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Chapter 56: A Date Request
by GideonI didn’t know it then.
I didn’t know that the most terrifying frame in the world was the rose-colored glasses filter.
Jubin let out a soft laugh.
“Alright, alright. I’ll pet you all I want.”
How can he be so good at triggering my protective instincts when there’s absolutely nothing small about his build or height?
Looking at his satisfied expression—all for a simple head pat after we’d already done everything else—I realized I was pretty far gone for finding him cute.
“Does your manager know your dynamics?”
“No. He doesn’t.”
And I have no intention of telling him. Jubin seemed to realize that, knowing my personality—that I’d never want to burden others with my pain, discomfort, or struggles.
“Well, you are still a rookie, after all.”
His smile seemed… satisfied?
“I’m better than a rookie, right?”
Whether it was because Jubin had already started laughing or because Zion was getting cuter by the second, Jubin couldn’t stop the giggles from escaping, even with his hand covering his mouth.
“Is that even a question?”
“Did I ask something too obvious?”
“You know…”
Jubin managed to get the words out, his voice still laced with laughter. “You have no idea how cute you are right now, do you?”
“You can adore me all you want. Keep petting me.”
Zion leaned his head in closer.
“You’re acting like a giant puppy.”
The thought that this relationship might soon spiral out of control sent a wave of unease through Jubin. Yet, every time he found himself drawing comfort from Zion’s warmth, he felt a confusing mix of turmoil and peace.
Whenever he faced these uncomfortable emotions, Jubin always craved a cigarette. He pulled a disposable e-cigarette from his pocket.
“Can I step out for a smoke?” he asked Zion.
“You switched to e-cigs?”
If I hadn’t signed with SUB Entertainment, I’d never have even dreamed of trying this expensive thing, Jubin thought.
On his way out after getting the chip implanted, he’d overheard a stranger muttering about needing to buy a pheromone-infused e-cigarette. A quick search had revealed they were incredibly pricey, but the flavorings mixed with pheromones made them a great alternative for those struggling to quit completely.
The only catch was that they weren’t recommended if you experienced side effects after the chip implantation.
Fortunately, his pheromones had stabilized after his pseudo-heat, so he was finally cleared to use it.
Jubin pressed the button, and a brief vibration hummed through his hand. Suddenly, he remembered the heat of Yeon’s gaze during the reading.
As he waited for the cigarette to heat up, Jubin finally spoke.
“You did that on purpose, didn’t you? Switching to those ‘honey eyes’ during the reading and staring at me like that.”
Jubin took a slow breath, filling his mouth with the white vapor that would soon vanish.
“You know exactly what I was doing, yet you won’t even give me a glance?” Yeon’s voice was laced with a casual, unreserved sense of disappointment.
Jubin had been burying his face in the script, pretending not to notice that gaze. He gently exhaled a cloud of smoke, suppressing the sudden surge of embarrassment.
“I didn’t look because I didn’t want to break character.”
“If your immersion is that fragile, how are you going to act with me on set?”
“That was then,” Jubin replied with a casual laugh, brushing it off.
The summer had been unusually hot this year, and large bees were a common sight.
One particularly large bee zipped toward Jubin, who was standing right next to a cluster of hydrangeas in full bloom.
“Sunbae, don’t move,” Zion said urgently.
The sharp buzz in his ear made Jubin freeze. The bee circled him for a long moment, refusing to leave.
Why won’t it go away? Zion looked ready to swat the bee with his bare hands if it made a move. Jubin pleaded with his eyes, silently begging him not to.
“It’s okay, it’ll leave.”
He wanted to believe that, but the bee seemed determined to land on his left hand—the one holding his e-cigarette.
The sweet scent of the vape juice must have attracted it.
Zion, who had been watching the situation warily, suddenly closed the distance. He snatched the e-cigarette from Jubin’s hand, switched it off, and hurled it away.
The device sailed through the air in a wide arc before landing with a dull thud. The bee followed the scent and flew off after it.
My e-cigarette… Jubin’s heart shattered. I spent so much on that thing…
“Let’s go. It’s dangerous here.”
Zion’s strong, thick arm wrapped around Jubin’s shoulders. The grip of the hand holding him tight to hurry him away was intense.
Even though he had only been protected for a moment, Jubin’s heart fluttered, floating slightly.
It was because Zion, his emotions running high in the brief encounter, was releasing a massive amount of pheromones.
And because they were standing so close.
Jubin gently pushed him away, signaling he was okay now.
“I’m fine now.”
“Don’t use that scent outside.”
The arm draped over Jubin’s shoulder had slipped away, but Zion’s grip on his hand remained firm, showing no sign of loosening.
“Yeah, I’ll be more careful from now on.”
