Chapter 387
Chapter 387
“Hmm.”
The message I had just sent still hadn't received a reply.
But let’s see.
Zairop, the idol group Lee Se-jin was currently a part of, was scheduled for a short break right after their tour.
I doubted he’d guess I contacted him knowing that, but either way, it meant he could spare at least one day out of those few.
And that was where the bait came in.
The actor with the same name, Lee Se-jin.
He was currently at the top of his game as an actor, and there was the narrative of them sharing the same name. He was a flawless choice for networking.
It was enough to make him a high priority to manage.
‘I’m stopping by home anyway, so can’t I spare half a day the next morning?’
...That’s likely what he was thinking.
After all, this was the same Lee Se-jin who managed to get the MC’s phone number during his very first solo variety show appearance.
Sure enough.
The dark screen of my smartphone soon vibrated again.
[Cool Younger Brother Se-jin: LOL Hyung, how did you time that so perfectly? I’m free then!]
[Cool Younger Brother Se-jin: What date were you thinking?]
Exactly.
Ryu Cheong-woo looked at the screen, gave a wry smile, and spoke to me.
“So you’re in touch with Se-jin, too. You must have had a hard time.”
“...Yes. Well, not that much.”
I was about to reply that it wasn't really a struggle when—
“Moon-dae hyung! Put ‘Cool Younger Brother’ on my name too! I’m Cool Tiger Cha Yu-jin...”
“Be quiet, you dummy... Gasp!”
...No, I just set it like that as bait... whatever.
“Oh!! Kim Rae-bin, did you just call me a dummy?”
“It was a slip of the tongue!”
Thanks to Kim Rae-bin, who naturally became the center of attention, I avoided my contact list becoming even more cluttered.
*
A few days later, in a private room of a restaurant in Seoul.
“So, Lee Se-jin is coming soon? And he has no memories?”
“Yes.”
Bae Se-jin had arrived wearing sunglasses, a hat, and even gloves, but now that he was seated, he was gulping down water with a look of slight nervousness.
I don’t know why he’s acting like this when they were sharing a dorm until recently.
‘Then again, they really didn't get along at the start.’
Maybe the memory of that stress was making him act this way.
Anyway, it would be another thirty minutes before that guy arrived, so his nerves would probably settle by then.
I had intentionally met up with this guy a bit early.
“By the way, hyung, how are things at the company?”
...I was asking to find out exactly what he did to make the CEO beg for forgiveness on his knees.
As soon as he heard the question, Bae Se-jin’s face lit up.
“Well... it’s not bad.”
“Is that so?”
“Just, you know... I renewed the contract to match industry standards, changed my manager, and made sure they can’t block me from scripts anymore.”
“...?”
“And I got a recording and a written pledge so he can’t do this kind of thing to anyone else... so it’s not bad. Ahem.”
“......”
You might as well just brag openly.
Bae Se-jin’s face practically screamed, ‘Look at the cathartic justice I served!’
Fine. I played along.
“That’s impressive. It’s not easy to handle things so quietly without any articles coming out.”
“Ahem, it wasn't that hard. I just... handled it according to common sense and the natural order of things.”
“Oh.”
Is it time for him to spill the method?
“The CEO was embezzling company funds for overseas gambling.”
“...!!”
“And I have evidence. A video!”
He said he hadn't realized it was evidence before, but found out years later when it broke in the media.
‘Given his personality, he probably simulated how he’d expose it dozens of times...’
Still, to get the CEO to prostrate himself, it seemed his meetings with the lawyer hadn't been in vain.
“Of course, reporting it to the police and handling it properly would be better for society... but then I wouldn't be able to promote for a while.”
“Ah.”
Bae Se-jin toyed with his water glass.
“Well... I have to help you win the Grand Prize.”
“...!”
“To do that, it’s more advantageous for me to keep working. But! I think I’ve made it so the CEO can never do something like that again.”
“......”
Good grief.
He’s exactly the kind of guy who, once he decided this wasn't reality and lost his hesitations, would come up with a practical compromise.
“Thank you.”
“Hmph, for what? We’re all trying to go back together!”
After that, Bae Se-jin’s tongue loosened completely, and he went on to describe how he’d cleanly gotten rid of the manager and the malicious staff members.
