I am graphic desiner and Article writer. I have 3 year Experience

Translated by: ShawnSuh
Edited by: SootyOwl


"All done?" 

"Yes," Juho replied, putting his phone back in his pocket. With his eyes fixed on the phone, Nam Kyung asked light-heartedly, "A friend?" 

"Yep," Juho said, nodding.

"Is this the same person who wants to be a translator?" 

"That's the one." 

"Is he going to compete in the contest?" 

"It appears so." 

Although they were the only people in the apartment, the editor looked around the living room and asked, "Did you make that suggestion with this friend in mind?" 

Chuckling quietly, Juho replied, "If I had, then I would've brought up his name. I would've volunteered to be one of the judges too."

"And the contest definitely would've looked a lot different," Nam Kyung said, waving the project's data in his hand. 

The contest was open to anyone who made a submission through email, which would be a translation of a short English sample written by Juho. There were going to be ten contestants for the judging panel, and the judges would choose the winners based on the translations submitted to the publisher. 

"I hope we get a lot of participants." 

"I don't think we'll have to worry about that, Mr. Woo," Nam Kyung said, chuckling and lifting the data in his hand. 

"This is your translation of the online sample, right?" 

"That's right." 

Juho had made the sample and translated it. 

"If we get a submission that comes even remotely close to this, I wouldn't think twice about choosing that person," Nam Kyung said, groaning.

"We might get something even better. You never know." 

"No, this is THE most ideal translation. I'm certain of it," the editor said, darting back and forth between the original and the translated copy. He seemed genuinely impressed. "I don't know how you do it, but you keep impressing me over and over again! What do you think about giving translating one more shot?" 

"No, thanks." 

"Or, maybe you could make a submission yourself?" 

"That does sound like a fun idea, but if I win, I'm gonna have to do the translation myself." 

"So, you ARE confident that you'd win, huh?" 

Juho didn't deny it. Meanwhile, Nam Kyung was still staring at the two samples.

"Are you looking for somebody who could do an even better job than this?" the editor asked.

"Of course." 

"Maybe you should just do it yourself. It's still not too late, you know." 

"I respectfully decline." 

Then, as Nam Kyung placed the two samples on the table, Juho followed them with his eyes. 

"I suppose it would be best if we looked for something that stayed true to the original, huh?" 

After some thought, Juho replied, "I don't know. I find myself impressed whenever I come across a good liberal translation." 

Nam Kyung seemed to understand the young author. As long as languages and cultures were different, liberal translations were a necessity. 

"I think I still prefer translations that stay true to the original. Especially with your books. As a reader myself, I'd want what I'm reading to be as close to the original as possible," the editor said emphatically, as if he disagreed with the young author. Juho remembered Seo Kwang's translation. When the author had seen it for the first time, it had felt like his translation had stayed true to the original on one hand, while reading like it had been translated liberally on the other. Seo Kwang had been nurturing his translation skill at a truly frightening rate, and when Juho remembered that, he stopped thinking about it, as it felt no longer necessary. If Seo Kwang had been developing when Juho had first seen his translation, then he had to be even better now. 

"This is exciting," Juho said genuinely.

--

"Yun Woo's sample," Juho murmured the title of the article and clicked on it. There were already a myriad of poorly-translated samples floating around the internet. Given that people had grown curious about the short sample written by Yun Woo, it wasn't surprising. Every blog that had anything to do with the author contained a slew of its members' attempts at translating the sample. 

"What would Hong Sam have to say?" 

Juho logged into Hong Sam's blog. Although a university student, Seo Kwang was still pretending to be an office worker in his blog. The most recent post was a month old, and the blogger had written about a certain Nebula-winning author, along with the recent scandal surrounding the Hugo award.

"He really is a good writer." 

What Seo Kwang lacked were creativity and the stamina that would sustain him when writing for an extended period of time. His personal preference of reading-over-writing also seemed to play a role in his struggle as a writer. Nevertheless, Seo Kwang was an outstanding writer. On top of that, his vocabulary and comprehension were also quite impressive. Given that he tended to invest most of his time on reading, it made sense. While the blog introduced a slew of different books, it also came with the blogger's own opinions and interpretations. Starting from the most recent one, Juho read through them one by one. Every single one of them was meticulous and sincere, making it clear that the blogger had read the books prior to reviewing them. It was very Seo Kwang-like. Then, shortly after, Juho came across his name on the blog.

"'Language of God: The Glory of Traitor.'" 

Aside from the title, the first thing that stood out was the five-star rating next to it. Clicking into it, Juho scrolled down to the bottom, where Seo Kwang's thoughts on the book tended to be. It wasn't too different from what he had told Juho in person. However, there was a name there that Juho hadn't expected to came across. 

"Jenkins' role." 

Seo Kwang's opinion was as follow: "If Jenkins hadn't been there…? I couldn't help but ask myself that question. There is no arguing that Jenkins' recent movie was a massive success and that it lived well up to its reputation. Not only is Jenkins a skilled director,  but he's also a genius. On top of that, I am confident that he's a reader who understands books through a clear set of standards. I have actually come across a number of people (who refused to read 'Language of God' because it was a book) who told me that watching Jenkins' film adaptation actually made them fall in love with the original novel series. What if Jenkins hadn't been there? Would 'The Glory of Traitor' have been as popular as it is now? Would 'Language of God' look any different? Would the series be on a completely different path?"

"If Jenkins hadn't addressed Yun Woo as the Great Storyteller, would that have meant that the author wouldn't have been great?" 

