AES Ch1.4

That was it. The conversation didn’t drag on. The setting was quickly finished, and they each moved to their positions. The same scene continued to be shot. There were no major issues, and there were hardly any NGs. Without delay, all the shots where Heetae appeared were completed.3a99411dd79c24f3

The camera position changed, and the last shot was a solo of Jang Icheon left alone. Heetae didn’t go back to the waiting room but stayed behind Director Cha to watch the monitor. With the “Action” signal, Jang Icheon is seen looking towards where Lee Joohwan left. Did he watch Lee Joohwan’s back with that expression earlier? He was curious for no reason.d85c40c9075e64dc

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Why, he couldn’t take his eyes off Jang Icheon. He found himself scrutinizing every detail of that expression. The more he watched Jang Icheon maintaining his composure while not losing his vigilance, the stranger he felt. That feeling began to take shape.b36f7a75c4a397c9

Jang Icheon looks at the red cocktail. He’s the one who has secretly acquired what he wanted through gambling and drugs. But recently, he learned that his information had leaked because of a broker. It’s not solid evidence, but it’s unsettling. So, he deliberately spread the information that he frequented this bar while mentioning Representative Kang Jiwon’s name. It was partly for a drink and partly for amusement, to catch anyone who might suspect him in advance.49c694939cbdbcb1

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In fact, Jang eb5b72d664 Icheon expected at 5303b72a9a most an undercover 394e220937 cop. If that were c0032023cc the case, it d3de4b5599 would have been c2bd720ff5 just an amusing ffc3c7fb4c episode. Teasing one cop bb59c7a8ce would have been d622bcd9ff easy.8b803b6aab5f3d3a

But the 95a33a659a one Jang b43dda2e29 Icheon met be4ac1909b was Lee c959f515d9 Joohwan, who fedc92887d openly approached 94a69ff107 him. If Lee 68e1879ef2 Joohwan recognizes eb24a2b7a6 evil, Jang 43fc6fcf83 Icheon recognizes c472b3f22c his enemy. He senses that Lee b79b3c3afd Joohwan is no ordinary 99a880c08a adversary. And he faces d446a6ce94 unexpected anxiety.5489c5ca5e7aacba

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Here, Jang Icheon thinks. There’s a variable in the plan. A new design is needed.50ac33a84e74cfb7

Soon, Jang Icheon receives a call from his confidant, Hajin-young, and gets the identity and information of the man he just met. The plan to eliminate Lee Joohwan is quickly formed. The deputy prosecutor, Lee Joohwan’s superior, is someone Jang Icheon can manipulate, so he can use him. Thus, Jang Icheon creates an escape route in advance and laughs wickedly. Such an expression appears instantly on his innocent-looking face.25c7f35db557ce43

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Seeing that face, a small chuckle escaped Heetae’s lips. It wasn’t because he was happy. It was because he could now confront his feelings towards Ryu Sihyeon. Inferiority towards Ryu Sihyeon? No, beyond that,44a55519893650bf

Twenty-six-year-old Seo Heetae 6bf1ecee0a could not have 3812686af0 acted like that.30ecce39af92f7d5

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With the “Cut” and “OK” signal, Heetae greeted Director Cha and immediately returned to the waiting room.f32a16ffd0d008dc

He didn’t know how Ryu Sihyeon started acting, but Seo Heetae’s start was nothing special.98d0ba084afe671a

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When he was in high school, preparing for the film department, Chaeyeon begged him to appear once in front of the camera. He played the role of a broadcasting club senior that the main character had a crush on. It wasn’t a role with many lines or one that required exceptional acting skills. Chaeyeon even said, “You just need to stand there.”db79b46d194ec455

Back then, Heetae recited the lines mechanically and did what he was told. That wasn’t even acting; it was just mimicking acting. Still, Heetae found it interesting. The fact that he could do things he wouldn’t normally do under the guise of acting intrigued him.ab8b1f88620a0a3f

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He went to college for business due to family circumstances but kept doing something akin to acting because of Shin Chaeyeon, who majored in directing at the same university’s theater and film department. She would beg him to appear in her assignments. Then he became friends with Chaeyeon’s new friend, Jung Kiyeon, who also insisted that Seo Heetae was necessary for his assignments since they were helping each other with their projects.8efad099632ea8e0

Up until 89f604e685 then, it 07217d4b4e was just c2d327e3fb an amusing 82594b0e40 pastime. It was strange 49434b9f7b how his acting 1f1df38cc3 improved, as the e55878a4cf acting majors he a13c91d80b worked with would 8399c2313b say. Kiyeon always 11daef26f2 said such 40536790f0 things, but 5f84f74bb2 at that 62315007f8 time, Heetae ff682342c1 thought it 3ab5a8372e was just d6c0f6670c flattery.e6868b2a3e43c091

