CRT Ch 27

💎

As soon as Yejun was discharged, he began tackling his schedule. The role of Seunghyun in Green Tea and Macchiato, previously taken by Yoon Inoh, along with a YouTube advertisement, returned to Yejun’s grasp. The G Company cosmetics ad, where Yoon Inoh had been the exclusive model, also became Yejun’s. Songhyul made an unprecedented offer to promote G Company cosmetics for free in all its dramas.

Yejun was retracing the path that had propelled Yoon Inoh to stardom, step by step. The person who made all this possible was Cha Yilhyun.

A script reading for Green Tea and Macchiato was held in the auditorium attached to Songhyul’s headquarters. The news of Yejun’s casting as Seunghyun sparked fierce backlash from webtoon fans and Yoon Inoh’s fandom. The louder the controversy, the more Yejun’s name gained fame. With reporters camped at the rear entrance, Seok Ryu and Yejun waited in the van.

“How about looking a bit unwell?”

“What?”

“You look too glamorous for someone who’s been through controversy and risen from a hospital bed. People are eager to find fault, so maybe you should be cautious.”

Yejun pursed his lips.

“They’ll criticize me no matter what I do. There’s no rule saying a patient has to look sick.”

“Sometimes appearances are everything.”

Yejun chewed his lips, his expression half-doubting.

“So what should I do?”

Seok Ryu got out of the van and climbed into the back seat. He deliberately mussed up Yejun’s meticulously styled appearance from an expensive salon. Pulling a prop cast from the luggage, he fitted it onto Yejun’s arm, instantly transforming him into a frail young master.

Yejun checked his face in a hand mirror, quietly satisfied. They headed straight to the script reading.

On the surface, they appeared as a devoted manager and actor, but Seok Ryu felt like he was playing Russian roulette every moment. Unlike when he’d clung to Yejun’s collar and charged forward, now his mouth went dry at the sound of Yejun’s footsteps. When Yejun spoke to someone alone on the phone, Seok Ryu’s heart sank, fearing he was calling the workshop.

The first script reading was said to have showcased Yejun’s commanding presence. The producer and writer stormed out, irritated by Yejun, and Kim Jiyul, Jo Namheon’s long-time partner, was ousted from the female lead role. That day, on Yejun’s orders, Jo Namheon ended a decade-long relationship.

“He’s too full of himself, relying on the CEO.”

“Just when we thought we could breathe without Yoon Inoh, someone worse shows up.”

Those who hadn’t yet become Yejun’s devotees spoke in unison. Seok Ryu disagreed. Yejun had finally become someone worthy of his place in the paradise he’d so desperately craved.

💎

Seok Ryu propped his luggage on his foot, staring at the elevator buttons. Yejun, basking in the satisfaction of asserting his power, looked sated.

“No wonder he never apologized to me—his family’s loaded.”

Turning, Seok Ryu saw Yejun clutching the Green Tea and Macchiato script, scrolling through his phone.

“Who are you talking about?”

“Kim Jiyul. His grandfather’s the head of a major hospital, and his parents are university hospital professors. Why become a celebrity with all that?”

“Every family has its outliers.”

Yejun had recently started growing his hair. Though cast as Seunghyun, he began altering his appearance, speech, and behavior to resemble Biryu. In that state, it was questionable whether he could pull off the role of a pure-hearted man in love with the female lead in Green Tea and Macchiato.

“I’ll try doping Kim Jiyul again. You’ll likely cross paths in the future, and constant clashes would be awkward for you, Yejun.”

The only doping attempt on Kim Jiyul was on the first day at the officetel. Back then, Seok Ryu was too focused on an impregnable fortress to care about discarding someone expendable. Yejun furrowed his brows.

“She’s already out of the drama, so whatever. From now on, don’t dope anyone unless I say so.”

“Understood.”

Reflecting, Seok Ryu realized he’d never once asked Yejun’s opinion when selecting follower candidates. He’d thought he was the only one enduring, but perhaps Yejun had been the one tolerating him.

“Why’s it taking so long?”

Yejun grumbled. The elevator stopped at every floor, likely packed with people. Seok Ryu pondered how to clear the elevator quickly so Yejun wouldn’t wait long.

When the elevator arrived and the doors opened, Seok Ryu froze. In contrast, Yejun’s voice bounced with excitement.

“CEO!”

