The book store was like a sacred place—serenity lurked around the corner and all that could be heard were the flapping of musky pages. The authors attached symbolism to each line that could touch one's soul and poke one's heart. But it wasn't the case for Mee Yoon. It was the affectionate embrace from a man she kicked out of her house that fluttered her heart. When he slid his hand around her waist, her knees almost gave in.
"Let me relax for a while. My new master is giving me a headache. Don't speak a word of pushing me away," Dong-sun whispered.
For the first time, she kept her mouth shut. If they were in their usual setup, excluding their emotional attachment, he would have ended up with black eyes like a panda. After a minute, he unwrapped his hands and walked out in a hush.
"Where have you been?" Daewon asked.
"I got a recharge."
There was an enormous question mark printed on Daewon's face.
"At the book store. I found an interesting book."
A smile slipped from Dong-sun's lips.
"I used to read that book. I like its harsh content filled with brutality and inhumane treatment towards the major lead. But amidst those things, I'm glad it comforted me this time."
"You should've brought it home."
"Not everything we like could be brought home. Sometimes they are meant to stay on the shelf to be read by someone else."
Daewon's brows furrowed.
"Are you still talking about a book?"
Dong-sun's days under Daewon's ruling were a torment. He already introduced him to the office as his assistant, yet they have a habit of asking for his help. The task support team, which has the busiest job stood with an empty spot because the new employee backed out for some reason. Dong-sun came with a cape as the temporary "substitute" and Daewon promised him a salary increase.
***
The striking sun spread its majestic rays all throughout Seoul. It sprinkled some shimmering dust into the waves of the Han river. The birds were hovering above the glorious trees. Nature has its way of telling them that the day is perfect for a mini-vacation.
Mee Yoon lay under the shade of a maple tree. There was a basket of food on the picnic blanket. Her left hand held some chips while the other one was making some strips for her comic. She chose to grind outside for some fresh air because isolation reminds her of being alone. Mee Yoon was in a secluded area, but she felt less lonely with nature's aesthetics.
A phone call from Sun Hee made her stop all the work.
"Hey! We haven't seen each other for quite some time. What are you up to?" Mee Yoon blurted.
"So the news didn't reach you. I see you cut yourself out from social media."
"Spill the beans."
Sun Hee let out a deep breath.
"The thing is... the serial killer kidnapped me. Youngsoo was skeptical, and he's keeping an eye on me."
Mee Yoon's face lit up.
"Really?!"
"Why do you sound cheerful about it? Do you want me dead?"
"Can't you grasp the situation? This is your chance to seduce my brother."
Mee Yoon skipped the kidnapping part of the sentence.
"Where in I'm getting over him, can you not understand?"
Mee Yoon chuckled.
"Don't kid yourself. You don't mean that. You cannot resist the allure of my brother. I bet you'll give in for four days."
Sun Hee hissed.
"He prohibited me from seeing you for security. I'm telling you, he is getting into my nerves. It looks like he is planning to be my best friend now. Do you know how it feels to have an annoying male best friend?"
"A male best friend..." Mee Yoon muffled.
A stream of memories surged through her mind. The days when Dong-sun was her human diary. Their cells were so inclined that they get along on any topic. Their blabbering sessions were not complete without loud waves of laughter. She thought the author and the characters might have the same brain cells. Mee Yoon admitted that the human form of Dong-sun took her sorrows away.
With him, she never felt insecure like she's the only one he sees. He said she looks good with anything she's wearing whenever she doubts her beauty. Dong-sun turns into a nurse whenever she's sick, and he protects her against her bashers. She let go of a complete package to prevent her heart from breaking apart for the second time.
"Mee Yoon, are you there? Hello?"
Mee Yoon snapped out of her reverie.
"Yes."
"Anyway. I got to go. Youngsoo is harassing me again."
After ending their conversation, another call came in. It was from CST entertainment.
"Hello, Ms. Seo. The actor for the movie adaptation of your webcomic Captivated has arrived. We need your presence."
"Alright. I'll be there in a minute."
Director Choi kept talking about how he liked the auditionee who was perfect for the role. It thrilled her to know who it was and rushed to meet him in person. She wanted to check if the actor deserves Dong-sun's role.
Mee yoon sat on the pink couch inside the CST Headquarters. Her white stilettos, rose gold crop top polo, and high waist trousers matched the vibrant interior of the office.
"Ms. Seo."
She stood up when Director Choi spoke at the door.
"Let me introduce the gem we found. He is more than perfect for the role. You'll thank me for this," the director has a wide grin.
The actor entered wearing a black leather jacket, white inner shirt, and pants. His simple attire turned into an expensive fashion trend, as he wore it with elegance without putting much effort. Mee Yoon gulped, and her eyes didn't blink once while staring at him.
"Aren't he perfect? I told you," the director commented.
"No," she uttered.
"What do you mean no?"
"He is not perfect for the role. Find someone else," she said in a bitter tone.
"What? Are you sure? Look at his uncanny resemblance to Dong-sun. Do you have an eye problem?"
The director was dubious.
"What about his acting skills?" she asked.
"He is doing great. I can handle him and I promise he will improve."
"Still no."
She diverted her gaze to the floor.
"Why? This is despicable! You don't even know his name."
The director signaled the actor to introduce himself.
"I'm... Park Saeroyi."
Mee Yoon choked at her own saliva.
"What?"
Her madness vanished as a radiant smile transformed on her face. She knew the real Park Saeroyi because Itaewon Class was one of her favorite dramas.
"His name screams fame, don't you think?" the director said.
"Fame my ass," she whispered.
"With all due respect, Ma'am. There is no one suitable to do this role but me. You know that more than anyone else."
Mee Yoon lifted an eyebrow.
"You sound so confident. I don't like that. In one glance, I know you're not the one," she said.
"How could you depend on a glance? Are you afraid to try?"
Her jaw clutched.
"My instincts saved me from toxicity. You must know that."
Director Choi cleared his throat.
"Excuse me. Do you know each other?"
"No," they said in unison.