Chapter 171
Chapter 171
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 171
Chapter Title: Snowy Commute and a Crash
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Snow was still pouring down relentlessly.
The drive that usually took an hour had doubled today because the roads were completely jammed, delaying our arrival at the agency.
"Haa... Yu-na, you can get out now."
"Daddy! Really? Can I get out now?"
"There's a car next to us, so be careful."
"Okay!"
Slowly, ever so slowly. Even with some distance from the car beside us, Yu-na only cracked the door open a sliver to peek outside.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Her tiny back looked as serious as a spy movie protagonist.
Only once her feet touched the ground safely did she beam brightly and slam the car door shut.
Gently next time...
It's going to break one of these days. It really will.
I let out a silly chuckle, unbuckled my seatbelt, and stepped out of the car.
"Yu-na, let's head up now."
"......"
No response.
Had she gone ahead already?
As I glanced around,
"Wow! It's piled up here too!"
Yu-na's cheerful voice came from behind the parking lot. I turned and saw her crouched down, poking at a pile of snow in the corner.
Crunch. Crunch.
I approached and scooped her up effortlessly under the arms.
"Your hands will get cold touching it with bare skin."
"Daddy! Can't you make another snowman? Same size as the duck one this time!"
"No time today. I'm busy."
That was right. No leisurely snowman-making playtime today.
The entertainment awards started this afternoon.
I had to hustle with preparations.
"If there's still snow in two days, I'll make a big duck-shaped one then. Got it?"
"Okay! It's a promise!"
"Alright, alright. Promise."
"Then put me down now."
I was gently setting Yu-na back on the ground when—
Boom!
Something exploded near the parking lot entrance. Yu-na and I both flinched in surprise.
"Daddy! Weird noise!"
"Hmm... Should we check the entrance?"
"Okay."
Just in case something dangerous happened, I gripped Yu-na's hand tightly.
Stride. Stride.
As we neared the source,
Familiar faces came into view: seniors from our Lunatic agency, Oh Ji-hwan and Yu Na-hyun.
The two stood blankly beside a black car with smoke billowing from it.
Clearly the scene of an accident.
I quickened my pace.
Once close, I cautiously asked them,
"Minor collision?"
"The wheels spun out, and it slid into the wall. Ahaha! Well, it was about time to replace it anyway. Might as well scrap this one and get a new ride?"
"......"
I was speechless at Oh Ji-hwan's utterly nonchalant reply and attitude.
They didn't seem hurt...
I turned to Yu Na-hyun.
"Why are you here, senior? Did you come together?"
"...You don't see the car behind?"
She pointed to the smoking car's rear and continued.
"Because of this guy, I can't even get in. Haa..."
"Ahaha! Good thing it's just a scare."
"You're laughing right now? If you hit your head, go to the hospital. You're not right in the head."
"Being gloomy here won't change anything, right? Gotta stay positive in times like these. Right, junior?"
"......."
I agreed with him a hundred percent.
But I kept my words minimal.
Yu-na might pick up his personality otherwise.
After clearing the wrecked car, we headed into the agency office with the seniors.
With year-end looming, even weekend staff were in. But the faces staring at their computers showed zero enthusiasm.
"Good work, everyone. Ahaha. Take it easy. Take it easy."
Even with no one looking up, Oh Ji-hwan kept offering encouragement.
"...Stop, it's embarrassing. I get you're not okay after losing your precious car... Just cut it out."
"What are you talking about?"
"That was the first car you bought after debuting as an actor. So. You don't have to pretend it's fine."
Tears dropped from Oh Ji-hwan's eyes, even as he maintained his smile.
No way—that's why he kept laughing...
"Daddy, is this uncle crying?"
At Yu-na's innocent, oblivious question, I hurriedly turned away.
"...Let's go to where the managers are."
"Daddy, why's that uncle crying?"
"He's not crying."
"Looks like he is..."
Why does she keep looking back?
I scooped Yu-na up and slipped away, glancing around cautiously.
In situations like this...
You pretend not to notice, tactfully.
I hurried to the far right, standing behind a manager deep in a call.
"It's all done? So, when should I come pick it up?"
Creak.
In-cheol leaned back in his chair, producing a weird noise.
Like the chair screaming for mercy.
'When's he gonna replace that chair?'
Doesn't match his build at all.
"Daddy, this chair's weird. It goes eek eek."
"Shh. Be quiet."
"Okaaaay."
Yu-na zipped her lips.
I turned to listen in on In-cheol's call.
"Ah... Not sure how long it'll take exactly. Yes. Yes. Got it. We'll head out as soon as Jun-seo arrives at the agency. Okay."
Click!