"Personally, I have trouble keeping myself from associating his name with a snapping turtle. Have you ever asked yourself why those animals exist?'"

(TL's Note: When pronounced in Korean, Jenkins' first name, Zara, has the same sound as the Korean word for snapping turtle/Chinese softshell turtle: Jara.) 

"... What the heck are you saying, man?" 

Then, while Juho was preoccupied with interpreting a seemingly out of place exposition, a text message notification sounded from his phone. It was Nam Kyung saying that there were over eight hundred submissions thus far. 'I wonder if Seo Kwang's is one of them,' Juho wondered, hoping that it would be. At that moment, his phone started ringing. 

"Hello?" 

"Hey." 

It was Baron, whose voice made it sound like he was in good spirits. 

"Did you hear about Seo Kwang?" 

"Nope." 

Juho hadn't heard from Seo Kwang, and since Juho didn't want to disrupt his aspiring translator friend, he didn't go out of his way to reach out to him either. 

"He's bouncing off the walls right now." 

"What do you mean?" 

"He's making it seem like he's about to dedicate his life to translating your book."

Juho still couldn't make sense of what Baron was saying.

"Did he make a submission to the publisher?" Juho asked. 

"He's actually not even close to having anything to submit," Baron replied, sounding like he was holding back laughter. "He's been working on the opening statement for a month straight." 

"... You mean he's in the middle of revision?" 

"No. As in, he hasn't even finished his first draft." 

"Well, that was unexpected," Juho said, leaning back on his chair and murmuring, "Maybe he won't finish in time." 

---

"This isn't it!" Seo Kwang exclaimed, covering his face with his hands, sobbing. "This isn't me!" 

"I thought I told you to stop being a nuisance and go upstairs!" his mother said, looking at her son. As his shoulders moved up and down, his untidy desk also moved up and down with him. 

"Mom! Your son is in anguish right now!" 

"You took the words right out of my mouth. My son is scaring the customers away." 

"My whole life depends on this!" 

At that, his mother burst into laughter, and Seo Kwang wiped the tears off his face. 

"Maybe I was adopted," Seo Kwang said. He was in crisis. Leading up to that point, he had been translating countless types of compositions, from business data to movies. Needless to say, he had also translated his fair share of literature. He had been excelling in translating, and the fact that he would even translate books written by some of the most notorious authors in the literary world with relative ease had given him confidence. Never had he struggled with the first sentence. 

"What's wrong with me? This is the opportunity of a lifetime! Was my skill expendable? Did I use it all up!?" 

"Quit yapping and go read some books! You would always go out with a book in your hand whenever you were feeling down."

"Go away, mom. You don't understand." 

"What did you say!?" 

While Seo Kwang was taking a beating on his back from his mother, the bell on the door rang, indicating a customer walking into the store. As Seo Kwang proceeded to bury his face in his arms, she made her way to the counter. 

"Long time, no see!" 

"How've you been, Mrs. Kim?" 

At that moment, Seo Kwang looked up all of a sudden, saying, "What the… You're not Juho." 

To his disappointment, the customer was just one of the neighborhood regulars. Realizing that he was desperate for Juho's presence, Seo Kwang buried his head on the table yet again. 

"Make sure to clean up after yourself," his mother said, and Seo Kwang nodded. It was dark out. Since the cafe was closing earlier than usual that day, Seo Kwang decided to try translating in the store, where he could concentrate. Soon, Seo Kwang was left alone in the store filled with the scent of coffee and books.

"A fish without gills." 

It was a part of the English sample written by Yun Woo for the translation contest. A fish without gills. Since it didn't breathe with its lungs or skin, the creature was bound to meet its demise within thirty seconds. A fish without gills would come to its end in the only environment that it could survive in: water. 

"If this is what the sample looks like…" 

Yun Woo's new English novel was going to be about a person. The young author had created and translated the sample for the sole purpose of testing and seeking out a skilled translator to work with. However, it was nowhere near enough to satiate Seo Kwang's desire to read Yun Woo's new story. 

"I believe it's getting released in the States with 'River.'" 

Seo Kwang scanned the sentences. Not only were they well-written, but they were sophisticated. It was almost impossible to think that Yun Woo was an author from a non-English-speaking country. Yun Woo's writing in English was just as tasteful as his Korean counterpart.

The young author's dazzling sentences gave their readers the sense that he had been trained for years on end. Although the author kept things ambiguous for mischievous reasons at times, his depictions were as clear as day. 

"I'm sure Yun Woo won't have trouble describing what melancholy is like." 

Reading Yun Woo's writing only made Seo Kwang more certain that the author would be able to do that with ease. Hindered by a certain desire in his heart, Seo Kwang clasped his head. 

"Fantasy!" 

He recalled having asked Juho about how he went about writing. At which point, Juho had replied that…

"... I see fantasies where my characters have personalities and free will." 

Even the author didn't know how the characters would lead their lives. Although Juho had explained that to his friend using various examples, Seo Kwang simply hadn't been able to relate to or understand the young author. 

"He had to have seen something while he was writing this. What could that be?" 

Since Seo Kwang had never fantasized to that day, he still didn't have a clear way to define it. The extent of his understanding was that it was something dream-like. For the first time in his life, Seo Kwang found himself wanting to see it for himself. Something kept telling him that he would find something that would help him make a breakthrough. Licking his parched lips, Seo Kwang murmured to himself, "First, close your eyes." 

Juho had told him that the first step to seeing fantasies was to close your eyes. Upon closing his eyes, Seo Kwang heard a car zooming past the store and the whir of the motor within the refrigerator in the kitchen. At that moment, his stomach growled, and he opened his eyes.