Cha Yilhyun leaned against the empty elevator’s handrail. Secretary Yang must have left early, as he was alone. Perhaps not hearing Yejun’s call, Cha Yilhyun stared blankly into space with unfocused eyes, exuding a silence too heavy to interrupt.

Noticing Yejun belatedly, he softly raised his eyebrows. As the doors began to close, Cha Yilhyun swiftly reached out, pressing the open button.

“Get in.”

Yejun bit his lip and took a spot beside Cha Yilhyun. His earlobes brushed Cha Yilhyun’s shoulder, a pleasing height difference. Cha Yilhyun’s gaze flew to Seok Ryu and landed sharply.

“Are you getting on or not?”

Yejun’s eyes also turned to Seok Ryu. Since claiming Cha Yilhyun, Yejun often showed such a look—a mix of superiority and unease. What expression was Seok Ryu wearing now?

Clutching his bag strap, Seok Ryu stepped into the elevator. Facing away from them, he pressed the close button. Seeing every floor button lit, he knew who was responsible. Seok Ryu fixated on the slowly illuminating buttons.

In the metal doors’ reflection, Yejun maintained a haughty expression while stealing glances at Cha Yilhyun, as if still unable to believe he was his devotee.

As the doors closed, Cha Yilhyun extended his hand, gripping the handrail. Staring intently at Yejun, he caused Yejun’s neck to flush a vivid red.

“You don’t look well. Should’ve rested a few more days.”

“I’ve rested enough. Time to work hard.”

When Cha Yilhyun showed concern, Yejun glanced at Seok Ryu. His eyes declared Cha Yilhyun as his slave and possession. Cha Yilhyun reclaimed Yejun’s gaze.

“Script reading’s already done, I see. Was going to drop by.”

Yejun jolted in panic.

“No way! I would’ve been so nervous and stumbled if you came.”

“Then I should step back from judging the Biryu audition.”

“No, that’s not what I meant…”

The Biryu audition preliminary was approaching. Among the esteemed judges, Cha Yilhyun, alongside Director Choi, was key in deciding the Biryu role.

“I’m replacing the producer and writer.”

“What? Why?”

Yejun stammered in surprise, and Cha Yilhyun chuckled.

“They stormed into my office, threatening to quit the drama unless I dropped you. So I let them quit.”

Yejun seemed startled, not expecting Cha Yilhyun to fire them so decisively.

“But with those two, ratings would’ve been guaranteed…”

“What we need now are obedient people who listen. Our goal isn’t a supporting role in some rom-com drama. If you know anyone worth recommending, let me know.”

“Oh…”

Yejun exhaled in relief. Cha Yilhyun seemed ready to sacrifice all of Green Tea and Macchiato to secure the Biryu role for Yejun. As an ally, Cha Yilhyun shone brighter than other followers. Bound to his master, a guardian stone owned nothing, yet Seok Ryu felt utterly robbed.

Yejun tilted his head slightly toward Seok Ryu, eyes sparkling.

“Got any producers or writers in mind? You watched a lot of dramas and movies at the orphanage, right?”

“I’ll think about it.”

Seok Ryu reached into his shirt pocket for his notebook to jot down tasks. His hand trembled faintly. Then Yejun asked in a cheerful voice.

“Bought a new notebook?”

Cha Yilhyun’s gaze pressed against Seok Ryu’s cheek. Seok Ryu folded the notebook, tucking it back into his pocket. He slipped his hand into his pants pocket, clutching the Iron Man ring to avoid Yejun’s notice.

“Yes, I bought it yesterday.”

“Don’t you get bored using the same kind every time? Why not try a different design?”

“I’m used to it, so others don’t catch my eye. I’ll switch to something else.”

“No, I didn’t mean you have to change…”

Yejun smiled awkwardly, glancing at Cha Yilhyun. He seemed uneasy about appearing to boss his manager around. Realizing his unintended slip, Seok Ryu hurried to smooth it over.

“Yejun, buy me an expensive one. You’re doing so well—let me ride your coattails.”

“Sure…”

Yejun’s eyes darted side to side. Cha Yilhyun watched Seok Ryu with an odd look. The atmosphere turned so bleak that silence would’ve been better.

Yejun’s eyes, sneaking glances at Cha Yilhyun, shimmered with various hues. His gaze, a blend of expectation and anxiety, was pitiful enough to make Cha Yilhyun want to give him everything.

