Peninsula: From a supporting actor to the best actor in Chungmuro

Chapter 163 Lee Sung-kyung: Thanks for the invitation, I was just "kidnapped" by my "

Chapter 163 Lee Sung-kyung: Thanks for the invitation, I was just "kidnapped" by my "boyfriend" and roses.
The van drove through the streets of Seoul late at night, and the neon signs outside the window cast blurry streaks of light in Bae Suzy's eyes.

She leaned back in the back seat, looking down at her wrists resting on her lap.

"Ernie."

Bae Suzy suddenly spoke, looking up at her manager in the front row.

The agent in the passenger seat turned around:

"Ok?"

Am I fair-skinned?

The agent was taken aback by her abrupt question, then chuckled.

"Of course she's fair-skinned! Our Suzy has milk-like skin!"

Bae Suzy lightly brushed her fingertips against the thinnest skin on the inside of her wrist, her voice flat and even:
"Compared to senior actress Lim Yoona?"

The agent simply assumed it was a common appearance anxiety among female celebrities and didn't think twice:

"She's fairer than her! Yoona... is not bad either, but that's the effect after makeup, plus lighting and filters..."

The bias in his words was almost palpable.

Bae Soo-ji gave a barely audible "humph".

My fingertips touched it.

She knew it.

……

At that time, Kang Jae-hoon was completely unaware of Bae Suzy's subtle internal struggle about "skin color" and had no time to pay attention to it.

His attention was completely occupied by the incoming call notification from Kim Ji-won on his phone screen.

Yes.

She called me less than ten minutes after the Ice Bucket Challenge video was posted.

I can guess the reason without even connecting the call—

I'm not the one who gets to share the good times, but I'm the one who immediately thinks of sharing the bad times.

The video was released eight hours later than planned because they were waiting for a screenshot of a donation receipt from an ALS-related organization showing an amount of 1000 million Korean won to be included at the end of the video.

The two clothing brands sponsored the advertising shoot for approximately 500 million Korean won.

Kang Jae-hoon quietly made up the remaining difference.

The signs of an online storm are already emerging.

The hashtag #FireExtinguisherReincarnation# shot like a rocket to 4th place on Naver's real-time trending list.

The netizens' reaction was both expected and unexpectedly lively.

[A fire extinguisher reincarnated—after being "ignited" by two roses at the same time, the only way to put out the fire and save your life is to "spray water," right? kkk (doge)]

[Hahahaha, help!]

Who came up with the tag "Fire Extinguisher Master"? It's hilarious! I'm dying of laughter!

[Am I the only one who noticed the donation receipt for 1000 million Korean won? They really kept their word! Thumbs up!]

[Isn't the key point that he clearly distinguished between seniors and friends? He's a master of impartiality, treating everyone equally!]

So... does Yoona have more influence or Suzy carry more weight?

[Don't cause trouble upstairs! Kang Jae-hoon: I want all adults! Ice water, double! Happiness, double! (manual doge face)]

【…】

The cacophony of online noise became the real-time background noise of Kim Ji-won's phone call.

Kang Jae-hoon swiped his fingertip across the screen.

The expected "complaint hotline" was connected.

The moment the receiver touched my ear, the anticipated complaints hadn't even arrived:
"Jae-hoon oppa, did Kim Eun-sook unnie also ask you to act in 'Descendants of the Sun'?"

"Ok?"

Kang Jae-hoon's guard instantly turned to surprise: "The writer invited you?"

"Inside!"

Kim Ji-won's voice immediately rose several notes:

"How about I play the second female lead, Yoon Myung-joo? Do you want to take the role?"

Kang Jae-hoon instantly grasped the key point in her words—

"also"?
"I heard"?
It seems that Kim Ji-won only found out she had been invited after she accepted the role.

Kang Jae-hoon stroked his chin, thinking:
If I accept Seo Dae-young's offer, wouldn't that mean I'd be teaming up with Kim Ji-won for the third time?

—The camaraderie among classmates in "The Heirs," the bland "romance" in the web series "A Good Day," and now...

Is our fate too deep?

Think for a moment.

