116 - I Unknowingly Rejected My Favorite

EP.116 #116. Be Observant! “Thank you for your hard work!” “Good job, everyone!” As the filming wrapped up, darkness began to slowly descend on the streets. “Taemin! You did great!” “...Ah. Yes.” Honestly, I was left wondering if I really did any hard work. The total time I spent in front of the camera was maybe about two minutes. The rest of the time was spent crouched in a corner, waiting for today’s shoot to end. I didn't have anything particular to do, but my manager suggested it would be good to show my face to the director a bit more. “I'll drive you home.” I insisted I could take the bus, but the manager opened the passenger door, saying this was all part of the job. The roads were beginning to clog up as it was nearing rush hour. Riding the subway might have been a better idea after all. “How was the shoot today?” Once outside, now free from the presence of other staff members, we could finally chat. “Well... it was fascinating? I think that’s what I felt the most.” I rarely go out, so it was a novel experience to see a filming set. I felt like an outsider, just observing. I also got to see the lead actors coming and going. Of course, I didn't recognize any of them. The only people I knew were top-tier idols or actors. “Did you know any of the actors?” “No. To be honest, I don’t watch much TV…” “Ah, I see. Besides, this web drama isn't particularly cast with top-tier actors, so if you're not keen on the industry, it's understandable not to know them.” As an awkward silence settled, I hoped the manager would turn on the radio. “The footage from today will be edited and uploaded in two weeks.” “Ah... in two weeks...” “Yes, you should appear in either episode 3 or 4.” Being a minor role that appears briefly, it was slated for the early episodes. “So, what is this drama about?” I realized I was doing this because I was told to, without knowing the theme of the project. Although, given my brief three-second role, how profound the storyline is doesn't matter much, yet I was curious. “I don't know the specifics, but it seems to be a typical youth drama. The scene you shot today is a flashback of the main characters’ past.” Ahh... so I'm a supporting role, but not one with an ongoing presence — just buried in the past. Thinking of myself as cosmic dust was a bit disheartening, yet it felt like a fitting role for me. Taking a role greater than my capability would only burden everyone involved. “Director Jo Gyuhyuk is known for having a discerning eye, so if he wanted you for something, he must see potential.” “...In my face?” If there was any potential seen, it would be in my looks. “Having a good look is a powerful asset in this industry.” Holding the steering wheel, he explained in a relaxed tone to avoid making me feel offended. “Of course, it’s not all about looks for actors or idols. But in this market, if the face doesn't fit, it's tough to even step in. Opportunities often slip by.” In the side mirror, my face reflected back at me. The makeup still hadn’t faded. “If you put in the effort, many people will surely come to like you.” “Thank you.” My manager’s words felt like holiday blessings, leaving me with a mixture of emotions. Becoming a celebrity... having fans... Geez... why would an otaku who lazes around watching virtual YouTubers gain a fan club… Hmm... Perhaps sensing my troubled expression, my manager chuckled softly. “Ah, Taemin, the filming today was quite humane, wasn’t it? Don’t worry too much.” “No, it’s not that… Ah, just…” Feeling embarrassed to talk about it, I decided to keep my worries to myself. “We’ve arrived. I’ll contact you to align the next schedule! If you’re curious or need anything, feel free to call!” “Ah, yes. Thank you for today.” Exiting the vehicle, I trudged toward my home. -Bzzzzt My phone's vibration. It was Doa. [Hello?] [Ah, hello?] [Yeah.] [You haven’t checked your messages. Are you done now?] Only then did I realize that I had neglected my phone all this time. [Ah, sorry. I was in the manager’s car till just now.] [Oh, it’s okay. Where are you now then?] [In front of my place.] [I was just about to order chicken. Want to eat together?] [Shall we?] [Hurry up and come over.] The call ended, and I turned around to head into Doa’s building. -Ding Dong Ding Dong Soon, the door opened and Doa, clad in pajamas and wearing a headband, greeted me. “Oppa! Hurry over here.” “What’s the rush?” Even before taking off my shoes, my girlfriend urged me eagerly. Finding out that it was to choose a chicken brand, she handed me her phone. “If we order here, it's half boneless, and here, I want to try their new product.” “You can just order whatever you want.” “I’m asking because I can't decide.” Unhappy with my noncommittal response, Doa, perched on the bed, fiddled with her phone with a bit of a pout. “Then let’s go with half and half.” “Nope, I’m ordering the new one.” In her unique teasing tone, she stubbornly completed the order before gazing at me intently. “...Oh.” A short exclamation escaped her lips. “What?” “You put on makeup?” “Ah, I had it done for filming, but I haven’t removed it yet.” “Come here.” Responding to her gesture, I leaned toward her. “Wow… with makeup, you really look like an idol, oppa.” Doa cupped my face in her hands and turned it gently from side to side. “It's such a shame for only me to see this.” “I'm happy as long as you’re the only one who sees.” “With this face set to heat up the internet, I better stake my claim early.” Doa, perched on my lap, gave me a quick peck on the lips. It felt too short for my liking, but assuring her came first. “Even without marking your territory, I’m already your boyfriend.” I chuckled awkwardly, and she squinted playfully before pinching my thigh. “You were already so popular at school; imagine once your face is all over the internet!” “Still, those people are strangers.” Doa managed to break down that stranger barrier because… Doa, or rather Luka, has long been my companion behind closed doors. “Well... I was a stranger at first too.” She replied with a bittersweet smile, prompting me to wrap my arms around her neck. “I don’t think I could ever see us becoming strangers now.” “Me neither.” Her deep brown eyes seemed to pull me in. Silence replaced words, guiding us into action. Why was that? The thought of becoming strangers felt so terrifying that I wanted to show Doa right then how important she was to me. In a way I wouldn't consider for anyone else. Though I generally disagreed with the saying 'actions speak louder than words'... Ironically, I was now kissing her fiercely, making her lips glisten. Doa’s lips, like lively creatures with their own will, responded passionately. Love conveyed through breaths and etched through shared saliva. “Hah...” A delicate breath escaped as our lips parted. Though my heart longed to move to the next phase, my current attire... And the fact I hadn't cleaned up yet stopped me. “...Oppa.” Doa looked straight into my eyes. In her gaze, a primal desire lay barely concealed. “Yes.” “I love you.” A phrase becoming increasingly frequent these days. No matter how often I heard it, it always felt uplifting. “I love you too.” Pressing my forehead to hers, I conveyed genuine sincerity. Her smile reminded me so much of that beloved character, amplifying the emotion. “...Kiss me.” At her request, I pressed my lips to hers again. Slowly, Doa began unbuttoning my shirt. My heart began racing so fast it almost hurt. I thought we might go all the way, to a deep and secret place, but... -Ding Dong Ding Dong “Delivery!” The deep voice from behind the door snapped both Doa and me to attention. Frustration surged to the top of my mind. Mister! Be considerate! Please! Right now! Ugh! Augh! Eugh! Next time, it might be wiser to tell her that her home-cooked meals are the best, rather than relying on delivery.