PTK Ch 12

Suddenly, when he came to his senses, he was always in the same place. A place he never wanted to return to, where old memories repeatedly pulled his consciousness. Even if he tried to run away, his whole body stiffened, unable to move an inch.

He couldn’t see anything. Yet, he knew where he was. Despite the perpetually recurring situation, he still couldn’t find a way to escape. Whenever he went to that place, he became powerless like a child not even ten years old.

In the spot he anxiously glanced at, a black form wriggled without fail. It made grotesque sounds while shuffling its hideous body. The creature, slowly looking around, soon discovered the trembling being.

He stepped back reflexively. The single thought of having to escape dominated his mind. His instincts continued to blare warning signals. If he didn’t get out of there immediately, something terrible would happen.

He gritted his teeth and desperately thrashed his limbs. However, he couldn’t take even a single step. His legs repeatedly kicked at the empty air, only spinning in the same spot. Meanwhile, his lungs gradually began to ache, and his breathing became noticeably rapid.

In the meantime, the creature strode closer, dangling its long tentacles. Every time he blinked, the distance between them narrowed dramatically. A peculiar stench wafted over him. It seemed their eyes met for a flash.

The next moment, the creature lunged, its mouth wide open. His head was instantly sucked into the damp oral cavity. He couldn’t breathe as his chest was crushed by a bulky forepaw. He struggled for a long time to survive. Nothing improved.

He felt a highly viscous slime creeping over his skin. The forepaw pressing on his chest quickly split into thin, long shapes, forming the image of a hand. The hand, which had been fluttering like an antenna, suddenly tightened around his neck. A piercing voice stabbed his ears.

“It’s because of you. If it weren’t for you, if you weren’t here!”

His blood flow intensified. His pulse raced, threatening to explode, constantly sending warnings. He shook his head. He thrashed his entire body, trying to break free from the force restraining him. But his gasping lips only sputtered bubbles as if submerged in water. Not a single scream escaped.

Help me.

A desperate cry echoed only within him. There was nowhere to ask for help. His surroundings sank deeper and deeper into a distant darkness.

“It’s all your fault! If only you weren’t here… If only you… Die! Die! Dieeee!”

A furious roar tore at his eardrums. As his throat was tightly constricted, his eyeballs and brain swelled as if they were about to burst. His heart, which had been pounding in anticipation of the end, died black.

With a gurgling sound, he was swallowed into a dark belly. Black slime gushed into him through every orifice. The scream that almost burst out was swept away and completely silenced.

An endless silence descended.

“……!”

His eyes shot open. Unable to exhale the breath he had sharply inhaled, he trembled, his limbs stiff with tension. He couldn’t move as if all his joints were frozen. Even though his eyes stung from the incoming sunlight, he couldn’t even close his eyelids again. Only his long eyelashes twitched convulsively.

As his senses awakened one by one, his whole body ached. The abrupt return to reality also caused a throbbing headache. It felt like his brain was being wrung out.

“Ha… Ha…”

He exhaled the breath he had been holding. Even a single breath caused his shoulders and chest to heave. Pain surged from his rapidly beating heart. His lungs, ceaselessly opening and closing, also ached unspeakably.

Stifling a groan, he clutched his chest. He turned on his side, waiting for everything to calm down. Cold sweat continuously trickled down his feverishly hot back. He frowned, groaning softly at the horrible sensation.

A dream. Or a memory of the past.

The nightmares had started a very long time ago. By now, he should have been used to it, but he couldn’t get accustomed to it at all. The past, replaying in the same form, the same shape every time, brought the same fear and helplessness.

He was no longer a child. He would never return to that place again. Even though he tried to console himself, the unpleasant feeling wouldn’t wash away. The nasty memory, coiled deep within his consciousness, would come back to haunt him whenever he started to forget it.

‘If only you weren’t here.’

He threw his pillow against the wall in frustration. The airborne pillow bounced off the wall and fell to the floor. Cha Yiljoo, reflected in the mirror opposite, didn’t have a gentle expression. In his eyes, heaving his shoulders and taking rough breaths, flashed an unprecedented glint.

🎥

Park Hanyoung, who was organizing his car, suddenly looked up. His gaze fixed on Euihyun’s SUV just entering the parking lot. He had received a summons from Simon Kim, saying he had something to discuss regarding the new project. However, with more than two hours left until their appointed time, he was puzzled by his early arrival.

Park Hanyoung closed the car door and approached Euihyun. Euihyun, who had just turned off the engine and gotten out, bowed his head slightly.

“I was going to leave a little later, why are you here so early?”

“My body is stiff. I thought I’d exercise before I see you.”

“Oh, I thought I told you the wrong time. I would have picked you up if you’d told me beforehand.”

“It’s all right. It’s faster for me to get here myself than to wait for you.”

“That’s true, but. Next time, please let me know in advance.”

“Yes,” Euihyun responded with an awkward smile. Park Hanyoung gestured towards the door, telling him to go ahead.

“Don’t overdo it with the exercise. I’ll be in a meeting for a bit and then come down when it’s time.”

At his continued admonition, Euihyun replied, “Yes,” again, and started walking. As he entered the first basement level, he felt a vibration. He took out his phone and saw a message from Kim Jihee. They had already exchanged messages once in the morning. Their schedules aligned, and they decided to have dinner together.

Let’s push back our appointment by an hour. I suddenly have an interview. Can you come to my side of town?

He sent a brief reply agreeing.

As always, there were no signs of anyone around the gym. It was originally a staff welfare facility, but very few people actually used it. Since there were no professional trainers stationed there either, he could use it as if he had rented the whole place at any time.

Without suspicion, he opened the door. He took off his shoes and went inside, opening the frosted glass door as well. And immediately after that, he stopped, startled. Because someone was standing in the locker room where he expected no one to be. The other person, who was taking off his shirt, also turned his head at the presence at the door. Their eyes met unavoidably.

“…….”

“…….”

His breath caught in his throat. His wide eyes wouldn’t blink easily. Cha Yiljoo also seemed quite surprised. As their gazes crossed silently, a heavy silence descended. One second felt like an eternity.

It was only after a while that his mind fully grasped the situation. Cha Yiljoo was completely shirtless. His sleek upper body was exposed. It was the unreal body he had seen in movies.

His gaze lingered on the impeccably toned torso. He was unconsciously scanning every inch of Cha Yiljoo’s body. Then, realizing his actions, he was startled. He quickly lowered his gaze. Cha Yiljoo couldn’t have missed his gaze, hurriedly falling to the floor.

He put his clothes back on while facing the lockers. There was no sense of urgency in his movements as he slowly untangled the tangled clothes. Calmly adjusting his collar, he asked casually,

“Did you come to exercise too, Euihyun?”

“Yes, I have some time to spare.”

He barely managed to reply, his eyes fixed on the floor. If he could, he wanted to disappear right there. He hadn’t expected to run into Cha Yiljoo like this. Even if he pretended to be nonchalant, they couldn’t help but be conscious of each other in a situation like this. Would it be better to turn back now? Even though he knew it would become more awkward if he avoided him, it was difficult to act natural.

