Chapter 205

Yeo-hee discovering Seoyeon was truly by chance.

After filming the music video, she was on her way back from the restroom.

Having Seoyeon there on that path was not by any sort of intentional planning.

‘No, I should go a different way…’

With that thought, she must have subtly turned her steps, yet somehow, upon regaining her wits, she realized that she had naturally ended up beside Seoyeon.

‘No, why does it feel like I’ve done something wrong? I can at least try to talk to her…’

After all, Seoyeon was not her junior in the entertainment world?

As an actress, not so much, but as a singer, Yeo-hee was very much a senior!

So it wasn’t strange to approach her junior who seemed burdened with some kind of worry.

“Hmm.”

However, since their greeting, Seoyeon had been staring at Yeo-hee with a suspicious gaze.

A look that wanted to ask something but could not.

Was that it?

Do you still like my dad?

‘What exactly do you think I am!’

Even if she did have some impulsive traits, Yeo-hee wasn’t the type to go as far as an affair.

Surely she never imagined receiving such a glance from an obviously younger junior.

At the very least, you shouldn’t look at me this way.

I could have been your mother…

Although not exactly, still.

“Why, why are you looking at me like that?”

As if the thief was trembling unnecessarily, Seoyeon came to her senses at Yeo-hee’s nervousness.

Of course, Seoyeon had no idea that Yeo-hee had any hidden thoughts.

She was purely wondering from this professional unrequited love practitioner how one could properly conduct a one-sided love affair.

‘Even so, it’s still hard to ask.’

Her past self might have, but now that she understood emotions, it was a question beyond simple inquiry.

She was curious how Yeo-hee would react if she were truly honest, but it was not a light matter.

Besides, she had a general idea from her mother, Sua.

The content had been quite exciting, so she had retained most of it.

Honestly speaking, her overall impression was:

‘They were both digging their own graves.’

The childhood friend who was most suited turned aware of her feelings too late.

Yeo-hee confessed too late due to her pride.

She was easily defeated by Sua’s sudden confession.

‘Hmm, how many people wouldn’t fall for someone who could do that?’

They were both at fault for relaxing while such a formidable rival was around.

Or perhaps, because they appeared outwardly weak, they didn’t expect her to be so proactive.

‘Even so…’

Seoyeon looked at Yeo-hee. The past is the past; the Yeo-hee Seoyeon knew was only today’s Yeo-hee.

The songs she sang in “Masked Singer” brought back memories that undoubtedly resonated with Seoyeon as well.

As a result, she could now tidy her heart and steadily proceed towards her goal. There was also a desire to repay her in some way if the opportunity arose.

“Then.”

Seoyeon bent her waist slightly in a bow to Yeo-hee. Though she too had many questions, she was aware. Asking those things would be tough for even Yeo-hee.

She didn’t want to unnecessarily reopen old wounds.

“Joo Seoyeon!”

At that moment, someone rushed up to Seoyeon.

Looking back to see who it was,

“Why are you here?”

A slightly out of breath Seohui Jo stood before them, having run over.

To be winded just from that short run?

I should teach her some exercises later. No way to endure with such little stamina.

“I’m here for the Gyeongseong Yeong-nyeo issue. What about you?”

“It’s about the Dream Future project.”

“Then it’s similar. Eventually, it’s all about that Japanese broadcasting deal.”

Ah, now that she mentioned it, “Gyeongseong Yeong-nyeo” was also quickly imported to Japan.

Apparently, discussions about it happened today.

“But why at KMB Broadcasting?”

“Maybe they’re trying to air a documentary in tandem with the movie release. They want to film our production process for a documentary. They plan to release it on OTT in Japan.”

“Is that something that’s done?”

“I’ve never heard of it, but it seems like it might be an extended version of the making film? Anyway, it’s not bad to do such filming. The more exposure, the more benefits.”

After that explanation from Seohui, Seoyeon nodded. It was certainly true.

But does Seohui’s visit mean Jiyeon came too?

‘Why didn’t she give me a heads-up?’

Anyway, she was one of the three main leads, so why did she exclude her?

