The room fell silent again after Hyun-min and Jun-ha left.
Ji-ah exhaled deeply, letting her head sink back against the pillows. Her heart was still pounding from the strange encounter.
Da-eun, pacing near the window, was far less composed.
"I still can't believe it," she muttered, arms crossed. "Why the hell does Kang Tae-min's face have to belong to his manager in this world?"
Ji-ah turned her head, blinking. "You mean that Jun-ha guy?"
"Yes," Da-eun snapped. "Same face. Same smirk. Same maddening attitude. Just a new name and a more expensive haircut."
Ji-ah let out a small laugh, but her curiosity crept in. "Okay, so... what about that other guy? The one who walked in first — the tall one with the deep voice."
Da-eun stopped pacing and looked over. "You mean Kang Hyun-min?"
Ji-ah nodded.
Da-eun sat down beside her, still visibly annoyed. "He's one of the biggest names in this world. An actor. Rich, famous, ridiculously good-looking — and everyone is obsessed with him. He's known for his charm, elegance, and 'unshakable' presence on screen."
"Sounds like someone has a fan crush," Ji-ah teased.
Da-eun rolled her eyes. "Please. I'd rather slap him. He's too much like Ji-soo."
Ji-ah smiled… until Da-eun added, more carefully, "And according to the internet — he's your boyfriend."
"…My what?"
"Your boyfriend," Da-eun repeated slowly. "At least that's what every blog, fan site, and gossip portal says. You two are starring in a drama together, and the rumors are... well, pretty intense."
Ji-ah stared at her blankly.
"…So, he's an actor and my boyfriend?" she repeated again, just to make sure she heard it right.
Da-eun shrugged. "That's what the whole world thinks."
Ji-ah went still, her mind spiraling. "So not only am I living someone else's life... I'm also dating a stranger in front of the entire world?"
She gripped the edge of the bedsheet tightly.
"What if I mess up? What if I ruin her reputation? What if someone finds out I'm not her? I don't even know how to act! What if I destroy everything she built?"
Da-eun reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"We'll figure it out," she said softly. "You're not alone."
Ji-ah looked at her friend, eyes heavy with worry.
Living as Ji-soo wasn't just about pretending anymore — it was about surviving the weight of a life that wasn't hers… and trying not to break under it.
---
Ji-ah sat at the edge of the hospital bed, fingers trembling as she toyed with the hem of her blanket. Her nerves had taken hold completely now, her mind spinning with the weight of everything she'd just learned.
"This is too much," she finally whispered. "I don't think I can do this, Da-eun. What if I ruin everything Ji-soo worked for? What if I mess up this life? I'm not her… I'm not even close."
Da-eun stood at the window, arms folded as she listened. Then she turned with a calm, knowing smile. "What exactly do you want, my dear?"
Ji-ah looked up, startled.
"This life," Da-eun continued gently, "this second chance — it came to you because your desire was strong enough to break through dimensions. Wasn't it your own wish that brought you here? And now you're worried about the one who's not even in this world anymore?"
Ji-ah's lips parted, unsure what to say.
"Stop overthinking. Let's play this life like it belongs to you. Because right now, Ji-ah… it does." Da-eun walked closer and took her hands. "Let's enjoy this life like there's no tomorrow, my dear."
Ji-ah's chest ached with emotion. Moved, she nodded slowly. "You're right. I've been given this life — not to fear it, but to live it. Just as I want."
As if on cue, a knock sounded on the door.
"You can come in," Da-eun called.
The door opened, revealing a tall man with soft features, a warm smile, and a bouquet in his hands.
"Oh, my dear Ji-soo," he said with concern. "I feel so sorry to see you in this condition. Are you alright?"
Ji-ah blinked. "I'm sorry… w-who are you?"
The man turned in confusion to Da-eun.
Da-eun stepped forward quickly, offering a polite smile. "Director, may I have a word with you outside?"
He nodded, and they both exited the room.
---
Outside the Room…
"She doesn't recognize me?" the director asked, stunned.
Da-eun lowered her voice. "She's suffering from partial memory loss. The doctor said it might take a while for things to return. I didn't want to worry anyone on set."
The director sighed deeply. "I see. Well… take good care of her. And when she's discharged, let me know. I'll send a car for both of you."
He hesitated, then added, "By the way… how are you doing? You collapsed after Ji-soo fell into the river. What happened out there?"
Da-eun paused, then gave a weak laugh. "I was just… overwhelmed. It was a shock. I didn't expect it to shake me so much."
The director handed over the bouquet and a basket of fruit. "Give these to her. Let her rest. We'll adjust the shoot schedule as needed."
Then he left.
---
Back in the Room…
Da-eun reentered quietly and placed the gifts on the table.
"He's the director of the drama you're currently filming," she said casually.
Ji-ah looked up. "Everything alright? You seem tired."
"I'm just tired of handling them," Da-eun muttered, collapsing on the nearby couch. "Let's rest for a bit."
Just as Ji-ah leaned back onto her pillows, another knock came at the door.
This time, the door opened without waiting for permission.
A woman in a chic blazer stood in the doorway, expression smug.
"Unnie!" Ji-ah instinctively exclaimed.
The woman raised an eyebrow. "Oh, poor Ji-soo. You even forgot me now? I'm flattered — and deeply insulted," she said with a saccharine voice laced with sarcasm.
Da-eun stepped in quickly. "She's fine. Just needs rest."
The woman handed over a hamper of herbal tonics and nutritious snacks. "Whether you remember me or not, I remember you very clearly. I'll be waiting on set."
And just like that, she turned and walked out.
Ji-ah let her head fall back dramatically. "Oh god, can I please get some rest now?"
A chuckle escaped Da-eun. "She's intense, huh?"
"Too intense," Ji-ah groaned.
---
A few moments later…
The doctor entered with a warm smile and a clipboard.
"Miss Ji-soo, your scans are completely normal," he said. "You're in great health. However, the memory loss — it might come back soon… or it might take a bit longer than expected."
Da-eun stood. "That's fine. Doctor, when can she be discharged?"
"Tomorrow morning," he replied.
Both Ji-ah and Da-eun let out sighs of relief.
"Thank you," Da-eun said, walking him out.
As she returned, Ji-ah asked, "Where did you go?"
"To the nurse's station," Da-eun said. "I asked them not to let anyone else in without my permission. You need peace."
Ji-ah gave her a grateful look. "Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Da-eun smiled. "You'd probably be kidnapped by fangirls or shouted at by angry co-stars."
Ji-ah laughed softly, the tension easing for the first time.
"Who was that woman earlier?" she asked.
"She's your co-actor," Da-eun replied. "Her name's Park Seong-ha. Apparently, you two have some spicy history. I'll look into it."
Ji-ah nodded, then asked, "Why did I call her unnie?"
Da-eun blinked. "Habit, I guess. At your place, she was sweet and kind, right?"
"Yeah," Ji-ah murmured. "But here, she's… scary."
"Exactly why we need to study the people in this world," Da-eun said, pulling a laptop from the table. "Now go nap. I'll keep digging for all the dirt."
Ji-ah closed her eyes with a soft smile, finally letting herself rest — even if only for tonight.
---
[End of chapter 4]