Part 18

“Seowoo.”

“You said you’re buying lunch. That’s why I came.”

Seowoo forced a smile, but his sharp gaze scrutinized her face. Despite deliberately controlling her expression, Seowoo looked extremely anxious.

“You said we’ll also discuss schedules.” 

Earlier, Seung-min had received a call from In-ryul, Seowoo’s new driver.

That Seowoo had followed a man.

Before hearing anything about the man’s impression, Seung-min was convinced it was Kwon Jiwook. In fact, the only person who would come looking for her like that was Jiwook.

“Why did he come to your house? Are you still in touch?”

“Oppa.”

“What, are you getting back together or something?”

“Mr. Moon.”

Seowoo’s expression turned cold.

She didn’t want to discuss this with Seung-min, no matter how casual their relationship was. This was her private life.

For Seung-min to interfere like this was definitely crossing the line.

“Stop it. I don’t want to talk about this with you, oppa.”

“He’s the one who left you. After the divorce, he never once came to see you during your hard times. What right does he have to show up in front of you now?”

Seung-min wasn’t usually one to lose his temper, so Seowoo was surprised to see him lose it so suddenly.

“Don’t say that.”

“Are you still holding onto feelings for him?”

“Whether I’m holding onto feelings or not, it’s none of your business, oppa. And I’d prefer it if you didn’t mention him anymore in the future. No matter how close we are, this is my private life.”

Thud.

“I’m late… aren’t I?”

Just then, Jung-ah burst through the door, her eyes flicking back and forth between Seung-min and Seowoo at the unusual atmosphere.

The atmosphere in the office was heavier than ever before.

“Why? Huh? Why… Why are you acting like this?”

Jung-ah asked, sitting down in front of Seowoo.

They had organized a lunch to celebrate Seowoo’s return. Since their schedule was going to get busy as soon as it started, they had decided to gather beforehand to have a meal, discuss upcoming schedules, and plan their direction.

“CEO Moon.”

Even at Jung-ah’s call, Seung-min only tightened his lips slightly and loosened his tie. He turned his body to look out the window and took a deep breath. Observing his suppressed anger, Jung-ah looked at Seowoo.

Seowoo looked very unhappy, too.

Knock knock.

Upon hearing the knock, Jung-ah, who was observing the atmosphere, answered instead.

“Yes, come in.”

The door opened, and a young woman thrust her head inside.

“CEO. Oh! Manager, you’re here, too.”

“Hyo-ryung, what brings you here?”

“Can I come in?”

“Oh, um, yeah. Come in.”

Thinking it might be better for anyone to come in, Jung-ah nodded her head and waved her hand. Then, Hyo-ryung, with a puzzled expression, quickly came in and stood beside Seowoo.

“Hello, senior, I’m Ahn Hyo-ryung, a rookie actress.”

“Oh, I see. Nice to meet you.”

Seowoo smiled awkwardly at the sight of Hyo-ryung greeting her and returned the greeting.

She must be twenty years old now.

She looked very young as if she hadn’t shed her student vibes yet.

“I’m really your fan, senior. I heard you were coming today, so I came to greet you. I fell in love with you after watching ‘Spring Butterfly’ when I was young, and ever since then, I’ve been preparing to become an actress…”

“Ahn Hyo-ryung.”

“Yes?”

“Another time. We’re in the middle of something important right now, so please leave.”

Interrupting Hyo-ryung who was speaking eagerly, Seung-min intervened. At this, a disappointed expression flickered across Hyo-ryung’s face.

“I understand, sir.”

“Why are you doing this? Please continue. It’s okay.”

Seowoo nodded at Hyo-ryung, indicating that it was okay. Hyo-ryung glanced between Seowoo and Seung-min, unsure of what to do.

“Would you like a cup of coffee?”

“Yes!”

“Sit down. Let’s talk before you leave.”

Seowoo said with a small smile, and Hyo-ryung eagerly sat down next to her.

“I’ll go make some tea. Since lunch is reserved for 2 o’clock anyway, we still have about 30 minutes.”

“Thank you.”

“Come out when you’re ready. I’ll be out.”

Seung-min picked up his jacket and left the office. As he left, Jung-ah, who was standing in front of the coffee machine, opened her mouth with a deep breath.

“What’s going on, seriously? Did you guys have a fight?”

“No, nothing like that.”

“I’ve never seen Oppa that angry before. Hyo-ryung, would you like some coffee too?”

“Thank you, Manager-nim.”

“Hyo-ryung is so pretty. She’s my favorite.”

Jung-ah smiled at Hyo-ryun, her eyes squinting. Seowoo let out a small sigh, trying to erase the overwhelming thoughts in her mind.

“So, I auditioned about thirty times before landing the role.”

“You’ve been through a lot.”

“I play the role of the female lead’s friend. It’s a significant supporting role, so I’m trying my best.”

Hyo-ryung was so excited to be cast in a drama by a famous writer. Seowoo felt like she could see her own twenty-year-old self in Hyo-ryung.

The time when she auditioned countless times to land just one role.

Seowoo had built up her filmography one by one like that.

“It’s okay. Do your best. It’ll work out.”

“She’s so hardworking. It’s like watching you when you were younger.”

Jung-ah didn’t spare any praise. Each word felt like a testament to how much she cherished Hyo-ryung.

“We should start heading out now. Hyo-ryung, you should go for your lessons too.”

“That’s a shame.”

“Next time. Since Seowoo will be coming more often now, you can meet again then.”

After 30 minutes flew by, Jung-ah started tidying up, and a look of disappointment flashed across Hyo-ryung’s face. She reluctantly stood up from her chair.

“Senior, I’ll see you again next time.”

“Work hard. Take care of yourself.”

“Thank you.”

“Let’s have a meal together next time you’re free.”

“Really?”

Tears welled up in Hyo-ryung’s eyes as Seowoo suggested having a meal together. When Seowoo nodded his head in affirmation, a smile spread across Hyo-ryung’s face.

Throughout the conversation, Hyo-ryung’s eyes sparkled as she mentioned how Seowoo was her role model. 

Could just my suggestion of having a meal together have made her so happy? 

Seowoo gave a faint smile.

“I’ll brag about it to the others. I’m going to have a meal with Senior Yoon Seowoo. Is that okay?”

“Yeah. Take care of yourself.”

“Thank you.”

After bowing several times, Hyo-ryung left the office. As Seowoo picked up her bag, Jung-ah grabbed her arm.

“Now, tell me honestly. Why did you fight with Seung-min oppa?”

“It’s not like that.”

“Don’t try to fool me. You two fought.”

Jung-ah was usually sharp, so any excuse wouldn’t work, but Seowoo was too tired to tell the whole story, so she decided to save her words.

“Later. I’ll tell you later. I want to eat later. Can I just go in?”

“What? We gathered today because of you. You’re just going to leave like that?”

Her head is throbbing with a headache.

Seowoo felt sorry for Jung-ah, but she just couldn’t sit down and eat with Seung-min after his sudden outburst. 

And why did he get so angry in the first place? 

She knew Seung-min cared about her a lot. But to say he got that upset because he knew she had been through a tough time felt a bit excessive.

“Yeah. Resting would be better. I’m not feeling well. You two go ahead and eat. I’ll join next time.”

“Seowoo.”

“If there’s a schedule, let me know. Sorry, Jung-ah.”

Seowoo apologized again as she stood up. Jung-ah opened her mouth with a worried expression.

“Are you sure you can go alone?”

“Yes. Don’t come out. I just want to go alone.”

Seeing Seowoo’s really pale complexion, Jung-ah couldn’t insist any further. She just watched her leave the office.