Chapter 51: Support and Secrets

Yeonwoo’s attendant Chaehee is a lively character. However, acting stiffly like a palace maid inevitably leads to an NG (no good). 

It seemed that Yeom Haejin had judged that Seong Saebyeok’s concise behavior didn’t suit the role. 

“I might cry…” 

Seong Saebyeok, with an expression as if she might cry, kept bowing and apologizing. Her anxious look reminded me of my past self, so I couldn’t help but want of my past self, so I couldn’t help but want to assist her. No, I wanted to help her. 

“Saebyeok-ah.” 

“Oh, sunbae-nim…” 

If I had been a little later, she would’ve cried. She was crying. I patted her shoulder and asked, 

“Why is a good actress like you struggling? Hmm?” 

“I think it’s because I’ve played palace maid roles too much, and it just comes out.” 

“Palace maid roles?” 

“So… I think that’s why I keep getting NGs.” 

I slightly tilted my head to check the time on my phone. The shoot that started at 3 p.m. was now pointing to 6 p.m. At this rate, forget kuktbab (soup with rice); we wouldn’t even get to eat anything before leaving. 

This can’t go on. 

‘I have to protect my kuktbab with sunbae-nim…’

And I need to protect Seong Saebyeok’s mental state too. 

“The scene where you stand next to me as we walk. Is it difficult?” 

“…No, it’s not difficult.” 

“Then?” 

As she said, the scene with attendant Chaehee was simple. All she had to do was hold me as I came out of the room, have a short conversation with me, and bring some water. There weren’t even many lines. 

‘If that’s the case?’

Seong Saebyeok hesitated before cautiously saying, 

“Actually…” 

“Hmm?” 

“I think I’m freezing up because I’m scared of the camera. I told you I could do well, sunbae-nim, but I’m sorry…” 

This must be the influence of Jo Janghee from Monster Lessons. 

If this continues, she’ll act stiffly throughout the entire drama. That’s something I’d rather avoid. 

“Give me your hand.” 

“My hand?” 

I held Seong Saebyeok’s hand and gave it a short massage, hoping it would help her relax even a little. 

As I suddenly started massaging her hand, she stammered, flustered. 

“…Why are you doing this for me…?” 

“Because you’re my junior.” 

“Your junior?” 

“You’re my first junior, you know. I want to take good care of you.” 

In a way, she was my first junior, wasn’t she? The first junior I got close to, at least. 

“What? Me, your first?” 

“Yeah, my first.” 

I gently let go of her hand and smiled. I could feel warmth returning to Seong Saebyeok’s previously cold, stiff hands. 

“…Thank you, sunbae-nim.” 

“Thankful, huh?” 

“Of course!” 

“Then, can I ask you for a favor?” 

I looked into Seong Saebyeok’s wide, round eyes without avoiding her gaze and whispered, 

“Saebyeok-ah, I’d be disappointed if you can’t do this.” 

“What?” 

This was my last resort. The method that Tae Jin-hwa sunbae-nim had used on me. I knew how effective it was because I’d experienced it myself. 

Her mind must be spinning. 

“You can do it, right? Hmm?” 

“…Y-Yes, I’ll do my best!” 

The effect was greater than I expected. Seong Saebyeok nodded repeatedly with a determined expression. 

‘…I can’t believe this actually worked.’ 

I newly realized how impressive sunbae-nim’s technique was. 

“You can do it, right?” 

“Yes!” 

…I still remember how much I wanted to do well when I heard those words. 

“And just look at me.” 

“Just you, sunbae-nim?” 

“Yeah, just me.” 

Let’s move on to the next scene quickly. 

“Saebyeok-ah, shall we try it?” 

“Yes!” 

I told Yeom Haejin that I had reassured her, and we started filming. 

“Let’s do this well! Ready!” 

She put on her headset, and I, 

‘as Yeonwoo,’ 

had to immerse myself in the role. 

“Action!” 

★★★

I came out of the room, leaning against the wall, suppressing overwhelming emotions. ‘Mother didn’t kill her, did she? Mother didn’t kill Sohyun, right? Should I trust Mother again?’

“Young lady!” 

“…Chaehee-ya.” 

At Chaehee’s concern, I gave a faint smile. 

“What’s wrong…?” 

“What’s wrong? Just exchanging silly jokes with Mother.” 

“Then why are your hands trembling like that?” 

“Are… they?” 

Was I trembling? I looked down and saw my hands shaking pathetically. Pretending not to notice, I extended my hand to Chaehee and stepped toward the courtyard. 