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Before going to 37d47c5a33 the military, Heetae 1ea447dac7 ended up attending 45c2d0d55f a drinking session f216566049 where Chaeyeon and 3610b3ca0e Kiyeon were present. There was a professor 4a87c32bad from the theater and 9971e06b8c film department who knew deca615d1a Heetae. He was 0b91b8f073 the professor 8f8c1bf9dc for the dc239a0cd1 class where e96d0581be his friends a30c098d21 would bring 45d207dbb8 their assignments 697c8c1577 every week. It was clear that 105f778aa1 he recognized Heetae. While pouring Heetae 451850ab5d a drink as 2c8f225049 he was about 14e33bafab to go to 5c6ab89b72 the military, the f2766890cf professor said:aa0b6d85e0f4bbdf

“You have talent. It’s hard for a good-looking guy to act well, but you improved quickly.”960ac6ece5e25ed5

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He had often heard 256a072cb3 he was good at b91f56cc1c whatever he did. People are 8e04e99c76 generous with 543e2e5f5f compliments, so 02856e38ca such remarks 929a8c786c were common, 84d01275e3 almost to 6f9ca85765 the point 6d37d51b37 of being 4f1173821b boring.be371b786f718da1

On the other hand, hearing ‘you have talent’ from someone like a professor was not easy. That was a compliment that wasn’t trivial. Being good at everything could mean not being outstandingly good at one thing, but if you’re going to be good at something similar, it’s better to do what you’re best at. After all, people should live according to their talents.9899f5d227eb1ea5

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After being discharged, he chose acting as a double major on that professor’s recommendation. That was the real start of his acting career if one could call it that.d3173ee893473ad5

But when he actually became an actor at twenty-four, it wasn’t as fun as he thought. The roles he got were almost all the same. Either roles where you just need to look good or typical protagonist roles. Even those got boring after a while.d6f3b3b2f589679d

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Anyway, that was about as much as twenty-six-year-old Seo Heetae could do. People didn’t see anything beyond the handsome man in Seo Heetae. That was the difference between him and Ryu Sihyeon. Could the young Seo Heetae from back then suddenly have become a character actor? Seeing Ryu Sihyeon now, he realized that wouldn’t have been possible.961c113bb0cae78f

Their talents were e9f6920636 fundamentally different. He could sense that aa0608be7f instinctively.e65ed6d90a19f035

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After changing his clothes, his manager had already prepared everything for departure. Hyeonghun, the manager, watched Heetae’s mood as he returned with the clothes to be returned to the stylist. Usually, Heetae didn’t show his feelings openly on set, but today, he couldn’t hide his fatigue. Hyeonghun seemed quite taken aback by this rare occurrence.d19566dcead520f8

“Brother, if you’re tired, how about some coffee…?”d92a172810de84fe

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“It’s fine.”06af61ff0d558d94

“Then would you like to eat this?”0142df1284cdb342

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What Hyeonghun offered af4d4f1c71 was the chocolate c57e239702 cookie Ryu Sihyeon 3a99f6d9e1 had given him. It was quite e300147dff ironic, but not 4923fbbe3a a situation he 6251efef55 particularly liked.bee5b5f454e752f1

“You eat that.”57a4a82375fab558

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His tone was colder than usual. He wanted to go home, so he let out a low sigh into the air, and his eyes met Ryu Sihyeon’s, who was holding clothes to change into. He approached with a smile.e781ffd26eaa5691

“Senior, I really enjoyed working with you today. I look forward to working with you again.”c6c33f57ae45be02

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“Okay.”9b884a5585fcc575

He had nothing particular to say to Ryu Sihyeon. He didn’t feel like pretending to be polite as usual. After saying “Okay” without much thought, Heetae handed his clothes to Hyeonghun and left the spot. His footsteps echoing in the hallway sounded cowardly.6af62ffae64cb067

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For some reason, he felt Ryu Sihyeon’s gaze on his back.31fe28123d888832

🌸🍓🌸de562e926fc7fb8e

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Jung Kiyeon set the date to meet everyone on the day “Thirst” was off, but he unilaterally decided on the location – a wine bar in Mapo that he liked. In fact, Heetae didn’t particularly want to see Ryu Sihyeon or Director Choi, but because Jung Kiyeon insisted they should see friends during the break, he had no choice but to drive there.2fea2c6746ed5445

