Double Junk - 212

Seokju also stood up. Ajin, noticing this, put down his fork and stood up. Later, he found out that the man was the Commissioner of the National Police Agency, a very high-ranking official. He was also one of Seonhwa’s influential connections.

“Did you watch the opera too, Commissioner?” Seonhwa asked with a suitably friendly tone. The Commissioner smiled, pulling his earlobe down as if embarrassed.

“Yes. As I’ve gotten older, my tastes have become more expensive.”

“When I was young, I didn’t care about these kinds of things either.”

“Maybe it’s because I’m close to retirement, but I feel restless inside, and when I come to places like this, I feel a little better.”

“Commissioner, you’re not retiring anytime soon. There’s so much more you can still do for society.”

“Haha, is that so? That’s a nice thing to hear. There’s no better compliment for an old man than hearing that he’s still useful.”

The atmosphere was pleasant. It wasn’t an extremely close relationship, but it was neither awkward nor impolite. Ajin glanced at the Commissioner with curiosity. Seonhwa introduced him and Seokju.

“Oh, this is my youngest son. And next to him is a close friend of his.”

“Oh! The representative of that media company. I saw in the news that the company made that drama, ‘Stay Alive,’ right? It won a lot of awards abroad. My wife really enjoyed watching it. It’s a genre that’s hard to find in Korea, and she found it very interesting. Of course, I also enjoyed it.”

“Thank you.”

Ajin bowed his head. Compliments on the drama always made him feel good. Though he hadn’t done much, the company he represented was still his. Seonhwa also seemed pleased and smiled broadly.

The Commissioner’s gaze turned to Seokju.

“Hmm, I feel like we’ve met before?”

“Yes, we met at a charity event some time ago, accompanied by Chairman Han.”

“Ah, that time in Busan. You speak so clearly that I remember it well. I thought you were Chairman Han’s son because you’re so handsome and smart.”

“He’s like a son to me. He’s someone I rely on and expect a lot from. Please keep an eye on him.”

Seonhwa proudly smiled at Seokju, and Ajin also looked at Seokju with pride. Seokju awkwardly smiled back.

“Are you leaving already after finishing your meal?” Seonhwa asked the Commissioner. The Commissioner nodded.

“Yes. I had a light meal alone. I wish I had brought my wife. She prefers musicals or action movies. I’ve gotten wiser, so I didn’t want to force her to join me somewhere she wouldn’t enjoy.”

Seonhwa chuckled briefly at his words. It was a well-timed response. She pushed her chair back and fully stood up.

“Shall we walk you out?”

“No, no. You’re in the middle of eating. I feel like I’m intruding.”

“It’s not easy to meet like this. Let’s talk for a bit while you’re leaving. We can also discuss your brother’s election campaign. We should have a meal together sometime.”

At Seonhwa’s subtle words, the Commissioner’s eyes briefly sparkled. He nodded slightly.

“Ah, you’re being considerate… I truly appreciate it.”

Seonhwa smiled leisurely and stood beside the Commissioner. The two of them left the restaurant together. The Commissioner’s voice, which had become slightly faster, was faintly heard.

“So when would Chairman Han be free? I don’t have many things to do, so just let me know whenever you’re available. My brother will adjust to your schedule.”

“Oh, I was trying to adjust to the Commissioner’s schedule…”

Ajin sat back down as the two of them walked further away. He took a large spoonful of the now lukewarm porcini mushroom soup. Seokju, who was sitting next to him, called a staff member to ask them to heat the food up.

“That guy must be really important. My mom isn’t this friendly with just anyone.”

“He’s that kind of person. There aren’t many people at the vice-minister level in Korea. But, is it really okay for him to go alone? There are a lot of eyes watching him.”

Seokju whispered as he watched the two figures nearing the restaurant exit. Ajin, with a cherry tomato soaked in salad dressing, brought it to his mouth.

“You should go after them.”

Seokju quickly looked at Ajin, who nodded for him to go. Seokju tapped the table with his finger.

“…Can you stay here alone?”

“Why wouldn’t I? I’ll stay here quietly, so don’t worry. Oh, the steak’s here!”

Ajin cheerfully picked up his knife. He even smiled at the staff member who brought his plate. Seokju, who had been watching Ajin, slowly stood up.

“I’ll be back soon.”

“Okay.”

