Chapter 223
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 223
Kim Deuk-pal, a manager with a distinguished career at Daepasung Entertainment, had been living through spectacular days ever since he met Min Ji-heon—a man whose innocent smile and striking looks could make anyone fall for him at first sight.
He had been thrilled at the opportunity to build a solid career as Min Ji-heon’s manager upon joining Daepasung.
A Hallyu star!
A ten-million-ticket actor!
An acting genius!
No superlative felt out of place when applied to Min Ji-heon.
When he wasn't smiling, he looked incredibly cold, yet in reality, he was so airheaded that Deuk-pal had once worried the actor might get scammed somewhere.
However, after spending several years with him, Deuk-pal realized that was a massive misconception.
"Ahaha."
People didn't realize it because he was always grinning, but Ji-heon was stubborn and headstrong.
He was always serious about his acting and kind to the staff, but he was indifferent to everything else. He was a fortress, did whatever he pleased, and frequently went MIA.
"Hyung, walnut cakes~."
"Ji-heon, please! Can you tell me before you move? Or at least take me with you?"
"Should I~?"
Returning a question with a bright smile instead of a firm answer was his way of saying he had absolutely no intention of listening.
And truly, he had never once behaved himself.
Dozens of times, he had vanished while on the way to a filming location.
After exhausting himself looking for the actor, Deuk-pal would find him waiting in front of the van with both hands full of snacks. It made his blood pressure skyrocket. Watching Min Ji-heon offer a "Want some, Hyung?" with an angelic smile while Deuk-pal clutched the back of his neck in frustration was his daily routine.
In fact, the previous manager, the head of Daepasung’s management team, only managed to get off the Min Ji-heon assignment after his low blood pressure turned into hypertension.
Thus, even within the team, being Min Ji-heon’s manager was notorious for its hardcore workload.
And Deuk-pal was the one who had inherited that baton.
And now Ho-yun is going to be in charge of our Ji-heon?
Moreover, it was Min Ji-heon who had stepped up first and told the CEO he wanted to do a variety show—and specifically with Seo Ho-yun.
It was such earth-shattering news that Deuk-pal had briefly wondered if the sun had risen in the west that morning.
Regardless, he could already see the path of suffering laid out for Seo Ho-yun. He headed to the filming site, worrying about how to finish this program successfully without ruining Min Ji-heon’s image.
I should probably be the one driving, right?
Since variety shows were all about maintaining appearances, he figured the production staff would understand if he handled the driving as long as he didn't interfere with anything else.
After parking, he walked toward Min Ji-heon’s house, twirling the car keys.
"Ji-heon, today..."
"Oh, Hyung, hey."
However, the face of Min Ji-heon as he opened the front door seemed unusually tense today.
Huh?
"S-s-shall we go?"
An observation camera followed beside him.
It seemed they had already finished filming Min Ji-heon’s spacious home with its clear view of the Han River, as well as his dog, who had a coat of white fur so lush it looked like a cloud.
Why is he so nervous?
He had a smile plastered on his face, but having been with him for a long time, Deuk-pal could tell it was an awkward one. Even his fingertips were trembling slightly.
As they headed down to the parking lot, Deuk-pal wondered if it was okay to proceed with the schedule like this. Just then, a black van pulled up precisely in front of Min Ji-heon.
"......??"
Whirrr.
The window rolled down slowly, revealing Seo Ho-yun in the driver's seat, wearing a black hoodie. Even in his natural state without any makeup, he exuded a celebrity aura.
Seo Ho-yun gestured with his chin toward Min Ji-heon.
"Get in."
"......??"
What was this? Had The Dawn’s manager given him a heads-up?
Deuk-pal was momentarily surprised that Ho-yun had shown up driving the van before he’d even handed over the keys, but he watched with satisfaction, thinking they’d captured a good scene right from the start.
He expected Min Ji-heon to hop into the car with his usual grin, but instead, the actor looked at Deuk-pal, then at the van, then at the camera, then back at the van before letting out a deep sigh. Then, he slowly climbed into the vehicle.
"Good morning."
Seo Ho-yun offered a greeting, glancing at Min Ji-heon through the rearview mirror. Min Ji-heon blinked a few times before finally mumbling softly.
"A-ah, hello, Ho-yun-ssi."
"Hmm?"
At that, Seo Ho-yun tilted his head slightly and let out a chuckle.
"Didn't you say you'd call me Ho-yun like usual?"
"......"
Deuk-pal didn't know why the usually brazen Min Ji-heon looked so cowed, but for now, the manager huddled in the very back seat to stay out of the camera's frame, just in case of an accident.
Driving a van is different from a regular car because of the size.
But defying expectations, Seo Ho-yun shifted gears as smooth as water and turned his head to reverse effortlessly.
"......??"
Then, he navigated out of the maze-like parking lot, which was packed with cars in the early morning, in one go.
"Senior, can I play a song?"
"...Yeah!"
As soon as Min Ji-heon gave his permission, Ho-yun connected his phone via Bluetooth and started the music.