Yejun’s demeanor now was distinctly different from how he treated other devotees. It resembled how one might handle a lover who strayed but barely returned. Perhaps Yejun wanted to test the man who came back.

“Oh, right…”

As if recalling something, Yejun asked Cha Yilhyun.

“Have you seen a wine-colored notebook in your office? My manager lost it recently and has been looking everywhere.”

The unexpected question sent a chill down Seok Ryu’s spine. Cha Yilhyun’s expression was nonchalant.

“A notebook?”

“Yeah, a small wine-colored one. It’s important to my manager.”

“Was there such a thing…”

Cha Yilhyun lowered his gaze, muttering to himself, then wrinkled his nose.

“Does your manager just lose important things anywhere?”

“He’s usually meticulous, but that day was chaotic.”

“I’ll look for it later.”

“Please do.”

They seemed to have forgotten what was said or done in the CEO’s office that day. Or if they remembered, it no longer mattered.

Yejun brushed back his lengthened hair, smiling. The choker on his wrist jangled. Cha Yilhyun’s gaze briefly touched it, then fell away.

“Well, then…”

Cha Yilhyun’s lips parted slowly.

“Want to go to my office now and look for it?”

Seok Ryu and Yejun froze simultaneously. Yejun may have wanted to flaunt his superiority, but he hadn’t shaken off that day’s horrific memories. Neither had Seok Ryu. Yejun glanced at Seok Ryu, composing his expression.

“Now…?”

“Now.”

“No, I’ll look for it later.”

Cha Yilhyun’s eyes gleamed like a boy who’d found something amusing.

“You said it’s important. What if a cleaner finds it and throws it out?”

He canceled the first-floor button and pressed the top floor, making Yejun panic.

“W-Wait…!”

As Yejun paled, Cha Yilhyun grew cruelly innocent. He said in a guileless tone.

“My office must seem scary. It’s just full of toys.”

Yejun’s lips trembled, unable to respond. Even under the garnet effect, memories didn’t change. Cha Yilhyun would vividly recall how he’d pushed Yejun to the brink, cornered Seok Ryu, and soothed him with heart-wrenching tenderness in that office. Yet he toyed with others’ trauma like playthings.

Suddenly, suspicion stirred in Yejun’s eyes toward Cha Yilhyun. As if searching for the source of his constant unease, Yejun stole furtive glances, questioning whether Cha Yilhyun was truly his devotee.

Then Cha Yilhyun abruptly reached out, touching near Yejun’s jaw.

“You’ve got blood here.”

Yejun flinched, stepping back. Noticing his flushed neck, he checked his face in the elevator’s mirror.

“Oh, I must’ve gotten ink on me during the script reading.”

Seok Ryu pulled a wet wipe from his bag, handing it to Yejun, who hurriedly wiped the pen mark off his jaw.

Yejun didn’t yet know. Stabbing at vulnerabilities under the guise of play, or manipulating with kind gestures, were Cha Yilhyun’s unique expressions of affection. No matter how devoted he was to Yejun, his core nature remained unchanged.

Startled by the sudden contact, Yejun asked Seok Ryu in a strained voice.

“Wanna go to the CEO’s office now to look?”

It wasn’t about seeking his opinion but a plea to escape the situation. Seok Ryu canceled Cha Yilhyun’s button and pressed the first floor.

He glared at Cha Yilhyun with eyes burning hot, facing him directly for the first time since entering the elevator.

“No, I must’ve dropped it elsewhere.”

It was time to stop searching for meaning in Cha Yilhyun’s every expression and tone, only to collapse each time. If Seok Ryu didn’t accept that the Cha Yilhyun he knew was gone, he wouldn’t survive the time ahead.

“There’s nothing I left in that office. If there is, I’ll throw it out.”

A smile curled Cha Yilhyun’s lips, cold to the touch.

Ding—

The long-awaited arrival chime sounded. As the metal doors opened and fresh air rushed in, Seok Ryu could finally breathe. In that critical moment of escape, Cha Yilhyun kicked him down once more.

“I’ll drive you home. Ride with me.”

At Cha Yilhyun’s offer, Yejun’s eyes widened like a rabbit’s, his earlobes reddening. Cha Yilhyun’s glance at Seok Ryu was only ever for Yejun’s sake.

“B3, please.”

Seok Ryu pressed the basement parking button with chilled hands. Stepping out, he looked at Yejun.

“I’ve got work, so I’ll head out separately.”

