The Perfect Vol. 5 Chapter 3

“Were you called ‘Han’ before?”

His slightly angry tone made me look at him, wondering what was wrong, and he added in a lower voice.

“By what guy?”

“…By everyone I worked with.”

“Everyone was hitting on you?”

What the hell is he talking about? The last bit of sleep I had left vanished. Waking me up at dawn to get jealous again? Sure, his jealousy feels good, but I wasn’t sane enough to enjoy it this early.

“I was just called by my last name. And they were all colleagues—why would they hit on me?”

“Then the people you dated were from outside.”

“…Yeah, sure.”

Technically, I met them in the fourth dimension of my imagination, but that counts as outside in reality. Seeing Director Kook’s darkening gaze, I barely managed to open my reluctant lips. I couldn’t keep lying anymore.

“Um, Director Kook.”

Just calling his name made my courage waver, but I couldn’t deceive my conscience any longer. The cost of truth was heavy, each word feeling like a thorn as it left my mouth.

“I’m sorry. It’s all a lie.”

I got that far, then, scared, closed my eyes tightly for the rest.

“The thing about having dated a lot—it’s all, all a lie. I’m sorry.”

Finally confessing felt less relieving and more terrifying. He’s not the type to take it lightly. He wouldn’t take revenge for lying, would he? Clutching my pounding heart, I waited, but no response came. I peeked open my eyes and met his sharp gaze. I flinched, shrinking my shoulders, and he spat out.

“Liar.”

“What? Oh, yeah, it’s a lie. I mean, the part about having dated a lot…”

“No, that’s the lie.”

What’s he saying? I blinked, confused, and he lifted his chin, speaking arrogantly.

“You’re lying to reassure me because I’m jealous. I know everything.”

No, you don’t know a damn thing. Frustrated, I tried to reveal the truth again.

“No, Director Kook. That’s not it…”

“You think you can fool me? Not a chance.”

It was totally possible.

“I’ll let it slide this time, but not again. From now on, you’ll only tell me the truth. Like you always have.”

I’ve only ever lied to him. But seeing the confidence on his face as he gave that warning, I felt bad saying otherwise. And for a moment, I thought: He’s such a Soondoongi. I flinched, startled by the thought, and quickly shook it off, but maybe due to the brainwashing from his family, he suddenly seemed a bit like Soondoongi to me. I must be completely crazy.

“Why no response?”

“Oh, um, yeah. But do you really believe I dated a lot?”

“Of course. Anyone can see Han Jemyung is the type to be popular everywhere.”

No matter how many times I heard it, it felt like he was talking about someone else.

“You’re the only person in the world who thinks of me like that, Director Kook.”

He gave a scoff, an incredulous laugh.

“You’re so naive, Han Jemyung.”

No, you’re the naive one! You’re the Soondoongi!

“Sometimes you seem like the protagonist of Sasoonjeong.”

I froze without meaning to. …Is that an insult? I’ve heard so much hate about the novel that I couldn’t tell if it was praise or a dig. I don’t resemble the protagonist even 0.1%, so it felt more like an insult. It was bitter that the story I wrote came across as an insult. So I cautiously checked.

“Is that an insult?”

“Oh, you don’t know Sasoonjeong well? It’s the highest compliment.”

I know Sasoonjeong better than anyone in the world. So I wasn’t exactly thrilled. I know the protagonist Wisiwoo’s personality isn’t exactly praiseworthy, even though I wrote it. But to Director Kook, it’s the highest compliment. I couldn’t help but ask.

“Why do you like Sasoonjeong so much? I mean, sure, the story’s fun, but.”

“Because the author is like me.”

“In what way?”

“He does what he wants no matter what others say. Especially with creative work, where you’re exposed to the public, the desire for recognition must be huge, yet he keeps writing.”

Even when I’m crushed by lack of recognition, the joy of writing outweighs it. It’s not that noble a mindset. Making excuses in my head, I looked up, surprised by his words.

“You work hard, give your all, but when the results you want don’t come, and you know they might never come, anyone would feel defeated. Someone who acknowledges that and keeps going is impressive.”

“I just… give up. Like most people.”

I mumbled, and he grinned.

“That’s what makes it more impressive. All those people.”

“…”

“Oh, that ‘impressive’ bit was my mom’s words.”

“Your mom?”

“Yeah. She said someone who does something they love, despite no recognition or success, purely out of passion, is incredibly brave.”

“…”

“Why do you look like you’re about to cry, Han Jemyung?”

“Not at all.”

