Chapter 139: Relationship
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 139: Relationship
I felt like my stomach was going to burst.
Yoo Ah-rin and I decided to head out first, while Seo Ye-rin stayed behind to receive the script and hear about the setting and her character.
After stepping outside for a moment, Seo Ye-rin ultimately decided to take the role.
“…….”
Yoo Ah-rin didn't say much on the way back.
I assumed they’d talked while she followed Seo Ye-rin out earlier.
“Hey, let’s go to the convenience store.”
“……Is the ‘Master’ thing over already?”
“The beef is all in my stomach now, so you’re not my master anymore.”
Seeing how shameless she was being, she seemed fine.
Relieved, I headed toward the convenience store with her.
“I’ll buy. Here.”
Despite saying she’d buy, she didn't even give me a chance to pick anything before shoving a Hershey’s milk into my hand. She picked out a Chocomong for herself and headed to the counter.
“I guess you are human after all, seeing as you’re buying.”
“But technically, the other side paid for everything, didn't they? We just ate and ran.”
“It’s the thought that counts.”
Yoo Ah-rin didn't find any fault in my words and just sipped her Chocomong.
Sucking on the straw, she walked outside to wait for the bus.
After drinking her Chocomong in silence for a while, she suddenly dropped a question like a surprise attack.
“How do you feel about Ye-rin becoming an actress?”
I figured she might ask.
And she actually did.
“Would you believe me if I said I didn't feel anything?”
When I asked tentatively, Yoo Ah-rin ignored me by continuing to drink her milk.
It was a sign to answer honestly.
“I’d be a bit… no, quite a lot, disappointed.”
I answered reluctantly, shifting my gaze upward as if making an excuse.
It was a cool night sky, but how should I put it?
Unusually for the mountains, not a single star was visible today.
It felt as if the sky was urging me not to make excuses, so I lowered my head again.
“Disappointed?”
“Yeah, disappointed. If she becomes an actress, I won't be able to see her at school as often.”
“Hmm.”
“Why? What did you and Seo Ye-rin talk about?”
Since the atmosphere finally felt right to ask, I did so cautiously. Yoo Ah-rin pouted and looked at me.
“Trash.”
“……I bought you beef, so aren't I at least less of a piece of trash?”
I tried to defend myself.
“A nice piece of trash.”
Well, anyone who buys you beef is a good person. Even if not a single cent actually came out of my own wallet today.
“You said you were going to be a bad guy.”
“Why are you bringing up my dark past?”
A wave of embarrassment washed over me, but Yoo Ah-rin’s expression remained serious.
“It would have been better if you were a real jerk. Then Ye-rin could leave without any lingering regrets.”
“…….”
“That’s why you’re a nice piece of trash.”
Yoo Ah-rin looked at me with a smile, appearing somewhat relieved.
On the other hand, I was wondering what she meant, but she just shook her head.
“I denied not liking you so many times. But now that I’ve finally admitted it, I’m regretting it just as many times, thinking I shouldn't have liked you.”
“…….”
“But seeing as I keep liking you anyway… Ah, I guess I really do like you.”
Smiling brightly, Yoo Ah-rin leaned her head slightly toward me.
“Do you want to know what Ye-rin is thinking right now?”
“……I do.”
“Then, here.”
Yoo Ah-rin pointed to her lips with her finger. I stared blankly for a moment, glanced around the surroundings, and then…
I carefully pressed my lips against hers.
The kiss was truly sweet, sticky, and deep.
Yes, it was a kiss that tasted like sweet chocolate milk.
As I slowly pulled away, Yoo Ah-rin stared at me blankly before furrowing her brows and sticking her lips out.
“One more time.”
“Is it okay to do this here?”
“You’re going to do way worse than this in the room anyway.”
“You’re not wrong.”
We locked lips again.
This time, the kiss was longer and deeper. As the sound of the bus approaching echoed from afar, we slowly pulled apart.
“It’s so damn wasteful to lend you to someone else.”
Yoo Ah-rin licked her lips, gave a mischievous smile, and hugged me tightly.
“It’s all your fault.”
I hugged her back as she placed the blame on me.
I never thought of her as particularly small, but holding her like this, she felt quite petite.
“Because I know what a nice piece of trash you are… I keep ending up helping others.”
“I don't know what you’re talking about, so explain it first.”
While held tightly in my arms, Yoo Ah-rin began to recount the conversation she’d had with Seo Ye-rin earlier.
And only then…
Did I come to understand Seo Ye-rin’s worries.
* * *
The next day at dawn.
The inside of the casino was bustling with the filming crew.