"Gettin' hungry." 

Clicking his tongue, Seo Kwang took a piece of candy from the counter and put it in his mouth. The sweetness helped appease his hunger. There was no time to look for food. Rolling the candy around in his mouth, Seo Kwang looked into the air. A fish without gills. That time, he tried holding his breath. However, it wasn't long before he exhaled sharply, spitting all over the place.

"Maybe I need to take this more seriously." 

From what he had heard, there had been more than eight hundred submissions by that point, and there had to be translators who were seasoned and trained. 

"C'mon… I don't care what I see. Even if it's just one second." 

At that moment, Seo Kwang looked toward the whirring refrigerator in the kitchen, which was filled with food and drinks.

"Alcohol," Seo Kwang said as he rose from his seat.

Yum Woo is the youngest author in history to enter the literature world. His debut work was a massive hit but this success was short lived for the unprepared.

A miraculous second chance comes his way one day.

This is the beginning of that journey.

The director scratched his half-bald head. His gaze fell on the Cat Guardian Ghost script.

"This project, you said Luck Tosser brought it in, right?"

"Yes. I don't know where he heard that this project was good, but he brought it in all by himself."

Said the team 3 leader, smiling brightly.

"Now, really. He keeps switching back and forth between Lucky Charm and Luck Tosser."

"I'm telling you he has an admirable quality to him when he works."

Unlike the team 3 leader, whose face was glowing, the team 2 leader, who was sitting on the other side, frowned deeply. He even took deep breaths, as if calming his surging rage, whenever he heard the name 'Luck Tosser'.

"Well, that's that. I received a call from the CEO…"

Everyone who had gathered in the room, especially Seo Jijoon, looked towards the director, urging him to continue.

"He said to go on with the contract."

Seo Jijoon and his manager Lee Bongjoon high-fived each other under the table.

The team 2 leader repeatedly opened and closed his mouth, seemingly unable to accept this, but in the end, he simply sighed. Since the actor himself said he wanted to do it and since the CEO decided as well, nothing would change even if he continued to oppose it.

"Let's first set the goal to be over 5% viewership ratings. Well. Even if it doesn't, it won't be bad for Jijoon's filmography. You often hear that your acting spectrum is too narrow. Which is why only similar roles are offered to you."

"That's right. I'm bored to death of the same dignified roles."

"You will receive different roles after you do this."

"That's when things work out well, if things don't, then it might only shatter the luxurious image we worked hard to create. Also, if characters become weird because she's a new writer…"

When the team 2 leader was mumbling in a half-unsatisfied, half-worrying tone,

Someone knocked the door, almost smashing it, before entering. It was Son Chaeyoung with fiery eyes. She gave half-hearted greetings to the director and team leaders then immediately went to Seo Jijoon.

"Is it true you are going to appear on a cable drama in January? In a romantic comedy?"

"News spread quickly. Where did you hear that?"

Seo Jijoon replied while crossing his legs in a relaxed manner.

"Is it true? Are you trying to screw me over? Don't you know I'm doing a drama then too?"

"What's wrong with that? It's not like they air on the same day at the same time anyways."

"Why doesn't it matter! If you and I appear at the same time, and even on dramas with similar genres, the company will divide its promotion strategy! It's already not enough to become a hot topic in the beginning when they only focus their efforts on one!"

"What kind of fresh garbage is this? Are you the only actor in our company?"

"If you were going to do a winter drama, you should have joined my project instead!"

"I'd rather go serve mandatory military service than film a romantic comedy with you."

When the two actors were growling at each other, Chief Jo, who was Son Chaeyoung's manager, held her back.

"Chaeyoung, the director's here, so end it there and sit down. Huh? Sit and talk."

Son Chaeyoung, who had been fuming, flinched as she turned her head. The director, who was sitting in the seat of honor, was enjoying his milk tea as he watched the two quarrel, even snickering as though he found a dispute at this level adorable.

"Director, I'm serious!"

At Son Chaeyoung's protest, the director waved his hand with a 'Whoops'.

"The company will promote the two of you the best we can so don't worry. No, it's the three of you."

He turned towards the team 3 leader.

"You said Songha is confirmed as well, right?"

"Yes. It's confirmed that Songha will join as well. Now that you mention it, I was on a phone call with the CEO of Pan Production before I got here, and he praised her, saying he was surprised at how good her acting was."

"Really? Considering that they called a day after her audition, it seems they really got a good impression of her."

"Who?"

Son Chaeyoung frowned.

"Who's joining?"

"Lee Songha from Neptune, we originally wanted her to act, but she quit once."

The team 3 leader glanced at Son Chaeyoung and said,

"That teacher, Shim Jungtaek, is fishy no matter how much I think about it. To say such harsh words to someone who's good at acting… If it wasn't for Luck Tosser seeing her potential, persuading her and bringing over a drama, we would have buried her talent without knowing."

"Tsk, it looks like we can't entrust any of our recruits to that man. You keep looking into it."

Listening to their conversation, Son Chaeyoung said in a calmer tone than before,

"Why do you only blame teacher? She might have been bad at acting in front of him."

"It's no use if he grills them so much that they get traumatized."

"Teacher probably did it for her sake. How many times must he have seen people mess up their lives by pursuing acting even though they are bad at it? He probably thought that if they are at the level where they should just give up, then they should as early as possible."

When he heard Son Chaeyoung continuously take the acting teacher's side, the team 3 leader raised his eyebrows.

