part 17

"Call me 'Uber.' It's fine," 

"No, Sunbae. You're too drunk. I can't let you go." 

I grabbed Sunbae Jisun's shoulder. 

Despite her desire to avoid burdening anyone, I worried about Sunbae Jisun. 

Could she make it home alone in her current state? 

As an elite athlete, she was usually reliable,

But tonight, she was thoroughly drunk. 

Perhaps the atmosphere had gotten to her. 

And then… 

I saw Seungrok, who observed me and Sunbae playfully wrestling. 

Seung-rok and I exchanged meaningful glances. 

Slowly, he spoke. 

"You should rest here. You're a global star, after all. What would happen if we let you go with Uber or taxi or whatever?"

Sunbae shook her head.

"That's all in the past. Now, I'm just a retired athlete and divorcee. No one pays attention anymore." 

"Whether married or single, you're an eternal star." 

"No, that won't do! How can I stay at the house of global star KROCK? I am a sensible woman." 

I also supported Seung-rok.

I could not let her go. 

"Then sleep at my guesthouse. It'll be fine. You've stayed over several times at my place, haven't you?"

"Can I?"

I nodded vigorously, intentionally emphasizing my determination. 

Sunbae Jisun glanced around with lukewarm eyes.

Seung-rok smiled to reassure Sunbae Jisun. 

Then, pointing with my finger, I indicated the guesthouse.

As I escorted Sunbae Jisun, I stole a glance back.

Our eyes met with Seung-rok, who had been watching us. 

I averted my gaze immediately. 

After a polite nod of gratitude, I guided Sunbae Jisun toward the guesthouse.

Sunbae Jisun's legs wobbled.

I barely managed to support her as I walked inside the guesthouse.

We reached the bedroom.

Without hesitation, I gently laid Sunbae Jisun on the bed. 

She mumbled something incoherent. 

"Sunbae, why did you drink so much?" I asked.

"Blame it on the makgeolli," 

Sunbae Jisun chuckled, sprawling across the bed. 

Her carefree demeanor surprised me. 

Why had she consumed so much alcohol? 

It was the opposite of me,

I hardly drank.

I could never risk making mistakes in front the employer.

Sunbae Jisun, usually the type to insist others drink, had neglected herself due to Manager Cha's enthusiastic involvement. 

Unfortunately, her excessive drinking became a sort of burden to me.

"Rest now. I'll keep an eye on things outside," I said.

Sunbae Jisun nodded. 

As I reached for the door, she suddenly bolted upright.

"I need to remove my makeup!" she exclaimed.

With that urgent declaration, Sunbae Jisun staggered toward the bathroom. 

I chuckled, following closely. 

After all, slipping on the bathroom floor would be disastrous.

***

I managed to settle Sunbae Jisun into bed. 

Stepping outside the guesthouse, I sighed.

Alcohol had a way of turning adults into children.

Did it reveal our true selves? 

If so, would Seung-rok, too, unveil a part of himself when we drank?

His intentions remained an enigma. to me 

The sudden invitation to my acquaintance, the late-night hospitality—it all seemed peculiar. 

Sunbae interpreted Seung-rok's actions as acts of kindness towards me, possibly indicating romantic interest.

Until now, I'd assumed he was merely pushing his own agenda.

And then, what about his unexpected offer to move in? 

Was it for my benefit?

As I prepared for the interview, I recalled the online information about Seung-rok. 

Cold at first glance, yet fans claimed he cared deeply.

I wasn't a fan, but somehow, I felt like I was being groomed by him.

First impressions might be chilly, but once you fell for him, there was no escape—an idol's labyrinth. 

That is what the fans said about him.

Was I caught in that maze too?

As I strolled, lost in various thoughts, I noticed Seung-rok tidying up the yard. 

Unintentionally, my gaze lingered on him. 

I was well aware of the typical behavior of celebrities, thanks to Sunbae Jisun, who often shared stories about her frequent golf outings with them. 

They rarely lifted a finger themselves, surrounded by people eager to cater to their every need.

The golf industry where she belonged was no different. 

The powerful always used others as stepping stones and then discarded them.

Her ex-boyfriend was a prime example.

Initially, he'd treated her like a goddess when she was doing well.

But as her success stopped, he swiftly reduced her to a mere mistress.

And eventually, he planned a hasty marriage with a younger and richer girl. 

"Why are you staring at me?"

Seung-rok's voice snapped me back to reality. 

I'd been lost in my thoughts. 

I focused my eyes ahead, and there he was—Seung-rok—standing before me, his ample frame giving me a headache.

"It's nothing. I'll go inside," I said, attempting to put some distance between us. 

His grip on my shoulder stopped me. 

