Section Manager Kim’s words weren’t wrong either. Even just the voices murmuring when Muyoung was hiding in the emergency staircase were like that. Even the people working with him didn’t know everything and were making various speculations, so the general public would be even worse, not less.
“…How about I just reveal that I’m an omega?”
“Muyoung…”
Although it had been a short time since the incident happened until now, no matter how he thought about it, the conclusion was one. Revealing his trait should be the top priority to make the speculative articles entangled with Dowon quiet down. Though the talk might grow even bigger, at least couldn’t he escape a bit from rumors about sponsorship or pregnancy?
“If I say I didn’t think much of it because I was active without revealing it during my acting career, wouldn’t that be okay…?”
“If we only think about your position, we could do that, but shouldn’t we talk with CEO Han first? Just in case he thinks differently about it.”
“He’s not… that kind of person. Before misunderstandings just pile up with strange words, I thought if we just say it, at least these kinds of articles won’t come out openly.”
“Muyoung, I understand how you feel, but…”
CEO Choi, as if troubled, repeatedly wiped his face with his dry hand, then hesitantly continued.
“He probably has a separate media response team. Since CEO Han is also a person from Jaeyoung Group, the group itself might manage it.”
“Ah…”
“When he called earlier, I tried to figure it out, but he was also busy frantically figuring things out belatedly, so I couldn’t ask anything.”
Muyoung just weakly nodded his head. CEO Choi was explaining one by one as if telling a young child, but all Muyoung understood was that this matter couldn’t be resolved by him alone.
“We also have to look at the advertising contracts… I don’t know how they’ll react to today’s incident since it’s a situation not specified in the contract. Don’t worry too much for now. I’ll contact them tomorrow and let you know.”
Only then did he raise his eyes and the two people sitting in front of him seemed to come into proper view. Section Manager Kim was holding the phone he’d left on the table again and looking at the screen for quite a while, and CEO Choi was diligently explaining other things to him.
He’d been absorbed in his own thoughts because the words of people talking after seeing the articles were momentarily scary and frightening. Even though it was naturally something to consider. Muyoung, who had never been entangled in even minor gossip, let alone something like today, was ashamed of himself for not thinking at all to the point CEO Choi was talking about.
No, that was also just an excuse. He was just thinking about ways to calm down the rumors that would spread through the articles as quickly as possible. Until now, he too had been a person who pretended to be indifferent to hiding.
“I didn’t even think about such things… I’m sorry…”
“That’s what I’m here for, so don’t worry too much. I need to at least contact CEO Han to get a direction, but right now it won’t work. I also need to arrange accommodations for you to stay at for a while.”
Words followed that they should all move locations soon, shouldn’t they? Muyoung already knew that. Section Manager Kim had mentioned it, and Dowon had already said he couldn’t stay at the office continuously, so he had to move with CEO Choi and Section Manager Kim. It was like taking refuge in a hotel or other accommodation to avoid reporters, like when paparazzi had followed them.
“The articles themselves aren’t too trashy, but other channels are the problem. They’re already spreading everywhere and all kinds of stories are pouring out.”
Section Manager Kim, perhaps tired from looking at the phone screen for a long time, muttered while rubbing between his eyes with his fingers. Only then remembering that he had one of Section Manager Kim’s work phones, Muyoung searched his pocket. Then he handed it to Section Manager Kim and fidgeted with his own phone, which had its power off.
His deliberation wasn’t long. Soon the notifications piled up on the screen with the power turned on rang for a while then stopped. He deleted or postponed checking all the unnecessary contacts. There was someone important separately.
Han Dowon
Have a good time at the wrap party.
Han Dowon
Where are you?
Are you okay right now?
I’m with people today. Leave a message when you have time.
At Dowon’s texts piled up neatly with time intervals, Muyoung unknowingly let out a long breath. Dowon’s name was also on the missed call list, showing he had called several times before Muyoung turned off the power. A pounding that was hard to determine whether it was relief or anxiety kept knocking on Muyoung around his chest. It wasn’t that his heart was beating fast or that his breathing was difficult, but some… indescribable resonance.
“Um… I’ll go make a phone call.”
Although it was obvious who Muyoung was going to call, the two people sitting on the office sofa just nodded. Even CEO Choi, who had said he had other business, didn’t bring it up now. Knowing they were pretending not to know, Muyoung entered the break room far from the sofa.
