How to Survive as a Supporting Male Lead

In this story where everything seemed to proceed according to the narrative, the “male and female lead’s love” was bound to happen. And knowing he could use that to aggravate Kallian, Iann decided to push it a bit further.

He closed his eyes briefly and let a teasing smile spread across his face as if he were lost in thoughts of someone dear.

“She’s beautiful.”

Iann’s voice was soft, almost as if he didn’t believe he’d just said those words himself. But inside, he was fighting an intense internal battle. Complimenting a woman who looked so much like his sister? That was asking for divine punishment. He wouldn’t be able to complain if a bolt of lightning struck him down right then and there. But he held on. He’d take the teasing he’d get from his sister later; right now, bothering Kallian was more important.

Fortunately, Kallian didn’t seem to notice the intense inner battle raging within Iann. His expression only grew darker, clearly focused on the words rather than any hidden struggle. Iann took the opportunity to press further.

“It makes me want to take care of her. I feel like I just keep wanting to look after her.”

To Iann, it was pure family affection. Anyone would feel this way seeing someone who resembled a lost sibling. Convincing himself, he infused a touch of sincerity into his tone.

“It’s fascinating, really. How strange human connections can be.”

The fact that he’d encountered a face so similar to his sister’s after all these years was unexpected. If she had grown up, she would have looked so much like Yuhwa.

“It’s surprising… that I could think and feel something like this.”

Iann was someone who’d always overflowed with self-love. He’d never had a reason to criticize himself, but after realizing that the Iann in the novel harbored feelings for someone who looked like his sister, he’d gone through a period of self-doubt, self-questioning, and even self-censorship. It had been a completely new experience.

The fragmented sentences, which gave away his conviction that “the Iann in the novel” was truly falling for Yuhwa, were enough to reinforce Kallian’s growing misunderstanding.

Kallian, who had never been able to think clearly when it came to Iann, fell for it completely.

“…..”

“..…”

Just a glance was enough for them to sense each other’s mood. Iann was certain Kallian was thoroughly mistaken, believing Iann was falling for Yuhwa and implicitly declaring himself a rival.

To bring his enemy pain by merely existing—was there any greater joy? This was like having an ultimate skill that dealt continuous damage without even trying. A satisfied smile played at Iann’s lips.

A corner of Kallian’s mouth lifted, though only slightly, filled with simmering anger—a perfectly crooked smile.

The sight sent a thrill down Iann’s spine. There was no other way to explain Kallian’s intense reaction than to believe he was enraged at Iann for interfering with his destined love.

“You seem to be in good spirits.”

“Of course I am.”

“Then I suppose you won’t need this anymore.”

Finally, Kallian launched his counterattack, pulling something from his coat.

“Huh? What is it?”

Iann, enjoying his moment of triumph, relaxed against the banister before straightening up. The item Kallian held was small, but immediately recognizable.

“A ring.”

With a click, the ring box opened in Kallian’s hand. A brilliant blue diamond sparkled in the light, and with his perfect 20/20 vision, Iann recognized it in an instant.

“Hey! That’s my ring!”

It was, indeed, his ring.

Iann clattered down the stairs, his voice filled with outrage. The ring Kallian held was a valuable blue diamond Iann had bought at an auction years ago—a prized addition to his extensive collection.

Iann was someone who knew exactly what enhanced his looks. He never touched his face, preferring classic, understated elegance. Accessories, especially rings, added just the right touch, boosting his overall aesthetic. The ring in Kallian’s hand was one of his favorites. As a natural born attention seeker, Iann felt a rush of pleasure whenever attention was drawn to his fingertips.

For Iann, the ring Kallian was holding was very precious. It was a ring that had only been worn once, a ring that still needed to be seen and flaunted. Rushing toward Kallian, Iann lunged to snatch the ring.

But Kallian was faster, raising his arm out of reach and stepping back.

“Are you insane? How did you even get that? I’ve only worn it once!”

“I picked it up.”

“Ha! Liar! I put an anti-theft spell on it—‘picked it up’? You stole it, you thief!”

Iann, thoroughly riled up, jumped up and down in frustration. Kallian, on the other hand, found himself grinning as he watched Iann’s frantic attempts, completely at ease once more.