Like most elderly people, various health-promoting teas and supplements filled the car. After briefly looking at Taeseok’s tired face, she opened the thermos lid and recommended a cup of corn tea.

“The change of seasons is always tricky. If your throat hurts, it’s a big problem. Our job is like that.”

Taeseok nodded lightly to express gratitude. However, there was no particular expression. Even though the warm corn tea filled his whole body with warmth, it didn’t feel particularly comforting. Overall, he had no sensation.

“These days, when I go out, people really think I’m Seo Taeseok’s mom. Isn’t it fun? That’s why I feel like Taeseok is really my son.”

She smiled with a compassionate smile.

“Why is it like this? Why is it a mess? Tell Mom.”

“No.”

“Seo Taeseok is now standing at the threshold of hell.”

And then, as if muttering to herself, she whispered a few more words.
“People have become indifferent, or maybe they’re just not interested in other people’s business. Somehow, no one knows. The lead actor is falling apart.”

The ability to read people’s eyes was wisdom acquired over a long period.

“Teacher, it’s nothing.”

Taeseok gave a delayed and scripted response. Park Yooja looked thoughtful.

“Why is the clever Seo Taeseok like this?”

“I’m not particularly clever, teacher.”

Taeseok, who had regained some energy, responded with a stronger voice than before.

“It seems to be a woman issue. Clever men usually regret after losing a woman.”

“Why do clever men regret?”

Taeseok countered reasonably. Park Yooja looked into Taeseok’s eyes and said,

“Foolish men don’t even get a chance to regret.”

It was a poignant remark.

“You guys make a fuss about love. You exchange tender glances, and then there’s a deep misunderstanding that goes around in circles for a long time. It’s fun for the old folks to pretend not to know while watching from the side, but now it’s too much.”

Each comforting word, scolding-like, etched a gentle resonance in the heart.

“…I made it difficult for the woman I love, and I realized it too late.”

“Well, it’s good that you realized.”

Park Yooja patted Taeseok’s shoulder.

“Stop blaming yourself. Making someone see you falling apart is an unforgivable act. Regret appropriately and return when it’s right. Women have no choice but to be defenseless against a man who comes back stronger.”

It was advice conveyed while looking at the approaching summer in the distance.

“Thank you.”

With his back turned, Taeseok didn’t see that direction at all.

“Yeah, let’s have a meal sometime.”

“I’ll treat you to a nice place.”

Taeseok, who had internalized the gentle consolation, expressed his gratitude once again and got out of the car. The warmth of the corn tea belatedly warmed his body. It felt like a remedy.

Reflecting on the conversation, he walked forward slowly. The world still moved slowly and hazily.

Two years ago, when he lived taking anxiety medication, he developed immunity, but now, he couldn’t regain his composure as if his body had returned for the first time.

‘Just endure for one more hour. Just two hours.’

Gritting his teeth, Taeseok, who had returned to his seat, slumped down. He stared ahead for a moment and then turned his head. There seemed to be a vague figure in front of him, but the sight was blurred, and he couldn’t discern.

Meeting Yeong was an excuse. Lately, the timing matched, so he often saw her at home.

Meeting this director was also an excuse. The script for the latter part had been delivered to the director’s hands a long time ago. So, he didn’t have a reason to visit the filming set for a while.

Still, he diligently prepared snacks for Yeong.

Jihyunjeong wants to meet tomorrow. For some reason, before that, he wanted to see her face and gain confidence.
“I don’t know what that woman will say, but if Taeseok oppa’s feelings are clear, I want to gather courage and try once.”

It was a significant decision as far as summer was concerned. As if proving that decision, she purposely wore the coat he had given her some time ago.

He said it was something he bought two years ago but couldn’t give her, but it was a lie. Yeong recognized the luxury item like a ghost and exclaimed.

“Oh my, how did you get this coat? It’s a limited edition, and it’s hard to find! It’s the hottest item from D Company!”

If Ji-hyeok were at the filming site, it would have been much more lively, but it was different with Team B. Ji-hyeok would be on his way to a research institute in Gangwon Province.

After exchanging greetings with Yeong, Summer quickly looked for Taeseok with a slightly fluttering heart. When she saw Taeseok approaching from a distance, she got up with a slightly excited heart and went to him.

However, when Taeseok glanced at Summer nonchalantly, he passed by her and walked to his seat.

“This… it can’t be.”

Summer couldn’t believe it.

After meeting again, he was affectionate and then got angry. Although Taeseok was always capricious, he had never ignored her before. Moreover, it was the first meeting after exchanging a stormy kiss.

He passed by as if she didn’t exist, completely ignoring her. He cruelly turned away without even looking at her.

“Why…”

He walked away so confidently that she didn’t even think about calling out to him. Unable to withdraw her gaze from him, Summer stared at him again. He, too, stared at Summer after sitting back down.

Soon, as if no longer needed, he turned his head to avoid her.

Having been ignored twice, Summer, filled with hot sorrow, hurriedly returned home. Her emotions felt strange, and again, they were strange. Tears welled up, and her heart pounded as if it would burst.

She tried hard to understand the essence of this feeling.

What could be the reason for his attitude?

She recalled the actions she had taken until now. Regardless of whether Taeseok was affectionate or harsh, she consistently pushed him away. She had no intention of starting over, no hesitation, saying she didn’t want Seo Taeseok anymore… she didn’t like him.

Why should she be hurt when a man she dislikes ignores her?

“Still, how could that be a real mistake.”

Even though they agreed to call it a mistake, the kiss that had excited her throughout lingered like an illusion. In the end, Summer burst into tears.