Vol 3 Ch 22

“Seo Jae…ha.”

 

Inseop immediately searched for the name that CEO Kim mentioned as soon as he got into the car. Numerous articles and posts appeared, and when he clicked on one, he could see that there was some resemblance between him and Lee Wooyeon, just as CEO Kim had said. However, it was only in terms of appearance.

 

“They’re not really that similar….”

 

Inseop shook his head and looked for other pictures. It was the same. Despite being a good-looking actor with a great physique, there were many of that sort in the entertainment industry. To stand out, something more than just looks was needed.

 

Lee Wooyeon was a shining personality. Even when he was still, attention naturally gravitated toward him. The nickname “celebrity among celebrities” wasn’t given for no reason. If he managed to surpass Lee Wooyeon in both drama roles and advertisements, it was clear that he had an outstanding charm.

 

“Is he good at acting?”

 

Inseop found a clip of a drama featuring Seo Jaeha and played it. His acting was not bad. The vocalization was decent, and the voice tone was stable. However, he didn’t seem to have the capability to snatch advertisements from Lee Wooyeon. As he pondered whether to watch another video, someone suddenly jumped into the car.

 

“When you get in the car, lock the door first, seriously, you never listen.”

 

“Eek.”

 

Startled by the sudden appearance of Lee Wooyeon, Inseop dropped his phone. Lee Wooyeon laughed and asked why he was so scared.

 

“Uh, how, what’s going on here…?”

 

“I stopped by near the office and saw Inseop’s car. I thought I’d come just in case and found out it was indeed Inseop.”

 

Lee Wooyeon spoke as if it were a pleasant coincidence between normal lovers, rather than mentioning that he had a location tracking app installed on Inseop’s phone and checked it occasionally.

 

“Are you done with work?”

 

“Yeah, I’m done.”

 

Of course, it was a lie. During the interview, Lee Wooyeon habitually turned on the location tracking app. Assuming Inseop would be at home, he was surprised to find out that Inseop was in Cheongdam-dong, near the office. He immediately stood up, making up an excuse about a sudden family emergency and skillfully showcasing his acting abilities.

 

As Lee Wooyeon, who was usually professional at work, spoke with emotions in his eyes, the reporter, not knowing what to do with, bid him farewell.

 

“But Inseop, what are you doing here?”

 

Lee Wooyeon asked.

 

“The, the CEO asked me to bring some documents, so I came to deliver them.”

 

It was an excuse prepared just in case he encountered Lee Wooyeon. Inseop recalled CEO Kim, who insisted on holding hands and begging him not to say anything if he ever met that guy.

 

“Is it really true?”

 

“…Yes, it’s true.”

 

‘Don’t ever, ever, ever say anything to that guy. If he finds out, you’ll live, and I’ll die.’

 

Remembering CEO Kim’s words on the way out, Inseop managed to answer nervously.

 

“Give me a kiss. Then I’ll believe you.”

 

“What?”

 

Inseop was surprised, and Lee Wooyeon tapped his cheek with his finger, making an exasperated expression.

 

What should I do? How do I handle this?

 

Inseop, eyebrows furrowed in confusion, quickly glanced around and brought his lips to Lee Wooyeon’s cheek. They lightly touched, and Lee Wooyeon’s lips softened at the contact.

 

“I didn’t know you would do it for real.”

 

Lee Wooyeon’s playful tone made Inseop relax his tense shoulders. As Lee Wooyeon leaned towards the driver’s seat, he whispered in a low voice.

 

“If I knew you’d do it for real, I would have asked you to suck my cock here.”

 

“….Mr. Wooyeon.”

 

“Hahaha. Just kidding. Let’s go home quickly. I’m hungry.”

 

“….Please wear your seatbelt.”

 

Inseop picked up the phone he had dropped on the floor, put it in his pocket, and said weakly. Lee Wooyeon fastened his seatbelt, leaned against the passenger seat, his arms resting on the seat.

 

“Let’s leave.”

 

Looking at his lovable lover who couldn’t shake off the habit of speaking like a manager, even now, Lee Wooyeon swallowed his laughter.

 

***

 

“Haah….”

 

Inseop let out a sigh.

 

Since receiving CEO Kim’s request, Inseop had been diligently searching for information about Seo Jaeha. To enhance the sense of rivalry, he needed to mention aspects were that better than Lee Wooyeon, but even after looking with clear eyes, he couldn’t find such points. Of course, focusing only on Seo Jaeha, he was a talented newcomer, but he wasn’t at the level to be considered a rival to Lee Wooyeon.

