Chapter 374: Enthusiastic Fan (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 374: Enthusiastic Fan (2)
I could tell why Nam Ju-a was calling me "Unni" just by reading the first few lines.
I can’t tell you how surprised I was to hear that someone in my dad’s department likes Spark. I heard you’ve been a fan since their debut, just like me. Is that right?
It was amazing enough just hearing about it, but when I heard you like running fan accounts, I knew you must be incredibly talented. (In my eyes, Unni, you’re the best "gold hands" ever. No other Sparkler retouches photos as well as you do!)
‘He just made up whatever excuse was convenient.’
Based on the letter, the "Kim I-wol" Nam Ju-a knew had become a woman in her twenties who stanned Spark out of pure love, but because she was too busy with her real life, she let Nam Ju-a handle the uploads or manage the account—a very peculiar way of fangirling.
There was no way Department Head Nam knew anything about commissions or fan accounts. He probably just played along with his daughter’s stories at home or agreed to whatever she said, boasting that her father could look into such things for her. He was the type of man who took pride in being like a friend to his daughter.
I could easily picture him grandiosely promising her that he knew someone who liked the same idols and did these activities as a hobby, so he’d ask them for a favor.
Whether Nam Ju-a misunderstood because Department Head Nam didn't specify a gender, or whether he lied because he thought it would be weird for a male employee to be a fan of a male idol group since their obscure debut days, my identity had been completely transformed in the process of their conversation.
Even a little thought would reveal how nonsensical the setup was, but Nam Ju-a seemed to believe it wholeheartedly.
After all, who would edit a video of an idol they didn't care about every week and create dozens of GIFs for a stranger? It was reasonable for her to think it was only possible because "the other person also felt affection" for the group.
This was likely why Department Head Nam hadn't given his email address directly to Nam Ju-a. He must have been deleting the personal messages she wrote to "Kim I-wol" before forwarding the emails to me.
‘I let it slide because I thought he was just worried about his daughter.’
How long had Department Head Nam intended to keep deceiving her? It was both laughable and pathetic that he tried to escape the situation with such immediate lies. And I, who had been dragged along under that clumsy scheme, felt beyond pathetic—I felt insignificant.
My dad said he’s been compensating you properly every time, but people his age tend to try and brush off labor costs... and the effort you put in is way too much to be doing it just for money. That’s why I wanted to thank you personally.
She also wrote that she bought two boxes so I wouldn't feel self-conscious receiving it alone; she told me to share one box if I needed to, but to make sure I took the other one home to eat by myself.
How displeased he must have been. To Department Head Nam, "Assistant Manager Kim" was just a young man who did a few extra things while working, someone who didn't need to be specially looked after.
If he had known that his innocent and kind daughter’s surprise gift was an expensive snack for a middle schooler to buy, he wouldn't have been able to smile so easily.
Everyone tells me I’m so lucky. They ask how I found such a "guardian angel" like you~. I think so too. That’s why whenever you give me new photos, I go around bragging about them everywhere lol.
Unni, are you really not thinking of opening your own account? People are just waiting for you to start one!
To me, both Department Head Nam and Nam Ju-a were merely beings who made my life difficult, yet Nam Ju-a called me her "guardian angel."
It would have been better if she were just a thoughtless brat. If she had been as arrogant as her father, I wouldn't have felt so conflicted; I could have just dismissed it with a thought like, ‘I hope she grows up to be a decent adult.’
Still, Unni, please take care of your health while you work!
How could I simply hate a kid who believed my actions were out of pure goodwill? She only acted this way because she didn't know the situation. I knew all too well that this was her only breathing room.
If I knew exactly who was at fault, I should direct the arrows of my anger only at that person. As an adult. Even if my heart was a mess and it felt impossible to do so.
‘What are you doing, standing there blocking the way?’
Department Head Nam had asked. His gaze had fallen on the letter I was holding.
‘It was inside the shopping bag. I was checking to see if it was something that shouldn't be thrown away...’
‘Who do you think you are, opening someone else’s trash just because you think there’s personal information in it? Give it here!’
Department Head Nam had snatched the letter away. He shoved me aside with his shoulder as he walked past, throwing a comment my way.
‘What am I supposed to do with a piece of trash who can’t even throw away a bag properly? Good grief.’
I thought there was nothing more ridiculous than two people, father and daughter, having such polar opposite evaluations of the same person.
I lay on my bed, quietly chewing over my memories.
‘Am I projecting Nam Ju-a onto Han Ga-un?’
Neither Han Ga-un nor Nam Ju-a had done anything wrong. In fact, they were both good-hearted.
However, the people around them caused others to look at them with cold eyes. I worried that despite my efforts not to hate them, I would end up harboring bad feelings.
‘I don't want to resent an innocent person.’
Hating someone requires energy. If the other person isn't truly a bad person, the guilt is impossible to ignore. My mind would constantly whisper, That person is innocent. I wasn't brazen enough to ignore that voice.
Once I decided how to treat Han Ga-un, perhaps I could also settle my unresolved feelings toward Nam Ju-a.
I remembered the hug I shared with Han Ga-un toward the end of the Act on filming. And how his body had been trembling.
