The moment the credits started rolling, the theater erupted in applause.
Lee Jihoon clapped along with everyone else, still processing what he had just watched. The film had been visually stunning, the performances excellent, and Seoyun's role?
She was mesmerizing.
As the house lights came on, he turned to her. "That was amazing."
Seoyun smiled, though Jihoon noticed it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Thank you."
Her expression was carefully composed, but there was something in her posture—stiffness, tension.
Jihoon frowned slightly. She doesn't look happy.
The audience members around them were standing, many making their way toward the exit or lingering to discuss the movie. Some were already lining up to greet producers, directors, and the lead actors.
As Jihoon observed the crowd, something felt… off.
Ding.
[Kindness System Alert]
Observation Opportunity: Not everyone in this room is here for the film.
Potential Kindness Impact: HIGH
Jihoon's eyes flickered across the room.
Many guests were genuinely engaged in post-film discussions.
But some?
They weren't here for the art.
He caught glimpses of industry elites—producers, executives, media figures—all subtly watching Seoyun.
A small group of men in tailored suits exchanged smirks, whispering amongst themselves. One of them glanced at Seoyun, chuckled, and whispered something to his colleague.
Jihoon felt his jaw tighten.
That… didn't look like appreciation.
Seoyun, meanwhile, pretended not to notice. She stood, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, her movements poised and practiced.
Jihoon didn't know exactly what was happening, but he could tell—this was not the first time she had dealt with this.
Then, before he could stop himself, he reached out.
His hand landed gently on her shoulder, a simple, reassuring touch.
Seoyun froze for a brief second.
Then, slowly, she exhaled.
She glanced at him, her expression softening for the first time that evening.
"…Thanks, Jihoon."
Ding.
[Small Act of Kindness Completed!]
Reward: 7,500 KRW
Jihoon didn't know what was bothering her.
But he knew this much—the entertainment industry wasn't as glamorous as it seemed.
As they made their way toward the exit, they were approached by a well-dressed man in his late 40s.
"Seoyun-ssi," the man greeted smoothly. "Fantastic work tonight."
Seoyun immediately smiled, though Jihoon could tell it was forced. "Thank you, Director Kim."
Director Kim turned his gaze toward Jihoon. "And you are…?"
Before Jihoon could answer, Seoyun spoke first.
"A friend," she said simply.
Jihoon raised an eyebrow. A friend? That's what she's calling me?
Director Kim studied Jihoon for a moment before nodding. "I see."
Then, he smiled. "I assume you'll both be attending the afterparty?"
Seoyun hesitated for half a second.
That's all it took for Jihoon to realize—she didn't want to go.
Still, she nodded. "Of course."
Director Kim's smile widened. "Good. There are some important people who would love to speak with you."
As he walked away, Seoyun let out a quiet sigh.
Jihoon leaned in slightly. "You don't seem excited about this afterparty."
Seoyun gave him a tired smile. "It's part of the job."
Jihoon tilted his head. "Then why do I get the feeling you'd rather be anywhere else?"
She laughed softly. "Because you're observant."
Jihoon smirked. "Want me to cause a distraction so we can sneak out?"
Seoyun chuckled. "Tempting. But no. I have to go."
Jihoon nodded, adjusting his suit. "Then I'm coming too."
Seoyun blinked. "You don't have to—"
"I know," Jihoon interrupted. "But I want to."
For a brief moment, Seoyun just stared at him.
Then, she smiled—this time, genuinely.
"…Alright," she said. "Let's go."
The afterparty was held in an exclusive rooftop lounge, overlooking the glittering skyline of Seoul.
The atmosphere was sophisticated and calculated.
Guests dressed in high fashion sipped expensive champagne. Conversations were measured, polite, and filled with unspoken power plays.
This wasn't a party.
It was a business event disguised as a celebration.
Jihoon quickly realized that everyone here was here for a reason.
Producers scouting talent.Directors securing their next projects.Actors and actresses maintaining their image.
It was glamorous, yes—but also cold.
Jihoon followed Seoyun to a seating area where a group of industry figures were gathered.
One of them, a middle-aged man in a designer suit, immediately turned toward them.
"Seoyun-ssi, it's been a while," he said with a practiced smile.
Seoyun nodded politely. "Good to see you again, Mr. Jang."
Mr. Jang's gaze flicked toward Jihoon. "And you are?"
Jihoon met his eyes, not missing the way he assessed him.
"A friend," Jihoon said smoothly.
Mr. Jang smirked. "Ah. A friend."
The way he said it made Jihoon's skin crawl.
Before Jihoon could respond, another man—a film producer—chimed in.
"Seoyun, your performance tonight was truly exceptional," he said, swirling his drink. "Have you considered expanding your career internationally?"
Seoyun gave a polite nod. "I'm open to new opportunities, but I'm focusing on my current projects."
Mr. Jang leaned in slightly.
"That's a shame. Someone with your looks and talent could do so much more."
Jihoon's fist clenched under the table.
That… didn't sound like a compliment.
Ding.
[Kindness Opportunity Detected.]
Some battles aren't fought with fists, but with words.
Jihoon exhaled.
If Seoyun had to deal with this kind of insincere flattery and power plays regularly… no wonder she seemed tired.
Jihoon leaned forward slightly, placing his arm on the table.
"With all due respect," Jihoon said calmly, "I think Seoyun's career is already impressive enough without unsolicited suggestions."
Mr. Jang raised an eyebrow. "And who are you to say that?"
Jihoon smiled. "Just a friend."
Silence fell over the table.
Then, to Jihoon's surprise, Seoyun laughed softly.
Mr. Jang glanced between them before chuckling. "Well, Seoyun-ssi, it seems your 'friend' is quite protective."
Seoyun smiled, this time genuinely. "That's what friends are for."
Mr. Jang gave a tight-lipped smile but didn't push further.
Jihoon felt a small victory.
Ding.
[Meaningful Act of Kindness Completed!]
Reward: 15,000 KRW
Seoyun turned to Jihoon as the conversation moved on.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Jihoon smirked. "Anytime."
As the night wore on, Jihoon realized something.
The entertainment industry wasn't just about fame and fortune.
It was a world filled with expectations, pressure, and people trying to take advantage.
But if Jihoon could be a small source of support for Seoyun?
Then maybe—just maybe—this was the beginning of something bigger.
And Jihoon was ready to find out where it led.
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