Chapter 55: The Folly of Comparison
Suhyeon watched as Haiyu breezed into the recording studio, a paperback tucked under one arm.
"Hello, sunbae-nim. What brings you here without even a call?"
"Suhyeon-ssi, hello. I heard you've been cast as the lead in a new movie. Congratulations."
Suhyeon was so taken aback by Haiyu's words that he was momentarily speechless.
Even if rumors spread fast in this industry... how could she already know about a decision that was only just finalized? Does that even make sense?
"...How did you find out?"
"Chairman Jeong called me herself this morning. She mentioned it during our chat."
"Ah, I see. Are you close with Chairman Jeong Mi-yeong?"
"Oh, absolutely. I'm a top-tier entertainer in my own right, you know. She's been looking out for me since my debut days—calling me her 'little girl pretending to be tough,' worrying about me paying off family debts."
"Got it. But what's the reason for stopping by?"
At Suhyeon's repeated questions, which felt almost like an interrogation, Haiyu's eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of offense flickering across her face.
"What, can't I just drop by?"
"No, no, of course you can. It's just... I've heard you're so swamped with events and performances that you're barely sleeping. I was surprised you'd make time."
"Hmph. Is that so? Anyway, let's move past it. The chairman suggested I try composing one of the OST tracks for the movie you're starring in. She saw Moon and My Story and thought our chemistry was great. Plus, she asked me to handle the opening stage at the December NAMA Awards, so I came to discuss it with you."
"I see. But why discuss it with me?"
"It's your movie, and it's a track you're producing. Who else would I talk to? Don't worry too much—I'm not saying we start right away. I know how busy you are. I just wanted to give you a heads-up and congratulate you in person."
"Thank you, sunbae-nim."
"Once I have the OST somewhat finished, I'll play it for you—give me your feedback then. For the NAMA stage, think about staging ideas whenever you have a moment."
"Understood."
"Alright, keep up the good work. Oh, and I brought sandwiches... Don't skip meals just because work's a hassle. Take care of yourself."
After Haiyu left, Suhyeon muttered to himself.
Does she like me or something? She's older, though... Eh, who knows. Probably just grateful for Moon and My Story.
Shaking off the stray thoughts, Suhyeon dove back into his music production. Aside from a brief call with Manager Baek Seongcheol that evening, he focused solely on the tracks.
He pulled an all-nighter until the next morning, briefly relieving his fatigue with a quick session of Qi Circulation Breathing at dawn, then hunkered down in the studio until 10 a.m.
"Whew. This feels pretty polished now... Just some fine-tuning later. Stomach's growling—can't focus anymore. Time to check the kids' homework, too."
Leaving the studio, Suhyeon headed to the restroom to at least wash his face. Out past rush hour, he exchanged light greetings with people in the halls. But his sharp senses picked up something off.
What is it? Their stares feel different from yesterday... Did word about my blockbuster lead role already spread? Is that why they're looking at me strangely?
Puzzled, he finished up in the restroom, grabbed a late breakfast at the cafeteria, then headed to the basement level 2 to inspect Muran's practice and conduct homework checks.
Moments later, Suhyeon sat in the center of the practice room with the Muran members, nodding in satisfaction.
"Good. This is excellent. Everyone did their homework diligently. No need for member swaps."
The tense Muran members broke into broad grins and cheers.
"Quiet down, everyone. I assigned Gulliver's Travels for a few reasons. First, let's talk novels. Most novels out there explore human misery and happiness. Why are humans unhappy? What must they do to be happy? Authors ponder these questions and show us through their imagination. Gulliver's Travels is the same. Through the famous tales of the land of giants and the land of Lilliputians, anyone spot what the author says is the root of human misery?"
No one answered, so Suhyeon continued.
"It's comparison! Through giants and Lilliputians, he argues nothing is truly big or small without comparison. Once you debut as idols... the world will compare you endlessly. Who's prettiest among you? Who has the best figure? Who dances or sings best? And not just internally—you'll be pitted against other girl groups too."
Suhyeon paused, locking eyes with each member before speaking firmly.
"Don't get lost in it. The moment you start wondering how you stack up against other members or groups, misery begins. You have value just by existing. Debuting as idols means big money young, but that same potential can ruin your lives. If any of you ever feel so crushed you want to quit everything... remember my words. They'll keep you from breaking. Got it?"
"That was advice from your senior idol and PD... but probably boring, right? Enough of that. Second purpose: your debut track. Reading Gulliver's Travels, you'll spot a familiar term. Anyone know it?"
Erica shot her hand up.
"Laputa!"
"Oh? Where'd you hear about Laputa, Erica?"
"Mom mentioned it while I was reading at home."
"Makes sense—it's over 30 years old, so your mom would know. As you read, there's a flying island of dreamers with one eye inward, one skyward. That's Laputa. Now, homework!"
"Quiet... This one's easy and fun. You've got the classics down with Gulliver's Travels and Laputa. Now spot another in modern media: the anime Castle in the Sky. Super famous—easy to find. Watch it three times: once for fun, once pondering the director's message, once imagining yourself as the heroine. No review needed. Easy, right?"
"In 3-4 days, I'll play your finished debut track. The concept's all from you, so it'll click. See you then. Questions?"
Jiyeong raised her hand.
"Anything unclear?"
"No, it's just... young folks like me shorten words a lot."
"True."
"Talking Muran with Mom at home, Girls Who Slay Lions shortened to 'Sa-tta-e-so,' but it sounded lame."
"And?"
"We tweaked it. Swap lion for English 'lion'—Girls Who Slay Lions becomes 'Ra-tta-e Girls.' Sounds like latte, catchy—Mom said we could even snag a coffee CF."
"Hm. I like it."
"But Dad hated it."
"Huh? Why?"
"He's from Daegu... 'Slaying Lions' annoyed him. Huge pro baseball fan."
"Ah, gotcha. Might be fine—it's not that lion, right? Other teams would love it. Could get invites to throw first pitches. No rush—think it over, ask Trainer Jo Jeong-mi too. More questions?"
Sohee timidly raised her hand.
"Um... Parents want your autograph."
"Sure, no problem. Now? Got paper and pen?"
"Yes! Not just paper—Dad and Mom want it on your photo. One sec."
Led by Sohee, the members dashed to their bags lined against the wall for autographs.
Soon, Suhyeon stared blankly at the photo Sohee pulled out: him, shirtless in short shorts, muscles gleaming, one hand sweeping back wet hair, smiling brightly.
After signing and leaving the practice room, Suhyeon pulled out his phone.
No wonder the stares changed overnight... Not the movie, but the news splashing my body everywhere.
He called his manager.
"Hey, Seongcheol-hyung. It's Suhyeon. Seen the news?"
"Ah, that explains it. Yeah, done."
"Beauty? Like makeup and plastic surgery shows? Why me?"
"Sigh. Got none."
"Of course we go. Different from yesterday—I'm a blockbuster lead now. Higher fame means more ticket power, better box office. From here on, I'll hit broadcasts hard. Strike while the iron's hot."
"Hyung, come on. I'm not a kid. No need for that worry. Anything you've discussed with Yoo-siljang-nim?"
"Which first?"