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

Chapter 279 Car Window Swaying, Shower Spraying, Love Brain Burning

The evening clouds were crumpled into gold leaf by the evening breeze and scattered across the filming location in Gangnam-gu, Gyeonggi-do.

As Kang Jae-hoon's car and the food truck arrived at the "Confidential Assignment" set, the cherry blossom trees in the courtyard were scattering their last petals onto the monitor area.

Two food trucks loaded with coffee and croissants had already arrived, and white banners with blue lettering fluttered in the wind.

"Next Scene staff cheer for the 'Confidential Assignment' film crew: Wishing the movie great box office success! Yoona, FIGHTING!"

Through the half-open car window, the noise from the film set surged in like a wave.

Yoona, dressed in her pajamas, paced back and forth in the set bedroom, reciting her lines to herself.

The scene required her to first bandage Hyun Bin's wounds with a pained expression, then leave with slightly red eyes after learning that he was married, and then sneak back into the room in the middle of the night, making a comical scene where she mistook her brother-in-law Yoo Hae-jin for the person in her dreams and confessed her love to him.

"All departments, prepare!"

The director's shouts echoed across the set.

Im Yoona suddenly turned around, her gaze lingering for a second as she swept through the crowd. Then, she flashed that smile hailed as "galaxy-shimmering," her red lips parting slightly as she silently mouthed:

"wait for me-".

Kang Jae-hoon leaned against the support food truck, a slight smile playing on his lips behind his sunglasses, and nodded slowly.

The monitor lit up with a red light.

The character "Park Min-young" played by Lim Yoon-a is just a touch of flavor in this tough-guy movie.

Her scenes didn't even need to be filmed on location; they were all condensed into this small "brother-in-law's house" set, using some harmless infatuation scenes to provide a few moments of laughter to ease the tense plot.

But it is precisely in these seemingly "insignificant" scenes that Yoona's performance infuses this infatuated girl with delicate emotional layers, making the audience laugh while also feeling a moment or two of heart-fluttering for her innocence.

The echo of the director yelling "Cut!" still lingered on set when Yoona gracefully slipped over.

She tilted her head, resting her chin on her index finger as if deep in thought:

"This gentleman looks familiar."

In the setting sun, the shadow cast by her eyelashes swayed gently, and even the strands of her hair had a carefully designed, playful curve.

"Could it be my long-lost fiancé?"

Kang Jae-hoon chuckled and reached out to remove the prop flower petals from her hair:
"If he really is my fiancé, we should be at the Civil Affairs Bureau getting our marriage certificate right now."

"What a beautiful thought~"

She bumped him with her shoulder:
"Why did you suddenly come to visit the set?"

"miss you."

Those three simple words, spoken in a deliberately lowered voice, were incredibly alluring.

"Glib tongue!"

She spat lightly, turned around, and waved to Hannah:
"Assistant Han, could you please take a few verification photos?"

This is an unspoken industry rule—celebrities need to use verified photos to reciprocate the support of fans or friends, both as an expression of gratitude and as a form of social etiquette.

The sound of camera shutters filled the air as Yoona skillfully struck various poses—

Holding up a coffee cup with her own photo on it, she sweetly made a heart shape with her hands; playfully pointing at the banner that read "Yoona FIGHTING!"; pouting and winking at the camera, as if the actress who was just immersed in her role had nothing to do with her.

Closed for business.

She grabbed Kang Jae-hoon's wrist and said, "Let's go!" pulling him into the van.

The moment the car door closed, she immediately spread out her small hands:

"Where's the script?"

"how do you know?"

"Just guessing~"

"..."

Kang Jae-hoon paused for two seconds, then shook his head and chuckled, pulling the script of "Queen Cheol-in" from his briefcase and placing it in her palm.

The setting sun filtered through the car window, its rays flowing across the pages of the script that Yoona was turning. Suddenly, her slender fingers pressed down on a particular page.

"Let's rehearse our lines!"

The cunning glint in his eyes arrived before the lines were even spoken:
"If Your Highness finds this place boring..." Her lips parted slightly, and she spontaneously rewrote the script, "You may go and find that charming and lovely flower who understands you."

Jiang Jae-hoon was stunned.

This line, which was not in the script of "Queen Cheren," was spoken by her in the voice of the Queen in the play, each word soft yet subtly sharp.

Is there a hidden meaning in his words?

After a moment's thought, Kang Jae-hoon lowered his voice and retorted:

"Is Your Highness lecturing me?"

Yoona's eyelashes trembled slightly like a startled bird; her delicate and timid appearance was exactly like that of a queen stepping out of an ancient painting.
"Your Majesty, I dare not. I am only worried that Your Highness has forgotten which palace should have its ever-burning lamps."

This time, Kang Jae-hoon understood and hurriedly pledged his loyalty:

"The flower that understands words blooms for a hundred days and then fades; only the moonlight in the central palace can shine into my dreams at dawn." — This both acknowledged her warning and subtly made a promise.

