Chapter 46 – First Love

Already feeling uneasy because Jo In-ha had cut off contact with the company, Go Won-ho immediately went to Eom So-yeon’s house after receiving a call from Tae Seo-jun.

When he entered her house with Yeo Do-soon leading the way, a shocking scene was already unfolding.

What Won-ho saw was nothing short of barbaric and horrifying.

A deranged Jo In-ha was mercilessly assaulting Eom So-yeon, while So-yeon, trembling uncontrollably, held a metal object in her hand but couldn’t bring herself to strike him. At that moment, the desperate look in Eom So-yeon’s eyes as she noticed him was enough to make Won-ho feel like he couldn’t breathe.

Go Won-ho immediately struck Jo In-ha, and In-ha retaliated by throwing a punch at him.

In the ensuing brutal fight, In-ha’s nose was broken, and Won-ho suffered a fractured collarbone and torn ligaments, requiring surgery.

The three of them met again a week later.

Jo In-ha, accompanied by his lawyer, visited Go Won-ho’s hospital room and signed two documents in succession: one declaring his unconditional termination of his contract with CN Entertainment and another promising never to approach Eom So-yeon again.

Resolving the matter through an agreement rather than legal action was the best option, considering their public status and the company’s position. All three of them acknowledged that no one would benefit if this incident became public.

Before leaving the hospital room, Jo In-ha silently stared at Eom So-yeon for a long time. Then, he knelt on the floor.

“So-yeon, I’m sorry for everything I’ve done.”

After reflecting on his apology for a while, So-yeon let out a sigh and said to In-ha:  

“I can’t forgive what you’ve done, but I also can’t deny my own fault for not handling things more decisively. You should reflect on your actions. I’ll atone for my mistakes by burying this incident.”

“……”

Seeing that In-ha understood, So-yeon helped him up and continued speaking.

“Even if I’m hurting, I shouldn’t destroy or abandon someone precious to me. I should protect them silently. It’ll be hard for a while, but if we meet again, let’s at least greet each other, even awkwardly. That way, we can reflect on our mistakes every time we see each other.”

“Alright… let’s do that.”

Accepting So-yeon’s words, In-ha furrowed his brows deeply. Her mature attitude struck a chord in Jo In-ha’s reckless heart.

Thus, Jo In-ha severed his ties with CN Entertainment and Eom So-yeon, leaving the hospital room for good.

“You should go rest too. Haven’t you practically been living in the hospital for the past few days?”

“No, I’ll stay here a bit longer.”

“Then I’ll have to trouble you a little more.”

“Trouble? It’s because of me that you’re going through all this.”

Smiling slightly at Go Won-ho, who was in a cast from his right shoulder to his entire arm, So-yeon began arranging the bouquet she had bought earlier at the flower shop into a vase.

So-yeon felt nothing but guilt toward Go Won-ho, who had ended up in the hospital because of her. Wanting to repay him in some way, she resolved to take care of him wholeheartedly until he was discharged.

Won-ho didn’t refuse her care.

Though the circumstances that brought them to this point were unfortunate, he couldn’t deny that being closer to Eom So-yeon now made him happier than ever.

***  

Almost three months had passed since their return from Spain.

Tae Seo-jun had been drinking every night since the drama work concluded two weeks ago. The normally composed Tae Seo-jun had turned into a nocturnal creature, frequenting clubs and drinking parties, driven by an ever-growing sense of helplessness. And the root of it all was Eom So-yeon.

He had realized that her concerns about his father’s wealth being able to erase any wrongdoing weren’t something to dismiss lightly. It became clear when he noticed a shadow quietly following them as they left Malaga.

He had also sensed it multiple times in Cadiz. The figure would appear and disappear like smoke, its stealthy movements confirming his suspicions.

After all, there was nothing his father couldn’t do if he set his mind to it.

Easily deducing that the figure was one of Chairman Tae’s men, Seo-jun made every effort to keep his distance from Eom So-yeon during the remainder of the Spanish shoot. The last thing he wanted was for her to face any trouble because of his father’s interference.

But what could he do when his eyes kept seeking her?