“…Young lady!” 

The moment I stepped forward, my legs gave out. I nearly fell forward, but Chaehee caught me just in time, preventing me from collapsing. 

“I must’ve sat too long; my legs are cramping.” 

“Every time this happens, my heart skips a beat!” 

I forced a smile to reassure the startled Chaehee. 

I wanted to believe it wasn’t true. I wanted to pray it wasn’t Mother. Negative and positive emotions clashed, tearing at each other. 

Mother, a murderer.

‘No, she’s not.’

With conflicting emotions raging, I couldn’t put strength in my legs. 

“…Young lady.” 

“Hmm? Why are you staring at me like that?” 

“I’m always on your side, young lady.” 

Always. 

“Thank you.” 

I stepped forward and stood in front of the jar stand. Looking at the slightly risen full moon, I said to Chaehee, 

“Chaehee-ya.” 

“Yes!” 

“Could you bring me some water in a bowl?” 

“Yes!” 

I knelt, clasped my hands, and closed my eyes. I felt Chaehee carefully placing the bowl in front of me. 

“…..”

“…..”

‘What kind of prayer should I offer today? Just for today…’ 

“Alright, help me up.” 

Chaehee took my hand and helped me stand. But my gaze lingered on the full moon. 

“Young lady, young lady! What did you pray for today?” 

“…Today…” 

“Today?” 

“Just…” 

I silently said I wanted to apologize to them. As I turned to follow Chaehee, 

“Cut!” 

Finally. 

“It’s good!” 

I heard Yeom Haejin’s cut. 

“…Saebyeok-ssi! That’s it! You did so well!” 

“Thank you, Director!” 

“Let’s keep it up like this.” 

“Yes! Yes!” 

I quietly approached Seong Saebyeok, who seemed to be recalling the moment. 

“Saebyeok-ah, you okay?” 

“Sunbae-nim…” 

Seong Saebyeok pressed her lips together as if no words were needed. 

“What’s wrong…?” 

I patted her back gently, like soothing a child. 

“Thank you…” 

“I was going to ask if you had time after this…” 

I wanted to ask, but Seong Saebyeok’s manager came over, mentioning an interview related to Monster Lessons. 

“Sunbae-nim? What were you saying…?” 

“I was thinking we could grab some kuktbab.” 

Seong Saebyeok’s eyes rolled with a hint of disappointment. 

“…Ah, let’s definitely go for kuktbab next time if we get the chance.” 

“Sure. See you at the next shoot.” 

“Yes! Take care, sunbae-nim!” 

I waved at Seong Saebyeok, who bowed with a regretful expression. Thinking of hot kuktbab, I quickly exchanged brief farewells with the staff and returned to the makeup van.

After changing from hanbok to casual clothes and stepping outside, Tae Jin-hwa sunbae-nim was waiting. 

“Bada-ya, shall we go?” 

“Oh! Is it okay if one more person joins?” 

“One more?” 

“Yes!” 

“Even a few more would be fine.” 

The moment Tae Jin-hwa sunbae-nim gave permission, I texted Ryubyul. 

[Me: Come to the kuktbab place.] 

[Me: (Address)] 

[Me: I have something to say.] 

After thoroughly sending the address, I grabbed my bunny bag. 

“Sunbae-nim, let’s go!” 

★★★

I thought it’d just be Tae Jin-hwa sunbae-nim, Ryubyul, and me going for kuktbab, but somehow the staff ended up joining too. They said there was no shoot afterward. 

Manager Min Seo-eun called out to me as we walked. 

“Bada, aren’t you coming in?” 

“I’ll bring Byul in.” 

“Alright. Don’t fight! You’ll get photographed.” 

By the way, where is Ryubyul? She said she’d come quickly. Grumbling while waiting, I saw a black GV pull up in the distance. The car parked at a perfect angle, and Ryubyul got out. 

She came dressed so casually—gray sweatpants, a hoodie, and just a cap. No makeup, just a clear, natural face. 

But something felt… off. 

‘She seems mad.’

Maybe because I spent so much time looking into her eyes during college? To others, it might look expressionless, but to me, the dissatisfaction in her gaze was crystal clear. 

Ryubyul walked straight toward me, her eyes fixed on me, and spoke in a curt tone. 

“…Why did you tell me to come?” 

“I have something to say.” 

“Something to say?” 

“Let’s talk in the car.” 

“In the car?” 

“Whose car would we get into, then?” 

“Fair point.” 

I opened the door to Ryubyul’s car and sat in the passenger seat. As soon as Ryubyul got in and closed the door, I got straight to the point. 

