
(She smiled dreamily)
— We all want the same thing… I want to succeed too. Travel the world, model for ads, wear designer clothes, be recognized for once… maybe even be loved, for the first time.
She slowly turned her head toward Yuri, then toward Jae Hyun.
Kim Min Hee
— But I have another question.
(She tilted her head slightly, her gaze turning serious)
— If one day, just like in the dramas, we all audition for the same role… and they can only choose one of us… what would you do?
Lee Jae Hyun
— In that case, we don't do anything. It's up to them to choose, not us.
Kim Min Hee
— Okay, but just imagine…
(She leans forward, more serious now.)
— Imagine we could choose. Like, as a sacrifice… I step aside for you. Let's say it's your one and only chance to break into the industry. Would you be able to let it go… for a friend?
A silence settles in.
Lee Jae Hyun and Han Yuri exchange a glance, clearly caught off guard. They both take a moment to think.
Kim Min Hee
— Seriously…
(She crosses her arms, pouting.)
— That was a simple question. And you're hesitating? Honestly, I'm starting to question this friendship.
Awkward tension creeps in.
Han Yuri
(She gently moves closer, a guilty smile on her lips.)
— Come on, Min Hee… don't get mad over something like that. It was just a question.
Lee Jae Hyun
— Yeah, I mean… that kind of situation would never happen in real life.
Kim Min Hee
— But that's not the point. It wasn't just about a role.
(She looks at them both, a little more seriously.)
— I was testing our friendship. I wanted to see how strong our bond is… to know if you'd be willing to make a real sacrifice so one of us could be happy.
She pauses, her voice softening.
— Because I would. If something like that ever happened… I'd give it up for you. No hesitation.
She looks away, now fully sulking as she chews the last bite of her gimbap.
Han Yuri
(gently smiling)
— Come on, don't make that face…
(she insists, almost childishly)
— Okay, okay, I'll do whatever you want.
Kim Min Hee
(turning toward her, eyes shining)
— Really?
Han Yuri
(with a small laugh)
— Yes, I promise.
Kim Min Hee
(calm, but firm)
— Then… tell everyone you killed someone.
An icy silence crashes down like a wave.
Han Yuri steps back slightly, frozen.
Han Yuri
— What…?
CUT.
The mood flips. The lights go out instantly.
Han Yuri finds herself standing alone on a dark road. The silence is deafening. Then… the scene appears.
She sees the accident again. But this time, it's different.
She sees herself crouched on the ground, hands around a woman's neck, strangling her.
Han Yuri
— No… no… stop it. Stop…
She runs toward the scene, trying to push herself away, to separate the two versions… but it's like a nightmare. Like a broken mirror.
The younger version of herself looks up at her. A cold smile stretches across her lips.
Young Han Yuri
— Look, Han Yuri. You killed her.
She stands up slowly, like she's possessed.
— You killed her… and you hid the body. And now? Now you dare start a new life? Laughing, eating, drinking wine in a fancy house… really? You're a monster.
Han Yuri breaks down in tears, completely desperate.
Han Yuri
— No… no… it was an accident… I didn't mean to…
The younger version steps even closer. No doubt anymore—it's her, at 17. Her, before it all fell apart. Her own reflection. Her own judge.
And that reflection stares at her with unforgiving eyes.
The younger Yuri's gaze is icy, almost lifeless. A cruel smile curls on her youthful lips.
— Murderer. You're nothing but a murderer.
She starts to laugh. A cold, mechanical sound echoing in the darkness, like a broken music box.
— Murderer… murderer… MURDERER…
Han Yuri screams, clutching her ears with both hands.
Han Yuri
— No! No! Stop! STOP!
Everything blurs. Goes dark.
She wakes up with a jolt, short of breath, eyes soaked with tears. Her heart is pounding like a war drum. She's shaking.
Without thinking, she reaches for her nightstand, opens the drawer in a panic, and grabs a small pill box. Her fingers tremble as she opens it.
Only two pills left.
She swallows one dry, no water. Nearly chokes on it. Coughs. Forces her breathing to slow down. Closes her eyes, counts softly:
Han Yuri
— One… two… three… four…
Slowly, her breath evens out. But her eyes stay fixed on the ceiling, like the nightmare is still there, hiding in the shadows, waiting to pounce again.
A few minutes later, Han Yuri slowly walks out of her room. Barefoot. Every movement measured. She walks to the fridge, opens it silently, grabs a bottle of water.