And, on the other side, the team 2 leader had an uncomfortable expression.

After the meeting ended, the team 2 leader grabbed Son Chaeyoung, who was about to leave.

He looked around and carefully asked,

"Chaeyoung. Don't tell me you got the teacher to…"

"No."

Son Chaeyoung cut him off. Then she said in a slightly rigid expression,

"I don't do that anymore. I only made that mistake once in the past because things weren't working out and I was so uneasy. Team leader knows as well. That I couldn't even sleep without sleeping pills that time."

"Of course, I know. That was why I covered it up and moved on. But this time…"

"I really didn't do it. That was so long ago."

"Are you sure?"

"I swear on it. I haven't even seen that Lee Songha or whatever's face."

Son Chaeyoung smiled as she shook her head. The team 2 leader finally let out a sigh.

"Okay. I only asked out of concern."

"You don't have to worry."

Son Chaeyoung crossed her arms and changed the topic.

"But the person who brought that cable drama, is he that person from before? The tall Neptune manager who was such a turn-off?"

"Yeah. That guy."

The team 2 leader nodded his head with a troubled expression.

"Seo Jijoon got the script because of him… Haa, I don't know why this guy, who hasn't even been in the company for long, is constantly being an eyesore."

"He's beginning to be an eyesore to me too."

"You're busy preparing for your drama so don't worry about useless things. I'm already waiting for a chance to take him down a notch."

Son Chaeyoung twisted her red lips.

"He left pouring cold water on my project, but could only grab a cable drama, from a new writer to boot… Now, really. What insight. I'm curious what viewership ratings that drama will get now."

*

Thud.

When I told Lee Songha the news confirming she was cast for the role, she dropped the ice cream she was eating. See as she dropped something she was eating, this meant she was extremely surprised. Worried she might pick it back up, I threw out the ice cream and turned around to see Lee Songha still standing there with a blank expression.

The other girls were creating a fuss in her stead.

"Really?! When she had her audition yesterday? Are results normally this quick?"

"It looks like the decision was quick because the production, the writer, and the director really liked her."

"Wonderful!"

So excited that she didn't know what to do, Im Seoyoung mercilessly patted Lee Songha's shoulders and back.

"Lee Songha! They said you've been cast for the drama! Oppa, then is she going to be an actress?"

"I guess?"

"Oh my god! It's not some extra, but an actual supporting role! When I stole a glance through the script, there were a lot of lines as well, meaning she must have tons of air time! What if she gets all sorts of product placement offers and stuff?!"

"Calm down, dummy. If someone saw, they'd think you were the one who was cast."

LJ, who scolded her out of habit, poked Lee Songha's side.

"Congratulations, Lee Songha. But I knew you'd get in."

Lee Taehee stroked Lee Songha's head and said,

"How great, Songha. Since you will be the new actress Lee Songha and not Neptune's Lee Songha over there, don't feel any pressure and try it out."

Not only the girls, but Kim Hyunjo and the team 3 leader took turns congratulating her through the phone. Only afterwards did it seem like Lee Songha was regaining her senses. She came up to me with steady steps and asked,

"… Did I really get in?"

I grinned and handed her a new ice cream.

"I don't know about the others, but why are you so surprised? You already heard that you were almost confirmed after the audition yesterday."

"Still… I didn't think I would get it so easily."

"Easily, my ass. You were already good at acting, but you worked hard as you analyzed the script and even practiced so much by looking up cat videos on the internet. You were just rewarded for your efforts."

"Still, up until now…"

Lee Songha shut her lips mid-mumble.

Well, since there were probably more things that didn't work out than did through her efforts up until now.

While it was certain she wasn't weak-minded or easily intimidated, her reaction was probably because she had heard that she couldn't do it, that she wasn't good at it, or that she fell behind to the point they ringed in her ears.

However, that would all end now.

Since she would hear how great she is and how she is exploding with talent more often than that she's bad or that she's falling behind.

"Didn't I say it? That you will hear 'Rediscovery of Lee Songha' after you do one drama. Wait and see."

After blinking her eyes twice, her lips formed a bright smile.

"Thank you. It's all because of oppa."

"Uh…"

It had been a long time since I'd seen her smile so brightly, no, did I even see it before?

My mind halted for a moment, but LJ suddenly appeared behind Lee Songha.

"I know, right?"

LJ crossed her arms and examined me at different angles.

"Was that prediction about how there would be a great fortune at the end of the year true? That a snake will bring fortune."

She mumbled profoundly before rubbing her hands together in a circular motion.

"Is this how you do it?"

"What are you trying to do?"

"Making a wish just in case. I'm asking to win the lottery."

"I! I want to have a permanent spot in an outdoor entertainment show!"

Im Seoyoung quickly ran next to LJ and joined her.

"Lee Songha! Taehee unni! Hurry and pray to the Lucky Snake Oppa!"

Lucky Snake…

While I was trying to regain my senses after that shock, Lee Songha and Lee Taehee each replied,

"I hope I can continue to be busy next year."

"Hmm… Then I want a Neptune concert."

"I take the Neptune concert and raise it to a world concert."{1}

LJ added. Lastly, Im Seoyoung suddenly raised her hand.

"Before that, 1st in a music broadcast!"

I quickly grabbed Im Seoyoung's shoulders.

"Okay. I received your wish."

"Yeah! Mine's been received!"

Im Seoyoung happily skipped around the living room. It looked like she wasn't in her right mind after she heard that Lee Songha had been cast. I clicked my tongue and turned around, but LJ looked at me like she was looking at some pitiful guy.