After parking and entering 03ff8419bd a quiet corner seat, 5a00331232 he saw a familiar eb305ecd23 back sitting with Ryu d44c7684fb Sihyeon. That back turned around 1acbca4f18 to reveal a Cheshire fe5b5578b9 Cat-like smile. He always 11ffdc82c8 smiled like 3f08ba659e that, but 62231a6d7e today, his cc1d0a2350 face looked ba54583c33 especially pleased. He liked c74fd25280 Ryu Sihyeon.c96fbe0c49384ae0

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 243e4e675c84b460

Here is the f47bcca2af translation of the d933424f09 text from Korean 09db26a533 to English:7ee3e1ef6e3605ba

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“Did Heetae arrive?”eab5a1d62b1af303

“Yeah.”3d55d3519d815421

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Heetae sat next 2c767effcf to Kiyeon and 66cdd39613 gave a light b950967f31 greeting to Ryu c86f92156b Sihyeon.d788424b4c5212bf

“Today, it’s Malbec.”28043caebd6fc066

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At those words, d6aec746fd Heetae looked at 8733b0c247 the bottle of e41a62ee37 wine in the db8055131b wine cooler. They seemed 4235713014 to have 912d9260be already ordered 0f51f499e9 and had 295964b02b a glass 376514175d each.d22c9ab76fbc703f

“It’s unusual for Jung Kiyeon to come earlier than the scheduled time.”2ce04294a65c3e0e

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“I didn’t want to work. I came about a quarter of an hour early.”93727ea8192b2f8b

Heetae didn’t bother to talk to Ryu Sihyeon. In fact, he didn’t even make eye contact. He felt that if their eyes met, Ryu Sihyeon would strike up a conversation, and that would make his feelings towards Ryu Sihyeon even more complicated. It was a strange, indescribable feeling because he had never experienced it before, but if he had to express it… he felt trivial when compared to Ryu Sihyeon.2030ee4898ad9368

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Experiencing it in reality was quite unpleasant. Since he had never met someone like this before, he was both astonished and clueless about how to handle it. Knowing it’s a problem he can’t solve immediately, he understood he should avoid it, but sitting at the same table like this was just amusing.f7d12f5a475702d3

The actor sitting across from him was one who truly acted without having to learn from any professor. There’s nothing as impressive as succeeding at such a young age with just one talent. That was what set Ryu Sihyeon apart from most amateurs. With just one outstanding trait, life would be both interesting and easy, much more so than Seo Heetae’s life, which was paved from the start with connections and money.cb7b59aa00f06e29

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Heetae accepted the wine 13adb4dc2e Kiyeon poured for him, 854c97c4a0 acting nonchalant. Kiyeon laughed, f703bc75b2 saying they e414acc0cf should finish ea1d0e9b20 it before 49d39e6994 Jeonghyun arrives, 6b774f57c2 but Director da82d6b33c Choi arrived 0d3f931a90 soon after. Director Choi Jeonghyun, da5ba6eae6 with his bright 7894825d71 and cheerful appearance, 04b0035ba8 seemed like he d35af362fb would get along 59830604df well with Jung c98f852916 Kiyeon. He was described as 352a8bae18 lively and sociable. He greeted 7f689f6db1 Heetae warmly 18b2ac6a46 and then df6b93f2e1 sat next 6927835c3c to Ryu db344c9ee5 Sihyeon, speaking 92d613c4e8 as if 881854391a they were 954c3cdcde long-lost family 8fe249e4d2 members. They seemed to a2e4892aae be talking about cba540a053 common acquaintances for 41a50dfcab a while.43bdd7317760f506

After everyone 1e2e5a0f24 had a 376a1d611d glass of 19464b6e76 wine and ebc1b306a1 the shared 8852efdfff plates they 94bd19fa35 ordered arrived, 6ecd33dd7c Director Choi c4c8442bd2 brought up e25bed820d the topic ca58c338e4 of the fd1462ef58 script with 701347fd76 Ryu Sihyeon.cf5d376eef9e501c

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“Sihyeon, you remember agreeing to star in my film, right? It was about five years ago, though.”163ba4910d336e8c

“Has it been that long already? Time flies.”799c20451eaee869

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“I might look like this, but my debut got good reviews. Right, bro?”a0f3ef637ea093bc

“Of course. You went to Berlin, Berlin!”9fd7fa8328746ac0

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With Kiyeon’s support, Heetae barely contained his laughter. Why was he making such a fuss when he didn’t even go to Berlin himself?98cf09c401480d8d

