Chapter 38

38. Hidden Secret

A refined appearance. Yet, within it lay the unmistakable scent of a rugged man.

But he was still just a sixteen-year-old boy.

"Korean cinema is something I find very interesting to watch."

Somewhere along the line, this small country had become a leader in the latest trends of global culture. Its influence in the Asian region was absolute, and it was gradually seeping into Hollywood as well.

Several film companies had already purchased the rights to Korean films and released remakes, with more planned.

Given that Hollywood was closely watching the Korean film industry, it was no surprise that Steve Gerald, a director with a keen interest in Eastern martial arts and culture, was also paying attention.

"I promise. If you continue to grow with passion for acting, and one day your name reaches my ears in the Korean film industry—"

Director Gerald smiled and said, "I'll make a place for you in Hollywood."

The mouths of those around him, including the interpreter Fujiwara and Gerald's close associates, dropped open in surprise.

Fujiwara and the others knew exactly what this meant. This wasn't just idle talk; Director Gerald was being sincere. The business card was proof.

Steve Gerald's personal business card. The fact that he had given it to the boy was a sign that he intended to keep an eye on him.

It was the kind of attention that countless aspiring actors and established actors alike yearned for but could never obtain.

But perhaps because he had received it so easily? Or maybe he just took it as a compliment?

The boy's expression didn't change much.

"Thank you for your kind words."

Seeing the boy's calm demeanor, Fujiwara had a sudden thought. Maybe the boy was just incredibly mature.

Otherwise, how could a first-year high school student confidently display his skills in front of a towering champion of kempo?

'I'm curious.'

Fujiwara was also curious about the choice this intriguing boy would make.

There was a hidden meaning in Director Gerald's personal business card. It was a quirky Easter egg that Gerald had hidden, a small gift or perhaps a test.

Depending on the person, it could be a gift, a test, or nothing at all. A hidden secret.

As the heavy atmosphere settled with the director's surprising promise, a cute voice broke the silence.

"Daddy!"

A familiar blonde girl, who had been running to Director Gerald, stopped when she saw Jinhyuk and then changed direction, running to him instead. The father, who had already opened his arms, looked embarrassed as the girl stood in front of Jinhyuk and smiled.

"Hehe."

The girl stretched out her arms to Jinhyuk, as if asking to be held. Jinhyuk, a bit awkward, was about to respond when—

"Here we meet again. Handsome boy. If it's not too much trouble, could you hold our Sophia once?"

The girl's mother, whom Jinhyuk had met at the restaurant, walked over with her smooth blonde hair flowing.

At her words, Jinhyuk smiled at the girl and lifted her up. The girl giggled.

"Hey? Honey. What's going on here?"

"Hmm. I don't know. It seems Sophia likes this boy."

The towering director looked a bit disappointed as he watched his daughter in Jinhyuk's arms.

Just then,

"Hey! Woo Jinhyuk, what's going on... Whoa!"

Do Minwoo, who had come from behind the stage, and the others were equally surprised. Youngjun, with a look of disbelief, asked,

"Is that, is that Director Steve Gerald?"

And, seeing the girl's mother next to Director Gerald, Youngjun froze.

'Shannon Taylor.'

Of course, she was now Shannon Gerald.

An actress who hadn't appeared in many films before her marriage, but whose acting skills were unmatched and who was a charming actress.

Her absence after marriage was regrettable, and Youngjun's heart raced when he saw her in person.

"Oh. Our Jinhyuk has some pretty amazing friends too. Haha."

Fujiwara burst into hearty laughter at the surprised group.

"Director, to commemorate your visit to Japan, how about we take a group photo together?"

Fujiwara's suggestion was met with a nod from Director Gerald, and the group, as if on cue, gathered around the director and Jinhyuk.

"Come closer. Yes, a bit more to the left."

The director's secretary, who was taking the photo, called out.

"Okay, okay, say cheese!"

Thus, a group of people from Korea, Japan, and the United States, an unexpected combination, gathered to take a group photo.

"Cheese and smile!"

Just as Sophia, in Jinhyuk's arms, shouted unexpectedly, everyone burst into laughter.

Click!

A historic moment was captured in the frame.

***

"Mrs. Kim, did something good happen today?"

"Why? Does it look like it?"

"You've been smiling all day."

A part-time worker at the supermarket, taking advantage of a lull in customers, asked Jinhyuk's mother, who was at the counter.

Mrs. Kim smiled at the part-time worker and replied,

"My son is coming back from his school trip today."

"Oh. You must have missed him a lot. Hehe."

"I did."

"How old is he now?"

"First year of high school."

The part-time worker asked with interest.

"Is your son handsome?"

"Well, what would a mother say if you asked if her son is handsome?"

"Haha. That's true. But I bet he is."

"Why?"

"If he looks like you."

"Haha. Anyway, our Minjeong is a good person. He always makes people feel good."

Just as the part-time worker, excited by the compliment, was about to ask more, another middle-aged female employee nudged her.

The middle-aged employee gave the part-time worker a look, and when the part-time worker looked back, she whispered,

"Stop asking about her son."

"Why?"

"He, there was a big accident not long ago."

"Oh."

The middle-aged employee spoke even more quietly.

"I saw him once at the supermarket."

"And?"

"He was... a bit strange."

"Strange?"

"Well, you know. The atmosphere... I can't think of the word. It's a Japanese term. He was the type who stays locked in his room, you know, those strange kids."