"What?"

"I started this as a joke."

"I'm serious."

"At any rate, oppa has a lot of strange qualities as well."

She said as she grinned.

Im Seoyoung, who had been running about the living room, unable to calm her excitement, suddenly stopped. Then she said with shining eyes,

"We're doing Next K-Star, and Lee Songha's filming a drama… I get the feeling that we will be completely different next year."

A few days later, an article confirming that Seo Jijoon had been cast for TVL's new project for January, Cat Guardian Ghost, appeared on the front page.

The fact that Seo Jijoon, who had only done cold, elitist roles until now, was going to appear on a sweet romantic comedy became a hot topic, and the drama's title was trending on top searches. This was definitely effective in promoting the drama.

Starting with Seo Jijoon, the female lead and other supporting and minor roles were quickly cast as well.

The fact that Lee Songha was cast wasn't widely promoted. Since there would be a lot of negative reactions, saying that she only got in because she was in the same company as Seo Jijoon, we decided to see the public's reaction of Next K-Star before determining the scale and direction of promoting her.

That was how every day passed without any time to rest.

There were a few more recordings of Next K-Star, and fortunately, the girls continued to receive compliments from the judges because they worked hard like an untiring runaway engine{2}.

Of course, we couldn't relax because we wouldn't know how it would be shown until we saw the edited version.

Lee Songha reduced her already insufficient sleep time. She was constantly caught up with practicing for the mission with her members, her own addition training, as well as analyzing and reading the script. Although we found a new acting teacher, she always did her readings with me.

I was worried she might tire, but it looked like my worries were unfounded. She was absorbed in acting every day, and the more she did, the livelier she seemed to get as if she was a well-watered sprout.

Mid-November.

People put away their thin jackets and took out their thick padded coats. The stalls on the streets were filled with scarves and wool hats, piercing wind began to blow between the bare trees on the streets, and the Cat Guardian Ghost's first reading would be in a few days…

Then, the day had finally arrived.

November 20. 10 p.m.

There was now 1 hour before Next K-Star aired for the first time.
 
{1} Think poker. Call, Raise, etc.

{2} This is a phenomenon where an engine accelerates due to drawing fuel from an unintended source.

Jung Sunwoo was an average man. He had just taken his first job at W&U, a celebrity management company, as a manager. He could finally achieve his dream of being the manager of a world-famous actor or actress. On his way to work, he fell into what appeared to be a lucid dream about his future. As he went on with his day, he realized it may not have simply been a lucid dream.
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Hey guys SakuraMoon here this is a a novel that I translated but if you want to see the original RAW's here you go :)
http://novel.munpia.com/47247