I firmly denied it, wiping my itchy eyes as if they were irritated. Then I suddenly realized something important.

“Wait? Your mom knows the novel?”

“Yeah. She read it to the end.”

“With a clear head?”

The question slipped out, and I immediately apologized.

“Sorry. That was rude to your mom…”

“How’d you know? She said she read it after a bottle of wine.”

Yeah, my novel needs alcohol to get through. But wait? A bottle of wine? Her impressive drinking capacity aside, I felt like I’d heard about someone reading it with wine before. Tilting my head, I looked up, sensing something, and met a suspicious gaze.

“Did you meet my mom?”

“No way.”

I laughed, incredulous, shaking my head. She’s in America…

“Then my aunt?”

I flinched, visibly startled, taking a sharp breath.

“H-how would I m-meet your a-aunt who’s in A-America?”

“Over a video call.”

Oh. I let out a relieved sigh and answered weakly.

“I don’t prefer those technical meetings.”

“Why not?”

“…Because the fees are high?”

I answered casually, but his lips slowly curved into a wide smile. Why’s he laughing? As I wondered, he looked away and muttered.

“Me too.”

He was delighted to find another commonality. It’s such a trivial thing. How can he be so happy about it? He kept smiling at me for a long time, unable to let it go. Without thinking, I reached out and touched his face. His smile faded, and his gaze deepened. I lowered my hand, embarrassed, and asked awkwardly.

“Do you hate me meeting your family?”

“Yeah.”

“…Use formal speech.”

A displeased look crossed his face, but he corrected himself obediently.

“Yes, I hate it. Do you want to meet my family?”

No, not really. As I mumbled, the middle-aged beauty from the expo came to mind. I wished his mother would accept me just because I’m the one her son chose, like she did. But I know that’s shameless.

“No need to meet them.”

His sudden words snapped me out of my thoughts. He gently brushed my hair with his hand.

“You don’t have to meet my family.”

“Why not?”

He clamped his mouth shut and looked away. That stubborn expression meant he didn’t want to talk.

“I just want to keep you to myself and not show you to anyone.”

What, really? Like Director Na said, he’s jealous even of his family? No way they’d welcome me with open arms… Then I remembered his aunt called me cute. Was that an American greeting?

“Don’t you like just being with me?”

His voice still carried dissatisfaction, but his eyes showed anxiety. I barely held back a laugh.

“No, Bok.”

He looked at me quietly, then suddenly turned his head. He seemed embarrassed, which was fascinating to watch, and he asked gruffly, still looking away.

“Is that my nickname? First time hearing it.”

What do you mean? Your family all call you that. But I couldn’t admit to meeting his aunt, so I smiled awkwardly.

“Really? What do your family call you?”

“Don’t remember.”

Bok! They call you Bok! I screamed with my eyes, but Director Kook’s usually sharp instincts went to another dimension at crucial moments.

“Bok, huh, it’s kinda plain, but if you insist on calling me that, I’ll accept it. It’s a name only you’ll use, Han Jemyung.”

“No, it’s not just me, is it? Don’t your family have nicknames for you? Like, using one syllable of your name…”

“What should I call you, Han Jemyung?”

“No, I’m good.”

“Hansiu.”

I froze. Hearing that name, my thoughts cut off like they’d been sliced with a knife, leaving my mind blank. I stared at him. He explained the name with a gentle look.

“I took it from the protagonist of Sasoonjeong, who I like.”

“…”

“Don’t like it?”

When I didn’t respond, he asked again, “Don’t like it?” I slowly shook my head.

“Just… I think another name might be better.”

“Like what?”

“…Jiwoo.”

He laughed, pleased. I couldn’t take my eyes off his face. His low, happy voice sounded.

“That suits you much better.”

In the pre-dawn darkness, the me I’d buried long ago was revived by Director Kook’s words.

“Jiwoo. Han Jiwoo.”

“What kind of person is he?”

When his family asked Director Kook about the person he was dating, he said just one word.

“Amazing.”

And he refused to share more. Most of the family was thrilled that Soondoongi was finally dating, but one was more worried than happy. It was his mother, usually the strictest with him.

“Are you so worried you can’t sleep?”

His aunt, who gladly joined this Korea trip, teased her on the plane. His mother wanted to deny it, looking up from her book, but she hadn’t slept a wink during the over-ten-hour flight, so she just gave a bitter smile.

“Our family has a good eye for people. Bok is so naive he might be fooled, but we can deal with that later. For now, even if the person seems lacking to us, let’s let them be happy.”

