#heasoo

Chapter 5: Running from the Past

Scarlet Heart Ryeo Fanfiction

The weight of debt was crushing Ha Jin, and no matter how hard she tried, the collectors never gave her peace.

That evening, as she walked home, she felt it—the unmistakable sensation of being followed. A quick glance over her shoulder confirmed her fears. Two men in dark suits trailed her, their expressions unreadable but their intent clear.

Her heart pounded as she quickened her pace. The streets were crowded, but that wouldn’t matter. They were faster.

She turned a corner and ran.

But they were prepared.

A strong hand grabbed her wrist, yanking her back.

"Miss Go," one of them said in a calm yet menacing tone. "You know why we’re here."

She swallowed hard. "I just need more time—"

"There is no more time." His grip tightened. "Either you pay up, or we take… other measures."

Panic surged through her veins. She knew what that meant. If she couldn’t pay, they wouldn’t just leave her alone.

Then, just as fear threatened to paralyze her, a loud voice interrupted.

"Yah! Do you know how hard I worked to plate that?!"

Startled, everyone turned.

There, standing in the entrance of a small restaurant, was a young man in an apron. He had wavy hair and sharp features, his arms crossed in frustration. Another man stood beside him—tall, imposing, and watching the scene with narrowed eyes.

Recognition hit her like a tidal wave.

Wang Eun. Wang Jung.

Before she could react, Wang Jung stepped forward, his voice cool and authoritative. "She’s with us."

The debt collectors hesitated. They weren’t prepared for interference. With a low grunt, they released her and muttered, "This isn’t over," before disappearing into the crowd.

The moment they were gone, Ha Jin's knees buckled.

Wang Eun rushed forward. "Hey, are you okay?"

She looked up at him, tears forming in her eyes. "I… I know you."

Chapter 4: From a Rising Star to Viral Sensation

Scarlet Heart Ryeo Fanfiction

The campaign launched with a series of promotional videos featuring modern interpretations of Goryeo beauty. Lim Cosmetics’ Instagram exploded overnight, with comments flooding in:

“I’ve never seen a collection like this before!”

“The colors are so elegant and timeless.”

“I feel like a queen wearing this lipstick.”

Beauty influencers began raving about the Hwanghu Collection, praising its historical depth and luxurious textures. Korean celebrities wore it at red carpet events, and before she knew it, Ha Jin’s name was everywhere.

An unexpected turning point came when a famous actress, Lim Mi-Ran, personally requested Ha Jin as her makeup artist for an award show.

“I want the same look you created for the Hwanghu campaign,” Lim Mi-Ran said as Ha Jin adjusted her makeup chair. “The way you applied the lip stain? It’s perfection.”

It was one thing for her work to be admired—it was another to be personally requested by Korea’s top celebrities. The media began taking notice, and soon, her name was circulating among industry elites.

Beauty magazines interviewed her. Clients lined up to book her. She became the artist everyone wanted.

But with fame came trouble.

Debt collectors took notice.

Chapter 3: The Search for a Ghost

Scaler Heart Ryeo Season 2 Fanfiction

After seeing a man who resembled Wang So at the museum, Ha Jin couldn't shake off the feeling. She searched through guest lists and social media posts from the Goryeo: A Legacy Unveiled exhibition, but the name Lawyer Wang wasn't enough to locate him. With so many lawyers in Seoul, searching aimlessly felt like a futile effort.

Despite the distractions, Ha Jin couldn't stop thinking about it.

At work, Lim Cosmetics was preparing to launch a new campaign inspired by Goryeo. The exclusive makeup line aimed to blend the elegance of Korea's royal past with modern beauty trends. The timing was uncanny—Goryeo seemed to be following her even in her professional life.

Her expertise set her apart.

During a brainstorming session, Madame Oh, the creative director, gathered the senior artists to discuss the new project.

"We need something bold, historically accurate, yet wearable," Madame Oh said, displaying inspiration images. "Ha Jin, you studied historical aesthetics, right?"

All eyes turned to Ha Jin.

Although hesitant, she managed a smile. "Yes, I focused on traditional Korean beauty trends, particularly from the Goryeo era."

Madame Oh was intrigued. "Then you might be the perfect fit for this."

Ha Jin was tasked with developing the concept for the Goryeo collection, a role typically given to more experienced artists. It was a significant opportunity that could elevate her career.

