Chapter 17 : The Meaning of white (1)

I stood in front of an apartment building, shaking the rain off my umbrella. I frowned at the keypad by the entrance.

‘What was the code again?’

The instructor had given it to me, but I couldn’t remember. I checked my phone.

“1…921…126. There we go.”

Apartment 404. Fourth floor.
I entered the building and looked for the elevator.

I sighed, feeling the humid, stuffy air. Why was I doing this on a weekend?

Rain was gloomy and depressing. There was a reason a famous novel about a tragic sibling relationship was titled ‘Rainy Day.’

Days like this were meant for staying home, tucked away in bed. But the instructor, that cunning woman, had dangled a deal in front of me and forced me out. It seemed the world was determined to make my life a constant struggle.

I reached apartment 404 and rang the doorbell. A man opened the door. My smile froze.

The man’s appearance was… intimidating, to say the least. He had long, unkempt hair, his physique suggesting he hadn’t showered in days. He was built like a tank, easily twice my size, with tattoos covering both arms.

He looked like he belonged in a noir film, wearing a green rubber apron and chopping up bodies.
I made a quick decision.

“I think I have the wrong address. I’m so sorry.”

I bowed and turned to leave.

“Wait.”

The man grabbed my shoulder. I flinched at his touch.

He frowned, studying my face. His intense gaze was unnerving.

“W… What?”
“Haerin Noona sent you, right?” (TL Note: Noona is a term of endearment for older sister, used by males)
“Y… Yesss.”
“Then you’re in the right place.”

My voice cracked, but my survival instincts outweighed my embarrassment. I had a feeling crossing this behemoth wouldn’t end well for me.

He grinned, revealing a set of surprisingly white teeth.
I thought, ‘I didn’t know a smile could look so menacing.’

“Come in. Let’s talk inside.”

He tugged lightly on my shoulder, and I stumbled forward, half-carried into the apartment.

I cursed Haerin under my breath as the door closed, the outside world disappearing behind me.

Click.

The door closed with a heavy thud, sealing us inside apartment 404. It was a rainy day.

***

The apartment was a mess. Dirty dishes piled up in the sink, takeout containers littered the entrance. I carefully stepped over empty water bottles as I followed him to a room. I knelt down respectfully.

“Want something to drink? I have plenty of cola.”
“Yes, please.”

He frowned at me.

“You can sit comfortably, you know.”
“Th… This is comfortable.”

I shook my head, refusing his offer. I wasn’t lying. My mental comfort was more important than my physical comfort right now.

As soon as he left the room, I took out my phone and called Haerin.
She answered after a few rings. My voice was cold.

“If you don’t explain this, I’m calling the police.”
–…He looks scary, but he’s a good guy.
“Instructor, did you know Hitler was a passionate animal lover? Regardless of your judgment, I don’t want to be turned into soap.”
–Hey, do you really think I’d set you up? I had good intentions! ”

I detected a slight tremor in her voice.
My heart sank, and I said,

“Tell me the truth. How much?”
–What are you talking about?
“What did you trade me for?”
–W… What are you saying? Don’t doubt my pure, selfless intentions!

Just then, the man’s voice boomed from behind me. He had approached silently.

“Are you talking to Noona right now?”

I barely suppressed a scream. He gestured for me to give him the phone.

I handed it to him, trying to hide my trembling hands.

–Did you receive the package? Keep your end of the bargain.
“Okay, Noona. I’ll delete the video, as promised.”
“Package? Video…?”
–And don’t you dare say anything weird to Haram.
“That’s my prerogative. You shouldn’t have gotten drunk and made a fool of yourself.”

Haerin started yelling on the other end. He ended the call and handed me back the phone.

This felt like a scene from a manhwa.
(TL Note: Manhwa is Korean comics)
I took the cola he offered and swallowed hard. My throat was dry, but I couldn’t bring myself to drink it.

“So… that video…?”
“Curious? You’ll regret watching it.”