While there were some clumsy parts, his drive was good, and he seemed to have tried to handle things meticulously, so it didn't look like I needed to step in.
‘This is good.’
He even mentioned that he originally wanted to legally change his name to ‘Bae Se-jin,’ but held off for the sake of public recognition for now.
Ah, speaking of which...
“Is everything okay with your biological father’s side?”
I was talking about that drug villain.
“......”
Bae Se-jin spoke with a slightly uncomfortable expression.
“...Apparently, he’s missing?”
“...??”
Just how is this world constructed?
“Anyway, he’s already divorced from my mom, so it’s all over! It’s fine.”
“I see.”
If he says so.
The topic shifted back to his current status and future plans.
“...Right! I have a movie coming out soon. Hmm, I should time the promotion with the survival debut you guys are doing...”
Knock, knock.
“Ah.”
A knock came from the door.
‘It’s not a waiter.’
Checking the clock, I knew exactly who it was.
“Come in.”
Exactly four minutes before the appointed time.
Lee Se-jin opened the door and walked in.
“Hyung, I’m here! Hello— Oh, hello!”
The guy, who had his dyed hair hidden under a hoodie, took off his mask and greeted us.
“Glad you could make it.”
“Ah, my place is nearby, so I timed it perfectly! Everyone’s here early.”
Nearby, my foot. He probably waited nearby and came in right on time.
I gestured to the seat across from him as he sat down.
“This is Lee Se-jin hyung. He’s an actor.”
“Ahhh— I’ve really been enjoying your movies!”
“Ah, yes.”
Bae Se-jin nodded. This setup reminded me of the Idol Inc. days.
“I even found your performance in ‘Seahorse’ very impressive.”
As expected of him, Lee Se-jin seemed to have done thorough preliminary research.
“You were so convincing as a creepy medical student that it gave me goosebumps. I’m always amazed at how well you capture those vibes, really!”
Bae Se-jin, who had only played four consecutive psychopath roles, replied amidst his nervousness.
“It’s just because I play the same kind of role every time... so, yeah.”
“......”
For a moment, even the great Lee Se-jin almost lost his words, but he quickly smiled and responded.
“Hey, it’s because you’re so good every time that it feels consistent!”
“That’s not it... but thank you anyway.”
“Ahaha, sure!”
And it seemed Lee Se-jin immediately scrapped all his career-related small talk topics.
However, even after that, all of Lee Se-jin’s casual questions were deflected.
“Oh, that coat looks great on you! Do you wear coats often?”
“Um... my manager gave it to me.”
“Your manager has great taste.”
Then Bae Se-jin, who had just fired that manager this morning, replied like this:
“......I’m not so sure.”
“......”
Since he was a guy who couldn't just gloss over facts and lie to play along, he kept falling silent...
‘This is a disaster.’
I admitted it cleanly.
These guys just... don't click.
‘In the end, do I have to take the lead here too?’
“Let’s talk more while we eat. You must be hungry.”
“...! Oh~ sounds good. Hyung, what did you order?”
As the Korean course meal was served, I began the task of creating conversation topics, something I never thought I’d have to do.
*
‘Ah~ this is a bust.’
Lee Se-jin inwardly evaluated the situation as he ate.
Building a connection with the actor sitting across from him was a lost cause.
‘Did he not want to come? Why is he like that?’
Actually, he felt like he could probably get close if he persistently kept talking... but for some reason, he didn't feel like doing that.
‘It’s not like I absolutely need actor connections.’
He’d need at least a few more years before he could do solo acting activities. Lee Se-jin didn't need to be impatient. ...Probably.
‘...No, should I be more focused?’
Looking at the state of his team, even a contract renewal seemed unlikely. The thought that he had to find a way to survive within a few years left a bitter taste in his mouth.
‘Over something like this.’
It was funny to feel this way. Even though the team was doing well right now...
“The galbi here is delicious.”
“...! Ah, you’re right~ I can’t believe I didn't know about a place like this!”
“I heard fans post a lot of hashtags about places like this.”
“Right, right~ they post a lot.”
When the conversation between the two Lee Se-jins stalled, Ryu Gun-woo stepped in to lead the dialogue smoothly.
He seemed uncharacteristically proactive.
‘...Uncharacteristically?’
