Why does this guy, Yoon-something-or-other, want to eat a meal with me? Who does he think he is? Kwon Isoo, who had been frowning, soon twisted his lips as if he’d realized something.
“Ah…”
Don’t tell me he wants to evaluate me as a fellow group member of Do Yeonjae?
He had already roughly grasped the dynamics of RAYEON members through Do Yeonjae’s videos that appeared in his algorithm. Watching them fuss over the biggest guy as if he were the maknae made him feel sick.
Do Yeonjae might be used to it and not notice, but to a third party’s eyes, it looked ridiculous. And now, just because he’s filming a variety show with him, he immediately wants to set up a meal together…
To Kwon Isoo, this proposal felt like a challenge or provocation. Erasing his expression and rubbing his mouth, he spat out with sharp eyes:
“Whatever.”
At that, Do Yeonjae’s face brightened considerably.
“Thanks. Hyung, I’ll send you the address on KakaoTalk. See you there.”
Why is he so happy about that? Kwon Isoo sneered inwardly as he turned and left the waiting room first. Yeonjae was about to follow him out when his eyes met with the PD standing nearby.
“Ah, PD-nim.”
As she had said in the interview, the filming was flowing almost entirely centered on the cast members. Only the essential staff were following them around. Thanks to minimizing production team intervention, they were getting a natural atmosphere… but the problem was that this “natural” vibe wasn’t quite appropriate for broadcast.
It was definitely different from what he’d imagined. Bothered by this, he tried to bring it up, but…
“No, I think it’s great though?”
Huh? Do Yeonjae’s eyes widened. PD Woo Jiyeon, who had been looking up at him, chuckled audibly. She hadn’t seen him in person for very long, but this was the first time she’d seen him make such a surprised expression, which was amusing.
She explained with a face that still held her laughter.
“I never wanted a friendship that was beautifully fairytale-like and harmonious from the start. If it were like that, the process of raising the chemistry gauge would be utterly boring. Realistically, truly close friends tease and bicker with each other, right?”
Her eyes sparkled with anticipation as she kindly reassured Do Yeonjae. Looking closely, it seemed like she was actually encouraging something…
“Since we’ll be editing anyway, don’t worry too much about filming and just keep doing what you’re doing now. It’s okay to get annoyed, you can yell if you’re angry, and you can even fight if you disagree.”
“Fighting is a bit… but I understand what you mean.”
“Yep. I’ll step out briefly and then head straight to the broadcasting station. The assistant director will follow you, so don’t worry even if I’m not there. Enjoy your dinner and see you later!”
Do Yeonjae nodded with a puzzled expression and came outside, mulling over her words. So that’s what she meant in the proposal about genuine humanity and distinct personality… and whatnot. Anyway, she’s saying it’s pretty much okay as it is now.
“Why are you dawdling? Are you a turtle?”
…Even being openly annoyed like that is okay?
Idiot, rat bastard, turtle. The nicknames Kwon Isoo had called him were quite diverse. Isn’t his personality a bit too distinct? Do Yeonjae, who had been briefly contemplating, soon shook off the thought. The PD has good instincts, so she must have her reasons.
After getting in the passenger seat, he sent the address marked on the navigation to Hayun hyung. He clenched and unclenched his fist while sneakily observing Kwon Isoo driving.
At first, even when Hayun hyung said he was coming, he didn’t think much of it, but now that they were actually leaving, he felt strangely nervous. Kwon Isoo had told him before not to expect to be treated as a senior… but surely he wouldn’t act rudely to Hayun hyung too, right?
Nah, but it’s in front of cameras, so surely not. He’s an idol who’s been in broadcasting for a year, so surely not. Surely…
The anxiety he’d been dismissing with “surely” soon became reality.
**\* \* \***
The fusion Korean restaurant run by someone Kwon Isoo knew exuded a trendy vibe from its very interior.
Stopping about halfway down a quiet alley and entering along stepping stones, he saw a small, low sign reading “Damyeon,” and next to it, a wooden sliding door was firmly closed.
The overall calm and organized atmosphere gave it the feeling of a hidden gem. While examining the few small flowerpots placed next to the door, he met Hayun hyung, who had arrived just then. Yeonjae approached Hayun with delight.
“Hyung, you came quickly.”
Hayun’s lips curled up shyly.
“Mmm… did you film the cover video well today, Yeonjae?”
“Thanks to you. Ah. This is…”
“Do Yeonjae, hurry up and come in.”
They were looking at each other and laughing for no reason when, at the moment he was about to properly introduce Kwon Isoo, Kwon Isoo just went in first without a care. Yeonjae blinked for a moment in disbelief, then spoke as if familiar with this rudeness.
“Let’s go in and say hello.”
“…Yeah.”
Hayun nodded with a somewhat nervous expression. Yeonjae entered the restaurant with his hyung.
The indirect lighting laid low on the floor added to the hall’s atmosphere. Most of the tables in the hall were already occupied by customers. A sharp-featured man who was serving at the counter recognized Kwon Isoo and guided them to a private room in the corridor. Is that person the owner?
