Chapter 137
Chapter 137
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 137
Chapter Title: Conversation with the Audience
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Wow.
“This is working out fine.”
“Lots of comments saying it’s hilarious.”
“Guess I really do have to make that deluxe burger.”
I stopped the video with a bright smile.
“Gotta stuff him till his stomach bursts.”
The pleasant thought sent endorphins racing through me. Jaeyoon’s been slacking lately. Time he learned how harsh the world can be.
“What’re you planning?”
“Gonna make plenty for our Jaeyoon. No matter how tasty the food, there’s a limit to how much you can shove in, right?”
I couldn’t help but laugh.
“I just want him to eat his fill. Hope he accepts my feelings.”
What beautiful camaraderie. So beautiful it calls for a beating.
“Can’t wait to see how he changes once he hates his favorite food.”
Seungjun stared at me blankly before shaking his head. I flashed a big grin. Maybe it was the thrill of planning something good, but just breathing felt fun.
“C-calm down.”
“Calm down? I wasn’t excited to begin with.”
“Sure looks like it.”
“What’re you talking about? No way I’d get excited feeding Gi Jaeyoon a burger.”
Seungjun’s eyes trembled slightly. I patted his shoulder reassuringly.
“Y-yeah. Uh, what’s tomorrow’s schedule?”
“Me? You?”
“You……”
He was curious about everything. He avoided my gaze, looking off to the side.
“Gui Ju Victory’s ten-million-viewer fan meet-and-greet.”
“There’s music show tomorrow too.”
“Gonna hit that as well. Rehearsal might be tough, though.”
“What about outfits and makeup?”
Worrying about manager stuff. I shoved his bear-like bulk aside and flopped onto the bed.
“I already asked. Told ’em I’d go in my stage costume. Director was thrilled and said to bring the props too.”
Sure, I’d stand out in my modified hanbok amid normal clothes, but I could handle that.
“So I’m bringing the paper umbrella too.”
Couldn’t let the director down. He’d only be satisfied if I showed up in full stage gear.
“That okay?”
“It’s a ten-million milestone, so probably just friendly fans. Seems like a fun vibe to play around with the audience. Should be fine. Honored they invited me.”
Maybe the great shoot vibes made me want to see them again.
“I see.”
“On that note, I’m crashing.”
“Okay.”
He dragged his heavy butt to his own bed. Sometimes I wonder why my bed turns into the communal couch. Everyone aired their grievances here.
‘Whatever, they leave once they’re done, so no big deal…’
Still felt kinda iffy.
‘Should I spray it? Maybe run another wash cycle.’
With that thought, I closed my eyes.
***
“Stuck, we’re stuck!”
I looked up from the event cue sheet. The usually laid-back but nice manager was fidgeting unusually.
‘We’re really backed up.’
Peering out the window, the cars weren’t budging. I glanced around. Latte Cinema, thankfully familiar. A ten-minute walk from here.
“What do we do, Dowon? Looks like an accident up ahead.”
Great.
I grabbed my paper umbrella and smartphone.
“Latte Cinema, right?”
“Yeah!”
“I’ll head out first. Park when you can, Manager.”
“Hey, you sure? What if fans swarm you!”
“I’ll run. Taking my phone. Text me.”
Luckily, we were in the lane closest to the sidewalk. I hopped out and scanned the area. Midday sun hit my skin.
‘Ran outdoor stages plenty, but hitting the sidewalk feels kinda novel.’
Why did it feel so much like being outside?
Funny thing: I was in stage costume. Stylist Noona said the fluttering bits were cute, decked out with all sorts of accessories.
Eyes turned my way.
‘Oh dear, embarrassing.’
I grinned and popped open the paper umbrella. Then I strode off briskly.
The costume fluttered. Cheers rang out, but I couldn’t acknowledge each one.
‘Feels good running outside after so long.’
Different vibe from the treadmill. I caught my breath arriving at the venue. Staff startled when I strolled in casually, then guided me.
“But what about your manager!”
“Oh, traffic’s bad. Didn’t want to be late, so I ran ahead. Thanks for the guide.”
I folded the umbrella with a bright smile. The staff blushed faintly and nodded.
“Dressing room. You’ll be okay alone?”
What’s that mean?
“Of course I’ll be fine alone.”
“Oh, yeah. You look young. See you later.”
Do I look pre-K? Do high schoolers need guardians now?
‘Come to think of it, idols always roll with managers.’
The situation was kinda funny. The staff left. I sank into the cramped dressing room sofa and pulled out my smartphone, opening the messaging app.
-Arrived safe. I’ll make my own way out, so take your time parking.
No reply, but the read receipt vanished. Time to check the umbrella. A knock sounded.
I opened the dressing room door myself.
“Come in. Oh?”
Someone I knew. I quickly crouched to eye level.
“Long time no see, Princess.”
“Oppa, long time!”
Azyeon spread her arms. Couldn’t resist. I scooped her up in a hug. She’d grown a ton—heavy little princess now.
“How’d you get here?”
Azyeon’s mom behind her answered.
“Came for script practice nearby. Heard about the fan meet and dropped by.”
“I see.”
“Congrats on the ten-million movie, Actor.”
“Just a minor role. Barely on screen.”
