MHD - Side Story 1

“Haa.”

Hee-soo entered the hotel room, kicked off the high heels she had been wearing all day, leaned back against the door, and let out a soft sigh.

The hectic schedule that had followed her arrival in Cannes was finally over.

Unofficial interviews, group interviews, walking the red carpet, the film’s premiere screening, the after-party. And then more interviews, interviews, interviews...

Though this wasn’t her first visit, she had been so busy with the itinerary that her previous memories of Cannes felt hazy.

After her successful acting comeback with My Hateful Darling, Hee-soo had been living life at a breakneck pace.

Following her win at a domestic film festival, countless scripts flooded in. Among them, Hee-soo chose to star in an overseas production.

The director who extended the offer was a world-renowned master whose name alone would ring a bell with anyone. For Hee-soo, it was an opportunity she couldn’t possibly pass up.

Given that her relationship with Jae-hyuk had become public knowledge, starring in a film primarily shot and produced abroad made things easier for her as well.

Hee-soo had temporarily paused her domestic activities to focus entirely on her international career. And today was the culmination of all her hard work.

Her second acting award at an international film festival.

It felt like one of the greatest moments of her life. The only thing missing? Jae-hyuk wasn’t by her side.

Jae-hyuk, who would drop everything for Hee-soo, couldn’t attend due to a crucial business meeting abroad that would determine the company’s performance for the next few years.

Though she had acted nonchalant in front of Jae-hyuk, who seemed genuinely apologetic, she couldn’t deny feeling a tinge of regret.

Click.

A sudden sound drew her attention. She turned to see one of the high heels she had kicked off lying on its side.

“Oh dear.”

Hee-soo bent down to neatly place the shoe back upright.

The stiletto, wrapped in satin and adorned with dazzling jewels, shimmered brilliantly even in the dimly lit room.

“You worked hard too.”

Tapping the tip of the shoe with her finger, Hee-soo muttered to herself, as if thanking it for enduring the long day alongside her. Then, thinking of Jae-hyuk, she smiled faintly.

The high heels she wore today were a gift from Jae-hyuk.

As soon as her attendance at the film festival was confirmed, a notoriously selective luxury brand reached out, offering to sponsor a dress specifically for her. After finalizing the details, pattern designers from the brand’s headquarters in France visited Korea multiple times to take Hee-soo’s measurements and conduct fittings.

It was all part of creating a one-of-a-kind dress made exclusively for Seo Hee-soo.

And when it came to pairing shoes with the dress, Jae-hyuk insisted on gifting her the perfect pair. Consulting with the brand’s designers, he personally selected the heels.

“Noona, today Korea was buzzing with talk about you all day. Advertising offers are already pouring in.”

Yoon-seok’s excited words suddenly came to mind.

Once she returned to Korea, she’d be swamped again.

Hee-soo sighed softly as she straightened her back.

After days of relentless activity, she felt slightly dazed. Only now did the exhaustion hit her, and she stood in the middle of the dimly lit room.

With a moment of calm finally settling in, she wondered what Jae-hyuk might be doing right now. She suddenly missed him.

Should she take off the dress first, or call him?

Standing there, her tense body slowly relaxing, she hesitated. A gentle breeze brushed past, tickling her cheek. Hee-soo turned toward the source of the wind and walked slowly forward.

The south of France in May was perfect for travel.

During the day, the warm Mediterranean sun and clear blue skies captivated the eyes, while at night, mild sea breezes swept through the city, lifting people’s moods.

Approaching the balcony, Hee-soo closed her eyes and took a moment to fully savor the breeze blowing in from the sea.

The last time she visited this city, years ago, she hadn’t had the luxury of such leisure.

Back then, Seo Hee-soo was consumed by thoughts of revenge. Winning a major acting award brought her no joy—it was merely a stepping stone to move further ahead.

“Hmm, hmm…”

Humming along with the breeze, Hee-soo eventually decided she couldn’t hold back any longer. She picked up her phone.

Of course, the voice she most wanted to hear at this moment was Jae-hyuk’s.

[Hello.]

The call connected after just a few rings. Carefully considering the time difference between Cannes and Korea, Hee-soo cautiously asked:

“It’s me. Is it okay to talk for a bit?”

[Of course.]

“What were you doing?”

[Thinking about you.]

“Heh, what’s this?”

Every time his deep, succinct reply came through the receiver, Hee-soo couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

It wasn’t that his words were particularly funny—it was simply the act of exchanging words with him that lifted her spirits.