Without waiting for Yejun’s reply, Seok Ryu walked off aimlessly. He pushed through the revolving door, rounded the building’s corner, and collapsed. His luggage bag tumbled to the ground. Belatedly, he realized he’d clenched his fists so tightly his nails dug in. He released his bitten lip, numb from the pressure.

He’d clung to Yejun’s pant leg, begging for life, hoping to see Cha Yilhyun again. Everything had gone as desired, falling into place. He’d bid farewell to the old Cha Yilhyun, yet Seok Ryu remained trapped by memories, unable to take a step forward.

Had Cha Yilhyun revealed the truth, or woven another layer of manipulation?

‘Do you like me?’

He was glad he hadn’t confessed then. Cha Yilhyun would’ve toyed with his confession like a plaything. No matter how many times he thought it over, Seok Ryu’s choice was right.

“Ugh…”

He thought he heard the faint sound of something shattering. Seok Ryu clutched his chest, sitting in deep shade until the cracking noise faded.

💎

Seeing Yejun’s sneakers in the shoe rack, he must have returned already. Arriving at the officetel, Seok Ryu noticed traces of someone drinking at the minibar. Forgetting to report to Yejun, he went to his room.

Though he hadn’t done anything monumental, his energy drained quickly. He filled the room’s bathtub with lukewarm water. From his travel bag, he pulled out a change of clothes and gem cleaning solution.

Neglecting proper cleaning today had dulled his eye color noticeably. The bathroom water soon overflowed. Forcing himself up, he shed his pants and unbuttoned his shirt. Then the door opened, and his half-brother barged in.

Jinguk’s flushed, staggering face suggested he’d been drinking. He sauntered in, closing the door. A bad feeling stiffened Seok Ryu’s back.

“Oh, was I interrupting your jerk-off session? What’s it like wanking in a fancy place like this?”

“Cut the crap and get out.”

Seok Ryu hurried toward the bathroom, planning to lock the door and wait out Jinguk. But Jinguk blocked the door first.

Jinguk’s eyes glinted with a sinister sheen. Sometimes, remnants lingered in followers like Jinguk after a transfer. It was a side effect. When lust and hostility clashed like this, they turned uncontrollably savage, and Seok Ryu bore the aftermath.

“They say you’re the company’s rag. I saw how you looked at the CEO—all sticky. Did you spread for him? That’s why he’s pushing Yejun, right? You secretly enjoyed it when I rubbed my dick on your ass, you disgusting fuck.”

In the past, Seok Ryu would’ve laughed off such crude insults, but now they nauseated him. More than the insult, he couldn’t stand Cha Yilhyun’s name in that filthy mouth.

“So that was your dick. I didn’t feel a thing, so I let it slide. Don’t whip it out anywhere.”

Seok Ryu turned to leave the room. Jinguk, chewing curses, grabbed Seok Ryu’s face, slamming him against the wall. One arm twisted back, Seok Ryu couldn’t even scream.

Jinguk bit into his neck. He forced his groin against Seok Ryu’s, grinding. The sickening sensation pierced through the pants. The unhealed wounds on Seok Ryu’s back scraped, threatening to tear a scream. Jinguk yanked the bandages through Seok Ryu’s shirt.

“A guy wearing bandages? You into being tied up?”

Jinguk cackled. Through the door crack, Seok Ryu saw Yejun’s face. He thought Yejun had come to help, hearing the noise. But Yejun indifferently watched Seok Ryu, then turned away. Pinned under Jinguk’s weight, Seok Ryu stared blankly at the door. A thick tongue slithered from his neck to his earlobe.

“Spread your legs quietly, or I’ll gouge your eyes out… Argh———!!”

Seok Ryu smashed the gem cleaning bottle into Jinguk’s face. Jinguk clutched his eyes, writhing on the floor.

“I’ll never break for trash like you. That’s not why I survived!”

Seok Ryu bolted into the hallway, fleeing to the emergency stairs. Curling up with his trembling body, he caught his breath on the steps.

He’d never hated those who tormented him. He didn’t even see it as torment. Time was too precious to waste on trivialities when he was racing for his master.

But now, revulsion surged with murderous intensity. He kept clashing with emotions he’d ignored. If the day came when the reality of emotions he’d deemed fake flooded in, he wouldn’t stay sane.

Yet one thing was fortunate: he’d learned love before hate and rage.