"Hikikomori?"

"Ah! Yes, that's it. He had that kind of vibe."

The part-time worker glanced at Mrs. Kim and said,

"I can't imagine it from looking at Mrs. Kim. She's always so cheerful."

"Even if she doesn't say it, she must be so upset. That's why I told you to stop asking about her son."

The part-time worker looked at Mrs. Kim with sympathy.

Just then,

Mrs. Kim's eyes widened.

"Wow. Amazing."

"Why? What is it?"

The middle-aged employee's eyes followed the part-time worker's gaze and widened as well.

"Wow. He's really handsome."

"Right? Whose son is he? He's so handsome. I'm envious. What must it feel like to have such a talented son?"

"I think he's the most handsome person I've ever seen in person. Wow."

Her words were not exaggerated. A ridiculously handsome man stood next to Mrs. Kim's counter.

He seemed to be talking to Mrs. Kim, and they both smiled brightly.

"Kyaa!"

The part-time worker let out a small scream involuntarily at the man's smile.

"Oh, you like it that much?"

"It's good. Just looking at him is a pleasure. Mrs. Kim, how old do you think he is?"

"I don't know. It's hard to guess these days... Maybe a college student."

"I hope he's around my age."

"Well, what would you do if he was? He's a customer. Ah, now stop talking and get back to work."

The part-time worker moved away with a disappointed look.

A little while later.

The part-time worker and the middle-aged employee returned after organizing some items, but the man was still standing next to the counter.

"Is that man still here?"

"Right. He's not even shopping."

As the part-time worker and the middle-aged employee looked puzzled, Mrs. Kim, who had finished her shift, walked over with the man.

"Hey? Why are you coming this way? Ah!"

While the part-time worker tried to contain her surprise, Mrs. Kim and the man stood in front of the two employees.

"Jinhyuk, say hello. These are the people I work with here."

"Hello, I'm Woo Jinhyuk."

The part-time worker covered her mouth in shock at Jinhyuk's voice.

"Y-Yes, hello. W-Was he a customer of Mrs. Kim?"

The part-time worker's face turned red as she tried to hide her excitement.

"Yes. He's my son."

"Wh-What?!"

"What?!"

The surprised part-time worker and the middle-aged employee looked at each other. The middle-aged employee, with wide eyes, said,

"Your son? But, but, does Mrs. Kim have another son?"

"Another? She only has one son, you know."

"But, but, what do you mean?"

The middle-aged employee's mouth dropped open, clearly confused.

"He came to pick me up because he missed me after the school trip. Haha."

Mrs. Kim couldn't hide her joy, smiling. The two employees could only nod dumbly.

"Well, good job. I'll go first. Let's go, son."

With a polite bow, Jinhyuk and his mother walked away, leaving the part-time worker staring after them.

"Mrs. Kim, you said he was a hikikomori?"

"No, that's... strange. He was definitely not like this before. He's a completely different person."

The middle-aged employee shook her head, clearly puzzled.

"Mrs. Kim."

"What?"

"Isn't it said that a 4-year age difference between a man and a woman is a bad match?"

"Well, that doesn't mean the woman is 4 years older."

"Why? It's not like we're in the old days. We don't differentiate between men and women."

"Oh, oh."

"Hehe."

The part-time worker looked at the spot where Jinhyuk had disappeared, feeling a bit disappointed.

***

Early Saturday morning.

The crisp late autumn air made Jinhyuk's breathing feel pleasant. He took a deep breath.

"Ha—."

The cold weather made his breath visible in the air.

Jinhyuk headed to the acting school.

It was early on a Saturday, and no one else was there, so he planned to have some personal practice time.

He wasn't sure if it was because of the long break from the school trip or the encounter with the Hollywood director that had boosted his motivation.

Perhaps it was because of the news about the High School 2 casting.

Right after meeting Director Gerald and his team, Seol had told him.

'Serin called me. The audition results are out.'

'Oh.'

'Not curious?'

"Well, a bit."

'Pfft. You don't look curious. Anyway, you passed the audition. You got the role of Jin Seojin.'

'Thanks for letting me know.'

'Wow, what's with you?'

'What?'

'You're so calm.'

'You don't look very excited either.'

Min Seol's eyes widened.

'How did you know?'

'Know what?'

'Did I pass too?'

How did I know? You told me that the principal, Oh Tae-ho, came to see you.

Jinhyuk smiled.

But there was something Jinhyuk didn't know. Seol had screamed in joy when she heard the audition results.

And when she told Jinhyuk the news, she was trying hard to contain her excitement.

For Seol, getting the role in High School 2 and appearing in a drama was a much bigger deal than anyone else realized.

Ding, ding, ding, ding.

Jinhyuk opened the automatic lock and entered the school's lobby. A large wall clock caught his eye.

7:10 AM.

The quiet atmosphere inside the school felt pleasant.

Suddenly, an unexpected sound caught his attention.

A sound that made him doubt his own ears.

Jinhyuk quietly moved towards the practice room where the sound was coming from and listened carefully near the door.

His eyes widened.

'......'

Jinhyuk carefully opened the door.

It was Serin.

Unaware that Jinhyuk had opened the door, Serin was singing with all her might.

"Take a deeper breath. Yes, like that. Let the pain flow out…."

The song was the same one Jinhyuk had heard before, the song of an angel.

Thud.

The song stopped.

As Serin slowly turned around, she froze upon seeing Jinhyuk, unable to even scream.