SRP 19

Chapter 19

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  The news that we went on a date along the castle walls attracted more attention than expected.
  Bom bit her lower lip tightly as she listened to Geon’s voice over the receiver.
  It wasn’t a date—it must’ve been a kiss.
  “Why did I do that back then?!”
  Regret is always late. Moreover, since it was her own doing, she couldn’t even complain about it.

• The scene of watching the night view had already become a hot topic on social media, so they wanted to release it quickly to keep the attention going.
  Not attention—it’s views, right? Why can’t anyone just say “views”?

• For the subsequent scenes, it would be better to release them after the drama airs since there’s some potential for controversy.
  “…Huh? Controversy? What kind of controversy?”
  Had she said something that hinted at a fake relationship?
  A cold sweat ran down Bom’s spine. She had been careful not to say anything subconsciously that day.
  “Did someone notice between us?”

• It’s not that kind of controversy. Although it hasn’t been edited yet, the creative team who saw the full footage had various opinions. It’s nothing to worry about, um.
  Bom pictured Geon biting his lip to suppress a smile.
  Suspicious.

• They said it would actually be better for her image in connection with the drama’s atmosphere.
  “…So that means it’s not good for me?”

• It won’t get worse than it is now.
  “True. I’m already getting roasted hard. I might live past 100 at this rate.”

• If we live together, I’ll have to exercise more.
  It made her start misinterpreting things. His voice melted into her.

• What are you doing today?
  She had called to scold Geon about splitting the edits, but her energy drained instead.
  “I should just rest at home.”

• I have an interview and a dinner meeting with the drama production team. Want to come? You might see someone you met when you came to our company before.
  “Why would I go there?”

• Because you’re my girlfriend.
  “It’s not even real.”

Geon’s teasing voice no longer reached her ears. Just then, Ilju called.
“Ah, I’ve got a call. I’ll hang up.”
A sigh followed. She wanted to ask why, but the call had already ended.

Bom answered Ilju’s call.
“Hey, unnie.”

• The atmosphere is way too heated. Your date video went up and it’s fueling everything. Attention is focused on Geon, so it’s good for the drama promotion…
  Ilju’s voice, which teased her just yesterday asking if it really looked like a kiss, was now subdued.

• Do you want to rest just this week?
  Hmm, that’s it, then. Even someone who usually pushed Bom to keep working was the first to suggest a break.

• I was going to make you work efficiently, but the atmosphere is off. I’m worried about how the fans will react.
  “Ah, it’s okay. They won’t wait outside the company. They manage their fan cafes well to protect their idol’s image.”

Even as she said that, Bom felt uneasy as she prepared to go to work. The photos circulating were from her Pink Pop days, and any photos or videos with Geon had her face blurred or cropped. No one outside would recognize her, but Ilju’s concern lingered.

On Monday, she wore a mask and hat to commute. She considered taking a taxi, but since payday was near, she took the subway. Unsurprisingly, no one recognized her.
She felt a little embarrassed.

Feeling relieved, she exited the subway and headed above ground when her phone vibrated—Geon had called in the morning.
As she reached for it, she almost collided with someone rushing down the stairs. By the time she looked, the call had ended.
“What’s going on? I’ll try calling while having coffee at the office.”

She saw the building of Management 123, where she worked. Outside the company, Promotion Team’s Jeong and Boram were talking with coffee in hand.
Bom’s gaze drifted to the space between buildings. A woman in a black hoodie was standing there. Only her profile was visible.

Fans occasionally lingered around Management 123 because it represented the actors, but they never came at commuting hours. They usually greeted the staff politely and handed gifts.

• I’m worried about how the fans will react.

Ilju’s worried voice echoed in her mind. A chill brushed her shoulders.
No way…

“Manager!”
Boram looked up and made eye contact with Bom. Jeong followed Boram’s gaze.
“Bom! You’ve caused quite a stir. You’re hotter than our company’s actors now!”

Ugh, they were going to bring up the date. Her face burned. She hurried on, unsure what else they might say.

Then, flutter—she heard a large piece of fabric move above her. She looked up unconsciously.
A banner had been unfurled from the rooftop of Management 123.
Was a fan preparing a birthday event for their actor? She hadn’t heard of anything like this. She smiled at the thought, then her expression stiffened.

[Bom assaults her agency CEO.]
[High school bullying leader Bom.]
[Her past with gangsters does not disappear.]

Red letters on a white banner.

“What… what is that?”
“Bom? Isn’t she Geon’s girlfriend?”
“Oh, right. I heard she goes to this building.”

People stopped walking and stared at the banner covering the seventh floor, murmuring.
Past rumors she thought were over had resurfaced. They had circulated when Pink Pop disbanded. Some people knew, and it had been blown up more than warranted. Most of it was false and explained before.
Even though she had faced it before, Bom froze at the violent hostility.

“Bom!”
Manager Jeong rushed over.
She wanted to say she was fine, but words wouldn’t come.
Ringing filled her ears. Her vision blurred.

“It’s okay.”

Then, a familiar scent enveloped her as Geon hugged her. His large body blocked her view. The noisy crowd and red letters disappeared behind his shoulders. Only the rhythm of his heartbeat and his scent filled her world.

“It’s okay, Bom. I know everything. I know what you did and didn’t do. I know who you are.”
His low, firm voice whispered in her ear, grounding her in reality.
“Only look at me. You only need to see me.”

Geon placed his palms on either side of her face, shielding her from everything around. She could see only him.
The thought that he had seen the banner made her want to cry. She clenched her teeth to stop herself.

“How…?”
“There was a tip.”

The unexpected word startled Bom.
“I got a tip via DM. Someone said they didn’t know what might happen to you on your way to work today. That’s why I called while coming here.”
“I… I was going to call after getting to the office.”

Her voice trembled. Sensation returned to her stiff fingers.
She remembered the woman in the black hoodie by the office building.

“Break up with that woman!”

At that moment, a woman wearing a hat shouted from the rooftop with the banner:
“She’s a bad woman! She bullied students and has a record of assault! How can you date her?!”
“Block the rooftop exit! Call the police! You can’t let her escape!”

Ilju, hearing the news, ran over pale-faced. Sirens wailed in the distance.

The person who hung the banner was caught in front of the elevator.
Bom saw a woman in her late thirties with a neat, ordinary appearance being questioned by the police. She didn’t seem like the type to climb onto a stranger’s company rooftop for a fan-related stunt.

She muttered absurd things like, “Who told you to date Geon?” and “Zerona will help you.” No remorse at all.

“Geon, you need to know her true nature. I don’t know how she seduced you, but she’s a terrible person.”

Even at the police station, Geon stood beside Bom as she argued her logic, unable to hide her excitement.

“Be quiet.”
“Ha, really.”

The police and Ilju chuckled awkwardly.
Finally, Ilju spoke up:
“Hey! Don’t you think you’ve tarnished Geon’s image under the guise of being a fan?”
“I just sacrificed myself for Geon.”

Ilju shook her head.
“Officer, our statement’s finished. Can we go?”
“Yes, you may leave.”
“Lawyer, please make sure Bom doesn’t have to appear again.”

Ilju had called a lawyer, and Geon’s company also sent one.
As Bom stood with Geon’s support, the woman thrashed:
“Wait! You really love Geon? How can you claim to love him while hurting his image? If you really loved him, you wouldn’t do this! She’s only using you!”

The sharp accusations, regardless of truth or Bom’s sincerity, left wounds.

Then Geon stepped in front of Bom, shielding her view.
“This woman is fine. I love you more.”