Chapter : 28
Later, through the attorney she had appointed, she requested disclosure of the investigation records, but since the perpetrator had not been identified, there was no way the trial could proceed. And because the investigation had been suspended for lack of a suspect, there were no records even available to be obtained.
Haein’s heart began to race. With this information, it seemed possible to track down who had caused Haejin’s death.
“At that time, the investigation was conducted quickly under media control. The decision to suspend the investigation because the suspect could not be caught came unusually fast as well.”
“Where… where did you get this? Or rather, how long have you known?”
Dojun watched Haein, whose trembling fingers clutched the photo. He had brought the photo for a purpose entirely separate from casual conversation.
“…When did you know that this was the script Haejin had in her hands when she died, CEO?”
“Yoon Haein.”
“Speak.”
“You just said it yourself. Haejin is dead.”
“…!”
“Yes. Miss Haejin is dead. You personally confirmed her death, Yoon Haein, and even double-checked with the local police. The DNA from the victim’s remains from that incident five years ago matched Haejin’s DNA.”
It was a photo obtained with great difficulty from the local police. Since investigation records could not be taken out, he had painstakingly made a copy just to bring it.
Only to show it to Yoon Haein.
“Stop… stop it. I know Haejin’s dead… just stop…”
“Five years ago, that day, Miss Yoon Haejin was murdered. The scene was heavily damaged by the torrential rain, but it was clearly homicide. The real culprit, however, has not been caught yet.”
“Ahh!! Enough, I said stop…!”
Breathing became difficult. Haein could not forget Haejin’s last appearance. The vivid memory made her uneasy. Dojun, holding Haein’s shoulders firmly, continued.
“Listen to me! Yoon Haein, you stayed in this industry for a reason! To uncover why your sister died, right? That’s why you stayed here. Then you must accept Haejin’s death…”
“Cut it out.”
It was Ihyuk who interrupted Dojun. Cold eyes stared at him, lacking the usual warmth and kindness.
“…Do not interfere. This is a matter within the company. Haein, you must accept your sister’s death to move forward. That’s why I brought this photo.”
“H… haah…”
Haein finally curled her knees and let the tears fall. The memories of that day, which she could never forget, surfaced like afterimages.
Dojun looked at her with concern. He didn’t want to hurt her, but taking that first step was not as easy as it seemed.
When reciting lines related to death, the words that came out of her mouth were not Hongseol’s lines nor Yoon Haein’s—they were just a dry string of words.
Acknowledging Haejin’s death wouldn’t suddenly make things better, but the first step had to involve her sister’s death.
“Yoon Haein, your sister passed away that day five years ago. It’s irreversible, and it’s a reality you must accept.”
Haejin’s death.
Though she had always known it in her head, her heart had refused to accept it. The word pierced her mind like a finely honed blade.
“…What do you know!”
Clang!
The script in her hand flew and hit a glass on the table, shattering with a sharp crack. Startled, Gayoung quickly pulled Haein into her arms.
“CEO, please stop. Haein needs time too.”
“I have already informed the staff. We will resume filming after a three-hour break. You have three hours, Yoon Haein.”
It was an order: pull yourself together, accept your sister’s death, and be ready in front of the camera in three hours.
“Dojun CEO! This isn’t your business…!”
Ihyuk could not hold back and glared at him. Perhaps expecting some resistance, Dojun met his gaze calmly.
“It isn’t my business. But now, Yoon Haein’s matters are my responsibility. If you have no other way, do not interfere. I understand that this is hard for you.”
Dojun’s gaze slowly reached Haein. Trembling faintly in Gayoung’s arms, she looked like a small butterfly with broken wings. He let out a faint sigh and whispered.
“There are times when, even if it’s hard, you have to accept it and move forward. Now is that time.”
Silence fell after Dojun left.
For two hours, Haein silently stared at the photo in her hands.
Haejin’s death. She had never once rejected the fact in her head, but her heart had never accepted it—this truth hit her painfully.
“Haein, are you okay?”
“…Yes. I’m okay.”
It was time to take one more step forward.
This photo confirmed it. The clues to Haejin’s death were within the Korean entertainment industry she belonged to.
Taking one last look at the photo, Haein put it in her pocket and turned to Ihyuk, who was quietly watching her.
“Ihyuk… I guess I instinctively rejected Haejin’s death. Even after five years, I’m still afraid to accept the word ‘death.’ Isn’t that ridiculous?”
“…Not funny at all.”
Dojun had stepped aside to let her arrange her hair. Gayoung had also left, claiming she needed to get coffee. In the spacious waiting room, only Ihyuk and Haein remained.
“You’ve never been funny, not even once.”
Would it have been easier to express her feelings if he had made her laugh? Ihyuk glanced at Haein for a moment.
“Haein, you know…”
“I have to start filming now. I can’t delay any longer. We’ll talk later, Ihyuk.”
He watched Haein rise from the sofa, script in hand. Her expression was resolute, as if she had made a silent vow. At that moment, he felt selfish for even considering sharing his emotions.
Ihyuk forced a bitter smile and followed her.
When Haein entered the set, the busy staff immediately turned their attention to her.
“Haein, are you okay?”
The director’s cautious tone carried genuine concern.
Given that almost everyone already knew about her past, and even the company representative had come to apologize for the delay in filming…
“Yes. I’m fine. I’m sorry for causing concern.”
Haein forced a smile despite her self-reproach and bowed slightly.
After all, filming had been delayed because of her. The set, made specifically for her, caught her eye again. A place entirely for Yoon Haein.
Meanwhile, the water truck had been refilled, cameras repositioned according to Haein’s movements, and lighting and equipment were set to create a grim atmosphere. The director sat down.
At that signal, staff moved to their positions.
“Stand by!”
The assistant director’s voice rang out as he confirmed that Haein and Ihyuk were in frame. A staff member holding the slate stepped forward.
With the slate, the scene number changed. Haein slowly regulated her breathing. Everyone held their breath, eyes fixed on her through the monitor.
She closed her eyes and began to channel Hongseol’s emotions.
Hongseol. Right now, I am Hongseol.
Slowly opening her eyes, she let out a small breath.
In Hongseol’s gaze at Officer Baek, anger surged beyond sadness.
