Yoon Do-yeong, with his sharp, upturned eyes, turned the wheel into the café parking lot.
“I should grab two coffees for noona before we go.”
“Two?”
“One’s for Chief Choi.”
“Ah… just wait here. I’ll get them for you.”
“I want to see her face.”
Yoon Do-yeong left out the subject, wearing a relaxed smile, though his eyes gleamed with intensity. Kang Hyeon, not noticing, calmly replied while gathering his script.
“Today’s Valentine’s Day. The café will be crowded.”
“That’s even better—more couples around. If someone ditches their date to run up to me, their partner’s bound to feel hurt. But would they really go that far just to see me? Probably just snap a photo or two, thinking they saw a celebrity.”
Turning off the engine, Yoon Do-yeong pointed at the script and screenplay in Kang Hyeon’s hands.
“Let’s let them know you landed the role and help noona out today. Just for a bit. I’ll take orders at the counter, and if people post about it on social media, they’ll mention the café—it’ll help her. I want to show my gratitude, even if it’s just like this. If things don’t work out, I’ll just buy the coffee and leave. Gotta head to the airport.”
“Alright.”
Kang Hyeon gathered the script and followed Do-yeong into the café. As they entered through the back door and reached the counter, they spotted Lee Ji-gyeong.
“You’re here.”
At Kang Hyeon’s greeting, Ji-gyeong gave a slight nod. Though it was already evening, the faint scent of alcohol clung to him, and his face looked noticeably gaunt overnight.
“You feeling okay?”
When Ji-gyeong didn’t answer, Do-yeong stepped behind the counter and stood beside him.
“An Americano and a café latte.”
He placed the order aloud, tapping the menu on the POS screen with his ringed index finger. Then, with a deliberate gesture, he raised the same finger to push his bangs aside.
“Oh my! Do-yeong!!”
Baek Ga-yeong, who had just finished wiping tables, raised her voice in surprise. Fumbling at the POS, Yoon Do-yeong pressed the order buttons and completed the transaction.
“Noona, please make the coffee.”
As he spoke, someone entered through the main door.
“Welcome!”
Do-yeong greeted the customer with a bright smile. The guest gasped, covering their mouth in surprise, their eyes sparkling.
“Let me help you with your order.”
Smiling radiantly, Do-yeong assisted the guest. They asked in a hushed tone,
“Is this for a shoot?”
“No, the café owner is a senior from college. I’m just trying out a part-time shift here.”
“Can we take pictures?”
“Of course.”
He elongated his words and added with a grin:
“If you post it on social media and make sure the café’s name is visible, we’ll give you a complimentary slice of cake.”
He even winked with one eye. The customer let out a quiet cheer. As others inside realized who had entered, more began coming up to place additional orders. Baek Ga-yeong approached and whispered:
“What are you doing? Running a whole SNS event on your own—what if no one offers us any ads?”
“So what? It’s not like this is the only ad I’ll ever get. The companies who want me will come regardless. I can at least do this much for your birthday.”
At the word birthday, Ga-yeong shouted toward Ji-gyeong and Kang Hyeon.
“Hey! You two pose, too. I’m collecting my own birthday presents.”
She held up her smartphone and took turns snapping photos of Do-yeong, Ji-gyeong, and Kang Hyeon—then shot a video of all three together. Sensing his moment, Do-yeong dramatically raised his index finger again.
“Noona, this is my birthday gift from Hyeon.”
“Birthday gift?”
“Yeah. A friendship ring.”
At that, Ji-gyeong averted his gaze completely, refusing to even glance at the ring. Do-yeong looked at him once, then smiled and asked,
“You didn’t get anything like this, huh?”
His voice carried a teasing lilt. Ga-yeong responded coldly.
“Wouldn’t accept it even if he gave me one. Hyeon betrayed me—quit the job I gave him.”
“What?”
“Do-yeong, take that order.”
Just as Do-yeong voiced his confusion, Kang Hyeon gestured toward a customer waiting at the counter. Do-yeong quickly forced a smile and took the order. While the barista worked on the drinks, Ji-gyeong’s eyes drifted to the stack of papers in Kang Hyeon’s hands. Unaware, Ga-yeong continued snapping photos of Do-yeong as she spoke up.
“I told you—he betrayed me first. I went out of my way to accommodate him, and now he says he’s quitting.”
With a slight groan, she added, and Do-yeong responded with a bright smile.
“He’s stepping away because he landed a film role.”
“Really?”
Surprised, Ga-yeong looked at Kang Hyeon, who unfolded the papers he was holding. The film’s title, Intersection Murder, stood out in bold.
“Jackpot.”
Ga-yeong muttered to herself, then broke into a satisfied grin.
“Hyeon, how much are you charging for modeling?”
She asked, and Kang Hyeon gave a faint smile.
“Just secure the shoot location.”
“Not without a contract.”
Watching the exchange closely, Do-yeong stepped between them and wiggled his ringed finger with exaggerated importance.
“Write a proper contract before doing the ad. Make sure the terms and penalties are clearly stated.”
“Shut it.”
