Her heart pounded like a baby bird's when Seong Joon's car pulled up to the business center where the presentation was to take place, stopping right in front of the main entrance. The red-carpeted stairs resembled those at the Cannes Film Festival, surrounded by the press, camera flashes, and the shouts of journalists. Today's event was more than just a presentation. It was a gathering of high-ranking and high-status people. Not just anyone could attend such an event. Only the chosen few were immersed in the event's atmosphere.
When Director Kim opened the door for SoMi and offered her his hand, she stepped onto the carpet smoothly, like a superstar. Camera flashes lit up everything around her. Seong Joon took her hand somewhat uncertainly in his right hand and, with a wave of his left, invited her to walk forward under the watchful gaze of the press. Tomorrow, the girl's face will be in all the newspapers and magazines.
Inside the business center, the atmosphere was completely different. It was crowded but not noisy like outside. Light, pleasant music played and women's heels clicked on the marble floor. The bright light of an expensive, huge chandelier shone on everyone present. The presentation was truly cosmic in scale. To reach the hall where all the guests had gathered, one had to descend a long staircase. SoMi and Seong Joon did just that, handing in their invitations at the reception.
*******
Do Hwan's day began early when he was woken up at five o'clock by an insistent phone call with the news that he had been invited to a large social event. It was a great honor for actors to be present, including Do Hwan. The director had gathered the entire team for the visit and strictly forbade anyone from missing it.
He got ready for the event quickly. Fortunately, the team of stylists worked at lightning speed in such situations. The suit he wore for the evening had already been delivered by a courier from his agency, and his makeup and hair were done on the spot in a van that usually accompanied them to various TV show sets.
As he left his building, Do Hwan noticed a man in a suit propping up a car, seemingly waiting for someone. He hurriedly jumped into the car that had just pulled up behind him and did not see SoMi, who was just coming out onto the street. Once again, their paths did not crossed.
Sipping champagne served by waiters in the hall, Do Hwan chatted with people he knew and people he didn't. That was his job—to shine on camera and then make conversation with the "cream of society," making new acquaintances to advance his career. Sometimes such events were fun because they ended with a party. Other times, like today, they were quiet and boring in the company of rich people, actors, and singers older than him. Then, he noticed a familiar silhouette at the top of the stairs. It was SoMi.
His gaze was fixed on her, and all his thoughts, like the voices around him, fell silent. Time seemed to slow down, allowing him to take in every detail of SoMi's stunning appearance. She slowly descended the stairs, capturing the attention of everyone present, men and women alike. Dressed in a black pantsuit, she radiated confidence. The fitted jacket had a deep neckline and was cinched with a thin black belt. An emerald corset was barely visible underneath, and it beautifully outlined her small breasts, attracting the attention of the men in the audience. The flared pants with a crease and high waist hugged her round, toned buttocks neatly, and the high heels emphasized her slender silhouette. Subtle makeup and perfectly styled curls that fell smoothly over her shoulder were the finishing touches. The red lipstick harmoniously complemented the whole look.
Do Hwan could no longer hear his conversation partner, with whom he had been talking for half an hour. He stood rooted to the spot, holding a glass of champagne, and watched with his mouth slightly open as SoMi appeared out of nowhere, like a goddess, and slowly descended to mere mortals. For a moment, it seemed to him that no one else was around but them and that she had come just for him. But everything returned to normal as soon as SoMi disappeared into the crowd and went downstairs.
Director Kim introduced SoMi to his friends, who were actors, singers, and directors. SoMi was thrilled by the number of celebrities she had only seen on screen before. Today, she was talking to them in person and shaking their hands. The evening was going perfectly for SoMi. She couldn't stop smiling, and her cheeks were starting to hurt. When Director Kim went to get champagne, SoMi finally noticed a painfully familiar gaze in the crowd. It was as if she could feel it because Do Hwan didn't take his eyes off her. She smiled and greeted him with a slight wave.
Do Hwan was alone, not talking to or getting to know anyone. He decided to seize the moment, heading toward her so he could talk to her before she disappeared from view again.
"SoMi, I didn't expect to see you here today," he said.
"I could say the same about you," she smiled.
"You look... simply incredible," he said, finally getting a closer look at her chic outfit.
"Thank you. This is the first time I've seen you looking so stylish."
"I always look stylish," he said confidently.
"Well, I wouldn't call sweatpants and a stretched-out T-shirt stylish."
"SoMi, here's the champagne," Director Kim interrupted.
"Thank you," she said, taking the glass. "Oh, right. Do Hwan, meet my director, Kim Seong Joon. Director Kim, this is Woo Do Hwan, a famous actor and my neighbor."
"Neighbor?" Kim Seong Joon sounded surprised, and there was a slightly unpleasant note in his voice. "How interesting," he said, raising an eyebrow and looking at the guy a little condescendingly. Still, he shook his hand.
"Do Hwan, I've been looking everywhere for you!" The guy's friend almost ran up to them. "Oh, who's this?" he asked immediately.