Perhaps Cha Yiljoo was also feeling awkward, as he remained silent. He didn’t even know if Cha Yiljoo was looking at him or not. His hands unconsciously clenched in anxiety.

How much time had passed? Cha Yiljoo said, “What are you doing, not coming in?” He blankly raised his head, and Cha Yiljoo was smiling as usual. There wasn’t a trace of embarrassment or awkwardness on his face.

“…Ah.”

Was he the only one who was flustered again? Seeing the composed Cha Yiljoo, a belated sense of shame washed over him. His ears and nape burned. He could only hope they weren’t noticeably red.

At the repeated invitation to come in, he reluctantly moved his feet. Then he opened the locker closest to the exit. He didn’t even look at Cha Yiljoo. How many minutes did it take to simply take off a coat? He hesitated as he tried to pull up his t-shirt, when Cha Yiljoo took out his jacket. He passed by Euihyun and said goodbye.

“I’ll go first. See you next time, Euihyun.”

Euihyun’s hand stopped abruptly. He blankly watched Cha Yiljoo’s retreating figure as he took out his shoes and went outside. Outside the frosted glass door, another figure flickered alongside Cha Yiljoo. The voice he heard seemed to be Manager Han’s.

“Why? You said you were going to exercise?”

“I changed my mind.”

It was a quiet voice, but it reached his ears clearly. Soon, the presence of the two completely disappeared beyond the door.

Euihyun, left alone, silently took off his t-shirt. As he was about to pull his arm out of the sleeve, he suddenly stopped. An inexplicable tightness filled his chest.

“…….”

He stood there for a long time, gripping the hem of his shirt. His tightly clenched jaw trembled slightly.

By the time he finished showering after his workout, Park Hanyoung came looking for him. He quickly got dressed and headed to the CEO’s office. Simon Kim was handing his coat to his secretary. It seemed he had just returned from an outing.

“Come on in, Euihyun. You look particularly fresh today, why is that?”

“I exercised downstairs.”

He fiddled with his still-damp hair, embarrassed. Simon Kim grinned and gestured towards the sofa in front of him. He sat facing Park Hanyoung. Simon Kim also quickly took his seat at the head of the table.

“Today, as I mentioned, I’d like to talk about your next project, Euihyun. Before that, just in case, is there a specific type of work you’d like to do? You can broadly categorize it as movies or dramas, or you can describe it in detail by genre or character.”

“Well, I haven’t really thought about it in detail.”

“Let’s hear your general thoughts then.”

Simon Kim probed for any possible leads. Euihyun rubbed the back of his neck and spoke his mind.

“Actually, I’ve filmed more dramas than movies so far. Since dramas have a longer running time, they require more characters, so it was easier to get roles. I like that the emotions and relationships between characters change episode by episode, and that I can express that gradually. So, if I have the opportunity, I’d like to try a drama like that sometime…”

Simon Kim suddenly gave a knowing smile. He put down a thick document envelope in the middle of listening to Euihyun.

“Bingo.”

“Yes?”

“This is the next project that has been finalized after an emergency meeting with the planning department. If you had said you wanted to do a movie, I was going to give up, but thankfully. I mentioned it briefly before, right? That there’s a drama starting filming as early as next month.”

Simon Kim gestured towards the document envelope as if telling him to check it out. Park Hanyoung took out the contents and handed them to Euihyun. It was a drama script for four episodes. The cover had the title <Ghost> and the names of the main production staff. It was a dream team recently acclaimed for its unique directing and unusual structure.

Regardless of whether he would appear in it, he was curious about the work they would create. With trembling hands, he turned the first page. He read the densely packed text with bated breath.

“Since filming is imminent, they want a quick answer. It would be a shame to just let it go because we don’t have time to prepare. I heard that PD Kim Yongjin is only on his third project, but his directing sense is exceptional. Writer Im Yoojung is gaining attention for her powerful storytelling and unconventional characters. The lineup of actors cast is also quite impressive. Min Ahyun, the lead actress, has considerable acting skills built up from her child acting days. I’ve also heard good things about her ability to immerse viewers in the story, making her co-stars appear even more charming. I think this would be a perfect comeback project for you, Euihyun. What do you think?”

“Lead, sir?”

Euihyun was dumbfounded. He wondered if he had heard correctly.

“Yes, the lead. I feel sorry for the actor who had to drop out, but we’re lucky. It’s a good match of buzz and timing, so to speak. Of course, not every production with a stellar cast and crew is a success. But since it’ll gain attention from the beginning, it’ll be much smoother sailing. It will also be a good experience for you, Euihyun. It’s a character you’ve never played before.”

“But I’m still…”

“It’s understandable to feel pressured. It’s a 40-episode drama, unlike <Monster>. But you can’t be satisfied with small roles forever. It might feel a bit rushed, but have confidence. It’s not because you’re my actor, but I’ve believed for a long time that you’re ready to take on any role.”

“I think it’s a really good opportunity. Give it a try, Euihyun. You can do it.”

Park Hanyoung encouraged Euihyun, who couldn’t fully rejoice despite the good news. Euihyun looked at the script again with disbelieving eyes. Could he really do it? Habitual doubts, questioning whether he would end up hindering the project, crushed his confidence. Still, just once, even just once… He gradually tightened his grip on the script in his hands.

Simon Kim urged him to make a decision, with a slightly apologetic expression.

“I’d like to give you more time to think about it, but we don’t have much time. We promised to let them know by tomorrow. They can’t wait for us forever. What will you do? Will you do it?”

If it wasn’t excessive ambition, he wanted to stand in the spotlight at least once in his life. He made up his mind. He lifted his head and looked directly at Simon Kim.

“Yes. I’ll do it.”

A satisfied smile spread across Simon Kim’s face. Park Hanyoung also seemed pleased with Euihyun’s decision, saying, “Good thinking.”

“Don’t feel too pressured, just do what you’ve been doing. That will be enough.”

Simon Kim encouraged him once more. “Thank you,” he replied, then shifted his gaze to the script on his lap. He gently brought the corners of the two booklets together. A pleasant pulse originating from his fingertips spread to his chest, and then throughout his entire body.

“Euihyun, are you going straight home?”

Leaving the CEO’s office, Park Hanyoung checked his schedule.

“No. I have a dinner appointment with Reporter Kim Jihee. I was thinking of reading the script a bit before leaving.”

“Is that so? Then I’ll go to the planning team and coordinate the schedule. Let me know if anything comes up.”

“All right.”

He parted ways with Park Hanyoung in front of the elevator. After seeing him off, he considered a suitable place to read the script. An empty meeting room, the cafeteria, the gym locker room, and his car all came to mind.

However, the place Euihyun headed to wasn’t any of those. He went up to the rooftop via the emergency stairs. He felt like he needed to calm his still-pounding heart first.

He had appeared in so many works and played various roles. Based on his career alone, he could be called a veteran. But he felt like he had returned to his rookie days.

After being let go from his previous company, he hadn’t hesitated to take on nameless roles. He loved acting, and living by doing what he wanted was his only happiness, so he did his best in any role he was given.

Once, while playing an unnamed ‘Neighbor 1’, his role had become larger than initially expected. A few days later, he found a single line in the script and was overwhelmed by a burst of emotion.

