[ Aggro? What does that... Oh, it's internet gamer shorthand. How does Agent Choi know something like that...? And did he just say 'wife'? ]
It's a calculated risk. While it's unknown what might happen if a third party interferes, there also hasn't been any case of the ghost showing active aggression toward anyone. And a salaryman looking for a way out of an existing relationship could be viewed as a more viable target...
[He really does plan on just destroying this ghost story. It can never be a simple investigation into a solo-entry disaster. No, he has to make sure it's totally destroyed.]
[Well. This is exactly why he was so desperate to scout him after all. There's barely a pause before he sends the next message.]
well it sounds fun! I'll do it ^^ should we do some scenes together to get the characters right~
[He's right about this much, at least, that he can play this part well enough.]
honey, I'll be late again tonight (*´д｀*) the manager asked me to deliver something to a client... you dont have to wait up... (╯︵╰,) please refrigerate my dinner? ♥
[ Of course. Of course, his senior would be able to make him lurch in the comfort of his motel room from entire stations and buildings away.
Soleum stares at the messages, at first unsure of how to respond, and then because he's contemplating the right response. Agent Choi is doing him a favor, that much is true... So. ]
Aish!
My poor darling is working overtime three nights in a row. Is your manager a dog? ㅗㅗㅗㅗ
[ This wife is a bit mouthy... Hm. Well, it makes the character more convincing. But let's dial it down. ]
Don't worry. If you tell me where you'll be meeting your client, I can come by and drop off your dinner. I made your favorite.
[Choi suddenly wishes he had suggested they meet up to do this all in person. But, well, now he has more text messages his can print off when he figures out how.]
aigoo you take such good care of a worthless man like me （ ；´Д｀） I wouldn't make my wife travel so far... all the way to hongdae? no no... that's too much to ask
[That's where the disaster is, right? He only half remembers the manual.]
I promise tomorrow night I will come home early and spend all night with you~ then I will finally give you the baby you've been asking for all these years (*´･ω･`*)
[This is enough to send most people to HR, but it's for work, so it's fine.]
[During long nights at the bureau he's been known to throw on a few reruns as background noise. No harm in that. And look at how useful it turned out to be!]
it's the same as always... the hours are so long, but it's worth it for your happiness ᕙ(- ‸- ‶)ᕗ this year for sure we will take that jeju trip I forgot my lunch again didn't I? so I had some ramyun from the convenience store... none of it matches up to your cooking (╥_╥)
[That's a little flare from his actual, real life!]
it would be no good if you saw me haggard and tired in hongdae tonight so go to sleep early and get your beauty rest loml (´•ᴗ•｀)
[ He remembers those reruns of family members backstabbing one another, fights over inheritance, husbands who spend all their money on Hongdae girls loitering around the station... Oh. ]
I know you're working hard for our sake. I know that I can only stay at home, cook your dinner, and wait for you. I know your wife is like this...
But how come I don't get to see you haggard and tired, but your client does? Please help me understand.
[...Does Soleum want to see him haggard and tired? Should he come in with mussed up hair and pit stains one day?]
[Wait, no. This is make believe. They're playing house.]
but my dear, you're so beautiful that I feel I have to look my best when I'm in your presence (ಥ◡ಥ) it's the least I can do as a man who has to take late night business meetings in a place like hongdae aigoo... all this love for a man who still hasn't given you a family
[Maybe the ghost will read these messages and refuse to interact with either of them.]
without you I wouldn't have the strength to attend these kinds of things. you do so much for me! I would never dream of letting you see me at such low moments but I'll bring home a sweet treat if you insist on staying up~ if you don't fall asleep first! (´ω｀)
I don't feel beautiful right now, but I want you to see that part of me too.
All you do is say pretty words, but you never say them face to face. I want to see you no matter how you look all the time. When you're tired or sad, excited and joking... The man I married has many faces, but it turns out he has many secrets as well.
Unless you have proof the sweet treat is really so worth it, you should go ahead and stay out with your client.
[Hoo, boy. If he was actually cheating on him, this kind of guiilt trip would actually make him back out of it.]
