Page 4 of From Paris to Seoul

I swear, I’d never touch Samgyetang Express—even if we were on the brink of a zombie apocalypse with no other food options.

I raised my hands for a high-five with Tae-hyun and took my excuse to step outside for a quick smoke.

“You did it, bro!” My manager, Byung-ho, chimed in, joining me for the smoke in the smoking area outside.

I shrugged. “It’s just a soup commercial,” I replied, taking a puff. “Could you stop hooking me up with these kinds ofcommercials and find me a deal for an AAA film?” I said, only half-joking.

“You want the money or not?” Byung-ho shot back, puffing on his cigarette.

I laughed and nodded. “You’re right, the money is good.” At the same time, I absentmindedly checked my bank account on my phone, silently calculating in my head.

It had slowly become a habit to check my bank account—like staring into an empty fridge when you’re hungry, hoping it will magically be stocked with food.

As a hustler in the industry—modeling, taking small roles in dramas, commercials, music videos, or variety shows… pretty much anything that pays—I wouldn’t call myself poor.

But with an absent father, a mother who earned just enough for covering day-to-day expenses and a little sister who just started university, life’s becoming a bit more expensive.

And in this line of work, it’s only a matter of time before my expiration date hits and I’m replaced by someone younger with fewer wrinkles. I’ve got to make as much as I can, while I still can.

A notification flashed across my screen, covering up the balance in my bank account.

“Oppa, are you done with shooting?”the text read, complete with a cute bunny sticker.

“There’s a new restaurant in town I’m dying to try. Let’s meet there tonight at 8,”she added, with the address attached.

Ah, right. And having a so-called girlfriend definitely doesn’t do my wallet any favors.

When was the last time I saw Sun-hee? I tried to remember—probably almost a week ago. There was no question mark in her text, so it wasn’t a suggestion; it was an order. And if I tried to cancel on her tonight, she’d definitely be pissed.

I finished my cigarette and turned to Byung-ho. “Hyung, I gotta go. Let me know as soon as you book me a new gig?”

“Sure, sure, go run to your girlfriend,” he teased. “I’ll handle the paperwork here and update you on payment soon.”

“Perfect,” I called over my shoulder before heading back inside the studio for quick goodbyes, then making my way to this “must-try” restaurant.

***

I arrived at the Italian restaurant downtown a solid five minutes before 8, managing to beat the traffic and feeling a bit proud of myself.

Sun-hee was already outside, waiting in line to get in. She wore a stylish long coat over a mini-skirt with stockings and sneakers, despite the chilly February air.

“Oppa!” she called out cheerfully. “Come, come, say hi to my followers,” she said, holding up her phone for a live shot.

Besides some modeling gigs, Sun-hee is also a social media influencer. I was a little hesitant about that before we ended up together—having a camera in my face during my downtime isn’t exactly my idea of relaxing. But I tried to remind myself that it’s just part of who she is.

After a long sigh, I mustered a smile and waved at her phone camera, trying not to feel too silly.

Dating someone younger definitely has its challenges.

Sometimes, I feel like she gets caught up in things that wouldn’t even cross my mind... or maybe it’s just me forgetting what it’s like to be her age.

“So, now that my boyfriend’s here, we’re heading inside!” Sun-hee chirped into her phone, addressing her followers with the ease of a pro. “I made a reservation, so we’re all set!” she whispered to the camera as we entered the restaurant.

“What should I order…?” she mused aloud during her stream, scrolling through and reading comments from her followers. “Hmm, I’m torn between the vegetable lasagna and the mushroom risotto. I heard those are their specialties!”

She kept chatting to her phone, sharing her thoughts on the restaurant’s decor, the menu, and just about everything else—basically ignoring me until the food arrived.

Then came the photo session: at least ten shots of her plate, and a few of mine for good measure.

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