Kang Jae-hoon said slowly:
"If you're going to act in this... then I won't take the role."

"What?! Why?"

"I feel like our birth charts clash."

Kang Jae-hoon was talking nonsense with a straight face:

"Look at what happened after we finished filming 'Good Days,' we just messed it up. We didn't even make a splash."

There was a sudden two-second silence on the other end of the phone.

Then came a cold laugh:
"Tch! You box office poison have the nerve to criticize me? The box office failure of 'For Love or Money' is also because you and the female lead are incompatible?"

"..."

"For Love or Money," which just finished its run in South Korean cinemas last week, barely managed to attract over 200 million viewers.

Compared to its touted "China-South Korea co-production blockbuster," it was nothing short of a disastrous failure.

This result basically cemented his reputation as a "flop".

Industry commentary was not overwhelmingly negative.

However, negative comments such as "unsuited to local conditions" and "neither commercial nor artistic" have already been circulating in the background.

Kang Jae-hoon was caught off guard by Kim Ji-won's precise and devastating "box office poison" statement, leaving him breathless.
"Kim Ji-won..."

"Your skin is itchy, right?"

"Where are you now?"

There was a faint rustling sound of fabric on the other end of the phone, as if the phone had been turned upside down, followed by Kim Ji-won's voice with a mischievous laugh:

"Me? I'm with Soojung. So, do you want to come over?"

"..."

"Bye."

Kang Jae-hoon felt a throbbing vein on his forehead and made a move to hang up the call.

"Hey, hey, hey!"

Kim Ji-won immediately stopped him: "Just kidding! Just kidding!"

"Kim, Ji, Won!"

Kim Ji-won sensed the impending explosion of anger from his clenched teeth and finally dropped her teasing tone:

"Relax~ Enough with the banter, let's get serious. Jae-hoon oppa, you have to take this role."

Kang Jae-hoon held his phone without saying a word.

Waiting for her to give a more "serious" explanation.

Kim Ji-won cleared her throat and analyzed in a serious tone:
"This is writer Kim Eun-sook's new work, a mega-project that will be broadcast simultaneously in China and South Korea! When this drama becomes a hit in China, do you think there will be a chain reaction?"

Before Kang Jae-hoon could answer, she continued speaking on her own:
"Wow! So Seo Dae-young and Yoon Myung-joo were already dating in another timeline?"

"This couple was such a good match before! We've unearthed a treasure trove..."

Her voice was highly inflammatory:
"Believe it or not, when people watch 'A Good Day' again, they'll automatically add eight hundred layers of filters! Every scene will become sweeter! Who will care about those little flaws! Our 'couple chemistry' will be coated with a thick layer of gold! Our market value will skyrocket, and our salaries will double! Understand?"

As Jiang Zai Xun listened to her absurd logic—that even a dead drama could be brought back to life—his brows furrowed.
"You're so confident?"

Kim Ji-won immediately let out an exaggerated "tsk" on the other end of the phone:
"Hey! You might not believe me, Kim Ji-won, but you'll definitely believe the name Kim Eun-sook! Besides—"

She changed the subject:
"—If you don't answer, I'll find a chance to 'let slip' and tell Kim Eun-sook unnie that Kang Jae-hoon thinks her carefully prepared project is 'incompatible' and has no future..."

"...Ashi."

Kang Jae-hoon's temple started throbbing again:
"...I'll think about it some more."

"Consider? Wow! Such a great opportunity..."

Kim Ji-won was still yelling on the other end of the phone.

Kang Jae-hoon decisively interrupted her:

"Don't worry about me! Kim Ji-won-ssi, when are you recording your Ice Bucket Challenge? Don't make me wait too long to call you out and demand payment!"

"..."

There was a pause on the other end of the phone.

Then came the sound of Kim Ji-won gritting her teeth:

"ginger……"

Before she could finish speaking...

Kang Jae-hoon promptly hung up the phone.

Roll down the window.

The air, a mixture of izakaya cooking fumes and spring moisture, rushed in.

The ever-burning neon lights of Seoul flowed like a colorful river in his eyes.

