PAYBACK BOOK 2.

Chapter 3.

Our place was a motel in name only; it was even more dilapidated than a typical hotel. I woke up to the smell of mould and the bathroom's musty odour. It was probably because the manager had received a discount for long-stay accommodations, so the owner didn't regularly clean the room we were using. But anyway, we were only staying for a short time and usually just sprawled out on the floor without showering, so we didn't really mind. That's why there's a yellow blanket haphazardly spread out on the floor. I'm used to the manager's snoring the moment his head hits the pillow now, and when I don't hear it, I automatically wake up. 

 

I carried the cake and headed towards the secluded accommodation, thinking about Han-Soo and the manager who were probably sleeping soundly, exhausted from the day's work. I heard filming would resume after noon. Setting my alarm for noon would be perfect; I noted the time as I walked past the parking lot behind the motel, feeling the urge to hurry a little. But unexpectedly, they weren't fast asleep in their room. As I was almost at the back door, a faint sound drew my attention.

 

Click. Just as I was about to step through the open back door, I realised the sound wasn't from a stranger, so I quietly turned back inside, making sure not to make any noise. Before I knew it, the entrance to the hill came into view. That was the main reason why all sorts of insects were getting into the room even though we had the windows tightly closed. Suddenly, I saw Han-Soo standing there, holding a script.

 

"...I'm also going to Seoul soon. I intend to try and find a job there. Someone told me to go. I work there too, but I haven't told my parents yet. If you go up to Seoul..."

 

Han-Soo rehearsed his lines with a clear, confident voice, as if the other person were right in front of him. He must have memorised all the lines, as he moved his hands naturally without looking at the script. I stood motionless in the corner for a long time until he spoke his lines.

 

The scene Han-Soo was rehearsing was the one I performed early this morning. It was a stroke of luck for me because I wasn't nervous in front of the camera. But in reality, I was so nervous that I can't remember how I acted it. Even so, I don't think I need to stubbornly think about it again, because I consider it a finished job. But when I saw Han-Soo finish playing the role I had previously played and then continue with the lead role, my drowsiness suddenly vanished. That's right, I wasn't the only actor there; Han-Soo was also there, and two others were also acting.

 

The role of Xtra was played by a newcomer, just like me. Even though that role was mine, I didn't care at all how they felt watching, and I didn't know if they wanted a little more screen time either. Especially, I didn't know how Han-soo felt about going there without filming a single scene, even though his acting skills are far superior to mine. I imagined Han-soo feeling both disappointed and resentful because he couldn't overcome his fear of the camera. Even so, he and my manager were happy for me that I got a more prominent role. His genuine congratulations were like a refreshing splash of water, bringing me back to my senses.

 

How long has that kid been practising every single role? The way he recites his lines so fluently shows he practices. How often, I can't even begin to estimate. Although I feel like I've seen him reading his lines periodically, he shouldn't have time to practice alone, because we usually sleep soundly in the same room when it's time to bed...

 

Ah, so that's why I finally understood why I'm always the first to wake up and wake the other two. He practices while I'm asleep! When did he start practising like that? The image of Han-Soo's back still lingers in my mind even after he turned around and entered the modelling studio. At that moment, the manager's voice on the phone could be faintly heard from outside the door.

 

"Hmm, that's a good, filling meal. You've received your salary for this month, right? Use it to pay your overdue tuition fees first. I'll transfer more next month. The new actor I'm managing is doing exceptionally well, and the company is taking good care of them... Honestly, he is truly excellent. He doesn't shy away from hard work and does everything from A to Z. He is also a well-behaved individual...Hmm, no need. I told you it's okay. I'll get paid by the company anyway. Don't worry. Please apologise to your mother for me... No! I'm not visiting because I feel uncomfortable or anything. I really couldn't go because I was busy with work. Who would accept someone who's homeless like that...? Why are you crying again? I told you it's okay. I'll save up again soon."

 

The faint voice was muffled and barely audible. It took me a while to move from there. I went outside again, placed the cake box by the stairs, and sat down on the floor. After waking up once, the drowsiness was completely gone, but I didn't have time to breathe in the fresh morning air because the words PD had emphasised before we parted kept replaying in my head.

 

"When the opportunity comes, seize it firmly."