Grapes, your future partner should look out... you really know how to lay it on thick LOL I trust you can play that role very well!
[It seems like Soleum might actually divorce him if he keeps going with this, so he may as well drop it now before he goes through with finding someone else to play bait instead.]
what do you think? can I play a scumbag salaryman cheating on his poor innocent wife? ^^
[ Which is an extremely rocky path to tread, indeed. He almost got wrapped up in the fantasy. ]
Yes, you're... really skilled at acting suspicious and avoiding direct questions. [ Pot, kettle. But it takes one to recognize when another is deserving of praise. Maybe Agent Choi should print thia out, too? ] I don't think I'll have anything to worry about with you.
...As long as you don't break character or say something outrageous, like that baby line. But I'll try to support you aa best as I can, regardless.
the baby line was in character! you didn't see that drama a couple years back? aigoo the husband was evil. he always promised to fulfil her dreams of being a mother until her childhood friend revealed she funded his vasectomy in china the year before... the twists were crazy! even Bronze-ie was following it!!
[See, he wasn't purposefully trying to throw Soleum off or anything. Totally just playing up the role he was assigned!]
but I won't scare you like that in real life ^^ oh but I'll get you something sweet when it's all over, promise!
[ Mm. A couple years back, he was totally engrossed in the Dark Exploration Records. Unless there was a story that referenced the show, the likelihood of any other series soaring straight over his head isn't nil. ]
A vasectomy... I see.
There are times I leave the television on while I'm asleep, [ or trying to ] so I'll check if there's a channel playing reruns later.
And Agent You don't need to get me anything. You're not my real husband. I should be the one offering to pick up your coffee order for the, um... effort you're putting into all this with me.
be careful, you won't be able to sleep if you start watching!
[He thinks Soleum has mentioned leaving the TV on while he sleeps before... Such a funny little quirk about him that definitely doesn't mean anything deeper.]
you love to deny me don't you ^^ what's wrong with a sunbae getting treats for his hubae? of course I'll put effort into this, it's for the sake of a civilian, isn't it?
[Yep, that's the singular, sole reason. He's not having fun with it at all.]
hmm if it wasn't time sensitive, I'd suggest we watch that drama together for some pointers... maybe next time, if you don't end up destroying it
[ Does he love dancing around Agent Choi's habitual charity? Not especially. The guilt it induces, the strange perception of his character it surely draws — it's not a formula that gives him peace of mind, let alone a good night's rest. Then again, the same could be said for any part of the circumstances that have led him here. ]
We could have a phone call, if you would like to take practicing a step further. Messaging each other is different from... the type of act we'll be putting on for the disaster.
[Choi clears his throat, straightens up, then hits call. Once Soleum answers, he jumps right back into it.]
Aigoo, my love... [He's speaking like he's out of breath, voice heavy and full of effort, but a little whiny as he begs, too.] You'll let me come home tonight, won't you? If I had any secrets, you know I could never keep them from you.
[He sighs, shuddering a little with it like it's a lot of effort to do. Like he's just so physically beat.] This job is hard, but you know I'll be promoted once my boss finally leaves next year. You'll be patient for me until then, right? Then things will be so much easier for the two of us...
[ Unfailingly, Agent Choi's name and number spreads across his screen. Beep. The call goes through.
The blunt edge of his thumbnail slides inside the gap between his top and bottom teeth, listening to his senior's dedicated performance. Does… Does he have to rasp like that to convince his significant other that he's been working hard? It's all part of the act, and yet his ears tingle. If he were a devoted housewife in a relationship with someone full of excuses, how would he respond? ]
Dear. [ Thin. Flat. Teetering on the edge of something. ] You've… been drinking, haven't you? In Hongdae. That's the only time you call me with updates like this.
[When he first speaks, Choi can't deny it - there's a brief spark of worry that bursts through him, a feeling that he's toed the line too close and is now getting pushed right back over it. But then it keeps going, his annoyance an act and yet so real he can't help but wonder what it'll take to hear this tone from him for real.]