Kim Ji-won's pushy and persuasive sales pitch, Cha Tae-hyun's subtle yet insightful advice, and Kim Dae-won's concerns about TVN's limited budget and inability to "handle" his performance...

The sound lingered in my mind.

Kim Eun-sook, Shin Won-ho.

The weight of these two names is vastly different at this moment.

One is a national screenwriter who uses gorgeous writing to create a ratings frenzy, makes anyone he promotes famous, and opens up a golden channel to the Chinese and South Korean markets.

One is a director who explored his way forward on cable TV and began to make a name for himself with his unique taste.

Who will bet on the future?

at the moment.

The path to Kim Eun-sook is paved with tangible benefits: gold, popularity, and international opportunities.

The path leading to Shin Won-ho may lead to genuine moments, but it's more likely to be shrouded in a fog of insufficient budget, newcomers unable to carry the show, and ultimately, the supporting actors overshadowing the main characters, resulting in a lose-lose situation.

There is no need for divination or prophecy.

Even a fool knows which path to choose.

Between breaths.

The balance of power has been quietly settled.

"elder brother."

Kang Jae-hoon's steady voice pierced through the languid jazz trumpet playing in the car stereo.

"Ok?"

Jin Dayuan glanced at him absentmindedly.

"I acted in 'Descendants of the Sun'."

Jin Dayuan's face remained expressionless, as if the decision was a natural progression.

"Okay, I bet writer Kim is getting impatient. I'll contact him right away, and we'll head straight to KBS to sign the contract tomorrow."

The car turned right onto the familiar street leading to the Seongsudong apartment building.

"it is good."

Insert the key into the lock and turn it to open.

The living room lights shone out.

Lee Sung-kyung sat cross-legged on the sofa, with the script of "Queen's Flower" spread out in front of her.

I looked up when I heard the door open.

His gaze lingered on Kang Jae-hoon's face for a moment, his lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he only nodded:

"came back."

"Ah."

Kang Jae-hoon responded.

He could feel Lee Sung-kyung's gaze following him as he entered the room.

But right now, my mind is filled with the script and signing the contract tomorrow.

No time to study in detail.

The next morning.

On the table.

Kang Jae-hoon lowered his head and quickly ate his sandwich.

We're getting ready to eat and then continue our journey.

Lee Sung-kyung leaned against the island in the open kitchen, holding a glass of Americano.

Watching him quickly finish his food.

After hesitating for a long time, he parted his lips slightly:
"You tonight..."

He only got halfway through his sentence.

Kang Jae-hoon's phone buzzed.

It was a call reminder from Jin Dayuan.

Ever since I was scolded by several middle-aged women a few days ago.

He dared not honk his horn again in the morning.

Kang Jae-hoon raised his hand to indicate that he should wait a moment.

He grabbed a half-cup of milk with one hand and gulped it down, while answering the phone with the other.
"Brother?...Yes, I'll be right down."

hang up.

He swallowed the last bite in one gulp, grabbed his coat from the back of the chair, and put it on as he walked toward the door.

The voice was muffled as it asked Lee Sung-kyung:

"What did the Bible just say?"

"……nothing."

"Oh, then I'm leaving."

The door closed gently behind me.

Lee Sung-kyung stared at the closed door that blocked out the morning light and her silhouette.

He silently finished the remaining half cup of coffee in one gulp.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The contract signing took place in a high-rise private conference room at KBS television station.

Outside the huge floor-to-ceiling windows is Seoul's varied skyline.

Kang Jae-hoon and Kim Eun-sook chatted.

Jin Dayuan, meanwhile, carefully read through the terms word by word.

Salary: 1500 million Korean won per episode.

Total contract fee: 2.4 million Korean won (16 episodes).

The payment methods are clearly listed.

There are no hidden terms and conditions.

After signing his name, Kang Jae-hoon bowed slightly in the direction of Kim Eun-sook.

"You're welcome, Lieutenant Xu Darong."

Kim Eun-sook responded with a smile.

"Take the script with you. Xu Darong is a character who has a deep and passionate heart beneath his reserved exterior. I look forward to your interpretation."