That night, as she sat in her apartment, she delved into old research books and realized her memories of Goryeo were more vivid than any textbook. She recalled the makeup shades used by royal women, the intricate designs they wore, and the colors that adorned noblewomen.

Instead of sketching, she visualized the faces she remembered. She mixed pigments, creating hues that told a story. Gold dust blended with crimson for a royal look, deep plums inspired by silk robes, and peach shades mimicking the natural flush of noblewomen.

Her efforts didn't go unnoticed.

At the internal presentation, she introduced her concept:

"The Beauty of a Queen: Hwanghu Collection."

The name intrigued everyone, but it was her demonstration that left them in awe.

"This," she explained, applying red pigment to the model's lips, "is inspired by Goryeo's royal women. Unlike the bold lip shapes of Joseon, Goryeo women preferred a softer gradient for a delicate yet powerful look."

She dusted shimmering powder on the model's eyelids. "And this was achieved by crushing pearl and mother-of-pearl into fine dust, creating an ethereal glow."

Chapter 2 - A Legacy Unveiled

Scarlet Heart Ryeo Season 2

The city was alive with energy that evening, but Ha Jin barely noticed. The weight of exhaustion pressed down on her shoulders as she made her way home from another long shift.

Then, a banner caught her eye.

“Goryeo: A Legacy Unveiled”

She stopped in her tracks. The museum’s entrance was just a few steps away, and before she knew it, her feet carried her inside.

The exhibition hall was dimly lit, the warm glow of spotlights illuminating the ancient artifacts. Glass cases lined the walls, displaying intricate jewelry, royal robes, and delicate scrolls.

Every piece told a story. A history she had once lived.

Her hands trembled as she reached out—stopping just before her fingers could press against the glass.

She turned a corner and then—

Her breath caught in her throat.

A portrait of King Gwangjong of Goryeo.

The painting was massive, nearly reaching the ceiling, its colors still rich despite the centuries that had passed. She recognized every detail—the strong jawline, the piercing gaze, the quiet sorrow in his eyes.

It was him.

Her Wang So.

Tears burned at the back of her eyes. She clenched her fists, forcing herself to breathe.

Then, she felt it.

A presence.

Someone stood a few feet away, his broad shoulders silhouetted against the dim lighting. He was tall, dressed in a crisp black suit, his posture exuding quiet confidence.

He turned slightly, allowing the soft light to illuminate his face—

Her heart stopped.

It was him.

Or at least, someone who looked exactly like him.

She took a hesitant step forward, lips parting to call out—

But before she could speak, another voice interrupted.

“Lawyer Wang, we need to leave.”

She froze.

The man—Lawyer Wang—glanced toward the voice, nodding slightly before turning away.

She wanted to move, to say something, to chase after him—but her body refused to obey. She could only watch as he disappeared into the crowd.

Love Across Time

Scarlet Heart Ryeo Season 2

Prologue: Echoes of Time

A sharp, sterile scent filled Ha Jin's lungs as she drifted into consciousness. The rhythmic beeping of machines anchored her to reality, each sound pulling her further from the depths of a dream—if it had even been a dream.

Her eyelids fluttered open, revealing the cold glow of fluorescent lights above her. Everything around her was unfamiliar, yet terrifyingly real. The stark white hospital room. The IV line tugged at her wrist. The dull ache spreading through her limbs, as if she had been fighting a battle long lost.

Her fingers trembled as they curled into the stiff bedsheets.

It wasn’t the palace. There were no embroidered silk robes draped over her skin, no scent of incense lingering in the air. No whispered promises in the dark.

But she could still see him.

Wang So.

His fierce, unreadable eyes—once filled with devotion, once filled with pain. She remembered the warmth of his touch, the weight of his parting words. Live, Hea Soo. Even if it’s not in this time.

Her throat tightened. It had felt real. Too real. Yet, the present told her otherwise.

A nurse walked in, startled to see her awake. “Miss Go, you’re finally conscious.”

“How long…?” Her voice came out hoarse, barely above a whisper.

“You were in a coma for nearly a month.”

A month.

Ha Jin’s breath hitched. It couldn’t be right. She had spent years in Goryeo. Loving. Suffering. Losing. Yet, in this world, only a month had passed.

Had it truly been a dream? Or had she left something—someone—behind?

She pressed a trembling hand against her chest. There was an emptiness there, a grief she couldn’t name, a love that shouldn’t exist in this time.

But there was no palace waiting for her. No king searching for her. No past life to return to.

Only the present.