Chapter 72
Chapter 72
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 72
Chapter Title: A Mother's Dilemma and Stalker's Assault
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I arrived at the café, our agreed meeting spot.
Ha-yul's guardian, Yoon Si-won, had arrived early and ordered a drink for me, waiting patiently. Even though I showed up right on time.
The empty cup made it clear she'd been there for a while.
How long has she been waiting?
"Hello."
"Yes, hello."
After a brief greeting, I sat down, and she immediately bowed her head.
"I'm really sorry I couldn't attend when you won the Rookie Award last time."
"No, it's fine. You said Ha-yul had a cold. Really, it's okay."
Ha-yul had been invited to the year-end awards ceremony too, but we'd gotten word in advance that she couldn't make it due to the flu.
It wasn't even her fault.
Her apology made me feel awkwardly embarrassed.
I gave an awkward smile and took a sip of the now-cold coffee.
"Anyway, you wanted to consult about your next project, right?"
"Yes, that's true, but..."
When I jumped straight to the point, her head drooped again.
Just spit it out already.
But...
Why is this kid here?
Isn't it kindergarten time?
Lost in that thought for a moment, I noticed Ha-yul, sitting quietly next to Yoon Si-won, eyeing the coffee.
"Mister, I wanna try that too."
"Ha-yul! You're too young for that."
"Mom always says no 'cause I'm too young, but I'm all grown up now!"
Their argument grew louder, drawing eyes from around us. Even with my mask on, people recognized me and started whispering.
What's the point of wearing the mask?
I let out a deep sigh and reached out to stop the mother-daughter spat.
"Um, could you tell me now? You said you wanted advice on the next project."
"Oh, that... "
She bowed her head again and started fidgeting with her fingers.
Is it that hard to bring up?
Her hesitance was frustrating, but I waited patiently for her to open up comfortably.
It might be a sensitive topic.
Meanwhile, Ha-yul crawled under the table, grunting as she climbed into the seat next to me.
"Mister, that one."
"Hm?"
"Is that one tastier than this?"
Ha-yul pointed to her hot chocolate. Whipped cream clung adorably around her lips, unnoticed.
I slipped my hand into my pocket, pondering seriously. It'd be fine to wipe it off with the handkerchief I'm touching now, but...
For some reason, my hand wouldn't come out. Was I curious about her reaction if she found out later?
Yeah, something like that.
Fine. Let it be.
I pulled my hand out smoothly and gently patted Ha-yul's head.
"It's super bitter... and not that great."
Just then.
"Um, so..."
She finally parted her lips.
I turned my gaze forward, listening closely to Yoon Si-won.
"Ha-yul's still so young. I was wondering if a long drama is okay..."
That's her worry.
I was a bit disappointed it wasn't as big a deal as I'd thought, but I didn't show it.
I'm an actor, after all.
Hiding emotions comes naturally, fooling ordinary people isn't hard.
I stroked my chin smoothly.
"Hmm, a long one..."
Child actors in long series don't get much exposure time.
Of course, it varies by production.
But mostly that's the case.
"How many episodes is it?"
"It's about the same as the sitcom you did for your debut, Yu-na's dad."
"Then how many episodes does Ha-yul appear in? She's going in as a child actor."
"That's... over 150 episodes."
"What? That many?"
That means a lot of exposure...
"She's playing the protagonist's daughter, and she saw you in Guard the Pojangmacha! and wanted to try it like that."
Ah, so that's the dilemma.
"Should I pause her activities and send her to kindergarten? Or let Ha-yul do what she wants?"
"Hmm."
"Yu-na stopped activities completely too. If she falls behind in studies..."
No.
This is something to discuss with her husband.
Why bring it to me...? Oblivious to my thoughts, Ha-yul grinned brightly, swinging her feet in the air.
"Hee hee hee. Mom says it's okay. I'll handle my studies. I got all the dictation right this time."
"That's why I'm worried."
A attitude completely different from our first meeting.
If it were the same as before, she'd have pushed forward without a second thought...
I cleared my throat.
"Ahem! For something like that, why not talk it over with your husband?"
"He just says he won't stand in Ha-yul's way if it's what she wants."
"Ah..."
Yoon Si-won's husband seemed to share my philosophy. Honestly, if Yu-na wanted to act as a child star, I'd support her too.
Right now, she shows no interest, so kindergarten it is.
"Um... what do you think, Yu-na's dad?"
I leaned back against the chair and slowly opened my mouth.
"Everyone has different views on education."
She widened her eyes, leaning in as if ready to take my words—much younger than her—as gospel. So I decided to lay out my true feelings.
"If Yu-na wanted to act as a child star, I'd back her."
"......"
"Of course, some people prioritize studies above all."
"Yes."
"Kindergarten and studying there is important, of course. But..."
Yoon Si-won's expression gradually hardened.
I continued.
"Is that really best for the child? I don't think so."
"Th-then..."
"So."
I cut her off.
"If I were her mom..."
Gulp.
I heard her swallow dryly.
"...what would you do?"
"I'd give her wings. I'd be the wind to help her fly as high as possible. It's what Ha-yul wants, right? Not forcing it like before."
"Ah..."
"You can study anytime. It's about willpower, isn't it?"
"Ah..."
Her tense face relaxed, relieved by my sincere words.