 

Regarding opportunity, I view it as just luck, nothing significant. I'm not sure whether to listen to PD Songs’ advice to work hard, since my main reason for becoming an actor is revenge. Therefore, even if I go back to rest as soon as I'm tired, it wouldn't be a problem. However, I found myself staring up at the sky without moving for a long time until my neck ached. When I finally lowered my gaze from the almost cloudless sky, my eyes fell on the cake next to it, and I regretted not buying a sandwich instead. I stood up and went back into the model building, mentally picturing my screenplay, which was probably piled up in the corner of the room.

 

After dropping off the cake for the crew, who cheered, I rubbed my eyes, tired from sleeplessness, and sat down in the corner. The empty space that became the base of operations for this film crew was once a small, abandoned factory outside the city. Luckily, it was an empty plot of land, so the owner allowed us to use the location temporarily. Initially, it was intended as a set for the film, but filming dragged on, and it became mostly just a place to sit and relax. Even so, it's a place where you can store miscellaneous equipment or park rented trucks to protect them from the rain.

 

The ground was hard, so everyone naturally gathered here. Although it was a bit inconvenient to have a few people take turns guarding the equipment in the tent, it was a place to rest when filming was delayed. There seemed to be a problem with the next scene, so PD Song, along with the cinematographer and assistant director, went somewhere together and haven't returned yet.

 

"Oh, you're not eating cake, are you?"

 

Han-Soo, with cream all over his mouth, walked towards me, giggling happily, with cream in both hands. He was holding two pieces of cake, seemingly intending to divide them with his hands. I narrowed my eyes and glared at him, as if to say, "If you come any closer and smear cream on me, you're dead." Suddenly, Han-Soo, sensing a warning, quickly backed away to the side. But being wary of Han-Soo was pointless.

 

"Wahaha! This cake is super delicious, Taemin! You should eat some too... Aaaah!" 

 

The manager, who was holding the cake in both hands like Han-Soo and running in, tripped over a rock and almost fell.

 

"Oh, dear!"

 

He let out a loud protest after narrowly escaping a face-first tumble, extending his legs forward so he regained his balance, a relieved smile spreading across his face.

 

"Did you see that? My graceful movements, holding the cake with both hands without it falling over? It's all thanks to the muscles in my waist that are supporting me..."

 

The manager who was speaking suddenly realised that the cake he was holding in one hand had fallen to the floor after seeing it. When the cake fell, he glanced at me, looking at my body, which was covered in cake.

 

"Brother," I raised my hand to wipe the cream off my face and looked up, and he immediately took a step back.

"A-Are you angry?"

 

I flicked the cream off my hands onto the floor in response. The manager strode over to Han-Soo's side before asking a question.

 

"...Are you going to... punch me?"

 

"How about we do it later?"

 

He hid behind the startled Han-Soo, tears welling up in his eyes.

 

"I also have a herniated disc."

 

Where did that flexible, muscular posture go? I was about to ask that in return, but instead, I extended my hand as if to say, "Could I have a tissue, please?" Both of them burst into laughter as if nothing had happened, then rushed over to me frantically. For a moment, I felt like punching them, but then I felt the vibrating phone in my back pocket. After wiping my hands with the tissue from my manager and pulling out my phone, both of them reacted before I did.

 

"That lunatic!"

 

As soon as the manager was startled, Han-Soo jumped up.

 

"Again! Ahhh! Ooh!"

 

Han-Soo ran off with two pieces of cake stuffed in his mouth, shouting as he went. The next moment, seeing him holding his own phone, I realised he was probably going to search for information, judging by the serious look he gave me as soon as he sat down next to me.

 

"Come on, let's see! Spell whatever you want; this time I'm going to guess it right, you idiot!" The manager standing next to me emphasised his determination with the same look. But instead of feeling confident having friends, I felt strangely annoyed. I read the message on my phone under the pressure of their stares, and it was exactly what that idiot had sent. 

 

[What is the capital of Lithuania?]

 

...It wasn't a black magic game. All three of us stopped abruptly. Then another message came in.

 

[Answer within five seconds]

A gasp of surprise rang out from both sides as they frantically opened the search bar.

 

[5]

 

"Li...Lithuri..."

 

[4, 3]

 

"No, no, Han-Soo, not Lithuanian, but Lithuanian..."

 

[2, 1]

 

After the countdown was complete, we heard Han Soo's desperate sigh, and then the final message arrived with a "ding" sound. We read the message on the screen, and no one spoke a word.

 

[You guys!]

 

Ah, this guy is really crazy.

 

It's been three weeks since we arrived in city xxx, and the longer the filming in the provinces dragged on, the production budget spiralled out of control, forcing us to rush through filming without a break. Time was money, so PD Song didn't waste a single day, as if to demonstrate how low-budget films are shot. One reason filming went so quickly was that the script was flexible. The PD intentionally didn't include any necessary props in the script, so it's highly likely you won't see specific props in the scenes.