No, no! [He even interrupts his accusation the moment it's put down, as if this is a dance they've done dozens of times before.] I haven't even left yet. I'm still at the office. Don't you hear it? Taka-taka-taka... [He even mimes typing on a keyboard, even though Soleum can't see him.]
I know I've pushed you with my late nights. But this weekend I'll be home all day and we can do whatever you like together. What should we do? We could go to Gangnam, I can treat you to a nice dinner...
A reluctant breath tips out from his throat, puffing into the receiver like he considered snorting, maybe even chuckling, and decided doing so would let the agent off too easy. He can't lose sight of why they're doing this. ]
You'll really be home the entire time? You won't be answering any work calls? …Well, it might be nice to have help folding the laundry for once.
[ Progressively, his voice brightens, as if cautiously excited. ]
Also, one of the ceiling lights has been flickering recently — I was hoping you'd take a look, ah, if you're not too tired. I bought two different bulbs, but I wasn't sure which I preferred… You've always been better at being decisive than I am. [ He pauses. ] And then your idea — a dinner in Gangnam. I'd like that. Seafood?
[Is he sighing in annoyance? Or maybe trying not to laugh? He can't tell. It's really difficult when most of your skills for observation are based on sight, isn't it? He needs to train his ears more.]
I'll even turn off my work phone...! [He thinks some people have separate work phones. That's a salaryman thing, right?] I'll fold the laundry with you, and do the dishes, and I'll even clean up the patio since the weather's getting nicer so you can spend time out there again... Oh, I'll fix the light, too, of course, your husband is capable enough for something like that~
[The idea of any of this is so alien to him, it's funny to imagine. Coming home to someone, doing domestic things, sharing a bed together... What in the world must that be like?]
I know a good seafood place there. Oh, it was recommended by my boss' boss, so it must be good. They have the freshest mussels, and the way they marinate their crab makes it so soft, it falls right out of the shell. [Suddenly, like a stage whisper:] Grapes, I actually know about a restaurant like that!
[And then back to it.]
So... You can look forward to that, and I can earn my forgiveness for coming late tonight, ight?
[ All this — it's unfamiliar to Soleum, too. He doesn't own enough clothes to need help with folding. The lampshade sitting to the left of his mattress always flickers, but it doesn't bother him to the point of filing a complaint to the reception desk.
But Agent Choi spins promises out of thin air so deftly, so plentiful, every single one of them makes him wonder if he actually has a family. Someone who waits for him to come back home, creates a grocery list with all his favorite snacks, writes him encouraging messages with each homemade lunch. Soleum knows he doesn't, but his senior is very good at making him wonder. ]
Hm.
[ A skeptical noise; in reality, he's just stalling. His sheets rustle with the sound of him smoothing out the wrinkles in the cold space in his bed. What should he say to that? None of it means anything to Soleum, of course, but to the nameless person he's trying to be… ]
You don't need to go that far. [ Softening, the sound of someone giving in: ] I already forgive you.
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[ Aggro? What does that... Oh, it's internet gamer shorthand. How does Agent Choi know something like that...? And did he just say 'wife'? ]
It's a calculated risk. While it's unknown what might happen if a third party interferes, there also hasn't been any case of the ghost showing active aggression toward anyone. And a salaryman looking for a way out of an existing relationship could be viewed as a more viable target...
[ Not could be. It will. ]
You'll play it off well. I believe in you, Agent.
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[He really does plan on just destroying this ghost story. It can never be a simple investigation into a solo-entry disaster. No, he has to make sure it's totally destroyed.]
[Well. This is exactly why he was so desperate to scout him after all. There's barely a pause before he sends the next message.]
well it sounds fun!
I'll do it ^^
should we do some scenes together to get the characters right~
[He's right about this much, at least, that he can play this part well enough.]
honey, I'll be late again tonight (*´д｀*) the manager asked me to deliver something to a client...
you dont have to wait up... (╯︵╰,)
please refrigerate my dinner? ♥
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Soleum stares at the messages, at first unsure of how to respond, and then because he's contemplating the right response. Agent Choi is doing him a favor, that much is true... So. ]
Aish!
