Translated by Jamechi
Unedited
Chapter 7.1
At a local restaurant, the three of us awkwardly sat in front of the freshly made meals. Perhaps this was due to his procured image, but Choi Soohyung attempted to be a courteous host towards the cold Jung Hwanwoo and stiff me. Soon a bowl of samgyetang [1] and kimchi [2] was placed in front of each of us. Choi Soohyung leaned over to help me separate the chicken with his spoon and chopsticks. Despite my attempts to avoid his help, he still managed to assist me. I smiled and thanked him, as opposed to the stern Jung Hwanwoo. On the opposite side of me, Jung Hwanwoo glared at the interaction between Choi Soohyung and me. I lowered my head and avoided his gaze, focusing on the delicious meal in front of me. The hazy steam enveloped the dish, allowing only the red jujubes and white chicken flesh to peek out of the bowl.
Trying to break the ice, Choi Soohyung began to speak.
“So, did you manage to have a good rest after you were discharged from the hospital yesterday? I was shooting a CF [3] late at night when I heard about your discharge,” he said.
“It was nothing serious, I didn’t expect any visitors to come...” I replied.
“What are you talking about! Of course, people would come to visit. Hahahahaha.” Choi Soohyung chuckled in response to my statement. Suddenly, Jung Hwanwoo interjected into the conversation.
“We went home together.” he said.
“What? No, wait, since when were you two close enough to do so?” Choi Soohyung asked.
“We’re not friends.” I refuted.
My strong refutation of Choi Soohyung’s suggestion filled the air with silence, creating an award atmosphere. My eyes drifted towards the two men and I laughed nervously.
“No, I…. I misspoke yesterday, so let’s clear up any misunderstandings.”
“Pfft, hahahaha! Do you mean about the legendary buffoon comment? You know, out of all the people that scold Hwanwoo, you’re the first to call him that, Seo Kyujin. Kekekeke. [4]”
Choi Soohyung burst out laughing after his comment and began to bang the table with his fist in joy. Perplexed by his comment and reaction, I watched Choi Soohyung and thought over what he said.
‘What does a buffoon look like? What did he mean by calling him a….’ I thought and coughed in embarrassment.
“So how was the shooting of the drama yesterday? You said earlier that you also shot a CF late at night?” I asked in an attempt to change the subject from me.
“Haha, of course, there was no issue. It was a soda CF, the only thing I had to do was drink soda! I’ll send you a box of the merchandise, I have many.” Choi Soohyung said.
I internally groaned at the thought of drinking soda. Currently, my stomach is sensitive due to the ulcers littering within me. If I drank something with carbon dioxide, then would it be like consuming rat poison?
“No need to send it, his doctor restricted soda from his diet due to his stomach ulcers.” Jung Hwanwoo interjected as he stared at me. Choi Soohyung raised an eyebrow at Jung Hwanwoo’s rude tone towards him.
“What do you mean, Hwanwoo? Are you Kyujin’s nanny? You’re too worried about him, this is strange.” Choi Soohyung asked.
“There’s nothing weird about what I said.” Jung Hwanwoo calmly replied.
I broke out in a nervous sweat, the conversation was happening too quickly. Choi Soohyung laughed at his reply.
“You two are similar. When one of you talks, the other watches the speaker. It’s as if the two of you are in sync.” Choi Soohyung observed.
“What do you mean?” I replied to Choi Soohyung. Hearing his comments made me displeased, while Jung Hwanwoo frowned at my response. Choi Soohyung chuckled at our reactions and began to remove the flesh of the chicken from its bones. I began to use my spoon to drink some soup from the samgyetang.
“But Kyujin, do you have a lover?” Choi Soohyung asked me.
Shocked by his question, the soup nearly entered my larynx [5], causing me to cough uncontrollably. I felt a sense of déjà vu from his inquiry. It was extremely similar to what Jung Hwanwoo asked me within my dream. Embarrassed, I quickly covered my mouth with a napkin to hide my cough. While panicking, I accidentally knocked over one of the side dishes on the table [5].
“Would you like to change out the side dish?” Jung Hwanwoo asked me, but he didn’t wait for my answer and called upon the waitress for a replacement. The waitress immediately returned with the new side dish and attempted to make eye contact with Jung Hwanwoo. During this, I managed to calm down and wipe my mouth of any saliva or soup that may have leaked out.
“I’m sorry about that.” I apologized.
“Nono, don’t be sorry. I was just curious… I wasn’t expecting you to react this way.” Choi Soohyung stated.
I raised my head and looked at him. Behind him, an image of Jung Hwanwoo smiled at me affectionately. He laid nude on a messy bed as if he was waiting for me to come back to bed after a round of sex. Jung Hwanwoo noticed my dazed look and coughed lightly. His not so subtle signal drew me out of my daydream, bringing me back to the cruel reality of a harsh and uncaring Jung Hwanwoo.
“Author Seo, are you trying to maintain your privacy? You’re more careful than a celebrity.” [6] Choi Soohyung said.
