# Chapter 4. What He Left Behind (3)
Sometimes, unintended situations can take your breath away.
That’s exactly how Dohyeong felt right now. He entered the office, exchanged eye greetings, and sat on the sofa, but Haesung, who followed behind, naturally took a seat next to him.
Though it was probably just habit, wouldn’t he normally sit next to the female lead in situations like this? While Haesung was the one making the questionable move, it was Dohyeong who was fidgeting uncomfortably.
It felt like sitting on pins and needles. He sent telepathic messages several times to Director Na, urging him to start the meeting. Only after all the bustling movement of people had settled did Director Na finally speak up.
“Since you’re all probably familiar faces, let’s introduce ourselves anyway. This is Jeon Soyeon-ssi who will play the female lead role, Hyea.”
“It’s been a while since we last met. Haesung-ssi, Dohyeong-ssi. Neither of you has changed at all.”
She sat with her legs crossed, tapping the script on her knee as she smiled. Soyeon, with her impressive confident gaze and expression, was neither an alpha nor an omega, but a beta.
Dohyeong thought that in some ways, she might be the most normal person among them. Looking at the roles they were playing, weren’t they living in a world without alphas and omegas?
He couldn’t shake the feeling that this world, where people can’t control themselves because of pheromones or where they live purely by instinct when heat and rut arrive, was somehow twisted.
That’s why Soyeon’s existence was ideal to Dohyeong. An actor known for her skill, with a confident personality everywhere she went, overflowing self-love. On top of that, a constitution that wasn’t affected by any pheromones.
Of course, if there was something else he liked about her…
“Why is Haesung-ssi deliberately sitting next to Dohyeong-ssi? It must be uncomfortable enough already. Oh, not for Haesung-ssi. For Dohyeong-ssi.”
It was the way she would point out and verbalize what no one else would mention.
“That doesn’t mean I need to sit next to you, Jeon Soyeon-ssi. We’d both be equally uncomfortable.”
“Shouldn’t you be more concerned about Kim Dohyeong-ssi, Jung Haesung-ssi’s ex-spouse, rather than worrying about me? Am I the only one who thinks this way?”
Huh? Soyeon looked around at the staff as she questioned again, then met Director Na’s eyes. Director Na, who was smiling awkwardly, cleared his throat and gripped his script tightly.
“Haha, I guess Haesung-ssi was just happy to see him after a long time.”
“How can there be any happiness in meeting after a breakup? Director, you’re really saying strange things.”
As if she couldn’t understand, Soyeon let out a mocking laugh and turned her gaze toward Dohyeong.
“Dohyeong-ssi.”
“Yes?”
“Come sit next to me. I’m suffocating just watching this.”
Dohyeong opened his eyes wide in surprise at Soyeon’s words as she patted the seat next to her.
She wanted him to move right now?
It was like a shrimp caught in a whale fight. While Haesung was a person with significant recognition and influence in the industry, Soyeon was someone with no less influence than him.
Recently, after the talk show she regularly appeared on recorded its highest ratings ever, and after being selected as the most sought-after actress by OTT platforms, her popularity was skyrocketing.
There had even been interviews suggesting that if Director Na hadn’t been at the helm of “Glass Holding Stars,” she wouldn’t have expressed interest in appearing again.
So whether he chose one side or the other, Dohyeong would be the only one in an awkward position. As he rolled his eyes around, not knowing what to do, Haesung, who had been watching him, spoke quietly.
“Go ahead and move. I don’t want the atmosphere to get any stranger here either.”
“You should have just not sat next to Dohyeong-ssi in the first place.”
Once again, the office atmosphere turned cold. Finally, unable to bear it any longer, Dohyeong stood up abruptly, sat next to Soyeon, and smiled awkwardly.
“Thank you for your consideration.”
“It’s not consideration. It’s just common sense, but someone was only thinking of himself.”
Dohyeong glanced at Haesung as she snorted. Even though he no longer needed to, habits ingrained in the body don’t easily disappear.
Of course, it wasn’t just Haesung he was concerned about. Having to be mindful of Soyeon as well meant he was essentially sitting on double the pins and needles.
★
People should know how to ripen like rice. Isn’t being an adult about knowing when to bow your head and when to hold your tongue?
This was what Soyeon posted on her SNS right after Haesung’s first statement aired.
Fans immediately noticed that her mention was targeting Haesung. It was because of her frequent statements showing how much she had been keeping an eye on the actor Kim Dohyeong.
Afterward, Soyeon often posted indirect criticisms of Haesung through her SNS. Her agency seemed to have tried to restrain her several times, but she didn’t back down.
One by one, more actors began adding strength to Soyeon’s words. Nevertheless, she was the only one who had openly defended Dohyeong on a talk show.
So her current hostile attitude toward Haesung was understandable. But understanding it didn’t mean it was helping Dohyeong right now.
Of course, that was also something he couldn’t say out loud.
“Next is Jung Haesung-ssi, who will play the male lead role, Yujin.”
“Nice to meet you all. It’s an honor to be working with you on our second project together.”
It was a short and strong greeting. Dohyeong was surprised again by his concise and clean words, but apparently not as much as Soyeon.
“Not pleased at all,” she said, and Dohyeong hoped he was the only one who heard her, praying that no one else had caught it. He still couldn’t understand why he was so at a loss.
“I’ll benefit from having Haesung-ssi this time. It’s his comeback after two years, you know.”
“By that logic, you’ll also benefit from Dohyeong-ssi. It’s equally his comeback after two years. Oh wait, I wonder who was responsible for that. Hmm?”
Were they enemies in a past life? If not, had something happened between the two of them without Dohyeong knowing? His thoughts extended that far as the uneasy atmosphere showed no signs of improving.