 

Nevertheless, Jaeha’s agency seemed to have taken it as a marketing strategy, consistently releasing articles comparing him to Wooyeon. It was common in this industry. It made sense that Seo Jaeha, with relatively low fees, would take up Wooyeon’s advertisements as mentioned by CEO Kim.

 

However, even knowing this fact…

 

“……”

 

Inseop didn’t feel good. It was a feeling he couldn’t quite accept as Wooyeon’s fan before becoming his lover. Moreover, praising Jaeha in front of Wooyeon, he just couldn’t bring himself to speak.

 

“Haah.”

 

Inseop let out a long sigh while waiting for the elevator. He realized he was a narrow-minded person.

 

Deep in self-loathing, Inseop entered the elevator as soon as the doors opened.

 

“Just a moment.”

 

Someone rushed from behind, urgently calling out. Inseop quickly pressed the open button.

 

“Thank you.”

 

A man with a deep-set hat nodded slightly in gratitude. Even though his face was covered with a mask, it was clear he was a celebrity. Inseop, who came to the hair salon at the request of Manager Cha, often saw celebrities around this area.

 

Inseop exchanged greetings with him, and as they did, he couldn’t help but gasp when he realized who it was.

 

“Oh, no. It’s nothing.”

 

…Seo Jaeha.

 

Inseop quickly lowered his head. As the elevator doors opened, Manager Cha, who had been waiting in front, raised both hands in a salute.

 

“Mr Inseop! I won’t forget this favor. I have to pay for this today, but I forgot it in the car.”

 

As Jaeha got off the elevator, he greeted Inseop with a nod. Inseop quickly reciprocated the greeting.

 

“Who is it? Do you know him?”

 

“Oh, that’s… Mr. Seo Jaeha.”

 

“Oh, him. He’s doing well these days. I didn’t know he was also coming here. Anyway, Inseop, do you have some time?”

 

“Time?”

 

“I need to go to my office for some document work, can you look after Junseo for a bit? He needs someone by his side because he covers his face, you know, just in case someone gets too close.”

 

It was an industry term, meaning that he should always stay close to prevent any accidents if someone tries to approach without notice.

 

“…You’re working hard.”

 

“Hahaha. Compared to Lee Wooyeon, he’s a piece of cake.  Anyway, it should only take thirty minutes, is that okay?”

 

Inseop glanced at the time. Today was Valentine’s Day. Deliberately allowing himself some extra time, he set out to purchase chocolates for Lee Wooyeon. Despite having over an hour until the scheduled appointment, he was determined to make the effort.

 

“It’s alright. Go ahead.”

 

“Yeah, I’ll return shortly. Take care of him, the one over there. He’s a high school student, so keep an eye on him.”

 

Manager Cha gestured towards the man seated at the end of the salon. Inseop responded with a nod and a smile.

 

“Oh, Manager, please take this.”

 

“What’s this?”

 

“Share it with the office staff. I picked it up on my way here.”

 

Manager Cha’s face brightened as he inspected the high-quality chocolate box in the bag, well aware of his fondness for sweets.

 

“Indeed, Mr. Inseop is not only good with people but also has a great sense. I’ll be back soon.”

 

As Manager Cha disappeared, Inseop approached Kim Junseo, who Manager Cha had asked him to watch, and gave a casual nod. Afterward, he found an empty seat nearby and sat down.

 

“It’s been a while. I heard you quit your job.”

 

A familiar staff member, whom he had encountered a few times due to Lee Wooyeon, approached and greeted Inseop. Inseop stood up and politely responded, “Hello.”

 

“Would you like something to drink?”

 

“It’s alright. I’ll be leaving soon.”

 

Inseop waved his hand, sat back down, and took out his phone. Kim Junseo, whom Manager Cha had asked him to watch, was busy with his phone while his hair was getting fixed, which was a relief. Feeling relieved, Inseop turned on his phone.

 

[Where are you?]

 

He checked Lee Wooyeon’s message and replied promptly.

 

[I’m near the office. I stopped by briefly because Manager Cha asked me to pick up some documents.]

 

Not long after, he received a phone call. It was Lee Wooyeon. Inseop answered the phone, lowering his voice considerably.

 

“Yes, this is Choi Inseop.”

 

<Are there many people around you?>

 

“Yes, a few.”

 

Although not right next to him, there were staff members passing by within hearing distance.

 

<Then, if I say I want to see you right now, who might overhear?>

 

“… Someone might hear.”

 

Inseop answered, his cheeks heating up.

