Chapter Twenty-Five: Courage Is

Jiang Xinyu held the phone that had just been hung up on him, feeling deeply troubled inside. Yet he couldn't let it show too much; after all, he didn't want to burden anyone else. Jeremy seemed like a child—he cared for him, but rarely confided in him. As for Hwang Tae-kyung, there was even less to say; although their relationship was good, he was the very definition of someone whose personal space was inviolable.

So, at times, even if Jiang Xinyu wanted to talk about what was on his mind, there was no one to listen. That was why his feelings for Uhey were always so special; she was the only one who had truly listened to what he had to say.

Uhey had debuted slightly earlier than he did and rose to fame quickly. When he landed his first commercial with her, he was merely a background extra, while Uhey was the true star. The impression she left on him back then was one of unshakable confidence. Later, they began endorsing a clothing brand together, and that's when everything started to change.

It was a tranquil afternoon. Jiang Xinyu stood on the balcony, cradling a warm cup of tea, gazing at the distant scenery, a gentle smile playing at his lips.

Even though he felt sad, whenever he thought of that girl, his heart would soften entirely.

"Hyung, you’re here!" came a voice from behind.

Jiang Xinyu turned around and saw the dejected “Go Mi-nam.”

He frowned slightly, concern coloring his tone. "What’s wrong? Weren’t you practicing your dance?"

Then, he suddenly remembered that it was supposed to be Tae-kyung’s turn to visit the rehearsal today.

But now, Hwang Tae-kyung and Uhey were together.

"Where’s Tae-kyung?" he asked.

Cha Eun-sang stammered, "Still in the dance studio."

Jiang Xinyu understood—Tae-kyung and Uhey must have met in the studio, which put his mind somewhat at ease.

Cha Eun-sang, unwilling to admit she’d made another mistake, walked over to stand beside Jiang Xinyu. Ever since the news about her and Kim Tan broke in the entertainment press, she felt awkward facing Jiang Xinyu and Jeremy, especially since Jeremy seemed to hold a deep grudge against her. It troubled her greatly.

"Hyung, is there anything I can actually do right?" she asked, a little distressed.

Jiang Xinyu smiled lightly. "As long as your intentions are sincere, you’ll be recognized for it."

Although Jiang Xinyu had his own suspicions about “Go Mi-nam’s” true identity, he wasn’t about to say anything.

"By the way, I heard Uhey’s in the dance studio too?" He nonchalantly swirled his teacup as he spoke.

"Yes," Cha Eun-sang replied, clearly uneasy at the mention of Uhey. She could sense the other’s dislike for her, which left her even more frustrated. "She came to practice. I finished and came back first."

"And Tae-kyung?" Jiang Xinyu finally asked the question that truly concerned him.

Cha Eun-sang replied, guilt-ridden, "He… is still in the dance studio."

Perhaps because Jiang Xinyu was so gentle, Cha Eun-sang couldn’t help but confess what had happened in the dance studio that day, nervously bracing herself for questions about Kim Tan. To her surprise, the first thing Jiang Xinyu asked was, "Was Tae-kyung badly hurt?"

"No, no," she hurriedly denied. "His face is just… not fit to be seen right now…"

Jiang Xinyu hadn’t thought much more of it, but then Jeremy burst in with a shout, "You again! Julie, bite her!"

The dog named Julie barked furiously and lunged at Cha Eun-sang, but Jiang Xinyu shook his head and stepped between them, holding Julie back.

Julie barked several more times at Cha Eun-sang from behind Jiang Xinyu, seeming to vent her anger.

Jeremy complained, "I just called Manager Ma to ask when Uhey would be filming her next show, but instead, Manager Ma told me Tae-kyung got hurt!"

The logic of this statement was utterly baffling; it took Jiang Xinyu quite some time to process it.

Then, a faint smile appeared on his lips.

So, in other words…

"So, hyung, all because of him!" Jeremy fumed, pointing at Cha Eun-sang. "Because of this guy, our concert has to be postponed, and Tae-kyung hyung can’t even marry Uhey now!"

…This logic was rather questionable as well.

Still, Jiang Xinyu was rather pleased, though he felt a bit sorry for Hwang Tae-kyung. Well… heh.

"But…" Cha Eun-sang peeked out from behind Jiang Xinyu, trying hard to defend herself, "I’m really sorry, but about that wedding program—Manager Ma said you’ll be filling in, Xinyu hyung."

Jeremy was furious. "Do you think Xinyu hyung is just a substitute?"

Yet his expression clearly said—But I want to be the substitute too, sob sob.

Knowing Jeremy liked Uhey, Cha Eun-sang tried to redirect his attention. "Um… Manager Ma said Uhey is moving in."

Crash—a slip of the hand, and Jiang Xinyu’s teacup fell to the floor, shattering, startling Julie, who jumped back and barked at him.

"What!!" Jeremy was, as expected, utterly shocked, then immediately broke into a radiant grin. "That’s great, finally something pleasant to look at~"

Cha Eun-sang: "…"

Jiang Xinyu nonchalantly swept up the shards, but his mind was racing: if Uhey really moved in, where would she stay?

Just the thought of it made his heart flutter a little. (←←)

—

Meanwhile, Uhey was in the dance studio with Hwang Tae-kyung.

Manager Ma and Anna had gone to negotiate with the production team about replacing cast members and additional footage, leaving the two of them to practice. Since his face still required cold compresses, Hwang Tae-kyung could only watch Uhey rehearse, bored out of his mind.

Uhey felt a bit shy; she did have a slight crush on Hwang Tae-kyung, after all. But once the music started, she threw herself into the dance completely.

Hwang Tae-kyung hadn’t planned to watch, but somehow, her movements gradually drew him in. Only when the music ended did he snap out of it.

"So, what do you think?" Uhey asked, wiping her sweat. "Pretty good, right?"

She was always confident in herself.

Hwang Tae-kyung replied awkwardly, "N-not bad, I guess."

His bangs fell over his right eye, and though he meant to offer his usual sarcastic smile, for some reason it turned into a genuine one.

When Jiang Xinyu arrived, he saw the two of them looking as if they were sharing a tender moment, and couldn’t help but force a wry smile.

"What are you doing here?" Hwang Tae-kyung quickly covered his face.

Jiang Xinyu smiled helplessly, "Jeremy told me everything. It’s fine. Here, take this."

He produced a mask and a cap; since Hwang Tae-kyung had only come to visit and his assistant hadn’t followed, Jiang Xinyu’s arrival was perfectly timed.

Uhey smiled too. She had always gotten along well with Jiang Xinyu, who was thoughtful and considerate; things never felt awkward between them.

With a mischievous grin, she said to him, "Oppa~ we’re about to get married, so please take care of me~"

She even bowed deeply, teasing him, while Hwang Tae-kyung snorted disdainfully.

Jiang Xinyu hadn’t expected Uhey to joke like that, and stood there stunned, his mind echoing with the urge to kiss her… kiss her… kiss her…

Even Hwang Tae-kyung felt something was off. Jiang Xinyu, what’s with that look in your eyes! Uhey was also a little flustered, her cheeks warming.

Just as she was about to say something, the door swung open. Manager Ma entered, followed by a journalist surnamed Kim—someone Uhey despised for always digging up her scandals, though, as an entertainer, she couldn’t ever say so to his face.

Reporter Kim was shocked at the scene before him, certain he was about to uncover a big scoop. Just as he raised his camera, Jiang Xinyu suddenly grabbed Uhey’s hand and dashed out the door with her.

…