THREE tips to get your favorite actor's attention:
1. Flash him during an online fanmeet event (Advice: Wear your sexiest lingerie if you're not confident with your breast size).
2. Record yourself while attempting to kill yourself in front of his biggest billboard in the country (Warning: Do not do a live broadcast because someone might report you, and the authorities will surely stop your attempt).
3. Send the recording to your favorite actor (PSA: His phone number is for sale in the 'market,' for the right price).
Woori thought it was unfortunate that a crazy fan had already accomplished the first step.
Let's just call her 'Crazy Bitch.'
And the lunatic's victim?
It's the Park Seoham— former top idol turned A-list actor, the king of commercials, and the global ambassador for many luxury brands.
You wouldn't want to be a Park Seoham hater in Korea because he was everywhere.
Of course, that level of fame came with having a bunch of obsessed fans.
That's exactly what we're dealing with at the moment.
By 'we,' Woori was talking about CEO Kim Yisook of the Blue Diamond Avenue (Park Seoham's agency), Im Jiyoon (Park Seoham's manager), Detective Seon Dongwook from Seoul's Southern District Homicide Division, and Reporter Oh Dami from the Scoops (an infamous online media company and paparazzi news outlet, specializing in K-pop and celebrity scandals).
All of them were having a serious meeting in CEO Kim Yisook's private conference room.
I promise I have a role here.
"It's true that our top actor, Park Seoham-ssi, had an unfortunate experience during his online fanmeet event recently," CEO Kim Yisook, an elegant woman in her late forties, said after sipping her tea. "But you're saying that it won't end there? That the same 'fan' will record herself in the middle of attempting suicide this time?"
"Yes, we have reasons to believe that the scenario you just mentioned will happen next," Detective Seon Dongwook said while nodding. "But it won't be the same fan. That person is already in police custody after performing indecent exposure online."
Two weeks ago, Park Seoham released a mini-album that included the OST that he sang for his recent hit drama.
As part of the promotion, 100 fans had been selected to have a two-minute videocall with the actor. However, the online fanmeeting event was cut short because the fifth 'fan' who joined the videocall suddenly took off her top and flashed Park Seoham.
The 'fan' recorded that moment and even posted it online (with her face covered, of course).
As expected, the post quickly went viral.
But the fact that Park Seoham looked very disinterested before ending the call calmly was the reason it got viral in the first place.
Even the top comments in the now-deleted video were a little funny:
1. if i were that poor woman and park seoham-nim looked at me like that after flashing him, i would have kmy fr[1]
2. it's either seoham oppa is gay or that unnie is a shrimp. got big boobies but uglyyy
3. or maybe actor park just has good media training? that dude is always composed. but heol. the way he coldly looked at the fan gave me second-hand embarrassment. altho i agree that indecent exposure must be punished legally, i think actor park's poker-face was enough punishment TT
"Then who's going to do the second 'scenario?'" CEO Kim Yisook asked, half-worried and half-curious. "You wouldn't request this meeting if you don't have any idea as to who the culprit is, correct?"
"You're right, ma'am," Detective Seon Dongwook confirmed while nodding. "The next victim is in the room with us."
Ah, we're getting to the important part.
Woori, Detective Seon Dongwook, and Reporter Oh Dami all looked at one person— Im Jiyoon, the current manager of Park Seoham.
"Jiyoon-ssi?" CEO Kim Yisook confronted the young woman. "What does this mean?"
Im Jiyoon visibly shook in fear before responding to her boss. "CEO Kim, actually, Reporter Oh reached out to me a few days ago. She asked me if I was being blackmailed. I don't know how she knew, but it was true that someone was threatening to expose my past as a bar hostess. I'm planning to get married next year, so I'd rather die than have my past exposed to my future in-laws…"
"What does the blackmailer want from you, Jiyoon-ssi?"
Im Jiyoon lowered her head. "T-They want me to jump off the rooftop of our company building, ma'am. And they want me to record it using my phone. Once everything is done, they want to send the video to Seoham-ssi."
"How could you send the video to Actor Park Seoham-ssi if you were dead already?"
Oh.
Woori thought the CEO was being cold, but it suited the elegant aura she possessed.
So, this is Park Seoham's boss— she's cool.
"T-They instructed me where to put my phone, ma'am," Im Jiyoon answered politely. "I believe they're going to fetch my phone once the deal is done…"
"That also means the culprit is nearby if they can monitor your movements," CEO Kim Yisook said coldly, and then she turned to Report Oh Dami. "Why did you reach out to Actor Park Seoham-ssi's manager, Reporter Oh? How did you know Jiyoon-ssi was being blackmailed?"