My poor darling is working overtime three nights in a row. Is your manager a dog? ㅗㅗㅗㅗ
[ This wife is a bit mouthy... Hm. Well, it makes the character more convincing. But let's dial it down. ]
Don't worry. If you tell me where you'll be meeting your client, I can come by and drop off your dinner. I made your favorite.
^.^ You need to keep up your energy for work!!
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aigoo you take such good care of a worthless man like me （ ；´Д｀）
I wouldn't make my wife travel so far... all the way to hongdae? no no... that's too much to ask
[That's where the disaster is, right? He only half remembers the manual.]
I promise tomorrow night I will come home early and spend all night with you~
then I will finally give you the baby you've been asking for all these years (*´･ω･`*)
[This is enough to send most people to HR, but it's for work, so it's fine.]
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Why would I put my tired husband to work after all he's been through? Just rest. I want to hear about your day.
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[During long nights at the bureau he's been known to throw on a few reruns as background noise. No harm in that. And look at how useful it turned out to be!]
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this year for sure we will take that jeju trip
I forgot my lunch again didn't I? so I had some ramyun from the convenience store... none of it matches up to your cooking (╥_╥)
[That's a little flare from his actual, real life!]
it would be no good if you saw me haggard and tired in hongdae tonight so go to sleep early and get your beauty rest loml (´•ᴗ•｀)
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I know you're working hard for our sake. I know that I can only stay at home, cook your dinner, and wait for you. I know your wife is like this...
But how come I don't get to see you haggard and tired, but your client does? Please help me understand.
What client are you meeting? Where?
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[Wait, no. This is make believe. They're playing house.]
but my dear, you're so beautiful that I feel I have to look my best when I'm in your presence (ಥ◡ಥ)
it's the least I can do as a man who has to take late night business meetings in a place like hongdae
aigoo... all this love for a man who still hasn't given you a family
[Maybe the ghost will read these messages and refuse to interact with either of them.]
without you I wouldn't have the strength to attend these kinds of things. you do so much for me! I would never dream of letting you see me at such low moments
but I'll bring home a sweet treat if you insist on staying up~ if you don't fall asleep first! (´ω｀)
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(Sir. Do most husbands talk so much? How long do we have to practice?)
[ Just something he has to check before launching into — ]
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I don't feel beautiful right now, but I want you to see that part of me too.
All you do is say pretty words, but you never say them face to face. I want to see you no matter how you look all the time. When you're tired or sad, excited and joking... The man I married has many faces, but it turns out he has many secrets as well.
Unless you have proof the sweet treat is really so worth it, you should go ahead and stay out with your client.
Don't come home.
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Grapes, your future partner should look out... you really know how to lay it on thick LOL
I trust you can play that role very well!
[It seems like Soleum might actually divorce him if he keeps going with this, so he may as well drop it now before he goes through with finding someone else to play bait instead.]
what do you think? can I play a scumbag salaryman cheating on his poor innocent wife? ^^
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[ Which is an extremely rocky path to tread, indeed. He almost got wrapped up in the fantasy. ]
Yes, you're... really skilled at acting suspicious and avoiding direct questions. [ Pot, kettle. But it takes one to recognize when another is deserving of praise. Maybe Agent Choi should print thia out, too? ] I don't think I'll have anything to worry about with you.
...As long as you don't break character or say something outrageous, like that baby line. But I'll try to support you aa best as I can, regardless.
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you didn't see that drama a couple years back? aigoo the husband was evil. he always promised to fulfil her dreams of being a mother until her childhood friend revealed she funded his vasectomy in china the year before...
the twists were crazy! even Bronze-ie was following it!!
[See, he wasn't purposefully trying to throw Soleum off or anything. Totally just playing up the role he was assigned!]
but I won't scare you like that in real life ^^ oh but I'll get you something sweet when it's all over, promise!
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A vasectomy... I see.
There are times I leave the television on while I'm asleep, [ or trying to ] so I'll check if there's a channel playing reruns later.
And Agent
You don't need to get me anything. You're not my real husband. I should be the one offering to pick up your coffee order for the, um... effort you're putting into all this with me.
