In front of the brass elevator.

Her profile, gazing straight ahead, was aloof.

“I’m not sure. We’re not that close.”

“What? But I heard you two were quite—”

“We just pretend to be close. Aren’t there many people like that?”

It wasn’t wrong. Like the pianist and vocalist known as soul twins who turned out to not even greet each other, or the famous teacher-student pair whose relationship had long been ruined over a man.

Conversely, two writers notorious for tearing each other apart whenever they met might were secretly enjoy trysts in hotels. It was truly an industry where nothing could be trusted. But if that’s the case……

“I’ve heard rumors that you two are in that kind of relationship.”

“Who with whom?”

Her finely shaped eyebrows shot up high. The reporter relayed the underground rumors in a casual tone.

“I think it’s nonsense, of course. Actually, they say Ms. Humble joined her current agency because of you.”

“That’s true, since I recommended her.”

A small snort followed her straightforward confirmation.

“Those people must have forgotten who Perry kissed five years ago?”

“Ah.”

“She caused such a scene in the Royal Theater with over a thousand people! It’s not even funny.”

The one who brought up the topic also remembered that incident. How gossip and romance-thirsty people had tried to persistently dig into not only actor Perry Humble but also her ordinary lover.

Somehow, they all fell away before two weeks had passed.

Bria Sol, who must have been present that day, spoke without hiding her displeasure.

“Besides, Perry is not my type at all. I prefer cheerful and cute people.”

“Like me, for example?”

Her crimson cheeks rose slightly. Her purple eyes reflected the stiff bob haircut. As the gaze lingered, the reporter waved her hand with an even deeper smile.

“Haha, I’m joking. You must have so many beautiful people around you. It’s a joke, just a joke.”

“You’re charming too, Ms. Reporter.”

“Ah……”

Am I saying “ah” too much right now?

The young woman kept fanning herself, trying to cool down. Five short deep breaths. Her left palm had gripped the wheelchair wheel so tightly that it might leave marks.

“Um…… what’s your schedule like today? If you’re available, I know a nice bar.”

“Not today. I have an appointment in the evening.”

“Ah. I see—”

“Don’t be disappointed already. It’s really a prior engagement. Not even a date.”

“……May I ask who with?”

“Perry.”

But you said you weren’t close! That you just pretended to be!

The elevator door opened. Bria Sol explained in a monotone voice.

“She said she needs to buy summer clothes. My taste is better than hers.”

The reporter looked up at her clean face. Flawless, well-groomed skin, rose-colored lips, subtle fragrance, neat nails.

In her sparkling eyes, there was none of the passion or tenderness that rumors spoke of.

Too plain to be lovers, too relaxed to be a secret one-sided love. Her face, as neat as a painting, contained only well-preserved fresh joy.

Yes, joy.

They were neither lovers nor unrequited love. At the same time—they weren’t just pretending to be close either.

“When she asks like that, I have to go, don’t I?”

Her lips, which had only maintained a polite smile, drew an uninhibited curve. As if delightedly meeting a much-loved friend.

AFTER 2. The Answer Everyone Already Knows

[Dear Perry

I’ve arrived safely in Wanan. I just unpacked and took out my stationery. The room is meant for two people, but it seems my roommate has no intention of staying at the hotel. Perhaps they have an acquaintance here? Works for me.

It’s only a 3-hour flight, yet we’re so far apart. I miss you already.

The training, education, or healing curriculum is all fine, but who would have thought it would coincide exactly with your rest period? I’m somewhat relieved that I won’t miss your performances, but it bothers me that we couldn’t even take a proper trip together before I came to this neighboring country.

My other colleagues are thrilled, asking what’s there to complain about. They’re getting paid while attending some training sessions and enjoying themselves. Well, my juniors are already anticipating their turn. They’re busy asking what skills they need to build to be included in the training program.

From my perspective, I’m not sure if it’s an opportunity good enough to be separated from my beloved Perry.

Am I complaining too much? But please understand.

Well, that’s not to say the environment is bad. The hotel, which they say was converted from an old royal castle, is quite splendid. Unlike our country, they mainly used red paint, and the roof shape is different too. The way they use ingredients is also different. Just for dinner, I had so many fried dishes.

The weather is pleasantly comfortable. Roju is already getting humid, right? Not here. The breeze is cool…… yes, everything would be perfect if only you were here.

If only Perry were here. Earlier, when I muttered this during dinner, my colleagues teased me so much. But what effect would such jeers have on me?

When you’re not here……

Are you doing well without me? Your regular check-up is coming up soon. I wanted to be by your side. But everything got messed up because of this training.

I miss you.

I want to write more, but my roommate has returned. He says he bought snacks from Wanan. I’ll tell you how they taste. I’ll end here.

July 3rd,

Sending love, Yuan.]

[Dear Yuan

I miss you too! What kind of training lasts a whole month?

Of course, it’s worth celebrating that your achievements were recognized and you’re receiving overseas training, but…… that doesn’t mean you need to come back to Roju on weekends. Really.

Didn’t we already agree on this issue? Let me emphasize once more out of concern. Absolutely, absolutely don’t do that. From Wanan Hotel to the airport, and then from Priton to home…… I don’t want to disturb your rest just to see you for half a day. If you knew how much I miss you, you wouldn’t feel hurt, right?

I’m doing well. Though I miss you terribly. I also completed my regular check-up safely. They said I should continue managing as before!

My days are similar. It’s my rest period, after all.

Oh, I bought a new rubber plant yesterday. Another member has been added to the plant troops lined up in the living room.

I didn’t originally plan to buy it, but our eyes met while I was walking around the shopping district. I don’t know the details, but I really liked the color. It’s now basking in warm sunlight.

Maybe it’s because the weather is hot, but I’ve been taking more naps lately. Until just before writing this letter, I was photosynthesizing with my plant troops. Fully enjoying the midday sun—isn’t that extremely luxurious?

While my Yuan is working hard with training—though I don’t think you’re really suffering that much—here I am enjoying such luxury! It feels so good…… As Tess advised, I’m trying not to look at scripts as much as possible.

Today I went to the ballet studio and met Bria. Also to buy summer clothes. She offered to introduce me to a tailor she knows, but I told her the department store was enough.

My goodness, saying “the department store is enough”! Can you believe it? Until just a few years ago, buying a new outfit required a major decision.

I bought nice clothes. As you know, Bria’s eye for these things is remarkable, right? She examined everything much more meticulously than I would. When we were leaving the store, she subtly expressed her opinions like “There’s no need to look around so thoroughly” or “Ready-made clothes have their limitations.”

I had dinner with Bria too. You remember, right? That Wanan-style restaurant we went to a month ago. The one where tables are arranged only around the edges, like a donut with a hole.

The food was still delicious. Oh, there was also an unexpected encounter. Well, apparently the chef here is my fan? While we were eating, she came to greet us personally, bringing a dish that wasn’t on the menu.

She said he had been “waiting for me to visit again.” When I asked why she didn’t acknowledge me a month ago, she said she was so nervous that she couldn’t take a single step out of the kitchen.

Isn’t that adorable? I’m not sure if it’s appropriate to feel this way about someone old enough to be my grandmother.

Anyway, I’m doing well like this.

As usual, thinking of you.

I’ll return the words you said when you left. Don’t get sick, don’t get hurt, and think of me often.

July 9th,

Your Perry.

P.S. It just occurred to me, it’s been a while since we exchanged letters like this, hasn’t it? It makes me nostalgic. And a bit excited too.

P.P.S. I’ll return the kiss I got at the airport too. Mwah.]