Ajin waved his hand. Seokju hesitated for a moment before walking briskly toward Seonhwa, following her. Ajin, with his chin resting on his hand, looked at the retreating Seokju and mumbled something to himself.

“A man must always be respectful to his elders…”

Seokju was perfect in that way. He was respectful and attentive to Seonhwa, Miss Flower, and even seemed to treat Jeongjin and Mijin well. Ajin nodded to himself and continued his meal alone.

About ten minutes later, Ajin felt full and was starting to feel sleepy again. He considered going to find Seokju but thought it might make him worry if he moved around. Seokju’s jacket was hanging on a chair, and Seonhwa’s handbag was on the opposite side. It seemed better to stay in place.

Ajin covered his mouth and yawned, then called a staff member to bring him the menu. He thought it would be nice to have some sweet coffee or cake. After placing his order, he sat there absentmindedly when—

“…Mr. Han?”

A soft voice called out to him. Ajin flinched and turned his shoulders, then opened his mouth in surprise when he saw who was calling him.

“Uh…”

It was a familiar face. It was even clearer than the face of Changdu, whom he had run into before. Perhaps it was even more familiar than Jin-geol’s, and in that sense, she was someone with whom he had a deeper connection in his past life.

As Ajin stared at her face, she walked forward, her heels clicking on the floor.

“Hello. I don’t know if you remember me, but I’m—”

“Doeun…”

Ajin murmured her name in a dazed voice. Doeun raised her eyebrows in surprise.

Doeun. She was someone he had known since his previous life, back when he had been at Mr. Geum’s hotel. She had been a kind woman who took care of the young and scared Ajin. Even though she had been tragically killed by the greedy men around her—his father, her younger brother Ki-heon, and the men like Seokju—she had been a kind and affectionate older sister to Ajin.

Ajin mumbled her name, and Doeun’s eyes widened in surprise.

“You remember my name?”

Remember. Ajin pulled his chin in, unsure of what it meant for him to “remember” her. Could it be that she, like him, remembered their past life? Or had they met somewhere in this world?

Ajin hesitated, unable to answer easily. Doeun smiled brightly as she rolled her eyes playfully.

“I’m a new actress. I played a supporting role in a movie produced by Studio HS two years ago.”

“Ah… yes.”

A faint disappointment crossed Ajin’s eyes. So, she didn’t remember her past life after all. He hesitated for a moment before smiling and extending his hand.

“It’s nice to meet you.”

At least he was happy to meet her again, as it felt like a meaningful connection, just like with Miss Flower.

Doeun happily shook Ajin’s hand.

“Yes, it’s really nice to meet you. How did we end up meeting here?”

“Yeah.”

“Are you here alone?”

“Ah, I have company, but I stepped away for a bit…”

“Would it be alright if I sit for a moment?”

“Uh? Ah, yes. Please, go ahead.”

Ajin guided Doeun to sit next to Seonhwa, across from him. Doeun tossed her beautiful long hair behind her and sat down.

Ajin stared at her blankly. He had met people from his past life several times already, but it still didn’t feel real. It was pleasant, but there was a strange sense of loss every time he encountered someone whose face and name were the same, but who didn’t remember him.

Ajin continued to stare at her without realizing it was rude. Fortunately, Doeun didn’t seem to mind. In fact, she cheerfully started a conversation.

“Did you come here to watch the opera?”

“Yes.”

“I did too. It wasn’t with my own money, though. The company gave me a few tickets as a gift, so I came with some people from work. They’re at that table over there.”

“Ah…”

Doeun pointed toward a distant table. When she made eye contact with her group, she waved her hand enthusiastically and mouthed, “I’ll be right there.”

She looked lively and cheerful. She had been energetic in her past life as well, but it had been mixed with a kind of awkwardness. She had tried to cover up her sad life with a fake cheerfulness. But now, she didn’t seem to be doing that. In this life, it seemed like she was living a life that, while not perfect, was reasonably happy and enjoyable.

That was a relief. It seemed like the nightmare of their tragic end in the previous life hadn’t reached her in this one.

In her past life, Doeun had been smart and wise. However, because it was a difficult time for women, because her father was difficult, and because her younger brother was so greedy, she hadn’t been able to use her talents. But now, in this different world, she might have left those foolish family members behind and was living well.

Ajin felt a little smug about it. Doeun shyly smiled, her red lips moving.

“I wanted to thank you if I ever met you by chance.”