Chapter 12: A Different Kind of Friendship

The afterparty had finally begun to wind down.

The once-crowded rooftop lounge was now half-empty, with only the most dedicated guests lingering over their expensive drinks. Laughter had faded to murmurs, and the once-lively jazz music now played softly in the background.

For most people, this was a night of celebration, networking, and deals being made behind closed doors.

But for Yoo Seoyun, it was exhausting.

Standing near the balcony, she finally allowed herself a moment to breathe.

Beside her, Lee Jihoon leaned against the railing, gazing out at the glittering Seoul skyline. The night air was cool and refreshing, a stark contrast to the artificial warmth of the party behind them.

Seoyun let out a deep sigh and removed her dangling earrings, rubbing her temples.

"Finally, it's over."

Jihoon glanced at her, smirking. "You say that like you just finished running a marathon."

She let out a small chuckle. "That's exactly what these events feel like."

Jihoon tilted his head. "So… does this mean you can finally relax now?"

Seoyun gave him a look before shaking her head. "Relaxing isn't really part of the job."

Jihoon frowned. "That sounds exhausting."

Seoyun smirked. "It is. But that's the price of being in this industry."

Jihoon studied her carefully. Her makeup was still perfect, her dress was still elegant, and her posture was still graceful—but beneath all that polish, he could see it.

She looked tired.

For the entire evening, she had been surrounded by people who only saw her as an asset—a rising star, a brand, a business opportunity.

No one seemed to care how she felt.

Ding.

[Kindness Opportunity Detected.]

Sometimes, the best gift is letting someone be themselves.

Jihoon smirked at the notification before turning back to her.

"You know," he said casually, "you don't have to keep up the 'celebrity' act around me."

Seoyun blinked. "What do you mean?"

Jihoon stretched his arms, leaning lazily against the railing. "I mean, you don't have to be 'Yoo Seoyun, the actress' with me. You can just be… you."

For a moment, Seoyun just stared at him.

Then, she let out a genuine laugh.

"You're a strange one, Jihoon," she said, shaking her head.

Jihoon grinned. "I've been told that before."

Seoyun sighed, shifting so that she was facing the city instead of the party. The tension in her shoulders eased slightly.

"…It's been a long time since someone said that to me."

Jihoon shrugged. "Then consider it a reminder. You're more than just a public figure."

She was silent for a moment before giving him a small, grateful smile.

"Thank you," she said softly.

Ding.

[Meaningful Act of Kindness Completed!]

Reward: 10,000 KRW

Jihoon chuckled. This system really liked small moments.

By the time Seoyun decided she had enough socializing, it was already past midnight.

The event had served its purpose—connections were made, deals were hinted at, and public images were carefully maintained.

Now, it was time to escape.

She turned to Jihoon. "Let's get out of here."

Jihoon smirked. "I thought you'd never ask."

Seoyun discreetly signaled to her manager, who quickly arranged for a quiet exit.

Within minutes, they were out of the venue, stepping into the cool night air away from the flashing cameras.

A black luxury sedan was waiting by the curb.

Jihoon raised an eyebrow. "Fancy."

Seoyun rolled her eyes playfully. "Comes with the job."

The driver opened the door for her, and she hesitated before glancing back at Jihoon.

"…Do you want a ride home?"

Jihoon shrugged. "Sure, if it's not too much trouble."

Seoyun chuckled. "You were my guest tonight. The least I can do is drop you off."

They both got into the car, and as the city lights blurred past the windows, Jihoon noticed how Seoyun finally looked relaxed.

The ride was quiet, but it wasn't awkward.

Jihoon stared out the window, watching the city shift from high-end districts to quieter, more residential streets.

Seoyun, on the other hand, was lost in thought.

"…Tonight was interesting," she eventually said.

Jihoon turned to her. "That's one way to put it."

Seoyun smirked. "I'm glad you came, though."

Jihoon leaned back in his seat. "Honestly? Me too."

She studied him for a moment. "So, what's your deal, Jihoon?"

Jihoon raised an eyebrow. "My deal?"

Seoyun nodded. "You don't seem like someone who usually ends up at VIP events. And yet, here you are, sitting in my car after a film premiere."

Jihoon chuckled. "Believe me, I didn't see this coming either."

Seoyun tilted her head. "Then how did it happen?"

Jihoon hesitated for a moment before smirking.

"I guess… I just decided to start being kind."

Seoyun blinked. "That's it?"

Jihoon nodded. "Pretty much."

Seoyun let out a soft laugh. "I don't think I've ever met anyone like you."

Jihoon grinned. "I get that a lot."

A comfortable silence settled between them.

Then, out of nowhere, Seoyun yawned.

Jihoon smirked. "Tired?"

Seoyun sighed. "Completely."

Jihoon shook his head. "You should sleep when you get home."

Seoyun closed her eyes briefly. "That's the plan."

Jihoon looked at her, noticing how much lighter she seemed compared to earlier.

Maybe it was the quiet of the night.

Maybe it was the fact that she didn't have to pretend right now.

Or maybe, just maybe…

She was finally allowing herself to just be Yoo Seoyun.

And Jihoon found himself happy about that.

When the car finally arrived in front of Jihoon's apartment, the vehicle slowed to a stop.

Jihoon turned to Seoyun. "Thanks for the ride."

Seoyun smiled. "Thanks for keeping me sane tonight."

Jihoon grinned. "Anytime."

As he opened the door, Seoyun suddenly spoke again.

"Jihoon."

He turned back. "Yeah?"

She hesitated before saying, "Let's hang out again. Outside of all this industry stuff."

Jihoon blinked. "Like… as friends?"

Seoyun smirked. "Yeah. As friends."

Jihoon chuckled. "Sounds good to me."

Seoyun smiled. "Goodnight, Jihoon."

Jihoon nodded. "Goodnight, Seoyun."

As the car pulled away, Jihoon stood there for a moment, watching it disappear down the road.

Then, he let out a small laugh.

What a crazy night.

Ding.

[New Relationship Established: Yoo Seoyun - Genuine Friend]

Special Status: Trust Level Increased

Reward: 20,000 KRW

Jihoon blinked at the notification.

Then, with a smirk, he walked into his apartment.

Tonight had been the beginning of something unexpected.

And for the first time in a long time, Jihoon felt like his life was finally becoming interesting.

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