‘From now on, Neighbor 1 will be called Youngmin.’

Even when he closed his eyes, that line still vividly came to mind. His current feeling wasn’t any different from back then. It was like receiving a huge, unexpected gift. He didn’t know how to manage the feeling swelling inside him, no matter how hard he tried to suppress it.

He reached the rooftop, his steps light as if floating in the air. When he pushed open the tightly closed iron door, a still-cool breeze rushed towards him. The sunlight made him squint, turning his head naturally.

As his eyes adjusted to the natural light, Euihyun realized that someone had already arrived on the rooftop. A man was leaning against the railing, smoking a cigarette.

“…….”

He could tell who it was just by looking at his back. Had he not left yet? With a slight question in mind, he watched him for a moment. He couldn’t take his eyes off the man’s back, which looked particularly precarious. Was something troubling him? The breath he exhaled with a long stream of smoke looked as if he were sighing.

It wasn’t any of his business, but he couldn’t help but be concerned. Of course, it didn’t mean he could offer any help.

Euihyun chose to quietly retreat without making his presence known. He wanted to be the first to tell him that he had landed the lead role in the drama. But he didn’t have the boldness yet to laugh and talk with him as if they had forgotten everything that happened. He carefully closed the door without making a sound and went down from the rooftop.

A short while later, Cha Yiljoo suddenly looked back.

“…….”

After staring at the closed door for a long time, he turned his gaze back outside. He heard a car nearby, and saw an SUV just leaving the building. It was Euihyun’s car. His eyes slowly followed its movement.

Euihyun’s car crawled through the narrow alley. As the signal changed, it turned onto the main road, diligently signaling even though there were no cars behind it.

Just like that, he watched until Euihyun disappeared from sight. A gust of wind blew. He roughly swept back his wildly fluttering hair. The breath he exhaled immediately afterward was heavier than any sigh, and more bitter than any cigarette smoke.

“What brings you here?”

Simon Kim asked as he signed a document. His gaze was fixed on the paperwork, not on Cha Yiljoo. Cha Yiljoo just shrugged without answering.

“I thought you had already left.”

He finished the last signature and looked up. When Simon Kim asked, “What is it?”, Cha Yiljoo abruptly suggested,

“Want to grab a drink?”

“Right now?”

“Since when did you start caring about the time when it comes to drinking?”

“Well, it’s not that, but…”

He rested his elbows on the table and clasped his hands. A sly smile played on his face, resting gently atop his clasped hands. His narrowed eyes moved quietly, trying to read the other person’s mind.

“What’s going on? You’re suggesting a drink first?”

“Why are you being so picky today? Your only redeeming quality is that you never refuse a drink.”

“I’m sorry that’s my only redeeming quality. I thought I was a person with more strengths. Alright, let’s go. I was thinking of having a drink anyway.”

Simon Kim chuckled and readily grabbed his coat.

They headed to their usual bar in Simon Kim’s car. With a baseless premonition that they might be drinking for a while, he sent his driver home early. The bar was quiet because it was still early. They asked the bartender, who was just beginning to prepare for business, for a private room. Their usual drinks were set on the table.

They exchanged familiar greetings and poured drinks. After taking a sip, Simon Kim, like any company CEO, started the conversation.

“So, any inconveniences?”

“Like what?”

“Never mind.”

He immediately cut off the response. He even chided Cha Yiljoo, saying, “You never know how to be nice.” Cha Yiljoo chuckled and swirled his glass. Staring absentmindedly at the liquor sloshing inside, he asked a perfunctory question.

“How’s Amanda doing?”

“My mother is always worried about you. More than her own son.”

“What about her hospital visit?”

“It’s been three months since she was discharged and started a volunteer group with the people from her ward. Yiljoo, if there’s one fan who was most saddened by the news of your Korea-focused activities, it would be Amanda. How long do I have to watch her heartbreaking one-sided love? She only said hello at the last company anniversary, right? You didn’t even eat with her. She expresses her disappointment every time we talk.”

He reproached Cha Yiljoo for his indifference. He also didn’t forget to offer some gentle advice to Cha Yiljoo, who just smiled faintly.

“Give her a call when you have time. Not just because she’s my mother, but because she means something to you too.”

Instead of answering, Cha Yiljoo just nodded. He also drained the whiskey he had been swirling in his glass in one gulp. As Simon Kim refilled his glass, he changed the subject.

“Speaking of which, my mother was wondering. Are you seeing anyone these days? I don’t think I’ve heard anything since Terajima.”

“I don’t have the time for that.”

“So, you’re not against the idea? You make time if you want to. It’s not like you weren’t busy before. Saying you don’t have time for dating is just an excuse. By the way, how’s Terajima? I heard she still hasn’t forgotten you.”

“Where did you hear that?”

“Let’s just say it’s highly credible information from a reliable source.”

“Then let me, the person involved, prove it. It’s a rumor.”

He spoke decisively. Simon Kim popped a nut into his mouth, rolled it around with his tongue, and hummed.

“You have no intention of seeing her again?”

“It would be the same no matter how many times we met. A relationship that broke down because of a certain issue will eventually break down again for the same reason. There’s no need to foolishly repeat the past. I don’t have time to waste on that.”

“Ha. You heartless bastard. Sometimes you have to lose something to realize its value. It’s not an object, it’s a person. Human relationships aren’t that easily severed.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“Naive women will think a guy like you is a considerate gentleman. Terajima is quite pitiful in a way.”

“Stop it. We agreed not to interfere in each other’s personal lives.”

“Even so, I can’t stand the thought of my actor becoming asexual. You have to keep dating to maintain momentum, and sexual attractiveness needs a source. How can you be sexy if you’re not having sex?”

He advised playfully. Cha Yiljoo just chuckled it off.

He observed Cha Yiljoo while tilting his glass. Cha Yiljoo barely drank, just fiddling with his glass. He made conversation as usual, but he seemed strangely detached. The way his gaze occasionally fixed on a corner of the table suggested he was preoccupied with something.

He was curious why Cha Yiljoo had suggested a drink first, but he decided to wait and see. Normally, Cha Yiljoo would have been dragged out with a look of utter annoyance on his face. Did he have something to say? Or did he want to put aside his complicated thoughts by engaging in idle chatter?

However, quite some time passed, and Cha Yiljoo remained silent. Left alone, he seemed lost in his own thoughts, oblivious to anyone else’s presence. Simon Kim decided to change his approach.

“So. Is there really no one?”

It was a question thrown out without much expectation. On any other day, Cha Yiljoo would have snapped at Simon Kim for his nosiness, telling him to mind his own business. But instead, he remained silent. There was definitely something going on.

Simon Kim waited patiently without awkwardly pressing him. Soon, Cha Yiljoo murmured, staring blankly ahead,

“…There is someone I want to get along with.”

“Oh? She must be quite a woman, then?”

A mixture of delight and wonder spread across Simon Kim’s face. He wasn’t curious because Cha Yiljoo was his acquaintance, but out of pure human curiosity. Someone had captivated the man who expected nothing from anyone.

However, Cha Yiljoo’s expression, as Simon Kim looked at him expectantly, wasn’t bright.

