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“Where are you going at this hour?”

“There’s a gathering tonight.”

Since today is the drama’s wrap party, I prepared to step out a little late in the afternoon.

“Oh, is it today?”

“Yep, I’ll eat dinner alone.”

“Well, you could eat with Dad, you know?”

It’s a memorable occasion, so I decided to dress up and felt quite satisfied as I looked in the mirror.

It feels a bit strange to think that all the cosmetics and clothes are sponsored, though.

“I’m heading out now.”

“Alright, come back early.”

“I’ll be back before the last train.”

As I stepped out of the house, a familiar vehicle was waiting at the front.

It was the exclusive van provided by the company.

Honestly, I planned to take a taxi today, but Park Kang-seok offered to drive me since it was a drama gathering, so I accepted.

I figured I could ask him to participate as a favor while giving me a ride.

Since a lot of people would be there, I already got permission that it was fine for at least one manager to join in.

I’ve heard that other managers sometimes participate together, too.

“We’re off!”

“Yes!”

So, I boarded the van driven by Park Kang-seok and we headed to today’s gathering venue.

The venue turned out to be a large barbecue restaurant.

I heard the writer booked the whole place for the day.

“Please get out first. I’ll park and come.”

“Okay.”

After arriving in front of the shop, Park Kang-seok went off to park while I got out first.

I’ve been feeling lately that having a big car isn’t always great.

In this city, parking can be quite a hassle.

When I finally get my license, I was thinking of getting a stylish big SUV, but seeing this makes me reconsider.

Should I just impulsively buy a sports car? That would suit my image well, I think.

Buying a white one rather than a flashy color might actually be a good idea.

As I pondered over cars, I walked towards the shop and noticed that people were already packed inside through the glass window.

Hmm, I arrived a bit earlier than scheduled, but everyone seems to be here already.

Just as I was about to enter…

*Thump.*

Someone poked me from behind, prompting me to turn around.

“Who… oh.”

“What are you doing here?”

At that moment, only their shoulder was visible, so I looked up.

Suddenly, a familiar face appeared.

“I was just about to go in.”

“Then let’s go in together.”

It was Moon Chang-sik.

What a perfect coincidence.

“Okay.”

As we entered the shop together, we were greeted by a loud and lively atmosphere.

Whoa, it’s crowded!

“Oh, our leading actors! Over here!”

As we moved inside, the writer spotted us and waved.

“Come, come, have a seat. You look especially pretty today, Soo-hyun!”

“Thank you! You look lovely too, writer-nim!”

“Oh, no need for flattery.”

Upon being called by the writer, we went over to sit down and I quickly realized where we were seated.

In front of us sat the writer and director, with Han Ye-eun, who arrived earlier, next to them.

…I sat across from Moon Chang-sik, which means Nam Han-kyung would take the last remaining seat.

Looking around, other actors and staff chatted in groups of two or three.

However, in our area…

“Speaking of which, isn’t Han-kyung late?”

“Hahaha… Indeed.”

“Alright, then should we order some meat?”

Even though no drinks had been served yet, the writer’s energy was high, likely fueled by the drama’s success, and the director seemed to share a similar happy vibe.

…Well, I suppose it makes sense since they’re the lead actors.

With great power comes great responsibility, I suppose.

For this gathering, it seems that the four leading actors, including the still-missing Nam Han-kyung, have to be the ones who engage with the writer and director.

“What’s more, you two came in together, right?”

Once the writer initiated the orders without hesitation for some beef, he looked back and addressed Moon Chang-sik and me.

“Oh, us? We just met out front.”

“Did you not come together?”

“Hahaha no, I came with my manager.”

I had already texted Park Kang-seok to enjoy himself with friendly people and to drink comfortably. Since he’s made friends among the staff while visiting the filming locations for months, he should be fine at this gathering.

“Hmmm, is that so?”

“Come on, surely you didn’t come together.”

It feels a bit like it’s a misunderstanding for no good reason.

In truth, we’ve had subtle rumors since the filming days.

What can I do?

When a young and attractive guy and girl get close, it’s only natural how others perceive the situation.

Anyway, after that, Nam Han-kyung finally joined in, and the official gathering began.

“Cheers!”

“””Cheers!”””

We all lifted our glasses, setting the lively mood for the gathering, and soon we were thoroughly enjoying our meal with the meat.

“Here, take this drink!”

“Got it.”

“Hey, isn’t Soo-hyun’s alcohol tolerance quite strong?”

“What? I’m just average.”

“I guess you’ll have to pace yourself well then~”

Of course, the writer also ordered plenty of drinks for our table.

…Thank goodness I came with Park Kang-seok.

Given his personality, I doubt he’ll go heavy on the alcohol tonight, having driven us.

Even if he ends up drinking a lot, I think I’ll be fine for returning afterwards.

“Here, have some meat.”

“Thanks!”

The meat was delicious.

I had heard this place was quite famous, and now I see why.

…To rent an entire place, how much money does the writer have?

Well, they’ve penned hit pieces, so I imagine it’s definitely not comparable to mine.

“Look, your glass is empty.”

“Oh, thank you.”

“Drink up, and if you feel unwell, just let me know~”

And you can tell that the writer’s high spirits reflect the money spent tonight.

I heard the reaction for the final episode of the drama was quite good.

…On one hand, there were criticisms of the storyline, but mostly people said it was refreshing.

“Soo-hyun, drink slowly. Here’s some water.”

“Ah, thank you.”

Maybe it’s just been a while since I drank, but it goes down quite smoothly.

I’ve been a bit worn out lately?

This is exceedingly sweet.

After that, continued plates of meat kept getting served.

We started clearing out the empty bottles from the table while ordering more drinks, and the vibe only got better.

“Next time, right? We’ll collaborate again, director.”

“Of course! I would never betray you!”

At this point, both the writer and director were already a bit tipsy.

Although…

“Hey, drink some water.”

“I’m not drunk!”

“You’re drinking water with a spoon right now?”

“I thought it was kimchi water for a second.”

I might be feeling a bit tipsy too.

Did I end up gulping down without care?

It’s strange; the other actors seem fine.

Han Ye-eun’s cheeks are only slightly flushed.

But for me…

*Nod… nod…*

My head keeps dipping lower.

My head’s feeling heavy.

“Hey, Soo-hyun, want to step outside for some fresh air?”

“Me?”

“Yes, you seem quite tipsy.”

“Yawn… Should I?”

I guess I must have looked that tipsy for the writer to ask, and since it sounded like a good idea, I decided to stand.

“Then I’ll just step out to sober up a bit.”

“Go ahead.”

“Okay.”

So, I got up and stepped outside the shop.

“Phew…”

Once outside, feeling the still-chilly night air helped cool my warmed-up head from the alcohol.

With that refreshing feeling, I gazed up at the night sky for a moment.

“…I want some ice cream.”

Suddenly, I had a strong craving for refreshing ice cream.

Is it because I drank? I feel like something sweet and cold would be perfect.

…Should I head to a convenience store?

There’s nothing obvious around here, but…

Still, surely I’d find one if I walked around a bit.

With that thought, I began to stagger down the night streets in search of a convenience store.

 

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