Tú Corea, mi mundo.

CHARACTER CONTINUITY / VISUAL REFERENCE · Alex · * 28, Spanish, graphic/visual designer at Aurora Entertainment. · * Bright natural orange hair, clearly visible and well-kept beard. · * Same face and proportions throughout. · * Friendly, respectful, usually relaxed and humorous. · * In this chapter, emotionally tired and quieter than usual. He is never rude, aggressive, or cold. · * His frustration is expressed through shorter answers, pauses, and honest boundary-setting. · * He still cares deeply about Seo-yeon. · * Glossy black Kia K5 sports sedan with black interior. · Han Seo-yeon · * 27, South Korean actress. · * Long dark-brown hair, expressive dark-brown eyes, delicate features. · * Reserved, elegant, intelligent, emotionally mature. · * In this chapter, she becomes visibly frustrated with Ha-neul's behavior. · * She cares deeply about Alex but is still afraid of cameras, rumors, and exposing their relationship. · * She gradually realizes that protecting Alex by keeping everything private is also hurting him. · Choi Ha-neul · * 27, Seo-yeon's childhood best friend. · * Long blonde hair flowing past her shoulders. · * Angular face, defined cheekbones, sharper jawline. · * Light eyebrows, expressive confident eyes, mischievous smile. · * Slim athletic silhouette and confident body language. · * Outgoing, bold, playful, direct. · * She deliberately flirts with Alex much more openly in this chapter to provoke Seo-yeon. · * She is not malicious. She genuinely wants Seo-yeon to stop hiding her feelings. · * She eventually realizes she has pushed things too far. · ⸻ · SCENE 1 — "Too Obvious" · LOCATION: Aurora Entertainment, employee cafeteria — INSIDE · TIME: Around 12:30 PM · LIGHTING: Bright natural daylight through large windows mixed with soft ceiling lights. · SETTING: A moderately busy cafeteria. Employees eat lunch and talk in small groups. · Alex sits at a table with a laptop open beside his lunch. He looks tired, though he is still polite when people greet him. · Seo-yeon enters with Ha-neul. · Alex looks up and smiles when he sees Seo-yeon. · ALEX · Hey. · Seo-yeon smiles back. · SEO-YEON · Hi. · Ha-neul looks between them with an amused expression. · HA-NEUL · So this is where you sneak off to at lunch. · Alex looks at her. · ALEX · Apparently. · Ha-neul pulls out the chair beside Alex and sits down. · Very close. · Seo-yeon notices. · Alex shifts slightly to give her more space. · HA-NEUL · So, Alex, I was thinking about what I told you yesterday. · ALEX · That sounds dangerous. · Ha-neul laughs. · HA-NEUL · I meant every word. · She looks directly at him. · HA-NEUL · I like you. · Alex pauses. · Seo-yeon looks at Ha-neul. · SEO-YEON · Ha-neul... · Ha-neul doesn't look away from Alex. · HA-NEUL · What? I'm just being honest. · Alex gives an awkward smile. · ALEX · Appreciate the honesty. · Ha-neul lightly touches his arm. · HA-NEUL · And I'm still available, by the way. · Alex gently moves his arm back toward the table. · ALEX · Good to know, I guess. · Seo-yeon's expression tightens. · Ha-neul notices immediately. · HA-NEUL · You know, if you weren't already tied up tonight, I'd ask you to dinner. · Alex looks toward Seo-yeon. · Then back to Ha-neul. · ALEX · I already have plans. · Ha-neul smiles. · HA-NEUL · With her? · Alex doesn't answer immediately. · Seo-yeon looks down. · HA-NEUL · That's a yes, then. · Alex closes his laptop. · ALEX · Yeah. Plans with Seo-yeon. · Ha-neul leans back, satisfied. · HA-NEUL · Good. · Seo-yeon looks at her. · SEO-YEON · What exactly is good about that? · Ha-neul smiles innocently. · HA-NEUL · You finally sound jealous. · Seo-yeon's expression changes. · SEO-YEON · I'm not jealous. · HA-NEUL · Then why are you upset? · Silence. · Alex looks down at the table. · For the first time, he doesn't find the situation funny. · ⸻ · SCENE 2 — "Not a Game" · LOCATION: Aurora Entertainment, hallway outside the cafeteria — INSIDE · TIME: Around 1:00 PM · LIGHTING: Bright office lighting with daylight coming through glass walls. · SETTING: Quiet corridor with employees occasionally passing by. · Seo-yeon catches up with Ha-neul. · SEO-YEON · What are you doing? · Ha-neul turns around. · HA-NEUL · Trying to help you. · SEO-YEON · By flirting with him right in front of me? · HA-NEUL · You haven't exactly made your intentions clear. · SEO-YEON · That still doesn't give you the right to use him like that. · Ha-neul's smile fades slightly. · HA-NEUL · I'm not using him. · SEO-YEON · Then stop treating him like some way to make me react. · Ha-neul crosses