chapter 14

Chapter 14. Son Jin-wook's Home

"The PR team says the online response is quite positive. They think we can expect good ratings for the premiere, though we shouldn't count our chickens before they hatch."

The number of comments and YouTube views were indeed impressive. However, this was less due to Ryu Yeon-woo and more because Son Jin-wook and Han So-hyun were rising stars, the current generation's blue chips.

"The premiere is only a week away," Jin-wook said, checking his phone calendar.

"Right. Jin-wook and So-hyun, you're attending the SBC Awards tomorrow, right?"

"Ah, I'm not going. I didn't have any SBC projects this year. So-hyun is nominated, though."

So-hyun, who had been listening intently, paused mid-sip from her coffee and turned around. "Hehe, should I mention Yeon-woo if I win an award?"

"Noona, the 'Flowers Falling on Hanyang' team will glare at you."

Han So-hyun was nominated for both Best Actress and Top Excellence Award at the SBC Awards for her role in the popular fusion historical drama "Flowers Falling on Hanyang," which had concluded its run mid-year.

"You're right. But JNBC doesn't have an awards ceremony, so I was worried Woo-joo would feel left out."

"It's okay. I'm happy enough to be making my TV debut." So-hyun was genuinely caring towards Yeon-woo, treating him like a younger brother.

Watching them, Director Kim Han-soo spoke, "Let's work hard and aim for the Korea Arts Awards, everyone."

"Oh, right! The Korea Arts Awards!"

Established in 1965 to promote the development of Korean popular culture and boost the morale of artists, the Korea Arts Awards recognized achievements in film, theater, and television across all broadcasting companies.

"Well, I'm not one for awards, but it would be nice to reward our hard-working actors."

"Haha, I hope so." Jin-wook agreed with Director Kim's encouraging words.

"Ah, by the way, the production company mentioned something. It's a bit early to talk about this before the premiere, but since all the leads are here…" The three actors focused on Director Kim Han-soo.

"If the initial ratings are low, they'd like us to appear on variety shows for promotional purposes. But you know I don't force these things on anyone."

"Ah, variety shows?" It wasn't an unreasonable request.

"Of course, it depends on your willingness to participate."

"I'm all for it! I haven't been on many variety shows, but I think it would be fun with our team," So-hyun said, linking arms with the two men.

"Hmm, I don't have much variety show experience either, but I'm okay with it. I'm willing to do it for the drama, even if it's not for the ratings." Son Jin-wook also enjoyed the filming atmosphere and liked the project.

"I'd be honored to appear on anything," Yeon-woo, a rookie actor making his debut, naturally agreed.

"If we do appear, which shows would we go on?"

"Any JNBC variety show would probably welcome us with open arms," Son Jin-wook replied, nodding.

"Well, our fan clubs have been wanting us to appear on variety shows, since we rarely do."

"Jin-wook's appearance would definitely be a big help. He's not a common sight on variety shows. We'll think about that later. Thanks to Yeon-woo wrapping up his scene quickly this morning, we have some free time." Director Kim Han-soo smiled and patted Yeon-woo's shoulder.

"That's thanks to Senior Sang-joong's guidance." Yeon-woo smiled shyly at the director's compliment.

Finding him adorable, So-hyun pinched and pulled his cheek playfully.

"We're almost done with the indoor shoots. We have a few outdoor scenes to film on campus tomorrow, and then we'll be almost finished. Let's wrap up for today." Director Kim Han-soo called the assistant director and gave him some instructions.

"The crew has some preparations to do for tomorrow's outdoor shoot, so you actors can head home."

"Yes, thank you, Director."

"Good work, everyone."

The three leads exchanged greetings with the staff and left the set.

So-hyun's manager pulled up in her car, and she waved goodbye as she got in and drove off.

"Yeon-woo, where's your manager?" Jin-wook asked.

"Ah, I came by subway."

Jin-wook was surprised. "Really?"

"Yeah, I was bored at the accommodations, and I felt bad asking for a ride just to come and show my support. Plus, I haven't signed with a management agency yet."

Jin-wook pondered Yeon-woo's words for a moment. "Why don't you come over to my place? You can stay the night."

"Sir? To your house?" Yeon-woo was surprised by the unexpected invitation.

"Yeah, I live alone anyway. And we have that campus scene together tomorrow. You can ride with me."

"I'd love to, but I don't want to impose."

Jin-wook laughed heartily and slung his arm around Yeon-woo's shoulders. "What are you talking about? I'm bored too. Wait here a second; I left my jacket inside."

He led Yeon-woo to his waiting van.

"Hello, Sang-woo hyung," Yeon-woo greeted Jin-wook's manager, Sang-woo, who turned around from the driver's seat.

"Oh, Yeon-woo."

"Please, just speak comfortably." They had only briefly met and exchanged names before.

"Should I? Haha."

