Hyeyoon slowly illuminated her phone. There was a picture sent by the man she wanted to protect.

A photo of the laptop screen. The disappeared sentences from the statement were vividly shining on the screen.

[……Finally, I hope all criticism regarding the work after this time is directed only to the writer Jang Hyeyoon. Actor Ahn Jiho bears no responsibility related to this situation, and beyond being a writer, Jang Hyeyoon is someone I want to protect. I ask for your understanding.]

Her feelings were peculiar. It was welcoming, but it was bittersweet because she didn’t want to see it this way. And the effort to soothe that emotion was pushed to the bottom.

[I have someone I want to protect too. I’m sorry, but I’ll keep this to myself. Truly touching. (4:06 PM)]

“I couldn’t protect her in the end…….”

A small mutter was filled with deep regret. The disappointment in himself was too great and heavy, making it impossible to respond quickly. Jiho, even though he knew he was probably reading the same message at this moment.

That he was waiting for a reply, even though he knew it too well.

Soon, a message arrived, aligning with the expected outcome. It seemed like he knew her heart completely.

[Looks like you were upset. Not even a reply. (4:07 PM)]

“……Just a little.”

Because it was an unattainable answer, he could be honest. And he wondered if he could feel the answer that he believed would be unattainable.

[All the emotion was received by me, and the writer made you feel uncomfortable. (4:08 PM)]

Jiho looked at the number in front of the disappearing message as soon as he sent it. The worry that he might be upset disappeared several times in front of the number that disappeared without a reply.

Maybe it’s not just a matter of being upset. He must think that his sincere efforts were completely ignored.

Then anxiety swelled like a snowball. His finger rushed towards the call button.

“I’ll go back to filming! Please be ready!”

But he couldn’t bring himself to press it in the end. He pursed his lips on one side. The hand that gripped self-blame became tense. And just as he was about to put down the phone with a humid sigh, his hand vibrated warmly.

As if mocking from a distance, it seemed he could read the other person’s heart, not just his talent.

[I woke up on Christmas morning, and you weren’t there. We both agreed to sleep in and wake up late. (4:11 PM)]

“……Huh?”

A story that suddenly began. No, looking closely, it was the Christmas tale he told last weekend. When his crumpled lips gradually found their place, another scene from the fairy tale continued.

[Where did you go? I went out to the living room in surprise and found you cooking. Not hastily, but because I wanted to feed Jiho warm food. (4:11 PM)]

And, as deep as her eyes, the tender heart was finally read. Like her statement, the last part was filled with sincerity and warmth.
[I can only take care of that much. Jiho-sshi, just one meal. But if it’s okay with you, I’ll do my best. (4:12 PM)]

Jiho struggled to hold back the emotions that gripped his chest. Acknowledging cleanly what he couldn’t achieve, a woman who vowed to protect herself in her own way. Glancing at the staff urging from afar, he quickly moved his hands.

[It’s not just okay; it’s the greatest happiness. Thank you. It must be delicious already. (4:12 PM)]

After sending the reply, he nodded. He had to become Kim Jongsu, who lost in a soccer match, not Ahn Jiho with Jang Hyeyoon. He needed to lighten up. There was one more message left, and she didn’t know how to relieve the weight in her own way.

[Just because it’s warm doesn’t mean it’s all delicious. I’ll show you. (4:13 PM)]

Jiho chuckled at the short sentence.

“Wow, can things change this much with just one person missing?”

The next evening. Breaking through the darkness that was hard to believe was 7 PM, the assistant director moved towards Minwoo. Both words and steps were directed at Minwoo, but his eyes were fixed on the man the camera angle focused on. Minwoo followed his gaze.

“What is it?”

“It’s about Jiho-sshi. He’s really just working.”

“Do you want to stay here for a long time? You probably just want to finish quickly and go to Seoul.”

The two observed Jiho, who was preparing for the next shoot. The male staff who approached him seemed to make a light joke. Jiho also showed a faint smile to the staff. Watching that scene closely, the assistant director shook his head.

“Yeah. That laughter is not real. The real one was until last Friday.”

“Hehe. Until you shoot with Hyeyoon?”

“Yes. The atmosphere was different until last week. When we got close, the air around us was sticky. Sweet, you know?”

Although he criticized it as an exaggeration, Minwoo didn’t strongly deny it.

And 4 hours later, the real one wasn’t until last week. With just one woman’s voice, he could truly laugh anywhere. Jiho sat on the bed, combing his wet hair. The story in the phone melted his heart like a lullaby.