His aunt laughed casually but showed her resolve for harsh revenge if Bok were deceived, clenching her fist. His mother, used to the family’s vengeful streak, swallowed a sigh. His aunt was right. If the person was bad, they could handle it later, which was better.

But most people don’t get hurt in love because the other person is bad. It’s because the intensity of feelings differs. She knew her son well. He’d be overflowing with feelings for his partner, expressing them without hesitation. The question was whether the partner could accept those feelings without feeling burdened.

She didn’t tell her aunt, but she knew secret details about her son’s partner. He wrote web novels anonymously, and they had one trait. Despite being romance novels, no matter how great the men who appeared, the protagonist never ended up with anyone. It was as if the author rejected love. So she planned to quietly learn as much as she could about him. And it wasn’t hard. She had a very capable ally to help.

“Why’s the lawyer holding Director Kook back again? Said it was no big deal.”

At Manager Seo’s question, Seungjae nodded vigorously.

“Yeah. It’s really nothing, but he said it’s important and dragged Director Kook to the provinces. Just my hunch, but it feels like he’s keeping him busy for something else. I’m sure of it.”

“Why? For what?”

“I don’t know. Something Director Kook would flip out over?”

But neither could think of an answer. Luckily, someone with more life experience was there.

“Is Han Jemyung cheating or something?”

At Deputy Bae’s words, both turned, shocked.

“No way!”

“Come on, that’s not it. If Director Kook found out, an axe would fly.”

To their objections, Deputy Bae shrugged.

“That’s why they might be keeping Director Kook busy.”

Doubt in their eyes half-faded, replaced by question marks. Deputy Bae drove the point home.

“Han Jemyung’s got a vibe. He’s secretly the type to be popular.”

Both stayed silent, neither denying nor agreeing. Closer to agreeing. But admitting a Special Response Agency grunt they usually ignored or teased felt awkward. Deputy Bae, face red, chuckled.

“What, you both had a thing for cool Han Jemyung?”

“No way!”

“Nope!”

This time, clear answers came. Deputy Bae leaned back in his chair, giggling.

“No need to be shy. Han Jemyung doesn’t stand out at first, but the more you look, his face is decent, and though he’s timid, he speaks his mind and is pretty sharp. I’m super interested! If I were twenty years younger, I’d make a move.”

They gave him disapproving looks but didn’t argue. Seungjae, looking aside, muttered.

“He seems like a pushover usually, but when he’s quiet, his vibe changes. Kinda sharp? It’s kinda cool then.”

“Yeah, I felt that too.”

Manager Seo nodded enthusiastically, then coughed awkwardly.

“When that agency guy’s expressionless, he’s got a cold vibe. Even otherwise, sometimes he looks you straight in the eye, and it’s like he’s a different person.”

“Right, a different person! He even looks handsome then… Ahem, well, just sometimes.”

“I think he’s handsome every day.”

Oblivious Deputy Bae cut in, grinning.

“I get why Director Kook’s crazy about him. He’s got a mysterious charm, right? Seems like he’s hiding some secret. Maybe that’s why Director Na’s interested too.”

Thud. A sound made all three turn. A book had fallen. The person who dropped it was a middle-aged woman with some white hair. She picked it up slowly, gracefully, and muttered.

“I dozed off for a moment.”

No one would mistake her calm voice for a lie. But all three gasped, “Ah,” for another reason. They’d completely forgotten she was there. Who was she? Manager Seo asked with his eyes, and Seungjae whispered.

“The one who brought Director Na’s business card. Director Na told her to wait, but he’s late.”

Oh, a guest. Manager Seo and Deputy Bae nodded, pretending to work and looking away. After she left, saying she’d go, Manager Seo muttered awkwardly.

“She was so quiet I forgot she was there. We didn’t say anything bad, right?”

Seungjae tilted his head, then shook it.

“Even if we did, it was just about Han Jemyung. No way she knows him. It wasn’t even bad.”

The others nodded, then paused, realizing what they’d said. They looked at each other, thinking: I’m not the only one who thinks Han Jemyung’s cool?

“Huh? Director Na called you too?”

The Restoration Agency deputy entered a quiet café with few customers, spotting a familiar face and asking. It was Deputy Yoo from the Population Management Agency, practically glowing lately.

“What’s he want to know about that guy to drag us out during a busy time?”

“I’m not busy.”

“Population Management’s slow these days?”

“Nope.”

Deputy Yoo proved with his whole being that someone with peace of mind could be relaxed about anything. Of course, that peace was bought with a pension. The Restoration Agency deputy, knowing this, shook his head.

