Running to You | Park Han + JL + Steven | Haneulz + Stejay AU

Chapter 74: In the Storm's Eye

It was two days after the kiss.

The morning broke gentle and golden, like the world was trying not to startle them. Pale light spilled across the cliffs in soft ribbons, wrapping the Zhang campaign set in warm hues.

JL stepped out of the van last.

Already dressed. Oversized white shirt. Cream linen pants. Hair brushed back like someone had tried very hard to make him look untouchable, but his eyes gave him away. 

The others were scattered across the rocky terrace -- fabric sails catching wind like paper wings, stylists fussing, cameras rolling.

Chih En was sipping his black coffee like it had personally insulted him, eyes narrowed at the ocean.

Jeongwoo elbowed Juwon. "He's challenging the sea again."

"Hope it fights back this time," Juwon muttered.

Han stood a few paces away, jaw set, arms crossed, dressed like heartbreak in human form. He didn't look at JL.

But Steven did.

Just for a second.

And that second hit. Right in JL's chest. Like thunder in a library.

He looked away fast. Too fast.

A PA asked him a question and he pretended to care. His skin was buzzing. His mouth felt dry.

And then:

"WELL," came a voice that sounded like glitter and sinful pleasures, "this place is just begging for a dramatic heartbreak scene."

Woongki emerged like a model in a skincare commercial -- sunglasses on, iced coffee in one hand, portable fan in the other, wearing a cropped sweater that left nothing and everything to the imagination.

"You're late," said Shuaibo.

"I'm radiant," Woongki replied cheerfully. "There's a difference."

Jeongwoo tilted his head. "You look like someone who's been fed, kissed, and thoroughly worshipped."

"I've ascended," Woongki replied, flippant.

From behind him, Kyungho strolled into frame, expression unreadable, eyes fixed on Woongki like a man who hadn't finished what he started. His shirt was tight. His expression was tighter.

Woongki did not flinch. He just sipped his coffee and whispered to Han -- who was watching JL and Steven like he wanted to light the whole campaign set on fire -- 

"You look like a vampire who just saw his ex get carried off by a mortal."

"A really hot mortal."

Han huffed once.

"Seriously," Woongki added, annoyingly positive, "You look like you want to burn down a cathedral."

Han said nothing.

Woongki smiled. Knew.

The director called out over the walkies: "Chih En, Shuaibo -- fabric wall. We're doing motion shots. No choreography, just improv. Play with the space."

Shuaibo raised an eyebrow. "Play with the -- what does that even mean?"

The assistant director waved a hand. "Movement. Flow. Touch. Tension. Emotion. You know. Act like you're trying to win an Oscar."