“Haaaam—”

I let out a long yawn. I had only intended to write a decent amount and go to sleep, but a sudden burst of inspiration kept me up all night.

The resulting volume was an incredible three episodes.

Normally, it would take me an entire day just to fill the 5,000 characters that make up a single episode. Today, the writing flowed so well, I wondered if I’d been touched by divine inspiration.

‘…Is it because my mind is at ease?’

There’s a common saying that aspiring web novel writers should secure a main job first. The idea is that without stable income, the pressure makes it difficult for the words to flow.

I didn’t quite get it when I read about it in online communities, but experiencing it firsthand, I can truly feel it.

‘The upload is scheduled.’

Usually, I should proofread after waking up, but today the feeling was so good that I only corrected simple typos.

Well, monetization is already an unattainable goal for this one, and as long as I wrap up this episode neatly, there shouldn’t be any big problems.

‘I should start getting ready to go out.’

I scratched my messy hair and got up. First, I cleared the clutter of cans from my desk and took a shower.

I’m tired from staying up all night, but I have enough stamina to make it through the day, so I moved without complaint.

‘Clothes…’

There was nothing to deliberate over.

I have specific outfits for each season. Since I wasn’t going to wear a suit, I simply put on a plain black T-shirt and jeans.

Squeak, click—!

I got dressed and opened the door. The door, older than me, screamed as it reluctantly gave way.

‘Looks like I’ll be saying goodbye to this place soon, too.’

Before stepping out, I looked around the room—a shabby, ten-pyeong studio apartment. It felt desolate because I had neither the space nor the money to decorate it.

Perhaps that’s why, despite living here for over three years, I felt no attachment to it. I closed the door silently.

–The next stop is Apgujeong Rodeo, Apgujeong Rodeo Station. The doors will open on the left.

I double-checked that the name on the navigation matched the station name, then hurried off the subway.

People poured out in front of and behind me. The space was packed, with barely any room to stand. It was only after exiting the station that I could finally catch my breath.

‘…I’m losing energy already.’

Students in school uniforms.

Elderly people in hiking gear.

Office workers in suits, heading to work.

This place, where all sorts of people were mixed together, was overwhelmingly suffocating for an introvert like me. Where were all these people going?

‘Hmm, this would make a decent introduction for a novel.’

What if I picked one person from this crowd and built a story around them? Who stands out the most here?

‘Definitely that grandfather, right?’

His colorful attire, reminiscent of a traffic light, lacked any consistency from hat to shoes, drawing everyone’s attention.

I opened the memo app on my phone and quickly noted the grandfather’s characteristics. He was a character so unique he’d be hard to use.

‘What if I put him in an apocalypse setting?’

Everyone would probably be terrified.

He’d have the look of what you might call an “Old-timer” in a game.

If a grandfather dressed like that appeared in an apocalypse novel, he could definitely be used as a key, colorful character.

Adding the trait of being a “Curmudgeon” would allow him to easily explain the complex world to others. When I thought of it that way, he was indeed an excellent character.

‘Hmm, and also…’

Satisfied, I finished filling the memo and looked around again, spotting a woman who particularly caught my eye.

Tall height and a well-proportioned figure.

Her clothes were perfectly coordinated in color and texture, with simple accessories adding an elegant touch.

Although she was wearing sunglasses that obscured her eyes, they couldn’t hide her dazzling looks.

“…Wow, is she an actress?”

“Everything she’s wearing is a luxury brand.”

“Is she waiting for her boyfriend? Whoever he is, I’m so jealous.”

It wasn’t just my eyes; I heard murmurs from those nearby. Even people who walked past turned their heads to look at her once more.

‘She looks like a novel’s heroine.’

As I watched her, I fell into momentary thought. This type of person is actually hard to describe in a novel.

Saying she’s just ‘beautiful’ feels lacking, and saying she’s ‘perfect’ seems too lazy. Yet, I have no words to describe her beyond that.

“………?”

Just then, she suddenly turned her head. Since I had been observing her, our eyes met directly. She tilted her head in confusion.

Just because I like the name~♬

Suddenly, my phone rang. The name displayed on the screen was ‘Kang Bada’. She was my precious client, the one I’d promised to meet here today.

– What are you doing over there?

Huh?

I looked up again, and she was waving at me. To my absolute surprise, it was only then that I realized the person I had been observing was Kang Bada.

‘I think she mentioned she doesn’t watch dramas much.’

Well, it makes sense that someone with her life wouldn’t be interested in fantasy. When you’re the heroine of a drama, why would you need a substitute?

‘I must be the supporting character who gets swept up in the protagonist’s narrative, then?’

The future looks bleak.