 

<Ah, then I shouldn’t say I want to see you. Right?>

 

Blushing, Inseop replied, ‘No, you shouldn’t.’

 

<I want to see you, but I’ll endure it then. Inseop,>

 

After already saying ‘I want to see you’ four times, Lee Wooyeon cheekily laughed, saying, ‘Well, I guess I have to endure wanting to see you.’

 

“…I, I’ll endure too.”

 

As Inseop spoke, laughter abruptly cut off on the other end of the line. Inseop checked his phone screen to see if the call was still connected.

 

<Are you telling me to endure it or not?>

 

Lee Wooyeon’s low voice reached Inseop’s ears, creating a sensation of warmth from his ears. Inseop lowered his head and covered his face with his palm.

 

<By the way, when does Inseop’s salary come in?>

 

“What salary?”

 

<Inseop, aren’t you still working for our company? You’ve been helping out so often that I thought you were an official employee.>

 

“…I just ran a few errands.”

 

<And they didn’t even pay you? I might need to report it to the labor board.>

 

Inseop still found it difficult to distinguish whether Lee Wooyeon was joking or being serious. After hesitating for a moment, Inseop advised him not to report it.

 

<Well, judging by what Inseop is doing.>

 

The voice that spoke like that was full of mischief. Surely, Lee Wooyeon was laughing with narrowed eyes.

 

The thought of seeing him soon made Inseop feel unexpectedly happy.

 

<I might finish earlier than I thought. I’ll go near there.>

 

“All right. …See you later.”

 

<Yeah, see you later.>

 

After ending the call, Inseop lightly rubbed his heated ear a few more times. Then, he suddenly realized that Kim Junseo was gone.

 

“Ah!”

 

Inseop quickly stood up. It was a simple task of just keeping an eye on him, but he had looked away for a moment.

 

“Excuse me, have you seen Mr. Kim Junseo? He was here until just now.”

 

Inseop grabbed a passing staff member and asked.

 

“No, I haven’t seen him.”

 

Inseop felt a cold sweat of confusion. As he was contemplating whether to call Manager Cha, a passing designer spoke to Inseop.

 

“Mr. Kim Junseo, didn’t he go toward the emergency stairs over there?”

 

“Thank you!”

 

Inseop quickly thanked and rushed towards the emergency stairs. As soon as he opened the emergency exit door, he made eye contact with Kim Junseo, who was crouched smoking a cigarette.

 

“Uh… Hahaha.”

 

Kim Junseo awkwardly laughed and stood up. Inseop quickly approached, confiscated the cigarette, and looked around. Dealing with underage actors could be troublesome if unnecessary rumors spread.

 

“Can’t I just smoke one?”

 

“No. Absolutely not.”

 

“Don’t say that. Please keep it a secret from Manager Cha and just one cigarette….”

 

“No. Go inside quickly.”

 

Kim Junseo clicked his tongue and put his hands in his pockets. Inseop quickly searched his pockets and found the pack of cigarettes.

 

“I’ll give this to Manager Cha. Take it from him next year.”

 

“Oh, you’re so strict.”

 

Kim Junseo grumbled as he was sent back. Inseop sighed with relief. Kim Junseo was truly someone he couldn’t take his eyes off for a moment. Suddenly, the image of Manager Cha, who used to laugh cheerfully about his graying hair compared to Lee Wooyeon, came to mind, and a pang of sadness struck his heart. Come to think of it, in the past few years, Manager Cha’s hair seemed to have turned noticeably white. CEO Kim’s wrinkles, too…

 

“Wait a moment, I’ll sit next to you.”

 

“Oh, yes. Please sit.”

 

Inseop quickly cleared his belongings and made space for the unexpected guest.

 

“Thank you.”

 

“No, woah.”

 

Inseop was so startled that he dropped the cigarette he was holding. Seo Jaeha, who was sitting next to him, looked at Inseop with a puzzled expression. It might be understandable since they had only met in the elevator before, but it was certainly unusual for someone to be startled twice like this. Inseop nervously picked up the cigarettes that had fallen to the floor, one by one.

 

“I smoke these too.”

 

Seo Jaeha picked up a fallen cigarette under his feet and offered it to Inseop, looking friendly.

 

“T-thank you.”

 

Inseop quickly accepted the cigarette. He thought he should buy a new pack for Manager Cha. He put the cigarette pack in his pocket.

 

Seo Jaeha, sitting next to him, was reading a magazine while waiting for his turn. Although Inseop knew it was inappropriate, his gaze kept drifting towards Seo Jaeha.

