𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐓 𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐌𝐒 | kth

19

Right then, the image of Y/N's placating manner in front of Producer Lee flashed past his mind.

His expression closed up and in a tone without any warmth, he said,

"You're thinking too much."

Y/N lifted her head in doubt.

Thinking too much?

Taehyung's mesmerizing lips curved into a sardonic smile and the frosty voice continued,

"I wasn't helping you, I just didn't want to bring trouble to myself. A newbie acting as the second female lead in this TV series would definitely stir gossip and, since you're acting alongside me, I didn't want any of your bad reputation to affect me."

So, he wasn't trying to help me, he was just trying to save himself from trouble.

She was thinking too much after all. Y/N lowered her lashes, shielding her disappointment.

Her lips trembled as she wordlessly tightened the grasp she had on her skirt. Ouch.

He glanced coldly at her then brushed past her in long strides.

For a long time after Taehyung left, she remained motionless. Only when a sharp honk pierced the night did she blink, coming back to her senses. Jisoo had arrived with the car.

She entered the car and sat down.

"There was an accident that jammed the road for a while," Jisoo explained while driving.

Y/N remained silent, tilting her head to the side, looking out the window.

Jisoo took one glance at the back mirror before making a turn. "Y/N, thank goodness for Taehyung. I didn't expect him to actually help you out."

The minute she heard that, Y/N clenched her lips, shutting her eyes.

Jisoo continued, "I guess he still remembers past ties. After all, you have known each other for so many years, saying a few words should be nothing."

Past ties.

That wasn't his intention at all. He was just worried about gossip.

She had been too naive, feeling as though she had struck the lottery with just a few words.

She should have known that he would not have helped her.

She was indeed thinking too much.

How could she forget, he had once used a resolute tone to inform her: no matter who he liked, it wouldn't be her.

Noting that Y/N wasn't speaking, Jisoo couldn't help reaching over to nudge her. "What is it? Something wrong?"

"No." Y/N didn't open her eyes, afraid that she would tear up in front of Jisoo.

"The alcohol is making me tired."

"Oh, then you should sleep, I'll wake you up when we reach your home."

Y/N agreed lightly, and the car sank into silence.

_________

"Is this all you're eating?" Producer Lee asked, looking at her plate.

"Yes," Y/N answered with a smile.

"Filming is tough, you need to eat more," Producer Lee chastised as he signaled for the waiter at the corner.

"One more set of abalone rice and steak."

They were filming in a resort in Busan, and since the filming had to be done in private, the whole resort had to be booked, resulting in all the crew members having to stay in the resort hotel.

It was the night before the actual filming and the crews were having their dinner.

Taehyung's chewing stopped momentarily before he resumed without any emotion present on his face.

However, the air around him seemed to have fallen drastically.

Y/N sat beside Taehyung and could distinctly sense the frosty aura he emitted. As she grew more nervous, her actions became more and more reserved and formal.

However, Producer Lee kept talking to her, so she had to keep her placating smile, acting as though everything was normal.

Y/N felt as though this was the most painful meal she had ever eaten.

With much difficulty, she managed to endure until the director, Chungha, and Rowoon finished their meals.

Once they had left, she hurriedly put down her chopsticks, indicating that she was done.

Just as she was about to excuse herself, Producer Lee seemed to have thought of something, asking her,

"Y/N, do you have any endorsement jobs other than filming?"

Y/N shook her head as she replied, "I don't."

"I have a friend that manages an European cosmetic brand in Asia. They're currently looking for a new endorsement model and have asked for my recommendation. I find your looks and personality well suited for the role and intend to recommend you."

Taehyung tightened his grip on his chopsticks when he heard Producer Lee's words.

Y/N didn't think they were close enough for her to accept such treatment, hence she thought for a moment before refusing his offer,

"Mr. Lee, I don't think I'm capable for such a role. I'm still a newbie without much popularity after all."

"Why aren't you capable? Besides, it's just a recommendation, I can't be sure if it'll go through. Once you're free, I'll introduc-"

While Producer Lee was speaking, Taehyung suddenly placed his chopsticks on the table.

He didn't use much strength, but yet it gave off a distinct pressure.

Producer Lee seemed to have detected Taehyung's displeasure. He immediately turned to him with a smile plastered on his face.

"Mr. Kim, was the food to your liking?"

Taehyung stayed silent, wiping his lips with his napkin.

He then placed the napkin back on the table.

Glancing at Producer Lee with a frosty gaze,

"Mr. Lee, I would like a word with you if you have the time." His deep voice echoed through the room.

The production crews tensed.

"Yes, yes, of course I have time." He nervously spoke.

Producer Lee immediately placed his chopsticks down and reached for his suit jacket at the back of his seat.

Standing up, he walked towards Y/N and reached his hand out to pat her shoulder, saying, "Y/N, take your time, I'll leave with Mr. Kim first."

Y/N was wearing a shoulder-off dress. When Producer Lee patted her shoulder, his hand came in contact with her bare skin.