"Yes! I will definitely work hard and not let the writer down."

Kang Jae-hoon got up to take his leave.

He took the thick, bound, complete script and walked out of the production office.

The porch is well-lit.

Kang Jae-hoon was looking down at the gold-embossed title on the script cover and didn't notice what was in front of him, almost bumping into someone.

"Fire extinguisher expert?"

A slightly teasing male voice rang out.

Jiang Zaixun looked up.

—It's Lee Jong-suk.

"Senior."

Kang Jae-hoon immediately bowed.

It was somewhat unexpected that this popular internet nickname came from Lee Jong-suk's mouth.

After all, the two had only met in the fashion week stands and at award ceremonies, and their relationship was far from being close enough for them to joke about trending topics.

"Just finished discussing a project?"

Lee Jong-suk's gaze fell on Kang Jae-hoon's hand.

"Yes, I just signed the contract. What brings you here, senior?"

"Congratulations. I'm just visiting a friend on set."

"Then I won't bother you any longer, senior."

Kang Jae-hoon nodded and turned to head towards the elevator.

"and many more."

The steps paused.

Kang Jae-hoon turned around:
"Senior, do you have any other instructions?"

at that time.

Lee Jong-suk, with his hands in the pockets of his neatly tailored coat, leaned against the wall in a relaxed posture that looked as if he were posing for a magazine.

He did not answer Kang Jae-hoon's question immediately.

Instead, he slowly looked Kang Jae-hoon over before saying:
"Just now... the Bible called me."

"The Bible?! What happened to her?"

The change in attitude was so rapid.

This was completely different from the perfunctory attitude he had shown when exchanging pleasantries earlier.

This quick reaction made Lee Jong-suk raise an eyebrow slightly, and his smile deepened:

"It's nothing serious. Apparently, a younger male model is pursuing her quite aggressively. She's a bit troubled and wants me to step in and handle it."

Younger male model?

Chase her?

It felt like something had struck Kang Jae-hoon's head.

A fleeting image flashed through my mind of Lee Sung-kyung's hesitant expression at the breakfast table this morning, before she finally swallowed her words.

It dawned on me.

So that's what she wanted to say this morning!

"I'm thinking... when it comes to issues involving pursuit by the opposite sex, to truly resolve the root of the problem and put her at ease about this job... it seems I'll still have to trouble you, right? After all, some people seem to have a stronger position..."

Lee Jong-suk didn't finish his sentence.

But what does that "stance" refer to?

Unspoken to each other.

"……Thanks."

Kang Jae-hoon bowed almost immediately.

Lee Jong-suk's words, though seemingly joking, actually contain a great deal of information:

He acknowledged Lee Sung-kyung's predicament, pinpointed its root cause, and subtly expressed his support.

He could have directly helped Lee Sung-kyung reject that suitor, but instead chose to hand over the "opportunity" to Kang Jae-hoon.

"Oh, no need for thanks."

Lee Jong-suk smiled and waved his hand: "However..."

"Senior, please tell me."

Kang Jae-hoon has unconsciously started using honorifics.

Lee Jong-suk stared at Kang Jae-hoon, half-jokingly and half-seriously, and said:
"If you ever cause our Bible to suffer any injustice and lose its little pearl... then when I beat you up, you can't fight back, okay?"

It was like a lighthearted joke.

It was like a weighty promise. Kang Jae-hoon didn't pause for a moment.

His body immediately tensed up as straight as a pine tree.

The expression is serious.

Raise your right arm.

He gave Lee Jong-suk a perfectly standard and powerful military salute!

"Yes! Absolutely not!"

—Even before filming began for "Descendants of the Sun," Lieutenant Seo Dae-young's upright and spirited demeanor had already taken hold.

This salute, which went beyond social etiquette and was even slightly exaggerated, actually made Lee Jong-suk chuckle briefly.

"Alright, alright! Go do your thing!"

"Yes!"

Kang Jae-hoon maintained his salute.

He watched Lee Jong-suk turn and walk towards the elevator.

Until that tall figure disappeared behind the elevator doors.

Kang Jae-hoon then lowered his arm.

all the time.