She shuts the door gently… and jumps, startled.
Han Yuri
— Oh my God!
(Hand on her chest, breathing hard.)
— Why… why do you always do that?
Behind her, Lee Tae Joon stands, deadpan.
Lee Tae Joon
— Maybe because I sleep on the couch.
Han Yuri
— I… I just came to get some water. I was thirsty.
(She looks at him briefly.)
— Why are you up at this hour?
He hesitates. Then replies in a low voice, almost shy:
Lee Tae Joon
— I can't sleep… or more like, I won't sleep.
Han Yuri
— Why not?
Lee Tae Joon
— I have nightmares.
Han Yuri can't help but grin, teasing.
Han Yuri
— Nightmares? What are you, five? What kind of nightmares? Wolves chasing you?
She chuckles softly, but when he doesn't react—still serious—her smile fades.
Han Yuri
— …Sorry.
He finally relaxes a bit. Looks up at her with mock-dramatic flair:
Lee Tae Joon
— Actually, I dreamt I was forty… and had wrinkles. Thought I was gonna have a heart attack in my sleep.
The tiniest smile tugs at Han Yuri's lips. Then she straightens up.
Han Yuri
— Anyway. I'm heading back to bed… It's late.
She walks away down the hall, bottle in hand.
A few minutes later, she's lying back in bed, staring at the ceiling, deep in thought. She murmurs to herself:
Han Yuri
— How can a man care that much about his appearance…
She glances toward the door, contemplative.
— Even I don't care that much…
She pulls the covers up gently, tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, and closes her eyes. Sleep comes quickly… maybe thanks to the pill.
The next morning — Doctor Park's office.
Han Yuri is already seated, sitting upright in the chair across from the doctor's desk. Doctor Park, standing near the window, watches her with a tension in his gaze. His arms are crossed tightly over his chest—he's clearly hesitating—but he finally speaks.
Doctor Park
— No. I'm sorry, but I can't prescribe you that medication anymore. It's way too strong, Yuri. It can cause memory loss, do you understand? Yes, I recommended it at first, to help you calm down after your nightmares… but that's over now. I can't keep going. At this rate, it's your mental health you're destroying.
Han Yuri lets out a long sigh and rolls her eyes, clearly annoyed.
Han Yuri
— It's not like it's a drug or something… Don't overreact. Seriously. I don't even take it that often. And when I do, it's just to calm me down a little, that's all.
She crosses her arms, defiant, but Doctor Park holds his gaze. He slowly walks around the desk and sits down in front of her, his voice firm yet gentle.
Doctor Park
— Yuri… how have you really been… lately?
Han Yuri
— I'm fine. Why are you asking?
Doctor Park gives her a small, almost bittersweet smile.
Doctor Park
— Yuri-ah… I watched you grow up. And I'm your doctor. Don't lie to me.
Han Yuri looks away, caught off guard by the tenderness in his tone. She says nothing.
Doctor Park
— So I'll ask again: how are you… really?
Her gaze slowly drops to the floor. Her fingers grip the armrest slightly. Then, in a low voice, she begins to speak. She recounts the nightmare, the girl's voice, the repeated words, the panic when she woke up... Her throat tightens, but she doesn't stop until everything is out.
There's a long pause. Then Doctor Park sighs, heavy but understanding.
Doctor Park
— I get it, Yuri. I understand that all of this is eating you alive. That you're anxious, exhausted, and just want… a little peace. But this medication? It's not a toy. Just because it's not a drug doesn't mean it can't destroy you. Taken in excess, it can cause serious, even permanent damage.
Yuri abruptly stands, cutting the conversation short with a sharp tone.
Han Yuri
— Fine, then.
She turns to leave, but the doctor's voice, softer now, stops her just as she reaches the door.
Doctor Park
— Yuri-ah… you don't have to carry all this guilt. Not for what happened. And not for how you feel.
She stands frozen for a second. Then, without looking back, she walks out of the office—shoulders heavier than when she walked in.
Outside, Han Yuri walks slowly to her car, her expression blank, her eyes distant. The air is soft, but she doesn't notice it. Her footsteps echo faintly on the empty sidewalk. Once at her car, she pauses, rummaging through her bag for her phone.
Her fingers glide across the screen. She dials a number.
The number she's only supposed to call as a last resort.
She holds the phone to her ear, face unreadable. It rings once. Twice. Then someone picks up.
Han Yuri (voice calm, almost cold)
— Find me something.
She pauses. The silence on the line is waiting.