"This is SoMi, and next to her is her director, Kim Seong Joon. Mr. Seong Joon, SoMi - this is my friend - famous actor Lee Sang Yi," Do Hwan said, introducing them.
"Oh, SoMi? Your beautiful neighbor? I'm finally meeting you in person," he said, taking her hand and kissing it like a gentleman without taking his eyes off her. SoMi didn't have time to respond when...
"Nice to meet you," the director said, almost forcibly taking Sang Yi's hand and shaking it.
"Yes..." Sang Yi smiled slightly, sourly, and pulled his hand out of the man's grasp.
The temperature in the air seemed to rise immediately, and testosterone levels jumped. For some reason, Do Hwan became extremely angry with both men and then realized he was jealous of SoMi. The director, in turn, saw the two rivals looking at SoMi as if she were a delicious cake or a prize everyone wanted. Sang Yi simply cast happy glances at the girl, unaware that his interlocutors were losing their patience.
Director Kang Seok Yeol interrupted all this chemistry of jealousy, anger, and courtship because he was tired of gathering all the actors together.
"Guys, there you are! I'm tired of looking for you. It's about to start, so let's hurry," he said.
Do Hwan suddenly decided to seize the opportunity.
"Oh, Mr. Kang, I'm so glad you're here. Meet SoMi, the author of the book I left for you. Have you set up a meeting yet?"
"Oh, Ms. SoMi! What an honor. I'm very happy to meet you."
"I'm happy too," SoMi said, genuinely delighted by this opportunity.
"Ms. SoMi, would you mind discussing a future project with me after the presentation? Your work has really caught my interest."
"Yes, of course. I'd be happy to," she said, unaware that passions were already boiling around her. The three men exchanged glances as if challenging each other to a duel.
"Then it's settled. We'll talk later," said Kang. At that moment, the presentation began, and everyone was asked to take their seats. Director Kim gently took SoMi by the shoulders and led her away from Do Hwan and Sang Yi.
"She's beautiful," said Sang Yi, watching the girl walk away.
"Shut up," said Do Hwan discontentedly, gulping down his champagne. Then he took Sang Yi's glass and drank from it too.
"Hey, what are you doing?" Sang asked in surprise, following his friend.
For the rest of the evening, their paths did not cross again. There was a long presentation with videos and Lee Han Soo's memories of his travels, which inspired him to write the book. He also recalled the moment he found the book edited by SoMi in a bookstore. He felt she would work on his manuscript perfectly. Then, guests congratulated the author, and there was champagne, snacks, and more conversations.
The evening slowly approached nine o'clock. The guests began to disperse little by little. SoMi stood alone in the middle of the hall, taking in the interior. She stared at the details of the frescoes on the ceiling and admired the sparkling chandelier with its colored lights. She breathed in the atmosphere, which would now be associated with rich and successful people. It would come back to her in her memories.
"How do you like tonight?" suddenly, she heard the familiar, low voice of Do Hwan behind her.
"Exhausting, but full of pleasant moments," she replied, turning to face him. "For you, this is probably just another ordinary day in your life."
"Yes, events like this lost their specialness for me a long time ago. Now it's just work."
"I wonder what you felt the first time."
"I don't remember anymore. It was a long time ago." he looked up at the heavy chandelier hanging above them. "Maybe we should have dinner. I've been snacking all evening, and my stomach is empty."
I'd love to... But I'm going on a date." The word cut painfully again, this time in her heart. It stung unpleasantly.
"With whom?"
"With Director Kim. He invited me unexpectedly, and I accepted."
"Hmm... I see," he said, finishing his champagne in one gulp.
"SoMi, are you ready?" the director asked from behind them.
"I'll powder my nose and be right back," she said, bidding Do Hwan farewell with a glance and leaving them alone.
"I'll wait outside," the director said to her. "She's an incredible woman," he added, turning to the young man. "SoMi isn't for everyone. There are few like her," he said, watching Do Hwan's reaction. Do Hwan remained silent, but inside, he was boiling. "She's like the last piece of cake that goes to the best person."
"Watch out - don't choke," Do Hwan blurted out, slowly shifting his gaze from the void to Seong Joon.
"Oh, you've got some attitude," Seong Joon said, accepting the challenge. Do Hwan remained silent. The director only chuckled contentedly and walked away.
Do Hwan was experiencing such feelings for the first time: Jealousy, rage, hopelessness, helplessness... They enveloped his body and mind. He clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white and gnashed his teeth as he clenched his jaw. His eyes became blacker than ever. It seemed that even his hair stood on end from anger. Then, a single thought brought him to his senses.
"Why am I angry?" he asked himself. "Why am I jealous? She's just my neighbor. She's just a friend I have dinner with. Nothing more. Damn it, it's driving me crazy."
"Hwan, why are you standing there?" Sang Yi asked, putting on his jacket.
"Sang, let's get drunk."
"Omo, you don't drink!"
"Today is a special day, so it's okay," he said, grabbing his friend by the neck and pulling him toward the exit.
Unfortunately, alcohol could only dull his feelings a little that evening.