Chapter 119

Time flowed like water.

Now, with only a little time left until the third episode of Special Mobile Unit 808 aired.

Various media outlets were fueling the excitement for Special Mobile Unit 808, and as a result, their popularity continued to grow.

Whether through the airwaves or word of mouth, it was a natural occurrence. After all, an average rating of 24% in the first two episodes was not a number any ordinary Thursday-Friday drama could achieve.

Thus, these days, no matter what medium one accessed, news about SMU 808 was sure to pop up.

Take MyTube, for instance.

[My Top Picks of Special Mobile Unit 808 Hot Clips!]

[Voice Imitation of Special Mobile Unit 808]

[What if I Participated in a Game with Kim Yu-han’s Voice?]

[Comprehensive Analysis Review of Special Mobile Unit 808: Hidden Details, Kim Yu-han Clues, Predictions of Next Episode, etc.]

People had already started abbreviating the show’s title.

Special Mobile Unit 808. SMU8.

Starting from the mere fact that people had watched SMU8, mimicking the characters, to discussing various plot developments—all of it was a surefire way to rack up views, and had already become quite trendy.

This, naturally, led to an increased interest in Kim Yu-han.

— I can’t count how many times I’ve rewatched this clip. I can’t wait to see Kim Yu-han again. How will he handle the next criminal…?

— It’s great that it’s not just about arresting. I loved the way he dismantles criminals in his own style.

— I came in here angry because I thought Lee Geum-sook was ignoring the romance this time too, but unexpectedly, it’s fun; why am I so curious?

— So, are Lee Su-an and Sua actually dating?

— I just figured it out now, but is it already too late? ㅠㅠㅠ

The dating rumors were bound to attract attention. Moreover, an enormous amount of it.

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While there were undoubtedly numerous places chaotic due to the dating rumors surrounding Lee Su-an, none were as busy as this current location.

Mystic Headquarters.

“The views are skyrocketing!”

“Even our neighbors have already confirmed and reported they’re dating?”

“That’s why we keep getting criticism and ignored by the public every day. Pull yourselves together! There’s been no official announcement yet! We’re only discussing possibilities!”

The interior was already a chaotic mess.

Saeng-ji – Kim Sun-a quietly pressed her temple.

‘Is this a dream or reality…’

Honestly, it was still hard to differentiate at this moment.

Lee Su-an and Sua’s dating rumors.

Who is Sua?

Even just a few months ago, she was that person whose cram school kept changing when asked about her well-being, and always played games at night. But now, isn’t she the one who’s set the internet ablaze?

‘…If this were to be true, how should I receive it?’

Her mind was filled with question marks.

‘Is it something I should celebrate, now that Sua has met a good man? Or should I worry about Su-an? Complicated.’

It simply lacked any sense of realism.

Regardless, Star Catch also participated in spreading the dating rumors. It was actually a request from Mystic.

‘What’s on their mind? They actually asked us to fan the flames.’

In any case, their team leader believed this would be beneficial for Sua, so rejecting the request was unnecessary for Sun-a. Besides, it was already difficult for the manager alone to stop the employees.

“We’ll also cover the fact that Sua closed her SNS account!”

“Someone posted a sighting report! But there’s no photo?”

“If the views seem promising, it’s probably because they posted wildly. We shouldn’t overstep the line! Keep it balanced!”

That’s when Kim I-seo contacted them again.

[Sender: Kim I-seo]

▶ Team Manager Star Catch.

▶ I’d like to meet you at the Enter Building.

This was an invitation of sorts.

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At the same time, Monkeying sighed deeply from morning.

On her monitor, she had Sua’s gallery open.

“Haa…”

[Title: I want to bury my face in Sua’s waist area.]

[It feels good, likely.]

The post was deleted.

“…Sua isn’t a game character, you know.”

It seemed people unfamiliar with the world were entering, and there were quite a few who were posting crude content. Concerning enough to think about legal action.

This was why Monkeying’s sighs wouldn’t stop.

“Sua, the problem lies in your body. It’s so naive and too prominent.”

Tsk, she clicked her tongue.

Jealousy is one thing, but Monkeying diligently deleted posts that went too far.

It’s good that these people like Sua, but in order for Sua to rise to higher grounds, proper management is needed.

Yes, Sua is an actor.

They’re different from a virtual YouTuber or game character.

The problem was that the community was in turmoil for other reasons as well.

[Title: Are Sua and Su-an really dating?]

[Could it be that they knew each other before debuting and went through the days of obscurity together? Tears are flowing uncontrollably.]

-If it’s true, we should support them…

-What can we do?

[Title: Could this be why the gallery owner closed their SNS account?]

[I sensed this because of the dating rumors.]

[Title: Look, Shikarin]

[If Sua and Su-an are related, why don’t you explain it in the chat? Currently being flooded with demands. There are 60,000 viewers laughing their heads off.]

[Title: Nevertheless, what has to be done must be done…]

[I noticed the fan cafe for the gallery owner. Let’s rush and join.]

It was nothing short of an all-around crisis.

