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It makes sense. It really does.

But it still felt like the end of an era.

Breaking the silence, my mom cleared her throat. “So… you look like you have some news to share too. What is it?” she asked, bringing the focus back to me.

I snapped back to the moment. Right, I needed to tell her about Japan.

She listened quietly as I explained my next project, nodding along, a spark of excitement in her eyes when I mentioned the A-listers I’d be working with.

“Wow,daebak! Your next drama sounds amazing. This is a huge opportunity,” she said, beaming. Then, after a beat, she added with a teasing smile, “No pressure, but make us proud.” She squeezed my hand again, her voice softening. “Like you always do.”

I let out a small laugh. “I’ll try.”

She studied me for a moment, as if noticing something else. “Are you happy?”

I hesitated, the answer lingering on my tongue. Finally, I exhaled, offering a small smile. “Yes, but…”

“Seo-yeon?” she guessed right away, raising an eyebrow.

I pressed my lips together, then sighed. “Yeah.”

When I didn’t say anything more, she simply smiled, warm and understanding. “Then don’t keep her waiting.”

I exhaled, pushing back my chair. “I should get going.”

As I stepped outside toward my car, I pulled out my phone, Seo-yeon’s number already on my screen.

***

We had agreed to meet at the park near her house. As I drove through the area, I quickly noticed how different it was from the crowded, high-rise districts of Seoul. Instead of towering apartment buildings, there were actual houses—mansions, even.

Which meant her family really waschaebol.

Only the insanely rich could afford to live in Seoul in a standalone house, let alone in a gated community like this.

Pushing those thoughts aside for now, I parked in front of the park and spotted Seo-yeon not long after. She was dressed casually in a hoodie and jeans, like she was trying to go incognito.

I got out of my car and met her near the playground. The moment she saw me, her face lit up with that warm, familiar smile.

God, she is beautiful.

“Hello, beautiful,” I greeted, stealing a quick peck on her lips.

She pushed me back, eyes wide in shock. “Are you nuts? People could see us!” she hissed, glancing around in panic.

I just grinned. “So? Why do you care?” I said, casually hopping onto one of the swings.

She shot me a glare, trying to look fierce, but the pink dusting her cheeks completely ruined the effect.

Cute.

“I have something to tell you,” I said, deciding not to dance around the news.

She looked intrigued. “Okay… I have something to tell you too. But you go first.”

I glanced at her, curious, but she was already watching me, waiting for me to continue.

“I got a role in Yoon’s sister’s next drama.”