Im Yoona suddenly leaned closer:
"is it?
The peach scent emanating from her body strongly invaded his senses.

"So... are the tangerines from Jeju Island sweet? Did you feel cool being a knight at the press conference?"

Jiang Jae-hoon: “…”

really.

She knows it all.

She knows everything!

"I……"

Before he could organize his thoughts, Yoona gently pressed her index finger against his lips, stopping him from uttering any further explanations.

"Fortunately, I'm playing a magnanimous Queen. If I were playing a jealous concubine, what would Your Highness have done?"

These words are more damaging than any hysterical interrogation.

A sense of guilt welled up in Jiang Zaixun's heart for no reason, and all his excuses turned into a hoarse "I'm sorry".

"Why are you apologizing?"

Yoona tilted her head, interrupting him with a smile, "What did you do wrong?" As he stared blankly, she suddenly cupped her cheeks, "Okay, okay, I won't tease you anymore. So, will you be playing the role of King Cheoljong?"

Kang Jae-hoon completely lost his temper and quickly replied:

"I've found Park Bo-gum, a currently popular young actor, to act alongside you. What do you think?"

"Mo?"

Im Yoona's eyes widened instantly:
"You want me to film kissing scenes with other men?!"

"How can it be!"

Kang Jae-hoon pointed to the script with the edit marks:
"All the kissing scenes were cut." He suddenly captured her pouting lips in the instant she relaxed. "I'll keep them all..."

Outside the van, the shadows of the trees swayed.

Hanna looked up at the car body that was moving automatically without any wind, and without changing her expression, took out the "Cleaning in Progress" sign from her bag and hung it steadily on the door handle.

Amidst the swaying shadows of the trees, the falling cherry blossoms perfectly obscured the intertwined figures inside the car window, leaving only a trace of peach-colored lipstick on the script's title page, like a vermilion seal stamped on a contract.

……

The twilight deepened like wine, turning the coastline of Jeju Island into a dark ochre red.

The showerhead in Krystal Jung's hand sprayed out a stream of icy water, mercilessly drenching Kim Ji-won's shoulder.

The clear liquid trickled down her body, her soaked shirt clinging tightly to her skin and outlining her graceful figure.

"You've wanted to do this for a long time, haven't you?"

Kim Ji-won's hair was wet and clung to the side of her neck, her eyelashes drooped slightly under the pressure of water droplets, but the corners of her mouth were raised in a defiant smile:
"Keep going!"

She even took a half-step forward, letting the water hit her face directly:
"Anyway, Zhenyu can't see it now."

"Fine, then stop pretending!"

Krystal Jung suddenly slammed the showerhead onto the ground, splashing water everywhere.

She turned and pulled the lace lingerie off the hanger, holding it up in front of Kim Ji-won, her fingers trembling slightly from the force.
"Don't you like to dress freely? What is this? Did you wear it for him?!"

Before she could finish speaking, she suddenly ripped open her shirt, the buttons popping off to reveal her unfashionable cotton underwear underneath.

"You think you know Zhenyu well?"

Her voice was hoarse, like a cry squeezed from the depths of her chest:

"Let me tell you—that's exactly what he likes! This kind of rustic stuff!"

Kim Ji-won's expression froze instantly, a complex mix of emotions swirling in her eyes. She remained silent for two seconds, then slowly reached out, attempting to close Jung Soo-jung's open collar.

"Do not touch me!"

Krystal slapped her hand away hard: "Let me tell you, in this world, no one but me will ever love you!"

Kim Ji-won's lips trembled slightly, and she finally lowered her eyelashes, her voice so soft it was almost drowned out by the sound of the shower:

"Take him away..."

She looked up, tears welling in her eyes.
"Actually, I've always given in to you. If I had to choose between you two, I would definitely choose you..."

"You're letting me have it?!"

Krystal Jung gave a cold laugh, but her voice trembled uncontrollably:
"Smile, if I hadn't brought you home, would you be where you are today?! Trying to take you from me? You don't deserve it!!"

Silence spread through the humid air.

Kim Ji-won slowly shook her head, tears suddenly falling:

Why did we become like this?

The first tear fell to the floor, followed by the second.

“…You forced me to do this.”

Krystal Jung finally broke down and covered her face with her hands, sobbing.

Kim Ji-won suddenly reached out and pulled Jung Soo-jung into her arms.

The two embraced and wept, as if they wanted to cry out all the misunderstandings, grievances, and resentment they had endured over the years.

three minutes.

For a full three minutes, only the sounds of two people crying echoed on set.

behind the monitor.

Director Julie's eyes lit up slightly.

This improvisation, going beyond the script, actually enriched the emotional depth of the scene.

It's not a fight between rivals, but the painful struggle of two girls caught between love and friendship.

