Chapter 14: A New Beginning

After they finished eating, Eun-gyeol headed back to the company.

He said he was going to skim through the script beforehand and then go work out in the evening.

He offered to drop Han-geon off at home, but Han-geon flatly refused.

He needed some time alone—time to breathe away from the very person who kept making his heart race to the point of suffocation.

On the subway, Han-geon sat in a daze.

His shoes, polished to a glossy shine, and the watch he cherished so much that he rarely wore it—both sitting neatly on him—suddenly caught his eye.

He had prepared everything today with a fluttering heart for the interview.

Staring blankly out the subway window at the dazzling afternoon sunlight pouring in, Han-geon slowly blinked.

It still didn’t feel real.

He was still stunned.

I… became Eun-gyeol’s manager and bodyguard.

This isn’t something that happened in a dream—this is really, truly happening….

Still unable to fully believe it, he carefully pulled the envelope with the contract from his bag.

Making sure no one around him could see, he slid out just a portion of the papers.

He kept running his fingers over the smooth paper, savoring the feel of it until the reality of it all finally began to sink in.

The pay was even good.

Not that he had done it for the money, but it was an undeniable fact that he would now be much more financially comfortable.

He slid the contract back into the envelope with great care, then tucked it securely into his bag.

Back when he worked as a bodyguard, a regular routine was out of the question.

He simply went to events whenever the company scheduled him, with no consistency to the hours.

And from now on, it would be even more so.

Managing and acting as a dedicated bodyguard at the same time—he would be far busier than before.

Especially once filming started.

But he didn’t mind.

He liked it—he genuinely liked it.

To be the one closest to Eun-gyeol, the one who could take care of him without hesitation and protect him… that alone made everything worth it.

Protecting Eun-gyeol’s side had always been Han-geon’s long-held dream, yet despite that, it was something like a rainbow he could never reach.

And now, what rested in his hands was a shimmering fragment of that very rainbow he had yearned for so desperately.

‘…This is too good.’

Sure, today he had been treated to an absurdly expensive meal as a “congratulations on getting the job,” but… later, once he received his first paycheck, he would make sure to treat Eun-gyeol to something just as nice.

Because he was the one who made his dream come true.

Staring down at the yellow document envelope, Han-geon made a firm resolve and began planning tomorrow.

Except for the team dinner scheduled for the day after tomorrow, he had no real work until the first official schedule—the script reading—starting in three days.

So tomorrow, he would go to the company early, pick up the car, then drive around to familiarize himself with the PT center, the aesthetic clinic, the salon, and the other places on the list.

After that, he needed to stop by his old workplace, clear out his things, and formally say goodbye.

As he organized these plans in his head, Han-geon let out a small laugh.

A broad-shouldered man dressed to the nines giggling to himself was enough to draw glances here and there, but he simply couldn’t help it.

‘…How silly.’

Han-geon covered his face—poor at hiding his expressions—with one large hand and rubbed it.

Even so, it felt like his chest was filled with air, making the laughter bubble up again and again.

His heart floated, buoyed by pure anticipation.

***

Time flowed just as he had planned—steadily, and full of purpose.

The day after the interview, Han-geon went to the company early, got into the van he would be using to drive Eun-gyeol around, and took hold of the steering wheel.

Maybe it was because he had never driven a car this big before, but it definitely felt unfamiliar.

Still, after about thirty minutes of driving it around, it began to settle naturally into his hands.

After driving through all the routes he had planned out beforehand, he parked the van near his home and stopped by his old workplace.

He formally submitted his resignation letter and, as previously arranged, had a few farewell drinks with his teammates.

Before he knew it, the entire day had slipped by.

And today was the day before his official schedule as a manager would begin—and also the day of the company dinner with the coworkers he would be working alongside from now on.

After picking Eun-gyeol up in front of his house, it was already five o’clock.

The meetup time was 6 PM, at a barbecue place in front of the company.

“Do you usually have these team dinners often?”

“No.

I’m busy, and we can’t exactly do it every time the manager changes.”

Eun-gyeol answered absentmindedly while fiddling with his phone, turning his attention briefly toward Han-geon, who asked the question while driving.

“We’re doing it because it’s you.

You’re my friend, and it’s also a way of saying I want us to work together for a long time.”

I see.

Han-geon murmured, gently turning the steering wheel.

His reply might have sounded curt, but truthfully, he couldn’t deny that it felt nice to hear.

“What are they like?

The vibe?”

“Just… normal.”

Han-geon waited for something more, but nothing else came.

He had momentarily forgotten that Eun-gyeol was the type who didn’t really care about other people.

Realizing that, he decided it would be better to just go and get a feel for it himself.

With that thought, he continued driving in silence.

Still, it was a relief that there wasn’t anyone who said they didn’t like him or shuddered at the mention of him… Well, if there had been someone like that, they wouldn’t have survived this long at Eun-gyeol’s side, let alone be here today to have a team dinner with them.

“We’re here.”

“Mm.”

Han-geon parked the car in the basement parking lot of a large, upscale barbecue restaurant.

He told Eun-gyeol to go in first while he parked, but Eun-gyeol shook his head, saying he would get out with him.

Walking side by side into the restaurant, Han-geon inhaled deeply, feeling good.

He was both curious and excited to meet the team he’d be working with.

“Hello, welcome.”

“Hello.

We have a reservation under the name Gwak Joongwan.”

“I’ll guide you inside.”

Just as he’d been told, the moment Han-geon mentioned the manager’s name, the neatly dressed staff member at the counter smiled and began guiding them.