I closed my eyes.
And I made a vow. I wouldn't force myself to avoid someone who felt sorry.
I would believe that if Nam Ju-a had known the truth, she would have reacted just like Han Ga-un.
As time passed, those stagnant memories would surely begin to fade.
Reflecting on recent events, I realized I have a habit of falling into deep thought right before finishing a task. It’s as if there’s a "worry zone" right in the middle of my mental circuitry.
How did I come to this conclusion?
"Iwol, how are you feeling?"
"I'm in top condition!"
Because today is the final filming day for Exclusive Report. I suspect that my sudden distress over Han Ga-un and Nam Ju-a was partly influenced by this.
To be precise, it’s the day Cheon Yun-seong exits the show. Cheon Yun-seong, who had relentlessly obstructed the protagonists, finally got caught because he became too deeply entangled with them.
Having dared to harbor other ambitions for the group, the final order was handed down to Cheon Yun-seong. It was time for the middle boss to make his exit.
Perhaps because it was a scene where impact was crucial, all eyes on set were fixed on me. Well, it was the death of a major villain; if I put on a lackluster performance, I’d probably see mockery GIFs of myself as the center on every online community.
So, while it might not be much of a preparation, I looked at the memory data one more time before falling asleep last night. The data containing the moment of my own death.
The shock wasn't as great as the first time I saw it. Emotions surged, but I didn't drown in them. I watched it calmly, as if observing someone else, and although I brooded over why I had those specific thoughts, I woke up this morning without feeling depressed.
Do I feel like I’m getting better? Just as I believed I could endure until I found my sister. I hope that’s the case.
"Iwol, let us know when you're ready."
A warmer-than-usual consideration was poured upon the actor facing a death scene. It was treatment far beyond what I deserved, considering I don't perform with the kind of greatness that leaves one unable to escape the character's emotions.
Still, receiving this much support made it impossible not to work hard.
"I'm ready to start!"
Since I didn't know how many NGs there would be, I had to film diligently.
Without hesitation, I set my script down on the waiting chair.
My steps weren't heavy. My heels felt light, as if I were actually looking forward to it.
Cheon Yun-seong walked toward the glass window that overlooked the city's night view.
The silhouette of the spacious, luxurious penthouse and its young owner, Cheon Yun-seong, was reflected like a mirror in the massive, smudge-less window.
Standing with his arms crossed in a dressing gown, looking down at the night landscape, a small alarm sounded in Cheon Yun-seong's ear.
A visiting vehicle had arrived in the building's parking lot—a place where no one should be coming, as Division Chief Go had already gone home for the day. Cheon Yun-seong's face darkened.
Cheon Yun-seong walked slowly to the dressing room. He then emerged into the living room, dressed in his usual suit.
After finishing a brief text on his phone, Cheon Yun-seong sat on the large sofa with his legs crossed. Wine taken from the wine cellar filled the glass that had been sitting on the table.
The sound of the door lock being released echoed. Two pairs of black, shining dress shoes marched toward Cheon Yun-seong.
Cheon Yun-seong slowly lifted his head. He looked at the uninvited guests and asked with a relaxed expression.
"Did Division Chief Go leave first?"
Cheon Yun-seong was not the type to double-check the arrival of someone who had already left.
What he was asking was whether they had visited Division Chief Go first. Chairman Cheon’s men understood Cheon Yun-seong’s words instantly.
"He was worried about the Young Master."
"As he should be. What kind of secretary would leave his post without seeing his superior off on his final journey? Unless, of course, there was a reason."
Cheon Yun-seong swirled his glass before taking a sip of wine.
He was not a man who would get drunk on just this much. The wine glass was filled a second time, then a third.
Having emptied the bottle where he sat, Cheon Yun-seong headed for the bedroom. The strangers followed behind him.
When he removed the painting hanging above the headboard, a long hunting rifle was revealed. Cheon Yun-seong loaded the rounds with calm movements.
Father.
Where else could you find a son who understands your will so well?
A chess piece that removes itself from the board—could there be a more useful tool than this?
Cheon Yun-seong smiled. The men stood at attention, hands folded in front of them.
"The safe combination is 37915981. I assume you brought the double-lock key from Division Chief Go’s house?"
"Yes, preparations are complete."
"The suicide note is in the nightstand."
"Thank you."
Cheon Yun-seong, who had been focused on his tasks, fixed his eyes on the intruders.
I am curious what Father’s final words were.
But there probably weren't any. Not a shred of regret remains.
The tip of the muzzle touched the underside of his chin. Cheon Yun-seong hooked his finger around the trigger.
As he lifted his head, the orange light illuminated his vision.
It’s laughable that I tried to live such a life well; it’s so empty that there isn't even a sense of futility.
However, since I have no confidence I could live any better, it is a relief that I can be satisfied here. The fact that I feel nothing at this sudden death must be because I have no lingering attachments.
It was a long and meaningless life, but since I have reached the end, I have nothing to regret.
Cheon Yun-seong closed his eyes. Beyond the shadow of Cheon Yun-seong's face reflected in the window, the unextinguished lights of the city flickered like embers.
Blood splattered across the wall, where a white mark remained from the painting that had covered it for so long.