Hardship always accompanies the path of the protagonist. It’s only by overcoming adversity and achieving victory that one is truly reborn as the protagonist.

Naturally, the protagonist doesn’t die in the process. It’s only the countless supporting characters around them who die off. The problem is that I am that supporting character.

“What? That doesn’t suit her at all.”

“Surely he’s not the boyfriend, right?”

“No way. He’s probably just a bodyguard.”

I raised my hand lightly and walked toward her. The gazes of those around me naturally shifted to me. There was a stark difference in the atmosphere.

Well, this kind of reaction is to be expected.

I had anticipated it to some degree, so I didn’t care. I’m the type who doesn’t pay attention to other people’s judgment anyway.

‘…Bada-ssi’s family is the problem.’

It doesn’t matter what the judgment of these people passing by is right now. But if things continue like this, there’s a high chance her family will also oppose the marriage.

To secure that monthly 5 million won income, I have to satisfy them, so if I don’t prepare properly, it will be risky.

“Honey! What are you thinking about so deeply?”

As I was contemplating our future direction, Kang Bada suddenly linked her arm through mine. The surrounding crowd was clearly startled.

“…What did she just say?”

“I didn’t mishear that, did I?”

“Seriously… Wow, did that guy hit the jackpot with crypto?”

Before, they were just whispering among themselves, but now they didn’t even try to hide it. I could hear all sorts of comments openly.

However, I couldn’t focus on any of that. Because Kang Bada was pressing her entire body against me, I was feeling a very awkward sensation on my arm.

“…Excuse me.”

“There are many eyes watching us.”

Kang Bada whispered softly, only loud enough for me to hear. While the whispers around us escalated into chaos over our intimate exchange, I managed to regain my senses.

‘Right, this is a job.’

The ‘eyes’ Kang Bada spoke of weren’t just the people gathered here. They likely included staff influenced by her family.

It was only natural, as Kang Bada knew my personal details and had conducted background checks. Who else would have taught her that?

‘I have to work for the money I’m getting.’

Our actual married life hasn’t even begun. From her perspective, she could replace someone like me anytime.

If that happened, money wouldn’t be the only issue. I don’t know how she would deal with a person who knows her secret.

‘You can never tell what’s in a person’s heart.’

What I confirmed while researching for the chaebol novel I planned to write was that a perfectly pristine chaebol cannot exist.

Even though Kang Bada is smiling innocently, as long as I don’t know when she might hire someone to stab me in the back, I must do my best to survive.

“Ack—!? Wh-What are you…”

“You told me to do it properly.”

I gently unlinked her arm and held hands with Kang Bada. Intertwining our fingers made for a rather convincing appearance.

“Isn’t linking arms better?”

“…That feels a bit excessive.”

There was a clearer reason, but I didn’t have the courage to explain it.

“…Is that so?”

“Of course. Anyway, you intentionally didn’t bring a car, right?”

“Huh? Oh, well. Right?”

Kang Bada’s reaction felt a bit ambiguous, but it was probably due to nervousness. Frankly, I’m scared, too, thinking my life is on the line.

How long did we walk in that state? We finally arrived at our destination: the hair salon.

“Oh, Bada, you’re here?”

“Hello, Director.”

“Mhm. This gentleman is new. I’m Ryu Yeon-hwa, the director here. Nice to meet you.”

“I’m Kim Ha-neul.”

The director’s gaze met mine. Her eyes quickly scanned me up and down. However, it didn’t make me feel uncomfortable.

It was different from the people I encountered on the street. In her eyes, there was pure curiosity. No, there was a clear sense of goodwill.

‘What is this about?’

I couldn’t figure out the reason right away, but I knew that Ryu Yeon-hwa and Kang Bada were close friends, going beyond a simple client relationship.

“Mr. Ha-neul, you can follow this person. Our designers will take care of you. Bada, come this way.”

“Yes, thank you.”

I nodded and followed the designer, taking the opportunity to observe the interior as we walked. The overall design was very sophisticated.

‘So, this is the kind of hair salon rich people go to.’

It was quite large, seemingly occupying the entire building, and there appeared to be a lot of staff. In contrast, the number of customers was small.

“May I ask you something?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Is the atmosphere usually like this?”

Since I couldn’t directly ask why there were so few customers, I phrased it carefully. The designer understood the meaning and replied with a slight smile.

“This is your first time at our salon, isn’t it?”

“Yes, I came with my girlfriend today…”

“We operate strictly by 100% reservation, striving to always provide a pleasant environment for our clients. The atmosphere is generally similar to this.”

“Do celebrities come here often?”

“Well… no. Membership registration is only possible through recommendation, so not just anyone can come.”

I see.