"I only told the managers that I have a problem with my contract, but no, I did not have any at all." Miss Park explained with a smile. She was too carefree, and for some reason, Suji could not help but look at her adorably. "Sorry if I am too naive and carefree that I did not consider you guys getting scolded by your higher-ups."
Both Seungwoo and Suji could not believe what they heard, so they stood there like a frozen statue. Writer Park decided to rummage through her bag and let out a mysterious white envelope used to put it in money.  
Then, somehow it made sense.
Park Sauron stood up and approached the Seungwoo and extended her arms to give the envelope filled with money to him. "Mister Kim, thank you so much for paying our debt as a whole! This might not be in full payment, but I was really grateful to you!"
Suji rose from leaning on the table and stared at Writer Park. It was at that moment that she realized that Writer Park seemed to have the hots for him.
For some reason, it irked her.
Basically, she was still in a so-called relationship with CEO Seo, but it irked her how another woman was interested in him. It was as if she was just a decoration for the two to continue their moment,
She could see how Saeron's eyes twinkled as if they were shooting hearts to Kim Seungwoo—observing how their fingers touched when Seungwoo received the envelope with money in it, something in her ignited.
It was jealousy.
She was jealous of Saeron's advances towards Seungwoo.
Come to think of it, Seungwoo did not even hesitate to lend money to her when both of them are strangers to each other.  
Was Seungwoo just being a kind and considerate man to her, just like what he was doing with Writer Park?
Was everything just a hallucination on her part? And he was never really interested in her since the very beginning?
But then, she remembered how their interactions with each other seemed too special to be labeled as something to pass on, so she decided to step up.  
Before Seungwoo could react, she took a step forward nearer to Writer Park, grabbed the white envelope in question, opened her sling bag, and put it inside.  
With a big grin plastered on her face, she said, "Miss Park, you did not really have to do that! Mister Kim Seungwoo here is known as a silver spoon. The money he lent you is only pocket money for him."
Suji could see Writer Park's puzzle facial expression. When she turned her head to the side, she saw how Seungwoo was smiling, flashing his dimples.  
It was not even something very important, but the three of them laughed together.
Everything ended smoothly.
They got an afternoon break from all they had to do at work. It was a blessing in disguise for them. Even though Suji was scolded by their manager, she felt grateful by  Writer Park.
She was a little bit inattentive and lighthearted, but there were some qualities that most people would find her adorable too.  
Everything ended smoothly with Writer Park getting her sincerity to come across to the both of them, most especially to Kim Seungwoo.  
And even though Suji got busy with work, she still had not forgotten about CEO Seo's betrayal and lies to her. She has yet to confront him about it.
But how?
How will she be able to discuss it casually?
Time has been wasted, and efforts went down to the drain. It was not easy.
After all, she never had her life easy.
There are times that she even forgot that her life was already at stake here.  
+++
"I have something to ask you, Mister Seo,"
After several days of a busy work schedule, Suji finally had the chance to ask the things that bothered her all the time.  
This time, they were not in a fancy Italian restaurant or inside their car. The two were near Han River, staying outside for fresh air.
Suji could remember the memorable things that they did together the last time they went here. But she thought that maybe, that would be the first and last time for them. She realized how Jinwoo was too set on making her fall in love with him, hiding the fact that he won't be able to break her curse.
Would he be happy to see how Suji would disappear? Why would he lie to her? Does he even love her?
These were what Suji thought all the time. She wanted to ask about all of those, but she had to be calm and sensitive about the issue. This did not only involve her, but CEO Seo and her feelings for Seungwoo mattered here too.
The sea breeze was still cold. They wore their padded parkas, but it seemed like the cold was seeping through their skin. The hot chocolate cup they were holding was only used as something to warm them.  
"What is it, Suji?"  
The chocolate cup felt warm on Suji's tiny hands. She took a deep breath and calmed herself down. It was already nighttime, probably around eight or nine in the evening.  They were sitting on the piece of cloth CEO Seo brought for them to sit down on.
"If I really manage to fall in love with you," Suji could not make eye contact with him. She only fixed her gaze on her hot chocolate cup and swirled it in a circular motion. "Will you really be able to break my curse?"
"Yes," CEO Seo shortly replied.
The sky was clear, and the city lights looked beautiful. Everything seemed peaceful.
But Suji was not at peace at all. She tried her best not to be angry and disappointed with CEO Seo, but she can't. He tried his best to hide his lies up until the end.
All she can do is sigh.
"I see, thank you for that," Suji calmly responded as she turned her head to look at CEO Seo, who was sitting right next to her. His face looked like an angel, so she could not believe he kept on lying to her. "Do you have something to tell me, CEO Seo?"
CEO Seo turned his head and met her gaze. The color of his eyes changed to the color purple. It was dark, and he could not see CEO Seo's facial expressions. She could hear the faint sound of his breathing.
Suji wondered how her face looked like to him.
Was it evident that she was already suspicious and disappointed in him?
Does he know that he knew everything now? Did he only lie to prolong everything because he knew that she would leave her once she found out?
"Are you hiding something from me, CEO Seo?" Suji asked, turning her gaze away from him as she stared at the moon.
It looked beautiful and amicable. Suji tightened her grasp from the hot chocolate cup and drank from it. It tasted great, but since they were outside, it was not that hot anymore as she preferred it to be.  
The flavor of the chocolate was great but not too overpowering, and it was sweet enough for Suji's palate. It was delicious for a cheap 5000 won cup in a vending machine. But then, she realized that it was not time for her to be judging how the hot chocolate tasted.
Suji was here to demand an explanation and hear the truth coming from Seo Jinwoo's mouth.  
Silence filled the two again. It was the first time that CEO Seo was trying his best to delay answering a question. It was not his personality to even lie or hide something that one was supposed to know.
She always knew him as a reliable and hard-working person. An angel lived here on Earth, but since he was a descendant of a sea witch, he was still cunning and deceitful.
"It seemed like you were asking questions when you knew the answers," CEO Seo spoke, making Suji surprised about what he said. "Do you want me to tell another lie again?"
"W-what do you mean?" Suji's voice was firm, but it was apparent that everything Seo Jinwoo said was a shock for her. "I want you to be honest with me. I don't want to hear lies anymore, Seo Jinwoo."
CEO Seo snorted. It was a reaction that no one expected.  
Does that mean he knew what Suji was already suspecting him?
"It's about time," Seo Jinwoo replied. "You knew about it already; what was the point of asking it?"
His eyes expressed sadness and loneliness. Suji could not understand why when it should be her supposed to be sad, angry, lonely, and disappointed at the same time.  
"I want you to confirm it yourself, CEO Seo," Suji's voice quivered. "I want you to explain everything to me so that I can understand."
"Okay. I will tell you everything, and I won't lie to you anymore."


"Is my fate already written according to the stars or do I create my own destiny?"

Li Suji only has one hundred days before she turns twenty-five, and that also means she only has one hundred days left to find her reincarnated prince. She has no clue about the said man aside from the fact that she'll find him working at the Seo Publishing Company, and that the reincarnated prince will also have the same birthmark as she has, the mermaid's tail binds them together as the fated couple. She managed to enter the company as a trainee editor on probation as she heard through connections. Chaos arrives when she got tied with two CEO's at the same time. Will she be able to break her curse and make the reincarnated prince fall in love with her in this current life?


+++


A scene suddenly came right through my eyes, as if it was directly right in front of me. This time, I was aware that I was not experiencing it firsthand though it still happened from my point of view. I was there, tending someone, probably a man. I was unbuttoning two buttons in his shirt because he was sweating too much. I was holding a wet towel in my hand and started to wipe his neck using it.

"It tickles, why are you wiping my body so lightly?" The man asked, it seemed like a very familiar voice but I couldn't pinpoint who. I wasn't looking at the man since I was so preoccupied with looking at his perfectly sculpted body. "You shouldn't be doing that, no-no, you should do it the hard way."

"H-huh??" The hard way?

"Yes, should I do it instead?" He sat up, unbuttoned his shirt, took my hand, and guided me to wipe his neck down to his chest, abdomen, navel until his pelvis, "You should do it like this, okay?"

As I was trying to hide the embarrassment of touching his body---I was touching the man's body with a towel, something caught my attention. Lower than his navel but the upper right side of his pelvis, I saw a mermaid's tail's fin. I scooted over, held the garter of his pants, and pulled it downwards.

