When looking down from an excessively high place, the city actually appeared flat.
From the 81st floor, all the buildings stretched far below, making it impossible to appreciate the three-dimensional skyline.
Instead, one could monopolize the city’s lights, scattered like stars.
Yoon Jooho had rented out an entire hotel bar in Jamsil for his birthday party.
The bar, located on the 81st floor, had a high ceiling and a mezzanine structure, creating an incredible sense of openness the moment you stepped inside.
It felt like walking straight into the middle of the night sky.
But Song Hyunsoo had no time to admire the glamorous bar interior or the city lights beyond the glass walls.
“Yoon Jooho! Happy birthday.”
Someone else approached, greeting Yoon Jooho, who had been chatting with three or four guests.
It was a face Song Hyunsoo didn’t recognize.
Before the newcomer could get too close, Yoon Jooho quickly whispered to Hyunsoo, “That’s the director of the drama division at TNS Broadcasting.”
“Director, you’re here? Thank you for coming again this year.”
Yoon Jooho and the director shook hands.
“I should be the one thanking you for inviting me again. When I said I was going to Yoon Jooho’s birthday party, even the youngest staff in my office were jealous. Normally they don’t even pay attention to me.”
“Is that why you asked to take a photo with me last time?”
“When I show them a picture with you, at least they look up to me a little bit.”
Despite being a high-level broadcasting director, their conversation revealed a close and informal relationship.
“Producer Park was grumbling about not being invited this year. I’ll admit, it made me feel a little smug— thanks for that.”
To the director’s playful thanks, Yoon Jooho shrugged his broad shoulders nonchalantly.
“It’s just a birthday party.”
Even though the gesture could’ve come off as arrogant, the people around them burst into pleasant laughter.
“I heard you’re appearing in Director Jung Junhoo’s next film. So you’re finally taking over the movie industry too, huh?”
“Thank you for saying so. Well… I think the same, actually.”
Jooho gave a confident grin and raised the champagne glass in his hand.
“Yoon Jooho, you haven’t changed a bit. Just the same!”
The director clinked glasses with Jooho, laughing heartily and patting his shoulder.
Then Jooho, still smiling charmingly, reached back and gently brought Hyunsoo forward.
“Director, this is actor Song Hyunsoo. We’re working together .”
“To star in Director Jung Junhoo’s film, huh? This guy’s got some damn good luck.”
As the director turned his attention to him, Song Hyunsoo bowed deeply and spoke clearly.
“Hello, sir. I’m Song Hyunsoo. It’s an honor to meet you.”
“I’m Kim Nomyung. I worked with Jooho back when he was still a moody teenager.”
He extended his hand for a handshake.
PD Kim Nomyung— though Hyunsoo hadn’t seen his face before, the name was very familiar.
As he returned the handshake with both hands, still halfway bent in a bow, Hyunsoo looked up at the director in surprise.
“You’re the PD Kim Nomyung who directed Fernando?”
“Fernando. Wow, haven’t heard that name in a while.”
“I’ve watched it over ten times from episode one to the finale. I really loved your delicate direction, sir—I mean, Director.”
“These days, it’s rare to meet a young actor who’s even seen my work. That’s nice to hear. Are you signed with Jooho’s agency?”
“No, he’s a friend from a theater troupe.”
Jooho answered for him, giving Hyunsoo a light pat on the shoulder.
“Oh, really?”
Hearing he was from a theater background made the director even more intrigued.
Jooho gently kneaded Hyunsoo’s shoulder and spoke in a tone that was both subtle and slightly pressuring.
“Once Dissolve is released, he’s going to blow up fast. You should keep him in mind and move quickly on casting.”
“I trust your eye, Jooho.”
Even after that, Yoon Jooho kept Hyunsoo close by his side.
Everyone at the party was someone that any actor in the entertainment industry would dream of meeting even once.
Hyunsoo wasn’t so naïve that he failed to realize what a rare opportunity Jooho was giving him.
So Hyunsoo stayed sharp, careful not to make a mistake.
He clearly introduced himself in a steady voice and bowed politely.
For a newcomer, appearing respectful and passionate was the best way to make a good impression.
Failing to do so would reflect poorly not just on him— but also on Jooho, who had introduced him.
In truth, Hyunsoo hadn’t expected Jooho to pay much attention to him during the party.
He figured the birthday boy would be far too busy.
But ever since arriving early under the pretense of doing a rehearsal, Jooho had hardly left his side.
After they finished greeting Director Kim Nomyung and turned away, Jooho leaned toward Hyunsoo.
“You know how you said you’re no good at socializing? I might have to take that back.”
“Really? Am I doing okay?”
“To be honest, I’m kind of impressed.”
“There are just too many famous people at once. My head’s spinning.”
“And yet you act all cocky in front of the most famous one here— me.”
“Well, that’s because…”
For some reason, you’re easy to be around, sunbae.
With you, I don’t need to put on a mask. I can just be myself.
Hyunsoo trailed off. His pace suddenly slowed. He grimaced and limped slightly— his pinky toe, rubbed raw by his shoe, throbbed with pain.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
But he couldn’t complain about a sore toe while Jooho was going out of his way to introduce him to important people.