"It's no secret that I'm the reporter in charge of Park Seoham-ssi in our company. Everyone in the same field knows that," Reporter Oh Dami answered. "I've been receiving anonymous tips ever since the 'flashing incident.' This mysterious sender kept telling me that someone would die because of Park Seoham-ssi. They hinted that the person they're talking about is very close to the actor. That's why I started my investigation. Luckily, I got another tip."
This time, Reporter Oh Dami turned to Woori.
Ah, finally— it's my turn.
"Hello. I'm Joo Woori…" Woori trailed off and got nervous when she realized that CEO Kim Yisook was looking at her intently. "D-Did I say something rude, ma'am?"
"No, I'm just staring because your face is blinding," CEO Kim Yisook said bluntly. "I can't believe that a natural beauty like you still exists. Moreover, your bare face is actually prettier than most actresses your age."
Aigoo.
I knew this would happen, so I didn't bother applying makeup.
No, actually, Woori was just too poor to afford makeup.
So, she was justifying her stinginess by making herself believe that her bare face was presentable enough.
"Woori-ssi, have you considered being an actress?" CEO Kim Yisook asked, her eyes sparkling. "You have the face and aura to make it. Seeing how you're still young, it's not too late for you to take acting lessons and start a career as an actress."
"Oh, I'm not that young, ma'am. I'm already twenty-nine years old."
The CEO looked shocked. "Omo. I thought you were only in your early twenties!"
"Thank you, ma'am. I'm flattered, but being a celebrity isn't for me. I'm drowning in debt, so the people I owe money would surely chase me as soon as they see me on TV or the internet."
"Oh."
"Anyway, I'm working as Artist Jeans' assistant," Woori said, changing the topic by politely introducing herself to CEO Kim Yisook. She only gave her name earlier, after all. "I believe you're familiar with Artist Jeans, ma'am."
"Of course, I am," CEO KimYisook said, obviously surprised. Fortunately, it looked like the CEO had already given up on scouting Woori as an actress. "Artist Jeans is the creator of the webcomics from which Actor Park Seoham's first drama, as a lead actor, was based. We heard that Artist Jeans only allowed their webcomics to be adapted as a drama if Actor Park Seoham took the main character's role. And we'll be forever grateful for that. After all, that show was our actor's breakthrough drama. Actually, we tried to reach out to them because we wanted to thank them in person, but they politely declined…"
The CEO trailed off when she realized she was getting sidetracked.
Aww.
Woori wanted to hear more, but she knew it wasn't the right time for that.
"I'm sorry, I got carried away," CEO Kim Yisook said, and then she cleared her throat. "What does Artist Jeans have to do with this case?"
"Actually, I'm a close friend of Artist Jeans," Repoter Oh Dami said. "They reached out to me when they first saw the news about the 'flashing incident.' Apparently, the scenario was similar to their first published webcomics. This is the summary of the work I'm talking about. It's called 'Parasocial.'"
The reporter then handed a document to the CEO.
Woori already knew what was written there, though.
Three tips to get your favorite actor's attention:
1. Flash him during an online fanmeet event (Advice: Wear your sexiest lingerie if you're not confident with your breast size).
2. Record yourself while attempting to kill yourself in front of his biggest billboard in the country (Warning: Do not do a live broadcast because someone might report you, and the authorities will surely stop your attempt).
3. Send the recording to your favorite actor (PSA: His phone number is for sale in the 'market,' for the right price).
"This is why you believe that the second 'scenario' will happen?"
"Yes, ma'am," Reporter Oh Dami responded to the CEO politely. "In the webcomics, there are three different fans who did each step on the list. The second victim, the one who jumped off the building and recorded it, was the main character's manager."
Ceo Kim Yisook nodded as if she finally understood. "That's why you think Jiyoon-ssi is the next victim of whoever is behind this?"
"Yes, ma'am," the reporter responded politely. "The story ended after the reveal that the fans were just forced to do the things on the list, so the real villain's identity or goal wasn't exposed. Sadly, the story also ended with the main character— the actor, aka the victim— losing his mind because of what happened."
"Are you saying that the culprit wants Actor Park Seoham to lose his mind, too?"
"We don't know that yet, ma'am."
"And that's why we need your cooperation to solve the case, CEO Kim," Detective Seon Dongwook added. "The culprit who's currently blackmailing Im Jiyoon-ssi used the same alias as the culprit from the novel."
The CEO finally opened her mouth.
And when she did…
"A reporter, a detective, and an assistant to a famous artist," CEO Kim Yisook said, leaning against the chair while crossing her arms over her chest. "Why do I feel like this case is personal?"
Oh.
I knew it— this madam is really cool.
