NOVEL WEB Chapter 53 - Can We Do It One More Time?
Chapter 53: Can We Do It One More Time?
TL: Aniea
“What do you think, watching yourself?”
Hehe-
Han Yeo-ryeong suppressed a laugh that seemed like it would burst at any moment and nudged Seo Baek-ho’s side with her elbow.
However, Seo Baek-ho quietly observed Kang Woo-ju without any reaction.
Though his personality was originally straightforward, he seemed much more aloof than usual, causing Han Yeo-ryeong to nod her head with interest.
“At first, I thought, ‘Why is it so clumsy?’ I could definitely tell he was a novice. But in the second round, there was something strange about him.”
“……”
“It seems like he used the first two rounds to practice mimicking you. Even if your body types are similar, they aren’t exactly the same, so there must have been some discrepancies.”
“You look quite entertained.”
“It feels refreshing to see you flustered. Being crushed by that straightforward technique is really unpleasant.”
Shaking her head side to side, Han Yeo-ryeong recalled the demonstration match that had just taken place. Seo Baek-ho then spoke in a calm voice.
“Han Yeo-ryeong. I didn’t intend to make you feel bad. It’s just that pure technique alone wouldn’t give me a high chance of winning against you, so I made the most rational choice.”
“…What’s with you, all of a sudden?”
“I just stated a fact.”
At Seo Baek-ho’s compliment, Han Yeo-ryeong instinctively put a bit of distance between them, feeling a strange sense of discomfort.
But Seo Baek-ho didn’t mind. No, more accurately, he didn’t have the luxury to care.
Just watching Kang Woo-ju performing an unbelievable act in front of him required all his mental strength.
‘…He’s a monster.’
Watching Kang Woo-ju made him naturally think that. What Kang Woo-ju had just imitated wasn’t simply a technique relying on physical strength, as Han Yeo-ryeong said.
Considering that the opponent had much superior skills, if he had clumsily charged straight at him, he would have been thrown just like in the previous rounds.
Therefore, cornering the opponent to reduce their movement range and dragging them into a situation where they couldn’t use their skills was a highly important psychological strategy.
‘Did he really imitate that after just three attempts?’
Honestly, it’s unbelievable.
No matter how good his athletic ability and sense were, it’s impossible. If anyone could do that, they should be aiming for the Olympics, not acting.
But seeing Kang Woo-ju accomplish it as if it were natural left Seo Baek-ho feeling hollow.
‘No matter how much the position shapes the person….’
They had some understanding of Kang Woo-ju’s past, given that they were guarding Kim Eun-ha 24/7. They also knew that he wasn’t like this from the beginning.
However, as if to prove why he was chosen by Kim Eun-ha, he was performing such unbelievable acts. An absurd laugh naturally escaped.
‘…Master seems to be enjoying this too.’
A slight smile was visible at the corner of Kang Dae-ho’s mouth as well. Considering that he rarely showed emotions, he must be truly pleased.
That likely meant Kang Woo-ju had greatly impressed him. Realizing that made Seo Baek-ho feel inexplicably complicated.
“Hey, Baek-ho.”
At that moment, Han Yeo-ryeong, who had been standing beside him, spoke again. This brought him out of his thoughts, and he turned his head to respond.
“Speak.”
“Who do you think will win?”
“CEO Kim Eun-ha will win.”
“…You’re so adamant. But Alpha won the previous round perfectly, so why are you so sure?”
Han Yeo-ryeong tilted her head. Seo Baek-ho watched the two preparing for the next round as he answered.
“CEO Kim Eun-ha isn’t someone who’ll fall for the same trick twice. She probably noticed by now that Alpha is mimicking me. At that point, the match is already over.”
“Why?”
“Well···.”
Kang Woo-ju’s acting skills were exceptional.
To the point where it seemed almost excessive.
Ironically, that revealed a critical flaw.
“Because I can’t beat CEO Kim Eun-ha either.”
Whoosh- Boom-!! Argh-!?
As soon as he spoke, Kang Woo-ju was slammed onto the floor. The attack, seemingly filled with emotion and devoid of any restraint, left Kang Woo-ju gasping for breath.
“Young miss wins.”
“Yes-!!”
Kim Eun-ha pumped her fists and expressed her emotions intensely. It was a side she never showed when sparring with the bodyguards. Beating Kang Woo-ju must have made her extremely happy.
Realizing her own excitement, she quickly tried to adjust her expression and posture, but it was far too late.
Seeing her unfamiliar demeanor brought a smile to the usually stoic bodyguards’ faces.
Although none of them laughed openly, most of the people here had been watching over Kim Eun-ha for a long time and had developed a fondness for her.
“Haha. So, young miss had that side to her. Normally, she just helps her opponent up and gives a formal greeting.”
“Yeah, that’s true.”
“In that sense, don’t you think they look quite good together?”
“……?”
When Seo Baek-ho tilted his head, not understanding her meaning, Han Yeo-ryeong, who was known for her cold demeanor, continued with a rare smile on her face.
“Those two over there. Honestly, I don’t know much about Alpha since he’s not my charge and we weren’t acquainted before. But the young miss has definitely become brighter than before, hasn’t she?”
“…Yeah, that’s true.”
Kim Eun-ha was known to be kind to her bodyguards. She remembered all their names, and she paid a lot of attention to their work-life balance and vacations.
She was very strict about work but didn’t interfere beyond that. Because of this, she was popular among the bodyguards.
When guarding other members of the owner family, they often ended up as literal punching bags and faced a lot of job-related stress.
