MHD - 85

Chapter 85: And So We Are

“‘To my beloved’?”

Even without hearing the words, the synchronized movement of people’s lips made it easy to guess what was said.

The venue buzzed with murmurs of confusion.

The press corps seated behind the actors exchanged puzzled looks.

Had Seo Hee-soo just confessed her love? To whom?

Everyone glanced at each other in bewilderment before turning their attention back to Hee-soo.

Hee-soo finished her speech and slowly descended from the stage. Though whispers rippled through the crowd, the ceremony soon quieted as the highly anticipated awards for Best Director and Best Picture remained.

Returning to her seat, Hee-soo noticed a white bouquet placed there.

“What’s this?”

Holding the bouquet, Hee-soo looked around curiously. Jae-min answered:

“Yoon-seok left it. By the way, who’s the person you mentioned in your speech?”

“Oh… that…”

Before she could finish, the screen displayed the nominees for Best Director, including Kang Jae-min, interrupting their conversation.

“Best Director: My Hateful Darling.”

“Best Picture: My Hateful Darling.”

Kang Jae-min won both awards consecutively.

As the ceremony neared its end, Hee-soo grew increasingly restless. Approaching Jae-min to congratulate him, she hesitated briefly before making up her mind.

She wanted to see Jae-hyuk—right now.

“Director, I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can attend the after-party.”

“It’s fine. Go ahead.”

Jae-min smiled as he glanced at the white bouquet in Hee-soo’s hands.

“He’s probably waiting for you. The one who sent that bouquet.”

“What?”

Surprised, Hee-soo’s eyes widened.

“That bouquet? I actually brought it. Someone asked me to. Go on. I’ll explain later.”

Confused, Hee-soo squinted at Jae-min, who gently pushed her toward the exit.

“I’ll figure it out later,” she said, hurrying out of the venue. Calling Yoon-seok to have the car ready, she quickly left the ceremony in her dress.

“Miss Seo Hee-soo! Who was the person you mentioned in your acceptance speech?”

“Miss Seo Hee-soo! Are you currently seeing someone?”

“Could you say a few words to your fans?”

Reporters waiting outside swarmed Hee-soo with questions. Ignoring them all, she climbed into the car, her heart racing.

“Yoon-seok, head to Hannam-dong.”

“What? Okay.”

Startled by Hee-soo’s urgency, Yoon-seok immediately started the car.

“Noona, what’s going on with that acceptance speech? It’s causing quite a stir.”

Yoon-seok’s phone buzzed nonstop as he drove.

“I’ll explain later, okay?”

“Got it. Where are we headed now?”

“That… I’ll explain later too.”

Her hands trembled as she clutched the trophy and bouquet tightly, unwilling to let go until they reached their destination.

The white bouquet of lisianthus and baby’s breath shimmered softly under the passing streetlights.

---

On his way home from work, Jae-hyuk kept checking his phone.

Finding the live broadcast of the Chungjo Art Awards on a streaming platform, he saw the last actor walking the red carpet.

“…I’m not too late.”

Jae-hyuk muttered to himself, glancing out the car window.

Watching Hee-soo on TV after work had become his nightly ritual to unwind.

But tonight felt different.

Tonight was the Chungjo Art Awards, where Hee-soo would shine—not as her past self, but as the person she had become.

Pushing aside all urgent tasks, Jae-hyuk canceled or postponed everything scheduled for the evening.

Click.

As he opened the front door, the motion-sensor lights turned on.

Dropping his bag, Jae-hyuk hurriedly turned on the TV, switching to the live broadcast channel. Grabbing a glass of cold water from the kitchen, he took a sip.

[“We will now announce the Chungjo Art Awards New Director Award.”]

Thankfully, he hadn’t missed much. The ceremony was still in its early stages.

“Hee-soo, Hee-soo…”

Unconsciously repeating her name, Jae-hyuk stared intently at the screen, hoping to catch even a glimpse of her.

In truth, Jae-min had suggested he attend the ceremony as a producer, given his contributions to the film’s production.

Though tempted, Jae-hyuk hesitated, fearing his presence might draw unwanted attention to Hee-soo.

Besides, he suspected she might win an award tonight. Such moments were best celebrated surrounded by others, basking in the spotlight.

Though slightly disappointed, he set aside his personal feelings, thinking he could use the occasion as an excuse to invite her to dinner.