Usually, people would be flustered or surprised when a celebrity walked in, but since this place was right near the agency, they seemed very used to dealing with them.

The restaurant itself was also far different from a typical barbecue place—quiet, tidy, and private.

The soundproofing was so thorough that from the doors lining the corridor, not even the sizzling of meat or conversations could be heard clearly.

The staff member led them all the way to the end of the hallway, opened a door, and gestured politely inside.

“You may go in.”

“Yes, thank you.”

Han-geon bowed his head politely.

Just as Eun-gyeol slipped off his shoes and stepped inside—

“Ah, you’re here!”

“Cha Eun-gyeol, welcome!

And our manager—”

“He’s behind me.”

A man’s and woman’s voices burst out at the same time.

Eun-gyeol jerked his chin backward, signaling, and Han-geon stepped into the room.

Inside were two people: a woman who matched the description of the stylist the manager had mentioned, and a young-looking man.

Just the two of them.

As soon as he entered, Han-geon bowed deeply toward them.

“Hello, I’m Choi Han-geon, the new manager and bodyguard.”

“Woooow!”

The sudden applause caught him off guard.

The atmosphere was far more excited than he expected.

Honestly, since he’d heard that Eun-gyeol was constantly acting prickly, he’d assumed the team would be tightly wound as well.

“Welcome, Han-geon!

We’ve been waiting forever for someone like you.

Sit here—this seat in the middle is yours!

You’re the star today.

Cha Eun-gyeol can sit at the end or wherever.”

“Noona, you’re really overdoing it today, huh?”

With a scoff, Eun-gyeol plopped down in an empty seat—yet still left the center spot beside him open for Han-geon.

Feeling slightly embarrassed, Han-geon sat between the woman and Eun-gyeol.

Across from them, the young man stood up and bowed.

Han-geon hurriedly stood as well to return the gesture.

“Thank you for welcoming me.”

“Nice to meet you.

I’m Yujin Cheon, the head stylist.”

A delicate hand reached out without hesitation.

Han-geon carefully took Yujin’s hand.

“Wow, the team lead said you were really solid, but… seriously?

Look at those muscles.”

“Haha… Thank you.”

“No, really.

Do you do CrossFit or something?

Out of all the bodyguards who’ve worked here, I think you’ve got the best physique.

Oh, clothes are going to look amazing on you.”

Yujin said this with pure admiration as she suddenly grabbed Han-geon’s forearm.

Her touch was businesslike, as if she were checking someone’s clothing size.

Han-geon just let out an awkward laugh, not thinking much of it—when Eun-gyeol suddenly scowled and grabbed Yujin’s wrist, yanking her hand away.

“Why do you all keep touching him?

He wears out.

Don’t touch what’s mine.”

His dry, irritable tone made Yujin let out a short, disbelieving laugh.

Meanwhile, Han-geon’s poor heart plummeted straight down.

He wished Eun-gyeol wouldn’t say things like that so casually.

“Oh?

Listen to Cha Eun-gyeol talking.

Why is he yours?

Are you two dating or something?”

“What are you saying.

He’s been my friend for seventeen years.”

Eun-gyeol snorted as if it were ridiculous.

“He’s my manager and my bodyguard, so he’s mine.”

“That’s absurd.

Then since I’m your stylist, does that make me yours too?”

“I don’t really need you, but if you want to be mine that badly, go ahead.”

“Look at him talking like that… unbelievable.”

Yujin clicked her tongue openly.

Listening to the way she and Eun-gyeol snapped back and forth at each other, it was clear the two were very close.

Come to think of it, even though managers changed endlessly, Han-geon had never once heard of the stylist being replaced.

And Eun-gyeol always had a good reputation for styling among the public too.

Yujin explained to Han-geon with a bright smile.

Normally, once filming for a project begins in earnest, additional staff like dedicated hair and makeup artists join the team.

But because Eun-gyeol hates having a crowd around him, Yujin handles both makeup and wardrobe alone during his off-season.

“What about the team lead?”

“Bathroom.

Didn’t you run into him?”

“No.

He should be back soon.”

Right as she said that, the team lead swung the door open.

Han-geon shot to his feet and bowed.

“Oh, you’re here, Han-geon?”

“Yes.

We just arrived.”

The team lead entered the room with a bright smile—he looked to be in a very good mood.

“So you all already finished introducing yourselves while I was gone?”

“Ah, I’ve only introduced myself to the stylist.”

“Oh, right.

Then you should greet our youngest too.

He’s the only remaining bodyguard.

He’s twenty-four and hasn’t been working long.

Please teach him a lot, Han-geon!”

“Hello, sir.

My name is Kim Geonho.

It’s an honor to meet you!”

The young-looking man shot to his feet and bowed to Han-geon at a perfect ninety-degree angle.

Han-geon, startled, half rose from his seat as well.

“Ah, you don’t have to be so formal.

I look forward to working with you.”

“Yes, sir!”

Seeing Geonho, full of discipline and spirit, Han-geon let out a faint smile.

When he had first joined the company, the senior bodyguards already working there had felt impossibly intimidating.

Most people in this line of work were graduates of physical education universities, so strict discipline was the norm.

Watching Geonho’s perfectly straight posture naturally reminded him of those early days.

“All right, let’s have a great time drinking tonight—in honor of welcoming Han-geon!”

Soon, five beer glasses were raised high.

Clink—the clear sound rang out as the glasses met, and each person brought their drink to their lips.