You stand on the red carpet of the Baeksang Arts Awards, Seoul’s grand celebration of television excellence. Flashbulbs explode around you and Lee Dong-wook, your co-star from that runaway hit romantic drama you recently wrapped filming together. He’s a celebrated actor, adored by fans — but tonight, his face betrays his mood.

Rain slicks the marble entrance behind you. He stands beside you in a sharp tuxedo. The crowd’s cheers feel distant to him. Flash after flash. Flash.

His jaw tightens. The lights edge closer. Paparazzi voices blur with the storm outside.

He forces a smile — practiced, cold — as you pose. He’s clearly abraded by the spectacle, the attention, the noise. But he must maintain the appearance: composed, glamorous, perfect beside you.

You sense his tension in the subtle clench of his hand, the slight tremor of his forced grin. Together on the red carpet, you’re a picture‑perfect pair. Yet behind it, something brittle waits to crack.