her arms. · HA-NEUL · You like him. · SEO-YEON · Yes. · HA-NEUL · He likes you. · Seo-yeon says nothing. · HA-NEUL · You've kissed him. · Seo-yeon's eyes narrow. · SEO-YEON · You don't need to say that out here. · HA-NEUL · Then stop acting like you're still deciding whether you even want him. · Seo-yeon looks away. · Ha-neul softens. · HA-NEUL · I'm your friend. I'm pushing you because I know you. · SEO-YEON · Then you should also know when to stop. · Ha-neul studies her for a moment. · HA-NEUL · Fair, maybe. · Seo-yeon walks away. · Ha-neul watches her go, realizing she may have gone too far. · ⸻ · SCENE 3 — "I Choose My Own Plans" · LOCATION: Aurora Entertainment, design department — INSIDE · TIME: Around 5:45 PM · LIGHTING: Warm late-afternoon sunlight through the office windows, mixed with softer interior lights. · SETTING: Most employees are finishing work. The office is quieter than during the day. · Alex closes a design file on his computer. · Ha-neul appears beside his desk. · HA-NEUL · Done for the day? · Alex looks up. · ALEX · Almost. · HA-NEUL · Dinner? · Alex pauses. · ALEX · Told you, I have plans. · HA-NEUL · With Seo-yeon. · ALEX · Yeah. · Ha-neul smiles. · HA-NEUL · You could always change them. · Alex looks at her. · His expression remains kind, but tired. · ALEX · Why would I do that? · HA-NEUL · Because maybe you're tired of waiting too. · That lands differently. · Alex slowly stands. · ALEX · I'm not waiting around for you to decide anything. · Ha-neul's smile disappears. · ALEX · And I'm not changing my plans so you can make Seo-yeon jealous. · Ha-neul looks surprised. · HA-NEUL · I wasn't— · ALEX · I know exactly what you're doing. · He says it calmly. · ALEX · And I'm not mad at you. · A pause. · ALEX · But I don't want to be stuck in the middle of this. · Ha-neul looks down. · HA-NEUL · Thought I was helping. · ALEX · Maybe you were. · He gives her a small, tired smile. · ALEX · But I think I need to handle this on my own. · Ha-neul nods slowly. · HA-NEUL · Fair enough. · Alex picks up his bag. · ALEX · See you tomorrow. · HA-NEUL · Yeah. · He walks away. · Ha-neul watches him go. · For once, she doesn't have a joke ready. · ⸻ · SCENE 4 — "Enough" · LOCATION: Aurora Entertainment, main lobby — INSIDE · TIME: Around 6:15 PM · LIGHTING: Warm evening light coming through the glass entrance, mixed with lobby lights. · SETTING: Employees are leaving for the evening. Several people are moving through the lobby. · Seo-yeon is waiting near the entrance. · Alex approaches. · She smiles when she sees him. · SEO-YEON · Hi. · ALEX · Hey. · Before they can continue, Ha-neul approaches. · HA-NEUL · There you are. · Alex stops. · Seo-yeon looks at Ha-neul. · HA-NEUL · I was thinking maybe you should cancel dinner. · Alex sighs quietly. · ALEX · Ha-neul... · She smiles at him. · HA-NEUL · What? I'm just giving you options. · She steps closer. · HA-NEUL · If she won't make up her mind, you could always go out with me instead. · Seo-yeon's expression hardens. · SEO-YEON · Ha-neul, that's enough. · Ha-neul turns toward her. · HA-NEUL · Why? · SEO-YEON · Because you're going way too far. · HA-NEUL · Or is it because it actually bothers you? · Seo-yeon says nothing. · Ha-neul looks at Alex. · HA-NEUL · Or maybe you're just afraid to tell him you care? · Seo-yeon takes a breath. · SEO-YEON · This isn't your call to make. · Ha-neul starts to respond. · Alex finally speaks. · ALEX · Enough. Both of you. · Both women look at him. · His voice is calm. · Not angry. · Just tired. · ALEX · I don't want to be stuck in the middle of this. · Silence. · Alex looks at Ha-neul. · ALEX · I'm not some tool to make her jealous. · Then he looks at Seo-yeon. · ALEX · And I'm not something either of you gets to decide for me. · Ha-neul lowers her eyes. · HA-NEUL · Alex... · ALEX · I'm heading home. · He looks at Seo-yeon. · ALEX · If you still want dinner, I'll be there. · Seo-yeon nods. · SEO-YEON · I do. · Alex gives her a small smile. · ALEX · Okay. · He walks toward the exit. · Seo-yeon follows. · Ha-neul remains in the lobby. · ⸻ · SCENE 5 — "I'm Tired" · LOCATION: Quiet street beside Aurora Entertainment — OUTSIDE · TIME: Around 6:30 PM · LIGHTING: Early evening, soft blue sky with warm streetlights beginning to turn on. · SETTING: A relatively quiet side street near the agency. Traffic sounds in the distance. · Alex and Seo-yeon walk side by side. · Neither speaks for several seconds. · Finally, Seo-yeon stops. · SEO-YEON · Alex. · He stops too. · SEO-YEON · I'm sorry. · Alex looks at her. · ALEX · You don't