Director Choi, who 95f2fae685 was preparing a f8931446f6 new script, suddenly efa4ccfde3 wore a nostalgic 1ab8bf8908 expression. Just as Heetae 8982b06f87 thought he was 39be8e26ee somewhat acting, an c8542c7f02 unexpected statement came 151bc24eae out.60bcf9c78978d6d1

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“The project I’m working on now, Changhyeok hyung was really looking forward to it.”1c5063dc5c468588

The atmosphere grew heavy for a moment. As far as Heetae knew, Changhyeok was the director of Ryu Sihyeon’s debut film “Life and Death,” where Choi had worked as an assistant director. The mood turned somber because Changhyeok had passed away at a young age after finishing “Life and Death.”5d25b503e654912a

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As a result, Ryu Sihyeon couldn’t refuse Director Choi’s script. The atmosphere was set as if he had to honor the deceased’s wishes.e731205768e7ef3e

While Ryu Sihyeon read Director Choi’s script, a world seemed to form just for the two of them. Choi watched Ryu Sihyeon’s expressions quietly while sipping wine, and Ryu Sihyeon read the script silently. Heetae found it rather comfortable and talked about movies with his friend beside him as usual. The topic was ‘Who is the greatest master among Del Toro, Cuarón, and Iñárritu?’33f4f1f18d0bf526

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Kiyeon, possibly drunk, made the outrageous claim that “Del Toro is an overrated director.” Heetae didn’t think Del Toro was the best, but he couldn’t agree with that statement. So, he retorted, “The overrated director is Jung Kiyeon.” Then Kiyeon responded, “Right. I just make movies where Seo Heetae’s face does all the work.” Heetae was momentarily speechless.6211779cbe6d0b25

“I shouldn’t appear in any more Jung Kiyeon movies, then.”378b08d69dc35d70

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“Why not?”2e85dbe79adb14b7

“First, I want to work with directors who make proper films, and second, I want to do projects that need acting skills, not just my face.”6443fa5794fdf1b3

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At that moment, Ryu Sihyeon’s voice came from across the table.82459ffce3081b01

“Director, I’m sorry. But queer films are a bit…”783f990ef630b1e3

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That piqued Kiyeon’s interest, and his gaze turned to Ryu Sihyeon sitting opposite. Heetae couldn’t help but look over there, where he saw Director Choi’s shameless face right in front of him, unfazed by Ryu Sihyeon’s refusal.9d49da21e4435d09

“Come on, actor, why not? This kind of film does really well at international film festivals.”bf55ac9e34fbaff4

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“There’s a bed scene too. My agency probably won’t allow it. They already don’t like indie films.”a00d979f2f3a3699

“You don’t need to worry about the bed scene. I don’t direct anything too vulgar. It’s all about the emotions.”ca213f62dcdf230c

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No more words of refusal came from him. Whether he was still considering or couldn’t refuse, Heetae couldn’t tell.172e9df84b1925ee

Suddenly, he cc0094ee70 got curious fcfdb3e4b0 about the 5bde7f017a script. From what he could f1ad0ec95e see, Director Choi was 4fd2d0dd84 a smart person. He knew how 4dedd2c5b2 to manipulate people dbb823834b and what kind 759ba43c10 of films would b135aeacdf get attention. He seemed less stubborn 01fefddeb8 than Heetae thought for 52f8514ad1 an auteur director, adept 5f0268b1aa at compromising with reality.a434543cf7e0b4fd

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This type 51836a19bb of person 3e56f2d786 was easier 376aa4632d to understand. The claim that de80abe064 he had written bd7762ccc5 the script with 64a58bffe9 Ryu Sihyeon in 5c867cdfc5 mind from the 7e89fb3e2d start was likely a3ee5edb13 a lie. Saying that it b5aa439d1d was a project 35d6339d77 Changhyeok was looking df2cf667ad forward to was 295e46b4cf probably also an a9b06d7133 exaggeration. This person ab1abfaddc seemed more c06811885b likely to eb3faad8c0 embellish his 0469d83b29 words to 96c66e7b44 make the 7ac42e512b best decision fbba5d15eb and change cab46c9ac6 his initial 412df82852 plans.424ac22d20429194

“Director Choi.”3081522094c87a3c

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Heetae called 0cc75b9eb9 out with 3dffd29756 a smile, f2d7b211e4 and Choi ef9d30afdf looked at cb47c8a1eb him.b0e01237cafb06fb

“If Sihyeon doesn’t want to do it, I’d like to do it instead.”ef70b368b2be339a

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At that, Kiyeon grabbed Heetae’s arm as expected.9338806e95ec64e2