Of course, he knew that his fellow entertainers’ reactions had been split down the middle over “that incident” which had been the reason for their divorce. He also remembered how colleagues who supported and stood by him had sent messages of encouragement through SNS.
He knew Soyeon was one of them. Stay strong, don’t crumble, endure. She was someone who had spoken firmly to him many times.
“Next is the role of Yehyun, the childhood friend who has a one-sided love for the female lead. Kim Dohyeong-ssi.”
“Likewise, I think filming will be more comfortable since we’re working with the same people from the previous project. I look forward to working with you all again.”
“I have high expectations for Dohyeong-ssi. You know how I feel, right?”
Dohyeong nodded with a faint smile in response to Director Na’s words. No sooner had he briefly answered “Yes” than he met Haesung’s eyes, who was staring at him.
It was an ambiguous gaze. He should have avoided it naturally, but it seemed that was still difficult for him. As he turned his head with an expression full of discomfort that anyone could see, Soyeon looked at Director Na with a puzzled expression.
“By the way, Director, I heard Dohyeong-ssi also has a partner to work with this time? The character name seems a bit gender-neutral too. Who is it? They weren’t in the original work.”
“We made some adaptations with the original author. After all, if the story only revolves around the main characters, it might become too calm. We consulted as much as possible before adding it, so don’t worry.”
“Is my partner not coming today?”
“Well… I had someone in mind, but it seems they had already received an offer from somewhere else. I was thinking of looking for someone else, but late yesterday evening, I suddenly got a call. Saying they could appear after all. They said they’d finish up with them and come today… are they not here yet?”
Director Na, who had been sighing while looking beyond the door, suddenly brightened. He stood up abruptly and gestured, causing the three of them to turn their gaze toward the door.
“…Huh?”
And at the sight of someone entering through the door, Dohyeong unconsciously jumped up from his seat.
“Wow, Actor Choi!”
“I’m sorry. I’m too late, aren’t I? Ah, Director Na was so disappointed, which is why I’m a bit late.”
The person Director Na rushed over to embrace was none other than Yuchan. Dohyeong, who had jumped up from his seat, stared at him with a dumbfounded expression.
Is this what you meant by seeing each other often?
Countless questions swirled in his mind, but as soon as he met Haesung’s eyes, he hastily sat back down, realizing his mistake.
“Hello everyone. I’m Choi Yuchan, playing the role of Seo Onyoung, who will form a new love line with Kim Dohyeong-ssi, who plays the role of Yehyun. I’ll do my best. Please take care of me!”
He bowed his head with a spirited greeting, then looked around for an empty seat and sat down next to Haesung. Looking at him with a good-natured smile, Yuchan extended his hand.
“I’ve been wanting to meet you, and now I finally have. Sunbaenim. I’m Choi Yuchan.”
And Haesung’s gaze turned to him. His expression was quite displeased. He looked at the hand suddenly extended to him once, then at his face once, and then turned his body slightly to grasp Yuchan’s hand.
“Yes, nice to meet you.”
“I look forward to your guidance in the future.”
“…Yes.”
After the rather dry greeting ended, Director Na explained how dedicated Yuchan had been to this project. The story was that he had turned down another drama in the same time slot to choose “Glass Holding Stars.”
“Ah, it’s not that amazing. Director Jung was also considering between me and another actor for the lead role. In fact, that person might have fit the image better than me. Since the confirmation article hasn’t been published yet, I thought it was a sign that I should work with the respected Director Na. Director Jung also let me go without complaint since it was Director Na’s project.”
That’s what he said, but it was an issue that could significantly affect Yuchan’s trust and reputation. Everyone noticed this fact, but only Soyeon and Haesung thought there might be a different motive.
Soyeon quietly observed Haesung and Yuchan. Two alphas and one omega. She smiled as she continued her thoughts, turning her head as Director Na began to speak.
Perhaps more interesting things might happen than expected.
***
After the meeting ended, the actors came out into the hallway, escorted by Director Na. Dohyeong cautiously glanced around before sticking close to Yuchan.
“What’s going on? Was this what you were talking about yesterday?”
“Yeah, surprise. Totally unexpected, right? Were you surprised?”
“Yes, I was very surprised. You could have at least given me a hint.”
“Then it wouldn’t be a surprise!”
As they were talking, Yuchan naturally reached out and tightly embraced Dohyeong’s shoulders.
How strange. Dohyeong had cried in his arms countless times, so why did his figure feel so small and vivid today? It was true that Yuchan was tall, but Dohyeong seemed even more delicate than he had thought.
His eyes up close were beautiful. Whatever perfume he had sprayed, the scent that teased his nostrils was unique. His heart fluttered. It was as if time had stopped.
“S-so, I…”
Just as Yuchan stammered, trying to say something—
Someone grabbed Yuchan’s hand and roughly pulled it away from Dohyeong. The two turned around in surprise to find Haesung standing there.
“What is this?”
His expression and tone changed instantly. Haesung slowly looked at such a Yuchan and at Dohyeong, who was staring at him with a surprised expression, then let go of his hand and spoke calmly.
“There’s no need to give fodder to journalists so early on, is there?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Jung Haesung-ssi.”
“I’m saying don’t stick together unnecessarily. Are you planning to create more issues related to Kim Dohyeong-ssi?”
“Do you not know who started those issues in the first place? You know what you’re saying, right?”
Yuchan didn’t back down either. Just as he was about to add something more, with strength in his eyes—
“Don’t worry about it.”
Haesung turned his head in surprise at Dohyeong’s words and met his eyes. The surprise was evident not just on his face. The same went for Yuchan.
“Whatever stories come out about me, whatever I do with Yuchan. It’s not something for Jung Haesung-ssi to worry about. I appreciate your concern, but please keep it moderate.”