Azyeon’s mom shook her head.
“You left quite an impression.”
Aw.
“Thanks for the praise.”
“Oppa acted great! Perfect husband material.”
“Y-yeah. Thanks.”
I set Azyeon down. Come to think of it, might be time to stop picking her up like this.
“I was worried.”
“About me? Why?”
I blinked. Had my princess fretted over me?
“Oh, the press conference?”
Azyeon nodded. I chuckled.
“That was touch-and-go. Almost delayed the album over it.”
Better to dodge like that. Not a total lie, anyway.
Azyeon’s mom covered her mouth, laughing.
“Oppa, stage costume?”
“Yeah. Music show right after.”
“You’re busy.”
“Thanks for the praise. My honor, Princess.”
“Looks like you’re good, so we’ll head out.”
I bowed.
“See you next time, Princess.”
“Okay, Oppa! Stay healthy!”
The cute but still slightly intimidating princess scampered off. I shrugged, closing the door.
‘That little kid was worried about me.’
Never imagined.
‘Made time just to come by.’
She’s not that free, either.
‘Oh no. Gotta give the princess something.’
What do little girls like? Anyone with daughters nearby? Manager might know.
‘But would Azyeon want something ordinary like other girls?’
I recalled her tastes and shook my head. Felt untouchable.
Then the door opened again. Manager? No, staff.
“Cha Dowon-ssi, time to go.”
“Oh, okay.”
Manager must still be stuck in traffic. I stood lightly and headed out.
***
“Oh my, Dowon. Why so fancy? Hanbok suits you.”
I chuckled, bowing then straightening.
“You’re as beautiful as ever, Teacher.”
“Oh my! Always so sweet. Stage outfit, right?”
“Yes. Straight to music show after.”
“What’s that you’re holding?”
I grinned and unfurled the paper umbrella, sidling up to Yoon Mihyeon Teacher.
“Brought it to shield you from the blinding lights.”
“Oh my goodness!”
She knew it was just flattery, but it still cheered her up. Yoon Mihyeon Teacher beamed and hooked her arm in mine.
“Guess I’ll need that escort.”
“My pleasure.”
“Look at this……”
Familiar voice. I bowed then straightened.
“Charmed by the beauty, and I’m sidelined again.”
“We met at the awards, didn’t we?”
“Yeah! We did! Still, greet me first. Is that an umbrella? Weird.”
“Oh, paper umbrella. For the stage.”
“My eyes hurt from lights too!”
Jeong Ji-seok suddenly glued himself to my side. Sandwiched between them, I raised the umbrella higher.
“Let’s go!”
“Like this?”
Could manage, but awkward as hell. Yoon Mihyeon Teacher shoved Jeong Ji-seok repeatedly.
“I called dibs. No room, kid! Ask later.”
“Teacher……”
“Ji-seok, whiny guys aren’t attractive. Dowon, let’s go!”
Wow.
I grinned wide, escorting Yoon Mihyeon Teacher. Felt Jeong Ji-seok’s glare from behind, but not my problem.
Teacher whispered.
“He might sulk.”
“No way.”
“Guys that age sulk easy. Sweet-talk him later.”
Why do I have to placate middle-aged men? Save me, Teacher.
We kept walking and soon reached backstage.
“Go on in!”
Holding the paper umbrella, I advanced. As Teacher and I emerged, camera shutters flashed wildly.
Then the director approached. He greeted with a smile; the MC said,
“Whoa, what’s with the quirky prop.”
Director eyed my open umbrella too.
‘No choice.’
I quietly sheltered him under it too. He laughed, slapping my shoulder, delighted despite the nothingburger.
We sat. MC chuckled.
“Why such a pretty outfit too?”
Stage gear was flashy, yeah. I shrugged, making eye contact with the audience. Cute how some covered their mouths screaming.
“Chaos already. Great vibe today. Alright, Gui Ju Victory fan Q&A starts. First ten-million film this year. Director, thoughts?”
Director grabbed the mic.
“Fantastic. Best part? Our couple didn’t end up as extras.”
Laughter filled the seats.
“Thanks to Dowon-ssi. At nine million, teetering, he blew up on variety—saved our asses.”
Honored.
Knew it was a joke, but felt good. Director and I bowed to each other. More laughter.
‘Vibe’s killer.’
Movie success? Everyone smiling. I quietly checked my phone. No manager reply yet.
‘Still jammed?’
Pondering as MC spoke.
“Gui Ju Victory smashed it. Tickets for this even sold out fast, right?”
“Yes~”
Audience roared.
“Questions time. Whoa, hands everywhere. You there.”
“Yes. Question for Cha Dowon-ssi.”
Premiere flashbacks hit.
‘That one was trash. Hope these fans are better.’
I took the mic quietly. Question came right away.
“First screen role, yet all rave reviews. How? Acting genius?”
Jenny fans, huh. Thanks. Extra image boost.
I smiled sweetly.
“Not a genius, really. But this role? Dream part. Thanks to leading seniors and director, punched above my weight.”
Admit I nailed it? Blacklisted in film land.
They loved it—director and staff beamed. Good answer, confirmed.
“Aww, humble. Next?”
“Question for Jeong Ji-seok-ssi. Feeling better now?