 

He was a handsome young man, with a gentle and warm mask and a model-like physique. It was evident why he was gaining attention as a rising star. Still, Wooyeon was much… No, who was he to compare and judge people by their appearance? …But still, Wooyeon…

 

“Is there something on my face?”

 

“What?”

 

“You’ve been staring at me.”

 

“I’m sorry. It’s just that…”

 

Inseop couldn’t bring himself to say that he was trying to find something better about him than Wooyeon, so he awkwardly replied, “You’re handsome…” in a subdued voice.

 

“Haha. Thank you. It feels good to be told that, even if it’s just for appearance’s sake.”

 

“No, not at all. You’re really handsome.”

 

…But Wooyeon is even more handsome.

 

Inseop sighed at the sudden honest and selfish thought that crossed his mind. He needed to somehow instill a sense of competition in Wooyeon for the sake of CEO Kim’s request, but he lacked confidence. The young man in front of him was undeniably good-looking and impressive, but he wasn’t as outstanding as Wooyeon. Yet, it wasn’t something he could lie about.

 

…Maybe the man does have a special charm that he hasn’t discovered yet.

 

Inseop cautiously observed Seo Jaeha’s profile again.

 

He had the trendy large eyes without double eyelids, giving him a soft and gentle impression. The way he flipped through the magazine was quite rough, making him look manly. According to the information he had found, Seo Jaeha had a background as a model, and his proportions were quite good. His gaze…

 

“….!”

 

Inseop was startled by Seo Jaeha’s gaze, which was now fixed on him with a slightly furrowed brow.

 

“Do you have something to say to me?”

 

“…Uh…”

 

Staring at someone like this was rude, no matter how good-looking they were. Inseop realized his mistake and broke into a cold sweat. Worries began to arise; there were a few people who recognized his face because of Wooyeon, and he was starting to worry about unnecessary rumors spreading in the gossipy entertainment industry.

 

“…Because I’m a fan…”

 

“What?”

 

“Sorry. I mean, because I’m a fan of Seo Jaeha… I was rude.”

 

Inseop couldn’t bring himself to look directly at Seo Jaeha. He had no talent for lying, and he felt too guilty towards the other person.

 

“You’e my fan? Really?”

 

It was an incredulous tone.

 

“Well, that’s…”

 

The more Inseop spoke, the more his tongue got twisted. Just then, a black shopping bag appeared in Inseop’s eyes.

 

“…What is this?”

 

“Uh, this is a gift as a fan.”

 

Wooyeon didn’t like sweets. He only occasionally ate a couple when drinking champagne. Yet, every Valentine’s Day, he begged Inseop to buy him chocolates.

 

The Valentine’s Day chocolates from Redfin were limited to 500 pieces and required reservations a month in advance. Wooyeon didn’t particularly like chocolate, but Inseop wanted to give him the most delicious one as a gift.

 

“Oh? Are you really giving this to me?”

 

Seo Jaeha laughed, accepted the shopping bag, and then without hesitation, opened the box and put a piece of chocolate in his mouth.

 

“Wow. It’s really delicious. I should take a picture of this. Is it okay to take a picture?”

 

“…Yes. Please feel free.”

 

Seo Jaeha smiled and eagerly started taking pictures of the chocolate box with his phone. In Inseop’s large eyes, there was a sense of melancholy. Just then, Manager Cha, who had finished his business and returned, patted Inseop on the shoulder.

 

“Inseop, I’m done. Thanks for doing the favor. But why do you look like that? Did Junseo do something to upset you?”

 

“No, it’s nothing. Just got something in my eye… Manager, I’ll excuse myself first.”

 

“Why? Let’s have a cup of tea while you’re here. If you ask Junseo, he can give you a ride, right?”

 

“I need to stop somewhere briefly. I’ll see you next time.”

 

Inseop politely bid farewell to Manager Cha and stood up. His footsteps down the stairs became faster.

 

“Hello, I’m the one who went to get the chocolate earlier. If it’s not too much trouble, do you have any leftover items… Yes, of course not. I understand.”

 

After ending the call, Inseop stood at the entrance of the building with his hand on his forehead for a while. Only now did he realize what he had done.

 

“…A fool of fools.”

 

No matter how harshly he cursed himself, it felt insufficient. He had given a gift meant for Wooyeon to someone he had just met today, and on top of that, lied to that the person that he was a fan.

 

“…A foolish idiot.”

 

Right now, Choi Inseop, who had deposited the membership fee for Wooyeon’s new fan club, wore the most despondent expression in the world and muttered under his breath.