“No, well…. It’s not like that…” I mumbled in response. I scratched my head awkwardly, looked down, and tried to form a reasonable excuse. Although it would be easier to confess the truth, it’s illogical to do so. Confessing that I’ve been having pornographic dreams of him almost every night? I can’t act like an innocent girl having a sweet conversation with her first love. In addition, the other person isn’t my lover, but my enemy, Jung Hwanwoo!
“If you don’t want to talk about an actual person… How about your ideal type? What do you like?” Choi Soohyung continued to ask me.
“Er, I’m not too sure. Why do you want to know about that, anyway?” I asked him back.
“Hm, I wonder~” Choi Soohyung replied.
Hearing Choi Soohyung’s teasing tone, I placed my hands on the table and looked up at Jung Hwanwoo. When Choi Soohyung had his question, Jung Hwanwoo had turned towards me and watched for my response. His eyes emitted a strange, confident vibe and the corner of his eyes seemed to twinkle when he noticed my gaze. Unlike his hypnotizing eyes, his smile appeared much more carefree. I gulped nervously at his seductive gaze and coughed lightly.
“What…. Why do you need to know? It’s not a big deal, it’s just...” I asked again.
My ideal type, I’ve actually never seriously thought about that.
With wide eyes and curious expression, Choi Soohyung watched me avoid his questions. I continued to dodge his probing, but I knew that he would continue asking until I gave an answer. He had the determination to question me all day long, I had to make up an answer at least.
“I’d like my lover to be tall… and know how to comfort me when I’m depressed or tired. Nobody can match my ideal and sexual preferences like Ju-” I started to say, then I stopped right before I said his name.
What. Did. I. Just. Say?!
Translator’s Note:
[1] Samgyetang, also known as ginseng chicken soup, consists primarily of a whole young chicken - filled with garlic, rice, jujube, and ginseng. This is typically served one pot per person and is known to be beneficial to one’s health.
[2] Kimchi is typically served with any Korean main dish. For samgyetang, diners consume the chicken soup with radish and napa cabbage kimchi.
[3] CF - this stands for commercial filming
[4] “Kekeke” is one of the many expressions Koreans have for laughter.
[5] The larynx is covered by the epiglottis when you consume/swallow. This prevents food and liquids from entering your lungs.
[6] ML is trying to sarcastically remark how MC won’t tell ML if MC has a lover or not. His statement basically means “are you putting up a facade even in your private life/are you concerned about how your private life (as opposed to a non-private life) seems to others.” - Thank you COMO for helping with this statement.
Unedited
Chapter 7.1
At a local restaurant, the three of us awkwardly sat in front of the freshly made meals. Perhaps this was due to his procured image, but Choi Soohyung attempted to be a courteous host towards the cold Jung Hwanwoo and stiff me. Soon a bowl of samgyetang [1] and kimchi [2] was placed in front of each of us. Choi Soohyung leaned over to help me separate the chicken with his spoon and chopsticks. Despite my attempts to avoid his help, he still managed to assist me. I smiled and thanked him, as opposed to the stern Jung Hwanwoo. On the opposite side of me, Jung Hwanwoo glared at the interaction between Choi Soohyung and me. I lowered my head and avoided his gaze, focusing on the delicious meal in front of me. The hazy steam enveloped the dish, allowing only the red jujubes and white chicken flesh to peek out of the bowl.
Trying to break the ice, Choi Soohyung began to speak.
“So, did you manage to have a good rest after you were discharged from the hospital yesterday? I was shooting a CF [3] late at night when I heard about your discharge,” he said.
“It was nothing serious, I didn’t expect any visitors to come...” I replied.
“What are you talking about! Of course, people would come to visit. Hahahahaha.” Choi Soohyung chuckled in response to my statement. Suddenly, Jung Hwanwoo interjected into the conversation.
“We went home together.” he said.
“What? No, wait, since when were you two close enough to do so?” Choi Soohyung asked.
“We’re not friends.” I refuted.
My strong refutation of Choi Soohyung’s suggestion filled the air with silence, creating an award atmosphere. My eyes drifted towards the two men and I laughed nervously.
“No, I…. I misspoke yesterday, so let’s clear up any misunderstandings.”
“Pfft, hahahaha! Do you mean about the legendary buffoon comment? You know, out of all the people that scold Hwanwoo, you’re the first to call him that, Seo Kyujin. Kekekeke. [4]”
Choi Soohyung burst out laughing after his comment and began to bang the table with his fist in joy. Perplexed by his comment and reaction, I watched Choi Soohyung and thought over what he said.
‘What does a buffoon look like? What did he mean by calling him a….’ I thought and coughed in embarrassment.
“So how was the shooting of the drama yesterday? You said earlier that you also shot a CF late at night?” I asked in an attempt to change the subject from me.
“Haha, of course, there was no issue. It was a soda CF, the only thing I had to do was drink soda! I’ll send you a box of the merchandise, I have many.” Choi Soohyung said.
