Ryu Sunjae opened his eyes, not remembering when he had fallen asleep. It must have been right after he closed the car door. The last thing he remembered was the crowd in front of the hotel where he was staying, shouting his name over and over again. Only God knew when they had started gathering; Sunjae wondered if they had set up tents nearby. Such sights were not uncommon, but he still couldn't get over the mixed feelings whenever he saw them. He was grateful, for sure, to still be recognized here, 15 years after his debut. These people sacrificed their time-time they could have spent with family, friends, or lovers-to come and catch a glimpse of him for a mere second, making him wonder if it was really necessary for them to go to such lengths.
It had been a crazy week, flying around half the earth in just one week. Sunjae didn't complain. It had always been like this during fashion week season. He and his agency had expected it since his last appearance as the lead in a noir film became a worldwide hit. Once again, casting calls and advertising offers had doubled. He would let his CEO filter the jobs first before making the final call.
Sunjae's eyes were still heavy, but they were almost there. His eyes met Dongseok's in the rear window; it seemed Dongseok was about to wake him up. Sunjae nodded, signaling to Dongseok that he wouldn't need to wake him.
He took his phone from the seat beside him, briefly considering if there was enough time left to make one call. Then he brushed the idea off; it must be late night in Korea right now. But would it be okay to call her anyway? She had said to call anytime, though.
"Hyung, we're almost there."
Sunjae shrugged. Okay, no time to call then. "Yeah."
Dongseok twisted his body to face him, looking serious. "Hyung, remember. No signs. Don't get too close. I spotted the sasaengs in front of our hotel, following us all the way from Bangkok. Crazy."
Sunjae nodded again, gesturing as casually as possible to Dongseok. He always felt the need to reassure Dongseok that he was fine; he had gotten used to it. Though Dongseok might think he didn't care, Sunjae was well aware that the situation could be dangerous. It could turn bad at any moment.
There were many kinds of support: buying his concert or fan meeting tickets, voting in award shows, sending food trucks, donating in his name, even buying him a star (literally, a star in the sky). And then there was this kind of support, which he can't and doesn't want to understand: following him and spying on his personal time.
It frustrated him, especially when they intruded on the personal time he could have spent with Sol. Anything that kept him away from Sol made him angry. If only he could be angry at the time difference between Milan and Seoul, he would be.
The car was slowing down; Sunjae tidied up his suit. But just before the car stopped, a text came to his phone. He quickly checked the notification, only to find a Kakao message from My Fate. His heart started to race. He opened the message without a blink.
I can't sleep. Hurry up and come home. I miss you.
Sunjae let out a heavy sigh. "Dongseok-ah,"
"Ye-yes?" Dongseok was taken off guard as he was about to open the door.
"What time is the latest flight to Seoul tonight?"
