Unwritten Meeting

Chapter V

Daisy finally agreed to drive Edward home when it became clear his manager’s car wouldn’t start again. She had planned to offer him a polite goodbye at the airport exit and disappear into the anonymity she preferred. But his manager’s desperate voice over the phone—half apologizing, half pleading—pushed her into saying yes.

Inside the car, Edward sat with his hands folded neatly, like someone trying not to be a burden. The city lights slid across the window, scattering over his tired face. He looked nothing like an actor returning from a tropical getaway. More like someone who had worked a double shift.

Their silence wasn’t awkward. It was the kind of silence that had unexpectedly formed between them on the flight—a strange, calm space where neither felt the need to talk too much.

As they turned into a quieter district, Daisy glanced at the buildings and the GPS. “Officetels?” she asked.

Edward nodded. “Yeah. I live here.”

She slowed down, surprised. The glass building ahead was modest, the type commonly used by office workers who needed affordable mixed-use spaces. It looked far from the lifestyle she vaguely assumed he had.

“This is your place?” she asked, trying to keep her tone neutral.

Edward laughed softly and rubbed his neck. “Mm. Been here five years.”

Daisy parked the car but kept staring. Five years in a small officetel? For an actor who had appeared in dramas, movies, and variety shows? She wasn’t expecting luxury, but she certainly hadn’t expected… this. It made her wonder where all his paychecks went. Was he saving aggressively? Investing? Or maybe actor salaries weren’t as glamorous as people imagined—especially not for someone just below the A-list.

But the question stayed in her head. She didn’t dare voice it.

Edward unbuckled his seatbelt, turning to her with a gentle smile. “Really, thank you. If you hadn’t driven me, I’d be stuck with the tow truck guy.”

“It’s okay,” she replied. “You helped me on the plane too.”

“That was nothing,” he said with a small laugh. “You looked exhausted. I just didn’t want you to trip.”

His laugh warmed the space. Daisy glanced at him again, seeing someone far different from his public image. There was no hint of arrogance, no performer’s ego—just a man who tried his best to be considerate.

“It’s not a big place,” Edward said quietly, noticing her gaze drift toward the building. “But it’s comfortable.”

“I wasn’t judging,” she replied quickly. “I just… thought actors lived a bit more luxuriously.”

Edward exhaled, the sound soft and tired. “Top actors do. I’m not one of them.” His voice lowered. “And I help my family. My parents are older. My siblings still study. So I try not to spend unnecessarily.”

Daisy froze for a second.

Ah.

Not poor.

Not irresponsible.

Not unlucky.

Just devoted.

It changed something—not huge, but enough to shift the way she saw him.

“I do want to move someday,” he added, eyes drifting toward the entrance. “When I’m more stable.”

Daisy didn’t reply. She didn’t know what to say. Curiosity about his lifestyle had turned into curiosity about him.

Edward opened the door and stepped out. Before he closed it, he leaned down slightly. “Drive safe, Daisy. And… thank you. Really.”

She nodded, watching him walk toward the lobby with a quiet, almost humble stride. When the doors slid shut behind him, she finally allowed herself to exhale.

Their encounter had been a series of coincidences.

At the beach.

At immigration.

On the plane.

At baggage claim.

And now in front of his home.

Something that should have ended hours ago kept finding a way to continue.

And Daisy had a strange feeling—

this was not the last time their paths would cross.