Voila. It was the mermaid's tail. Perfectly the same as mine. He's the one that I am looking for. I don't doubt it. I am one hundred percent sure! He's the reincarnated prince that I am looking for, for so long.

The man grabbed my hand and made me look at his face. Sadly, I couldn't see who he was clearly. "What are you doing to a sick man's house, not to mention pulling his pants? Do you want to get yourself in trouble?"


Yes, that's right.


I'm already in trouble.


+++

This story focuses on the reality of the workplace setting (office romance), slice-of-life, rom-com with tiny bits of fantasy elements. The setting is in modern-day Korea, I am not a Korean native so there might be some things that are not 100% accurate nor does it reflect the society and the country alone.

The story focuses on character development and how the main characters grow in terms of love and life, has cliche and is a slow burn romance.

If you're not reading this in Webnovel or Ficool, chances are, the book is plagiarized. Please support the author by reading this book in the Webnovel platform.

Having your brother-in-law as your boss has its pros and cons. 








"Look, Chanyeol, this article we'll be working on would be really, really great." Ji-yong said, winking. "And besides it'll take little time to accomplish." 








Okay. That's one of the pros. I could always get the easiest job if I want or need to. It's just that, before Baekhyun was gone, I would always settle with the hardest jobs, wanting to prove my worth. 








I know I should have taken advantage of the pros. That I know now. 








"And also..." Ji-yong trailed off, and I knew he's giving me the 'sorry didn't mean it' look. "Your sister told me you need this. And this particular job at that matter." 








And that's one of the cons. Professionalism could be really ignored. 








I sighed and shifted on one of Ji-yong's office couches. "Okay... So what exactly do you want me to do?" Even though I don't really like taking any job for now, part of me knows Dara won't stop trying to be of any 'help'. 








Kwon Ji-yong leaned unto his folded arms. "Well, one of my writers, Seo Ju-hyun, suggested a rather interesting topic for an article," he explained. "It's about infamous spots here in Seoul that are worth visiting." 








"Woah, woah," I raised both palms in disbelief. "First, you want me to work with Ju-hyun? You know that girl likes me and she hates Baek." I shook my head. "No. I'm not taking the job if she's writing the article." 








"But, Chan---"







"And second," I narrowed my brows. "You want me to walk around Seoul in the middle of winter? I can't believe you, guys! My sister talked you to this, didn't she?" 








Ji-yong pursed his lips, guilty. "My wife could be really... persuasive." 








I can't help but sigh. "I know where you're getting at," I started, my voice low and tired. "You want me to somehow give Ms. Seo a chance. And you want me to stop hating winter." I raised my brows at Ji-yong, waiting for the answer I already know.







"Well..." he trailed off. "You can... You can say that." 








"And that's it," I stood up, grabbing my coat from the couch. "I'm out of here." 








With that, Ji-yong went to his feet in an instant. "Okay. Wait up, Chanyeol!" he called before I even got the chance to grab the door handle. "How about changes? I'll make changes." 








Slowly, I looked back at him. "I'm listening." 








"I can't do anything about winter," Ji-yong said, exasperated. "It's the first week of December. We can't wait for Spring before working on the article. We both know Seoul is the most beautiful during winter." Then he noticed my expression. "At least, for some... or most." 








And that I have to give him. I have to. 








But... "I can't hear any changes," I muttered, rolling my eyes. 








"Okay, fine!" he exclaimed. "Here's the deal: You show us pictures of random spots and places, Ji-hyun will make an article out of the shots. Write the location behind the pictures and you and Ji-hyun won't have to talk." 








I gave him a shrug. "Seems fine to me." 








"Then... are you taking the job?" Ji-yong's eyes are expectant. "Please tell me you're taking it." 








"Yes, sir." I muttered, grabbing the door handle. "I'm taking the job." 


















































When I stepped out of the Horizon Publishing building, the sky is starting to cloud. Soon enough, snow would be covering the pavements and the road, making everything displeasing for me all over again. The cold. The ice. They're all not worth any of my like or attention. 








I walked fast towards my car, almost making a mental note of picking Baekhyun from the school he's working in. 








"Geez, Park," I murmured to myself as I turned the heater up, pulling out of the parking area in a matter of seconds. 








Sometimes, I hate doing this to myself. I hate that I decided to tie myself to the past; I hate that I decided never to forget everything; I hate that I can't bear to move on and just get over my fiance's death. 








I hate that I often pretend that Byun Baekhyun is still here. 








But what I hate most is the fact that doing these stupid things is what keeps me alive right now. They keep me going. The past keeps me here, in this very car, driving. 








It keeps me from breaking apart. 



























































➿➿➿➿➿
➿➿➿➿➿





"Excuse me. I'm really very sorry to interrupt..."







He looks up, eyes wide. "Oh, hello!" he seemed surprised. "Yes, mister?" 








I cocked my head to the direction of the empty chair. "Is that seat taken?" I asked. "I can't seem to find myself a seat. Cafe's kind of buzzing with people today." 








His brown orbs danced with amusement. "Nope. Seat's not taken." he grins. "Please feel free to occupy it." 








Sighing, I went to seat on the chair. "Thank you so much," I murmured, turning my gaze to the glass wall beside us. This is what makes sitting on this very booth great. You see a lot of the world outside. You wouldn't feel trapped in a small cafe made of wood and marble. It's an escape. Even if it's not real. 








The brown-haired guy in front of me continued reading his book. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard. I frowned because it's kind of odd to see someone reading an English novel now and not the translated version. 








