One Week Later
One week later.
He received a single file from Director Ra Ho-chan. It was the premiere and promotional schedule for the film .
[Actor Baek Woojin’s Next Project is an Indie Film… Lead Role in Burnt and Hidden Marks Confirmed!]
[Next Up: An Indie Film? Why Baek Woojin’s Unique Path is Generating Buzz!]
[Flower Entertainment: ‘Baek Woojin’s Indie Casting is Real—Get Excited.’]
[Actor Baek Woojin Confirmed for Burnt and Hidden Marks… What’s It About?]
As the press releases from Flower Entertainment’s PR team hit the media outlets, articles began flooding in. Baek Woojin’s name shot up the real-time search rankings on every major portal site. The news that his next project was an indie film left not just netizens but industry insiders alike stunned. Some even grumbled, “My script lost out to some indie flick?”—a mix of regret and irritation at missing out on him. Others were quick on their feet, digging for info: “Who’s this Ra Ho-chan director? And who the hell’s bankrolling Burnt and Hidden Marks?”
While the entire film world buzzed over one actor named Baek Woojin…
“Hyung, mind if I borrow the car?”
“Yeah, drive safe~”
The man at the center of it all paid zero attention to the rampant rumors. Early that morning, he hopped into the car himself and headed to Incheon Airport’s Terminal 1—to pick up his mom and sister returning from their first overseas trip.
“Ahem.”
After parking, Woojin checked the rearview mirror, slipped on sunglasses and a mask to hide his face, then stepped out. Inside the airport, as expected, crowds swarmed the place. Weaving through them, a strange feeling suddenly hit him.
Come to think of it, in the past year and four months, I’ve never once gone to a crowded spot alone.
He’d only shuttled between the agency, home, and sets. No Song Jun-an hyung by his side today, either.
Is that why?
“Standing on my own at 26.”
Woojin murmured to himself with a smile. In his packed schedule, this tiny sliver of leisure felt… sweet, somehow. Precious.
[Arrivals]
[OZ107 Okinawa, 08:51, F?]
Woojin glanced at the airport’s digital board and headed to Gate F. Along the way, screenshotting articles mentioning his name on his smartphone turned out to be surprisingly fun.
“Isn’t that Baek Woojin?”
“Whoa! Looks like it!”
Suddenly, two passing travelers seemed to recognize him, whispering behind his back. Woojin froze without thinking.
“……?!”
If he got spotted here, people would swarm in seconds. Right then, he recalled what Jun-an hyung had said with a worried frown just before he left for the airport.
「I’m letting you go alone instead of tagging along, but you absolutely can’t get photographed casually!」
A core part of management work—especially around a project’s release or premiere—was minimizing the actor’s exposure outside official events. Why? Because if fans mobbed you in an unofficial spot, fair fan service became impossible.
Sure, signing autographs and posing for pics with everyone would be ideal! But time and circumstances made it unrealistic. Especially at an airport, where crowds kept piling up.
Those tiny gripes from uneven fan service could snowball into major backlash against the project. That’s why Jun-an hyung had drilled it into him.
And if he got found out here, surrounded by fans, who’d get chewed out back at the agency? Poor Jun-an hyung, who’d reluctantly let the actor go alone to pick up family.
Ah, I can already picture Team Leader Kim Tae-gon frowning.
“You’re Actor Baek Woojin, right?”
“Wow, hi! We’re fans!”
Unable to flat-out deny it, Woojin just stood there awkwardly as the two travelers gushed louder. He pressed a finger to his lips and waved them off, but…
“Baek Woojin?”
“For real?!”
People from all directions started closing in after overhearing.
Ah, what do I do? Should’ve worn a hat or hoodie.
“…….”
Behind the mask, Woojin’s lips went dry. The attention was grateful, sure—but thinking of Jun-an hyung made him swallow hard.
That’s when it happened.
“Honey!”
Out of nowhere, a woman rushed up, hooked her arm through his, and shouted. Good thing his face was covered—Woojin jolted more than ever.
Regardless, she leaned her head on his arm naturally and yelled loud enough for everyone: “Baek Woojin? Where? Did you see him, oppa?”
I’m literally Baek Woojin… And since when am I ‘oppa’?
“Nah, it wouldn’t be like that with my oppa. Anyway, I’m hungry~”
—Squeeze.
She tightened her grip subtly, like a signal.
“Let’s go grab something to eat!”
“Uh… hey?!”
Woojin, trying to pull away awkwardly, went wide-eyed upon seeing her face. It was Park Mi-young, the marketing team leader from the S Company coffee ad.
“Team Leader Park?”
“Let’s talk after we get out of here.”
She whispered, turning toward him, then tugged his arm through the crowd.
“Excuse us~ Coming through.”
“Haha, not Baek Woojin, sorry!”
