Chapter 28
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 28
Chapter Title: Signing the Lesson Contract
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"Sun-hu."
A moment later, Su-ah emerged from her room.
Her makeup was off, and she'd changed into comfortable clothes.
This must be how she lounged around the house normally.
"Oh, Su-ah. Finished eating?"
"Yeah, thanks to you. Sorry about earlier. You must've been shocked. I just... suddenly remembered the old days..."
Old days... There must be quite a story behind it.
Probably not something that comes up lightly. Better not pry.
I needed to head out soon anyway.
"No, everyone has those moments. You don't need to apologize."
Without the makeup, that signature cool image of actress Hwang Su-ah was gone. She looked much softer now.
"But..."
Su-ah glanced around the living room, confusion spreading across her face.
Come to think of it, I'd tidied up without asking. Was that too nosy?
"Oh. I cleaned up the stuff that was piled up."
"You did all that by yourself? All night?"
"Yeah... It just felt like I couldn't leave it like that. Sorry. I should've said something before touching your stuff."
"No, that's my job... I should be the one apologizing."
Su-ah blushed, and I scratched the back of my head as we traded apologies.
"I'm not usually this lazy, but once I let it slide, it's hard to get back on track. After work, I crash for a bit and head right back out. Even on rare days off, I'm too wiped to move... And that's how it piled up."
Su-ah offered what wasn't quite an excuse, looking embarrassed.
"That just means you were working so hard you couldn't look after anything else. Honestly, I respect it. Pouring yourself into your work like that."
"...Thanks, Sun-hu. I feel so embarrassed showing you this side of me."
"Ha, hahaha. Don't sweat it. Though I know saying that won't make it easier. If it really bugs you, just think of me as a big dog instead of a person."
"A dog...? Like a golden retriever?"
"Ooh, good one. I love goldens. So affectionate, loyal. They even guide the blind."
"A big dog... I'd love to have one."
Su-ah smiled faintly as she said it.
I breathed a silent sigh of relief inside. She'd been crying over dinner and gloomy the whole talk, but this was her first real smile.
"Anyway, Su-ah, I'll get going. Gotta head home. I'll take the trash out on my way."
I wanted to slip back while Mom was asleep if possible. Getting caught staying out could lead to misunderstandings... or a scolding.
Better to sneak in while there's even a slim chance.
"Ah, wait! Sun-hu!"
"Yeah?"
Su-ah stopped me as I headed for the door.
"About that lesson we talked about yesterday..."
Lesson... Oh, the sponsorship thing.
"Ah, that. I'm no pro, and I'm not great enough to charge for it. Let's just forget about it."
"No way!"
Whoa. Scared me.
Su-ah shouted suddenly. The place was so empty, her voice echoed loud. She looked startled by her own volume.
"I mean, no. That wouldn't be respectful to Instructor Im Shin-hye."
She'd called her 'Mom' yesterday, but back to 'Instructor' now. Probably just drunk talk.
"Uh, I can help with script readings without pay. Charging feels weird."
"No. Then I'd feel bad asking you."
Fair point? Hmm. Yeah, if it's free, she'd hesitate to call. Paying makes it a job, easier for her.
"Then... like a part-time gig? Ten thousand won an hour?"
"...Are you trying to paint me as some exploitative boss?"
"Huh? No, I didn't mean..."
"One session a week, six hours: two million won. Overtime pays extra."
"Su-ah. Like I said yesterday, that's too much. No way."
"In exchange, you prioritize me. Even over other plans."
"That's..."
With that much money, I'd prioritize her without asking.
But canceling on Mom or sisters? Mom, no way—I hate disappointing her. Sisters? Might get murdered.
"I won't call you out of nowhere. Schedules come ahead, so at least the day before—ideally a week."
Su-ah added as I pondered.
"If that's the case, sure. But still, the amount..."
"Sun-hu. Think of it as respect for Instructor Im Shin-hye. Anything less, and I couldn't face her. That's standard pay in this industry anyway."
"Mm... Alright, fine."
She insisted this hard. I'll return it through Mom later.
"Then let's draw up the contract!"
"Contract?"
This barren place have paper and pen? Nope—Su-ah pulled out her phone and stylus, drafting digitally.
"...Done. Read it and sign here."
"Okay."
I took her phone and scanned it. Checked for traps, but it was straight—just our talk in writing. Honest.
"Here."
Signed and handed it back. We swapped numbers; I copied the contract.
Read it again—no issues.
"Thanks for everything today, Sun-hu. I'll set next week's slot once my schedule clears."
"Sure. See you. I'm right next door, so call anytime."
Finished with Hwang Su-ah and got home past 7 a.m.
Just texted Mom I'd be late. Ended up staying out anyway.
Hope no weird misunderstandings...
Harassed by a drunk last night, cleaning till dawn—I was beat body and soul. Needed rest.
Dragging my exhausted self home, sister Mi-so waited at the entrance.
She looked pissed, arms crossed, glaring down.
"Oppa. Where were you since morning?"
"Ah~ Just morning workout."
Lie slipped out.
Strong gut feeling not to tell the truth.
Mi-so knew I worked out early mornings. Just not this early.
She eyed me suspiciously and pressed.
"Oppa, know what day it is?"
"What day? Mi-so's birthday?"
"Oppa! It's our date day!"
"Ah."
Oh yeah, that promise.
Too much happened; forgot.
But waiting from morning?
"We planned the whole day together! I waited an hour!"
"An hour? ...You weren't planning to hang from dawn?"
"Duh! I've been waiting forever for this!"
Our ideas of 'date' differ, apparently.
"Sun-hu home?"
"Ah, yeah, Mom. Feeling better?"
"Hehe. No worries. Mom's still young."
Bantering with Mi-so at the door, Mom came out.
She knew I stayed out—with Su-ah, no less. Could spark odd thoughts.
But she seemed unfazed. Figures nothing happened? Kinda off-putting...
"Mom! Oppa's with me all day!"
"...Mi-so, sorry, but Oppa barely slept. Super tired? Rest morning, out afternoon?"
"Oppa. I shot till 4 a.m., home by 6."
"Ah, wow... They follow labor laws?"
"Dunno. Anyway, today's all mine!"
"...Fine, fine. Boil me, grill me, whatever."
I surrendered to Mi-so.
Couldn't cancel with her so excited. I wasn't more tired than her. Clearing a full day was huge for her.
"Oppa! Out in 10!"
"Hehe. Have fun, you two. Mom's nursing a hangover today."
Mom yawned tiredly and retreated.
Couldn't fight Mi-so; showered and ready in 5.
"But dozing while driving'd be bad."
"It's fine, Oppa. No car. Public transport today."
"Public transport? Mi-so, you ever ridden it?"
"What do you take me for? I prepped. Don't worry."
"Prepped..."
I disguised as Mi-so directed.
Sunglasses, mask, hat—shady siblings complete.
Hiding this much makes us more suspicious, right?
Mi-so seemed thrilled by the disguise itself.
"Feels like a secret date. Heart pounding."
"It literally is."
"Right! Hehe."
Mi-so's proportions and style drew eyes even bundled up. We'd get busted quick.
Anxious. Really okay? Should've grabbed disguise props.
"Oppa, hurry!"
"...If you get spotted, I'll pretend to be your manager."
"Ooh, smart! If they want autographs, you block: 'Sorry, no signatures.' Haha!"
Mi-so was thrilled just imagining.
I just prayed for a drama-free day.