Do Yeonjae, who had been quietly observing the interior, followed quietly.
The restaurant is really nice, but…
Somehow things were getting awkward from the very seat selection.
Cameras were set up throughout the private room. Kwon Isoo and Hayun, who had entered the room first, split off to opposite sides of a table for four. Then they both naturally moved further inside and simultaneously called for him.
“Yeonjae, over here…”
“Do Yeonjae.”
As if telling him to sit on their side.
“Uh…”
Do Yeonjae was momentarily flustered by the unexpected situation. Hayun hyung was a member so he was used to sitting together, which made sense, but what was Kwon Isoo thinking, glaring at the other person as if dumbfounded?
Is this a situation where I have to choose?
Do Yeonjae, who had never in his life deeply contemplated whose side to sit on, nor ever sulked because someone didn’t sit next to him, scratched his cheek. Isn’t it just about eating a good meal regardless of where he sat?
Seeing him hesitate, Kwon Isoo let out a hollow laugh as if dumbfounded.
“Sit here. Unless you’ve forgotten what you’re filming right now.”
Hmm… it’s a variety show filming just the two of them, Kwon Isoo and him, so that makes sense, but thinking about it that way, Hayun hyung is a guest, so wouldn’t it be a bit awkward to have him sit alone?
However, looking at that fierce expression, it seemed like if he didn’t sit next to him, he’d be in for endless complaints.
Still, Hayun hyung would probably understand… Having made his decision, Do Yeonjae’s steps headed toward Kwon Isoo.
Confirming this, Kwon Isoo put on a smile and sneered at Hayun. Hmph. The face with its corners boldly curled up revealed the leisure of a victor without restraint.
Hayun watched Kwon Isoo for a moment, then quietly sat down across from Yeonjae. Do Yeonjae looked up at Kwon Isoo with a puzzled gaze.
“Kwon Isoo? What are you doing not sitting down?”
“…Yeah.”
Having become magnanimous seeing Do Yeonjae seated next to him, Kwon Isoo plopped down on the chair. He took off his zip-up hoodie, hung it on the chair, and spoke familiarly to the owner.
“Three A courses.”
Since it was a course meal format, you just had to choose a course composition rather than individual menu items. Among them, what Kwon Isoo chose was this restaurant’s most popular course.
He was about to finish ordering simply when Do Yeonjae suddenly interjected.
“Can I see the menu for a moment?”
“Why? That’s the signature course, so it’s the most delicious.”
Despite Kwon Isoo’s explanation that he always ate that course whenever he came, Do Yeonjae resolutely took the menu. Indeed, the course Kwon Isoo mentioned was emphasized with an asterisk as the owner’s recommendation. Nevertheless, Do Yeonjae began carefully examining each dish that came with the A course one by one.
Kwon Isoo’s gaze watching Do Yeonjae gradually became more displeased. Don’t tell me he can’t trust my taste. He tilted his head crookedly and was about to say something more when unexpected words came from Do Yeonjae’s mouth.
“The fourth dish has shrimp in it. Hayun hyung has a shrimp allergy. Hyung will eat a different course.”
“Ah, if you wish, we can substitute just that menu with scallops or a chicken dish.”
At the owner’s quick response, Yeonjae smiled and nodded.
“That would work. How about you, hyung? Take a look at the menu.”
“Hmm… Since Isoo-ssi says it’s the signature course, I should try it. Please substitute with the chicken dish.”
“Yes, shall I prepare drinks or wine as well?”
Since they were filming, they ordered carbonated water instead of wine, and the owner left the room. In the briefly quieted space, Kwon Isoo, who had been staring intently at Do Yeonjae with his chin propped on one hand, suddenly spoke.
“You know him well.”
Huh? Do Yeonjae tilted his head for a moment before realizing he was talking about the allergy.
“It would be a big deal if it got into the food, so I check every time we go to a restaurant. There was a time before when hyung suddenly collapsed.”
“That time Yeonjae carried me all the way to the emergency room on his back… It’s embarrassing thinking about it now.”
Hayun’s cheeks flushed pink as he smiled awkwardly. The lines that rose gently whenever he smiled were extremely delicate and beautiful.
Suddenly, Do Yeonjae was seized by an unusual feeling. To think he was sharing a table with people with such incredible faces… he thought this was something not easily experienced.
Both were pretty, but the vibes were almost completely opposite. If Hayun hyung had a clear and pure impression that made you feel good just looking at him, Kwon Isoo had a gorgeous face that immediately caught your attention. Even now, just wearing a basic white tee, wasn’t he exuding an unapproachable aura? His features were strong and masculine, yet the subtle redness around his eyes also gave an alluring feeling. Should he say the overall impression was cold and difficult to approach?
…Of course, that seemed to be due to factors other than just his face.
“You must have put a lot of effort into it all this time.”
“Yeah. That’s right.”
Kwon Isoo, moving his eyelids slowly, continued in a nonchalant tone.
“But isn’t that kind of thing usually taken care of by the person themselves? He’s not a child.”
“……”
A brief silence fell at the subtle nuance in his low voice.
