After the little encounter with the reporter, Min-Jun's shoot finally wrapped up. Zee sat on a chair, focused on tomorrow's schedule, when a sudden shout pierced through the set.
"SI-WOO!"
Zee's heart skipped as she recognized Min-Jun's angry voice. Oh my God! She immediately knew his anger had to be linked to her earlier order about giving him warm clothes and coffee—clearly, Min-Jun was not pleased, and it was drawing the attention of everyone.
Zee felt a tug at her heart. She wanted to rush over to them, to take responsibility, after all, the last thing she wanted was for any tension to build over something so simple, but hesitated, remembering Min-Jun's rule. Oh, what will she do?
Around her, she could hear the whispers rippling through the crew. You could see the curiosity in their eyes as they darted around. Gui-Jin and Do-hee was suddenly close to her, curious as everyone else.
Zee watched as Che-U tried to control the situation by reasoning with Min-Jun but his anger was clouding his sense of reasoning. She watched as they continued to speak but couldn't make out what they were saying. Suddenly, her mind went to the reporter. What if he was still around watching all this? Then tomorrow's headlines would be all about Min-Jun. No, she needed to stop all this.
"Eomeo! What do you think Si-Woo did?" Do-hee whispered.
"No idea, but I bet he is getting fired," Gui-Jin replied, a hint of resignation in her tone.
Hearing this shook Zee. Si-Woo was simply following her instructions; it wouldn't be fair for him to lose his job over this. She should have trusted his judgment when he warned her that Min-Jun wouldn't appreciate the gesture. After all, they had been working for him longer than she had. Determined to take responsibility, she started to move toward them, preparing to step in, even if it meant breaking Min-Jun's rule.
But just as she took that decisive step, Min-Jun's gaze lifted and locked onto hers. Time seemed to stand still. Zee's heart raced, and for a moment, she completely forgot how to breathe. It was the first time since that day he had looked at her, making her heart pound erratically in her chest.
Min-Jun suddenly broke the eye contact as he angrily walked away, heading toward the VIP van. Seung-Bo immediately opened the door, allowing him to step inside before shutting it. He rushed to the driver's seat, and soon, the van was driving away.
As soon as it disappeared from view, everyone on set resumed their tasks as though nothing had happened. Zee, her heart pounding, finally found her courage and rushed over to Si-Woo.
"Gwaenchana-yo?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.
"Noona, we messed up," Si-Woo mumbled, looking pale and anxious. "I think we will be hearing from Manager Park soon, probably to tell us we are fired."
Zee opened her mouth to respond but found herself at a loss for words. She hadn't realized how deeply her decision could impact Si-Woo.
"What actually happened, Si-Woo?" Gui-Jin asked, her tone filled with curiosity.
"Noona told me to get warm clothes and coffee for him because she thought he would need it after the shoot," Si-Woo explained, his voice trembling. "I was against it, but I did it anyway. The moment I unfolded the hoodie I got from the costume rack, Kang-nim lost it. I should have listened when he refused it at first."
Do-hee stepped closer, placing a comforting hand on Si-Woo's shoulder. "It's okay, Si-Woo," she said gently.
"Are you sure that is all you did?" Che-U asked, his tone sharp with irritation.
"Yes, noona, that is all," Si-Woo nodded emphatically.
"Then why was there tears in Min-Jun's eyes?" Che-U demanded, her face twisted in anger.
"T-Tears?" Zee stammered, disbelief filling her voice.
"Ye," Che-U confirmed, shooting her a disapproving look. "I saw tears prickling his eyes. I don't know why you would ignore everything we told you and send Si-Woo to do that. But don't you get it? I don't want you triggering him and causing yet another scandal. Be mindful of what you are doing!" She scolded before walking away.
Zee watched her go, feeling a wave of guilt and shock wash over her. Her stomach twisted as the weight of her mistake sank in. What had she done?
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Eomeo—OMG
Gwaenchana-yo—Are you okay
Noona—Term used by male for an older female friend
Ye—Yes