The ride was steady and comfortable.
On top of that, Ho-yun had the sense to know the route even before the navigation gave directions.
Normally, Min Ji-heon would be slyly asking what he wanted to eat or suggesting they stop somewhere to grab snacks. Perhaps because Seo Ho-yun was acting as his manager today, he just sat there with his seatbelt on, mouth shut tight, staring out the window.
Our Ji-heon can actually be calm!
While the manager was moved to tears by the sight of a perfectly behaved Min Ji-heon, a song began to play.
【I guess my world goes around you
Like the moon orbits the Earth】
"...Ho-yun, isn't this your song?"
"Yes, it's a fan song. Why? Should I play something else?"
"No?! No, I just asked because it sounds like a beautiful melody from an angel. Ahaha."
What is wrong with that guy?
For a moment, the manager doubted his own ears.
It was bizarre to see Min Ji-heon nodding fervently while offering sincere flattery instead of his usual sarcasm.
【To be honest, I've never thought of it badly】
"I always feel like I'm being d-d-drawn in~."
"Wow, Senior, you even know our lyrics."
"Actually, I've thought that I really hated it too~."
"You got the lyrics wrong."
Min Ji-heon recited The Dawn’s lyrics awkwardly, as if he had studied them beforehand. The manager, swaying his head to the beat with half-closed eyes, thought to himself:
I don't know what's going on, but at least the filming should end without any major incidents.
Being a manager might be tough, but this was just the start of the day. Today's schedule was a photo shoot.
This was one of the tasks Min Ji-heon found the least interesting among his required duties.
"Min Ji-heon-ssi is the best today, isn't he?"
However, ten minutes into the shoot...
Min Ji-heon, who had been sitting blankly on a chair clutching a bouquet of flowers, seemed to flinch at the sound of a faint sigh from Seo Ho-yun. He immediately began to pose and act with his expressions.
"Oh!! Perfect! Gorgeous~! My god! Beautiful!"
Behind the photographer, who was shouting praises, Seo Ho-yun stood by with a water bottle. Min Ji-heon was pouring his passion into his poses as if he were rolling on the floor.
"Hold the flowers behind your back and turn your chin this way! Ah~, I love it! Oh, so proactive! What's with you today, Min Ji-heon-ssi?! If you were like this every time, I'd have nothing left to wish for."
In all the time he’d known Min Ji-heon, Deuk-pal had never seen him participate in a photo shoot so diligently.
He was a guy who would immerse himself in acting as if he’d sold his soul, but he was a troublemaker who found everything else boring.
Seriously, what is it?
The manager watched closely as Min Ji-heon listened intently to the photographer while monitoring the photos they had just taken.
Just then, the magazine staff announced a short break before changing into the next outfit. At the same time, the lunch boxes prepared by the magazine were delivered.
"Wow, food, food, food~!"
Min Ji-heon was the first to react with excitement.
However, Seo Ho-yun blocked his path with a wide smile.
"Senior, where are you going?"
"Eh? They said the food is here."
"How about we take some selfies first?"
"......Huh?"
Min Ji-heon’s eyes grew as wide as saucers, but Seo Ho-yun continued firmly.
"I noticed you don't take many photos and rarely upload to SNS. Your fans will be disappointed."
No! Min Ji-heon hates taking photos, and he turns into a madman if you mess with him when he's eating!
Because the cameras for 'Please Take Care of Me' were rolling, Deuk-pal couldn't shout it out loud, but his insides were burning with the premonition of the coming storm.
"Wait, Ho-yun. What about my food?"
"Who eats while doing a photo shoot? That's for the staff."
"But I won't have any energy if I don't eat..."
"You'll get bloated. Eat after the shoot. Come on, hurry."
Yet, despite his shocked expression, Min Ji-heon squeezed his eyes shut for a moment before obediently opening his camera app.
After that...
"Why do you keep closing your eyes?"
"I'm hungry, I have no strength..."
"Open them wide."
A passionate selfie lesson from an idol followed.
Min Ji-heon, who only used his phone for calls, awkwardly posed according to Seo Ho-yun’s instructions. After hundreds of shots, he finally received a passing grade on one and slumped over.
Checking the result, Seo Ho-yun let out a small hum.
"This man really pushes through with just his face and aura."
Deuk-pal couldn't agree more.
Seo Ho-yun asked him to upload the photo and then walked over to PD Choi to have a brief conversation.
Soon, laughter was exchanged, and Seo Ho-yun approached him again.
"Manager-nim, I think it would be good to film some behind-the-scenes content for Min Ji-heon Senior's Nutube. Could you prepare two cameras? You and I can split the filming."
"Huh? Will that be okay? It'll include variety show content."
"I've already talked it over with PD Choi. He said it's perfect as a teaser before the broadcast and actually really liked the idea."
When the manager looked toward PD Choi, the PD, who was filming them, gave a thumbs-up.
In the end, they decided to go with it. While Deuk-pal called the planning team, Min Ji-heon’s photo shoot resumed.