But ignoring the oddness, I focused on his face instead. 








The stranger has pink, plump lips with tiny smudges of the coffee he's drinking, perfect nose, flushed and flawless cheeks, small, bright eyes that folds into crescents whenever he smiles. 








It might have been the light or the atmosphere but he looks really, really good. And I don't mean the slutty-looking kind you could call dibs on for a one night stand. It's a kind, stunning look. He's simply beautiful. I'm staring at a beautiful guy right now. I can't believe my luck. 








Suddenly, he looks up, catching my gaze. 








"Is... is there a problem, mister?" 








Grabbing the magazine I took from a rack a while ago, I shook my head and looked away. "N-none." I said. "Nothing's the problem." 








I started to flip through the magazine. It's a travel magazine from the Horizon Publishing. I even got a small photo of me on the cover because some of the exclusive photos used are mine. I would like to check them out while drinking my favorite coffee. 








As I am halfway through an article about the greatest sand destinations, the stranger spoke. 








"You're on the cover, aren't you?" he suddenly asked, making me look up at him in confusion. "Or... he's your twin or something?" 








Frowning, I glanced at the cover and saw myself. "Oh. That." 








"It's really you..." he trailed off, staring at my face for the first time in minutes. "Are you a writer or what?" 








For a second, I felt quite insulted that he doesn't know me. I am a famous travel photographer! How come some South Korean doesn't know me? This is insane. 








"I'm a travel photographer," I said. "I work for some travel magazines." 








The stranger stares at me in awe. "Wow. And to be working for the Horizon Pub. You must be really, really good." He grins, showing a really cute kind of eye-smile. 








But 'really, really good'? I don't think that even covers it. Hell. What's with this guy? 








I cleared my throat, sitting more upright. "Park Chanyeol," I offered a hand. 








"Oh," he started, taken aback by the gesture. "Byun Baekhyun." We shook hands and I noticed immediately how soft his hand is. When we withdrew from the handshake, Byun Baekhyun is still gazing at my face like I'm some exotic creature. 








"You know, Mr. Chanyeol, I always dreamed about taking good picture of places," he started. "I can't believe I'm sitting with a photographer now. And a very famous one at that." 








"What do you do for a living, by the way?" I asked, just curious.







Baekhyun blushed a pretty shade of pink. "I'm a preschool teacher," he answered. "I teach at this art school a few blocks from here. Musical instruments, songs, things like that. I've always dreamed of donating some new instruments for the kids every two years because they really need new ones. Guitars... violins... pianos..." 








"Piano?" 








"Yes!" he exclaimed. "But they're all quite expensive. Um, do you know how to play the piano?" 








With that, I have to nod. "Piano, guitar, drums. Hobbies." 








"Oh, wow." Baekhyun grins. "I can therefore conclude, Mr. Park Chanyeol, that you're multi-talented." 








I chuckled and for once, I felt the ice breaking. 








"Thank you," Then I mocked a slight bow. "I tried really, really hard." 








Baekhyun pouts slightly. "You're lucky you've got the perfect hobby," he mutters. "You know, I've been trying in vain to make my Instagram account worth a visit. But seems like photography isn't the perfect hobby for me." 








I took a shot, long as it might. "Mind if I look?" I grabbed my phone, tapping on the Instagram icon. 








"Of course I would mind!" he exclaimed. "Don't do it! Just don't! That'll be really, really embarrassing." 








"Oh, really," I muttered, typing 'Byun Baekhyun' on the search tab. Random accounts appeared and I tapped on the first name. "That wasn't hard." I smirked as I found his account. 








Baekhyun gasped. "Oh my god, you son of a devil." And when he tried to reach for my phone, I grabbed his wrist, keeping him in place. He gritted his teeth. "No! Don't even dare---"







"You don't take bad pictures, Byun Baek." I whispered, frowning. "In fact, you're pretty good." 








Groaning, he reached with his other hand, luckily taking my phone off my grasp. "I told you not to look," he hissed. "You're really mean." Then he started tapping on my phone's screen, probably blocking himself or whatever. 








"Sometimes the angle is bad or the lighting," I explained. "Things we could work on." 








With a start, Baekhyun met my eyes. "You said 'we'?" 








"Well," I started, shrugging. "I could give you lessons if you want." 








Baekhyun bit his lip. "I don't have the money, Mr. Famous." he mutters. "Ah! Forget it. Here's your phone." then he placed it on the table between us before retreating on his chair in an embarrassed state. His cheeks are flushed. 








Oh my god. He's gorgeous. 








"How about one cup of cappuccino every Sunday at this very cafe?" I raised a brow. "Nine in the morning?" 








"You're bluffing..." He pouts. 








"Or am I?" 








Baekhyun glares. "You're a very mean person." he murmurs. "I'm pretty sure you just find me amusing that's why you're doing this." 








"Nope," I shook my head. "I find you really cute that's why I'm doing this." 








He gaped. "B-but---"







"See you on Sunday, Byun Baek." Then I stood up, giving him a slight bow before walking out of the cafe. And since then, I have to work really hard to keep myself from smirking whenever I remember him. 


➿➿➿➿➿
➿➿➿➿➿





















































He showed up that Sunday. 








And that Sunday started everything. 








I drove pass the school gates, earning a wave from the security guard. On the backseat of my car are new musical instruments for the kids. I only need to talk to the principal to help me disseminate them. 








For another one long second, I am hoping Baekhyun is here. 








"These are for you, baby," I whispered. "I'm making another of your dreams come true."

Some second chances are worth coming back for.

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