“Nope, Jiyeon didn’t come. I’m here because my dad is an investor.”

“Ah.”

If that’s the case, nothing could be done about it. Seoyeon shook her head and looked at Seohui again.

“Wasn’t Newlike generally uninterested in actors?”

“I don’t know either. I tried to decline, but they said it wasn’t because of me.”

Seohui looked at Seoyeon as if to say, “We’re doing this for your sake.”

“My dad isn’t investing because of you. He wants to help your friend.”

That’s what she said.

Not Seohui, but her friend.

They were grooming Seoyeon.

“Wouldn’t it be good if your friend succeeds too?”

Confronted with those words from her father, Seohui had no choice but to remain silent.

‘Of course, it’s not only because of that.’

Seohui knew her father well.

He wasn’t someone who handed out hamburgers casually and asked others to befriend his daughter.

Clearly, he thought this would be profitable.

He knew Seohui was particularly weak towards Seoyeon, so using her as the excuse was clearly intentional.

Seohui turned her eyes and noticed Yeo-hee standing awkwardly beside Seoyeon.

One of Korea’s current representative singers.

Though Seohui wasn’t particularly knowledgeable about singers, she became familiar with Yeo-hee’s songs while practicing lines with Jiyeon.

Jiyeon had been a die-hard fan of Yeo-hee, so Seohui eventually became one as well.

When she found out Yeo-hee had participated in “Masked Singer,” she was amazed!

Especially when the opponent was none other than Seoyeon, making the finale even more interesting for Seohui.

“Ms. Yeo-hee, the singer? I’m actor Jo Seohui. It’s an honor to meet you.”

“Ah, well, yeah?”

Seohui bowed deeply, with a very graceful demeanor.

Seoyeon had a special aura, but Seohui had something similar.

This wasn’t a born-in aura but rather one cultivated through life’s journey.

The title “noble young lady” wasn’t given for nothing, the feeling was evident.

‘When pursuing an objective, one must approach with a plan.’

Anyway, Yeo-hee wanted to befriend Seoyeon.

She truly had no ulterior motives.

Just purely because she was a friend’s daughter.

Inevitably, her eyes naturally gravitated toward her.

However, Seoyeon clearly seemed to avoid Yeo-hee.

Thus, another close friend could be approached…

“I watched Masked Singer. The song you sang was very romantic.”

“Ah, well?”

“Yes. It was the opening for the high school game we all made together. And the romance that unfolded there.”

“…”

“Time just flew as I read the internet posts. They said you had a crush on someone back when you were making the game, right?”

“…”

“Together you made the game, and how many times you were about to give up music, but were held back. However, that man was already connected with another woman…”

“…”

“But at the very last moment, during the graduation ceremony, you sang a song that was akin to a confession, right?”

Seohui’s eyes unusually sparkled as she spoke. After all, Seohui was a young girl too.

When it came to love stories, excitement was natural.

“Even now it’s said that you haven’t let go of that feeling…”

“…”

Moreover, from what I’ve heard, Yeo-hee’s story was rather dramatic.

Her leaving for Seoul and achieving great success.

Seohui genuinely thought Yeo-hee was impressive.

“To overcome the pain of heartbreak and transform it into a song—It was inspiring. I’m sure if the person in question were to see the current Yeo-hee, they would definitely reconsider… Right?”

Seohui was speaking when Seoyeon nudged her shoulder.

“Even though you’ve searched so much, haven’t you missed the most important part?”

“What is it?”

“Your crush’s subject? He’s our dad.”

“Eh?”

Had that been the case? Seohui paused to think.

Because she had only focused on Yeo-hee’s story, she had forgotten who the party in question was.

Honestly, Joo Young-bin’s image in “Golden Piglets” and the one in Yeo-hee’s story were so different that she forgot they were the same person.

In that case, what Seohui had just said…

“Ahh…”

A cold sweat formed on Seohui’s forehead. By now, Yeo-hee was already kneeling on the ground.

Seohui looked hesitantly between Yeo-hee and Seoyeon before quietly kneeling beside her.

