Chapter 132 - Hann Constructions A Terrible Liar

"Cut!" the director called out. "Good shot everyone!"

Somi, who was holding her co-star's collar, let go. They were shooting an intense scene for their drama. The scene involved Somi's character to track down a psychotic killer who was killing women in gruesome ways. The set was completely redesigned to resemble an underground basement. 

The whole place was splattered with fake blood but the stench was real which made Somi's stomach churn. There was a mix of dead animal and rotten eggs in the air, which only heightened the grim atmosphere of the drama, inciting genuine reactions from the cast. Somi could not keep her food down when she entered the set and even threw up in the washroom.

The director was known for his realistic approach to his work and even made his drama's cast go through grueling production process. It took a huge emotional toll on Somi, even though she was used to such method acting required from directors. However, this particular drama was making her push the limits when it came to the experience. Moreover, the constant presence of Hyun Jung was also draining her.

Unfortunately, he was standing there right in front of her at that very moment.

He was observing her carefully. It astounded him how she was able to change into the skin of her character in the blink of an eye. Her usually haughty demeanor vanishes the moment the camera rolls. The arrogant expression disappears, only to be replaced by a caring and serious attitude. The fragile girl in real life turns into a determined cop who strategically takes down the criminals through a cool and calm mind. 

From what he was told, Somi herself gave her input for many scenes, which impressed the director. Even Hyun Jung himself was surprised how Somi was able to analyse the criminal profiles and had those added to the script, which only made the drama look more real. 

Somi ignored him on the set unless it was necessary. Hyun Jung had not planned on consulting for this drama for long but Somi's presence compelled him to come here everyday. He could not help it but his urge to confront her was too strong. No matter what she said, he knew she was hiding something. The Somi he knew did not behave badly with people unless she had a very good reason to do so.

To find the truth, Hyun Jung came to the set everyday. He observed her behavior, trying to gauge her true feelings. He found out quite a few interesting things in the process. 

Firstly, she never dated anyone after their breakup. Secondly, she was fiercely protective of her staff and despite her image as a diva, she only behaved rudely with people who hurt her staff. The assistant she threw coffee at, was a bully and tried to hurt Somi's stylist. Thirdly, Somi's cutesy antics were all sham. The Somi he knew hated to act cute. This was something he did not need to investigate. Despite her being a good actor, there were times when her mask slipped. Those brief moments were enough to make him believe that she was hiding something and he wanted to know what it was.

He saw her retreating to her vanity room and decided to follow her.

Somi was removing the fake blood from her face, when she heard a knock.

"Come in," she said, thinking it to be her hair stylist. She leaned over a basin to wash her face, closing her eyes. 

"Unnie, can you hand me a towel?" she asked, ushering to her right, her eyes still closed. She felt someone handing her over the soft towel.

"Thank you," she said wiping her face. She opened her eyes only to be frozen at her spot.

Standing in front of her was Hyun Jung.

"What are you doing here?" she sneered, while fear crept up in her heart.

"I want answers," he replied, taking a step forward. "Why?"

Somi knew what he wanted to ask but she did not want to answer it.

"What do you mean?" she asked haughtily, masking her fear. 

"Why didn't you come that day?" he demanded. "Why didn't you turn up on our wedding day?"

Somi looked at him, feigning a bored expression. "I didn't feel like it," she lied. "I was an aspiring model. Getting married at that time would have jeopardized my career and I thought it was best for me not to get married. Besides, you barely earn enough. I mean, I live an extravagant lifestyle. I highly doubt your meager salary would have kept me sustained."

Go, she pleaded inwardly. Please go!

Hyun Jung took in her insults. Every word pierced him as if he was being stabbed a thousand times. But despite her cruel words, he knew something was amiss. It was hard to pinpoint but his instinct told him that she was lying.

"Why did you say yes then?" he asked quietly, clenching his fist.

"I was young and naive," Somi scoffed. "Of course it was a mistake! Don't tell me you're hung up on me after all these years?"

She stepped forward, vain visible on her face. "You mean nothing to me," she declared. "Leave."

She turned around, not wanting to face him anymore. It pained her to see him again after so many years but her heart would not let her forget this man. Her eyes strained with the repressed tears which would fall any minute and she did not want him to see her crying. 

Hyun Jung did not move. Instead, he grabbed her arm and turned her around. Holding her face with his other hand, he locked her eyes into his.

"Repeat what you said," he whispered. "Look into my eyes and say it again."

Somi gulped. "I-I didn't feel like going that day," she stammered. Her mask was crumbling but she tried to maintain her words. It was getting too much for her to handle but she willed herself to lie. "Y-your meager salary-"

But her words were cut off when his lips came crashing onto hers. Her defenses tore down as she kissed him back. The tears she held back for so long, were now flowing down her cheeks  as he gently kissed her, putting all his feelings into it. He tasted her salty tears, holding her close to him.

Finally, they pulled apart. They did not speak for several minutes, their thoughts mixed with pain and confusion. 

"You were always a terrible liar," Hyun Jung whispered. He wiped the tears from her cheek, which were now fallin uncontrollably. Somi broke down completely, unable to hold back anymore. Hyun Jung held her in his arms, letting her cry her heart out. 

Somi did not know what to do anymore. She could not put up her front any longer. The feelings were too overwhelming and Hyun Jung broke her last defense. She missed his warmth and wanted nothing more than to run away with him. 

"Somi…" he said. "Tell me what happened."

She tearfully shook her head, unable to talk. Hyun Jung knew it was pointless; she was traumatized by something and did not have the courage to reveal it. But he would not give up.

"Take all the time you need," he consoled her. He held her hand, assuring her that he was there for her.

Somi was too overwhelmed at that moment. "Hyun…we shouldn't be together…" she weakly insisted. "I don't want to hurt you anymore…"

"We'll hurt each other more if we keep denying our feelings," Hyun Jung affirmed. "You're not alone, Somi. You don't have to act fake anymore."

"How did you know?" she asked curiously.

"That assistant you supposedly behaved rudely with is a known bully around the set," he explained. "I know she bullied your hair stylist and you were giving that assistant a hard time because of her own actions. I am a detective you know."

He added the last part as a joke to make her smile a little. It worked as she snickered a little. Then her expression turned solemn again.

"Hyun...there is one thing you should know," she said. Hyun Jung looked at her, waiting for her to speak. Somi took a deep breath.

"I'm also part of Abyss," she revealed. "I am Heroine."