So, this is a place where only people who can refer to celebrities as ‘not just anyone’ can come. That explains why I couldn’t find any price tags no matter where I looked.

“You can ask me anything you’re curious about.”

“Oh, that’s alright.”

My mouth was itching, but if I asked more, I might give Bada-ssi a bad image because of me.

I tried my best to act natural, taking in the surrounding scenery.

‘I should use this in a novel later.’

If this marriage works out, I’d earn enough to live without writing web novels, but I didn’t want to put the pen down completely.

Frankly, I don’t know when this arrangement will end. Relying entirely on Kang Bada is a risky choice in many ways.

“Now, I will wash your hair.”

As I followed the instruction and sat in the chair, a soft sensation enveloped my body. The comfort of the chair was unbelievable for a salon chair.

“You’d like a volume perm, correct?”

“Pardon?”

“That’s what was written on the reservation. If you’ve changed your mind…”

“Oh, no, it’s fine. A volume perm it is.”

It seems Kang Bada mentioned it beforehand. Since she appears to have good taste in fashion, it’s best to follow the expert’s judgment here.

“Please wait just a moment, then.”

The designer stepped away, and I completely leaned back in the chair. It felt as cozy as if someone were hugging me from behind. Honestly, it probably costs more than the bed I have at home.

The extreme comfort brought on the fatigue from staying up all night like a tidal wave. I desperately tried to push my eyelids open.

‘I shouldn’t fall asle—’

Before I could finish the thought, I drifted off instantly.

Snap, snap, snap—

Ryu Yeon-hwa skillfully styled Kang Bada’s hair. Although there wasn’t much to do since she had already come this morning, it served as a means for natural conversation.

“Is he your boyfriend?”

“…For now, yes.”

“For now?”

“We’re getting married soon.”

“………!?”

Ryu Yeon-hwa’s hand froze. After years as Kang Bada’s exclusive stylist, the sudden news of marriage, when she had never once mentioned a man, took her by surprise.

“That’s quite sudden. You never had any interest in men.”

“I still don’t. I just want to focus on my research.”

“Then why are you getting married?”

“Wouldn’t wearing a wedding ring quiet them down a bit?”

Kang Bada offered a bitter smile. Ryu Yeon-hwa, who had experienced similar struggles, gently stroked her hair.

“Well, from experience, it doesn’t always work that way, but…”

“What!?”

“But I think it will be fine for you, Bada.”

Who would dare proposition the granddaughter of the Daehan Group? Even if they tolerated her current single life as courtship, marriage changes everything.

Unless a man was a sex addict.

Or had strange preferences.

Unless they were completely unhinged, no one would recklessly approach Kang Bada.

“So. What do you like about him? You’re not marrying him just as a protective charm against men, are you?”

“Th-That is…”

“Director, I’m sorry to interrupt, but I need to speak with you briefly…”

Ryu Yeon-hwa’s brow twitched slightly. She usually prohibited interrupting conversations with clients. However, precisely because of the interruption, she had to listen.

“What’s the matter?”

“The gentleman who came with her has fallen asleep…”

“Huh?”

“What?”

Kang Bada, who had been listening in, widened her eyes. She wore a blank expression for a moment before bursting into laughter.

“Honestly… I just can’t believe it.”

“Oh dear, does he do this often?”

“That’s not true, but I pushed him a little too hard yesterday and today. He must have been tired and stayed up all night working.”

A gentle smile settled on Kang Bada’s face. Ryu Yeon-hwa, watching her, couldn’t help but let the corner of her lips curl up as well.

“These are all individual rooms, right? Unni, I’m sorry, but…”

“Oh, really. You only call me ‘Unni’ when you need something.”

“Sorry, could you do me a favor?”

Kang Bada smiled sheepishly.

Ryu Yeon-hwa shrugged her shoulders as she looked at her.

“In return, you promise to tell me the truth later?”

“Huh?”

“Park Sam. If you leave him like that, the client’s neck will be sore. Carefully put something under his head for support. And call the other clients to see if we can move them up.”

“Yes, understood.”

“I’ll adjust the schedule and be back, so wait here.”

“Thank you, Unni.”

Ryu Yeon-hwa left the room.

Left alone, Kang Bada picked up her phone. Out of habit, she opened an app to check her favorited works.

“…Honestly.”

A chuckle—

Kang Bada let out a light laugh, realizing her prediction was correct. There was an update on one of the works in her favorites.

(New!) Life Becomes Amazing After Marriage / Bookworm

Bookworm was Kim Ha-neul’s pen name.

Having identified the cause of the current situation, Kang Bada shook her head and clicked on the novel. From that moment until Ryu Yeon-hwa returned, she couldn’t tear her eyes away from the story.