We decided not to cross the line.

Episode 2. A Phone Call

The major I wanted to go to is quite popular, so even if I applied...

Since there is no way I will pass, to be safe,


And the one considered the most practical in the humanities

After graduating from the Department of English Language and Literature,

I ended up making a living doing translation work.




Looking back now, it was actually a good choice.



While studying English and American novels, poetry, and plays

It was fun to be able to add my own interpretation,


Thanks to choosing the right major while attending school,

After all, I earned and spent a good amount of pocket money while tutoring all the time.


And, the work I want and the work I am good at

That we are different from each other...

Now that I've lived through it, I understand.



However, now there are too many people who can speak English.

There are way too many.


My standing is shrinking.



Will I really be able to support myself in my old age with this work?


You just need to ask Papago or GPT.

I wonder if a translator like me is even needed anymore.


I'm even thinking about trying a different job.


What about an English academy?



A night when I cannot easily fall asleep due to this and that

There were many days.

While I was holding on with such anxiety

A lucky opportunity that has come in.




The name 'My friend Suyeon' appears on the phone screen.


A college friend with whom I share my grievances and worries.


As soon as I graduated from college,

I worked at a foreign cosmetics company, but

Now a mother of two, she has a son suffering from "middle school syndrome."

A venomous critic who habitually disses others.




What are you doing?

As soon as she answers the phone, Suyeon argues in a scolding tone.




Uh... I guess I'll just stay put.

What brings you here? Do you have something urgent to tell me?




You're quick-witted...

I called to offer you a job.

I want to tell you right away, but if you read my KakaoTalk message late

What could I do? I couldn't hold back and called.




"Jobs? Who is looking for a translator?"


I was somewhat glad to hear the word 'job,' but,

He replied as if nothing were wrong.



No, it's not a translation, but it's a super hot topic.

New and fresh work that will energize you.

Curious what it is?


Suyeon's voice was filled with excitement.





What is that?

If it's something I can do, isn't it something related to English?

Did anyone ask you to find a tutor?




"Oh!! That's right. The tutor. But the student is super special."




A special student? Is he from a super rich family?

Or a student who is really good at studying?




You could become an idol English teacher.





"Huh?? An idol? What are you talking about? Did you have a dream?"


I involuntarily snorted at the completely unexpected remark.




"No way! You're talking nonsense. I'm telling you, it's true!!"

You know Seokjin sunbae among our seniors three years our senior?

You were popular because you were tall and handsome.

That senior's acquaintance works in the entertainment industry,

They said they asked me to find an English teacher for a male idol.

I know Seokjin sunbae's wife a little bit.

I heard about it through my wife.

I told you because it reminded me of you as soon as I heard it. Is that okay?


First of all, there is a steady income.

If you have a class while looking at an idol's face

Actually, you have to pay.

"How much fun is it?"




At what Suyeon said without even breathing

It felt like nothing was getting organized at all.




No, what is he talking about...

Does that mean they really recommended me?




So, are you telling me to be an idol tutor?

It's been a long time since I stopped tutoring, and you're coming now?

And since I'm an idol, it's too overwhelming.

It's a hassle for you, who introduced them for no reason, and for Seokjin sunbae.

I'm also worried that it might not be...


As I hesitated, Suyeon said something that sealed the deal.


 


You know you watched a movie with me a while ago, right?

She's the kid who came out of there.

They say you're handsome and a great actor.

You said you watched it several more times by yourself after that.

You're saying you're going to miss out on an opportunity like this?


If I say I’ll introduce someone other than you...

Everyone is going to rush in like crazy.





Oh...my...god....that idol actor?

That actor who acted with big eyes filled with tears?

The one who wore a sorrowful expression underwater?



I was so captivated by the actor's performance that I watched it three more times alone

I went to the theater.



I'm excited to see if I'll find a scene I haven't seen before,

I tried to imitate the memorable lines of that actor.


I cried every time,

With a face covered in tears, feeling embarrassed and ashamed

I was the first to leave the theater.




I first got to know him in that movie.

I also looked up YouTube videos along the way,

Don't rely solely on your appearance, put in effort

He seems like a person with a really good personality.

I came to like it.


But to think I could become that actor's English teacher...

It was like a dream.




"Hello? Did you hang up? Hey, Yujeong!!"


Suyeon's voice sounded faint.

I have already fallen into my inner world

I couldn't hear Suyeon's voice properly.




"Uh, uh... I'm listening.

So, if I say I'll do it, can I?

Or do I need to watch something like an interview?



I was so excited I wanted to scream, but,

He forced himself to remain calm and continued speaking while pressing down on the corners of his mouth.



"Oh really...? You're quite calm?"

You're giggling so much right now because you're happy, aren't you?

Aren't you dancing?





Ghost-like girl

"Hey... how old do you think I am to be making such a fuss about being an idol?"

Do you like it?

So what? Are you telling me to do it or not?




Are you acting all high and mighty right now?

If you act like this, I'll just introduce you to someone else.




"Hey, who said I wouldn't do it? It's good for me since I'll get some extra income."

Why are you so impatient?


I needed an urgent change of strategy.



Actually, I am serious toward Seokjin sunbae, and

Please introduce me to someone who won't cause any trouble.

They said they begged them a lot.

They're probably being cautious because they're celebrities, right?

But you're the most serious person around me.

Hahaha. Everyone here is just like me. You know that, right?




My feisty friend, Lee Su-yeon.

Tell me the dates available for the interview,

As soon as I get confirmation, I go to the agency office.

I decided to have an interview with the CEO.



My friend who threw a big stone into my calm lake

Suyeon, I love you...




What do I need to do for the interview?

Will I be able to see that idol's face in person during the interview?

Oh... my... God... I'm so nervous.




"CEO, I... I think that teacher is fine.