She'll figure it out from here.
Exhausted. So exhausted.
After the marathon consultation, now drained from chasing the stamina monster.
"Haa, how long do I have to play? Yu-na. Let's stop and rest, okay?"
"Five more times, please?"
Even catching her at the bottom of the slide is tiring. Over there, the manager lounging idly under the ginkgo tree.
An hour ago, I asked if he could play with Yu-na for a bit.
What did he say?
"That's not in my job description."
Right. That's what he said.
What's so hard about playing a little?
Irritation bubbled up toward the manager.
"Kyaaa!"
Yu-na slid down and stretched both arms toward me.
This meant pick me up.
"...Four more left now."
"Kyaaa!"
Two times. Three.
After five, I thought we'd finally rest, but no.
Other playground equipment awaited.
"Daddy! Daddy! Push me!"
Haaa.
A sigh escaped automatically.
After that, Yu-na.
Rode the creaky swing.
Played on the rusty seesaw with peeling paint, crossed the wobbly bridge.
I couldn't understand what was fun about it.
Only when the sky turned red did exhausted Yu-na finally fall asleep.
I steadied my shaky legs, sat on the bench under the tree, and kneaded my throbbing thighs.
Oof. My poor body.
Just playing at the playground for a bit, and my clothes were soaked with sweat.
Even though it was early spring, still chilly.
"Hee hee hee. More... push me more..."
Yu-na, asleep against my side, mumbled in her sleep for more pushes. Even in dreams, she wants to play with me?
'...Dream me, take good care of her.'
I laid Yu-na comfortably, took off my jumper to cover her, and stretched.
Thirsty, I left her on the bench and headed to the vending machine nearby.
Thud. Jingle!
I dropped my wallet.
No time to pick up the scattered coins.
A man in patient clothes glared murderously right in front of me. He held a broken bottle.
He looked dangerous at first glance.
'Kim Tae-seok...'
The guy who escaped from the hospital was right there. That's why the CEO warned me to be careful...
Gulp!
I swallowed dryly, and he bared his white teeth, smirking.
"Found you..."
Chills ran down my spine.
Step. Step.
He approached slowly.
Realizing the danger, I backed away, scooped up Yu-na.
Still sleeping soundly.
'Manager... Manager.'
My voice wouldn't come out.
What do I do in this situation?
Suddenly, Kim Tae-seok sped up, charging at me.
I turned and ran toward the manager's car.
Glancing back, he was right on my tail.
The broken bottle aimed at me.
"Die!"
The jagged edge gleamed under the streetlight.
The sunset bled red.
Am I getting stabbed like this?
"Jun-seo! Danger!"
Right on cue, my manager appeared like a hero, knocking away Kim Tae-seok's hand and subduing him.
The broken bottle rolled away.
"Hey! You fucker. Let go!"
"Doing this will just add more charges."
"Let go, I said! Argh!"
My legs gave out, and I collapsed to the ground. The bottle's edge lingered vividly in my mind, inches from my face.
That was a close call.
"Fuck! Let go!"
"Jun-seo, call the police. Tell them we've caught Kim Tae-seok who escaped the hospital."
"Y-yeah."
After reporting, I safely moved Yu-na to the manager's car and approached the subdued Kim Tae-seok.
"Jun-seo, stay back. It's dangerous. This guy's stronger than he looks."
"Just a moment."
Kim Tae-seok still thrashed, refusing to give up.
I knelt down and asked.
"What's the real reason you bullied me in school? It wasn't just because the girl you liked confessed to me."
Even after his crush changed, he didn't stop.
That means.
There was another reason.
"Why did you do it?"
He stopped struggling and laughed maniacally.
"Kekeke. Fuck. I just hated you from the first sight. Real reason for bullying? Who gives a shit?"
"......"
My face hardened.
"I hated seeing you talk to girls. Happy now? Fuck. Must be nice. Handsome face, thriving life."
All for that petty reason...
He bullied me?
"...What about the others?"
"Fun. Crawling under me like worms..."
I didn't want to hear more.
Standing up, I closed my eyes tight to suppress the boiling rage.
Memories of school Lee Jun-seo flashed vividly—like mine—enduring daily torment.
Even after graduation...
I clenched my fist hard, nails digging into skin. Blood dripped, staining the sandy ground.
'Hold it in.'
If I didn't control myself, I'd stomp Kim Tae-seok's face.
"Ah, my mistake this time."
"......"
"Should've targeted your daughter first, not you..."
Bam!
My restraint snapped, and I kicked his face full force.
No movement—he was out cold.
Rage unsated, I raised my foot to stomp again.
"Jun-seo! Stop! That's dangerous!"
"...You want me to hold back? After he says he should've gone after my daughter? In-cheol. Could you hold back hearing that?"
I glared coldly at the manager.
"You still have to. If word gets out you beat an unconscious man..."
Ignoring him, I looked down to stomp—when.
Woo-woo! Woo-woo! Woo-woo!
Sirens blared, and police arrived soon after.
I stepped back, steadying my breath to regain composure.
Meanwhile.
My manager explained the incident in detail to the officers.
Of course, Kim Tae-seok was arrested.
Given the severity, we went to the station with the police, wrote simple statements, and submitted them.
'If the police had been late...'
I'd have stomped his face mercilessly.
Until my anger subsided.