I internally groaned at the thought of drinking soda. Currently, my stomach is sensitive due to the ulcers littering within me. If I drank something with carbon dioxide, then would it be like consuming rat poison?
“No need to send it, his doctor restricted soda from his diet due to his stomach ulcers.” Jung Hwanwoo interjected as he stared at me. Choi Soohyung raised an eyebrow at Jung Hwanwoo’s rude tone towards him.
“What do you mean, Hwanwoo? Are you Kyujin’s nanny? You’re too worried about him, this is strange.” Choi Soohyung asked.
“There’s nothing weird about what I said.” Jung Hwanwoo calmly replied.
I broke out in a nervous sweat, the conversation was happening too quickly. Choi Soohyung laughed at his reply.
“You two are similar. When one of you talks, the other watches the speaker. It’s as if the two of you are in sync.” Choi Soohyung observed.
“What do you mean?” I replied to Choi Soohyung. Hearing his comments made me displeased, while Jung Hwanwoo frowned at my response. Choi Soohyung chuckled at our reactions and began to remove the flesh of the chicken from its bones. I began to use my spoon to drink some soup from the samgyetang.
“But Kyujin, do you have a lover?” Choi Soohyung asked me.
Shocked by his question, the soup nearly entered my larynx [5], causing me to cough uncontrollably. I felt a sense of déjà vu from his inquiry. It was extremely similar to what Jung Hwanwoo asked me within my dream. Embarrassed, I quickly covered my mouth with a napkin to hide my cough. While panicking, I accidentally knocked over one of the side dishes on the table [5].
“Would you like to change out the side dish?” Jung Hwanwoo asked me, but he didn’t wait for my answer and called upon the waitress for a replacement. The waitress immediately returned with the new side dish and attempted to make eye contact with Jung Hwanwoo. During this, I managed to calm down and wipe my mouth of any saliva or soup that may have leaked out.
“I’m sorry about that.” I apologized.
“Nono, don’t be sorry. I was just curious… I wasn’t expecting you to react this way.” Choi Soohyung stated.
I raised my head and looked at him. Behind him, an image of Jung Hwanwoo smiled at me affectionately. He laid nude on a messy bed as if he was waiting for me to come back to bed after a round of sex. Jung Hwanwoo noticed my dazed look and coughed lightly. His not so subtle signal drew me out of my daydream, bringing me back to the cruel reality of a harsh and uncaring Jung Hwanwoo.
“Author Seo, are you trying to maintain your privacy? You’re more careful than a celebrity.” [6] Choi Soohyung said.
“No, well…. It’s not like that…” I mumbled in response. I scratched my head awkwardly, looked down, and tried to form a reasonable excuse. Although it would be easier to confess the truth, it’s illogical to do so. Confessing that I’ve been having pornographic dreams of him almost every night? I can’t act like an innocent girl having a sweet conversation with her first love. In addition, the other person isn’t my lover, but my enemy, Jung Hwanwoo!
“If you don’t want to talk about an actual person… How about your ideal type? What do you like?” Choi Soohyung continued to ask me.
“Er, I’m not too sure. Why do you want to know about that, anyway?” I asked him back.
“Hm, I wonder~” Choi Soohyung replied.
Hearing Choi Soohyung’s teasing tone, I placed my hands on the table and looked up at Jung Hwanwoo. When Choi Soohyung had his question, Jung Hwanwoo had turned towards me and watched for my response. His eyes emitted a strange, confident vibe and the corner of his eyes seemed to twinkle when he noticed my gaze. Unlike his hypnotizing eyes, his smile appeared much more carefree. I gulped nervously at his seductive gaze and coughed lightly.
“What…. Why do you need to know? It’s not a big deal, it’s just...” I asked again.
My ideal type, I’ve actually never seriously thought about that.
With wide eyes and curious expression, Choi Soohyung watched me avoid his questions. I continued to dodge his probing, but I knew that he would continue asking until I gave an answer. He had the determination to question me all day long, I had to make up an answer at least.
“I’d like my lover to be tall… and know how to comfort me when I’m depressed or tired. Nobody can match my ideal and sexual preferences like Ju-” I started to say, then I stopped right before I said his name.
What. Did. I. Just. Say?!
Translator’s Note:
[1] Samgyetang, also known as ginseng chicken soup, consists primarily of a whole young chicken - filled with garlic, rice, jujube, and ginseng. This is typically served one pot per person and is known to be beneficial to one’s health.
[2] Kimchi is typically served with any Korean main dish. For samgyetang, diners consume the chicken soup with radish and napa cabbage kimchi.
[3] CF - this stands for commercial filming
[4] “Kekeke” is one of the many expressions Koreans have for laughter.
[5] The larynx is covered by the epiglottis when you consume/swallow. This prevents food and liquids from entering your lungs.
[6] ML is trying to sarcastically remark how MC won’t tell ML if MC has a lover or not. His statement basically means “are you putting up a facade even in your private life/are you concerned about how your private life (as opposed to a non-private life) seems to others.” - Thank you COMO for helping with this statement.