 

We will determine what is needed only for that particular scene and quickly connect it to the storyline to save money. That's why sometimes the script is changed on the spot, or scenes that were previously planned are completely altered. But improvisational acting is more suited to this type of film. Of course, there are times when the desired outcome isn't achieved afterwards.

 

Even after dozens of takes, the nearby staff were constantly on the move, with no time to complain about the chaotic filming schedule. If they found a suitable location during a move to the next shoot, they'd immediately begin filming a take. Or, if it started raining while filming, everyone would be excited not to have to call a water truck, but instead quickly cover the equipment with vinyl and run outside. Even so, we dedicated our time to coordinating with the locations that were truly necessary. When we needed to film the scenes at the police station, we had one of our staff members stationed there for five days until we finally received permission. Day after day, sleepless nights, and before we knew it, ten days had passed since I had met that crazy guy at the hotel.

 

The staff who were set up here filming over a month before us have finally finished their work. Meanwhile, the manager returned to Seoul several times for other business, but Han-Soo and I stayed here throughout the filming. Even though Han-Soo has camera fear, he was known on set for his bright personality and diligent practice, earning him the staff's affection. On the other hand, perhaps because of my unfriendly personality, I didn't have anyone I could talk to intimately. But honestly, I felt more comfortable this way, because the more time I had alone, the more I could reread my lines. Therefore, I didn't even consider that my actions would be interpreted differently by others. 

 

Today, I sat beside the lighting crew I was assigned to manage and reread the tattered script since morning. I spent more time waiting than in front of the camera. At the earliest, we have to finish filming all the necessary scenes here tomorrow before we can return to Seoul. However, I didn't feel at all comfortable. I had to appear in one of the last scenes, even though it was mostly running with almost no dialogue. But after reaching the finish line, I was supposed to say something out of sheer shock. I couldn't quite grasp that feeling, so I'm just replaying that image over and over in my head.

 

"What are you worried about?"

 

I glanced up at the sound above and saw the lead actor. He was very ordinary-looking, the kind you'd see on the street. I heard he was originally a stage actor and mostly played supporting roles in films. He appeared in PD Song's previous film, formed a bond, and acted in the movie practically for free. During our last drinking session, I heard PD Song praise him as the only actor who performed well in the film. Both were complete disasters, and in my opinion, he performed so well that I thought he was truly the main character in the role.

 

He said he was more interested in theatre than film, so he would dedicate himself solely to theatre after this film. Therefore, we had almost no opportunity to work together again. Even so, he was one of the few people who spoke to me casually and face-to-face without any awkwardness.

 

Thump

He slumped down in front of me, almost kicking up dust, before extending his hand as if to say, 'Give it to me.' So I handed it to him. He flipped through the page I had been reading.

 

"Oh, so this is the scene. Actually, acting without a script is harder, isn't it?"

 

He nodded understandingly before turning the page to the other side.

 

"I'm not worried."

 

He smirked when he heard my answer, then glanced at me with an expression as if he already knew what I was going to say.

 

"Wow, that's amazing. Someone once told me your words were arrogant, and you were a total jerk, but...As the speaker was talking, I heard him continue, "How should I put it...?" He opened his mouth while looking at the sky, then fell silent for a moment, as if thinking of a metaphor.

 

"Isn't it like a robot saying 'I love you' without feeling anything?"

 

"Uh, I'm not criticising you. I think that's why you connect so well with the character you're portraying." Connect well... Even if it's a compliment, I don't feel like it at all. 

 

Hyung Song said something similar: that I give off a vibe similar to the character's, so I should be able to play it naturally. However, I have almost no common ground with that character. The character I play comes from an ordinary family with a father and mother. He's a top student who is completely engrossed in studying and getting a job at a good company, being meticulous and a perfectionist. If you disregard the fact that the protagonist only has one friend, he's just a laid-back, slow-paced character. They said I give off a similar vibe, huh? Could a character who hasn't experienced much of the world before really feel similar to me?

 

“That's the complete opposite for me."

 

I glanced at the script, frowning slightly.

 

"I felt awkward trying to portray this role using my own feelings," he said, yet he still managed to understand my concerns despite my short explanation.

 

"You can't accept this role and make it yourself, can you? And you even seem to wonder if you're playing a character with a complex background."

 

"How is it even possible to deliver a line like this?"

