Chapter 172
Chapter 172
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 172
Chapter Title: Kang Minje's Solo Showcase
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This required some thought.
‘It’s something I have to go through.’
It was also something that would hit me once I experienced it.
I let out a deep sigh. Just thinking about Kang Minje made my head complicated.
‘In times like this, I should just work.’
Ah, I want to work.
Maybe because I’d been communicating with fans so much for the past few weeks. I desperately wanted to do a live broadcast.
‘Fans, if I suddenly disappear, they’ll worry.’
Friends Entertainment would probably explain it well. But shouldn’t I say it myself? Should I go live right now and say I won’t be seeing them for a while?
“Right. It’s banned.”
Was this withdrawal symptom?
It wasn’t my body shaking, but my mind. I looked down at my smartphone. A few taps, and I could meet the fans!
A sigh escaped me naturally.
‘Is this why Executive Director Joo banned it?’
Grumbling, I headed to wash up. Fine. Going to Kang Minje’s showcase was work too.
‘He said to give him flowers.’
It wasn’t my schedule, so I hadn’t gotten the cue sheet, but would I give it if I went? I shook my head to clear the thought.
***
“You need to get scolded.”
I smiled bitterly. How many minutes had it been already?
“The rumors have spread, huh. Noona.”
I offered her a muffin from the bakery. Stylist Noona glared and didn’t take it.
“The Zenith guys were worried. I overheard while checking their outfits.”
“I see.”
“No, seriously, how much did you work?”
Well, I’d done every live broadcast and schedule I could squeeze in. That was all.
“You’re filming a drama too.”
“That’s right.”
“Seriously, impressive.”
I shook the paper bag with the muffin.
“So this is a bribe.”
“Dowon. I’m letting it slide this much because I’m weak to bribes.”
Stylist Noona carefully took the bag and set it aside. Then, fiddling with my collar, she said,
“They say you overdid it, but your face looks fine.”
“I controlled that part.”
“How do you control overwork? Must be because you’re young.”
I grinned widely.
“Because I’m a trendsetter idol.”
“Ugh. Fine. Pretty. Handsome. Cha Dowon.”
Huh.
“You said handsome?”
She never said just pretty before?
“Today, you’re exuding masculinity.”
Good.
“Did you grow taller? Or something. You look subtly full of worries…”
Stylist Noona stepped back and scanned me up and down.
“Your eyes have a hint of melancholy, makes you look mature.”
Melancholy? Noona, writing poetry now?
“Well, lately I’ve been wanting to rebel a bit.”
“Huh?”
“I want to do a live broadcast. The company says no. Says I’m overdoing it.”
Ah, I want to connect.
“Oh my! You’ve got that sickness too?”
“Seems like it.”
But I’ve always loved attention. Is there an idol who hates it? Well, probably some…
‘How do you even be an idol if you hate attention?’
Ah, I want to see the fans.
My hands were itching like crazy. Stylist Noona buttoned my sleeve and said,
“There, all done.”
“Thanks as always.”
“You always speak so nicely. Our Dowon.”
A chuckle escaped me. After changing and heading out, Manager Heo said,
“You’re here?”
“Manager Heo today.”
“What? Me carrying you and putting you to sleep, and you already like other managers more!”
Oops.
‘I forgot. He’s a hassle.’
I nodded.
“Let’s say so.”
“What! For real? You’re too much! What’s our years together?”
They were nothing, but saying that would make him more annoying.
“Yeah, yeah.”
“Even if Manager Han is calm and good at his job!”
He knew.
In a way, he was pretty consistent.
I smiled a little. That was one of the few things I liked about him, but saying it would make him more annoying.
“Let’s go quick.”
“Sniff. Sniff. Kid’s grown and talking back big time.”
“If I really talk back big…”
I smiled brightly.
“You’ll regret it, Manager.”
“What, what’re you gonna do? G-go to a club?”
“Why would a minor go there? Or an idol? Ads would all get cut.”
“Then how’re you gonna talk back big?”
“Hmm. Live broadcast?”
The manager immediately grabbed my shoulders.
“You’re banned from that for a while.”
“That’s why I’m not doing it.”
“But that’s talking back big?”
“I like working.”
Suddenly, the manager scanned me up and down.
“Ruthless. Ruthless.”
“Thanks for the praise.”
“Not praise, you punk! Well, that’s what makes you a trendsetter idol. That’s why everyone knows Cha Dowon.”
Huh.
“Not everyone yet, right?”
“Articles about you every day? Variety shows everywhere?”
“Still not everyone.”
Thinking about it, it was tempting.
‘How do idols get nationwide recognition?’
Appeal to the elderly maybe.
“Should I go on those song festivals in every corner of the country?”
“No, why there.”
“If I sing and dance there, people in quieter areas might know me too.”
The manager grimaced.
“Still not enough?”
“Of course.”
“Ruthless. Ruthless.”
Back to square one. I smiled brightly.
“Thanks for the praise.”
The manager shook his head like he was done.
“For now, give the flowers nicely today. Praise Minje.”
What to praise? The album?
“Minje worried a lot.”
“Why?”