“There’s going to be an article later saying you and I aren’t on good terms.” 

Ryubyul looked at me blankly. Before she could ask, I continued, 

“It’s probably the work of Director Kim Jin, who filmed The Tormented Him and the Happy Her” 

“……”

“I’m telling you in advance because it might affect our drama. To prevent that.” 

Something’s off. Why isn’t she saying anything? I thought she’d agree, saying it could harm the drama. 

Ryubyul, who had been silent until then, took off her cap and stared at me. 

“That’s just a rumor. We can block the article from our side.” 

Huh? Did she suddenly get smarter? 

“Is that all you wanted to say?” 

“…Huh?” 

“You called me here for that kind of pointless talk?” 

“…Then what should I talk about?” 

I blinked, unable to guess, and Ryubyul sighed and said, 

“…Why, why.” 

“Why?” 

“…” 

What is she hesitating to say? 

“Why didn’t you contact me?” 

I thought she came because of the drama… Feeling a bit dumbfounded, I opened my mouth. 

“Hey, you didn’t contact me either.” 

“…Me? When?” 

“It’s been you who’s been out of touch since college.” 

What’s with her? Her eyes widened as if she were innocent. 

“Hey, that’s because I…” 

I smiled as she tried to make excuses. 

“I know, you were busy with dramas. I get it. Ignoring my messages, my calls, all of it. But if we nitpick, you’d be at a disadvantage too.” 

“Hey…” 

Ryubyul’s eyes trembled. Watching her reaction, I let out a deep sigh, as if venting. 

What’s the point of bringing up the past? For now, calming Ryubyul and protecting the drama was the priority. If a strange rumor turned into an article as if it were true, it could hurt the drama. 

As I waved my hand to change the subject, I heard a small mumble. 

“I had my reasons.” 

“Reasons?” 

“I can’t say now, but… anyway…” 

Ryubyul bowed her head in a sincere, straightforward apology. After a moment of silence, as if organizing her thoughts, she leaned back in her seat. 

“If that article comes out, I might respond on my Instagram instead of an official statement. That’s the most common way.” 

True, it’s a minor issue, so an official article would be a bit much. 

“Thanks.” 

“If you’re thankful, don’t block me. We’re finally starting to talk again.” 

“…Talk again?” 

Ryubyul glared at me sharply. Then, with another sigh, she leaned her head back. 

I don’t think I’ll get an answer. 

I quietly closed my mouth and looked ahead. Then, a laugh suddenly burst out. 

“Hey, you’re laughing?” 

“Oh, sorry.” 

The situation itself was funny. In a car in the parking lot of a kuktbab restaurant, suddenly called out, exchanging apologies. 

How can emotions shift so quickly because of one person? I tried to hold it in, but the laughter wouldn’t stop. 

Ryubyul touched her face and glared at me. 

“Is my face funny? I came without makeup. Oh, there’s a mark from my pillow. You’re laughing at that, aren’t you?” 

“No, it’s not that.” 

“It feels like it is? You’re not denying it.” 

To think this person tries to maintain a sophisticated image on air. 

‘She’s ridiculous.’

Still chuckling, I said to Ryubyul, 

“If you post my photo on Instagram…” 

“Yeah?” 

“Put something fun in the caption.” 

“Like what?” 

“Say I’m your friend.” 

I thought she’d agree right away, but… 

“No way. Why should you decide that?” 

I tilted my head at her sly smile. 

“…Huh?” 

“I’ll handle it myself. It’s my post.” 

“Fine, do whatever.” 

That stubborn streak of hers. I decided to let it go. She’ll figure it out. 

As the conversation ended and the tension eased, my body sent a signal. 

Gurgle.

I’m hungry. 

“I’m going to eat kuktbab.” 

“I’m coming too.” 

“Do what you want.” 

Ryubyul hurriedly got out of the car, saying she’d eat kuktbab first. I shook my head as I followed her quick steps. 

‘Well, whatever.’

Eating together feels nice, doesn’t it? 

★★★

The following week, on the way to the Yongin historical drama set. 

“Bada-ya, the article…” 

“Yeah, I know. I got a message as soon as I woke up this morning.” 

The rumor about Ryubyul and me from last week had turned into an article. 

[Ryubyul and Im Bada. Not actually close?] 

If that were the only issue, I wouldn’t call it a “fiasco.” 

[Ryubyul posts Im Bada’s fiery college photos on SNS.] 

That was the problem. 

“Why did she post my college photos?”