“Then why the long face? Does she not reciprocate your feelings?”

Instead of answering, Cha Yiljoo slowly shook his head. Then he silently stared at the liquor in his glass.

“I received a confession.”

“What? From whom?”

Simon Kim was taken aback by the unexpected remark. Then, quickly putting two and two together, he asked,

“From her?”

Again, Cha Yiljoo only nodded.

“If you don’t accept it, will you drift apart?”

“Why aren’t you accepting it? You said you want to get along with her.”

“Because I don’t feel that way.”

“What do you mean? She sees you as a potential romantic partner, but you don’t feel the same? You just want to be friends with her because you like her as a person?”

“Yes.”

“What did you say when she confessed? Did you just reject her?”

“Well, something like that.”

“Did you explain your reasons well? That you don’t have romantic feelings for her, but you want to remain friends?”

“Yes. Although it was before the confession.”

“And she still confessed?”

Cha Yiljoo confirmed with a nod. Simon Kim’s expression turned perplexed.

It’s quite common for friendships to develop into romantic relationships. However, when only one person has those feelings, and they are ultimately rejected, it becomes difficult to return to the original relationship. That being said, it wasn’t entirely impossible, so Simon Kim offered a simple solution first.

“Talk to her again. It’ll be fine if she understands.”

“Where do you think we are?”

Where else, Korea. Oh right, Korea.

Simon Kim fell silent, at a loss for words. He had heard that divorced couples rarely remained friends in this country. The same applied to transitioning from lovers back to friends. He had also heard that confessions between opposite sexes in Korea often implied a break or end to the relationship. It was a cultural difference, but not entirely incomprehensible.

Cha Yiljoo’s current predicament was no different. That meant the person he wanted to get along with was Korean. Simon Kim offered some casual advice once again.

“Then put in some effort. It would be a waste if you just pretend you don’t know anything, wouldn’t it?”

“What’s not possible is not possible. Especially not with such lighthearted feelings.”

Cha Yiljoo’s attitude was excessively firm. Simon Kim couldn’t help but tilt his head.

“Is there something wrong with her? Or is she incredibly unattractive?”

“It’s not like that.”

“Then what is it?”

Someone he wanted to get along with had confessed. Even if he didn’t reciprocate the feelings right away, he could at least try. In the process, their feelings might align. Reality wasn’t a movie; most relationships began with such emotional imbalances. After all, a relationship was nothing more than a process of getting to know each other more deeply and bridging the gap.

“She’s a good person. I might even fall for her soon.”

“Okay. So, what’s the problem?”

“If I accept her, our existing relationship will inevitably change.”

“Isn’t that obvious?”

“I don’t want that.”

“Why?”

“If I disappoint her, it can’t be undone. A relationship that has once changed can’t be restored. It’s common to go from friends to lovers, but it’s impossible to go back from lovers to friends. Going back to being friends, that’s just a nice-sounding excuse.”

He sighed, shaking his head. He was worrying about the end before even beginning. Just because of that, he was keeping his distance from someone he was afraid of losing.

Simon Kim clicked his tongue disapprovingly and chided Cha Yiljoo.

“If you continue like this, you won’t even have that nice-sounding friendship. As you said, Yiljoo, this is Korea. How do you expect to go back to the way things were when her feelings have already changed?”

“…Is it not possible?”

“Are you serious? Yiljoo, I understand what you’re thinking, but if you hesitate because you’re worried about something that hasn’t even happened yet, you’ll lose even the friendship.”

Cha Yiljoo slowly emptied his glass. Even as he listened to Simon Kim, his gaze remained fixed on the opposite wall. The way his hand repeatedly caressed the empty glass hinted at the depth of his worries.

“Just do what you usually do. It doesn’t suit you at all, the great Cha Yiljoo seeking advice on something like this. What are you so anxious about? From what I can see, you’re the one holding all the cards.”

Well, was it really that simple?

As Simon Kim said, if Cha Yiljoo simply accepted her feelings, all his worries would disappear. But he couldn’t agree to it with such shallow thoughts. He didn’t want to hurt Euihyun again.

It was still difficult for him to imagine being in a relationship with Euihyun. However, he couldn’t keep pretending he didn’t know anything while watching Euihyun waver.

The problem became more tangled the more he tried to solve it. He thought he might feel a bit better if he confided in someone, but his mind was still cluttered.

Simon Kim, oblivious to his intense inner turmoil, grinned openly.

“Still, she’s half succeeded.”

“What do you mean?”

“She successfully made you, someone who had no such intentions, recognize her as a potential romantic partner.”

Cha Yiljoo’s expression suddenly turned blank. It was as if he had been unexpectedly hit on the back of the head.

“That’s what a confession is. It’s like declaring, ‘From now on, I could be your romantic partner.’ Look at you, agonizing over whether to accept her feelings or not. You didn’t even have to think about it before she confessed. Aren’t you only considering it because there’s a chance you might accept?”

He couldn’t deny it.

Simon Kim repeatedly glanced at Cha Yiljoo from the corner of his eye. He still seemed deep in thought. He rarely spoke about himself, even in private settings. He had never seen such an anxious look on Cha Yiljoo’s face before. He usually heard about Cha Yiljoo’s relationships from others, let alone Cha Yiljoo seeking relationship advice.

So he was curious. Who was the person making Cha Yiljoo so restless?

“Just what does this woman do?”

He asked casually while pouring him a drink. For some reason, Cha Yiljoo answered readily.

“She has a lot in common with me.”

His tone was devoid of any sense of reality, as if he were intoxicated by his own words. Simon Kim’s face was taken aback by the unexpected statement. It’s absurd that there’s another one like you. His stark expression seemed to convey what he was about to say.

Cha Yiljoo glanced at Simon Kim and chuckled. Leaning back slightly, he said, “It’s true.”

“When I look at her, I sometimes feel like I’m looking at myself. But she’s also different, much stronger, and it makes it impossible for me to take my eyes off her. Sometimes I want to test her. Are you really that strong? Or are you just pretending? You’re hurt, aren’t you? You’re weaker than I thought. It makes me want to keep provoking her.”

“You’re messed up. Women need to know this side of you.”

Simon Kim lamented dramatically. Undeterred, Cha Yiljoo continued.

“But even then, I don’t want to hurt her, not even as much as I’ve been hurt.”

Simon Kim’s eyebrows shot up. He looked surprised, then chuckled.

“I understand your noble intentions, but if you keep dilly-dallying, you’ll lose her, you know?”

He teased, clicking his tongue. Cha Yiljoo sent him a look filled with resentment. Simon Kim gladly met his gaze and added mischievously,

“Isn’t this the time when she’s at her most vulnerable? The perfect timing for someone else to swoop in. If that happens, Yiljoo, no matter what you worry about or what decision you make, it will be meaningless. Because it will already be over.”

Cha Yiljoo simply laughed derisively as if asking if that was all he had to say. He intended to let it go in one ear and out the other. Simon Kim pointed at the nonchalant Cha Yiljoo and uttered a curse, “You’ll regret it.”