He checked the familiar name and pressed the call button. The connection tone continued for a long time. Was he very busy? Was contacting him for no reason making him concerned? Just as impatience was growing more and more in Muyoung, the connection tone stopped and a kind voice was heard along with noisy sounds.
— Where are you? Are you okay?
“I-I’m fine. I came to the office. I contacted you late because I checked your text too late.”
— There was a bit of a problem at the company, so I’m also frantic. I should be with you, but I don’t think I can leave right away, what should I do?
“No, I’m fine. Right now I’m with Section Manager Kim and CEO Choi. I heard you also contacted CEO Choi earlier.”
Surprised by Dowon’s words, Muyoung first conveyed his own situation. It didn’t matter if he didn’t tell him right away what problem had arisen. Rather, he felt drained by Dowon’s words trying to take care of him first despite being in such a situation. He leaned against the wall while listening to the voice flowing from the phone.
If it hadn’t been for him in the first place, there would have been no trouble. Whatever he said, it seemed like it was all his fault. Of course, Dowon had suggested they get treatment together. He should have stopped that somehow too. It would have been better if he was someone who didn’t need a hospital at all, but if that couldn’t be, shouldn’t he have at least anticipated that such a situation could arise?
— Muyoung-ssi’s phone was off. It seemed like right after the article came out, so I contacted him separately.
“CEO…”
Of course he couldn’t be okay, but still he wanted to ask. He should have asked earlier. He was also worried. He was sincerely concerned whether he was experiencing discomfort in an unexpected situation. However, perhaps all those feelings might be close to selfishness. The selfishness of wanting to be reassured with words that he’s not resenting him, that it’s okay, that Dowon would willingly endure this discomfort caused by him.
— I want to say I’m okay too, but it’s actually a bit chaotic here.
“…Is it very bad? It’s because of the article, right?”
— It’s still hard to say, but I’ll make sure there’s nothing to worry Muyoung-ssi.
“If there’s anything I can do to help… Our CEO also said there would probably be a need to consult together…”
The anxiety that had barely subsided crept up slowly in Muyoung’s heart. His mouth, which had been about to say to tell him if anything was needed, was blocked. It wasn’t because he lacked resolve. He just wondered what help he could possibly be if a really big problem had arisen. When all he could do was hide like this over just one article.
“…And I’m worried too.”
— I just said I wouldn’t worry Muyoung-ssi.
Though it was a voice mixed with a sigh, Dowon’s tone wasn’t heavy. Rather, Muyoung furrowed his brow, thinking he was saying this much to try not to make him worry.
“I’m the one who’s only made you worry…”
— No, I’m saying I like that you’re worrying. At this rate, I might even act spoiled. It’s chaotic here partly because of our article today, but also because family matters overlapped. I’ll explain properly later. I’m sorry for making you worry.
“…No. I’m sorry.”
— For what? That article really doesn’t matter at all. Don’t be anxious and get some good rest. I’ll also contact you as soon as things are sorted out.
“Yes… I will. Don’t overdo it too much either, CEO.”
Dowon’s gently soothing voice made Muyoung’s face relax considerably. The anxiety and worry that had been heavily pressing down on his shoulders seemed to completely disappear, at least for this moment. Though he didn’t know where it originated from, he also gained a bit of confidence that it might vaguely end well.
— I only saw your appearance today through the article photo, but I didn’t know I’d regret not seeing it with my own eyes this much.
“…CEO.”
— I’m not joking. If it weren’t for the article, I would have gone to pick you up.
He couldn’t help but laugh at the man’s words boasting that if this incident hadn’t happened, he would have wanted to pull him out from the drinking party right away. Even though he should go back to where CEO Choi and Section Manager Kim were and discuss the aftermath right now, listening to Dowon’s voice like this was quite comforting in itself.
“People are making a lot of noise. About me not revealing my trait and… from sponsorship to, well, such talk, the speculation seems severe.”
— Don’t tell me you looked at comments and such directly? Don’t do that. There won’t be any proper talk.
Actually, even if Dowon didn’t say it was okay, that was fine.
“…It doesn’t matter because it’s not true.”
— You’re saying something admirable. I need to see Muyoung-ssi’s face as soon as things are sorted out.
“Uh, I’m fine. Don’t overdo it too much…”
Even if it weren’t for the article, similar problems could have arisen at any time. Because he was an actor, and because Dowon was in a quite notable position, the reasons would be various besides that. Though Muyoung didn’t have many people around him, he vaguely anticipated that something would change due to the article that came out this time. Someone knowledgeable about such matters like Dowon would know even better.