 

When I nodded, he smiled at me in a relaxed manner.

 

"It's alright. It's normal to worry. When you feel anxious, try listening to advice from those around you; it helps. I told you before that you have a character that you can portray well in this role because I sense your coldness. Trying to be someone else will just ruin it. So, if you want to maintain that feeling, it's probably better to erase some parts of the character from your mind."

 

I shook my head at his question, "Am I just confusing you more?" before reaching out to take the script from him and examine it again. This time, I tried to eliminate some of the characters. First, I needed to get rid of that suspicion in my mind: could someone living such a conventional life really be similar to me? Then, I simplified his life, which he didn't understand, in my own way. A top student who focused solely on studying led a boring life. He would likely be striving and putting pressure on himself. Moreover, being someone who always kept everything spotless and completed assigned tasks, he unconsciously became obsessed with these behaviours. Therefore, he should be increasingly abandoning what he wants, what he desires, and what makes him happy, just like my inner self slowly fading away. 

 

Suddenly, images of the past five years blurred out a picture of my life, still breathing and alive, but without a soul. After a while, I looked up and met a pair of sparkling eyes.

 

"Has the problem been solved yet?"

 

"Yes", I nodded slightly, while he looked at me silently before speaking.

 

"Okay, then tell me. The scene where you and I run out together and are startled upon seeing a grave... I stood there, stunned and sobbing. What was the part you had to say to me? "I'm sorry." Just one word, right? How were you going to convey that?"

 

"I'll step back," I explained to him slowly after he told me to try continuing.

 

"The character isn't used to comforting people, and he views expressing feelings as a personal matter. He probably thought it was impolite to stand beside him with his head down, so he only said one thing: 'I'm sorry.' I thought he'd step back until he was out of frame and just send his voice through the scene."

 

"Why?"

 

As soon as he asked, because the way he was staring at me was strange, a smile slowly appeared on his face. Although he was four years older than me, I could sense an indescribable innocence in his face.

 

"Even though I'm saying this now, the truth is, I was really surprised when I heard you'd only been studying acting for less than a month. But I also realised how lucky you are. Getting your first role in something easy for you to play is incredibly fortunate, isn't it? And even better, you have a manager."

He glanced over at Han-Soo, who was playing with the staff.

 

"Aren't there also unfortunate geniuses?" He said it jokingly before shrugging. "That's why your luck seems so great. Maybe that's why people think you helped them out."

 

"So you're saying I have to be humble, huh?" I asked in a curt tone, one that if anyone heard me, they'd think I was being sarcastic again, but he smiled and shook his head.

 

"No, I've always wanted to tell you that luck can be detrimental. Getting easy roles is good at first, but it doesn't help develop your acting skills at all. Ultimately, if you only focus on roles you're good at, you'll be stuck in a rigid framework and avoid other types of roles more and more. If you keep doing that, you'll eventually fail. And that's not a new phenomenon."

 

I listened intently to his warning before noticing something strange: "I wanted to tell you something." Realising it was in the past tense, I stared at him silently. His next sentence, as I'd suspected, was quite different.

 

"But you never know." His voice trailed off before he tilted his head to the side. "Maybe you don't need my advice, because I have a feeling you might be a genius."

 

It's overshadowed by the word "good luck." I observed him to see if he was joking, but I didn't see any sign of joking on his face. He probably noticed that I had made my disbelief clear on my face, so they added another point.

 

"Well, you've had a strong mind and never been stressed since birth," I replied with a somewhat disapproving look. He chuckled and stood up.

 

"That's why, Taemin, you might only need one thing."

 

"What is it?"

 

"It's the heart that truly wants to do it, you know...because sometimes I wonder if you really want this job." He finished by adding, "The director's late," then turned to the staff and asked loudly, "The director still hasn't arrived?"

 

I overheard someone in the distance saying, "There must have been an unexpected guest, so he rushed out."

 

"Yes," he said, before turning to the sound of his name being called.

 

"Taemin"

No sooner had the mentor left than the manager, who had approached me as if waiting for the right moment, watched his retreating back. The other person walked away with a questioning look in their eyes.

 

"What were you guys talking about so seriously?"

 

"Sometimes I wonder if you really want this job."

 

I recalled his last words, but then shook them out of my head like burying an image I wanted to hide.

 

"We didn't discuss anything important."

 

Then, Han-Soo came running in, breathless. "Ah! I'm here! I've arrived!"