The Assistant Director was in a state of excitement, huffing with pride because they’d been granted permission to use all the interior fixtures except for the chips.
“Wow, this is amazing. The atmosphere is definitely alive.”
“I agree.”
The surrounding staff members agreed with the Assistant Director.
It was a peculiar atmosphere that an artificially built set could never replicate.
A place where the cheers and tears of countless people coexisted.
A murky weightiness.
It was exactly the kind of location the Assistant Director had wanted.
“Thanks to this, we saved on production costs since we didn't have to build a set, and on top of that, they even provided additional production sponsorship.”
He couldn't help but laugh.
Seo Ye-rin was among the group of actors.
Some actors were making idle jokes among themselves, saying they’d been here before.
She was hanging out with them for now because she’d been told that getting close would make acting easier, but her expression wasn't great.
“Are you nervous?”
The actor Cha Seung-ho approached her with a smile.
Other male actors had been hovering around Seo Ye-rin with concern, but they had no choice but to step back at Cha Seung-ho’s appearance.
“No, not really.”
“But you don't look well.”
“……I think it’s because I woke up early.”
It was a lie that anyone could see through.
Especially for Cha Seung-ho, who made a living out of acting, it was a lie that couldn't be hidden.
“Ye-rin, is it because of… Woo-jin? That guy from yesterday?”
Seo Ye-rin kept her mouth shut.
She wanted to snap back and ask why he was bringing up Kim Woo-jin, but she felt like she’d just be taking her anger out on him.
However, Cha Seung-ho didn't stop.
“Ye-rin, I’ve had a similar experience. There was a woman I was dating… but we broke up because of my acting career.”
He was trying to build rapport.
Whether it worked or not, Seo Ye-rin, who looked like she was about to explode a moment ago, took an interest in Cha Seung-ho’s story.
“But I don't regret it. By doing this work, I’ve met many better people and experienced things firsthand.”
“Experienced… firsthand?”
“Yes, Ye-rin. People who have used luxury goods from the start don't know what makes them luxury. It’s only after someone who hasn't used them finally does that they truly feel the difference.”
“…….”
“You’ll realize it from now on too. As you work in this industry and meet and talk to people here.”
“…….”
“You’ll experience firsthand that this is what luxury is.”
She wanted to argue with him.
She wanted to get angry right then and there, asking if he was looking down on Woo-jin.
“Ah, seriously!”
But because of the commotion coming from the entrance, everyone’s attention shifted that way.
Having missed her timing to speak, Seo Ye-rin clenched her fists and stared at the entrance.
And there…
“I told you, you can't come in! We’re not open for business; we’re filming.”
“I’m not here to gamble. I’m here to see someone.”
There was Kim Woo-jin, being blocked by the staff.
“……Woo-jin?”
She felt a strange sense of incongruity seeing Kim Woo-jin, who had arrived in a shabby tracksuit and dragging his slippers.
Because this was Building A.
It was a look you’d expect to see in Building C, where the accommodations were, but Building A and Building C were far enough apart that you had to take a bus.
Regardless.
Seo Ye-rin immediately ran toward the entrance.
“He—he’s my friend!”
Seo Ye-rin stopped the staff member who was trying to drag Kim Woo-jin out. But even though Seo Ye-rin had vouched for him, the atmosphere wasn't very good.
“He’s an acquaintance of the actress? But you can't just bring anyone here.”
“Ah, well…”
The Assistant Director, who had followed after seeing Seo Ye-rin run, frowned naturally upon seeing Kim Woo-jin standing there blankly.
“Ye-rin brought him? We rented this place, so no one except those involved in the filming can enter.”
As the other actors came over to see what was going on, the atmosphere instantly grew heavy.
“I suppose it’s because it’s Ye-rin’s first time filming.”
At least Cha Seung-ho stepped forward and began to settle the situation.
“……Did I come somewhere I shouldn't have?”
Seeing Kim Woo-jin scratching his cheek with a bewildered expression, the Assistant Director and Cha Seung-ho sighed.
They had to tolerate it for Seo Ye-rin’s sake, but this was a bit much.
“Kid, this isn't right, is it? This is a place of work. Don't you know at least this much if you’re working part-time here?”
“Even if you wanted to see your friend filming, you should distinguish between public and private matters. Especially since the Director went through a lot of trouble to rent this place, Woo-jin.”
“…….”
“Besides, we talked about this back then. I thought you understood.”
Cha Seung-ho pressed him, mentioning what they’d discussed at the meat restaurant.
“I—I’ll talk to him! So please stop!”