Woori raised her hand meekly. "It was me who discovered the similarities between the novel and the unfortunate incidents surrounding Park Seoham-ssi, ma'am. I noticed it immediately because I work closely with Artist Jeans, and I'm a big fan of Actor Park Seoham-ssi."
Reporter Oh Dami and Detective Seon Dongwook both turned to Woori worriedly.
"Reporter Oh is a good friend of mine, while Detective Seon is like a father figure to me. I asked them to help me reach out to you, ma'am. Thankfully, you allowed this meeting to happen after we said that we were sent here by Artist Jeans," Woori explained politely. "I used my personal network because I'm desperate to protect Park Seoham-ssi."
"You sound like an obsessed fan just now, sweetheart."
"I'm someone who owes Park Seoham-ssi a huge debt. I know this is not enough to pay him back, but I still want to do this for him," Woori said in a serious tone. "We have a plan to catch the culprit." She then placed a hand over her chest. "Please allow us to help Park Seoham-ssi before something worse happens."
"Joo Woori, Joo Woori…"
Hmm?
Woori was confused when the CEO suddenly chanted her name in a low voice as if the CEO was trying to remember something.
Could it be…?
"That shocking visual and your name— you're that girl," CEO Kim Yisook said while looking at Woori with a mix of surprise and amusement. "You are Actor Park Seoham-ssi's high school sweetheart—"
"I'm the daughter of the couple who killed Park Seoham-ssi's parents," Woori said, smiling apologetically at the CEO for cutting her off. "I'd rather be remembered that way, ma'am."
***
NOONIM[2] is running late.
Park Seoham was talking about CEO Kim Yisook of his agency, the Blue Diamond Avenue.
Of course, he would only address his boss as 'noonim' privately.
Anyway, he had been stuck in the CEO's office for more than thirty minutes now.
It was starting to get boring because his only company was Cho Inho— his childhood friend who was now working as his driver-slash-bodyguard.
And that guy is…
"It's rare to see you engrossed in your phone, Cho Inho," Park Seoham commented while observing Cho Inho, who was sitting next to him with his eyes glued to the phone. "Are you talking to Kwon Anna?"
Cho Inho raised his head. "This is your phone, Seoham-ah."
Ah, right.
Park Seoham hated the sound of his phone ringing, so he would hand it to Cho Inho to take care of the messages or calls that he needed to answer.
But…
"What are you using my phone for?"
"CEO's order," Cho Inho said bluntly. "Actually, I'm not supposed to say anything to you until the operation is over. But I'm more loyal to you."
"What are you talking about?"
"The CEO cooperated with the police to catch the culprit who wanted to kill herself to traumatize you."
"What?"
Park Seoham felt like his head was about to explode.
It hadn't been too long since the 'flashing incident' left him mentally scarred.
And, now, someone else was trying to destroy his mental health again?
"The culprit this time is Im Jiyoon."
"Jiyoon Noona?" Park Seoham asked in disbelief. "My manager?"
Cho Inho just nodded, and then he showed him the video playing on the phone. "You're actually having a videocall with Jiyoon Noona. But can you watch it?"
Park Seoham immediately grabbed the phone and watched the video.
Is that Jiyoon Noona?
A woman wearing a black cap and mask was walking towards the ledge of the rooftop.
Oh, that was the rooftop of their company building.
But Park Seoham was paying more attention to his manager.
However…
Is this really Jiyoon Noona?
Judging by the woman's build and clothes, it looked like his manager.
But there was something about the oversized denim blue jacket that 'Im Jiyoon' was wearing that bothered him a little.
It's not the first time I've seen Jiyoon Noona wear a denim jacket, but…
Something felt different.
Actually, Park Seoham was reminded of someone from his distant past.
Someone who looks the best when wearing my denim jacket that's big on her…
Shit.
Park Seoham almost threw his phone away, annoyed that he remembered her again.
But he stopped when the woman in the video looked over her shoulder.
It was because her cap was blown away by the strong wind. She tried to grab it, even hopping a little like a rabbit. But she didn't succeed.
Aigoo.
As a result, the woman's long and messy hair danced with the end.
This isn't Jiyoon Noona.
Park Seoham was sure of it after seeing those eyes.
The eyes that haunted me all these years…
Moreover, the loud and fast thumping of his heart against his chest confirmed it.
Park Seoham abruptly got up and ran as fast as he could.
"Seoham-ah, wait!"
He ignored his friend.
Park Seoham just ran faster, ignoring the elevator when he saw people waiting in front of it. He went straight to the stairs.
Blue Diamond Avenue housed some of the biggest stars in the country.
But compared to other agencies, especially entertainment companies managing idols, their building was relatively small.
It had only three floors (but the building was wide, so it was spacious).