“He said he didn’t want to drag Zenith down if he flopped.”
My steps halted for a moment.
“He said that?”
“Of course. Minje shakes when his songs get revealed too, Dowon.”
Crazy.
“No, even if his solo flops a bit, Zenith won’t decline.”
“Understand his feelings. He doesn’t want to harm if he can’t help.”
“Unnecessary worry. His song won’t suck to begin with.”
The manager’s buttonhole eyes stared at me.
“And even if, Zenith’s something I’ll pull up no matter what.”
The manager’s eyes blinked turtle-like. After a while, he clapped.
Clap-clap-
‘Picking a fight?’
The manager raised his thumb.
“As expected of Cha Dowon. Zenith’s maknae. This era’s trendsetter idol. No wonder you hard carry.”
For real picking a fight?
Talking more would be annoying, so I shut up. Then, I remembered what Kang Minje said.
-Dowon. Say I make music that doesn’t fit trends. You’d pull Zenith back up.
Damn.
I narrowed my eyes.
-The you I see would. Variety or whatever, you pull the team up.
-Feels like I got a huge shield.
Shield my ass.
Annoying. I pressed my forehead and exhaled long.
‘It’s different.’
From pre-regression Kang Minje.
I shook my head. My mind was really messed up.
***
Still, work was work.
Entering the showcase venue, I was immediately guided.
VIP, but no cue sheet. The staff sat me in the front row audience and said,
“Sit here, and when it’s time for ‘presenting flowers,’ come up and give them.”
Simple and easy.
‘Staging for a photo.’
Manager beside me said,
“Minje’ll love seeing you. Dowon. Surprise party, nice!”
Well, not bad. But front row, he’d see me right away?
‘Surprise might be pushing it.’
I looked at the flower bouquet handed to me. Small and pretty.
“Manager. Can you get a bigger bouquet? Roses if possible.”
“Why?”
“Too small.”
I smiled faintly.
“Hyung I’ve been close with since young, first solo album, bouquet’s too small.”
Manager swallowed hard.
“Uh. You want to give a big one?”
“Yes. Sorry, should’ve prepared earlier, just thought of it.”
“Ah. No. This is my job. Wait, I’ll get a huge one.”
“Roses if you can. Color doesn’t matter.”
“Got it!”
Manager dashed out surprisingly fast for his size. I put the small bouquet on his seat.
Soon people filed in. Some spotted me, so I nodded with mask on.
The host’s voice rang out. Finally, Kang Minje’s first solo album showcase began.
***
It proceeded normally. Like introducing our album, the host said similarly.
“Kang Minje.”
Kang Minje appeared. Amid flashes, he walked in.
‘His steps show he’s tense.’
Obvious from expression. Lips twitching subtly.
‘Realizing again, I know Kang Minje well.’
Does he think the same?
I lowered then raised my eyes. Kang Minje walking met my gaze. Tension eased, he smiled naturally.
‘Damn.’
Fox bastard, really sees me as shield.
‘Well, having one makes life easier.’
Not intentional. We’re teammates. His rise lifts Zenith.
‘Same for me.’
Mine lifts Zenith.
‘Teams are this weird?’
Rediscovering what I knew felt strange.
He sat. Host proceeded, but I barely heard.
“Now, we’ll reveal Kang Minje’s solo MV from the teaser!”
I blankly watched the screen. Truthfully, first time hearing the fox’s song.
Video shook like old film. Sound of film reel.
‘Not in the audio track?’
Screen black-and-white like old movie. Blurry focus sharpened on a restaurant.
‘Post-apocalyptic vibe?’
Restaurant full of oddly dressed guests. Kang Minje in waiter outfit carrying food.
‘Crazy.’
This what he meant by reference?
Hair tied back longish, Kang Minje darted between guests. Then spotted a woman.
‘Her outfit weird too?’
Woman in black fur coat. With a man in strange suit.
Man reached with ring-laden hand to touch her, but she turned away refusing.
‘Look like couple, but off?’
Man flustered. Then, woman and waiter Kang Minje locked eyes.
That’s when his song started.
‘Crazy.’
Knew from first verse. This track was destined to hit.
Medium tempo start, drums stood out. Occasional kick and clap.
‘Playing with rhythm.’
I looked back at screen. Now in color. Kang Minje walked dark alley.
Turning corner. Waiter youth looked up. Awkward, but I knew.
‘Startled expression.’
Kang Minje ran. Hit dead end.
There, fur coat torn off woman.
She wept bitterly. Kang Minje approached cautiously, hand out.
Then scenes shifted.
Woman bandaged on old bed. Looking around displeased, spotted waiter youth’s desk.
‘Woman in MV kinda weird?’
She messed his books, bored tore to play. Then Kang Minje entered.
‘Scolding her.’
Kang Minje yelled at her right away. She looked down then stuck tongue out.
‘This woman’s really odd?’
He treated her, gave bed, yet so ungrateful.
‘MV scenes aren’t pointless.’
Must be symbolism.
Pouting, she crawled under bed. Kang Minje cooled off, coaxed her out.
Then chorus hit. His falsetto pierced ears.
‘Crazy.’