It's not the sadness of losing a man, but the part of themselves that they each lost in this love triangle.

……

Moonlight spilled over the crests of the waves, turning the wooden floors of the guesthouse into flowing silver foil.

Two exhausted bodies sank into the sofa, Krystal clinging tightly to Ji-won's arm like a fledgling returning to its nest. Their wet hair tangled on the cushions, making it impossible to tell whose tears hadn't yet dried.

"Unnie, I'm sorry."

Krystal Jung's voice was muffled on the other person's shoulder.

The walls that had been built up over a long period of time crumbled after this dramatic performance.

The unspoken apologies and the bitterness weighing on my heart have finally found an outlet.

"I was immature before and said so many hurtful things."

"It is my fault."

Kim Ji-won gazed at the surging waves outside the window and gently shook her head:

"I was blinded by Kang Jae-hoon and almost lost the most important person in my life, you."

"But you're like this..."

Krystal Jung suddenly sat up and couldn't help but ask the question that had been lingering in her mind:
"Isn't it a waste of time to follow him without any official status or recognition?"

"A waste of time?"

The moonlight outlined the curve of Kim Ji-won's lips:
"Who says feelings need to be measured by marriage? I enjoy the process of being loved more than a piece of paper binding me."

"Is this the reason you willingly took a step back?" Krystal Jung carefully chose her words.

Kim Ji-won suddenly chuckled and poked Jung Soo-jung's forehead with her fingertip:

"It's not a step back, it's a step forward. Marriage is a commitment, not getting married is a choice—and I've simply chosen a freer way to love."

The waves shattered into pearls on the rocks, and the moonlight cast the silhouettes of the two people on the wall. Jung Soo-jung's fingers unconsciously caressed the creases of the sofa.

"You've only talked about me—"

Kim Ji-won turned to the side, her gaze fixed directly into Jung Soo-jung's eyes:

"And you? After all this time, is he still the one you like best?"

"That's it."

Jung Soo-jung, unusually, didn't deny it.

What I thought was a long-dormant feeling of attraction surged wildly within me with just a glance or a touch from him.

What else could this be but love?
"No wonder it's a first love complex~"

Kim Ji-won smiled and poked her cheek: "Our Krystal really hasn't forgotten her original aspirations~"

Silence spread between the two.

As the sound of the tide rolled in, Krystal suddenly realized that her unnie's words had a hidden meaning:

"What do you want to say?"

"If it were just a simple reconciliation, that would be fine."

Kim Ji-won paused for a moment, then looked meaningfully into Jung Soo-jung's eyes:

"But he has three people waiting for him in Seoul."

"Can you accept sharing a boyfriend?"

Krystal Jung's fingertips dug into her palm.

Of course she knew—Bae Suzy was as beautiful as a rose, Lee Sung-kyung was as aloof as frost and snow, and there was also that "senior" who was hidden the deepest and whose name was taboo.

Even if you can accept it.

Kim Ji-won added the final blow: "Can you get past your sister?"

These words were like a bucket of cold water poured over her; Krystal Jung's expression instantly froze.

She almost forgot that compared to Lim Yoon-ah, the most troublesome of Kang Jae-hoon's many female companions, her older sister, who was famous for being a "sister-complex," was the most troublesome.

The sound of the tide outside the window continues.

Moonlight streamed through the windowpanes like flowing water.

Krystal Jung remained silent for a long time before finally taking a deep breath and looking up at the ceiling.

Her profile was exceptionally clear and aloof in the night: "Perhaps."

Kim Ji-won waited quietly for her to continue, but only heard a barely perceptible sigh:

"Perhaps from the very beginning, I had no choice."

Kim Ji-won carefully considered her phrase "there was no other choice," then her pupils suddenly contracted as she abruptly realized:
"You wouldn't—"

She leaned closer, her pupils slightly dilated in the dim light: "So, you're planning to make it a fait accompli first?"

Krystal lowered her eyes and fiddled with the cuffs of her pajamas.

Silence means consent.

"ah!"

Kim Ji-won suddenly reached out and flicked her forehead:
"Krystal Jung! You're 22 years old and still that stubborn, love-obsessed person!"

"This is called a tactical advance."

Krystal slapped her hand away, stubbornly pursing her lips: "It's better than some people who only talk about enjoying the moment."

Kim Ji-won extended her index finger and wagged it:

"Listen, you silly girl—the easier it is for a man to get his hands on something, the less he'll cherish it. You have to play hard to get, keep him agonizing over it..."

Krystal Jung interrupted with a cold laugh:
"So that it'll be convenient for you to bang on the walls of the guesthouse in the middle of the night?"

"..."

Suddenly, the waves outside the window crashed violently against the shore.

"Anyway, you listen to me."

Kim Ji-won finally managed to squeeze out those words, her voice muffled by the pillow.

(End of this chapter)