 

The manager's face immediately contorted when he heard a soft scream, but even without hearing the sentence, the sudden silence on set told him instantly who had arrived. It was one of the supporting actresses. Although this film was being shot according to PD Song's wishes, some aspects were beyond his control. The initial investors had a condition: they would use a new actress. She was an actress making her first film, like me, and she seemed to be the niece of my uncle's close friend, who worked as a department head at an investment company. She only appeared in a few scenes, and luckily her acting wasn't unbearable, so Fidesang accepted the role. The problem, however, was the woman's behaviour.

 

Every time she came to the set, she would ride in the same van celebrities use to travel, appearing like a top star, accompanied by her manager, who followed her like a servant. Of course, she expected the other people on the set to treat her like a top star as well. And today, those same people had finally given her a personal chair, despite her picky nature. Earlier, when she arrived on set and didn't have her own chair, she called her grandfather and sobbed uncontrollably. A while later, the head of the company called, sounding utterly exhausted. PD Song, seeing that her role wasn't very big, told her to be patient and get through it. Therefore, everyone was hoping her filming would finish quickly.

 

Then the day everyone had been waiting for arrived. This time, the familiar white van pulled up to the film set, just as expected. Everyone stopped moving and stared at the van in unison. Then the doors slid open, and the princess appeared. The emaciated, pitiful figure frowned each time she made eye contact with others, glaring at them as if to say, "Hmph, you guys have good taste." This time, she walked towards the spot where the umbrellas were kept, as usual. In truth, none of them had showered, and they truly looked like beggars.

 

"I heard her father works at the Blue House," Han-Soo said softly, looking at the princess, and the manager immediately added. "I heard her uncle is also a lawyer. As for the company she's signed with, her grandfather founded it himself. Moreover, they currently only have the princess and her friend under contract. And that friend was that Dody over there."

 

While listening to their serious conversation, a question arose in my mind: how could they feel they knew everything so well? Yet both had an overwhelming amount of information to share about the princess.

 

"There's a show where dozens of ordinary people compete in a quiz show against celebrities, right? I heard that after appearing on that show as an ordinary person, she moved to the front of the broadcasting station [because she felt uncomfortable that people on the street recognised her]. But besides acting in this movie, she's been free for two months now." 

 

How does he know so much? I couldn't help but ask, but I stopped myself when I felt the vibration in my pocket. As soon as I pulled out my phone, the two of them, who were discussing the princess's secrets, turned around and their eyes widened simultaneously. Then, instinctively, they both pulled out their own phones, seemingly ready to search the internet as soon as they heard the question. But when they saw the message on the screen, I stopped them both with my hand.

 

[Go to the second floor of the building you see in front of you.]

 

What? I glanced up and saw a building with a coffee shop on the ground floor, directly across from where we're set up for the film shoot. Don't tell me... I narrowed my eyes and stood up, then heard a question from beside me: "Isn't that the lunatic?" I mumbled something under my breath and took a step forward as an answer. "I'm going to the restroom; I'll be right back."

 

What's up on the second floor? I climbed the stairs and stopped in the hallway, scanning the short corridor lined with various signs: hospital, construction office, accounting firm, etc. There was nowhere that crazy guy could possibly be. I frowned, looking inside the seemingly new building, which also had a faint smell of paint, before stepping further down the hallway to investigate more closely. My footsteps echoed particularly loudly in the empty, deserted hallway. As I focused on the path ahead, searching for where that lunatic might be, and having walked about a third of the way, a strong arm suddenly pulled me aside.

 

What the hell is this?! Before I could even utter a curse, I heard a loud, echoing sound in my ears.

 

Bang!

I knew it was an iron door slamming shut because of the vibration I felt in my body shortly afterwards. Someone pushed me so hard that my back slammed against the iron door, and I almost screamed, but I didn't. I wasn't able to scream because my mouth was gagged beforehand.

 

"Oops!"

 

The person, whose face I hadn't even seen clearly, pushed me against the closed door and began kissing me passionately. Instinctively, I pushed their shoulders away, stammering softly, but my consciousness faded as their lips pressed against mine, sucking and biting intensely. Suddenly, a warm, slender tongue thrust into my startled, parted mouth, violently sweeping across it. I was stunned, unable to think for a moment, then felt suffocated by the pressure of someone pressing against me. 

 

There was no escape because the door behind me blocked my way. All I could do was try to breathe, as arms wrapped tightly around my waist, almost severing it. What snapped me back to reality, a hazy sense I couldn't resist, was a sense of familiarity. His height and weight, so much greater than mine, along with his strength and scent- this body pressing down on me, kissing me- was someone I knew, someone I'd touched before. Why? Why was I the only one feeling this way about this crazy guy?