[You’re laughing a lot today.]

“Am I?”

[Did you get lots of congratulations? When are you coming back?]

“Officially, tomorrow. But I’m thinking of staying a couple more days.”

[Do you have more events scheduled?]

“No, it’s just… I’ve already been here twice, and I feel a bit reluctant to leave.”

[Don’t you miss me?]

In a flat, low tone, Jae-hyuk suddenly asked. Caught off guard by the unexpected question, Hee-soo’s eyes widened. It was the first time she had heard him express his feelings of longing so directly.

Before coming to Cannes, Hee-soo and Jae-hyuk had gone nearly ten days without seeing each other.

Hee-soo had her own busy schedule, and Jae-hyuk had his. Their respective commitments—her departure for Cannes and his business trip abroad—had caused this rare separation.

It was the longest they had been apart in a very long time.

If it had been the usual Jae-hyuk, he wouldn’t have expressed himself so openly. Hee-soo had to furrow her brows to suppress the laughter bubbling up inside her.

Even his vulnerable emotions felt endearing to her.

[Why aren’t you answering?]

“Ah...”

But when it came time to answer, her heart fluttered. Hee-soo gave a small, low murmur of agreement—”Mm, mm”—and nodded her head vigorously.

Though she had spent so much time with Jae-hyuk, Hee-soo still couldn’t bring herself to respond quickly whenever he asked questions like this. It was as if butterflies were fluttering in her stomach, and her heart raced uncontrollably.

“I want to come here again someday—with you, Oppa.”

[You like it?]

“Mm. Even though it’s bustling because of the film festival, I still love it. The breeze is warm, the air is refreshing, and the streets are beautiful.”

[Just hearing about it makes me happy.]

“It’s a great city for walking. The buildings are small and pretty, and the cobblestone streets make everything feel charming.”

[Tell me more. What else do you like about it?]

Thanks to the champagne she’d enjoyed during the awards ceremony after-party, Hee-soo was feeling pleasantly tipsy and slightly buoyant.

“Oh, I heard today that if you drive a little out of town, there’s a city called Mougins. They say it has tons of amazing restaurants.”

[We’ll have to go there sometime.]

The breeze blowing in from the sea was warm and invigorating, and Jae-hyuk’s voice was low and soothing. Hee-soo, caught up in the moment, impulsively made a spontaneous decision.

“Should I just head back to Korea tomorrow?”

[Why?]

“...Because I suddenly miss you too much.”

[I want to say yes, but take a couple of days to rest before coming back. You’ll regret it if you return to Korea now.]

“But staying here alone might make me regret it even more. Maybe I should just go back sooner and be by your side, Lee Jae-hyuk.”

Hee-soo spoke and then waited quietly for Jae-hyuk’s response. However, he didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she could hear his footsteps through the receiver.

“Oppa, are you busy?”

It was probably the middle of his workday.

Suddenly worried that she had kept him on the phone for too long, Hee-soo began to feel awkward. Sensing her unease, Jae-hyuk reassured her.

[No, it’s fine. I was just taking care of something quickly.]

“If you’re busy, focus on work. We’ll see each other soon anyway.”

Thinking about how relaxed her evening had been while Jae-hyuk was likely occupied with work, Hee-soo hurried to wrap up the call for his sake. But instead of ending the conversation, Jae-hyuk continued with another question.

[What are you wearing right now?]

“The dress I wore to the after-party. I haven’t changed yet.”

[You haven’t taken it off?]

“Mm. I just got to my room, and... well...”

The dress was tricky to remove on her own. She actually needed the help of a stylist, but since the after-party had ended late, it was already midnight by the time she returned to her room.

Exhausted, she decided to call Jae-hyuk first before attempting to take off the dress herself.

After hesitating for a moment, Hee-soo finally spoke.

“...To be honest, I called because I really wanted to hear your voice. I just thought it would be nice if you were here with me.”

[I see.]

Hearing Jae-hyuk’s unexpectedly calm response, Hee-soo felt a strange twinge. Maybe it was the alcohol, but she suddenly felt a pang of loneliness.

“I’ll hang up now and get ready for bed. You must be busy, so I hope you have a good rest of the day.”

Hee-soo rushed to end the conversation. But then Jae-hyuk spoke. By now, the rapid sound of his footsteps had stopped.

[Hee-soo, open the door.]

“Huh?”

Confused by what Jae-hyuk meant, Hee-soo turned toward the door.

Knock, knock.

At the same time, someone knocked on the door from outside.