“Hey, Heetae, you should be in mine.”dd34780fd17926e1

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“I haven’t signed the contract yet.”324dc9b9dca1cf2b

“What a cold bastard…”2cd0e6abadff8342

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“I thought you wouldn’t do it, senior. Considering your image and all.”93dd38ede3b50887

Director Choi looked somewhat surprised. Well, that’s Seo Heetae’s image for you. Heetae asked with a smile.af5f73378aacb1bd

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“Do I look like I wouldn’t like men?”81d1ec02c3f2df52

“You do seem like that. Like you’d only walk red carpets.”7ef1569f32984832

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“I see that too, but I have no prejudices about this. It’s just acting.”6941c20acad2c47d

His prejudice against queer themes had already been broken by Shin Chaeyeon. Having a childhood friend who is part of the LGBT community changed Seo Heetae’s life. It broadened the boundaries of his common sense. As Director Choi mentioned, if Seo Heetae’s life were only on red carpets, having someone like Shin Chaeyeon around made him look beyond that carpet.6a109bfc875417d4

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“Please don’t worry about it, Director. If there’s no role that fits my image, that’s just how it is.”8b3b043a7b60c986

If Seo Heetae were to star in a queer film, it would definitely be a hot topic. He thought Director Choi wouldn’t miss such an opportunity.d0302d6bf833d959

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“If senior agrees to star, I would be very grateful. If you really do it, I could even rewrite this script.”f8c98466036cb370

Director Choi’s voice was somewhat excited, which was the expected reaction. It was amusing how Ryu Sihyeon had become irrelevant in the situation. Thus, the talk about Director Choi’s script was tucked away, but regardless of the outcome, he would be satisfied. He had gained Seo Heetae as a connection.b3d9b106e1dc8918

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“Then I guess I’ll have to do my next project with Actor Ryu.”bc90448be64b2781

Kiyeon spoke 333774adb9 with a dcdf2fb6b1 displeased expression d4d215d380 beside him.911dab648cac7231

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“Do whatever you want.”0ef5c190be0fe9d6

Heetae said that, but he knew Kiyeon wouldn’t change his plans easily since he had already written the entire script. Feeling somewhat better, Heetae ordered another bottle of Pinot Noir, and Kiyeon’s expression softened significantly.16e52a4dd513a382

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While tasting the newly 863fe6b7ae ordered wine, Jung Kiyeon 6da80d11bb brought up various topics. Being talkative, f66af03ea3 he dominated 98f5a6817f most of 93bdfabb69 the conversation 49756861ce at the 5b78ee697e table. Director Choi was next 7706277cf9 in line for conversation 4188baac13 share. The two 30ed5947e4 of them, 2d7174b209 being chatty, 79a1411d4c started to 1bd8788896 delve into 32b3b5f30c topics only f3a03bd2d3 they knew 8553d3478c about.4812f2a5233fba63

“By the way, I heard Jeonghyun broke up with his boyfriend, but he seems fine.”7c2186416afa7d01

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“Yeah, well. It wasn’t like I was really into him. He had a good body and was somewhat handsome.”6c2772940463c88e

“But?”aa118e69b7a93e95

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“First of all, it was annoying that he couldn’t eat good food because of his body management even during dates.”27269f3bc2731eb3

“What, was he an athlete?”8a92aaae9b99a2c3

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“He did fitness, even competed in some tournaments as a hobby. Sometimes used steroids too. That was the real problem. The side effects of steroids, you know, they don’t get it up easily. Sigh… it was frustrating when a guy who works out can’t perform at night.”c9f3890788275da2

“Oh, really?”2d038a73552ac900

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 9d089f279bea1941

“No, I was with him because of his body, but when I found out he couldn’t perform… it’s frustrating, you know? There’s such a thing as expectations. How important is it to be good at that? Even if you fight, after you sleep together, you think, ‘Oh, I should forgive him, he’s the best.‘ Sihyeon, remember this.”f42fd356fa23f5d4

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“Okay.”657271427ed8654a

Ryu Sihyeon smiles innocently even at the sudden remark, seemingly unaware that this could be considered sexual harassment. Heetae clicked his tongue internally at Ryu Sihyeon’s reaction. He couldn’t tell if it was naivety, stupidity, or if he actually liked such talks. Maybe it was all of them.efa3fa5969ae4549

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“Anyway, I got so frustrated during sex one time that I told him to choose between me or his gym.”36d84a44ab27f90d

“But, he chose the gym, right?”ba28ab36b9fb84d0

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“Yeah. Is his brain all muscle too?”132fefdc489b1d21