"Wait a moment," 

I mumbled, my heart racing. 

Barely catching my breath, I asked, "Why?"

"Dispose this trash for me," Seung-rok said, thrusting a garbage bag toward me. 

I glared at him, my eyes wide. 

"Cha, the manager, is still doing the dishes. You should help too. Here, it's plastic waste."

As I accepted the bag, I canceled the notion of him being a gentleman. 

This guy—clearly, he saw me as nothing more than a maid, which is worse than a mistress. 

Feeling like a fool, I headed toward the entrance to discard the trash.

***

"Are you sure you'll be okay alone?" the manager asked, just before he left for home. 

His concerned eyes bore into Seung-rok.

He replied nonchalantly, "It's my own place, so why not?" 

"Well, it seems like you've had a bit too much to drink. And there are no other family members in the house now." 

"I've already tidied up. What could possibly go wrong? Just go."

"Please give me the food waste. I'll take care of it," the manager reached for the trash bag. 

He shook his head. 

"I've already done that." 

"All by yourself? With all that mess?" 

He stared at Seung-rok.

Seung-rok's tone was slightly raised. 

"Go home. It's late. I'm worried about your wife. I don't want to get scolded later." 

"Thank you. Have a good night. You too, sir," with the reply, manager Cha disappeared with the car, with someone else driving for him.

He even sent a certain smile for me before he left.

Seung-rok sat on the sofa, pulling out a bottle of sparkling water as he always did. Meanwhile, after finishing the cleaning, I sat at the table.

I was lost in thought for a moment. 

It struck me then: the trash I had taken out was just regular waste. 

The messiest and most unpleasant food waste had been personally disposed of by Seung-rok. 

And today's menu had been jokbal (pig's trotters). 

There was a lot of food waste, and naturally, it would have been a hassle to clean up. 

Yet, he had taken care of it all himself. 

Was he being considerate? 

'Could it be?' I wondered. 

As I reflected, the dishes Seung-rok had prepared today were consistently delicious. 

From the perfectly roasted pork belly barbecue to the accompanying wine. 

Even the dessert—Nordic-style crackers, French cheese, and fruit—was exquisite. 

Nothing lacked sophistication. 

Each dish exuded care and attention. 

His culinary skills were remarkable.

But that wasn't all. 

When he cooked, I noticed. 

The veins on his forearms stood out against his fair skin, like those of a skilled craftsman. 

His arm muscles were slim yet strong, fitting perfectly. 

Although he usually appeared lean in casual clothes, a closer look revealed a latent energy akin to a black panther, coiled within those muscles. 

Unconsciously, I swallowed my saliva. 

Immediately, self-reproach set in. 

Get a grip, Mina. 

He's an idol, and a single father for crying out loud.

Falling for someone like him? 

Today is our first day living together. 

Yet, emotions sway wildly, like a rollercoaster. 

Can I really live with him like this? 

Should I tell him to stop now? 

I found myself caught in such thoughts.

While I was lost in thought, Seung-rok sat silently on the sofa. 

He seemed to have finished his water, and the room fell into a quiet stillness. 

Before any strange emotions could surface, I resolved to bid farewell and quickly stood up near Seung-rok. 

"I'm going to... Oh!"

At that moment, I felt the weight of his body against my shoulder. 

He had collapsed onto me. 

I tried to scream, but there was no point—no one else was home. 

Was this guy trying to overpower me? 

Was he that kind of bastard? 

As I glared at his face, something felt off. 

His eyes were tightly shut. 

I closed my eyes and listened carefully. 

"Zzz~." 

I heard a faint exhale. 

My pulse eased. This guy had fallen asleep right here. 

"Ha." 

He'd always presented himself flawlessly, so I hadn't noticed. 

Apparently, drinking turned him into a Snorlax. 

But it wasn't such a bad habit for a drinker. 

My nerves had made me feel like a fool, but I gathered my strength once more. 

Being unconscious wasn't necessarily a good sign—it meant no one could move him for me. 

So I must be the only person to move him so that I can get out.

I pinched him. 

Slapped his cheek.

Even nibbled his arm a little. 

But he remained immovable. 

I was pinned between Seongrok and the couch, my left arm caught and immobile.

Had he fallen completely asleep? 

I glanced at him. 

Apart from the rhythmic sound of his breathing, there was no other noise. 

With his eyes closed, he looked quite handsome. 

His long, straight nose was clearly visible. 

Even the eyes that had always mocked me were tightly shut. 

His flawless face was right in front of me, and I felt the warmth of his breath against my skin. 

First things first, I needed to free my arm from between his body and the sofa. 

I strained against it, wrestling with his arm. 

And then—woomph!

A sudden, intense vibration echoed through the room.