His impression of Lee Jong-suk mostly comes from his gentle and elegant roles on screen, or from the polite nods he occasionally exchanged when they brushed past each other backstage at award ceremonies.

We were never close friends.

until now.

This was a brief and private conversation in the hallway.

It instantly allowed him to sense the down-to-earth nature hidden beneath the other person's refined exterior.

Kang Jae-hoon weighed the script file bag in his hand, which wasn't particularly heavy.

Suddenly I realized that Lee Sung-kyung has excellent taste.

Whether choosing friends, or choosing...

"gone!"

Kim Dae-won patted Kang Jae-hoon's shoulder twice with his large hand.

"Where?"

Kang Jae-hoon was completely bewildered by this sudden "leave".

"Buying clothes! And you're still asking?"

Jin Dayuan glanced at him sideways.

"Buying clothes...what for?"

Kang Jae-hoon followed up and pressed for answers.

"What do you say?"

Deep within Cheongdam Cave.

A men's bespoke clothing store with dark wooden doors and windows, so understated it's almost invisible.

The lights were adjusted to a low-saturation warm yellow.

The air is filled with a comforting scent that blends luxurious fragrances with cashmere fabrics.

The middle-aged store manager, wearing a perfectly pressed gray vest, personally greeted us.

"Look at this..."

Jin Dayuan's rough fingers traced across the smooth fabric, finally stopping on a dark gray tweed three-piece suit being displayed.

Suit, vest, and trousers.

The thick wool texture and twill pattern resemble solidified tides.

Deep and wild.

Kang Jae-hoon was pushed into the locker room.

After a while.

When he lifted the curtain and stood under the light again.

A toothpick slipped from the corner of Kim Dae-won's mouth.

It was inconspicuous when it fell onto the dark Persian carpet.

The female manager, who was not far away, was about to approach with a leather-covered brochure in her hand.

His feet suddenly froze on the spot.

He subconsciously raised his hand to cover his chest.

It was as if I wanted to press down on that heart that had suddenly started beating wildly out of control.

—Kang Jae-hoon is naturally tall with a well-proportioned and sturdy frame.

The perfectly tailored three-piece suit clung to his body like a second skin.

The heaviness of tweed is perfectly balanced by the smooth, clean shoulder lines and the lean, well-proportioned waist. It outlines broad, straight shoulders, a narrow waist, and long, powerful legs.

Every line exudes a raw, unadorned yet precisely controlled tension.

Then I put on the long black velvet coat that the store manager promptly handed me—

The wide lapel and long, flowing design create a striking textural contrast with the tweed lining.

A deep, untamed spirit.

He just stood there quietly adjusting the chain buckle on his shirt cuff.

There are no unnecessary movements.

Even his expression was calm.

But what emanates from him is a silent, powerful magnetic field, like that of a dormant volcano.

Roughness and luxury.

Wildness and restraint.

The hormones, overflowing to the point of almost materialization, condensed into a heavy pressure that pressed down in all directions.

"That's...that's all?"

"That's it."

……

Kim Dae-won drove to the MBC Ilsan Production Center.

My eyes couldn't help but glance at the rearview mirror again and again.

In the mirror.

Kang Jae-hoon leaned back in the back seat with his eyes closed.

On her lap was that huge, fluffy bouquet of Snow White roses.

The fragrance of the flowers is subtle and delicate.

It stubbornly occupied every inch of air inside the carriage.

The car drove into the back area of the MBC television production center.

We bypassed several film sets.

Parked in a secluded spot outside the massive Studio 3 of "Queen's Flower".

"The person is coming out soon."

He turned off the engine.

I rolled down the car window and lit a cigarette.

Upon hearing this, Kang Jae-hoon got out of the car and leaned against it, holding the striking bouquet of flowers.

Time passed by minute by minute.

There was finally some movement at the entrance of the passage.

Lee Sung-kyung stopped at the emergency exit in the back area of the studio. The cold white streetlights outlined her silhouette and that of the tall young man behind her.

The young male model leaned slightly forward, approaching with a tentative, youthful energy and a touch of sunshine typical of younger men:
"Nuna, how about we grab dinner tonight? I know a place..."

