Page 16 of Public Image, Private Heart (K-Drama Love Story #1)
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Yumi
I stretched luxuriously and yawned, trying to rouse myself while curling up tightly against Ji-yong, who was still sleeping soundly behind me, wrapped around me like a big spoon.
But as soon as I remembered I had to go to work, a sense of dread began to settle in, knowing that today meant another shooting day with Ryan Kim.
Ji-yong and I had fallen into a comfortable routine: by night, we were lovers, often staying at his place.
We’d share dinner, cozy up together on the sofa with a cup of tea while watching TV shows or playing video games, and then head to the bedroom for some extra activities before calling it a night.
Each morning, we’d wake up together, with me either wrapped in one of Ji-yong’s oversized shirts or sometimes with nothing at all.
But by day, as we said our goodbyes to our respective studios—often very early in the morning—anxiety began to gnaw at me.
Working with a new film crew proved to be much tougher. The PD and his assistant were more rigid and stressed, expecting everything to match their vision precisely. For example, the director demanded over ten takes for the simple act of Ryan and me walking and holding hands down the street.
While it’s our job to strive for perfection, minor improvisations are often encouraged, especially when facing tight deadlines. But this time around, there was no room for even the smallest deviations.
The jovial atmosphere of Princess of Cosmos was replaced by a tense silence on this new set. It was a stark contrast to the harmonious environment I was accustomed to.
Ryan, in particular, was a challenging co-star. His diva-like behavior, complete with tantrums and extended absences, disrupted the entire shooting schedule.
Moreover, I couldn’t shake the unsettling feeling that he was observing me intently, his lingering gaze carrying a peculiar intensity.
My short lunch break quickly became my favorite part of the day, a momentary escape into my makeup room where I could text Ji-yong for some comfort. Noticing something off, Da-eun followed me into the room.
She closed the door behind her and asked with genuine concern, “Yumi, you seem more tired than usual. Is everything okay?”
Taking a seat beside me, she added, “I also waited for you in front of your apartment this morning, but you didn’t show up.” Her raised eyebrows and inquisitive look made it clear she was expecting an explanation.
I hesitated, unsure if I was ready to reveal the details of my nights and what was developing between Ji-yong and me.
After all, what exactly are we? We’re not officially a couple yet—no formal decision has been made.
I tried to brush off this technicality, sensing that Ji-yong had something he wanted to ask me that night at the restaurant.
However, the fan frenzy and our busy schedules had left the question unasked.
It’s just a minor detail, I told myself. Besides, if we made it official, the magic might wear off. With both of us starring in other dramas and having on-screen lovers, this might not be the best time to publicly announce our relationship.
“Oh... yeah, I was out and stayed at a friend’s place,” I said, avoiding her penetrating gaze. The downside of having a manager who’s also a close friend is that it’s nearly impossible to lie to her.
“Really? Which friend?” she asked, disbelief evident and a smirk playing on her lips.
“Well... just a childhood friend you don’t know.
I recently reconnected with... her, and since she lives nearby, I’ve been hanging out at her place.
Yesterday, I had too much to drink, so I stayed over.
” I blurted out quickly, realizing midway that I might be over the top with the details and risking blowing my cover.
She raised her eyebrows again, clearly not convinced but choosing not to press further. She handed me a small bowl of bibimbap, murmuring quietly, “Eat.”
I hesitated, considering whether to bring up Ryan and his odd glances. I worried that I might be reading too much into it and possibly making a fuss over nothing, given Ryan’s current presumption of innocence.
But this was Da-eun, one of my closest friends. “Hey, Da-eun,” I started, deciding to open up. “I need to be honest with you. I’m finding it really challenging to film some of these scenes.”
Da-eun nodded sympathetically. “I know, it’s not the easiest.”
“Yeah, it is strange, isn’t it? I thought it would be a walk in the park since most of the scenes are shot in a studio and don’t involve traditional costumes or horses, unlike Princess of Cosmos ,” I said, poking at my rice absentmindedly.
Lowering my voice despite the closed door, I added, “Also, have you noticed anything odd about Ryan Kim?”
Da-eun leaned in to whisper, “He’s a jerk!”
I laughed softly at her upfront and honest opinion. “I found it really surprising, considering how he was on-screen. I was actually looking forward to working with him—I’ve watched his dramas and shows since I was a teenager. But it turns out it’s very difficult to act with him...”
Da-eun sighed and nodded in agreement before extending her hand to set up a small battery-powered fan.
“I know... I hope time passes quickly so we can wrap up this drama. We’re already halfway through.
..” She continued, directing the fan’s breeze at us to combat the hot and humid weather.
“Besides, we don’t have a choice. If we don’t finish this drama, we’ll face a hefty fine. ”
The sudden blare of the megaphone from the PD announcing that the shoot would continue startled us.
We quickly moved outside, finding ourselves enveloped by a flurry of activity.
Makeup artists rushed to retouch our makeup, stylists checked our outfits, the audio director tested the microphones, and crew members hefted filming equipment into position.
I braced myself as the PD called out the next scene—an emergency in the hospital, where both of us needed to rush to the “hospital room” to save the patient. I sighed. Looks like it’s going to be a long and difficult day.
Da-eun gave me a sympathetic glance before giving me a pat on my shoulders. “Good luck out there. You’ve got this.”
I nodded appreciatively, giving her a quick smile before heading back to the set.
The hospital room scene was set up with a flurry of activity, faux medical equipment strewn around, and a tense atmosphere in the air.
The director, already frazzled from the day’s delays, barked out last-minute instructions, and the assistant director hurriedly adjusted lights and props.
As I got ready to film the scene, I couldn’t shake the growing tension between Ryan and me.
His previous odd looks had shifted to an icy detachment, and the stress of the shoot, combined with his erratic behavior, was starting to weigh heavily on me.
I felt the pressure of trying to keep my composure while navigating the challenges of working with him.
When the camera finally rolled, I threw myself into the scene with all the energy I could muster, eager to finish the day.
By the time we wrapped up, I felt a wave of relief and exhaustion. I hopped into my car, already planning to pick up some take-out to enjoy with Ji-yong that evening. I decided on naengmyeon from a nearby restaurant, envisioning a relaxing evening with a breeze on Ji-yong’s patio.
However, when I arrived at his place, I was met with an unexpected sight. Ji-yong was sitting on the sofa, his shoulders trembling slightly, and I could hear the faint sound of his sobs. Panic surged through me as I dropped the naengmyeon and rushed to his side.