Fortunately, Seo Ye-rin intervened, so the Assistant Director and Cha Seung-ho couldn't say anything more.
“Woo-jin, why did you come here!”
“To see you.”
Despite the nonchalant reply, Seo Ye-rin had to force down the corners of her mouth that were about to curl up.
“L—let’s go outside for now. I don't know what else they’ll say if you stay here.”
Just as she was about to take Kim Woo-jin outside.
“Ye-rin, come over here.”
Cha Seung-ho, who was heading back toward the actors, called out to Seo Ye-rin.
“We need to go over the script together. Woo-jin can go back by himself.”
“That’s right, come quickly.”
“We can't have you spacing out during filming.”
“Ah…”
Seo Ye-rin’s footsteps faltered for a moment in her fluster.
“I—I’ll just walk him out and be right back. I’m sorry.”
Nevertheless, she wanted to hear the reason why Kim Woo-jin had come all this way. But as they were heading out together…
Three men in suits walked into the casino entrance.
Looking to be somewhere between middle-aged and elderly, they strode into the casino with smiles on their faces.
The moment the Assistant Director saw them, he rushed over immediately.
“Oh! Director! Hello!”
They were the Representative Director and Executive Directors of the Gold One Hotel.
Since they were the grateful people who had granted permission to film in the casino, the Assistant Director quickly led the other actors and staff to greet them.
However, the Representative Director and Executive Directors passed right by the Assistant Director and stood before Kim Woo-jin.
“Greetings, Young Master.”
They bowed their heads politely in greeting.
“Oh, please don't do that. I don't like it when people older than me do that.”
Feeling awkward, Kim Woo-jin waved his hands and quickly told them to stand up.
“You look tired. You must have had a hard time because of Jae-un Hyung, right?”
From the way he casually called the Vice Chairman of the Gold One Hotel’s parent company by his name, the people around them already sensed that something was unusual.
The directors tensed up at the mention of Vice Chairman Kim Jae-un’s name.
Because Vice Chairman Kim Jae-un had traced things back from Department Head Lee Chan-song all the way to the creation of slush funds, they had no choice but to be wary.
“Oh, not at all! We are the ones who are truly sorry for missing such a major issue!”
“You don't have to be sorry to me. I’m just an idler.”
Kim Woo-jin’s gaze turned toward the Assistant Director who had followed them, and he gave a sly smile.
“How is it? Is this place okay? I asked the directors here for a favor since Ye-rin is joining the shoot.”
“Ah, ah…”
“Is it not to your liking?”
When he shrugged his shoulders in embarrassment, the Assistant Director, finally realizing the situation, immediately bowed his head and approached.
“Thank you! Thank you so much! Thanks to you, we saved on production costs and even received support! Thank you truly!”
“Hey, what’s there to be thankful for? You even bought me meat. I’ll be going now. You’ll just be uncomfortable if I stay.”
Kim Woo-jin walked out of the casino, dragging his slippers.
As he passed the actors standing behind the Assistant Director, he gave a small nod in front of Cha Seung-ho and whispered.
“The worlds we live in…”
“…….”
“Are a bit different, it seems.”
Kim Woo-jin passed Cha Seung-ho with a bright smile.
Seeing the Assistant Director bowing to the departing man, the other staff members also bowed their heads.
And as Cha Seung-ho and the other actors also bowed, following the flow…
“What are you doing?”
Kim Woo-jin turned his body and slightly reached out his hand.
“Aren't you going to see me off?”
He called out to Seo Ye-rin, who was standing there blankly.
* * *
The wind was cold.
“Ugh, damn. It’s freezing since it’s dawn.”
I’d come in a tracksuit and slippers just to create a dramatic contrast, but now I was starting to regret it.
Being warm is the best.
“Woo-jin.”
As I was rubbing my arms from the cold, Seo Ye-rin, who had followed me, called my name with dazed eyes.
It seemed an explanation was needed.
“So, you know I’m the son of the Chairman of Gold One’s parent company, right?”
“How would I know that?”
I thought Choi I-seo and Yoo Ah-rin had mentioned it when they were talking about Oh Yun-ji.
It seems they managed to tell her everything except that part.
Clever girls.
“You don't need to know. It’s not important. Actually, I was just flexing a bit this time.”
“This is flexing?”
“It is. I happened to catch them in a weak spot this time. So Gold One has to be a bit wary of us, and I just hitched a ride on that.”
“……And that’s why they lent us the casino?”
“That, and a little bit of production support? Well, that’s not the important part.”
Ugh, it’s freezing.
I found myself speaking faster.