The words have not yet fallen.

"Swish—! Swish—! Swish—!"

Three extremely dazzling, rhythmic beams of light suddenly tore through the darkness of the parking area!
The light came without any warning.

But it hit the two people right next to the emergency exit precisely.

Lee Sung-kyung instinctively raised her hand to shield her eyes.

The younger male model was so startled by the sudden bright light that he took a small step back, raised his arm to shield his forehead, and squinted to try and see the direction of the light source.

at this time.

"Clap."

The lights went out instantly.

But in the lingering afterimages, a tall figure had already strode unhurriedly from beside the black van.

The halo of the remaining light gradually dissipated behind him, revealing a clear silhouette.

—The dark gray tweed three-piece suit, like a frozen tide in the night, tightly hugs the broad, sharp shoulders, the lean waist, and the long legs. The long black velvet coat casually draped over it creates a heavy, sweeping arc as she walks.

The fragrance of flowers became clearer before Kang Jae-hoon's footsteps.

In the streetlights and in Lee Sung-kyung's eyes, who was just getting used to the light, that face was hidden at the boundary between shadow and light, with deep contours and a calm expression.

He completely ignored Nam Joo-hyuk, who was staring at him with wide eyes and whose brain was practically clicking away.

He walked straight up to Lee Sung-kyung.

He shoved the bouquet of roses into her arms without a word.

A huge bouquet of flowers instantly filled Lee Sung-kyung's entire embrace.

The cool, sturdy rose paper made a soft rustling sound, the edges of the snow-white petals gleamed with a soft matte luster under the light, and the floral fragrance forcefully entered the nostrils.

Do it all.

As if he had just noticed someone else beside him, Kang Jae-hoon slowly turned half a body to the side.

His gaze fell on the other person's face.

calm.

There was no provocation.

It's like looking at an insignificant background.

Extend your hand with distinct knuckles:
"Hello. I'm Lee Sung-kyung's boyfriend, Kang Jae-hoon. May I ask your name?"

Hear the words.

Lee Sung-kyung stood there dumbfounded, holding the bouquet of roses that almost buried her face: ? ? ?
The word "boyfriend" kept playing in my head.

Accompanied by a heavy bouquet of flowers.

It hit her so hard she felt a little dizzy.

The expressions on the younger male models' faces were incredibly varied.

From initial shock to suppressing his probing.

Then, upon seeing the exquisitely high-quality outfit worn by Kang Jae-hoon, which was clearly of exceptional quality even in dim light, and his overwhelmingly confident aura, she instantly became stiff with a mixture of self-consciousness and disbelief.

His Adam's apple bobbed with difficulty.

The mature charm and subtle masculine aura emanating from the other man, along with his intangible sense of "territory," instantly diminished his youthful and energetic demeanor.

“I…I am Nam Joo-hyuk.”

His voice was a little dry, but he subconsciously emphasized the relationship:

"He's a junior colleague from the same company as Nunna from the Bible."

Nam Joo-hyuk carefully examined Kang Jae-hoon under the parking lot lights—

She is about the same height as me, but her shoulders and back are slightly wider.

But the calm and self-possessed look in his eyes, the composed angles sculpted in his features, and the outfit that fit him so perfectly, as if it were a second skin tailor-made, silently exuding taste...

Clinging to a last shred of hope and uncertainty, Nam Joo-hyuk tentatively asked:
"Why haven't I heard Nuna mention you before?"

He stared intently at Lee Sung-kyung's expression.

I tried to catch a glimpse of panic in that seemingly calm face, a hint that he was lying.

Hear the words.

Kang Jae-hoon's arm bypassed the obstacle formed by the huge bouquet in Lee Sung-kyung's arms.

He put his arm around her shoulder with perfect ease.

"My uncle said..."

His voice was clear, steady, and even carried a hint of intimate whisper, yet Nam Joo-hyuk heard every single word:
"Let's keep a low profile before we get married, and not make a fuss about it. What was Grandpa's saying again?"

Jiang Zai Xun turned his head, pretending to "recall" what Li's father had said.

