Chapter 404
Chapter 404
…Seon A-hyun remembers an event from the time of Idol Inc.
After that guy dropped the bombshell and vanished, I checked my status window again, scouring it so thoroughly I might as well have been shaking it out.
But there was no mention of Seon A-hyun anywhere.
Not in the Recruit Colleague section, nor in the mailbox.
‘Is this not the influence of the system?’
[Could it be that a similar experience happened in this world too...?]
It wasn't that I hadn't suspected that, but…
‘The timing is just too perfect for that to be the case.’
A request to exchange random boxes at a 1:2 ratio right before the deadline. Isn't the situation far too similar?
Besides, why would Seon A-hyun, a ballerino in this world, so meaningfully recall the unique experience of "receiving a golden ball before the bell rings"?
‘…No matter how I think about it, that’s even less likely.’
[Then, as expected, Seon A-hyun-nim…?]
Yeah.
As soon as filming ended that day, I posted a message in the TeSTAR group chat.
The answers came pouring in, pushing aside the previous logs where they had been teasing the newcomer, Kim Rae-bin.
And then, a slightly delayed response, as if he had been deep in thought.
In conclusion, while some had vague feelings, no one had recalled specific scenes or information.
‘Hmm.’
I rubbed my chin.
Just then, my phone rang.
[Bae Se-jin Hyung]
It was the one guy who hadn't replied.
“…?”
Could it be that he had an example so grand it required a phone call?
I pressed the accept button.
However, as soon as I answered, instead of sharing an experience, he cut straight to the point.
— Is this about Seon A-hyun?
“…!”
— Since Seon A-hyun is the only one left among us, it’s him. …Am I right?
He’s always got a book in his hand; I guess he’s been reading some mystery novels lately.
“You’re right.”
— …!!
There was no point in denying it. I heard a sharp intake of breath through the speaker.
— What did Seon A-hyun remember??
“It’s nothing major, really.”
I gave a brief explanation of the situation. Bae Se-jin listened intently, but his eventual reaction was this:
— …I see. But I don’t know why this is so important. You can just ask him directly after you give him his memories back anyway.
“It’s not like I can just do that whenever I want.”
— You’ve made everyone else snap out of it so far. Isn't there a chance for Seon A-hyun too?
He continued in a low, remarkably calm voice.
— To me, it looks like you’re giving up without even trying.
Since when did this guy get so sharp?
I answered reluctantly.
“It’s not so much giving up as it is… there’s just no need. Seon A-hyun seems to be living well right now. He’s successful as a ballerino, too.”
— What? Just because someone is socially successful doesn't mean they’re necessarily living well.
He spoke firmly, but hesitated slightly in the next sentence.
— …I mean, if it’s because he doesn't seem to have any… trauma or anything like that… I under…stand, but.
His voice became firm again.
— Even if he looks like that on the outside, you don’t know if he’s the same on the inside.
“…….”
…Well, I didn't exactly go around broadcasting it when I was going through a hard time either.
I recalled how he was during Idol Inc.
Back then, he was aggressive and uncooperative to a degree that couldn't even be compared to now. I had thought he was just someone with a personality I couldn't work with, but after living with him, I realized he had his own circumstances and strengths.
‘Good grief.’
I suppressed a sigh.
“…I suppose so. Then I’ll withdraw my previous statement… and just say that I’m suspicious of whether he has his memories.”
— Ahem, right.
He seemed inexplicably proud for a moment, then fell silent before suddenly brightening up.
Now what?
— …! Then why don’t you try testing Seon A-hyun one more time? I’ll set the stage for you!
“…??”
How, exactly?
“You, Hyung?”
— Yeah. Then you… just need to make some time.
“Time for what?”
— Practice time.
A few weeks later.
Wishes' latest song, ‘Timer,’ had successfully cemented its place at the very top of the charts.
Its insane staying power, stubbornly clinging to the top 3 of the daily charts, was even stronger than the original song by the guy who had the drunk driving scandal.
