I had always had a particular fondness for Cha Seonmin. He was a character tailor made to my tastes, down to the very keywords written into his setting.
He was a handsome Omega, polite and proper. A desirable young man of the modern era who had overcome a poor background to triumphantly succeed as an actor, even dutifully paying off his parents' debts in one lump sum.
His entanglement with Han Jinheon began back when Han Jinheon in his late twenties, was running a film production company. He took a particular liking to Cha Seonmin, who was cast in a movie he had boldly invested a large sum in.
While the director, script, and substantial capital were important, the actor's skill was equally crucial. In Han Jinheon’s eyes, Cha Seonmin’s acting was superb, like a God-given talent. He was a person born to act.
The role Cha Seonmin was cast for was not a lead, but one of the supporting roles. However, it demanded more complex and meticulous acting than even the lead, making acting skill essential. Cha Seonmin, with his exquisite delicate acting, was the perfect fit.
Some opposed him because he was unknown or an Omega, but Han Jinheon didn't care in the slightest and insisted on him until the end. He needed Cha Seonmin for the success of the film. Another reason was that, as a fan, he wanted to see Cha Seonmin succeed in his acting career beyond just this movie.
Han Jinheon’s ambition grew stronger as the film successfully concluded. While the movie and its cast naturally began to achieve success, Cha Seonmin didn't.
Han Jinheon felt a pang of sympathy for Seonmin, who, despite his handsome looks and immense talent, struggled to gain traction for the antiquated reason of being a male Omega.
He decided to support him, and it was from this point that their true story began.
In any case, during Han Jinheon’s efforts to promote Cha Seonmin, Kim Gyuyeong, who was filming the same movie as Cha Seonmin, became entangled. Then, Han Sol, who fell in love at first sight with Kim Gyuyeong at an after-party, also got involved, leading the relationships to become increasingly complicated.
My thoughts cleared. It was when Secretary Song refused to answer my question.
“I’m sorry. As the executive director’s secretary, I only assist with his work. I’m not privy to his emotions.”
“Oh, no. I’m sorry for asking something so awkward.”
I bowed apologetically to Secretary Song.
Then again, Han Jinheon wasn’t the type to chatter about his personal life. He hadn't said a single word to me about either Cha Seonmin or Kim Gyuyeong. The only time he’d even mentioned Kim Gyuyeong was when he’d said I might have been able to win him over if I were an Omega.
Secretary Song turned off the grill and set down the tongs. Amidst this mundane action, he delivered a shocking piece of news.
"Actor Cha Seonmin is getting married next spring."
I knew who the other party was without having to be told. Anyone in this world would know.
"Married? Really...? He's marrying Kim Gyuyeong?!"
I was so excited that I unconsciously sprang to my feet. And leaning forward towards Secretary Song, I kept asking if it was true. How he knew, since there hadn’t been any articles or even rumors on social media.
“I was informed over the phone. They plan to officially announce the marriage early next year.”
“Wow, that’s insane. Truly insane… The two of them getting married…”
"The Executive Director must have found out today as well, since they met. The reason I am telling Mr. Han Sol is because I thought it would be best for you to know in advance."
Secretary Song was watching me with a worried expression. At first, I didn't understand why he was looking at me that way, but then it hit me. Ah, right. I’m the sub-su in this novel. I was supposed to be in love with Kim Gyuyeong.
But who cares about that? As a fan who had avidly followed their story, I was just thrilled that the two of them were getting married. I was relieved they were getting their happy ending. But Secretary Song seemed to think I was deeply shocked. Apparently, my excitement looked less like delight and more like fury.
First, calm down. Arousing suspicion wouldn't do me any good. With that thought, I calmly sat back down. How should I act to show that my congratulations are sincere?
“Ha, hahaha…!”
The dilemma was short-lived. There was no need to feign sincerity. I was genuinely pleased, a wide grin spreading across my face.
“That’s truly wonderful. There’s nothing more to celebrate than that.”
But as my heart overflowed with congratulations and blessings, someone else snagged on my thoughts, and my expression slowly hardened. My smile vanished, replaced by a sudden and deep anxiety.
Ah, Han Jinheon… What’s he going to do…
Secretary Song rose to his feet. After doing the dishes, he immediately found his jacket. He couldn't stay any longer, he said, and had to leave. I had no desire to hold him back, so I readily saw him off.
As he was crossing the yard, Secretary Song stopped and turned back to me. He gently pushed up his half-rimmed glasses and spoke.
"You can speak as you usually do. I’m already used to it, so it’s quite all right."
"Pardon? As I usually do…?"