Yes, having more reasons to meet Hee-soo made him happy.

Since their brief encounter at the premiere, Jae-hyuk and Hee-soo had exchanged messages sporadically. But they hadn’t yet managed to meet for a meal or spend time together.

After the premiere, Hee-soo had become incredibly busy.

With the film’s success assured, offers poured in, and contracts for her next two projects were already finalized.

Seo Hee-soo now had commitments lined up for the next two to three years. Hearing about her achievements filled Jae-hyuk with genuine pride, as if they were his own.

This made him even more cautious, determined not to taint her success with unnecessary gossip.

Waiting wasn’t an issue for Jae-hyuk—he had resolved to give Hee-soo more time. After all, no amount of time could change his feelings for her.

“…She’s even more beautiful.”

Hee-soo appeared on the screen, and a faint smile spread across Jae-hyuk’s face.

Dressed in a bejeweled gown that subtly revealed her shoulders, she radiated joy with her bright smile. It was the most radiant he had ever seen her.

“She’s doing well.”

Watching her cheerful expression, Jae-hyuk felt a deep sense of satisfaction. Leaning back comfortably on the couch, he occasionally admired her face as it appeared on the screen.

As the ceremony progressed, tension began to show on Hee-soo’s face—likely due to the approaching Best Actress award announcement.

“Who else but Seo Hee-soo?”

Without realizing it, Jae-hyuk spoke to her as if she were right there. If only she were beside him, he would have held her trembling hand. The thought filled him with longing.

And then—

[My Hateful Darling – Seo Hee-soo.]

Just as Jae-hyuk had believed, Hee-soo’s name was called.

Her dazzling dress sparkled under the lights as she walked toward the stage. Nervous, she briefly furrowed her brows before standing at the microphone.

[First, I want to thank the director who gave me this opportunity, my fellow actors…]

As Hee-soo began her acceptance speech, Jae-hyuk froze.

[...I want to make a confession.]

Hee-soo, who seemed to be wrapping up her speech, suddenly declared she had something to confess.

[…To my beloved, I dedicate this award.]

The live broadcast captured the audience’s shocked reactions in full detail.

It wasn’t just the audience—Jae-hyuk, watching from home, was equally stunned. For a moment, he forgot to breathe, frozen in place.

As other awards were announced afterward, Jae-hyuk couldn’t recall any of them, lost in his thoughts.

What?

Was she referring to him? A fleeting excitement surged, only to be quickly replaced by unease. It had been months since they last met, citing busy schedules.

After the premiere, they had only exchanged messages. Could she have been seeing someone else?

His mind raced with unnecessary imaginings, overwhelming him with confusion.

He had resolved to give Hee-soo time and promised himself not to rush her. He thought waiting was the right approach, but perhaps he had been too passive, too cautious.

Amidst these swirling thoughts, Jae-hyuk sighed deeply.

If this was Hee-soo’s choice, he had to accept it. Though his heart burned with longing, his love for her wouldn’t change.

Perhaps, if Hee-soo was happy, it didn’t matter whom she chose—even if that person wasn’t him.

After all, he had once hurt her by forcing his love upon her. Bearing this much was the least he could do.

Suppressing his emotions, Jae-hyuk rose from his seat.

With a heart that felt like it had been scorched white, he consoled himself and headed to the kitchen to prepare a glass of whiskey on the rocks. After mentally preparing himself, he planned to call Hee-soo.

He would simply say, Congratulations.

That was all. No unnecessary questions, especially not about her acceptance speech.

Jae-hyuk downed the drink in one gulp.

---

Jae-hyuk’s house was nestled in a quiet hillside alley.

Hee-soo stepped out of the car and pressed the doorbell at the entrance.

[Who is it?]

Jae-hyuk’s voice came through the intercom.

“It’s me.”

At Hee-soo’s response, a gasp of surprise echoed through the speaker. Moments later, the sound of footsteps approached, and Jae-hyuk opened the door.

“…Hee-soo?”

Seeing her, Jae-hyuk couldn’t continue speaking. Still dressed in his work attire—likely having just returned home—he looked thinner, but his eyes sparkled as they met hers. Yes, those eyes had always watched over her—through happiness, sadness, hardship, and pain.

“I… um…”

But now, standing face-to-face with Jae-hyuk, Hee-soo found it hard to speak.