Kim Rae-bin’s arrangement and the perfect exposure strategy had created a flawless synergy.
‘Good.’
Time flowed on, and soon it was October.
Now, people were starting to buzz about Wishes' chances of winning awards.
Their fame and popularity still couldn't compare to T-Holic.
However, looking strictly at the digital results and considering the agency's reputation, people were starting to see a possibility for them.
In places where people were just engaging in moderate power struggles, it was about this much.
It was a month where this kind of mess was slowly building up beneath the surface.
Park Moon-dae thought that because they rose so rapidly, these noisy controversies were actually following a step behind.
And while it didn't have much to do with the music industry, there was one fairly noteworthy event in the entertainment world this month.
An awards ceremony.
The Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards.
A highly prestigious ceremony hosted by the state to grant awards to artists.
The event, broadcast live on both the internet and TV, drew a decent number of viewers.
The number of people lurking had only increased slightly due to the news of the trending actor Lee Se-jin’s appearance.
The lineup consisted more of elderly artists than hot young celebrities, with a few famous actors sprinkled in, so it wasn't exactly boisterous.
That was, until a certain segment appeared as Part 1 ended.
[Celebratory Performance]
Just as viewers were imagining a suitably formal lineup for an awards ceremony performance.
The screen zoomed in on the performers on stage.
And the comment section exploded with screams.
Three tall men stood on stage.
However, the faces were a completely unexpected combination.
Rookie idol Ryu Gun-woo, ballerino Seon A-hyun.
And… actor Lee Se-jin.
‘Phew.’
Standing on stage, Ryu Gun-woo recalled Bae Se-jin’s slightly excited voice.
It was when he was talking about this plan a few months ago.
— I’m going to that awards ceremony too. I heard Seon A-hyun is coming to receive a special award.
— Yes.
— Then let’s perform there.
— …??
— Let’s do a commemorative performance with Seon A-hyun! And use that chance to observe him!
…First, let’s think about it from the beginning.
The possibility of it becoming a reality was… surprisingly there.
This was because the ceremony had many veteran winners who were icons of their era, both in terms of age and status.
‘Even a nationally famous ballerino would be a bit outranked.’
A special stage itself wasn't such a stretch for Seon A-hyun.
‘The problem was the persuasion.’
There was no reason for a winner to necessarily perform. They could have just called a suitably prestigious performance team.
Park Moon-dae thought that would be the key, but surprisingly, he was told the persuasion went easily without him having to do anything.
— They said Seon A-hyun… had become interested in this kind of music performance.
…That was rare.
‘This isn't even an Entertainment Awards; why would a national name from another field agree to a K-pop cover stage without a second thought?’
But that rare occurrence happened smoothly, and eventually, people saw these three standing on stage.
“…….”
As he took the starting formation, Seon A-hyun was standing where he turned his head.
And Ryu Gun-woo recalled the final warning.
— But his agency asked us to avoid a stage that was too overtly "idol-like."
That was actually better.
Because there was a stage that immediately came to mind.
‘With this lineup.’
This is it.
[Ooh~!]
Immediately after, bright guitar sounds and classic drum beats filled the stage.
A familiar and friendly melody.
Ryu Gun-woo, standing on stage, knew.
‘Seon A-hyun has uniquely experienced several situations that overlap with reality.’
Things like the vampire version cover of the Malang Dalkom song, or the random box exchange.
And this time, Park Moon-dae had intentionally provided a similar experience.
As the music filled the stage, spotlights shone on the three men wearing jeans and white T-shirts.
[You Are Amazing
by Seon A-hyun, Lee Se-jin, Ryu Gun-woo (Wishes)]
A recreation of the unit stage from TeSTAR’s first concert, which had been full of charm.
The arrangement was slightly more formal to suit the awards ceremony, similar to the original song, flowing over the stage with a sense of stability.