Euihyun arrived at the Cheonghwa Ilbo building earlier than their agreed time. He entered the familiar cafe on the first floor. He didn’t contact Kim Jihee to tell her he had arrived, not wanting to burden her. Instead, he took a seat at a table with a clear view of the lobby. He also ordered a drink to have while reading the script.

He had just received his pager when he returned. The chime indicating the elevator’s arrival at the lobby rang. He looked up involuntarily because he heard Kim Jihee’s voice from that direction.

“…I should at least treat you to a meal.”

“No, it’s alright. I understand you have a prior engagement.”

“Then I’ll be looking forward to this performance.”

“Yes. I look forward to your favorable articles.”

Kim Jihee was shaking hands with a man who appeared to be her interview subject. After their formal farewell, the two headed towards the entrance together.

At that moment, the sound of something falling and rolling on the floor spread. The lobby was so quiet that it couldn’t be ignored. Kim Jihee and the man turned around simultaneously. The drink pager was lying on the floor where their gazes landed. Soon, Kim Jihee spotted Euihyun standing blankly nearby.

“Oh my, Actor Jung. You’re already here?”

“…Ah.”

As if waking up from hypnosis, he suddenly came to his senses. Euihyun, with a flustered expression, hurriedly picked up the pager.

“I miscalculated the time.”

Embarrassment was evident on his face as he made excuses. Kim Jihee, concerned, asked, “Why do you look so pale?” Remembering the presence of her previous guest, he quickly suggested,

“It’s nothing. I’ll wait here, so please finish what you’re doing.”

“No, I’m actually finished…”

She couldn’t take her eyes off Euihyun’s pale face. Around that time, the man she had just interviewed approached them.

“Are you alright?”

“Ah, yes. Professor.”

As she tried to send him off, the man stared intently at Euihyun without moving. The atmosphere felt like she should introduce them. She gently pulled Euihyun’s arm, who was looking at the floor. Euihyun flinched and made eye contact. His eyes were filled with bewilderment.

“This is Professor Kang Muhyeong, a musical director from the University of Culture and Arts. And this is actor Jung Euihyun.”

As if to render her introduction meaningless, the two remained silent. They simply faced each other with stiff expressions. They didn’t even offer the usual handshake or a polite bow. It felt as though time had stopped.

Kim Jihee tilted her head, puzzled.

“Do you two know each other?”

Curiosity sparkled in Kim Jihee’s eyes. She looked back and forth between the two, intrigued. Euihyun didn’t answer, just took a sip of water. His eyes met Kang Muhyeong’s over the tilted cup. He quickly averted his gaze.

“We worked on a production together in Daehakro a while ago. It was back when we sang and acted in front of an audience of barely a hundred, if that. If I remember correctly, it was shortly after Euihyun finished his military service, wasn’t it?”

He glanced at Euihyun while speaking. Kim Jihee’s gaze followed. Euihyun reluctantly nodded and started putting down his cutlery. He neatly placed his spoon and chopsticks on a tissue. Kang Muhyeong quietly observed his actions. As if sensing his lingering gaze, Euihyun’s neat hands quickly moved under the table.

Kim Jihee, unaware of the situation, asked excitedly,

“Actor Jung, so you did musicals too?”

“Well, it was such a short time that I’m embarrassed to call it that. My previous company terminated my contract, and I didn’t have any work for a while.”

“…Oh, I’m sorry.”

Kim Jihee apologized for her thoughtless words. Even though he hadn’t had any major roles or become widely known, Euihyun was an actor. How must he have felt when he suddenly found himself on a stage he hadn’t been on in years? He must have felt lost. He must have been as confused as a rookie all over again. He might have even had to solicit customers to fill the empty seats on weekdays. That wasn’t a new challenge. It was simply a harsh reality with no other options.

Until her interview with Kang Muhyeong, Kim Jihee hadn’t even known that such a play existed. As an entertainment reporter, she had been curious about what happened to Euihyun after his exclusive contract fell through, yet she had been completely unaware. Kang Muhyeong recalled that time as a “mire of poverty he couldn’t escape from.” What must the nameless actor have been thinking, day in and day out, within a play that not even the lead actor remembered fondly?

It was daunting just to imagine. Yet, the actor simply smiled faintly and said, “It’s all in the past.” He even comforted Kim Jihee, telling her not to worry about it.

“I think I’m here now because of that time.”

Kim Jihee quickly put on a warm smile. She playfully leaned her head on Euihyun’s shoulder, saying, “I’m so proud of you.” Euihyun simply rubbed the back of his neck listlessly.

Kang Muhyeong quietly observed the scene from across the table. It was an unconscious action.

“Then our Actor Jung must have sung too, right?”

At the sudden question, he became aware of his lingering gaze. Kang Muhyeong suppressed his rising embarrassment and calmly replied,

“…Ah, yes, since it was a musical. I probably sang two or three songs. I think my solo parts were about eight bars long.”

“Really? Was he good?”

“I heard he never had formal singing lessons. So it was a bit rough and lacked technique, but that was what made it refreshing. It felt pure and untainted, so to speak. It suited the role he played at the time quite well.”

“Oh my, oh my. I didn’t know our Actor Jung had such a talent! Could you sing a little for us?”

“…I’ve forgotten everything.”

He declined in a barely audible voice. Kim Jihee pouted, then quickly brightened up again. She seemed delighted to have discovered a new side of Euihyun. As she refilled Kang Muhyeong’s glass, she asked excitedly,

“I thought Actor Jung had quit acting because I couldn’t find him anywhere after that. I was so worried. If I had known he was doing musicals in Daehakro, I would have gone there right away and become a revolving door fan. What did you think, Professor? Please tell me more.”

“Well…”

Kang Muhyeong gave a mysterious smile. A rather mischievous glint appeared in his eyes as he looked at Euihyun. Euihyun subtly shifted his gaze to the side. He couldn’t hide his embarrassment as the talk about the past continued.

“Judging by your hesitation, he must have been terrible.”

“No. His acting was excellent. As I said, his singing wasn’t bad either. He was just extremely shy.”

Perhaps it was his imagination, but Kang Muhyeong’s tone seemed even more teasing. Euihyun lowered his head further. His exposed ears were flushed. Kim Jihee let out a strange exclamation, “Ooh,” then, as if in disbelief, she asked for confirmation,

“You’re saying Actor Jung was shy? He becomes a completely different person when he’s immersed in acting now.”

“He must be better suited for the camera.”

“That’s true. There are no cameras there! Since it’s a small theater, the audience would be right in front of him… Ha, I should have seen that from the front row. To miss such a rare sight.”

Kim Jihee fidgeted, genuinely regretful.

“Reporter…”

He tried to stop her in a dying voice, but to no avail. Still excited, Kim Jihee continued to pry about what happened back then. Kang Muhyeong, though he could have given vague answers, played along, recounting every little detail.

“There was a friend who occasionally appeared as an extra in movies, and he said he would bring an actor he knew. I told him to go ahead. Around that time, one of our members suddenly quit, so we had to bring someone in. The role was small, so it wasn’t easy to recruit someone new, but we couldn’t remove the character entirely.”

“I understand. And then?”