Her natural, believable acting saved the day—Woojin slipped through unscathed.
“Guess we were wrong. Looked similar.”
“Yeah, no way Baek Woojin’s here~”
“Whoops, time’s flying… gonna miss my flight!”
The crowd dispersed, treating it as a funny false alarm. The airport quieted again in an instant.
Woojin and Park Mi-young rode the escalator down to the basement.
“Should be fine here.”
“Phew.”
Only after confirming the quieter space did Woojin exhale in relief.
“That was dicey—thanks to you, Team Leader. Really appreciate it.”
“No biggie. Didn’t expect to run into you here. Shocked me.”
She beamed as he bowed in thanks.
“So, what brings you here? Overseas schedule?”
“Nah, picking up Mom and Sis. You?”
“US business trip. Company’s developing a flagship product for overseas—needed market research.”
“Got time now? Let me buy you a coffee.”
Park Mi-young checked her watch and pouted sadly.
“Ah… Should’ve met a bit earlier!”
Her regret spilled out unfiltered. She gasped, “Oops!”
“Then hit me up when you’re free next time. My treat—something good.”
“Deal. I’ll text after I’m back. Expecting tasty stuff!”
“You got it. Safe travels.”
Woojin slid his sunglasses down with a smile and walked off. Her heart nearly stopped at his eye crinkle.
Watching his retreating back, Park Mi-young screamed inwardly: Ugh, so sweet! And, Damn flight time… Why now, why?!
She lingered, trying to memorize his figure, but…
—Announcement: Korean Air Flight 123 to New York, departing at 09:30…
The boarding call forced her to move.
* * *
“Saw the article? Baek Woojin’s next gig’s set!”
“For real? Epic!”
On the way from the plane to immigration, a group ahead gawked at their phones, cheering her brother’s name. Woo-hee couldn’t hide her proud grin.
“Baek Woojin gets handsomer every time. Acting’s top-tier too!”
“Fell hard watching the drama. Hitting Red Petals opening day. My man…”
Woo-hee’s shoulders perked up eavesdropping quietly from behind. When did this kid grow up like this? She itched to yell, “I’m his one-and-only sister, Baek Woo-hee!” But Mom, sensing it like a ghost, shushed her.
“Daughter~ Shh!”
“Mom, you a mind reader or what?”
“Hurry. Woojin’s waiting.”
“Tch~ You wanna brag too, huh?”
Mom chuckled softly at her pouty daughter. They quickened their pace.
Moments later, as the arrivals gate opened, there was Woojin waving.
“Wooj… Mmph!”
Woo-hee instinctively yelled for her brother, but Mom clamped her mouth shut.
Whoops, almost got swarmed again.
“Hey, Baek Woo-hee! How many times have I told you not to shout my name coming out?”
“I forgot. Did I shout?”
“Jeez.”
“And you’re still banmal-ing your noona like that?”
The siblings bickered softly right away—seeming like a fight, but really just expressing how much they’d missed each other. Mom, knowing this well, alternated fond glances before saying, “Daughter, son! Enough!” and shoving their backs.
Sure enough, the not-quite-argument ended the second they piled into the car. Travel tales soon filled the air with warmth—Woo-hee’s chatter, Mom’s laughter, Woojin’s contentment.
* * *
“Whoa, this house is insane!”
After the long drive to Woojin’s new Cheongdam-dong place, Woo-hee gasped, touring every corner.
“Wash up first, Baek Woo-hee.”
Woojin said lugging the suitcases, but—
—Flop.
She crashed onto the living room sofa. “This couch is heaven. Apple bed who~”
“I shouldn’t even bother.”
Woojin shook his head and approached Mom. Overwhelmed by her son’s success, she quietly tidied corners, eyes misty and red. It tugged at his nose.
“Oh yeah, you picked your next project?”
Woo-hee shifted topics, snapping the heavy mood.
“How’d you know?”
“From the plane to the gate—everyone’s talking you. How could I not?”
She sprang up from the sofa. “Title was Burnt and Hidden Marks, right? Spill to your noona, lil’ bro~”
Meeting her playful eyes, Woojin dropped his gaze, lost in thought.
“What’s with the sudden seriousness?”
“Mom, Sis. Sit here a sec.”
His voice was low. Woo-hee eyed him suspiciously but sat at the table with Mom. Woojin fetched the Burnt and Hidden Marks script from his room and set it before them.
“It’s the script for my next one.”
“This?”
“It’s a done deal, but I wanted to show you two anyway. Take a look.”
Woo-hee tilted her head, flipping slowly. Mom followed her lead, page by page.
“…….”
“…….”
Their silence deepened with each turn. Woo-hee’s hands trembled faintly gripping the pages.
Woojin gently took their hands and spoke carefully.
“I… really want to do this one.”