Page 45 of From Paris to Seoul (K-Drama Love Story #2)

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Baekhyun

I rolled my shoulders back, exhaling slowly as I glanced at the thick stack of papers in front of me. We had just wrapped up our chemistry read at the main building of the film production company.

This was one of the rare times I had the chance to work with some of the biggest names in the industry. I’d been nervous at first, but we quickly warmed up to each other, and the room soon filled with an easy, comfortable energy.

Across the table, Byung-ho sat flipping through his tablet, his expression sharp—focused, professional, and maybe just a little smug about how much work he was about to pile onto me.

“This is your schedule for the next six months,” he said, tapping the screen. “As you know, most of the filming will take place in Japan—mainly in Fukuoka and the surrounding rural areas, with a few scenic locations for key outdoor shots. You’ll be flying out in two weeks.”

Two weeks. The words barely settled in my mind before he continued.

“The shooting schedule in Japan is tight. You’ll need to adjust quickly.”

I should be used to this by now—the packed days, the constant hustle. But this time, it felt different.

I haven’t told Seo-yeon yet.

Not because I don’t want to, but because I’m not ready to see that look in her eyes—the same one from last time, when we said our goodbyes in Paris. And selfishly, I’m not ready to let her go.

Byung-ho kept talking about the production team, the co-stars, the early script revisions. I nodded along, responding at the right moments, but my mind was elsewhere.

I should tell Seo-yeon soon. I knew that.

The thought lingered as the session wrapped up. The director gave a few final notes, my co-star stretched with a tired sigh, flashing a small smile before gathering her things.

Byung-ho was already on his phone, coordinating my next gig, but I barely registered the conversation.

By the time we stepped outside, the sun had dipped lower, casting long shadows on the pavement. The city buzzed with early evening energy—cars honking, voices overlapping, people rushing home or heading out for the night.

I drove back home in silence, my fingers tapping absently against the wheel.

When I pulled up near my house, I caught a glimpse of Mom inside the restaurant. She was wiping down the counters, her movements slow, almost absentminded.

The place was quiet. Too quiet. It was sad to see the restaurant so empty at peak dinner hour.

I let out a slow breath and pushed the door open.

“Mom.”

She looked up, her face still creased with focus from her task, but it brightened slightly when she saw me. “You’re done with work for the day?”

I pulled out a chair and sat across from her. “Something like that.”

She set the rag down and sighed, hesitating for a moment before meeting my gaze. “Baekhyun, there’s something I need to tell you.”

She looked serious, so I straightened, bracing myself. Better to let her speak first before mentioning my six-month shoot in Japan.

She smoothed a hand over the counter, her gaze distant. “I think it’s time to close the restaurant.”

The words were quiet, almost casual, but they hit like a punch I didn’t see coming.

This place is more than just a business—it’s home.

The backdrop of Ye-bin’s and my childhood.

The place where I used to help out as a server or dishwasher to earn pocket money.

Where Ye-bin grows up, filling its walls with laughter and memories.

I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. She continued before I could find the words.

“It’s not profitable anymore,” she said gently. “And honestly, I think it’s time. Your aunt offered me a place in her village. It’s quieter there, and I can help out at her orchard.”

I frowned. “What about the house?”

She let out a small huff. “Well, you and Ye-bin could still live here, but it’d be a little weird having someone else running a business downstairs. Or we could rent out the whole place—it’d easily cover the cost of a new place for you and Ye-bin in Seoul.”

I shook my head. “You don’t have to do this. I can—”

“Baekhyun.” Her voice was firm, yet gentle. “You’ve done enough. More than enough. You took care of us when you shouldn’t have had to. But now… Ye-bin is growing up. And I’m ready for a new start.”

I felt a lump form in my throat at her words—at the acknowledgment I hadn’t even realized I needed.

When I didn’t respond, she reached over and squeezed my hand. “I’m proud of you. And I’ll pay you back for everything.”

I scoffed. “You know I won’t take it.”

She laughed softly. “I figured.”

I swallowed, nodding as I tried to process it all.

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 was chaebol .

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.”

Even before I could finish, her eyes lit up.

“I decided to accept it, even though I want to focus more on music now, because… well, opportunities like this don’t come twice, and I’m not exactly in a position to turn down offers.” I let out a short, cynical laugh.

She grabbed my shoulders and gave me a little shake. “Baekhyun, that’s so cool! What’s the drama about?”

“It’s really interesting—I was hooked the moment I read the script.

It’s about a high-profile Korean who flees to Japan after a scandal back home.

At first, he thinks he’s safe, but then he discovers that someone in Korea has hired the Yakuza to track him down.

While trying to lay low, he falls in love with a Japanese woman, which makes his situation even more complicated.

Now, he has to decide whether to risk staying for love or escape before it’s too late. ”

I scoffed. “And of course, I’ll be the villain—the Yakuza boss.” Shaking my head, I added, “And I have to speak some Japanese lines too. I know the basics, but I’m nervous. I really need to practice.”

Somehow, she looked even more excited than I had been when I first heard the news. “Wow. That’s so… wow . I’m really, really happy for you!”

I smiled, meeting her eyes. “Thank you.” I cleared my throat before continuing. “There’s a catch, though.”

Her eyes widened, waiting for me to explain.

“Most of the filming will take place in Japan. So… I’ll have to be there for about six months.”

Her expression shifted instantly. Her shoulders slumped, and she let go of my arms. “Oh.” That was all she said.

“Yeah… oh.” I echoed like an idiot.

Then, an idea popped into my head—a crazy one, maybe, but I had to say it. Half a year without her was too long. Even one month already felt unbearable.

“Come with me,” I said simply.

She blinked. For a moment, she just stared, then—

“Wow. Okay. Now I’m convinced,” she said flatly. “I had my suspicions before, but this just confirmed it.”

“Confirmed what?”

“That you’re absolutely insane,” she replied.

I let out a short, dry laugh. “Well, maybe I am. But think about it—you could start your transition to becoming a piano teacher while in Japan. Nothing’s tying you down here.

And you said it yourself—your dream is to leave Korea one day.

Six months isn’t forever. Think of it as a trial period.

If you don’t like it, you can always come back. ”

I paused for a moment before adding, “And besides… we lived in a dream in Paris. Don’t you want to try living in reality with me? To be driven crazy by me, to argue over who does the laundry or washes the dishes?”