 

Gulp

As soon as I realised who the other person was and stopped struggling, the pressure on me immediately eased. With the pressure gone, I could breathe more easily, and my body, which had been stiff as a log, relaxed. Then, his strong arms wrapped around my limp waist with even greater force. A soft sound escaped from his lips, wet with saliva until they were soft and slippery. He continued to suck and pull at my lips and tongue with force, but I felt like I couldn't breathe anymore. The kiss slowed down at some point, allowing me to breathe normally again. Meanwhile, the hand that had been gripping my waist painfully began to move, slowly caressing around it.

 

Now I understand perfectly well where I am, but I'm still a bit confused. Just because I know who the other person is doesn't mean I'm happy about this kiss at all. I should struggle again, but I can't turn away. My mouth, which should have been screaming, "What the hell are you doing?", instead yielded to his movements. Now I could escape because there was no longer any pressure, yet the heat of the soft skin on our intertwined lips held me captive. I didn't know anymore whether my yielding was due to my brain becoming hazy again from all the repeated intimate encounters, but one thing was certain: I didn't dislike this touch at all.

 

To be honest, I actually felt good. A warmth slowly spread from my chest throughout my body, followed by an overwhelming feeling of weakness. The hand that had pushed the other person away now held on, preventing me from falling. And at a certain point, a soft breath escaped my lips unconsciously.

 

"...hack"

The sound was so faint it was almost inaudible, and then it was barely a whisper, a hot breath, before everything stopped. He nibbled on my lower lip for a long time without moving, before pressing a heavy, slow kiss down again and then pulling away. As the warmth faded, cool air replaced the moisture on my damp lips. I opened my eyes, feeling him slowly tilt his head up before meeting his gaze.

 

We were further apart than we had been just moments before. Strangely, I found it even harder to breathe. Our lips weren't even pressed together, yet it felt like if I breathed heavily, he'd catch me. Luckily, the tension brought my composure back to normal. I had just thought of what to say the question, "What the hell is going on?" and the words were right there on my tongue, but he moved first.

 

He took a step back on the hard tile floor before looking down at me with a blank expression. It was then that I knew this was the restroom, but before I could even look around, he moved one hand to my neck and grabbed my shirt collar. Just as I was about to wonder what he intended to do, he began straightening the out-of-tune collar, smoothing it out and ironing the wrinkled shoulders with his palm, like a parent adjusting a child's clothes. Then he took a step back and spoke.

 

"You can go now."

 

...What? I was so engrossed that I unintentionally blurted out half of his nickname: "Hey, you bastard..."

 

Crackling sound

Just then, the iron door I was leaning against shook with a rattling sound. I jumped in fright and quickly moved away. He stepped out, and when he turned around, he saw the doorknob shaking, followed by the voice of a man coming from outside.

 

"Oh, is that a door lock?"

 

I glanced down at the doorknob, which was rattling incessantly, before reaching out to unlock the doorknob next to it. The moment the door opened, I immediately stepped aside before hearing a faint whisper from him as he walked to the door.

 

"I already kissed you just now. I'll wait for you for two more days."

 

What was he talking about? I turned and walked away, confused, but the cold air from outside, flowing through the door, hit me. Then I heard the sound of someone else turning a doorknob from outside.

"Hey, the toilet isn't broken. Wait a minute, why is the door locked...?" The man who walked in, passing the crazy guy who walked out, looked at me and muttered to himself. The man must have been in a hurry, so he unbuckled his belt before going into one of the restrooms, but then stopped short and turned back to look at me. My nerves froze when I saw the other person's expression. He pointed outside, his eyes wide like goose eggs. While I was wondering why he was like that, he asked me in a trembling voice...Th-th-th-that person! Is that Director Yoon from Dream? Is that him?!"

 

I looked outside, following his hand, before shifting my gaze to the person who had spoken in a more casual manner. Suddenly, he clutched his pants and walked over to me, looking puzzled.

 

"Hey, didn't you know? You're not affiliated with Dream?"

 

".."

 

"Hmm, or maybe not?"

 

"Who are you?"

 

He froze for a moment before finally speaking, "The manager of xx"

 

"So who is it?"

 

Suddenly, the grip on his trousers loosened, and the heavy leather belt fell to the floor with a thud. His eyes widened expression changed from panic to stunned shock and stiffness before he spoke in a panicked voice.

 

"The actress who filmed the movie with you."