[I can hear your heart
The trembling of a shy chest]
The parts were divided exactly the same as back then.
The only differences were that Ryu Gun-woo was no longer in Park Moon-dae’s body and….
The people’s expectations.
Why is an actor so good on stage…?
People were thrown into overwhelming confusion seeing actor Lee Se-jin naturally handling the choreography, vocals, and facial expressions on stage.
And soon, they began to find it extremely delightful.
This was because Bae Se-jin’s active promotional behavior for Park Moon-dae’s sake had become a sort of "stan" meme.
People excitedly watched the three men enjoyably performing a classic song by a female singer, and the reactions of the artists who were smiling and clapping.
Thinking it was a very pleasant surprise.
[Ooh ooh ooh, amazing!
Everything about you]
And overshadowed by the impact of actor Lee Se-jin’s surprising hobby-level talent, they missed one thing.
[My heart flutters every day!
I can’t even sleep today]
No matter how much a ballerino performs on stage, it’s a completely different kind of performance from K-pop or idol stages.
Yet, he was blending in so naturally, showing a stage with a rhythm that fit perfectly without a single awkward spot.
[You are truly amazing]
Seon A-hyun turned with a smile.
After the eventful special performance.
“I think we did pretty well…!”
“Yes.”
Even as he ran down from the stage, Bae Se-jin couldn't hide his smile.
After spending the last few weeks stubbornly carving out time in the early morning or even using video calls to coordinate their movements, he seemed proud of how well they had executed it.
He even went as far as to say this while catching his breath:
“…This is fun. This is it!”
“…….”
I don’t think I’ve ever seen this guy so high on a stage performance before. I guess giving something and then taking it away really does make one crave it the most. Bae Se-jin even asked Seon A-hyun outright.
“Ahem, so, do you think it was fun too??”
“…! Ah.”
The guy nodded blankly.
“Yes. …It’s new. I mean… the feeling.”
“Right. Doing it after a long time makes the impression even deeper!”
Just then, a staff member who had been fidgeting nearby spoke up.
“Um… Se-jin-ssi, we’re short on time.”
“…! Ah, yes.”
Bae Se-jin instantly suppressed his flushed face and moved to return to his seat. He still had his nomination coming up.
But perhaps because the words he left behind were weighing on him, a murmuring sound could be heard from beside me.
“After a long time…?”
“…….”
It wasn't intentional, but it was time for a choice.
I looked back on the past few months of practice.
Except for the occasional absence due to his schedule, Seon A-hyun had participated diligently without any erratic behavior.
So, in truth, Bae Se-jin and I had almost given up on testing him and were just observing, but…
‘…He definitely enjoyed the stage.’
I confirmed that this guy’s face was also flushed as he came down with Bae Se-jin.
He might have devoted his whole life to ballet, but I guess ballet isn't the only thing that moves him.
‘If that’s the case.’
…If it’s this much.
I received my smartphone from a staff member and waited a moment until that person moved away.
Then, in the empty hallway, after confirming that no one was paying attention to us, I spoke.
“We did it at the concert.”
“Yes?”
“We did this stage at the concert.”
I continued to lock eyes with him and murmured, as if speaking to the Seon A-hyun I used to know.
“Our first unit performance. The reaction was pretty good. You enjoyed it too.”
“…….”
After a silence.
A trembling voice was heard.
“The, the concert.”
“Yeah.”
I waited for a few seconds. Seon A-hyun lowered his head, and there was no other reaction.
‘…Did I fail?’
There was no explanation other than him being flustered by me suddenly dropping honorifics and talking nonsense.
I tasted bitterness and turned my body.
Thinking of making an excuse like, ‘I’m sorry. I tried to make a joke and it failed.’
It was at that moment.
“…Back then,”
My arm was grabbed.
“We held balloons… while doing it.”
I turned my head.
“…Moon-dae-ya.”
He smiled.
I dropped the smartphone I was holding.