As Gui-Jin’s words sank in, Zee cast another glance at Min-Jun. One thing she was sure of: she didn’t like their attitude toward him, and she would have to change that. There had to be more beneath that stoic, composed exterior. Maybe she should try to find out—but would it risk her job? No, she would do it discretely.

"So, were you surprised to see yourself on the news yesterday?" Gui-Jin suddenly asked, breaking into Zee’s thoughts.

Zee blinked, nodding as yesterday’s whirlwind of emotions resurfaced. “You shouldn’t be," Gui-Jin continued, her tone light. “It’s one of the perks of working with an A-list celebrity like Min-Jun. Paparazzi are always lurking. You will find yourself popping up in one entertainment news or another.”

Zee forced a smile, even as a knot tightened in her stomach. "Yeah, geurae," she replied softly.

Gui-Jin leaned in, her eyes sparking with excitement. “When we first started working with him, we where all on the news too. But your news… it’s bigger, especially because you took over her position."

Zee’s eyes darkened with a mix of anger and worry, her mind racing. Was she ready for the endless comparisons? Would people judge her for stepping into a role marred by scandal? She glanced at Min-Jun again, wondering what he truly thought of her. Aside from his dislike, did he see her as an ally—or just another part of the chaos surrounding him? What if she didn’t meet expectations?

"Don’t let it get to you, arasseo? Just focus on the work,” Gui-Jin encouraged.

With a deep breath, Zee tried to shake off the worry, reminding herself that she had earned her place and deserve to be by Kang Min-Jun's side. All she hoped for is that he would eventually warm up to her.

Filming wrapped up earlier than expected, leaving Zee with a bit of extra time on her hands. She decided to swing by the coffee shop where Ji-a worked, so they could go home together. As she entered, the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped her like a comforting embrace. She spotted Ji-a behind the counter, her hair tied up in a messy bun, expertly steaming milk.

"Hey, Ji-a!" Zee called out, a bright smile spreading across her face.

Ji-a looked up, her eyes lighting up instantly. "Zee! You came by today! How was filming?"

"It was good, actually," Zee replied, settling into a cozy chair. "We wrapped up early, so I thought I would come see my favorite barista."

Ji-a giggled, grabbing a mug and pouring a steaming cup of coffee. She set it down in front of Zee with a playful smile. "The usual. It’s on the house today, since you are my best customer."

Zee grinned at her friend’s cheeky comeback before taking a sip of the rich, familiar coffee. “Mmm, as expected, you never disappoint. How was your shift?”

“Busy as usual,” Ji-a replied, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “But I will finish up soon so we can head out together.”

Zee nodded, savoring the warmth of her extra-foamy coffee just as she liked it, enjoying the cozy café’s familiar ambiance.

As Ji-a rounded up her tasks, Zee’s mind drifted to the memory of how they met. Unlike most friendships that began in the university halls, theirs had started right here, in this very café. Zee, a student at SNU, had initially stopped by the café to study, and Ji-a, always cheerful and friendly, would engage her in small talk before rushing back to her work. Over time, those short conversations turned into long chats, and Zee had come to know Ji-a’s background, her family, and her struggles.

Ji-a was balancing part-time shifts here while finishing her studies, working to help pay her tuition and support her family. As their bond grew stronger, Zee became a lifeline for Ji-a when financial struggles made it hard for her to afford dorm fees. Zee smiled recalling Ji-a's strong objection when she had ask her not to pay for rent. Her dad covered her rent anyways so it wasn't an issue. But Ji-a, raised with strong values, wasn't hearing any of it and insisted paying her fair share. In the end, they had compromised, and their living arrangement only strengthened their bond, turning them into inseparable roommates. What started as a casual café encounter had blossomed into a friendship they now cherished deeply.

________________

Eomeo—Oh my gosh

Geurae—Sure

Arasseo—Understood