“I went to the practice room early that day, and there was this unfamiliar person cleaning. We usually cleaned at night after we were finished, because it would just get dirty again. I told him he didn’t have to, but he said he’d finish since he had already started. I left him alone, and he just kept sweeping and wiping… If someone who didn’t know had seen him, they would have thought he came to clean, not to act.”

“No way, Actor Jung. Why were you doing that?”

“When I arrived, no one was there, and I didn’t really have anything to do. I heard you’d be practicing all day, and there were stains and dust on the floor…”

Kim Jihee burst into laughter at his excuse. Kang Muhyeong also chuckled, recalling the absurdity of the situation. Euihyun’s mouth shut tight again. Hoping the topic would change, he focused on flipping and cutting the meat.

“During our interview earlier, didn’t you say you went abroad right after that production?”

Euihyun’s hand, which was grilling the meat, paused. Kim Jihee, focused on Kang Muhyeong, didn’t notice. Kang Muhyeong’s answer came a beat later.

“…Yes, that’s right.”

“So you did your last production in Korea with our Actor Jung?”

“That’s right. Euihyun joined near the end, so it was about three months.”

“I see. What a meaningful connection.”

Kim Jihee wore a genuinely pleased expression. She hadn’t meant anything by it, but a strangely tense atmosphere settled between the two men, excluding her.

He tried not to show it and started moving his hands again. Kim Jihee piled a large portion of well-cooked sirloin onto Euihyun’s plate, who was only grilling the meat and hadn’t eaten a single bite. She also personally placed some garlic from the small dish that was simmering. Watching this, Kang Muhyeong casually remarked,

“Euihyun doesn’t eat garlic unless it’s already in the sauce.”

“Really?” Kim Jihee asked, looking at Euihyun. For a brief moment, a meaningful glance passed between Euihyun and Kang Muhyeong. Euihyun was the first to look away again.

“Yes. It gives me heartburn.”

“I see. I never knew that.”

Kim Jihee popped the garlic she had given to Euihyun into her own mouth. She told Kang Muhyeong, “You know him well.” Kang Muhyeong smiled silently and glanced briefly at Euihyun. Euihyun simply quenched his burning thirst.

It was like sitting on pins and needles. He should have been hungry, but he couldn’t swallow a single piece of meat easily. It felt like he was chewing on steel. He felt like he was going to get indigestion because of the lingering gaze he couldn’t help but be conscious of. His concentration wavered, and he couldn’t even follow the conversation.

As the conversation deepened, Kim Jihee brought his attention back.

“By the way, what did you decide on for your next project? Shouldn’t it be decided by now?”

“Yes. I’ll be in a 40-episode drama. I received the script today.”

“Oh, what’s it about? What role are you playing this time?”

“It’s a revenge drama, and I’m lucky enough to be playing the lead.”

“Really? That’s great! Congratulations!”

She rejoiced as if it were her own accomplishment. She suddenly threw her arms around Euihyun’s neck and ruffled his hair vigorously.

“Eat your fill. This big sister is paying for everything today!”

Two bottles of soju were immediately added to their order. Kim Jihee drank as if it were water. He watched anxiously and suggested she slow down, but to no avail. As Kim Jihee’s glass emptied repeatedly, he became increasingly worried about her well-being, and at the same time, another anxiety grew. He had a feeling that the moment she would leave was approaching.

Soon, the situation he had been dreading arrived.

“I’ll be back, I need to use the restroom.”

Kim Jihee, who had emptied three bottles by herself, abruptly stood up. He tried to help her, but she stubbornly refused, saying she wasn’t drunk. He had no choice but to watch anxiously as she stumbled away. After she turned the corner and disappeared, he couldn’t find anywhere to rest his gaze.

An awkward silence settled over the table where the two men were left alone. Even their breaths felt heavy. The meat on the grill, unclaimed, continued to blacken and burn.

He removed the charred meat with tongs. As he scraped off a piece that was completely stuck to the grill, Kang Muhyeong spoke.

“It’s been a while, Euihyun.”

His tone was completely softened, unlike before. Euihyun’s hand faltered. To Euihyun, frozen in place, Kang Muhyeong offered a belated greeting.

“I thought we might run into each other someday, but I didn’t expect it to be like this. How have you been?”

“I’ve been well.”

He answered casually and put down the tongs. His gaze remained fixed on the grill, not on Kang Muhyeong. Kang Muhyeong, who had been staring intently at him, subtly suggested,

“Shall we go out for a smoke?”

“I quit.”

“When?”

“Does that matter?”

He asked calmly. Finally, their eyes met for a brief moment. Kang Muhyeong chuckled and shook his head.

“I heard about you. That you’ve established yourself as an actor. I heard you landed a lead role this time, congratulations.”

Strictly speaking, it wasn’t his first lead role. But he didn’t bother to correct him. He simply offered a perfunctory “Thank you.”

With that, an uncomfortable silence returned. Euihyun kept glancing in the direction of the restroom. Kang Muhyeong calmly observed him. As Euihyun turned his head, their eyes met again. A faint smile spread across Kang Muhyeong’s lips.

“You haven’t changed a bit.”

“…….”

“You’re just the same as before.”

Euihyun didn’t respond. Just as Kang Muhyeong was about to say something more, Euihyun shifted his attention behind him. Kim Jihee was walking back, looking as though she might collapse at any moment. He quickly got up and supported her. Kim Jihee, whose knees buckled, just managed to steady herself in Euihyun’s arms.

“Oh dear, the floor keeps rushing at me.”

“You’re drunk. Let’s get you up.”

“No way! I can still drink more. The real fun starts now. Actor Jung, you don’t think my liver is old, do you?”

Despite her boasting, after two more drinks, Kim Jihee completely passed out. He tried to pay the bill for the unconscious Kim Jihee, but Kang Muhyeong snatched the check. He was too busy holding onto the slumped Kim Jihee to refuse.

“Thank you for the meal.”

“I’m embarrassed to hear that. You barely ate anything.”

Kang Muhyeong chuckled. Embarrassed, Euihyun looked away.

The designated driver he had called hadn’t arrived yet. He sat Kim Jihee on a chair in front of the restaurant. As soon as he did, her head lolled forward, and he caught it with both hands. Unlike the startled Euihyun, Kim Jihee smacked her lips contentedly. He couldn’t leave her like that, so he sat next to her. He carefully rested her head, which she couldn’t hold up on her own, on his shoulder.

Meanwhile, Kang Muhyeong took out a cigarette. The bitter scent of tobacco mingled with the cool night air. Time flowed quietly.

Kang Muhyeong, who had been puffing on his cigarette until his cheeks hollowed, suddenly looked at Euihyun. He was looking out at the sidewalk, searching for the designated driver who was nowhere in sight.

It was a truly coincidental reunion. When he ran into Euihyun at the Cheonghwa Ilbo building, he knew instinctively by looking at his expression. He hadn’t been waiting. He didn’t seem to expect that Kang Muhyeong would return someday. Today’s encounter was like a sudden car accident for him. He realized all of this from the nonchalant gaze and calm eyes that no longer followed him.

“Did you bring your car?”

He asked, flicking his cigarette butt into the trash can. “No,” came the immediate reply. He took out another cigarette and offered,

“Then take my car.”

