Chapter 177
Chapter 177
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 177
Chapter Title: Why Doesn't He Know Why He's Acting Like That?
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“It's really strange. It's in Gyeonggi Province and all.”
I carefully brushed the message book with my gloved hand.
“Do the broadcasting station folks think it's fine to let a bunch of energetic idols loose in one place without any issues?”
Manager Han nodded at my words.
“I wonder about that too.”
“And they cram all the idols' fans into the gym.”
“Y-Yeah, that's true. But that happens at concerts and music shows all the time.”
“At least there should be some proper system in place for if someone gets hurt.”
Probably not.
*Not until someone actually gets injured. They never prepare in advance.*
Hold on, injuries?
For a moment, I recalled the past timeline. Right, Zenith had participated in that sports festival too.
*There were some minor controversies. And I remember someone got hurt?*
I narrowed my eyes.
*It wasn't Ki Jae-yoon.*
One of the members got hurt?
I imagined Seung-jun or Hajin hyung getting injured.
*No way.*
I'm not letting that happen.
*But we can't just skip it entirely?*
That would make us complete enemies with the broadcasting station.
*Injuries are serious, we don't want to go, but we can't back out—there's always a reason for that.*
Still, why did someone get hurt?
I fiddled with the smartphone in my pocket. Even if hurt, I could heal them quickly with this.
*But best not to get hurt at all.*
I let out a long breath.
*Anyway, it's still a bit in the future.*
Focus on what's right in front of me.
Looking ahead, I saw the message book. For a second, controlling my expression was tough.
*So much heart went into this.*
They must've made it thinking it'd make me happy.
*How do I repay the fans?*
I felt my face heating up. I carefully put it back in the gift box.
“Dowon, aren't you going to look at it now?”
“Ah, I was planning to check it out back at the dorm. You never know what might happen here.”
I looked around.
“I want to see it somewhere as safe as possible.”
“T-That serious?”
“Of course. It's one of a kind in the world.”
Plus, Jeremy was here. I didn't want to risk him ruining it because of some childish senior.
“Manager, please store it safely in the car.”
“Sure thing. I'll do it right now.”
I turned my gaze toward the meal truck.
“Come join us for food when you're back.”
Manager Han nodded and hurried off. I stared blankly at the meal truck the fans had provided. A lot of people were already eating.
That's when my eyes met the director's. He beckoned me over right away.
*Well, a meal like this isn't bad.*
All the lead actors except Jeremy were already at the same table. I walked over with a smile.
This kind of bonding wasn't bad.
*It's a precious spot the fans set up.*
My heart swelled again. I took a long breath.
*I have to make them happy, no matter what.*
With that resolve, I greeted the actors. They all seemed in good moods, welcoming me with smiles.
***
Come to think of it, this was my first proper crank-in. Fully dressed in costume, I stood in front of the piano.
*This is the scene where Iryul plays the piano with emotion.*
The script said:
*Lightly tapping the keys at first, then overcome by emotion and getting intense. Panting for breath.*
It was the first scene, so lots of people were watching. The leads were there too, of course.
*Well, I'm supposed to be some acting genius.*
Plenty of folks here to judge for themselves. Even my respected senior Jeremy.
A pleasant tension filled me. I liked these gazes.
“Standby.”
I got into position.
“Cue!”
I stared at the piano with a dazed expression. Then I pressed a key with one finger.
Ting—
Iryul pressed a different note.
Ting—
I knew the answer to this acting.
*Kang Min-je.*
In the past timeline, I'd seen that guy do this. He'd press the keys, then suddenly slam them with his fist.
*Back then, I had no idea what emotion that was.*
He must've been desperate. That's all I thought.
*Iryul's probably the same.*
The problem was, you couldn't run from it here.
Like Kang Min-je back then, I smiled faintly. Then I pounded the piano with my fist.
*Iryul still treasures the piano.*
So no slamming down hard.
Dissonant chords kept ringing out. I panted for breath. As I closed my eyes gasping, I heard it.
“Cut!”
I wanted to keep going, but it was a bit regrettable.
I opened my eyes and turned around. I was curious about the gallery's reactions.
*Why so quiet?*
Everyone had their mouths shut. When I gave a slight smile, voices finally came.
“Great.”
It was the director.
“Extremely Iryul-like.”
Well, I knew a guy just like that, so of course. I grinned wide.
“An honor.”
“I knew you had talent, but not to this extent, Dowon.”
I bowed my head then lifted it.
*Oops, now I'm a bit worried.*
You'll be seeing this level from me ongoing.
*But I can't say that.*
Non-idols value humility. Some like cockiness, but not this director.
“Please don't overhype me beyond my skills. I'll keep working hard, Director.”
Perfect answer, apparently—his expression softened instantly. I smiled and looked at the gallery.
The female lead. Yumiho. And Jeremy too.
*Their faces are hilarious.*
Actors, but terrible at expression control.
*Bitna's mouth is wide open, Yumiho's spaced out. My senior...*
He's biting his lip and trembling.
*My acting must've been stellar.*
Pulled perfect reactions from the gallery.
I said casually.