Kang Hyeon muttered, and Do-yeong lowered his voice.
“You can’t half-ass stuff like this. Should I send you a contract through Chief Choi? Or ask CEO Goo Seong-do for advice?”
Following his lead, Baek Ga-yeong also whispered.
“Yeah, let’s seal the deal—make him an exclusive model.”
No sooner had she said it than Kang Hyeon dipped his thumb into chocolate syrup, pressed it onto a napkin, and held it out.
“Write ‘exclusive model’ on this and put your seal on it, noona.”
“Hyeon… I love you.”
Ga-yeong’s words made him chuckle, but Do-yeong’s expression chilled. He picked up the napkin with a cold glare.
“Noona, we need a formal request. Model fee—”
“Just call me when the studio’s booked.”
Cutting off Do-yeong mid-sentence, Kang Hyeon started preparing the coffee. Meanwhile, Ji-gyeong skimmed the script and scenario he had placed nearby. Noticing the director’s name and the production company, he gave a bitter, twisted smile. He stared at Kang Hyeon, watching him work. Spotting the leather strap bracelet on his wrist—not the luxury one Ji-gyeong had gifted—his eyes trembled slightly.
“Nice bracelet,” he said hoarsely.
“Hyeon, can I wear the friendship bracelet first? They’re bringing mine in three days, but I’ll be overseas by then.”
Do-yeong cut in, and Kang Hyeon silently removed the bracelet and fastened it around his wrist. Ji-gyeong watched wordlessly, then turned away, jaw clenched, and walked toward the staff room. In the dark room, he stood there clenching his fists and breathing deeply. A knock came. After a pause, Kang Hyeon entered.
“Ji-gyeong.”
“……”
He gently held out the luxury bracelet Ji-gyeong had given him.
“You’re really cruel, hyung.”
Ji-gyeong gave a bitter smile and took it, pulling on his coat.
“My shoot starts next week.”
“Already?”
“Yeah…”
Grinding his teeth, then slowly releasing them, he asked,
“Why’d you accept everything Do-yeong gave you but not mine? I only gave you this one thing.”
“Because yours came with a confession. Do-yeong’s… he’s always been more financially comfortable than us. From his perspective, he just gives people what he likes.”
“I see… I’m just not good enough.”
“What? No—”
Before Kang Hyeon could finish, Ji-gyeong opened the door and walked out. He waved to Baek Ga-yeong at the coffee machine and gave Do-yeong a slight nod before heading out. The cold night air bit at his skin as he walked slowly down the street. A luxury import car crept alongside him. Ignoring it, he headed toward the subway station. The passenger window rolled down.
“Ji-gyeong, there’s something I need to apologize for.”
“…What is it?”
“Get in. I’ll give you a ride to the station.”
“No thanks.”
“Then that means you forgive me?”
“How could I forgive you when I don’t even know what it is?”
“This isn’t something to discuss out on the street. Just get in.”
“You get out.”
“…I’ll park over in that alley.”
“Just get out here.”
Do-yeong parked by the sidewalk where Ji-gyeong stood. He stepped out and walked slowly until he stood under the streetlight, face-to-face with him. Then, in a low voice, he whispered:
“Are you sure it’s okay to say it here?”
“Quit stalling. Spit it out.”
“I dropped the bracelet you gave Hyeon… in the toilet.”
His emphasis on toilet made Ji-gyeong’s brow furrow.
“Sorry. You probably put a lot of thought into it, and I tossed it away the day you gave it to him.”
“Tossed it?”
“Yeah. It was disgusting—I couldn’t let him wear it.”
“You… fucking asshole.”
“I replaced it right away, though. Of course, I added mine and Hyeon’s initials.”
Ji-gyeong pulled out the bracelet and turned it over in his hand. Tiny initials were engraved into it.
“What the hell is wrong with you?!”
“Calm down. Keep your voice down. People are watching.”
“Fuck you. What the hell are you playing at?!”
“Watch your tone.”
“You started it.”
“Fine. Let’s drop the mask.”
Do-yeong’s smile vanished. His eyes, once smiling, turned razor sharp. A gleam flickered in them, so cold it sent chills. Ji-gyeong met his gaze, rage boiling, the blood vessels in his eyes visible with fury.
“You got dumped.”
“I know, you fucking bastard. But this—this crosses the line.”
“Yeah? Well, this fucking bastard is going to rip apart everything you try to give Hyeon. Until there’s nothing left.”
“Go to hell, you piece of shit.”
“I don’t know about hell, but I do know that the 5th to 7th floors of MiraeCom2 are used for entertaining executives.”
Do-yeong’s voice dropped even lower, and Ji-gyeong snapped.
“What bullshit are you spouting? You think I’m a fucking escort? The company just repurposed some unused space into officetels so we could live there!”
“Sure. The investigation will sort that out. But—”
Do-yeong stepped forward, meeting Ji-gyeong’s eyes without blinking. One of his pupils gleamed under the streetlight, while the other sank into the shadow—like something monstrous. That gleaming eye curled into a mocking smile, then he laughed brightly.
“Stop going to those cheap motels.”