“It’s okay. I’ll take the reporter home, and then I can go slowly. I can’t let her go home alone in this state.”

What better excuse could there be? Kang Muhyeong simply puffed out more smoke and didn’t push the matter further.

Finally, the designated driver arrived. He handed over his car keys and carried Kim Jihee on his back. He bowed once to Kang Muhyeong as a greeting.

“Euihyun.”

As he headed towards the parking lot, he heard a voice calling from behind. Euihyun stopped abruptly. It had always been like this. When he was called “Euihyun” like that, he couldn’t pretend not to hear. It was difficult for him to coldly cut off someone who approached him so gently.

“Can we see each other again sometime?”

Kang Muhyeong’s voice, carried by the wind, reached him faintly. Euihyun turned his head. Their eyes met.

“…….”

Euihyun didn’t say anything. He simply stared at Kang Muhyeong. He couldn’t read any emotion in those dark eyes. Not resentment, not reproach, not even lingering anger or disappointment.

After a moment of staring, Euihyun bowed his head once again.

“Goodbye.”

He bid farewell. He hadn’t answered Kang Muhyeong’s question. He turned around without a moment’s hesitation.

Kang Muhyeong watched him walk away and chuckled. Deep wrinkles formed between his brows as he finished his cigarette. The cigarette tasted exceptionally bitter today.

After seeing Kim Jihee home, he returned home by taxi. As the familiar scenery came into view, the tension in his body finally eased. Fatigue from the day washed over him. Even though his bag only contained two scripts, it felt as if he was carrying a boulder. His head, which had been buzzing all day, throbbed.

Fate was truly mischievous. He hadn’t expected to reunite with Kang Muhyeong like this. No, he hadn’t expected to ever see him again in his life.

‘Euihyun.’

The voice, which became especially gentle when calling his name, hadn’t changed. Although his appearance had changed with time, it wasn’t unfamiliar. Even though he seemed calm, his impulsive and unpredictable side remained the same. People didn’t change easily. Only feelings changed.

He shook his head to clear his thoughts. He decided to focus on what lay ahead for now. When he got home, he would take a warm shower and read the script before going to bed. His heart swelled as he recalled the joyous event he had momentarily forgotten. His younger brother would have definitely been happy for him. In the past, Cha Yiljoo would have congratulated him too. The proud feeling quickly faded from his face, leaving only a faint smile. It was as bitter as his downcast gaze. His mistakes always ruined everything.

He sighed deeply and walked up the gentle hill. The houses were dark because it was late at night. In the quiet surroundings, only the sound of Euihyun’s footsteps echoed loudly.

After walking silently for a while, he suddenly stopped. Then he looked back at the deserted alley.

“…….”

He felt as though someone was watching him. But there were no shadows in sight. Not even a stray cat.

Was it his imagination? Or perhaps just wishful thinking. He smiled wryly and turned back towards his apartment building.

There was a gaze fixed on Euihyun. It didn’t leave him until he went down the alley and disappeared into the building.

“Let’s go.”

He spoke only after Euihyun was completely out of sight. The taxi driver looked at him questioningly through the rearview mirror. Cha Yiljoo closed his eyes, ignoring him. As the engine started, lights illuminated the car, which had been hidden in the darkness.

The taxi slowly pulled away from the deathly quiet street.

🎥

He zipped up his coat, standing at the entrance. He straightened his wrinkled collar and smoothed down his rolled-up sleeves. He took a deep breath and looked at himself in the mirror. A slight tension was evident on his face. He exhaled one more time, grabbed the script, and left the house.

The van had arrived early and was waiting. Park Hanyoung, spotting Euihyun, got out of the car to greet him. To the question of whether he slept well, he simply smiled faintly. It was the best response when he didn’t want to lie or cause worry.

It was the first script reading for the new drama <Ghost>. Because of casting issues, the overall schedule had been delayed, so the subsequent schedule proceeded at a rapid pace. It was Euihyun’s first time meeting the entire production team, including the PD. He felt like a new employee on his first day of work. His stomach was in knots, and he had skipped breakfast.

He had barely slept the previous night. Thinking of his condition, he had gone to bed early, but he couldn’t fall asleep. He couldn’t remember how many times he had sat up. Eventually, he gave up on sleep and read the script until his mind calmed down. Thanks to that, he had memorized most of the lines.

Yet, he still couldn’t let go of the script. The edges of the booklet were worn from being flipped through so many times. It would have been good to rest his eyes during the commute, but Euihyun didn’t seem to have any such intention. Even as he repeatedly rubbed his dry eyes, his gaze persistently scanned the text.

“The script is becoming tattered again.”

Park Hanyoung finally spoke up. It wasn’t exactly a reprimand, but Euihyun fiddled with the corners of the script as if hiding a hole in his sock.

“You look like you pulled an all-nighter, Euihyun. Don’t tell me you didn’t sleep at all?”

“I couldn’t sleep. The project is so good that the more I read the script, the more I wonder if I was being too ambitious.”

“Excessive modesty is a poison. We didn’t ask for the role, they wanted you, Euihyun. Surely the production team didn’t cast you without any thought. Have confidence. And I understand your eagerness, but this is just the beginning. If you push yourself too hard from the start, you’ll quickly burn out. You know that pacing is the most important thing in a long-distance race, right? You need to eat and sleep well to finish the race.”

“…Yes.”

“If you understand, try to get some sleep, even for a little while.”

He reluctantly closed the script. He closed his eyelids as well. The dryness in his eyes eased. However, the irregular throbbing of his heart became even more pronounced, chasing away any semblance of sleepiness.

The car sped along and arrived at the drama production center. As instructed, he went up to the second floor, and the practice room was immediately visible. Inside, the staff were making final preparations, placing new scripts and bottled water at each seat. A restless atmosphere lingered.

He left Park Hanyoung behind and entered the practice room alone. He bowed to PD Kim Yongjin, who was reviewing the script at the head of the table.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, PD-nim.”

“Ah, welcome. Jung Euihyun.”

PD Kim offered a welcoming handshake. He tucked the script he was holding under his arm and took his hand. PD Kim glanced at the script, which didn’t look new at all, and gave a strange smile.

“You’re early.”

“The traffic wasn’t as bad as I expected.”

Usually, road conditions weren’t a consideration for celebrities’ time management. While they might be late due to unexpected traffic flow, it was extremely rare for them to arrive early. In that sense, Euihyun’s first impression couldn’t help but be positive. There seemed to be a reason for his good reputation.

“But what should we do? It seems like it will take a while for all the actors to arrive.”

“It’s okay. I can wait while reading the script.”

“It looks like you’ve already memorized every single dot in there.”

“No, not to that extent…”

“Don’t be shy. Surely you won’t be like this when you act?”

He teased and offered him a seat nearby. As Euihyun sat down, a staff member appeared carrying a large box. PD Kim called him over and introduced him to Euihyun.

“This is the assistant director, who will be taking care of various things.”

“Ah, yes. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

He bowed his head in greeting. The assistant director also bowed in return, then put down the box he was carrying and extended his hand. The hand Euihyun readily shook was rough with dust. Perhaps embarrassed, the assistant director quickly withdrew his hand, saying, “Oh dear.” Euihyun looked at the box he was picking up again and asked,

“Can I help you with that?”

