The End of Filming and a New Beginning
Time had flown by unbelievably fast. It felt like just yesterday that Laura stepped off the plane in Korea, not knowing a single word of the language, not knowing anyone, filled with uncertainty but with a burning desire to prove herself. And now? It had been almost a year and a month since she had become part of this world.
The filming of Squid Game was coming to an end. The last days on set were full of nostalgia, laughter, but also inevitable sadness. Everyone realized that soon, their paths would diverge.
The Final Days of Filming
Laura sat in the director's chair, watching Wi Ha Joon as he finished his final scene. Focused, professional, yet still carrying his signature smile—one she had grown to love. He had been her support throughout the entire year, her best friend, someone she could tell anything to.
After the director called out, "Cut! Great job, Ha Joon!", the cast and crew erupted in applause. Ha Joon bowed, laughed, and then ran over to Laura.
"So, little foreign sunshine, are you realizing this crazy year is finally coming to an end?" he teased.
Laura sighed. "I don't know whether to be happy or cry. I've learned so much here... and most importantly, I met you."
Ha Joon gave her a warm smile and pulled her into a hug. "Don't worry, this isn't the end. We'll see each other again. And more importantly—we need to celebrate the fact that you survived filming with all these crazy people, including Lee Byung Hun!"
Laura rolled her eyes. Lee Byung Hun. Even after almost a year, their relationship hadn't changed. Maybe they didn't argue as much as in the beginning, but there was still tension between them.
And as if on cue, he walked past them at that very moment, as cold as ever. He glanced at Laura, gave a small nod, and walked away without a word.
Ha Joon sighed. "I'm seriously afraid that if you two are in the same room for too long, a meteor will fall on you."
Laura laughed. "I'd rather be hit by a meteor than be locked in a room with him for more than five minutes."
The Upcoming Premiere
In the following days, everything revolved around the premiere of Squid Game. Preparations were intense—interviews, photoshoots, trying on outfits for the red carpet.
One day, Laura was called in by her manager.
"Laura, I need to talk to you about the premiere. Netflix has planned for you to walk the red carpet with Wi Ha Joon and Lee Byung Hun. You'll be the main trio of the night."
Laura almost choked on the water she was drinking. "With who?"
"With Ha Joon and Byung Hun. You three are the main stars of the night. I understand that being with Ha Joon is fine for you, but you know... publicity."
Laura closed her eyes. "Alright, I'll survive. But if anyone sees me slapping Byung Hun, just know I did it for dramatic effect, not because he drives me crazy."
Her manager laughed. "Just smile, and it'll be fine."
The Last Night Before the Premiere
The night before the premiere, the cast decided to organize a small private party for themselves. No media, no pressure—just them.
The gathering was held at a traditional Korean restaurant. Everyone was there—Wi Ha Joon, Jung Ho Yeon, Park Hae Soo, Lee Jung Jae... everyone except Lee Byung Hun.
Laura noticed and was a little surprised. Even though she didn't like him, he was still a part of this project just as much as they were.
After a few hours, when the atmosphere had relaxed, Ha Joon leaned toward Laura.
"I know this isn't really your problem, but maybe you should try getting along with him tomorrow. I know he can be cold, but he's not a bad person."
Laura sighed. "Ha Joon, I do try. But sometimes talking to him is like talking to a wall."
"Maybe. But try looking at him differently—not as an enemy, but as someone who's been through tough things too."
Laura hesitated. Should she at least try to understand Lee Byung Hun? Maybe...
The Day of the Premiere
The big day had arrived. The red carpet, bright lights, cameras, fans.
Laura stepped out of the car, and all the spotlights immediately turned to her. She wore an elegant black dress with a subtle shimmer, her long hair styled in soft waves, and her makeup was flawless.
Beside her stood Wi Ha Joon, smiling as always, and on the other side... Lee Byung Hun.
She was surprised when their eyes met. The usual coldness in his gaze wasn't there. Something had changed. But what?
As they walked down the red carpet, reporters constantly threw questions at them.
"Laura! How does it feel to have your dream come true?"
Laura smiled. "It's incredible. A year ago, I never would have thought I'd be standing here. I'm very grateful for this opportunity."
Wi Ha Joon put his arm around her shoulders. "I'm so proud of my little Laura. She handled everything like a pro."
Laura laughed, but then she felt Lee Byung Hun lean slightly toward her and whisper:
"Maybe you're not as bad as I thought."
Laura's eyes widened. Was that... a compliment? From him?
She didn't know what to say, but for the first time, she felt like maybe this was a new beginning.
And maybe... just maybe, things were about to change.
