Chapter 10
Chapter 10
It was seven in the evening, and Director Park Tae-ho’s crisp voice filled the set.
“Cut! Everyone, great work today.”
As the last scene of the day wrapped, the actors and staff relaxed, exhaling the tension they had held throughout the shoot.
“Everyone did well today.”
“Good job.”
The cast and crew exchanged greetings as they prepared to leave. Nam Si-woo was among them, moving toward his car with his manager, wearing a light smile.
“Si-woo, you did well today. Your acting has definitely improved.”
“Really?”
“The staff were all praising you too.”
“That’s a relief.”
Only then did Nam Si-woo finally relax. The slight mishap earlier, combined with the nerves of filming the first scene of the reshoot, had kept him tense.
“What about dinner? Shall we grab a sandwich on the way, like usual?”
The manager asked. Nam Si-woo paused for a moment before shaking his head.
“No, let’s have some samgyeopsal tonight.”
The manager blinked in surprise.
“You want meat for dinner? That’s unusual for you.”
It made sense—Nam Si-woo usually had little appetite and stuck to light meals like sandwiches or salads to maintain his weight.
“I’m pretty hungry today.”
Nam Si-woo smiled as he replied. The intense focus on acting had left him unusually famished.
“There’s a great place on the way to your lodging. Let’s go there.”
The manager replied happily, and Nam Si-woo nodded. Soon, they reached the parking lot and walked toward the car.
“Si-woo!”
From behind, a voice called out. It was Baek Seung-chan.
“Seung-chan, what’s up?”
“Oh, I… I have a small favor to ask. Would you mind helping me if it’s okay?”
Seung-chan spoke cautiously.
“A favor? Of course!”
Nam Si-woo replied immediately. He had wanted to get closer to Baek Seung-chan, but his shy nature had made it difficult to approach him. Since the first day, Seung-chan’s powerful acting had left a strong impression, making it even harder to get close.
Now, with Seung-chan initiating contact, he felt grateful and excited at the chance to get to know him better.
“Could you… sign this for me?”
Seung-chan hesitated slightly, then smiled awkwardly.
“Sign? For me?”
Taken aback, Nam Si-woo asked again.
“Yes, my younger sibling is a big fan and has been pestering me to get an autograph… would that be okay?”
Nam Si-woo’s eyes lit up as he asked happily.
“Of course! Where should I sign?”
Seung-chan opened his bag and pulled out an album. Nam Si-woo’s eyes widened.
“Oh? This is our first album!”
“Yes, my sibling insisted on this one specifically.”
Seung-chan chuckled lightly.
“You really are a fan. Not many people even have this album since our debut didn’t go so well.”
Nam Si-woo replied with awe.
“They’ve been a fan since the debut.”
Seung-chan nodded briefly, choosing not to reveal that Baek Seung-hee had been inspired to pursue music because of Nam Si-woo. He didn’t want to mention that part—he simply didn’t want to.
“Here you go. And please tell them I said thanks for the support.”
Nam Si-woo carefully signed the album and handed it back.
“By the way, have you eaten dinner yet?”
“Dinner? Not yet.”
Although it was around five, when he could have eaten a packed meal, Seung-chan had skipped it to avoid feeling full during acting.
“Then shall we eat together? I was planning to grab something now anyway.”
“Sure.”
Seung-chan didn’t refuse. As someone pursuing an acting career, forming connections could only help. Besides, being friendly with a popular idol like Nam Si-woo could only be advantageous.
‘Nice car,’
Seung-chan thought as he got in. It was a minivan, but the interior felt distinctively upscale. Nam Si-woo’s popularity was clearly reflected in the vehicle.
“Um… may I ask you something, if it’s not too rude?”
Breaking the quiet, Nam Si-woo spoke cautiously, his voice slightly trembling. Seung-chan tilted his head.
“Rude? Then it’s not a problem to ask, right?”
Nam Si-woo was startled, apologizing with an embarrassed expression.
“Oh… sorry.”
“Just kidding. Ask anything.”
Seung-chan smiled, and Nam Si-woo exhaled in relief.
“So, what did you want to ask?”
“Well… I heard this is your first time acting. Is that true?”
Seung-chan nodded.
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Really?”
Nam Si-woo’s eyes widened in disbelief. Seung-chan’s performance certainly didn’t look like a novice’s work.
“Have you trained at an acting academy or theater group?”
“No, my first experience was as an extra right after my discharge. I hadn’t done anything before that.”
“Ah…”
Nam Si-woo looked at Seung-chan with a mix of amazement and envy. After a long pause, he suddenly asked,
“So, you must be older than me then. Can I call you hyung? I’m twenty now.”
“Sure, whatever you’re comfortable with.”
“I’ll call you hyung! And you can talk to me casually too.”
Seung-chan thought for a moment and nodded.
“Is that okay?”
“Of course! It’s easier for me too. There’s more filming ahead anyway.”
“I will.”
Seung-chan smiled in response.
The manager, driving, looked surprised at how amicable Nam Si-woo was being. Normally, he was reserved with people he didn’t know well. But with Seung-chan, he was unusually warm.
“Hyung, can I ask you some acting-related questions too?”
“Feel free to ask.”