In contrast, being a direct bodyguard for Kim Eun-ha was so enviable that it became a silent rumor among them.
As a result, the voluntary resignation and job-switching rates were almost zero, and they all knew each other for a long time.
‘Which made it all the more regrettable…’
Even though Kim Eun-ha always treated them with a smile, after working under her for years, they couldn’t help but notice the hidden wounds beneath that smile.
She always maintained a smile with everyone, but no one here was unaware that it was half an act.
‘But that smile just now…’
It was genuine.
She was truly enjoying herself.
Since Kang Woo-ju joined her, something had subtly changed in her daily life.
Her once lifeless smile now had a touch of life, and she began sharing her workload with Secretary Yoon, giving herself a bit more room to breathe.
Seo Baek-ho, Han Yeo-ryeong, and all the other bodyguards had sensed this change, but it was only now that they felt certain about it.
“Han Yeo-ryeong. You’re right.”
“Huh?”
“They do look good together.”
“See, I knew it, right?”
The two shared small smiles. Their gazes were fixed on the sitcom-like scene unfolding before them.
Kim Eun-ha, realizing belatedly what had happened, hurriedly patted Kang Woo-ju’s shoulder to check his condition, but he didn’t move an inch, lying still like a dead man.
“Woo-ju! Are you alright!?”
“……”
Panicking, she turned to call an ambulance, only to be startled when Kang Woo-ju suddenly sat up, flipping her upside down.
In an instant, he mounted her, holding her hands with both of his. With a fiery look in his eyes, Kang Woo-ju spoke.
“Can you go one more round?”
“W-What are you talking about!?”
Flustered by Kang Woo-ju’s intense gaze, Kim Eun-ha’s skin began to flush red.
She tried to twist and overturn their positions again, but the size difference was too great, and Kang Woo-ju didn’t budge.
Moreover, the position he was using was the same technique Seo Baek-ho had used against Han Yeo-ryeong. Everyone watching was at a loss for words, shaking their heads in disbelief.
However, Kang Woo-ju seemed completely oblivious to their gazes, focusing solely on Kim Eun-ha. He moved his face close to hers, as if he were about to kiss her.
“Just one more time.”
“Ah, get off me for now!”
Thunk!
Kim Eun-ha headbutted him squarely, sending him rolling on the floor. She quickly stood up and put some distance between them.
Though her face was bright red, she started scolding him, but Kang Woo-ju’s determination was unwavering.
The bodyguards, who had been watching the entire scene, nodded in unison as if they had made an agreement.
‘They look good together.’
‘They’re in that wonderful stage.’
‘It would be great if they actually started dating.’
Watching the two bicker, the bodyguards shared similar thoughts. Warm smiles spread across their faces, a sight rarely seen before.
*
‘…It’s a pity.’
Returning home, I showered and then sank into the sofa. Tilting my head back completely and closing my eyes, I reflected on the match with Kim Eun-ha.
‘She really has been going easy on me.’
When I occasionally got hit while playing around with Kim Eun-ha, I thought I might really die. But today, I realized that was just child’s play.
Even now, when I close my eyes, I can see her serene and calm gaze.
The depth of her eyes was like a galaxy, just like her name. Looking into them made me feel entranced and dazed.
‘With my current level, it’s impossible.’
Thanks to Team Leader Kang Dae-ho’s consideration and my overwhelming physical advantage, I managed to win one set by mimicking Seo Baek-ho in the previous demonstration match.
But that was close to a fluke. Getting thrown down immediately in the next set was proof of that.
Even if I properly learned martial arts, it would take quite some time to beat her in an official match.
‘Still, it’s a relief I got her permission, right?’
Although I was utterly defeated, winning one set wasn’t entirely meaningless.
Kim Eun-ha didn’t like the idea of losing to a novice like me and pouted, but she granted me permission to receive martial arts training.
– But there’s a condition. The final episode of <Peaceful Chaebol Life> must have an average viewership rating of over 10%. Until then, focus solely on the drama.
Of course, it was conditional.
However, even if I had won the sparring match, I had planned to start training after the drama finished. So, it wasn’t surprising.
In this era where people don’t watch TV as much, achieving a 10% viewership on a public broadcasting network is incredibly challenging.
‘…But I have no choice but to try.’
Anyway, to achieve my goal of becoming a well-known actor, I had no intention of slacking off on the drama filming.
– Woo-ju, don’t visit until the drama is over.
– Yeah, your sister is coming up this week too. Don’t worry too much about here and leave it to Mom. Just focus on your filming, my son.
– Honey, hang up the phone quickly.
– Hehe. See you later, son!
As soon as I called home to let them know I had arrived, these words came back at me.
The call ended abruptly before I could say anything else, leaving me a bit flustered, but my parents’ concern and care were clearly conveyed.
‘I mustn’t disappoint them after they’ve done so much for me.’
Hup-
I infused energy into my body and stood up. After some light stretching, I picked up the script from the table.
“Ah- Ahem!”
Clearing my throat, I walked to the full-length mirror. Facing the other me reflected in the mirror, I slowly began to speak.
“Park Soo-bin ssi, if you’re a lawyer, act like one and focus on your work. Why do you keep pushing and irritating me like this? Because of your constant interference….”
As I continued reciting the lines, the smile that had been lingering on my lips disappeared. Beyond expressionless, my face became utterly devoid of any human emotion.
Deeper, even deeper.
As I lowered my voice and gaze.
“You make me want to break you even more.”
Siiik-
The man in the mirror lifted the corners of his mouth. There was no longer any trace of Kang Woo-ju in him.
*****
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