Decorated with colorful autumn flowers against a dark green wall, Min Ji-heon sitting in the center looked like a masterpiece.
"Oh, Min Ji-heon-ssi~, that sensitive atmosphere is absolutely awesome!"
"Hahaha........."
His eyes were gleaming; it seemed he was on edge because he was starving. It looked like his only thought was to finish the job quickly so he could eat.
Just like when he was acting, Ji-heon became increasingly immersed in the shoot.
The photographer showered him with praise, saying the last cut was one of the best in his entire career.
Standing behind him, the corners of Seo Ho-yun’s mouth curled up in a satisfied smile.
"Good job. Have some kimbap."
"...Just one roll?"
"Five rolls later."
"Sweet."
...What is this?
Watching Seo Ho-yun hand Min Ji-heon a single roll of kimbap as a reward and then get back to driving the van, the manager was overcome by a sense of defeat.
Min Ji-heon, who was nibbling on his single roll of kimbap with great care, looked a bit pitiful, but he seemed happy nonetheless.
Driving, content, photo shoot advice... he's better at everything than me. Even Ji-heon seems to follow him well.
The idol was more competent than he was.
Deuk-pal followed dejectedly behind the camera, making sure not to be caught on screen, and arrived at the front door.
As soon as Min Ji-heon entered the passcode and opened the door, the sound of pitter-pattering footsteps echoed.
It was the sound of Min Ji-heon’s dog, Mallang-i.
Deuk-pal had known the dog since it couldn't even open its eyes, having followed Min Ji-heon on his frequent volunteer trips to animal shelters.
Yes! Mallang-i! You are my healing!
The manager naturally opened his arms as he always did, but...
"Oops."
The white ball of fluff spun around, hesitated for a moment, and then quickly dashed over to jump into Seo Ho-yun’s arms.
"......??"
Isn't this the first time you've met?
As if he were covered in treats, the dog wagged its tail vigorously and licked Seo Ho-yun’s face all over.
Even you, Mallang-i!
Do you know how many kilograms of food I've fed you and how many walks I've taken you on?
"Cute. What's its name?"
"Mallang-i."
Min Ji-heon, who answered, also wore a betrayed expression. He hadn't received a single glance from the dog either.
"Ho-yun, do you... carry catnip around or something?"
Min Ji-heon’s mutterings about whether Sol-ui-nun actually contained catnip were ignored by everyone.
Afterward, a short interview was filmed against the backdrop of the Han River view from Min Ji-heon’s home.
Having regained some of his composure, Min Ji-heon cleared his throat and answered a question about their relationship.
"Ahaha! Ho-yun volunteered to do this with me. I'm grateful he likes me so much."
Min Ji-heon smiled brightly, his cheeks flushing slightly.
"I suppose I'm his closest hyung, right?"
Next was Seo Ho-yun’s turn.
Hearing the same question, Seo Ho-yun tilted his head.
"Min Ji-heon Senior?"
It was a sort of pressure to emphasize their warm senior-junior relationship.
"Senior's dog is really cute."
"......"
There was no mention of Min Ji-heon at all.
Seo Ho-yun nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders and affectionately asked Mallang-i, who was sitting on his lap, "Want to come to our dorm?"
Mallang-i’s tail wagged especially hard.
* * *
"Wow, this one really has a lot of aegyo."
I held up Min Ji-heon’s dog, which was licking my hands, feet, nose, and lips incessantly, and stared at it.
A black nose, long white fur, and large, perky ears.
This is actually quite healing.
Moreover, it was very peaceful.
Perhaps my polite warning had worked, because Min Ji-heon was quieter than expected. Occasionally, his manager would glance at me with a sorrowful look, but I ignored him.
"Mallang-i, how old are you?"
As I pressed its moist, shiny nose with my index finger, Min Ji-heon sat down beside me.
"Ho-u Ho-u, Mallang-i is four years old."
"Mallang-i, it must be hard living with an old man like Ji-heon who calls me Ho-u Ho-u, right?"
"Ho-u Ho-u has to film while practically living with Ji-heon for two weeks anyway."
"I'm having a hard time too."
A moment ago, PD Choi had announced a break and led the staff outside. Min Ji-heon’s manager had also gone out with them for a smoke.
Of course, since cameras were installed everywhere, we still had to be careful.
Suddenly, my nose felt itchy, so I wiped it with my hand, only to see blood.
"Ah, damn."
Lately, it was almost a nosebleed a day.
As I sighed and looked for a tissue, Min Ji-heon picked up Mallang-i and handed me a box of tissues.
"Here."
He didn't look surprised at all.
Staring at his calm demeanor, I plugged my nose with a tissue and looked at him.
At that moment, our eyes met.
In the instant I saw his pupils contract sharply, my body felt lighter, and my breathing became easier.
"You..."
Just as I frowned slightly and reached out to grab him, I heard the sound of the door opening and the manager and staff returning.
Min Ji-heon stood up, holding Mallang-i, and looked down at me with a smile.
"I'll be in your care, then?"