Seung-chan agreed readily. For some reason, he found Nam Si-woo likable, much like Seok Sam from his past life.
“When we filmed scene seven…”
Nam Si-woo finally let out the questions he had been curious about, continuing until they arrived at the barbecue restaurant.
“This must be a popular spot.”
When Seung-chan got out, they entered ‘Heukgeum Dwaeji,’ a three-story restaurant bustling with customers.
“Yes, they only serve Jeju black pork, and it even received a Matshulreung award.”
Although Seung-chan had never been, he had heard of its recent popularity.
“Hyung, let’s go in.”
“Okay.”
They were guided to a private room, avoiding any wait thanks to their reservation.
“We’ll have snowflake pork belly and neck meat, the signature dishes here.”
“Okay.”
The manager ordered while Seung-chan glanced at the menu.
‘Gold-wrapped pork?’
15,000 won per 100 grams. Quite expensive for pork.
A short while later, an employee brought the beautifully marbled, crimson meat into the room. It was indeed high quality.
Sizzling over the charcoal, the staff began grilling it themselves.
‘Still, pricey.’
Despite the quality and service, Seung-chan couldn’t shake the thought. After all, it was just pork.
“Take the first piece with a light sprinkle of salt to savor the meat’s natural flavor.”
Seung-chan followed the advice, and his eyes widened. The meat was tender yet chewy, free of odor, and the fat was nutty and rich. It was the best pork he had ever eaten in both his past and present life. Now he understood why the expensive cuts drew so many customers.
“Hyung, how is it?”
“Delicious.”
“That’s good to hear.”
Nam Si-woo smiled with pride.
“I’ll have to bring my family here next time.”
Thinking of his family came naturally after tasting such a meal, especially his younger sister, Baek Seung-hee, who would have loved it.
“Call me when you come; I’ll make the reservation for you.”
“Thanks.”
Seung-chan had finished four portions and even had dessert naengmyeon, enjoying the full experience.
“Glad you enjoyed it. By the way, which way is home?”
“Which way is your home? We can drop you off.”
The manager asked politely.
“No, I’ll take the subway.”
Seung-chan declined.
“Come with us; you don’t need to apologize.”
Though the manager urged again, Seung-chan refused. Taking the subway was closer and more convenient than forcing Nam Si-woo’s group to go out of their way.
“Can’t be helped.”
“See you tomorrow, hyung.”
“Yeah, see you. Thanks today, manager.”
Seung-chan parted ways with Nam Si-woo and his manager.
Arriving in Dongincheon, Seung-chan got off at the station.
“Things are cleaner these days.”
Unlike before, there were no rowdy drunks or homeless people causing a scene near the station, which put him at ease.
“Oh?”
On the way home, he spotted a girl in a school uniform—his sister, Baek Seung-hee.
“Baek Seung-hee!”
“Oppa!”
She turned, recognized him, and waved excitedly.
“How was filming today?”
Seeing her sparkling eyes, Seung-chan sensed she had another purpose.
“You’re not really asking about filming, are you? It’s the autograph you’re curious about, right?”
“Both, actually.”
Baek Seung-hee replied confidently, giggling.
“Here.”
Seung-chan teased her playfully, then pulled out the signed album to show her.
“Wow! This is really Nam Si-woo’s autograph!”
Excited, Seung-hee bounced around.
“You’re the best, oppa!”
“….”
Though happy for her, Seung-chan felt a strange twinge seeing her excited over another boy’s autograph.
“This is like a dream! Is this real?”
On the way home, Seung-chan held the album while calling out to his sister.
“Baek Seung-hee.”
“Yes?”
“Are you really planning to start working immediately?”
“Of course.”
Seung-hee had given up on college—not due to poor grades, as she was among the top students. She simply lacked personal ambitions and wanted to earn money quickly, mainly to help with the family’s debts.
“Ever thought about pursuing music again?”
“Suddenly?”
“You wanted to be a singer.”
“That was just when I was little. Not really thinking about it now.”
Baek Seung-hee laughed in disbelief.
“Okay, got it. But if you ever want to, tell me—I’ll help.”
“Don’t think it’ll happen, but I’ll let you know if it does.”
By the time they talked, they had reached home.
“You go in first.”
“Oppa?”
“Oh, I forgot to buy some drinks. I’ll go to the convenience store.”
“Okay! Bring me a Melona!”
“Got it.”
Heading to the store, Seung-chan let out a deep sigh.
“Such a stubborn kid…”
He knew all of Baek Seung-hee’s words were a facade. Though she tried to hide it, her breathing, slight trembles, and the flicker in her eyes gave her away.
Even without those signs, he had always known. During a leave, he had secretly opened his sister’s desk drawer to slip her some pocket money. Inside was a well-used notebook filled with lyrics and sheet music.
At the time, he had ignored it. He had felt sad knowing his younger sister was sacrificing her dreams for the family, yet lacked the means or responsibility to help her pursue them.
But not anymore. Now, he had the ability.
“I need to earn money quickly.”
Baek Seung-hee’s stubbornness mirrored their family’s nature. Seung-chan himself had joined the military early, abandoning college to earn money first. Convincing such a determined spirit required equal strength.