“It means you can drop formalities with me. You haven’t used polite speech with me all this time, so it probably doesn't feel natural. There’s no need to force yourself.”
I could only offer him an awkward smile. It seemed the original Han Sol had spoken informally to Secretary Song, which wasn’t surprising. That arrogant bastard, who thought there was no one above him, would hardly have bothered with honorifics.
What should I do? Hesitating to answer, I asked cautiously,
“If I drop formalities with you, Secretary Song, will you also drop formalities with me?”
“No. Of course not.”
“Then I’m fine too. Speaking politely is surprisingly comfortable, you know.”
I knew I needed to act like Han Sol to avoid suspicion. But I didn’t want to mimic even this arrogant part of him. I also wasn't skilled at speaking informally to someone older than me.
“I’ll just keep using polite speech as part of my reflection, I guess… Haha.”
Thankfully, Secretary Song simply nodded without any apparent suspicion and resumed walking. I trotted after him, my eyes drawn to the CCTV camera visible just outside the open gate. It made me feel self-conscious.
"Thank you so much for today. I had a wonderful time with you."
"Just hearing you say so makes me grateful."
“Grateful to me…? Oh, Secretary Song. I know it might be uncomfortable at your boss’s house, but feel free to visit anytime if you’re bored. Secretary Song are always welcome.”
An unexpected smile from him left me speechless. It was the first time the ever-professional man had smiled at me, though it vanished so quickly it was a shame. Still, I saw a glimmer of hope.
It seemed that while Secretary Song might not like me, he didn't exactly hate me either.
***
The moment I sensed Han Jinheon’s arrival, I rushed to the entryway. My heart wanted to run all the way to the main gate, but Han Jinheon was exceptionally good at masking his presence. I only knew he was back because of the sound from the front door.
"Hyung!"
Han Jinheon stopped in his tracks upon seeing me rush to meet him. From the sharp quirk of his brow, I guessed the composed Alpha was a little surprised. I felt a pang of guilt for startling him unintentionally.
“To receive such an enthusiastic welcome from you, this is unusual.”
“I came out to greet you often before, too.”
“Normally, you’d stand some distance away, yawning, or not even know I’d arrived.”
Han Jinheon took off his shoes and put on his house slippers. Then he walked past me and started down the hallway.
In this natural, almost routine flow, I silently watched his retreating back. His silhouette looked pitiful. His broad shoulders sagged limply. I knew it was just my imagination. That it only looked that way because I thought it did.
However, there was a perfectly good reason.
“Hyung…”
I softly called Han Jinheon. When he kept walking, as if he hadn’t heard my voice, I rushed forward in a single stride and hugged him.
I hadn’t controlled my strength, and he nearly stumbled forward from the force, but he braced himself with impeccable reflexes. He turned his head back to look at me.
The twisting of his brow was a daily occurrence, so I ignored it and looked into his dark eyes. They were lifeless, steeped in sorrow. He looked for all the world like a man whose heart had just been broken by news of a wedding.
"Hyung, you're sad, aren't you…"
"What?"
"I know how you feel. I know… How can you bear the heartache…?"
I was the one who was feeling heartbroken and miserable for him.
Unable to look into his grief-stricken eyes, I buried my face in his back. Against my will, the corners of my lips twitched and then drooped, a sigh escaping from between them.
You just heard the person you love is getting married. Wouldn't you be this sad, too?
"You don't smell of alcohol, so I doubt you're drunk."
"I'm not drunk. I haven't had anything to drink…"
"Then what is this all about?"
He told me to let go, but I shook my head. His jacket felt rough, but it didn’t hurt. Compared to Han Jinheon's wounded heart, this pain was nothing.
“I’m comforting you because you heard about the marriage.”
“……”
“Alcohol. Right, should we get drunk together instead? Drink wine all night?”
Mumbling. My mouth, pressed against his back, didn't work well, so my words came out muffled. But there was no problem with conveying my intention, and I still didn't give up hugging him. Though maybe I should.
Actually, putting aside the fact that he was taller than me, his torso was so wide that my two arms, wrapped awkwardly around him, were starting to ache. I lacked strength.
"Ha."
Han Jinheon let out a breath. Right, you must be sighing.
"Ha, haha… Hahaha!"
But the sigh I thought I’d heard changed into something else, something that seemed to mock me. Stunned by the sudden laughter, I momentarily pulled my face away from him.
Han Jinheon was facing forward, his face buried in his hands, roaring with laughter.
It was a rare sight. The unexpected sound left me speechless. As my bewilderment deepened rather than faded, I just stared blankly at the back of his head.
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