His gaze swept over Lee Sung-kyung's profile, which was close to his and had a slight blush.

"Oh right! He said... showing off your love will lead to a quick breakup! Be careful! Don't be like those young people!"

"It turns out...that's it."

Nam Joo-hyuk's facial muscles tensed and relaxed, forcing out a few extremely strained smiles.

"That's really...quite sudden."

His gaze involuntarily swept between the two people who were standing close together.

Kang Jae-hoon's possessive posture with his arm.

Lee Sung-kyung didn't immediately jump up and shake him off...

They all seem like silent proof.

"A perfect match."

Nam Joo-hyuk felt like he was reciting lines from a script: "They're quite a good match. I... I have something to do, so I won't bother you any longer."

He turned quickly.

The movement carried a sense of haste, as if desperate to escape.

"Hey!"

Kang Jae-hoon's warm yet not excessive voice rang out from behind:
"You're leaving already? How about we chat a bit longer? The Bible says you've been very kind to her, and I haven't properly thanked you yet. How about we have dinner together?"

"No, no!"

Nam Joo-hyuk practically jumped up, waving his hand without daring to turn his head.

"Next time! Next time!"

"Okay, you go ahead and do your thing."

Kang Jae-hoon maintained a polite smile and waved:

"Take care on the road, I'll definitely thank you properly later!"

Nam Joo-hyuk paused for a moment, then took bigger strides and practically fled into an inconspicuous car not far away.

soon.

The engine starts.

The car merged into the traffic.

Disappeared completely.

Kang Jae-hoon stared at the disappearing taillights.

"Tsk."

It made a very soft sound.

then.

Finally, I felt an unusually hot gaze press against my cheek—

Lee Sung-kyung had already lifted her head from his arms.

She hugged the huge bouquet of flowers even tighter, albeit somewhat roughly.

The pretty face that peeked out from deep within the flower bushes.

expression……

Quite subtle.

A little...gritting his teeth?
"Hey! Kang Jae-hoon!"

The sound was squeezed out from between his teeth.

"Ok?"

Kang Jae-hoon turned his head to look over.

Her eyes were pure and innocent.

It was as if the person who had just been quoting his future father-in-law and talking about getting married wasn't him at all.

"hand!"

Lee Sung-kyung's beautiful eyebrows stood up.

Her gaze was like a knife, piercing his hand that was still "welded" to her shoulder.

Kang Jae-hoon followed her gaze to his arm that was draped over her shoulder.

They showed no intention of loosening their grip.

instead--

He pulled her, her body still fragrant with flowers, even closer to him.

The huge bouquet was squeezed between the two.

The petals rustled.

"No hurries?"

Kang Jae-hoon's voice was steady and matter-of-fact:

"The probability that kid is still up to no good is conservatively estimated at 90%. What if he drives around in circles, or doesn't even go far, and hides in some corner or blind spot to spy on our act and exposes us?"

He nodded his chin toward the empty parking lot and the blurry shadows of buildings in the distance:
"I just left."

"He started harassing you again right after that..."

"What if we, as Bible scholars, are too shy to confront people directly?"

"For your safety..."

Kang Jae-hoon had a serious expression, but his arms felt like iron hoops.

"Be careful."

"Let's perform a little longer."

Lee Sung-kyung felt as if she were being overwhelmed by the bouquet of flowers and his scent.

His body heat wafted through the fabric of his down jacket and suit, mingling with the dry, woody scent of tweed and the domineering yet cool fragrance of the roses in his arms, making her feel a little dizzy.

The presence of that hand on my shoulder had never been so pronounced.

She wanted to stomp on his foot.

Let's give him an over-the-shoulder throw.

but……

Jin Dayuan's car window rolled down with a "whoosh".

Only half of his face and that signature toothpick were visible:

"Hey! Are you two planning to just stand here in the parking lot like living cardboard cutouts until dark?"

Lee Sung-kyung seemed to be awakened by these words.

He lowered his head sharply.

He almost buried his face in the flowers to hide his suddenly flushed cheeks.

The muscles in my arms are tense.

It seems to be gathering strength.