Just then, Jin-wook returned with his jacket and got into the car. "Sang-woo, I invited Yeon-woo over to my place today. Let's go home."

"Yes, hyung."

Lee Sang-woo shifted gears and drove off.

"You wanna come too? Got anything on today?"

"Ah, hyung, I have a date today."

"Ooh, a date!" Jin-wook exclaimed playfully.

"You're the winner among the three of us."

"Hyung, Yeon-woo, you're just being mean."

"Hahaha"

"Oh, right. Yeon-woo might have a girlfriend too. Do you?"

"Nah, I don't." If he had a girlfriend now, she would be twenty-four years younger than him. Yeon-woo scratched his head, swallowing the rest of his sentence.

"After our drama airs, you might get calls from girl group members your age."

"Ooh, girl group members!" This time, both Jin-wook and Sang-woo exclaimed playfully.

"Haha, hyungs, really? I'm not thinking about dating right now."

"Aw, your age is the best time for innocent, young love. Well, considering our profession, you might be right to be cautious."

He liked women, of course. He had even dated in his past life. However, as a field agent, constantly facing the uncertainties of deployments and the ever-present threat of death, he hadn't had the time or energy for genuine relationships.

"Dating… I'm not against it if the opportunity arises."

"So you're looking for a natural connection?" Despite his middle-aged soul, Yeon-woo knew the current dating lingo.

"I guess so."

They chatted and arrived at Jin-wook's home before they knew it.

"Wow, this is the luxury villa complex where all the celebrities live." He hadn't imagined he would ever visit, but he had always been curious about this place, even in his past life.

"Yeon-woo, hyung's place is amazing. It's even better than a luxury hotel suite," Sang-woo said, raising Yeon-woo's expectations.

"Haha, why don't you come back after your date?"

"Nah, I'll pick you up in the morning. I should sleep at home."

"Alright, you don't have anything to bring in, so just head home from here."

Jin-wook and Yeon-woo got out of the car.

"Yes, hyung. See you tomorrow. I'll be here by 9. Bye, Yeon-woo."

"Take care."

Sang-woo drove off to return the van to the company, and Yeon-woo and Jin-wook entered the elevator.

Ding!

"One sec."

Beep!

Jin-wook opened the door with his key card and gestured for Yeon-woo to enter.

"Welcome to my humble abode, Mr. Woo-joo."

"Wow, after begging you to let me stay at your place in the drama, you're finally letting me in!"

"Haha, I guess so."

They passed through the elegant archway entrance, which resembled a hotel lobby, and walked along the marble walls. The first thing that caught Yeon-woo's eye was the expansive living room with floor-to-ceiling windows.

"Wow, this is what they mean by a Han River view. Hyung, this is amazing."

The panoramic view of the Han River and the glimpse of the Gangbyeonbuk-ro highway below were breathtaking.

Both in his past and present lives, Yeon-woo hadn't been particularly materialistic, but he could appreciate a good thing when he saw it.

Jin-wook was delighted by Yeon-woo's childlike wonder, his shoulders rising in excitement as he gave a thumbs-up. "Come on, I'll give you a tour. There's an acting practice room upstairs."

"There's an upstairs too?"

The two men explored the house excitedly, one explaining and the other expressing his admiration. They could have been mistaken for a real estate agent showing a property.

"I enjoy decorating and I'm interested in interior design. Am I bragging too much?"

"No, Jin-wook hyung. I've never been to a house this nice before. I've always wanted to visit this neighborhood."

The two, hitting it off, lost track of time as they enjoyed each other's company.

Then, Jin-wook suddenly remembered something. "Oh, right! Yeon-woo, do you like watches?"

"Watches? I don't know much about them, but I like looking at pretty ones. The ones with visible gears and mechanisms."

"Oh, really?" Jin-wook grinned at Yeon-woo's interest and beckoned him, "Come on, follow me."

He led Yeon-woo to his dressing room and showed him his watch collection.

"This one is pretty, and this one was a gift."

"Hmm? What's this?" Yeon-woo, smiling at Jin-wook's childlike excitement, noticed a familiar watch case.

"Oh, that? Do you know about the 'Absolute Watch'?"

At Jin-wook's question, Yeon-woo's eyes widened in recognition, his expression unreadable.

"The NIS watch."

"Oh, you know about it?" Jin-wook took it out and showed it to Yeon-woo.

The Absolute Watch. A watch issued by the National Intelligence Service as a reward for meritorious service or contributions to national security, such as reporting spies. It had been hyped up online and given the nickname "Absolute Watch."

However, anyone could purchase it as a souvenir after a tour of the NIS headquarters. Yeon-woo himself had often given away the watches he received as standard issue in his past life.

While the design changed frequently, so the watch Jin-wook had wasn't particularly familiar, the unexpected encounter with a familiar object from his past life evoked a strange sense of nostalgia.