Anyway, thanks to the building having only three floors, Park Seoham quickly reached the rooftop. Maybe it was also because of his adrenaline rush. Honestly, it didn't matter anymore.
He was still catching his breath when he got there.
But he almost had a heart attack when he saw her standing on the ledge of the rooftop, as if she were contemplating whether to jump off or not.
Ah, it's really her.
Park Seoham became more certain while looking at that familiar back.
It's the back that I've spent my entire adolescence chasing.
So, how could he mistake her for someone else?
Park Seoham wanted to call out her name, but he hesitated…
… until he saw her jump off the building.
"JOO WOORI!"
There, he finally said it.
Her name still rolled off Park Seoham's tongue as if it were the only name he knew.
Joo Woori.
The person whom I loved the most in the past, and the person whom I hated with all my heart right now.
***
MAYBE I have a future as a stunt actress.
That was the first thought that crossed Woori's mind after she had successfully twisted her body in the air, so that she would fall on the 'cushion' on her back instead of falling face-down.
The latter would have hurt more, after all.
Anyway, the 'cushion' that she mentioned was actually a life safety net— an inflatable 'cushion' that looked like a giant trampoline.
It's not going to burst, right?
Woori thought she would bounce off, but she actually sank deep after her back hit the 'cushion.'
Right— the life safety net isn't a trampoline.
She panicked for a moment.
But, luckily, the police officers and the 119 (Korea's 119) respondents immediately grabbed her before the 'cushion' swallowed her.
Whew.
Woori hurt her arm, though.
She only realized that when she flinched after someone grabbed her by the right arm.
And that was when she began to feel a little panicked.
Everyone around her was talking, probably asking if she was alright— but she could only hear half of it. Worse, it made her uncomfortable not knowing where exactly the sounds were coming from.
"Woori-ya, they're asking if you're hurt anywhere else."
Oh.
Woori was relieved when Detective Seon Dongwook stood on her left side and talked to her softly. "I'm not hurt anywhere else— just my right arm. I got hurt when I used it to break my fall."
Detective Seon Dongwook looked relieved. "Good job," he said while gently ruffling Woori's already messy hair. "It was reckless, but you did well."
Woori just smiled and nodded.
After the detective excused himself to talk to the other police officers awaiting orders, she let the medical staff handle her injury.
They used ice spray on her right arm, making her flinch.
It was cold because the extremely low temperature caused cramps to loosen since the immediate numbing would cause her body to forget the pain and release the tightness.
And it's working.
While the medical staff was busy doing that, Woori's mind wandered off.
It was Park Seoham, wasn't it?
Someone called her name desperately after she jumped off the rooftop, and that was exactly why she twisted her body in the air in the middle of 'free-falling.'
She wanted to see the face of the person who had called her name earlier.
Unfortunately, she only got blinded by the sun.
Maybe it was just my imagination?
"JOO WOORI!"
Omo.
Woori was surprised when the voice that she wouldn't mistake for someone else called her name once again.
This time, angrily.
When she lifted her head, she saw Park Seoham running towards her.
He's running to me again.
Woori saw the different Park Seohams as he got closer and closer.
First, it was the 15-year-old Park Seoham wearing denim on denim, then the 17-year-old Park Seoham wearing their high school uniform, and finally— the 29-year-old Park Seoham wearing stylish, casual clothes.
"Are you trying to make me go crazy?!"
What?
Woori was startled when Park Seoham suddenly grabbed and shook her by the shoulders.
She wanted to complain and say that it hurt, but she was stunned by the anger that she saw in his eyes.
Gone was the love that those eyes had held for her eleven years ago.
I mean, I already expected this level of anger from Park Seoham— but it still hurts to see him looking at me like I'm the person he hates the most in the world.
Oh, maybe Woori really was.
"Why did you come here?!"
Ah.
Woori's memories suddenly overlapped.
Those words…
The emotions were different, but Park Seoham had asked the same question to Woori eleven years ago…
… on the night of his mother's funeral.
"Why did you come here, Joo Woori?" the 18-year-old Park Seoham asked weakly, his grip on 18-year-old Woori's shoulders loosening up as if he didn't even have the energy to get angry at her. "How can you show your face here after your parents killed my poor mother?"
The 18-year-old Woori could only cry back then…
… but the 29-year-old Woori couldn't even shed a tear right now.
Because I don't deserve to cry— especially not in front of Park Seoham.
"Are you here to ruin my life again, Joo Woori?"
Ah, I've reached my limit.
That was the last thing the overstimulated Woori remembered hearing before everything turned black.
When did things go wrong between us, Park Seoham?
***
Please ADD
[1] 'kill myself, for real'
[2] "Noonim" is a more respectful way for a male to address an older female, or someone who is like an older sister to him. It is a more formal version of "noona."