So…
“This is a bit…”
Let go, Jubin pleaded silently, his gaze fixed on their tightly clasped hands.
Zion scanned the empty air, his expression one of mock concern. “You never know where else you might pick up a scent. It’s still all over your hand, Sunbae.”
“I get it. I’ll go wash it off.”
Jubin gave his hand a gentle shake, signaling for Zion to release him. When the grip held fast, he tried to twist his wrist free, but Zion only tightened his hold in resistance.
It wasn’t a grip Jubin could break with strength alone.
“Why? Is this too much for you?” Zion asked, his face alight with mischief.
Jubin quickly glanced around, his worry mounting.
“People will misunderstand,” Jubin said.
“Let them.”
Zion’s expression remained utterly relaxed, showing no concern for the consequences.
In this industry, a single mistake, a minor misunderstanding, could cost someone their job in an instant. Jubin wanted to be careful, at least while they were on set.
“Zion.”
Jubin’s voice was gentle, like he was soothing a child, but his tone was firm. Zion clicked his tongue and reluctantly let go of Jubin’s hand.
“Fine.”
It was an unspoken agreement: he wouldn’t make any more bold moves in public.
“Thank you.”
Since Zion had taken a step back, it was Jubin’s turn to move forward.
“Do you… want to see a movie?”
He felt guilty for taking advantage of Zion while drunk. He was grateful Zion had come on such short notice without a single complaint. And the paid message Zion had sent asking for movie recommendations had been weighing on his mind.
“Are you asking me out on a date?”
Jubin tried to keep his tone light, drawing a line against the other man’s overinterpretation. Just because they were watching a movie together didn’t necessarily make it a date.
“Let’s just watch a movie.”
“But it’s just the two of us, Sunbae.”
“We’ll be watching it with the rest of the audience.”
“I wonder if any R-rated movies just came out.”
The man completely ignored Jubin’s words, upping the ante with his blatant anticipation. Jubin felt the air deflate from his lungs. He had agonized over asking to see a movie, worried it would sound too cringey or be misinterpreted, yet their perspectives on the invitation were worlds apart.
“When should we go?” the man asked, his voice brimming with excitement.
Jubin hummed, a small smile playing on his lips as he naturally tried to work around the other’s schedule. “When are you free?”
“Today works. Tomorrow too. The day after that’s fine, too.”
He was practically begging to see her as soon as possible. His eagerness made her wonder if he was even considering his own schedule.
“You’re pretty free these days, huh?”
“My workload’s been lightening up.”
The comment tugged at her heart, making it impossible to just let it slide.
“Are you intentionally taking a break during your project?”
“No, most of my contracted commercials are ending, and I’m in between renewals. That’s why my schedule is open.”
The renewal was still up in the air.
Is it that hard to reach an amicable agreement with CEO Park Ji-bun? She worried he might be under immense stress because of it.
“So, you’ll have to keep me company, Sunbae.”
His excitement was palpable, as if he were thinking, If not now, when else will I get to play?
“You should be meeting up with the friends and colleagues you’ve been too busy to see.”
“I only need you, Sunbae.”
He’s such a smooth talker, she thought.
The way he gently shook their clasped hands, his tone laced with subtle aegyo, was actually starting to look cute.
Jubin was baffled by how his own heart was wavering.
Fine, I’m a pushover.
“Not tomorrow. The day after.”
“Great. See you then.”
Jubin checked the time, thinking of the coffee truck owner. “Let’s go get our order.”
“Ah, it must be all melted by now.”
Zion trailed off, sounding as if he’d completely forgotten about the drinks, then quickly added, “We should hurry before it melts any more, right?”
Jubin had expected him to let go of his hand. Instead, the opposite happened.
“Run!”
Suddenly, Zion took off with Jubin still in his grasp, dragging him toward the coffee truck. His speed was insane.
“Hey, hey, hey! Slow down! Slow down!!”
It was no use trying to stop him. The more Jubin got to know him, the more he realized: Zion was no noble jaguar.
The fans were clearly being fooled by appearances. This guy wasn’t some noble jaguar—he was just a big, strong beast.
Before he knew it, Jubin had been dragged all the way to the coffee truck by Zion.
“One iced americano and one milk tea, please,” Zion said to the barista.
Unlike Zion, who wasn’t even out of breath, Jubin was gasping for air.
Hah… hah…
His legs trembled from the effort of keeping up. He’d run so desperately to avoid falling behind that his mind was a complete blur.
Zion still had their fingers interlaced, showing no intention of letting go. He took the milk tea first and held it out to Jubin.
“Here. You drink it first.”
Jubin glared at him, trying to catch his breath, and reached for the drink. But just as he was about to grab it, Zion snatched it away.
Jubin didn’t even blink at such a childish prank.
“Give it back.”
“Say ah.”
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