He didn't know why he was thinking that when this was only their second meeting.
Well, even at a glance, he didn't look like the extroverted type. Lee Se-jin just moved his thoughts to the next context.
Anyway, why did he bother bringing someone like that along instead of just the two of them meeting...
‘...Wait, would I have come if it were just us?’
Right. He had made time because he was told he’d be introduced to a new connection... he thought.
He didn't know. Strangely, his train of thought felt all jumbled up.
Lee Se-jin didn't show it, but he was a bit flustered.
‘That’s weird.’
Still, he continued the conversation. Similarly, because it was strangely fun... and comfortable.
“How was the tour?”
And as the topic shifted to idols, activities, and survival programs, a deeper conversation naturally began to emerge.
“Tours are fun~ You’ll be doing them soon too, Hyung. You’re so good at it! The Wise program is really popular, too.”
“Still, the song and the situation at the time of debut are important. I can’t say for sure it’ll go well, but...”
Listing facts that dampened the mood was similar to the actor, but Ryu Gun-woo finished with a smile.
“I still hope it goes well so you can do it. I think it would be very rewarding.”
“...Hmm. True. The stage is exhausting, but it’s really fun work.”
“I see.”
He asked questions typical of a survival participant with an uncertain future, but there was nothing particularly desperate or clingy about him.
How should he put it? The man was straightforward.
“...Hyung, your agency is famous for handling tours well. It’ll be fine.”
So, Lee Se-jin might have started giving slightly more honest answers from beneath the surface, instead of the well-calibrated responses he usually used for relationships.
Naturally, the topic became more serious.
And then came this question.
“Speaking of which... I wanted to ask what it feels like when you debut. How is it?”
When he debuted?
“It’s fascinating, but also incredibly hectic? You’re so busy you don't even have time to savor the feeling~”
It was the truth.
But there was also a truth beneath that which he didn't necessarily need to say.
“...Well, it might not be the feeling you expected.”
If he was expecting overflowing passion, a sense of challenge, and the stability of being in the right place, he wanted to advise him to throw those expectations away.
Ryu Gun-woo asked quietly.
“Is there anything you regret?”
Regret?
“Still, I don't think I’ve ever particularly regretted it. Of course, some... unexpected difficulties do arise.”
Elements like members, which you can’t do anything about once you’ve already debuted together.
“Like what?”
“Ah, well...”
Lee Se-jin was about to speak reflexively when he finally realized.
That he was being unnecessarily honest.
‘Why am I saying this...’
He managed to naturally correct his words.
“...Well, no job is easy when it comes to earning money! That’s just how it is!”
“...Right. I imagine it would feel that way.”
“......”
Ryu Gun-woo didn't pry further. He clearly seemed to have noticed something was off, but it felt like a form of consideration.
‘Ah.’
Lee Se-jin felt a slight sense of regret even as he felt relieved.
‘...?? Regret what?’
Then, the actor who had been diligently eating instead threw out a poignant remark.
“Right. No job is easy when it comes to earning money.”
“...?”
“A person has to earn their keep.”
Suddenly?
He didn't even know when the guy had started speaking informally, but since he was definitely older, Lee Se-jin just replied smoothly.
“That’s... true. Yes, yes.”
The actor gripped his chopsticks so hard the veins on his hand stood out.
“People who just lazily occupy a spot and eventually do things they shouldn't... people like that don't deserve to earn money.”
“Ah, they definitely shouldn't. Really.”
Lee Se-jin’s agreement was momentarily dead serious.
It was because he got worked up thinking of recent examples.
Recalling the face of the jerk who failed to manage his condition because he was drinking the night before a tour, Lee Se-jin said coldly.
“There’s such a thing as professional ethics. And in a group life, if there’s a person like that, the whole team suffers.”
“Exactly! No matter how talented they are, a kind person who works hard is better than someone like that!”
But for someone who shouted so energetically, the actor suddenly flinched and added:
“You... might prefer someone who’s talented even if they’re a bit mean or lazy over someone who’s untalented.”
And he hurriedly tried to fix it.
“Because that’s usually how it is!”
“......”
Lee Se-jin thought of a generic reply like ‘There are many people like that~’ but scrapped it.
For some reason, he was a bit annoyed.