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[He thinks Soleum has mentioned leaving the TV on while he sleeps before... Such a funny little quirk about him that definitely doesn't mean anything deeper.]
you love to deny me don't you ^^
what's wrong with a sunbae getting treats for his hubae?
of course I'll put effort into this, it's for the sake of a civilian, isn't it?
[Yep, that's the singular, sole reason. He's not having fun with it at all.]
hmm
if it wasn't time sensitive, I'd suggest we watch that drama together for some pointers...
maybe next time, if you don't end up destroying it
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We could have a phone call, if you would like to take practicing a step further. Messaging each other is different from... the type of act we'll be putting on for the disaster.
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thats true, I have to sound convincing out loud, right?
I'll call!
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Aigoo, my love... [He's speaking like he's out of breath, voice heavy and full of effort, but a little whiny as he begs, too.] You'll let me come home tonight, won't you? If I had any secrets, you know I could never keep them from you.
[He sighs, shuddering a little with it like it's a lot of effort to do. Like he's just so physically beat.] This job is hard, but you know I'll be promoted once my boss finally leaves next year. You'll be patient for me until then, right? Then things will be so much easier for the two of us...
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The blunt edge of his thumbnail slides inside the gap between his top and bottom teeth, listening to his senior's dedicated performance. Does… Does he have to rasp like that to convince his significant other that he's been working hard? It's all part of the act, and yet his ears tingle. If he were a devoted housewife in a relationship with someone full of excuses, how would he respond? ]
Dear. [ Thin. Flat. Teetering on the edge of something. ] You've… been drinking, haven't you? In Hongdae. That's the only time you call me with updates like this.
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No, no! [He even interrupts his accusation the moment it's put down, as if this is a dance they've done dozens of times before.] I haven't even left yet. I'm still at the office. Don't you hear it? Taka-taka-taka... [He even mimes typing on a keyboard, even though Soleum can't see him.]
I know I've pushed you with my late nights. But this weekend I'll be home all day and we can do whatever you like together. What should we do? We could go to Gangnam, I can treat you to a nice dinner...
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A reluctant breath tips out from his throat, puffing into the receiver like he considered snorting, maybe even chuckling, and decided doing so would let the agent off too easy. He can't lose sight of why they're doing this. ]
You'll really be home the entire time? You won't be answering any work calls? …Well, it might be nice to have help folding the laundry for once.
[ Progressively, his voice brightens, as if cautiously excited. ]
Also, one of the ceiling lights has been flickering recently — I was hoping you'd take a look, ah, if you're not too tired. I bought two different bulbs, but I wasn't sure which I preferred… You've always been better at being decisive than I am. [ He pauses. ] And then your idea — a dinner in Gangnam. I'd like that. Seafood?
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I'll even turn off my work phone...! [He thinks some people have separate work phones. That's a salaryman thing, right?] I'll fold the laundry with you, and do the dishes, and I'll even clean up the patio since the weather's getting nicer so you can spend time out there again... Oh, I'll fix the light, too, of course, your husband is capable enough for something like that~
[The idea of any of this is so alien to him, it's funny to imagine. Coming home to someone, doing domestic things, sharing a bed together... What in the world must that be like?]
I know a good seafood place there. Oh, it was recommended by my boss' boss, so it must be good. They have the freshest mussels, and the way they marinate their crab makes it so soft, it falls right out of the shell. [Suddenly, like a stage whisper:] Grapes, I actually know about a restaurant like that!
[And then back to it.]
So... You can look forward to that, and I can earn my forgiveness for coming late tonight, ight?
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But Agent Choi spins promises out of thin air so deftly, so plentiful, every single one of them makes him wonder if he actually has a family. Someone who waits for him to come back home, creates a grocery list with all his favorite snacks, writes him encouraging messages with each homemade lunch. Soleum knows he doesn't, but his senior is very good at making him wonder. ]
Hm.
[ A skeptical noise; in reality, he's just stalling. His sheets rustle with the sound of him smoothing out the wrinkles in the cold space in his bed. What should he say to that? None of it means anything to Soleum, of course, but to the nameless person he's trying to be… ]
You don't need to go that far. [ Softening, the sound of someone giving in: ] I already forgive you.
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