Once, he even spent an entire evening at the cafeteria of their Cadiz lodging, hoping to catch a glimpse of her from afar.

For someone like Tae Seo-jun, who had never done such a thing in his life, it was baffling even to himself. Yet, he couldn’t bring himself to leave the spot.

Even if it was under the guise of coincidence, he felt that seeing her would ease the suffocating weight in his chest, even just a little.

By the time he ordered his fifth cup of coffee, he spotted Eom So-yeon partially hidden in a corner of the lobby.

At that moment, his heart pounded so hard it felt like it would burst. Despite having seen her face countless times during filming, and even kissed her, seeing her through the glass wall now made his heart flutter.

He didn’t know when it had started, but even when Oh Min-jung approached his table and spoke to him, he couldn’t hear her voice. All his attention was focused solely on Eom So-yeon.

But she had wanted to end it. She had been so determined to leave, despite her pain, that she hadn’t looked back even once as she walked away from him at the airport.

She had left, without hesitation, to a place where he didn’t exist.

Resolute steps, despite her pain.

So very like Eom So-yeon.

And that was the last sight he had of her.

For several days after accepting that she was gone, Seo-jun resented her deeply. He repeated to himself over and over that it was for the best, that he felt relieved. Even though his heart didn’t believe it, he thought it might help him endure.

But even after returning to Korea, sleepless nights filled with sighs became a regular occurrence. As time passed, the emptiness in his chest grew, leaving him feeling hollow and cold, something he couldn’t remedy.

Knowing full well that it was all because of Eom So-yeon, he wanted to run to her and confess his aching heart. If that didn’t work, he felt an overwhelming urge to throw away his pride and beg.

But he couldn’t bring himself to do it.

He knew better than anyone that the closer he got, the farther Eom So-yeon would run.

3 p.m.

For two days, Tae Seo-jun hadn’t left his Nonhyeon-dong residence. But today, he was finally dressed and stepping out of his dressing room.

Though his sleek suit was nothing out of the ordinary, the addition of a dandy bow tie signaled an official event that even Tae Seo-jun couldn’t avoid.

And rightly so—today was the production press conference for the upcoming Wednesday-Thursday drama, <Master of the Sun>.

Buzz…

As he strode across the living room toward the entrance, his steps halted abruptly when his previously silent phone began to vibrate.

“……”

His dark eyes glanced at the screen, carrying a mix of allure and bitter amusement.

“Why?”

• You haven’t shown your face at the company, have you? And you’re not answering calls either.

“Are you discharged?”

• You’re not interested, are you? It’s been long since I got discharged, and now you’re bringing it up?

“Don’t you know I’m telling you not to get hurt again?”

• Right. Who would’ve thought I’d be envious of you being left-handed after injuring my right arm? It’s a bit late, but I guess you do feel sorry for me since you’re worrying about me now.

“Not really.”

In truth, Seo-jun did feel sorry.

Go Won-hoo’s injury was entirely because of a favor he had asked.

Two days after So-yeon left Spain, an inexplicable uneasiness crept over Seo-jun. He thought it would be nice to use that as an excuse to see Eom So-yeon one last time, but with his legs tied by the tight local filming schedule, he had no choice but to call Go Won-hoo.

He mentioned So-yeon’s health and urged him to visit her house quickly due to Jo In-ha’s suspicious behavior. However, when Seo-jun heard about the violence that had occurred, he couldn’t stop laughing bitterly for a while.

Where had Go Won-hoo’s notorious tenacity gone? He should’ve half-killed that bastard Jo In-ha!

He muttered to himself.

But did he have any right to comment on Eom So-yeon’s matters?

Whenever he reminded himself that they were nothing to each other, Seo-jun would silently clasp his hands behind his back.

“Why did you call?”

• Do you have time tomorrow?

“Why?”

• Family gathering. It’s been a while since both families have gathered. Uncle especially ordered me to bring you along no matter what.

Seo-jun had received a call from his father yesterday, telling him to come to the family home. Knowing full well the nagging that awaited him, he had no intention of going, especially since he had the production press conference scheduled. When he said he couldn’t go, they postponed the gathering by a day and sent Go Won-hoo to persuade him.

