Backstage, Haneul and Taeo finally get a moment alone together.
Taeo glances at her, his voice hesitant. “That confession earlier… You weren’t joking, right?”
Haneul’s cheeks turn red as she nods shyly.
She mumbles, “I really meant it.”
Taeo can’t help but grin at her honesty.
But their heart-fluttering moment is cut short when the manager’s voice bursts over the walkie-talkie.
“Attention! Mission rules have changed. New partners for everyone, random draw. Be ready for a new stage!”
Haneul’s eyes go wide. She whispers, “Don’t tell me… What if we end up together again?”
Taeo wiggles his eyebrows. “You wouldn’t mind, would you?”
Just then, Sujin, Wooseok, and Jimin burst into the room.
“There you are! Time for the partner draw!” Sujin claps enthusiastically.
Everyone picks a slip of paper. Haneul’s hands shake as she opens hers. It reads: ‘Kang Taeo.’
At the same time, Taeo reveals his: ‘Lee Haneul.’
Their eyes meet, and awkward giggles bubble up.
Sujin gasps dramatically. “Fate is not letting you two escape!”
Wooseok laughs, “Seriously, must be a reincarnation thing.”
Then the manager claps his hands, bringing everyone to attention.
“This time, it’s a totally new genre! Prepare for a ‘comic couple skit’ on stage. Make us laugh!”
Haneul and Taeo echo each other, “Comic skit, together? Really?”
Meanwhile, Sujin, Wooseok, and Jimin are already rolling with laughter.
Haneul mutters under her breath, “Of all people, of all times… Why Taeo?”
Taeo shoots her a playful wink.
“Let’s give them the best fake couple act ever. And hey, let’s make it funny.”
Haneul finds herself smiling despite her nerves.
Both of their hearts beat faster, wondering what kind of chaos and comedy the next stage will bring.