***

Seohui appeared quite flustered, but Seoyeon wasn’t particularly upset.

Rather, due to Seohui, she naturally found an opportunity to talk to Yeo-hee.

“Honestly, I’m also a little curious.”

“Curious about what?”

“Love stories.”

That statement was unexpected, making Yeo-hee slightly flustered.

After all, Seoyeon seemed completely irrelevant to love.

“A person you like, how to make them fall in love… I can’t even grasp the feelings.”

“Hmm…”

While there was a thought as to why Seoyeon was asking her, it seemed like the kind of worry a young girl would have.

‘Ah, that’s what you wanted to ask earlier.’

She realized the reason for the subtle glance.

Why she didn’t ask already also made sense.

“Actually, someone else would explain this better than me…”

“Someone?”

“Joo Young-bin, my childhood friend. Anyway, he’s a novelist, so he might be better at depicting such matters than me.”

But Yeo-hee wasn’t in a state to contact him for matters like this.

She had already been battered from all sides and was pretty worn out.

Since it was awkward to have Seohui there awkwardly watching on, Yeo-hee laughed it off.

“Let’s make it a group outing another time. This is because of the current movie project, right?”

“How do you know that?”

“…”

The fact that Yeo-hee was so familiar with Seoyeon’s schedule was a bit odd, but they casually made a plan and parted ways.

Seoyeon was also intrigued by the untold stories from high school Sua mentioned.

Besides, Seoyeon wanted to understand the ‘romantic’ emotions that made Seohui so excited.

After parting ways with Yeo-hee, a few more days passed.

“Joo Seoyeon.”

The day before the next filming session, Seohui came to Seoyeon’s school.

Today, her face was quite serious.

With a mask, sunglasses, and even a school uniform that stood out rather than blended in.

“Did you sell your Benz? You’re riding a bike these days.”

“Tch, you said I lacked stamina.”

Now that she thought about it, she did mention that Seohui lacked stamina when they parted last time and suggested she exercise a little.

People could see them, so today’s Seohui gave off a strong villain vibe.

Her sharp gaze made even the kids taking photos run away in fright.

“Isn’t this too unprotected?”

“We leave each other alone in school.”

“You’re pretty magnanimous.”

After replying that way, Seohui tapped her own seat.

The action, as if inviting someone to climb on, made Seoyeon shake her head.

“Why? You could at least carry someone like me.”

“Nah.”

“?”

No, she wasn’t lying.

Considering Seohui riding the bike, Seoyeon running might be faster, anyway.

“Anyway, where are we going?”

“To persuade you to watch a movie together.”

Seohui pulled out two tickets from her sleeve with a grin.

At the sight of that action, Seoyeon just stared.

Why suddenly a movie?

“A romance film. It’s pretty intense too. Lately, even 15-year-old films can get pretty steamy.”

“Have you already watched it?”

“Yeah. But watching it again wouldn’t hurt.”

To be precise, it was an apology.

Back then, what she said to Yeo-hee seemed quite rude to Seoyeon.

“I think it will certainly help you.”

At these words from Seohui, Seoyeon hesitated.

Honestly, she didn’t think Seohui needed to apologize.

Considering how easy it was to misunderstand or forget the matter, anyway.

It would just end up with a chuckle from the parties involved.

It was only Yeo-hee who felt embarrassed.

“Alright.”

Seoyeon eventually nodded.

She respected Seohui as an actress, so if she personally recommended a film, there must be a reason.

‘Well, if it’s a steamy 15-rated movie, what’s the problem?’

She thought that.

And then…

“Uh?”

Seoyeon froze.

At the sight of the sensual scene unfolding on the screen.

“It wasn’t R-rated?”

Of course, that wasn’t the only important point.

The emotional thread was dense and deep.

Glancing at the side, Seohui was nonchalantly munching on popcorn.

Seemingly the type who would make a fuss while watching but would take such movies and dramas seriously.

Naturally, Seoyeon was the same.

‘This is…’

Seoyeon curled her toes and fidgeted with her fingers as an inexplicably awkward emotion washed over her.

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