need to apologize for Ha-neul. · SEO-YEON · I'm apologizing for all of it. · Alex looks away for a moment. · ALEX · I'm not mad at you. · Seo-yeon watches him. · SEO-YEON · Sure looks like it. · He shakes his head. · ALEX · I'm just tired. · She doesn't interrupt. · ALEX · Tired of feeling like I'm standing in the middle of something I never signed up for. · Seo-yeon's eyes lower. · ALEX · Ha-neul treats me like some piece in a game. She says something, watches how you react, then says something else. · He pauses. · ALEX · And I get that she's trying to help you. · SEO-YEON · She is. · ALEX · I know. · A longer pause. · ALEX · But I'm still the one standing there in the middle of it. · Seo-yeon looks at him. · ALEX · And with you... · He hesitates. · ALEX · I don't even know where I stand. · Seo-yeon's expression softens. · SEO-YEON · You know how I feel about you. · ALEX · I do. · He smiles faintly. · ALEX · At least when it's just the two of us. · That hurts her. · SEO-YEON · Alex... · ALEX · I get your situation. · He speaks gently. · ALEX · The cameras. The rumors. Your work. Your family. All of it. · He takes a breath. · ALEX · But sometimes it feels like I'm the only one who actually knows we're doing this. · Seo-yeon looks down. · ALEX · I'm alone out here, Seo-yeon. · She looks up. · ALEX · Daniel's back in Japan. My family's in Spain. My whole life is here now. · His voice remains steady. · ALEX · And you became the person I talk to when something happens. The person I want to see. The person I actually trust. · A pause. · ALEX · So when it's just us, privately, I feel like I belong somewhere. · He looks at her. · ALEX · Then we step outside, and suddenly I have to act like none of it's even real. · Seo-yeon's eyes become emotional, but she stays composed. · SEO-YEON · I never wanted you to feel that way. · ALEX · I know. · SEO-YEON · I'm just trying to protect you. · Alex gives a small, sad smile. · ALEX · Sometimes it feels like you're protecting me from something I never even asked you to avoid. · She looks at him silently. · ALEX · I don't need you to announce anything. · He pauses. · ALEX · Don't need you holding my hand every second we're outside, either. · Another pause. · ALEX · I just need to know this is yours too. · Seo-yeon's eyes meet his. · ALEX · Not just something we do when nobody's watching. · Silence. · SEO-YEON · I'm scared. · Alex nods. · ALEX · I know. · SEO-YEON · If people find out, everything changes. · ALEX · Maybe. · SEO-YEON · And your life changes right along with mine. · ALEX · Maybe it already has. · She looks at him. · ALEX · But I chose to be here. · A long pause. · ALEX · I just want to feel like you chose it too. · Seo-yeon doesn't answer immediately. · Alex looks down. · ALEX · I'm not asking you to fix all of it tonight. · She slowly reaches toward his hand. · Stops. · Then lets it fall back. · SEO-YEON · I don't know how to do this. · Alex gives her a tired but genuine smile. · ALEX · Neither do I. · They continue walking. · ⸻ · SCENE 6 — "A Small Step" · LOCATION: Sidewalk outside a small restaurant near Aurora Entertainment — OUTSIDE · TIME: Around 8:10 PM · LIGHTING: Warm restaurant lights spill onto the sidewalk. Streetlights illuminate the evening street. · SETTING: Quiet neighborhood with a few pedestrians, taxis, and employees leaving nearby businesses. · Alex and Seo-yeon leave the restaurant after dinner. · They walk slowly. · Neither speaks much. · The conversation from earlier still hangs between them. · They reach a corner near Aurora. · Several employees are leaving the building across the street. · A couple of people recognize Seo-yeon. · They glance at her. · One employee whispers to another. · Seo-yeon notices. · Instinctively, she slows down. · Alex notices too. · He doesn't say anything. · He simply gives her space. · For a moment, she looks at him. · Then at the people nearby. · Then back at him. · She takes a breath. · Seo-yeon reaches for Alex's hand. · Alex looks down, surprised. · She gently takes his hand. · Their fingers interlace. · Not hidden. · Not behind them. · Not when nobody is watching. · Right there. · In front of other people. · Alex looks at her. · Seo-yeon gives him a nervous smile. · SEO-YEON · I don't know how to do this perfectly. · Alex looks at their hands. · Then at her. · ALEX · Me neither. · She squeezes his hand. · SEO-YEON · But I'm trying. · Alex's expression softens. · He doesn't say anything. · He simply holds her hand back. · They continue walking together. · This time, neither lets go. · END OF CHAPTER 25