“I heard you were scared.”
“……!”
I mentioned Seo Ye-rin’s true feelings that I’d heard from Yoo Ah-rin.
“I heard you were scared that I’d forget you.”
When I stated it plainly, Seo Ye-rin gave a small nod.
“Yeah.”
“Isn't it usually the opposite? Shouldn't I be the one who’s scared?”
Isn't that how it goes?
Usually, when someone becomes an actress and starts playing in the big leagues, their connections from when they were a commoner fade away, don't they?
“Then don't go on dates with Ah-rin!”
Seo Ye-rin shouted, her eyes becoming slightly moist.
“Geez, why are you crying? Your tears will freeze in this weather.”
When I stepped closer and wiped away her tears, she accepted it without a word.
“I was upset too.”
As I wiped her tears, I also confessed my honest feelings.
“Yeah, it felt like we’d grow apart. Even if I’m the Chairman’s son, I don't actually have anything of my own.”
“…….”
“But hearing that you felt the same way as me… it was kind of funny, and it also made me want to tell you not to worry.”
Seeing Seo Ye-rin on the verge of tears felt a bit cute, so a smile naturally formed on my face.
“When you become an actress, I’ll be by your side as Kim Woo-jin, the Chairman’s son.”
“…….”
“Even if not that, I’ll be by your side as Kim Woo-jin, the student.”
“…….”
And if not even that.
“As Anonymous 69 and the Manager, we’ll always be connected.”
“Ah……”
“So don't worry.”
Seo Ye-rin stared at me with her mouth slightly open.
To hide my embarrassment and shame, I kept rambling on.
“I—I know, okay? I know it’s shitty for a guy who’s wavering between other girls to say this. I know I’m trash. But since you told me last time that you wouldn't hate me even if you knew my true feelings……”
So.
“R—right now, this is my true heart. Yeah, that I won't let go of you no matter what—”
My lips were blocked.
I barely managed to withstand the weight of Seo Ye-rin lunging at me without falling over, but the kiss continued.
“Mmph, mm?! Wait a se-!”
I tried to push her away to calm her down, but I wondered if she’d always been this strong.
Perhaps because of the cold, her lips were chilly and firm, but because of that, the warmth of her tongue and breath felt much warmer.
“Wa—wait a minute!”
I finally managed to pull away, but Seo Ye-rin didn't stop, as if a switch had been flipped.
She headbutted me right in the solar plexus and forced me down onto the bench behind us.
I was momentarily surprised by how far I’d been pushed back.
Seo Ye-rin’s kiss began to violate me violently once again.
Mmph.
Slurp.
Gasp.
Amidst the coexisting sounds of lewd saliva and breathing, my hands were already gripping Seo Ye-rin’s breasts, and her hands were on my lower body.
“Ye-rin, where are you……”
Just then, Cha Seung-ho came looking for Seo Ye-rin since she hadn't returned for so long.
I hurriedly pushed Seo Ye-rin’s head to the side and responded.
“I—I’ll be right th—mmph!”
Even though she clearly knew Cha Seung-ho was behind her.
No, because she knew.
Seo Ye-rin continued the kiss even more greedily. My back was arched, and I was completely pinned down under her.
Cha Seung-ho stared at us blankly before quickly turning around and heading back inside as if he hadn't seen anything.
“He—he’s gone! I said he’s goooone!”
Because she was biting my lip and wouldn't let go even as I tried to push her away, my words came out slurred.
Hearing me, Seo Ye-rin tilted her head and asked.
“Did you come already?”
“……Not that. I said Cha Seung-ho left.”
“Ah, that.”
Seo Ye-rin looked disappointed as she toyed with my lower body with her hand.
When she tried to kiss me again, I hurriedly covered her mouth with my hand.
“They’re looking for you! Go, quickly!”
“……I don't want to go.”
“What nonsense. You’re the one who said you’d do it.”
“I want to stay with you. I’m going to make what shriveled up stand tall again.”
“……It’s just because it’s cold.”
“Heehee.”
Seo Ye-rin, who seemed to have cheered up, laughed brightly, lightly bit my earlobe, and whispered softly.
“I’m going to fucking devour you when this is over, so wash up and be ready.”
“……Where on earth do you learn such vulgar language?”
“I saw it in a product code the Manager recommended!”
“EBS-123?”
“Ahhh! I don't want to go! I want to have sex!”
“Just go already.”
“I want to have sex! I want to bite and suck on Woo-jin!”
“I said, go!”
With one last playful laugh, Seo Ye-rin kissed my cheek and skipped back inside excitedly.