No, after he’d agreed with him... did the guy think he was like that just because he was being a wet blanket?
“No, I think I also prefer someone who works hard even if they’re a bit lacking?”
“...Really?”
“Of course~ If you’re going to keep working together, thinking about the future, the former will eventually become good, won’t they?”
“...!”
Lee Se-jin reached a conclusion without realizing it.
“If it’s someone you’re going to go the distance with, that’s better.”
It felt refreshing.
“......”
For a moment, the actor almost dropped his chopsticks.
What’s with him?
But he soon adjusted his grip and muttered in a much brighter tone.
“...I suppose so. You’re right.”
“Right~?”
For the first time today, a conversation between the two ended on a good note.
And Lee Se-jin slightly changed his mind.
Well... his personality seemed a bit eccentric, but he seemed to be the type who had a vision when it came to work.
‘That’s... not bad.’
And Ryu Gun-woo, who had been eating without intervening in their conversation at all, finally started speaking again.
“Since we’re on the topic of work, what would be an appropriate amount of practice? Actors and idols are in different fields, though.”
“Hmm~ first of all, isn't consistency the most important?”
“...Right. After all, there’s such a thing as habits becoming ingrained in the body.”
And the conversation naturally proceeded with all three participating...
“...!”
Wait.
‘...Did he lead the conversation this way on purpose?’
Because that actor would open up in serious conversations. And even though he himself had given up on small talk out of annoyance, he would still engage in serious talk...
So that the atmosphere between him and the actor wouldn't get any weirder.
“......”
Lee Se-jin felt strangely embarrassed and lowered his gaze to his bowl.
Even though he was younger, he was the senior, and being looked after in a setting like this felt a bit off.
But at the same time... he felt a bit at ease. It was like a feeling of having someone reliable.
‘Wow~ I’m thinking all sorts of things.’
He eventually gave up.
It seemed he just wanted to make this new connection a friend.
‘...An idol friend is good.’
Lee Se-jin suppressed a sigh and put the soybean paste noodles into his mouth.
They were delicious.
*
The meal with the two people sharing the same name ended well in the end.
Although Bae Se-jin was appalled and gave this evaluation as soon as Lee Se-jin left:
—Even though he’s young, his personality is exactly the same!
Of course, that wasn't the end of it.
—...Still, it wasn't bad.
Meeting him in a different situation and position seemed to have made him reflect on the friction they had during their debut days.
He seemed to think that if the situation had been different, they would have fought and made up much faster.
[I think you two will get along better from now on...]
Maybe.
Anyway, I saw off Bae Se-jin, who was heading back to beat up his CEO again.
Then I joined the other three guys who had gone out to pick out piercings for Kim Rae-bin.
“Did you meet the Se-jin hyungs? Call me next time too!”
Cha Yu-jin left those words and ran off with Kim Rae-bin to buy pizza.
Ryu Cheong-woo evaluated it like this:
“Meeting Se-jin, I mean Lee Se-jin, was... to make him feel a little less hurt later when his memories return, right?”
“......”
I lowered my smartphone.
“It’s not that. It’s just convenient to have connections with a senior idol who has a name for himself.”
Why not use information when I have it? ...And he’s a guy I click with, too.
Ryu Cheong-woo was dazed for a moment, then burst into laughter.
“Got it! Moon-dae, you’re still the same. Just like Rae-bin.”
“...!”
“Ah, here come the kids. I’ll go grab the pizza.”
“No...”
This guy isn't listening again.
Anyway, that day ended with me spending time at the officetel with those three, chewing on pizza for dinner.
‘Is today some kind of meeting day?’
And while I was making up a suitable excuse for Kim Rae-bin, who asked, “Would it be more comfortable for me to call you Moon-dae hyung as well?”, new rumors and public opinion about the LeTi survival were rising on the internet.
========================
[Did you see the elimination spoiler?]
Ryu Cheong-woo appeared, so Choi Tae-jun was eliminated.
========================
-???
-What are you talking about?
-Who is Ryu Cheong-woo?
└The archery gold medalist. He’s Ryu Gun-woo’s relative.
-Why is he appearing here?
-Smells like total nepotism...
With that board starting to burn from a new ignition point, the new filming for the survival show was about to begin.
...And a completely unexpected coincidence was waiting there as well.