In truth, Hyunsoo was still running high on adrenaline— the pain only came in brief flashes.
“When I heard ‘party,’ I imagined you drinking and dancing with friends your age.”
Jooho chuckled lightly.
“No reason to blow a million won just to fool around for a night with people who add no value.”
Having emptied the last of his champagne, Jooho handed the glass to a nearby waiter and took a fresh one.
A million won. Even Hyunsoo could tell Jooho hadn’t meant that literally.
“Parties are business too. They’re a chance to show I’m still going strong and to solidify alliances.”
“……”
“So you should also make the most of this while you’re here.”
Was he cultured or uncouth? Sophisticated or vulgar? Elegant or decadent?
All those contradictions coexisted within Yoon Jooho. And yet, the presence he exuded was unmistakable.
Even among the elaborately dressed guests— people who had each found great success in their respective industries— Jooho stood out brilliantly.
Watching him, Song Hyunsoo thought: even without a famous PD father or a mother who had acted as his manager, Jooho would’ve become an actor eventually.
And he would’ve still ended up with everything he had now.
The next place Jooho brought Hyunsoo was a group of sofa seats.
There sat the editor-in-chief of a long-established fashion magazine, a famous designer from a popular brand, and a top stylist who frequently appeared on TV— heavyweights with significant influence over Korea’s entertainment and fashion scenes.
Jooho seemed to be on long-standing terms with them as well.
Seated comfortably on the sofa, he looked more relaxed than before.
“Yoon Jooho, it’s time you got back to work. Every brand is hounding me to get you in their photo shoots.”
“I told you—I’m focusing solely on my film project until the shoot wraps up.”
Despite the editor’s suggestion, Jooho shook his head.
He rested his arm on the sofa’s low backrest, crossed his legs, and casually sipped his champagne.
“Other people work on multiple projects at once. What’s wrong with a little side gig?”
“I just don’t want people saying I’m half-assing it.”
“How does someone stay in this industry for thirty years by half-assing it? I’ve told you not to worry about what those clueless nobodies say…”
“Once filming ends and promotions start, I’ll be counting on you, Editor.”
Smiling with polite firmness, Jooho deflected the offer.
The editor rolled her eyes playfully but didn’t press further.
“Editor, if he does shoot another pictorial, dress him in some of my clothes too. He may be an ambassador, but seriously— Louis Vuitton tries to shove only their own stuff into every photo.”
This time, the designer sitting next to Jooho began complaining.
“I do wear your clothes a lot, though. I even stopped by your boutique just a few days ago.”
“Oh, our Jooho—such a sweetheart. It’s impossible not to love him.”
The designer, a respected and beloved figure in Korean fashion, gently cupped Jooho’s cheeks and gave them a light pat.
Jooho stretched his neck forward obediently, offering up his face like a well-mannered nephew indulging a doting aunt.
Hyunsoo sipped his champagne, hiding his smile. At this table, Jooho really did seem like a cherished nephew among doting aunts.
“Now that I look at it, our rookie actor is wearing Louis Vuitton too, isn’t he?”
As the stylist brought attention to him, Hyunsoo immediately straightened his posture.
Jooho gave a nod toward him and asked the stylist,
“What do you think, stylist-nim?”
“Louis Vuitton’s gotten a lot younger lately. His image suits it well.”
“Thank you, stylist-nim.”
Hyunsoo bowed his head respectfully in response to her praise.
Her sharp gaze continued to scan him from head to toe.
“Just from a glance— I can tell he’s got a good body.”
Jooho let out a quiet laugh, lowering his head.
“Really?”
“Nice broad shoulders, firm chest, slim waist… My eyes don’t miss a thing.”
“Of course not. Your eyes always spot the good ones.”
Still bent over with laughter, Jooho nodded once or twice, then looked up and raised a hand toward the entrance, as if spotting someone.
“I’ll be right back. Just going to say hello.”
Draining the last of his champagne, he rose to his feet and placed both hands gently on Hyunsoo’s shoulders from behind.
“I’m leaving him in your care for a bit.”
And with that, he entrusted Hyunsoo to the industry powerhouses.
“Actor Song Hyunsoo will be making cocktails for you all later—so look forward to that.”
“Right, I saw that on the schedule. It’s the event where he makes a cocktail that matches our image, right? So that’s Song-ssi doing it?”
At the designer’s comment, the editor also perked up.
“Our rookie actor must be quite the talent.”
“Oh, not at all. I just studied a little on my own, but sunbae gave me this amazing opportunity…”
As he watched Jooho walk away, Hyunsoo’s gaze eventually returned to the table.
He could’ve taken me with him… Facing these power players without Jooho already made him miss him.
“So, Hyunsoo-ssi, you’re signed with Look Entertainment, right?”
“I’m not signed yet. I’m working without an agency.”
Everyone at the table looked surprised.
The stylist narrowed her brow and tilted her head skeptically.
“Not even with Look? And Jooho’s personally introducing you around like this?”
“Well, that’s unusual.”
The editor shrugged, and the designer nodded in agreement.
“Very unusual. Even if you were with Look, have you ever seen him do this before?”
“Jooho must really like you, Hyunsoo-ssi. So, was <Dissolve> where you two first met?”