* * *

“Is this what you came to talk about?”

“Actually, if you’re interested, my uncle’s company is opening for recruitment soon… I thought I’d recommend you.”

“Your uncle?”

“Yeah, he runs a business. You might have heard of it. It’s a game company called ‘Teen of Cosmo.’ He’s been in a great mood lately since it’s been doing well.”

Teen of Cosmo… It was one of the most popular games recently, a big hit and quite reputable in the industry.

So, even if Jaeyoon’s family doesn’t run a business, he’s no exception…

“I’m really fine. Don’t worry about it.”

Actually, it was one of the companies he wanted to apply to since it had a good reputation among employees, but he didn’t have the confidence to get in—and now, he had even more reasons not to try.

“Still, if you change your mind, let me know anytime. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about, and you’d still have to go through an interview. Just because I ask, my uncle won’t hire you without it.”

“If I’m really desperate… I’ll let you know then.”

Siyoung forced a smile.

Jaeyoon was a genuinely good person.

If it weren’t for one reason, there’d be no need to sever ties or hurt him.

‘But that’s the most important reason of all. I’m sorry… but it’s just not possible.’

“Don’t worry about it too much. Not even family would be this thoughtful.”

“It’s because it’s you, Siyoung.”

“Anyway, let’s stop here. You have to get to your store, don’t you?”

Though Jaeyoon didn’t need to run the café for money, he still checked in once a week to oversee things.

This was more because of his manager’s advice than his own intent.

“Honestly, this area isn’t that busy… you need some kind of hook to draw in customers.”

“I’m keeping up with the interior…”

“No, no. What you need is a guaranteed draw. Sir, you’re way out of touch. Nowadays, the most important thing in a café is…”

“…Taste?”

“No! It’s the look of the staff!”

After hearing an enthusiastic speech about the effect a good-looking barista has on sales, Jaeyoon started making it a point to show his face at the café at least once a week.

“So, has it helped sales at all?”

“Yeah. I usually go on Fridays or Wednesdays, and on those days… yeah, there’s definitely a difference.”

With a shy look, Jaeyoon admitted it.

Normally, he’d say he hadn’t noticed, but his expression suggested otherwise.

“You should go on weekends. That would be even better for business.”

“But I like to spend weekends with my parents…”

Jaeyoon scratched his head awkwardly, caught between being a devoted son and a slightly oblivious business owner.

Well, even if sales picked up, it probably wouldn’t mean much to Jaeyoon’s life anyway.

“Do whatever’s comfortable. It’s your café, after all.”

Envious, Siyoung replied, suggesting Jaeyoon should head out to meet his fans.

After he left, Siyoung pulled the photo he had hastily shoved away back out.

He’d been worried he’d crumpled it in the rush, but thankfully, it was fine.

With a relieved sigh, Siyoung shut down his computer and packed up his things.

It was almost time to leave.

“The filming should be going on. Since I haven’t heard anything yet, I guess they haven’t gotten into any trouble.”

“I really hope he didn’t just walk out saying he was quitting… Surely, he’s a professional, so he wouldn’t do something that extreme, right?” Siyoung thought, though he was a bit worried.

Fortunately, it seemed things hadn’t gone completely off the rails.

Siyoung let out a sigh of relief and got up from his seat.

[Manager Sera: The hotel you guys booked for us is amazing!]

[Manager Sera: Since you’re already covering the cost, couldn’t you let us stay here for the entire shoot? Kind of stingy to make us go back after just one day, don’t you think?]

The pictures Sera sent confirmed she was enjoying herself, so Siyoung relaxed a bit, figuring he wouldn’t be hearing any quitting announcements anytime soon.

He replied, telling her to have fun.

“Let’s worry about the future when it comes. For now… let’s focus on the shoot that’s happening in three days.”

Whether he liked it or not, his face was bound to be on camera.

He just hoped no one he knew would see it.

With that thought, Siyoung left the office.

---

“Yes, that’ll wrap up tonight’s shift.”

“Thank you for your hard work.”

“Everyone, great job.”

“…We’re not getting ingredients through a game again tonight, right?”

“It’s our last night here. Let’s give ourselves a break.”

Their four-day shoot was almost over.

After days of earning their necessities through game challenges, they’d all grown sick of the games.