Heetae responded coldly 4ea8b864e0 to that.05d3b0a2926df031

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“Working out hard doesn’t turn brain fat into muscle.”38d30c4accbd258e

The atmosphere 9877c495f0 sank instantly. Director Choi, momentarily 0f535dd77f flustered, gave an a207c4ee3f awkward laugh.5aa44c05202e6df8

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“Well, that’s true…”07b395822f447bc7

Kiyeon’s characteristic giggle followed up on Director Choi’s words.ec8d19baad5e7362

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“He’s offended. He doesn’t like this kind of talk, especially about sex, when he’s just met someone. He’s too refined.”2cf196067fe1dc24

“Oh, really?”1c4a1de0ad2a4fdb

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“Stop talking nonsense.”c4a85ab83464b7e3

Heetae answered in a flat tone. If they were going to keep talking about unnecessary things, he’d rather go out for some fresh air. Just then, he got a call from his cousin, so Heetae ordered another bottle of wine and stood up.ee691f9983694a2e

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The bar on the 2e7beb13c1 quiet street was dim 6c7bd20fc0 and sparsely populated. Heetae had a brief e4894d6897 conversation outside with his 1e1dc020b0 cousin, who called to b14c886734 invite him to a 62c32ec5a9 family gathering at the 566da2ad91 end of the year. He understood the urgency 46ec4fa98e since both sides of 06db44a0d6 the family were competing b793b60993 to set dates around ca0849d5c3 this time.290668eab3477a8c

After hanging up and deciding to head back in, he suddenly ran into Ryu Sihyeon coming out of the bar. Although they had been sitting at the same table, this was the first time they were properly facing each other that day. Even in the dim light, he could see Ryu Sihyeon’s cheeks were flushed, indicating he had drunk quite a bit of wine. This was a new expression among the many faces Ryu Sihyeon had, which caught Heetae’s attention.9c78249f67922c4f

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Time passed quietly while 9ea38f8ad4 they stood facing each f9379d17b4 other. Feeling that it 69a5c16091 was impolite to bbf52a20ab just stand there, d7a10cb969 Heetae spoke first.eb59f7babffe2856

“Did you drink a lot?”243c73c21d962a39

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“A little. I wanted some fresh air.”5d1b14b65a4e04c9

His expression was brighter than expected, quite different from when he was unsure and refusing earlier. Heetae nodded and walked past Ryu Sihyeon, but he stopped when Ryu Sihyeon called out, “Senior.” It was strange. There was a time when he thought Ryu Sihyeon’s voice lacked strength, but at some point, it had gained a pleasant resonance.349dc7d2107f8c35

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Heetae turned around. Their eyes locked c396e63d24 as Ryu Sihyeon dc8cc9b5a6 looked up at 99d7fb86f6 him. His brown eyes were ee231b46bc speckled with the yellow 823154d664 light from the streetlamp.f0d6c617a0d12fe3

“I’m not Jang Icheon.”3ac16f0124fdbd04

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“I know.”65c02e7b73dc0cea

Did he call 62088cd599 out just to efb6454310 say something so 6ebf82a3d1 random? Slightly puzzled, 8d4bc0d0d5 Heetae asked 6d15920496 Ryu Sihyeon, a8282022a5 who was a7cd26a90a lowering his d21ba7bd73 eyes.530dac88b8f6090b

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“Why suddenly?”f3fcb89e378c4e1a

“Because I’m not a bad person.”dd9c07b79f1eddb1

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Was he really drunk? Heetae watched him silently. He hadn’t drunk much, yet he was acting in an inexplicable way. No, come to think of it, Ryu Sihyeon was always incomprehensible. What he thinks, who he is.30ffe8cccb3c4aa6

Suddenly, he looked aaf306071d Heetae in the d9e4129825 eyes again.b3a2d821a1763e1c

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“I’m your fan, senior.”5e507c4f7941c63c

There was a slight shadow on Ryu Sihyeon’s pale face. A complex expression passed over it, as if he was yearning for something or tense.cf842865b7408fde

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“I really like you.”b6a5b9882e588c64

It was like watching 8f2a4fe3ed a scene from a 9078abfb88 movie, so much so 6ef6acd6c4 that Heetae momentarily froze, 11b2e024ec hoping it was true.3fdd128fb77e6949

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Interesting, Ryu Sihyeon.e9d482b98430d7e6

You’re really good at acting. Should I believe this?be58b4d940e082fd

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“Mr. Ryu.”817c2ccae6b30f7f

“Yes? Yes.”d3aefcad91f28d41

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Heetae slightly lifted the 703473759f corner of his mouth. Surprised, Ryu Sihyeon answered 39a5454a14 with wide eyes.d571b8ee293f948e