Only after hanging up did I lightly tap In-cheol's shoulder.
"In-cheol, what was that call about?"
"Oh, you're here? Hold on... Just finishing these up, then we can go."
He glanced at me, then back to his screen, hammering the keyboard.
Tap tap.
Fingers a blur.
"How long do I have to shh, Daddy?"
"No more shh now."
"Hehehe. Uncle In-cheol's fingers are so fast. Like playing piano."
"Yu-na, want me to put you down?"
Shake shake.
"Daddy's arms are the best."
"...Even though it's tough on Daddy?"
"Yup. Hehehe."
Yu-na's razor-sharp reply came with the world's purest smile.
Can't hate her.
I grabbed a chair and sat behind In-cheol.
How much time passed?
About 30 minutes later,
In-cheol shot up.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. Let's go right now. I'll grab the car keys first."
"...Hey. What was that call?"
"It's about the outfit for the entertainment awards ceremony. The two tied at 39.7% from the live vote—we need you to try both on and decide. Got it?"
In-cheol rattled it off like a machine gun, short on time.
"...Yeah. Got it."
"Okay, then..."
"Uncle talked so fast. Say it again. Yu-na didn't get it."
"...Wait here."
"Uncle? Uncle."
Yu-na's question was completely ignored.
'He said we have to hurry.'
I got it.
But Yu-na pouted her lips like a duck, clearly sulking at being ignored.
No choice but to explain myself...
I let out a deep sigh.
In-cheol returned with the keys, and we followed him to the first-floor parking lot.
"I'll drive. Take the comfy seats. Nap in the back if you're tired."
"Nah, I'm good. Shotgun."
"Sure? Hop in."
As In-cheol headed to the driver's seat and I grabbed the passenger handle,
"Jun-seo, junior!"
I froze at the call.
Oh Ji-hwan was waving, approaching my side.
He caught his breath and spoke.
"If it's okay with you... could you drop me off in the city?"
"Your car..."
I trailed off.
His had slid into a wall—no car for him now. Plus, hadn't he teared up pretending it was fine?
A quick glance—his face looked much brighter.
"......?"
"My car's 'under repair' right now, no ride to the city. Thought an old model like that was toast. Ahaha!"
He emphasized 'under repair.' Ah, that explained the good mood...
In that case, no need to hesitate.
"Good thing. Repairable."
"So, about that—drop me in the city?"
I tapped the passenger window.
Creak.
It rolled down fast.
"In-cheol. If we're heading city way, can we drop senior off there?"
"Yeah, we'll pass right through. But... we're really tight on time. Everyone, hop in quick."
We piled into the car with In-cheol at the wheel fast.
Yu-na and I in the front.
Oh Ji-hwan in the back.
Engine on, we pulled out of the agency and hit the main road.
"Hehehe. Snow snow falling. Snow from the sky—."
I patted Yu-na's plump tummy in time with her soft humming.
Did she like it?
Her humming grew louder, now nearly belting it out.
"Through the white snow—! Sledding along! Feels so fresh—! Ah!"
"Yu-na loves the snow, huh?"
Her song cut off at Oh Ji-hwan's question. But her bubbling energy didn't fade.
Look at her lively reply now.
"Yup!"
"Ahaha! Loud and clear!"
The song resumed.
A Christmas carol this time.
"No crying—! No crying! Santa Claus—! Even for crying grown-ups—"
Yu-na, this...
Not targeting senior, right?
Can I believe that?
I snuck a glance back.
Our eyes met exactly then.
"Right. Jun-seo junior."
"Yeah?"
"That... what's his name? Ah! Actor Shin Dong-hyun. Brags about being buddies with you everywhere. For real?"
First I'd heard—my ears perked.
"Where'd you hear?"
"From a junior I know. Your name came up on set once; he boasted about his close friend."
"......."
Why's my face burning?
No friend worth bragging about. I turned my hot cheeks to the cold window.
"If you're not close, want me to tell that junior to lay down the law?"
His tone alone screamed he'd do it.
Sure.
It'd be fun...
But not for messing around like this.
I straightened up and answered.
"...We are close."
"Right! Dong-hyun Uncle and Daddy are friends. Plays with Yu-na nice... Gives Yu-na lots of yummy stuff."
"Yeah?"
I chimed in with Yu-na.
"He looks out for Yu-na too. Good guy. Tell him to keep an eye out."
"Got it. I'll pass it on."
With that, he dialed someone immediately.
"Jin-ah. You're shooting with actor Shin Dong-hyun, right? Thing is... this actor who bragged about being friends with my little bro..."
Oh Ji-hwan handled my request on the spot.
Could've waited...
Such an impulsive personality.
I smiled faintly and gazed out the window.