He grinned, revealing his menacing teeth. He was clearly enjoying this.

***

“…You’re disgusting.”
“Why? Isn’t she cute?”
“I just find it repulsive. Are you even allowed to show this to me?”
“It’s not like it’ll hurt anyone. I don’t care.”
“But you said you deleted it.”
“Why would I delete it when I have leverage?”
“You’re disgusting.”

The video was… compromising, to say the least. I covered my face with my hands, mortified.

‘How am I supposed to face her after this?’

This guy was truly evil. I understood why Kang Haerin felt pressured by him.

Especially since the video had… audio.

[Ugh… Haerin wants more…hic…drinks.]
[No… Haerin no… go… home…]

“I can’t watch this anymore.”
“Why? The best part is coming up.”
“The instructor acts all tough in front of us. This is just too much.”
“Alright, alright. Let’s get down to business then.”

He extended his hand.

“I haven’t introduced myself properly, have I? I’m Park Saeron. I’m a writer, of sorts. I wrote the script you’re using for your play.”

His name was unexpectedly cute, considering his appearance. I shook his hand.

“I’m Lee Haram. That’s… unexpected. I never would have guessed.”
“Who did you think I was?”
“An… action movie star, maybe?”

I couldn’t bring myself to say “gangster.”

“Could be. Anyway, let me ask you something. You don’t have any plans for summer break, do you?”
“No, not really.”
“Can you commit to working one day a week during the semester?”

I thought for a moment. I wasn’t particularly invested in my studies, so one day a week wouldn’t be a problem.

“I can do that.”

Saeron looked me up and down.

“How about 1 million won a month?”
“That phrasing… could be misinterpreted, you know.”
“Oh, sorry. I’m not very good at talking to people.”
“Why don’t you explain the job first?”

Saeron nodded and handed me a stack of papers from his desk.

“I’m planning to shoot an independent film. The title is ‘Hundred.’ It’s still in the early stages.”
“An independent film in Korea? You’re more romantic than I thought.”
“Hey, I make decent money. I can afford to throw this much around.”
“Oh. I’m suddenly seeing you in a different light.”
“Why? Falling in love?”

I frowned and said coldly,

“Making jokes like that to a high school student is a crime, you know.”
“I know. I’ve been arrested for it before.”
“…Really?”
“Just kidding.”

Saeron laughed. He clearly didn’t understand the concept of appropriate jokes.

I flipped through the script he gave me. Most of it was blank, except for the beginning and some basic plot points.

“Still a work in progress?”
“Yeah. I’m aiming to finish it by June and start filming right away.”
“And what exactly do I need to do? You mentioned something about work outside of filming.”
“Right. I heard you’re really good at character analysis.”
“I try my best.”

Saeron closed his eyes, nodded, and then said,

“I heard from Noona about your interpretation of ‘The Wish-Granting Moon Rabbit.’ I was honestly impressed. You seemed to understand my intentions perfectly.”
“It’s a good script.”
“Not ‘well-written’?”
“No. Just ‘good.’”

A brief silence followed. I averted my gaze, feeling uncomfortable under his intense stare.
Saeron cleared his throat.

“Anyway, I think your analytical skills could be a great inspiration for me. I’d like you to come over on weekends during the semester, and we can discuss the characters and you can help me develop them.”
“Sounds good to me. I honestly didn’t expect this much.”

It was a generous offer, especially for a beginner like me.

He was essentially investing millions of won in me, considering the pre-production phase. Even if we started filming during summer break, it wouldn’t be more than 20-30 sessions, which was an excellent deal for an independent film.

“It means I have high expectations. I trust Haerin Noona’s judgment. You can brag to your parents about how much you’re making.”
“Um… I’d rather keep it a secret.”
“Why?”
“If I told my parents I was going to a grown man’s house once a week to chat and getting paid a million won a month for it, I’d get grounded for life.”
“…That’s true.”

Saeron nodded, accepting my explanation. I smiled.

“So, shall we begin?”