“Huh? No, it’s okay. This is my job.”

The assistant director declined with a nervous smile and quickly left.

Not long after, there was a commotion outside the door. Min Ahyun, the lead actress, appeared alongside the middle-aged actor playing her father. Her pleasant voice gently stirred the air. As he had heard, she seemed to have a friendly and easygoing personality.

“I’m here, PD-nim.”

“Oh, Ahyun, you’re here?”

PD Kim also greeted her warmly. Euihyun greeted the middle-aged actor who came with her first, then politely shook hands. He then turned his gaze to Min Ahyun. She smiled as soon as their eyes met. Perhaps it was because she wasn’t wearing any makeup. He had heard they were around the same age, but she looked much younger.

“Hello.”

“Hello.”

Her tone, as she returned his greeting, was almost like singing. PD Kim subtly interjected.

“You two know each other, right?”

“Of course.”

Min Ahyun smiled, her eyes crinkling. Her gaze remained fixed on Euihyun. Should he offer a polite remark, saying he was impressed by her previous works?

As he hesitated, PD Kim suddenly teased,

“Euihyun, do you know the story behind your casting?”

“Yes? What…”

“It was Min Ahyun here who strongly recommended you.”

He looked at Min Ahyun with surprised eyes. It wasn’t uncommon. People often exerted their influence to ensure the casting of someone they wanted. However, he was puzzled because this was his first time meeting Min Ahyun.

“I was really impressed by <Blade of Grass Ring>. It felt like you genuinely cared for your co-star, not just acting. I thought if I could feel that loved, I could fully immerse myself in the role.”

“Ah, thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. The PD might have said it like that, but the decision was made internally, and I have no power. Anyway, let’s do our best this time as well.”

“Yes, I’ll do my best.”

“I’ll learn a lot from you, senior.”

Her tone suggested she knew something about him. She might have looked him up to prepare for working together. It made sense, since few people knew his career history properly. It was because he had been unknown for so long. That was why people were always surprised to hear he was a 10-year veteran. Perhaps because he was used to that consistent reaction, the term “senior” felt strange.

He read the script while waiting for the other actors. <Ghost> was the story of a man, born into a well-off family and living a comfortable life, who loses his family to an ambitious man and dreams of revenge. The innocent man barely escapes death and reappears years later, completely changed. He targets the ambitious man’s only daughter for revenge. The man, lingering around her, eventually succeeds in winning her heart. However, as his revenge nears completion, his love for her becomes genuine, and he falls into endless agony.

The ending was still open. Since the direction of the story was unknown, it seemed he would have to focus more on the emotions of each moment.

Contrary to his worries from the night before, he and Min Ahyun had great chemistry. The other supporting actors also blended into their roles without anyone standing out. They said the casting prioritized acting ability over recognition or star power, and indeed, everything went smoothly. PD Kim didn’t interfere once during the reading. He simply observed the dramatic harmony created by the actors. He wore a satisfied smile as they reached the end.

“Good work, everyone. It already feels good. If you perform like this on set, I think we can create a truly great piece of work. Let’s wrap it up here for today. We have a dinner party at six, so please be there on time.”

“Good work.”

Everyone clapped as if on cue. Just then, there was an unexpected knock. Everyone, busy preparing to leave, turned their gaze towards the door. At the call to enter, the door opened immediately.

The face of the man who entered, bowing, was very familiar. There was no mistaking it. It was Cha Yiljoo’s road manager. He was holding a large box in his arms.

Euihyun’s eyes widened. His heart pounded rapidly. That couldn’t be. He denied it, but his eyes remained fixed on the man.

“How did you get here?”

PD Kim asked, his expression puzzled. Before the man could answer, Kim Munsung appeared, carrying a box of the same size. Park Hanyoung followed suit.

“Our CEO sent us. It’s nothing much, but please have some, you must be hungry.”

“Why go through all this trouble… Thank you.”

PD Kim expressed his gratitude with an awkward smile. Park Hanyoung handed him the boxes of coffee and desserts, saying, “Please take good care of him.”

“Thanks for the food, Euihyun.”

The actors and staff all thanked Euihyun. He finally came to his senses and managed a smile.

That couldn’t be, could it? There was no reason for Cha Yiljoo to be involved with him. He knew this, yet he always built up expectations and ended up disappointed. It was truly pathetic.

‘I stopped by to support Euihyun during his script practice.’

Buried memories resurfaced one after another.

‘I don’t want to hurt Euihyun.’

He had been like rain after a drought. To Euihyun, who was wary of kindness without reason, he had always been the one to approach first. They could have become good friends. A single moment of greed had ruined everything. No matter how desperately he wished and longed for it, they could never go back to the way things were.

‘What would you like me to do, Euihyun?’

‘I’ve thought about it ever since. But I don’t know.’

‘I resented you a little. I wondered if you didn’t care if I was ruined, if everything fell apart.’

It was entirely his fault that their relationship had become tangled. He was the one who had unilaterally exposed his built-up feelings. Yet, a belated sense of guilt washed over him as he wondered if he had shifted the burden of the aftermath onto Cha Yiljoo, lost in his own sorrow.

“…Euihyun? Euihyun!”

At the sound of his name, he snapped back to reality. Park Hanyoung was looking at him with a suspicious gaze. It seemed he had been lost in thought for too long.

“What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

“No. I was just lost in thought for a moment. What were you saying?”

“We have a little over an hour until the dinner party, so I was wondering what you wanted to do. Would it be better to rest in the car? Or do you have something else to do?”

“No.”

“Then let’s rest in the car.”

“Okay.”

“And there’s also a company-wide dinner party today. It overlaps with the drama dinner party, and you must be tired from lack of sleep, so I’ll let them know you won’t be attending.”

“Ah…”

Now that he thought about it, he hadn’t mingled with the company employees yet. There had been a few opportunities, but he had always missed them due to scheduling conflicts. They were the people who helped him the most, yet he hadn’t even had a chance to thank them properly.

He hesitated, then finally spoke, “Could I go, even if it’s late?”

“Hmm? Do you want to? Are you sure you’re okay, you must be tired.”

“Yes. It’s not too much trouble.”

“Alright then. Everyone will be happy to see you.”

Park Hanyoung immediately called and informed them of his attendance. He watched absentmindedly, then took out his phone. He had kept it turned off during the script reading. He turned it on and waited for a moment, and the message icon appeared at the top. It seemed he had missed messages.

He opened the messenger app. New messages were counted in several existing chat windows. He was about to check them when he suddenly scrolled through his previous conversations. His fingertip landed on Cha Yiljoo’s name. The chat window with him had been silent for several days. Even though there were no new messages to read, he went in and checked their past conversations. From the recent past to the more distant past. As time went by, the content, length, and tone of the messages gradually changed.

Filming all done? I’m just starting.

As he skimmed through, he quickly reached their early conversations. He realized how attentive Cha Yiljoo had been. They used to contact each other casually even without any specific reason, asking about each other’s daily lives… Now, even for a simple greeting, he looked for an excuse and worried about the other person’s feelings.