Han Yuri
— A medication.
Find it. No matter the price.
She hangs up without another word. No emotion crosses her face—but her fingers tremble slightly as she opens the car door.
Empire Group Headquarters — Main Conference Room
The shareholders were already seated. The air was solemn, almost stifling, yet heavy with anticipation.
Lee Tae Min stood tall, his back straight, impeccable in his custom-made suit. His gaze calmly swept the room, but the hint of a smile on his lips betrayed a quiet, restrained satisfaction.
Next to him, Lee Tae Joon remained impassive, silently observing the scene.
Just as Tae Joon had predicted, the vote had taken place—and the results were unmistakable.
Chairman of the board:
— In accordance with the unanimous vote of the shareholders, we hereby officially appoint Mr. Lee Tae Min as the new head of Empire Group.
A thunder of applause filled the room. Tae Min bowed respectfully, hands joined in front of him.
Lee Tae Min (with confident poise)
— Thank you. Truly, thank you for placing your trust in me.
He slowly raised his head, his gaze more resolute than ever.
Lee Tae Min
— I promise I will never betray the honor you've granted me today. Together, we will take Empire Group even higher. Farther than ever before. I believe in our potential… and in our shared ambition.
Another round of applause followed. One by one, the shareholders stood, murmured among themselves, shook hands, and gradually exited the room.
Within minutes, only the two brothers remained.
A heavy silence fell again.
Tae Min slowly turned toward his younger brother, a faint smile on his lips.
Lee Tae Min (low voice, composed)
— See? I told you I'd win. The shareholders know what's good for the company. They saw the future of Empire Group… in me.
Lee Tae Joon (calmly, without looking at him)
— I expected it. People love it when you kiss their ass. Especially if you do it cleanly… like a well-trained little dog.
Lee Tae Min (brows furrowed)
— What's that supposed to mean?
Tae Joon finally turned to face him, a faint smirk tugging at his lips—almost mocking.
Lee Tae Joon (with a sly smile)
— Hyung… if you want to do shady business, do it in a warehouse or some deserted alley. Not in a hallway. In broad daylight.
As he stepped toward the door—
Lee Tae Min shot back, not even looking at him:
— You're always running away from confrontation… just like you always have.
A short, dry chuckle.
— Still haven't learned, huh? If you want to talk to me, do it like a man. Stop throwing out dramatic one-liners and storming off like a sulky teenager.
His jaw tightened.
— I thought you'd grown up. But you're still the same. Just like back then… with Mom.
Tae Joon froze.
Slowly, he turned back to face his brother.
His eyes were heavy—with sorrow. With memories he wished he could forget.
Seongbuk-dong — 3:00 PM
Back home, Han Yuri collapsed onto the couch.
Her eyes were dark with fatigue, her mind still foggy.
She closed her eyes… pretending not to sleep.
And yet, everything seemed to vanish in an instant.
When she reopened them, the room was already bathed in evening light.
An eerie silence hung in the air.
She sat up slowly, confused, scanning the room for Lee Tae Joon.
But he wasn't back yet.
She was about to get up… when a strange feeling stopped her.
Dizziness. Faint at first.
Then stronger.
Her hands instinctively reached for her head.
Her blurred vision locked onto a silhouette. A woman. Walking slowly toward the terrace.
Disoriented, Yuri followed.
Step by step, as if pulled by some invisible force.
The woman stood with her back to her, silently gazing out over the city.
Yuri drew closer.
But then—
Pain exploded in her head.
A cry tore from her lips.
Her balance faltered.
Closer… and closer to the edge of the terrace.
Panicked, disoriented, she tried to back away—but it was too late.
One last dizzy spell hit her, and she fell.
— AAHHHH!!
Her scream tore through the air.
But in a desperate reflex, she managed to grab the edge of the railing.
Fingers clenched, her body dangling in the void.
Suspended over the empty space, thoughts rushed in like crashing waves.
Han Yuri, through tears, thinks:
— So… this is the end for me?
Her fingers shook. Her arms began to give out.
She looked up at the sky, eyes clouded with tears.
— Is this… my punishment?
She closed her eyes.
A breath—resigned.
— Alright… I accept it.
She let go.
The void pulled her down—
— When suddenly, a hand grabbed her.
— YURI!!
A firm grip caught her. Held her. Pulled her back from the edge.
Her eyes opened slowly, panting, tears still clinging to her lashes.
She turned her head toward the person who had just saved her.
To be continued.