“You say you’re a fan but didn’t even get my number?”be52349712b95234

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At that, he could vividly see Ryu Sihyeon’s eyes trembling. The yellow light reflected in his eyes seemed to flicker. He liked the look in his eyes, the way they looked up at him, the slight trembling in his expression.83d8b371ba51e5dc

“I wanted to ask for it before, but the timing wasn’t right. I’m sorry if it made you uncomfortable.”bae8a8f01949bdfe

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“No.”a0cc423c2e92ff29

“Oh, so, your number…”5a79f45ccb5db3d4

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Ryu Sihyeon fumbled in his coat pocket for his phone. Heetae remembered that Ryu Sihyeon once said he didn’t have a phone.425e159314fcf50f

…Remembering such unnecessary things.2b808496bfece324

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He entered his number into Ryu Sihyeon’s phone and went back inside. After finishing another bottle of Pinot Noir, the gathering ended quickly. Heetae called for a designated driver, and they left with Kiyeon in the back seat. Whether it was out of kindness to drop him off nearby since their homes were close, or for some other reason, Kiyeon muttered with a smirk.53eb939d76fe79cd

“Ryu Sihyeon, he’s really something.”26b4b14257d7ce6e

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Kiyeon sometimes e840e207c6 says things 08cbaa09f5 that are 59ec81de40 hard to 9cbe6c465a understand. This was 2ac5aaf2c0 one of 05e8fc195c those times. What was 439fb82aef strange about f5018bbfc9 someone who f407ca34b8 was usually bd3ae0ac05 quiet and e005ece474 just laughed 3fb36e3a5e at what 737dd2765d others said?266975bfa8238f8b

Just then, he bceb655c85 got a message c43204109d from Ryu Sihyeon.8dc2999a078cf90d

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[Senior, I enjoyed today. I’ll see you next time.]

Contrary to Kiyeon’s words, Ryu Sihyeon’s message was very ordinary.8ca6155f3d4c7c42

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“Hey, do you want to see our kids?”ab6f2b86f617a36d

 22417b0a15a3d8de

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Suddenly, Kiyeon handed him his phone while speaking. Heetae didn’t refuse and took it. As expected, there were photos of a sleeping kitten and puppy on the screen.be9a658b4c0495d9

“I need to go home quickly to feed Maria and Dorothy.”042302199d6fccc8

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Dorothy was Kiyeon’s cat, and Maria was his dog. Heetae could guess why he was showing these pictures. He was probably trying to cheer him up to bring up the topic of his next project. Playing along, Heetae browsed through the photos of Dorothy and Maria and said:0f3783ee458efe9f

“Why are you wandering around when you have a family to look after?”b47bc6c76533379c

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“That’s harsh, I don’t rest much. I work harder because I have kids to feed. Anyway, you should appreciate Seo Heetae’s meddling.”ad2a6740cafbf800

Then, he 70bd9ff064 cautiously asked 1da8cca65b Heetae.0c80ac90b5bd3e0f

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“So, you’re not doing mine?”ebbf80bc4aa1d240

“Just send me the script. It’s suspicious you haven’t sent it even though you say it’s finished.”4bf763bb6e175bb9

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“I’ll send it once you sign the contract.”2dd8a118bb48bcfa

“You’re crazy. What role is it?”f812615f336ce3fe

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“…A lawyer.”c837bd59bc4d79c8

“I figured you were hesitating. I’m tired of wearing suits.”5c2f8287fa798a9f

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“You’re so picky. Half of your fan club fell for you because of those suits.”f4b3918321b01046

“Still, from a prosecutor to a lawyer? Isn’t it time for me to try something new?”398e127e1eb0519b

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“How new do you want it to be?”10e51d3f14fb2cba

Heetae thought for 4ab2a331ea a moment before 40a2142d68 saying:016a2053a340c96f

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“Like Dustin Hoffman in ‘Rain Man.'”187dfa4bf211a932

“You’d be Tom Cruise in that scenario. Wanting to be Dustin Hoffman is too much. You and an autistic person? It wouldn’t fit.”01be37243bf29213

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Heetae replied calmly while looking at Kiyeon’s phone.2b5109db98132fa1

“I just want to try something ordinary.”343e72907d872ddd

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At that, 3650416366 Kiyeon laughed, 3b547d6332 looking incredulous.e7baba9f36316520

“You’re so ambitious. You want to do everything? That’s against the fair trade laws, man.”7b163fbe6d6f3007