“Why are you here, Senior?”
He glared at me. Looked ready to swing.
“You.”
My dear senior Jeremy grabbed my arm tight.
Ow. You little punk.
“Something to say?”
“You knew about the script change!”
Script? Oh, the big revisions? Of course I knew.
But sadly, I'm not an idiot.
“I did get a quick service update to a new script midway?”
“It became all about you!”
Wow.
*This punk's no dummy.*
Must've peeked at the script early? Unexpected diligence from Senior Jeremy.
“My parts increased a bit, but you're still the lead in the Serenade arc, Senior.”
Getting mad over this?
*Worse stuff awaits ahead.*
“Hey! Don't pull tricks!”
I smiled brightly.
“No idea what you're talking about.”
Tricks? All I did was earn the director's trust.
“You little—!”
Don't shove your face in. Your breath stinks, punk.
*Wonder how long he'll hold on.*
Surrounding stares prickled. I looked at my arm in his grip.
“Senior. Let go.”
He didn't, naturally.
*No choice.*
I pried off his fingers one by one. I knew his weakness, but his grip was weak from zero exercise anyway. Finally peeled off his palm and shoved— he stumbled back.
“You little—!”
Then the director yelled.
“Jeremy!”
The director adjusted his cap and said.
“Let's film first.”
Jeremy spat a curse and turned away. I met the director's eyes, bowed slightly then straightened. He blinked like he knew everything.
*Is our Jeremy an idiot?*
With all these people watching, why act like that?
Then a voice from behind.
“You don't know why he's acting like that?”
I turned slightly. It was Bitna, the female lead of the Serenade arc.
We'd eaten at the meal truck together, but hadn't talked.
I nodded lightly.
“Well, I have some guesses.”
Bitna glanced around. The staff had turned away, rushing to the set.
“This is my second shoot with Jeremy.”
Oof. Poor her.
“I think I'm cursed too, seeing that mess again.”
My senior's reputation was stellar.
“Hana told me about you.”
Ah, her.
“Said you're a tough one?”
Nice phrasing.
“Yeah, kinda.”
“Arrogant, huh? Spot on.”
“My skills are the real deal.”
Bitna furrowed her brow. Then she snickered.
*Sweet Kiss seems like they have bad member relations, but moments like this say otherwise.*
Yeah, they'd fight tooth and nail over parts, then gossip right after. Weird group.
“Just like I heard.”
“An honor.”
“Well...”
Bitna smiled a little.
“Way better than that guy.”
“Can't compare to him.”
“True.”
I glanced at her.
“Something to say?”
“Huh?”
Bitna blinked.
“How'd you know?”
“Well, you don't seem like the type to chat idly, Senior.”
A compliment, sort of.
“Exactly as rumored.”
“An honor.”
“Hmm, I mentioned it was my second time with that mess.”
I nodded slightly. Bitna said flatly.
“He's got plans all figured out.”
What plans? Hit-and-run?
“He wants the spotlight.”
“Well, how many celebs don't?”
“True, but he's embarrassing about it.”
Wow. Objective review.
“Jeremy pretends to be sloppy but loves baiting people.”
“Pretends?”
Isn't he just sloppy?
“He probably planned to act arrogant to lower guards, then nail the shoot.”
My brows furrowed on their own.
*What the?*
Like, 'My personal life's a mess but I work hard' type?
*No, possible, but...*
To pull that off...
“Wish he'd at least manage his body first?”
Felt like she read my mind. I nodded.
“That's tough, annoying, and not instant.”
“Idols all do it.”
“Some idols can't. Once they blow up, some slack off.”
Fair point.
“He loves screwing over the lucky ones.”
Oof.
“Didn't realize.”
“Looks minor, but last time he won.”
I snickered.
“Opponent must've sucked.”
“True. But more diligent than him.”
“Diligence doesn't guarantee everything.”
Diligence is good. But acting, singing, dancing—all talent domains.
“What about you?”
“Sometimes people have both. Me too...”
I smiled brightly.
“And the senior in front of me.”
Bitna narrowed her eyes. But soon sighed long, then smiled faintly.
“Thanks for the heads-up, Senior.”
“No biggie.”
I shook my head.
“No, I didn't know.”
“You're surprisingly good at thanks. But you didn't need this scrap info.”
Bitna brushed back her hair. I nodded lightly.
“Brains win sometimes, but textbook beats tricks here.”
For Jeremy to play 'sloppy private life, pro at work,' he'd need real skill first, right?
“His acting's mediocre at best.”
“Really? Surprising. I've only seen his fails, thought he was below average.”
“He ignored you to scheme. Probably wanted you off-guard too.”
I snickered.
“I see.”
Oops. That backfired—script centered on me.
“But it was dumb. Cha Dowon acts too well. He didn't know you're no ordinary guy.”
Oof. Poor him.
“Why though?”
A bit curious.
“I'm hyped as overkill acting genius.”
Not even that, yet genius label. Why scheme?
“I think so too. If he'd seen your drama, no way he'd try that.”
I nodded.
Huh. Wait.
“You watched my drama?”
Bitna's face flushed slightly for a second.