LS Ch 78

“So, what are we going to do about this?”

This was different from the edited behind-the-scenes videos circulating online. During filming, they could have claimed their interactions were simply acting, but months after the drama’s conclusion, their tender behavior towards each other only fueled the already rampant rumors.

The video, uploaded barely an hour ago, had already surpassed 1 million views. International fans, many of whom discovered them through the drama, filled the comments with blessings for the pair. The rare comments from Korean fans were mixed. Some criticized the intrusive fan, while others expressed concern for Yiwon’s injury. But the most prevalent question was whether they were actually dating.

“What are you looking at so intently?”

Jewoo, ready to go on stage, approached and asked. Jiho simply showed him the video on his phone. Jewoo watched with a serious expression but remained silent.

“What are we going to do? Fans will definitely ask about this when we go on stage.”

During the fan meeting, there was a Q&A session. The incident from the previous day would undoubtedly be brought up.

“Don’t worry too much. I’ll handle it.”

Jewoo reassured Jiho, but he felt anything but reassured. He was on edge, worried about what Kang Yiwon or Han Jewoo might blurt out on stage.

“What are you imagining that’s making you look like that?”

Jewoo glanced at Jiho and chuckled.

“You’re one thing, but what about Kang Yiwon? Have you talked to him about this?”

“Probably.”

Having spent the night together seemed to have calmed Yiwon down considerably. Jiho believed he wouldn’t do anything rash.

“I hope you’re right.”

In response to Jiho’s concern, Jewoo offered a faint smile and walked onto the stage as the MC introduced them.

The fan meeting began with Jewoo and Yiwon singing the drama’s OST. The local fans, despite the song being in Korean, sang along to every word. The atmosphere immediately became electric. They watched key scenes from the drama, reacting to them live, and played simple games led by the MC. Then came the time for fans to ask questions.

The MC would choose a fan with their hand raised, and the selected fan would then pick an actor to direct their question to.

<The lady in the white dress over there.>

The MC’s choice fell on a woman in a white dress. She took the microphone and addressed Yiwon.

<Are your injuries okay? What were you thinking when you shielded Han Jewoo??>

Yiwon, listening to the translated question through his earpiece, looked towards the woman who asked.

“Thank you for your concern. Fortunately, the injuries aren’t serious and should heal quickly.”

The fans seemed relieved by his answer about his injuries.

“Yesterday…”

Yiwon began, glancing at Jewoo. Their eyes met, eliciting squeals from the audience. Yiwon smiled softly at Jewoo, amplifying the screams.

“You asked what I was thinking when I shielded him, but honestly, I didn’t have time to think. My body just moved. I have pretty good reflexes.”

His answer was laced with humor. It could be interpreted as him caring enough to react instinctively or simply having good reflexes.

<I’m sure you were very startled by yesterday’s incident. It’s truly a relief that your injuries aren’t severe. Let’s hope something like that never happens again. Now, next question!>

The MC moved on to the next questioner. This time, Jewoo was chosen.

<In the drama, ‘Haeyul’ and ‘Geonhwon’ were a truly devoted couple. What’s your relationship like in reality? Han Jewoo and Kang Yiwon, what kind of relationship do you have??>

Cheers erupted as soon as the question was finished. Jewoo waited for the fans to quiet down before accepting the microphone. The silence came quickly. Feeling awkward in the sudden quiet, Jewoo chuckled, causing another wave of squeals. Finally, the MC intervened to restore order.

“Kang Yiwon and I are getting along very well since the drama.”

His concise answer prompted the MC to narrow his eyes and ask playfully what “getting along very well” meant.

“It seems like we’re a bit closer than just friends, right?”

He threw the question back to the fans, who responded with a resounding “Yes!”

“I think so too. We really click. I’d even go so far as to say we’re soulmates.”

Soulmates. That was Jewoo’s answer to the fans. A voice from the audience shouted, “So, are you dating or not?” The MC turned to Jewoo, his eyes questioning whether he would answer or let it slide. Jewoo took the microphone again and faced the direction of the voice.

“No matter what term you use to define it, he is a special and precious person to me. I will be one of the people supporting and cheering Yiwon on in whatever he does, just like all of you. So, I hope yesterday’s incident never happens again. It hurts my heart to see Yiwon get hurt.”

His smiling response sent the audience into a frenzy of screams. Jewoo returned the microphone to the MC and sat down. He hadn’t confirmed they were dating, but his answer could easily be interpreted that way. He could have easily dismissed the rumors, saying they were just friends and good actors. But he didn’t. He didn’t want to. While he couldn’t openly admit it, he refused to deny Kang Yiwon.

<That’s a rather ambiguous answer. Alright, moving on.>

The next question was directed at Yiwon. The fan referenced Jewoo’s answer and asked for Yiwon’s thoughts. They clearly wanted a definitive answer from one of them.

“Actually, I knew Jewoo hyung before this project.”

Yiwon’s confession hushed the fans, anticipating his next words.

“I met Jewoo hyung on a variety show when I just debuted. I was eliminated early and felt quite discouraged. I even wondered if being an idol wasn’t for me. At that time, Jewoo hyung encouraged me.”

Everyone was intrigued by this previously unknown story.

<When was that??>

The MC asked on behalf of the fans.

“I’m not telling you. It’s a special memory for me.”

Yiwon responded playfully with a mischievous smile.

“Thanks to Jewoo hyung, I was able to regain my strength and get to where I am today. So, he’s a very special person to me. I’ve been a fan of Jewoo hyung since we first met. That’s why I consider it a real blessing to have become close to him during this drama.”

This, too, wasn’t the clear answer the fans craved, but it at least revealed that Kang Yiwon had initiated the connection with Han Jewoo.

Many more questions followed, directed not only at Jewoo and Yiwon but also at Sihyeon and Yejun. There were several more veiled questions about their personal relationship, but both Yiwon and Jewoo skillfully navigated around them. Their answers would undoubtedly fuel further speculation online, but they didn’t mind.

‘Even if we can’t publicly announce it, I’ll never deny our relationship.’

Yiwon had said the previous night.

‘I understand.’

Jewoo understood him perfectly. While public dating was off the table, it didn’t mean denying their feelings. Just as Yiwon had taken a step back and agreed to keep their relationship private, Jewoo reciprocated his feelings and accepted his decision.

No matter what happened or what rumors spread, neither of them would deny their connection. It was their way of expressing their affection for each other, a minimal gesture considering their circumstances.

Most of the fans’ speculations and suspicions were, in fact, true. As long as nothing major happened, they decided to take a relaxed approach to the fan-made videos and online posts.

That’s why, when Jiho showed them the video of the previous day’s incident and the comments suggesting they were dating, they remained calm. Seeing so many comments wishing them happiness even provided a sense of relief.

Liking someone, Han Jewoo liking Kang Yiwon, Kang Yiwon liking Han Jewoo, wasn’t wrong. It was simply their professions that made it too complicated to reveal openly, at least for now.

Yiwon’s situation was especially precarious. The mere suspicion of them dating had caused a commotion amongst his sasaeng fans just yesterday.

But perhaps one day, he would be able to confidently declare his affection for Kang Yiwon in public. Even if it wasn’t today, maybe someday.