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“You always talk well.”9e716d93e31513e6

“So, instead of ordinary, how about a kind, handsome, and righteous lawyer?”18c67adbaa93c5b5

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Heetae chuckled 0eb3fa3214 at that.3c70c236343d097b

“It sounds boring. Besides helping with an unjust case, is there anything else?”19573d2212ab56c3

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Seemingly having nothing else, 18fc1ac871 Kiyeon cleared his throat 606e38f655 and changed the subject.4adfe87b9ebf46a7

“You weren’t born to do fun stuff. Just do what you’re good at. No matter how well you act, if you go up against an actor who’s been a law student, your manager would win. Why? Because he’s actually been through the exam and looks the part. With glasses on, he’s done. You? With glasses, you’re just a celebrity going to a convenience store.”da24014f005bdce7

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“Why the sudden lecture… I’m already living by compromising.”cd71bed6e0486539

Kiyeon laughed and leaned e081422112 back in his seat.42c9ffc08687f1a9

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“Yeah, keep doing all the cool stuff. When you get older and your looks fade, maybe you’ll get more diverse roles. For now, just gather experience.”244d5dacedee1e20

“I’ll be handsome even when I’m old.”b7dc319f968af936

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“That’s too bad for you then.”e1a78a092fa6c371

“Still, the lawyer role doesn’t appeal to me. How about something like a journalist?”6c3f6fc85d8485f3

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“I don’t know, man. So, you’re considering Choi’s project? Want to go to Cannes again?”f5f730fc52824020

“The film festival isn’t the goal. It’s still under consideration.”bb39516ba1d2740d

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“Sorry for not taking you to Cannes.”d3bc45f35a0fa462

Kiyeon’s voice sounded slightly downcast. Heetae took his eyes off the phone to look at his friend beside him.754bf0ad02206f83

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“What’s with you?”6427414c4e557098

When they were with Director Choi earlier, he seemed to have forgotten about his past aspirations for film festivals, being happy about someone else’s success. But apparently, that wasn’t entirely true. Heetae had heard that Kiyeon’s last work was submitted to Cannes’ non-competition section but wasn’t ultimately invited. Feeling a bit sorry, Kiyeon said with a laugh:eb83f1ca86fcccb5

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“Don’t worry. I have no regrets. I should just do what I’m good at. Make a lot of money and live well.”e2a982c8ad79f9bf

…Though he said that, Kiyeon began to get lost in his own thoughts.419152c75271877a

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“The problem is Shin Chaeyeon. I should have secured you first. Honestly, is her drama some great masterpiece? She casts well, makes the characters stand out initially, then hooks the audience with sensational and fantastical stories.”a64b309b1eb58b8f

“That’s harsh.”44eb99047b45c3b7

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“It’s fine. She said it herself.”9195437fecc5f1d9

“It’s pretty good, though. Why is everyone so eager to criticize themselves?”861d0cc3e1a7fad8

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Although he wasn’t good at comforting, Heetae tried with that comment, which made Kiyeon smile slyly.01a5b0a779133618

“Everyone has a low side. You too, probably.”0a1038256690af79

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Kiyeon sometimes seems to see right through people. Even now, while he’s laughing, his eyes are sharp.c5fb8232b3cc26c2

“But the Seo Heetae that both Chaeyeon and I want to sell isn’t that kind of person. He’s someone people can live through vicariously. Your agency and the public want that Seo Heetae. You have to be an absolutely cool and amazing guy.”eee35e9a24c60193

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In other words, bb71dd2470 he was telling d2ae9e1e5f him not to 5405370618 stray from his 5ce447ace7 original image. It was advice he 64181e1016 had heard to the cb970f156f point of boredom. Apart from being 9b6dbb6d49 an actor, he 4e5e321228 had lived without 43fb4769c5 much deviation.7365448fa6ff1552

“Let’s not expect too much from life. I’ll never forget the look on your CEO’s face when he was worried your ads would drop if you played a villain. Even as a villain, you were still a cool bastard… Hey, if you do this lawyer role well, could you win the Daemyung Film Award for Best Actor? To win an award, you have to make the audience cry.”1f0f73ef5ab95a34

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“Ah, like Ryu Sihyeon?”b428c4580aaba18a

“Yeah, like when he played an independence activist. My mom cried so much. How old was he then?”ad30721208e31883

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“Twenty-five.”a3fce77b617c0b5a

“Wow, that’s insane.”d0845a8a2b87dd9a

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“A life to be jealous of. So young, yet…”9c04bbcfc06e3fe9