“Why drag me into this? If you’re going, go alone.”

• Do you think I want to? You know how Chairman Go is dying to get rid of me. At least Uncle takes my side, so I have to stick close. So, for my sake, come with me.

After all, wasn’t it because of Seo-jun’s favor that Go Won-hoo ended up in the hospital? Thinking about that, the words of refusal that were about to escape his lips got caught in his throat. Instead, Seo-jun let out a deep sigh and gave a short reply.

“Fine.”

• Haha, I knew you’d say that.

Go Won-hoo’s confident laughter was irritatingly smug.

Annoyed, Seo-jun hung up the phone without another word.

The production press conference began, and all the cast members took the stage.

The reporters asked a few questions.

Even amidst the scripted and appropriate answers exchanged, Tae Seo-jun stood out the most. The next person who should have naturally drawn attention was the lead actress, Oh Min-jung, but the reporters showed an unusual interest in Eom So-yeon.

Perhaps it was her mysterious aura that captivated attention without trying, but the official announcement from her agency seemed to have played the biggest role. In other words, Go Won-hoo’s strategy had turned a potential misstep into a clever move.

“Ms. Eom So-yeon, you’ve worked as an advertising model, but this is your first drama. You’re also quite young, yet we’ve heard that you’re raising a four-year-old son on your own. As an unmarried rookie actress, it couldn’t have been easy to make that public. What gave you the courage to do so?”

Without hesitation, So-yeon calmly responded to the reporter’s question.

“I loved a man, and I thought of my child as a part of him. But now, that child has become my everything. Even if I could turn back time, I would still choose to have my child.”

“Then… was he your first love?”

“…Yes.”

As the hour-long production press conference drew to a close, So-yeon, who had given a few interviews and greetings as a supporting actress, stepped down from the stage and briefly turned around. On the stage, Tae Seo-jun and Oh Min-jung stood side by side, responding to the host’s interview.

As she gazed at them, her eyes unconsciously landed on Tae Seo-jun.

It was the first time she had seen him in nearly three months.

He seemed slightly slimmer than before, which only accentuated his sharp jawline. His elegant appearance remained dazzling as ever.

She had vowed not to waver before coming to the broadcasting station. Yet, seeing him now, she found herself wanting to look at him even more.

She wavered.

Her chest tightened so much that it was hard to breathe.

There shouldn’t be any feelings left, yet here she was, yearning for him again.

What if our eyes met? Would it seem strange if I quickly turned away as if I hadn’t seen him? Should I offer a faint smile? 

But no, she didn’t even have the confidence to do that!

In truth, So-yeon had felt quite down ever since stepping into this place. Tae Seo-jun hadn’t looked at her even once.

It seemed he had completely moved on, but she couldn’t do the same, and that made her question herself.

If he wouldn’t even glance her way, it meant he truly despised her. Of course, after rejecting him so coldly, how could he feel anything but resentment?

Her modest self, unable to fit into his glamorous life, knew she should quietly step aside. It seemed only right to become just another passerby.

But still…

Even if he hated me, couldn’t he look at me just once…?

Just once, even for a moment, couldn’t he acknowledge me…?

Suppressing her futile hopes, So-yeon entered a small exhibition hall set up beside the stage.

Everyone else was either in the audience or watching the stage, so the space displaying posters of dramas that had aired or were set to air on this network was empty.

“Ah… this is it…”

A single poster hanging on the pristine white wall instantly captured So-yeon’s large eyes. As expected of the lead in <Master of the Sun>, Tae Seo-jun’s stylish and intense image dominated the poster.

Perhaps it was enough to see him like this. Without realizing it, a faint smile appeared on her lips as she stared at the large poster. Lost in thought, her expression grew serious.

Wouldn’t it look strange if I left first? 

But she didn’t have the courage to face Tae Seo-jun naturally either. Yes, she decided, she would quietly stay here until the crowd dispersed and leave with them.

Still gazing at the poster, So-yeon nodded slightly to herself.

Step, step…

Someone entered the exhibition hall and stood beside her.

“…!”

That scent…!

Suddenly, her heart began to race wildly, and her mind went blank.