The next day at work, Zee made a conscious effort to keep a twelve-inch distance from Min-Jun, just as he had requested. He remained quiet, isolated in his own world as he focused on his script between takes, his mask and glasses firmly in place—even though they were indoors. Zee couldn't help but wonder why he felt the need to hide like that while in the studio. Initially, she thought it was just typical behavior from a celebrity trying to avoid recognition, but now it felt different, as if he were trying to protect himself.
Zee glanced around but noticed that Yeong-Su was absent that day. A knot of worry formed in her stomach, remembering how he had rushed off yesterday, his voice laced with concern after receiving that phone call. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong but hoped everything was okay with him. Her mind drifted back to the news headlines, but she quickly pushed those thoughts aside.
As filming continued, Zee noticed that Min-Jun was being called for a scene. He looked focused yet distant. Seizing the opportunity, she walked up to Gui-Jin, who was sitting alone nearby, observing her nails. Seems like they are new, Zee thought.
"Hey, Gui-Jin, they are beautiful," Zee said honestly, trying to stir up a conversation.
Gui-Jin's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Thank you, Zee! You're the only one who noticed they're different. I just got them done early this morning."
Zee smiled and waited for her excitement to settle before continuing. "I wanted to ask—do you know anything about Min-Jun's likes or dislikes? I want to make sure he is comfortable."
Zee wanted to find out more than what she already knew from his interviews and talk shows. She figured it would be better to learn more about Min-Jun from people close to him. The talk shows and interviews hadn't mentioned the type of coffee Min-Jun preferred. If she hadn't learned it from Si-Woo the other night, she never would have known.
Gui-Jin smiled. "See? I told Che-U not to worry—that you were good—but she thinks I'm just blabbing like always."
Zee's eyes widened, surprised they had been talking about her. Hadn't she already proved through their previous conversation that she wasn't after Min-Jun?
"Honestly, I have no idea what he likes," Gui-Jin said with a shrug. "But I do know he dislikes everything. It's like he is irritated by the world."
Zee raised an eyebrow, glancing back at Min-Jun, who seemed engrossed in his role. "Everything? Really? What do you mean?"
Gui-Jin sighed, crossing her arms. "I think he just has high standards or something—you know, typical celebrity lifestyle. He can't find joy in anything, not even the simplest things. And like we told you before, he gets irritated by the smallest things. That is why he is difficult to work with. Nothing ever makes him happy."
Zee's brow furrowed with concern. "Did any of you ever try to get to know him better?"
Gui-Jin burst into laughter. "Eomeo? How could we, when he keeps everyone at arm's length? It's hard to break through that wall."
As Gui-Jin's words sank in, Zee cast another glance at Min-Jun. One thing she was sure of: she didn't like their attitude toward him, and she would have to change that. There had to be more beneath that stoic, composed exterior. Maybe she should try to find out—but would it risk her job? No, she would do it discretely.
"So, were you surprised to see yourself on the news yesterday?" Gui-Jin suddenly asked, breaking into Zee's thoughts.
Zee blinked, nodding as yesterday's whirlwind of emotions resurfaced. "You shouldn't be," Gui-Jin continued, her tone light. "It's one of the perks of working with an A-list celebrity like Min-Jun. Paparazzi are always lurking. You will find yourself popping up in one entertainment news or another."
Zee forced a smile, even as a knot tightened in her stomach. "Yeah, geurae," she replied softly.
Gui-Jin leaned in, her eyes sparking with excitement. "When we first started working with him, we where all on the news too. But your news… it's bigger, especially because you took over her position."
Zee's eyes darkened with a mix of anger and worry, her mind racing. Was she ready for the endless comparisons? Would people judge her for stepping into a role marred by scandal? She glanced at Min-Jun again, wondering what he truly thought of her. Aside from his dislike, did he see her as an ally—or just another part of the chaos surrounding him? What if she didn't meet expectations?
"Don't let it get to you, arasseo? Just focus on the work," Gui-Jin encouraged.
With a deep breath, Zee tried to shake off the worry, reminding herself that she had earned her place and deserve to be by Kang Min-Jun's side. All she hoped for is that he would eventually warm up to her.
Filming wrapped up earlier than expected, leaving Zee with a bit of extra time on her hands. She decided to swing by the coffee shop where Ji-a worked, so they could go home together. As she entered, the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped her like a comforting embrace. She spotted Ji-a behind the counter, her hair tied up in a messy bun, expertly steaming milk.
"Hey, Ji-a!" Zee called out, a bright smile spreading across her face.
Ji-a looked up, her eyes lighting up instantly. "Zee! You came by today! How was filming?"
"It was good, actually," Zee replied, settling into a cozy chair. "We wrapped up early, so I thought I would come see my favorite barista."
Ji-a giggled, grabbing a mug and pouring a steaming cup of coffee. She set it down in front of Zee with a playful smile. "The usual. It's on the house today, since you are my best customer."
Zee grinned at her friend's cheeky comeback before taking a sip of the rich, familiar coffee. "Mmm, as expected, you never disappoint. How was your shift?"
"Busy as usual," Ji-a replied, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "But I will finish up soon so we can head out together."
Zee nodded, savoring the warmth of her extra-foamy coffee just as she liked it, enjoying the cozy café's familiar ambiance.
As Ji-a rounded up her tasks, Zee's mind drifted to the memory of how they met. Unlike most friendships that began in the university halls, theirs had started right here, in this very café. Zee, a student at SNU, had initially stopped by the café to study, and Ji-a, always cheerful and friendly, would engage her in small talk before rushing back to her work. Over time, those short conversations turned into long chats, and Zee had come to know Ji-a's background, her family, and her struggles.
Ji-a was balancing part-time shifts here while finishing her studies, working to help pay her tuition and support her family. As their bond grew stronger, Zee became a lifeline for Ji-a when financial struggles made it hard for her to afford dorm fees. Zee smiled recalling Ji-a's strong objection when she had ask her not to pay for rent. Her dad covered her rent anyways so it wasn't an issue. But Ji-a, raised with strong values, wasn't hearing any of it and insisted paying her fair share. In the end, they had compromised, and their living arrangement only strengthened their bond, turning them into inseparable roommates. What started as a casual café encounter had blossomed into a friendship they now cherished deeply.
________________
Eomeo—Oh my gosh
Geurae—Sure
Arasseo—Understood