“You’d better not meet Han.”

“I won’t meet Han, but I plan to see Han Jemyung sometimes.”

At his distinction, the Restoration Agency deputy gave a bitter smile.

“Well, no matter how much he lives as Han Jemyung now, the old Han will pop up anytime. Plus, he’s dating now, right? That makes hiding the old self harder.”

“What’s dating got to do with it?”

“What do you mean? It’s about showing your raw emotions.”

Deputy Yoo sipped his tea silently in response. The Restoration Agency deputy continued, voice tinged with worry.

“That guy’s still got trauma from losing everyone. Like surviving alone is some kind of crime. I hoped he’d meet someone to comfort him, but Director Kook?”

“He may not comfort, but he’s the type to hold on tight. Not that I like it.”

“Oh, you’re against Director Kook too?”

Deputy Yoo nodded immediately.

“I feel bad for Han.”

“Even for Han Jemyung.”

The Restoration Agency deputy emphasized, then grumbled.

“That’s why I was hoping it’d be Director Na instead.”

“Me too.”

Thud. The sound of something falling made both turn, but they didn’t pay much attention. It was just a middle-aged woman, sitting alone drinking tea nearby, who had dropped her book. She seemed startled, her expression stiffening, but both soon lost interest. A moment later, as she left, the Restoration Agency deputy, checking his phone, raised his voice.

“What? Director Na says he can’t come?! That guy’s out as Han’s match too, out!”

The help of a stranger is always appreciated, but the assistance received at the “5th Adult Web Novel Expo” left a particular impression on the mother. Someone had defended her son’s comments.

“No. He’s not crazy.”

At first, she doubted her ears. He’s talking about my son’s comments, right?

“If the person fighting with Soondoongi posted an apology, it’s because they were wrong. An innocent person wouldn’t post an apology.”

Soondoongi. The person he was defending was definitely her son’s nickname. This guy who appeared out of nowhere logically pointed out the flaws of someone badmouthing her son. Yes, exactly. No matter how immature her son could be, he wouldn’t pick a fight with someone innocent. The mother, surprised by the unexpected help, unfortunately didn’t catch the first part of what he said next.

“Oh, that’s true. …But he’s not completely crazy.”

The mother was honestly choked up with emotion. Her son might seem crazy, but he’s so normal. Hearing this from a stranger, not family, was a first in her life. Even she, as family, sometimes wondered, “Is he crazy?”

Moreover, this righteous young man helped her up when the Heartless alert sounded and guided her to the emergency exit. How kind! And that wasn’t all. When people trapped behind the safety shutter got agitated and a young man caused a scene trying to open the locked door, he stepped in and resolved it. The other guy was in his twenties, yet the young man grabbed and twisted his hand, subduing him in an instant.

Others might not have noticed, but the mother could tell clearly. This guy’s really skilled at fighting. At first, she thought he was a hunter, but he introduced himself as a Special Response Agency employee. While he calmed the agitated crowd, she overheard nearby girls talking.

“Oh my, he’s from the Special Response Agency. Cool.”

“Right? He’s handsome too.”

Only then did the mother closely observe the righteous, kind, and humble young man’s face. He’s handsome, indeed. Not a striking beauty, but he had a refined charm. Looking at him, she couldn’t help but think: It’d be great if my son’s partner was someone like him.

“Auntie, did you find out anything about Han Jemyung?”

Director Na visited Director Kook’s mother at her hotel late in the evening, greeting her before immediately asking. He’d been swamped with work all day but made time to see her at this late hour. He wanted to tell her in person about Han Jemyung. About what a great person he is.

From what the staff said, Auntie was like a ghost, coming and going, and she didn’t even stay ten minutes at the café with the Restoration Agency and Deputy Yoo, so she probably wasted her time. He heard she went to the web novel expo too, but she’d only have gotten info about Han Jemyung’s novel there.

“You saw his face, right? You probably didn’t get to talk directly, so if you have questions, ask me. Like I said on the phone, Han Jemyung is really a great guy. Almost too good for Director Kook.”

Despite Director Na’s words, she just stared at him. In the past, he’d have sensed something off in her gaze, but not seeing her for years dulled his instincts. Thinking she was just tired, he spoke again.

“What does Director Kook’s aunt say?”

“Jinwook.”

“Yes, Auntie.”

As soon as he answered, she grabbed his hand with both of hers tightly. Only then did Director Na sense something odd and looked at her. Her intense gaze made him flinch. What’s going on? As he wondered, her resolute voice reached his ears.

“You should go on a blind date.”