Monkeying instinctively grasped the current situation.

‘She’s standing at a crossroads.’

While they succeeded in drawing attention like an inferno, if this enormous flame wasn’t handled properly, she’d inevitably be consumed as well.

Monkeying saw that Sua was at a crossroads.

Would this attention be digested positively, or would she be left scorched, turning to ashes?

It was worrying, naturally. Because they were friends.

“…Not even answering calls.”

Just then, Monkeying received a private message.

It was one directed to the Sua fan cafe.

[Mystic(mystic_official)]

[Hello, this is Mystic. We are deeply moved by the establishment of a fan cafe for our affiliate actor Sua. We promise our support and, for smooth communication—]

Monkeying’s eyes widened.

She had every reason. It was nothing less than a contact from Mystic Headquarters.

.

“And they’re inviting me? To Mystic Headquarters?”

And another.

[Sua Zoo]

[Title: How long have you been acting, Sua?]

[I think I briefly saw you playing golf once. Until then, you dreamed of being a professional golfer, right? I’m not sure. This might not even be you, but I’m posting just in case.]

[Title: Where did you learn Japanese, Sua?]

[Am I a terrible teacher?]

Former acquaintances started appearing on the cafe.

◈◈◈◈◈

Voom—!

Sua was inside a running van. Her schedule was tight.

She was currently trying to neatly organize her confusing memories.

“Suddenly everything got so busy that I have no clue what’s going on. Still, I’m trying my best on everything, but I don’t even know what’s what…”

Sua silently thought of Yu-han Kim.

-Why did you call?

-I have no clue because I’m swamped. Please check my schedule for me.

-Why are you asking me this…

But despite his grumbling, Yu-han Kim rolled out a chalkboard, just like a detective planning a mission the night before an operation.

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-Isn’t it sufficient like this?

-…You’re incredibly capable.

That’s when Kim I-seo called out.

“Sua, it must be quite difficult now that you’re busy, right?”

“Huh?”

“Not really, Sua probably enjoys even this situation, doesn’t she?”

“Hmm, it’s good for an actor to be busy. I’ll take it on with joy.”

Gradually, Sua was speaking more like a person without overusing her set phrases. Of course, she occasionally struggled to articulate her thoughts clearly…

Kim I-seo subtly curved her lips.

“There’s a reason we’re packing your schedule tightly. The climax of Special Mobile Unit 808 will be on air soon, right? Watching it in real time would be better than just getting updates, wouldn’t it?”

“That’s true.”

“That’s why we’re getting as much done in advance. Then we’ll all have time to watch together. Of course…”

Kim I-seo slightly trailed off.

“…We might watch it at the hospital. We need to pray nothing happens to Sun-il. He’s one of us in Mystic.”

Sua nodded.

The word “family” felt really warm to her.

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The van dropped Sua and Kim I-seo at the appointed location.

A restaurant located in Nonhyeon-dong. The meeting took place in a private room deep inside, where people already stood up to greet Mystic.

“You’ve arrived!”

There were nearly ten people present.

“Falsehoods, falsehoods, falsehoods.” They were none other than the Samjitmal production team.

The figure standing at the center narrowed his eyes.

“Hmm! Sua, you finally made it!”

His head was bald, yet his mustache was meticulously trimmed. Sua mentally likened him to a samurai with an overwhelmingly bold aura.

He was Park Mu-ryong, the director of Samjitmal.

Sua slightly shook as she bowed her head.

“Hello, I’m actor Sua.”

At that, Park Mu-ryong burst into laughter.

“Trying to intimidate me with your presence, huh? That’s quite an impressive demeanor.”

“Huh?”

“Honestly, you left an indelible impression at the film festival. Your real-life presence surpasses my expectations— I was already impressed by your screen appearance.”

“Thank you for your kind words…”

“Seems like you’re used to compliments, aren’t you? Stay cool.”

Kim I-seo intervened at that moment.

“Sua rarely expresses emotions. But when she acts, she completely embodies her role.”

“Is this Sua who liked my works?”

“Yes. The supporting role of a violent gangster alongside Yeon-joo. You’ve likely already seen it through ‘Sword.’ Both characters complement each other well.”

“Hmm.”

Director Park Mu-ryong quietly stroked his mustache while staring intently at Sua.

“…”

A prolonged silence.

Their thoughts intersected in the empty air.

‘Her heavy yet intriguing mask draws curiosity. This is a stroke of luck.’

‘Short-bald—no, detailed observation makes him look like an octopus with a mustache. Octopus with a mustache.’

A moment later, Park Mu-ryong nodded.

“Judging by my eyes alone, you’re immensely appealing. You’ll look phenomenal in proper attire. Actually, there was a massive issue with this production, but good fortune has graced us.”

That’s when Sua perked up.

‘Samjitmal had a problem? Related to classification maybe?’

Samjitmal’s rating was still 4th class. Pitiful.

She absolutely needed to hear more, so she had to find the cause.

Thus, Sua immediately questioned.

“Director, might there be any problems?”

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