“Since it’s the last night, tonight’s meal will be peaceful—no games. You’ve been cooking so much you barely got to eat, right? Tonight, eat to your heart’s content.”

“Haha, truly… I’m honored.”

“If you don’t like it, I could add a mini-game…”

“Start chopping those ingredients and get the water boiling!”

The comedian who’d been grumbling quickly changed his tone and dashed to the kitchen.

Hyun, watching in amusement, followed him inside.

“While they’re getting ready, let’s take a quick break. We need to eat too.”

“Everyone’s eating together? Won’t there be a shortage of ingredients?”

“We’ll order something separate, so don’t worry.”

“Um, by the way… Since it’s the end of filming, could we have our phones back, even just to check messages?”

“We don’t have them. The manager will give them back tomorrow.”

A staff member replied apologetically, causing the man who’d asked to sigh and turn to Hyun.

“Isn’t this too much? I mean, we’d still work hard without all this strictness.”

“Agreed.”

“Don’t you have anyone you’re waiting to hear from? Like… a partner, maybe?”

“Nope. No partner.”

“Why? I thought you’d be popular?”

The man asked in genuine surprise, considering Hyun was one of the hottest topics lately—and a dominant Alpha at that.

It wouldn’t be surprising if he had multiple partners.

“I’m just not interested. I don’t want a relationship.”

“Want me to introduce you to someone? A lot of people would line up if they knew it was for you.”

The man’s eyes sparkled, perhaps imagining the benefits he’d gain by introducing someone to Hyun.

“I know plenty of decent people. And dating in this industry can be tricky. I know people who are discreet…”

“No, thanks. I really have no desire to date.”

“Oh, come on. You never know; sometimes the feelings come after you meet the right person. Maybe your opinion would change if you found someone worthwhile.”

“…You’re speaking as if I need to date someone.”

“Not really… It’s just surprising to see someone as impressive as you staying single at this age.”

The man looked a bit sheepish. Hyun found it slightly annoying but also felt awkward about directly rejecting him, since the man seemed to mean well.

“Anyway, if you change your mind, just let me know. Once you meet some good people, your perspective might shift.”

“If that happens, I’ll let you know.”

“Oh, I’d better get back to preparing dinner. You’ve been greeting guests all day, so you probably don’t know much about the recipes. Could you just set up the dining area?”

“Sure.”

Hyun turned and left his senior behind, setting out cutlery and dishes for everyone before watching the cooks.

Despite the many irritating moments during filming, like having his belongings confiscated, it was finally coming to an end.

There were times he thought about just breaking the contract and paying the penalty, but he’d held back—without him, Siyoung would have no reason to stay with this company.

Now that Siyoung’s biggest issue, his younger sibling, was about to graduate, it wasn’t like he’d accept any financial help due to his pride.

Hyun didn’t feel any lingering attachment to his career as a celebrity.

There was no sadness over the lack of recognition for continuing a job that didn’t suit him.

In fact, he’d rather no one knew at all.

‘If I ever told him, he’d probably just get mad, saying he never asked for any favors.’

And yet, for some reason, Hyun couldn’t stop himself from caring about Siyoung’s situation.

All he knew was that he hated the idea of Siyoung being outside of his control.

“Hyun, let’s eat! You worked hard dealing with the guests today. It must’ve been tough with so many stubborn country folk.”

“No, it was manageable.”

“Well, tomorrow’s the last day of filming, and then we have two weeks off before the next shoot, so we’ll finally get a good break. Don’t forget about us in the meantime, okay?”

As they waited for the camera crew, an Omega cast member sidled up to him with a friendly smile, clearly hoping to make a good impression.

“If the pilot ends here, tomorrow will be the last shoot.”

“Hey, don’t say such a sad thing. I’m sure it’ll go well. The director is great, and we all worked hard.”

Though the cast member’s pheromones were faintly sweet, almost like perfume, Hyun felt no attraction.

He gave a curt nod and began eating.

“Anyway, having a regular schedule would be nice, so I hope this works out.”

“Y-yeah? Everyone here is really nice… I hope we get to stick around.”

Ignoring his seatmate’s comment, Hyun focused on his food.

Once the manager arrived tomorrow, he’d make it clear that stunts like this were unacceptable and then go see Siyoung.

With that in mind, Hyun looked forward to the end of this final night on set.

* * *