Vol 4 Ch 4

[Inseop, I have a favor to ask. I’ll send you an address, so please come here as soon as possible.]

 

It had been an hour since Inseop received the text from Manager Cha. He called to ask what was going on, but the response was the same.

 

< Just come quickly. Hurry. Okay?>

 

Inseop pressed the accelerator and checked the speedometer. He went slightly over the speed limit.

 

He distinctly remembered today’s advertisement shoot in Gangwon Province.

 

Inseop recalled Wooyeon’s schedule and nervously bit his lip. Of course, not once did the manager mention anything about “because of Wooyeon.” But there was no other reason for him to urgently ask for him with such a desperate voice.

 

He had already sent a message to Wooyeon asking if something was wrong, but there was no reply.

 

What if, by any chance, something happened to that person….

 

He tightened his grip on the steering wheel. The numbers on the speedometer began to rise. He drove with the determination to break through.

 

He arrived 30 minutes earlier than the estimated time from when he marked the address in Seoul. Inseop parked the car and immediately called the manager.

 

< “Oh, Inseop.”>

 

For someone who asked to come quickly, the voice was unexpectedly light.

 

“Manager. I’ve arrived. I’m in the underground parking lot here….”

 

< “Come out of the parking lot and turn left. There should be an alley. Walk straight for about twenty minutes following that. Call me again when you’re there.”>

 

“Yes? Uh, Manager….”

 

Before he could ask what was going on, the call ended. Inseop thought about calling again but decided not to bother and put his phone back in his pocket. Following the instructions given by the manager, he left the parking lot and walked along the alley. Along the way, he checked if there was any reply from Wooyeon.

 

After walking for some time, he heard voices from above.

 

“Oh! Inseop.”

 

Manager Cha recognized Inseop and quickly approached.

 

“Hello, Manager. But….”

 

“Wooyeon’s change of clothes is here.”

 

“Yes?”

 

“All his belongings are in there, so check it.”

 

“Oh, okay.”

 

Inseop took the suitcases handed to him by Manager Cha.

 

“I’m heading to Sokcho just like this. I’m going to go fishing with the CEO after a long time. We’ll have a hot pot and a glass of soju, just perfect.”

 

The manager made a happy sound as if just thinking about it. Inseop nodded vigorously but looked around eagerly for Wooyeon.

 

“Then I’ll go first.”

 

“Manager! What about Wooyeon?”

 

“Him? It’ll be over soon…. Oh, he’s over there.”

 

Manager Cha pointed towards the hill with his fingertip. Lee Wooyeon, who was in conversation with the director, appeared to have finished shooting. Clad in beige pants and a white shirt, he embodied the freshness that perfectly matched the cosmetics being advertised today. Confirming that there was no issue with Wooyeon, Inseop, relieved, sank into his seat, still clutching the suitcase.

 

“Inseop, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?” Manager Cha asked, surprised.

 

“No, I’m fine. Just…” Inseop hesitated.

 

“Just what?”

 

Suddenly, from above, came Wooyeon’s voice, making Inseop gulp audibly.

 

“Why are you sitting like that? Are you hurt somewhere?” Wooyeon furrowed his brows slightly.

 

“No, it’s not that I’m in pain, just… my legs are a bit weak,” Inseop replied.

 

“Can you stand?”

 

Wooyeon extended his hand. After a moment’s hesitation, Inseop quickly grabbed Wooyeon’s sleeve and rose, expressing his gratitude in a muffled voice.

 

As soon as he stood up, Inseop let go of Wooyeon’s hand, prompting Wooyeon to suppress a smile.

 

“Feeling better now? I’ll be off then,” Manager Cha waved casually.

 

“Where are you going?”

 

“What? Hey, didn’t you tell me earlier that if Inseop was brought here before the shoot ended, you’d let me off early?”

 

“The shoot just ended. Inseop arrived afterwards.”

 

“What? It’s only a few minutes difference!”

 

Manager Cha’s face turned blue with frustration. It was as if someone who had been wandering in the desert for ten days had finally received a water bottle, only to find out it contained gasoline, not water.

 

“You’re… why… what…?”

 

“What’s wrong with me?” Wooyeon innocently asked.

 

Manager Cha’s words were habitual threats to gather journalists on the day he won the lottery and expose Wooyeon’s true identity. One day, Wooyeon responded in amazement.

 

‘Wow, Manager, you’re really brave. Giving up your life for a little money. No wonder you’re managing me for such a measly sum. Hahaha.’

 

That night, the heavily intoxicated Manager Cha went to see CEO Kim. After that incident, Manager Cha apologized, feeling sorry for making Inseop worry because of his words.

 

Receiving the apology, Wooyeon glanced at Manager Cha expressionlessly and simply replied, “Okay.”

 

Manager Cha swallowed his laughter and turned away.

 

“…So are you going back to Seoul now?”

 

When Manager Cha asked in a gloomy tone, Wooyeon responded, “Who am I? Who are you? Do you think I’m the only one who can take you back to Seoul?”

 

“Ah, that.”

 

Wooyeon chuckled and naturally took the suitcase from Inseop’s hand.

 

“Time to go home.”

 

“….”

 

Manager Cha stared at Wooyeon without saying a word.

 

…He’s definitely cursing at me in his mind.

 

Even though no words were spoken, Inseop’s mind was filled with curses that seemed to echo through.

 

“I’m leaving.”

 

Unable to curse in front of others, Manager Cha simply turned his back and disappeared.

 

“Goodbye. Drive safely, Manager.”

 

Inseop quickly bid farewell, but Manager Cha didn’t even turn around, just waved his hand a couple of times.

 

“Inseop, how many should I take off?”

 

Wooyeon asked, carrying the suitcase on his shoulder.

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“The speeding tickets.”

 

“…I’m sorry. I’ll take care of it.”

 

“It’s fine. It’s my fault for rushing you. Follow me.”

 

Inseop reached out to take the suitcase from Wooyeon, but Wooyeon ignored him.

 

“Wooyeon, thank you for your hard work on the shoot today.”

 

A passing staff member greeted them with a knowing smile.

 

“Thank you.”

 

Wooyeon replied with a polite smile.

 

“You were really great today.”

 

“Thanks to you, the shoot went smoothly. Thank you.”

 

His polite and kind attitude left no room for criticism.

 

Although the workload was lighter than before, with such good performance, he would surely regain his former reputation. …Until then, let’s help him as much as possible.

 

Inseop followed Wooyeon, determined.

 

“Director, are you leaving now?”

 

Wooyeon greeted the approaching director warmly.

 

“Oh, Wooyeon. I’m thinking of leaving soon.”

 

“Yes. Could you please take care of what I mentioned earlier?”

 

“Ah, that’s nothing between us. Don’t worry. I’ve told you everything.”

 

“Thank you. I’ll contact you when I get to Seoul.”

 

“Sure. Talk to you later.”

 

With a pat on Wooyeon’s shoulder, the director left. Inseop waited for the conversation to end before cautiously asking.

 

“What was the request?”

 

“Oh, it’s nothing much. It’s over here.”

 

As they walked along the path, Wooyeon guided Inseop.

 

“Where are you going?”

 

“A nice place. I have something to say.”

 

“What is it?”

 

“Let’s go to a nice place first.”

 

Wooyeon smiled mischievously. Although it seemed playful, he never backed down from his intentions in such moments. Inseop nodded silently and followed behind.