Chapter 2
Chapter 2
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 2
Chapter Title: Dare to... to Me?
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Our broadcasting station has a small storage room in the basement.
It used to be a set, but now it's a place where retired broadcasting props and equipment rest.
At the same time, it's my sleeping spot.
That cramped, cozy space helps me fall into a deep sleep, so whenever I want to catch a quick nap, I always head to the basement.
The comfy chair in the director's office and the sleep capsules in the break room can't beat the shabby little sofa in the basement storage.
"Where are you off to, Director?"
"Just taking a quick look around the station before catching some shut-eye."
"The basement storage again?"
"No one goes there, and it's cozy. If anyone comes looking for me, give me a call."
"Got it."
Of course, the only one who knows I rest there is Secretary Shin.
No point in spreading it around.
If word got out, someone might turn that unused storage into the "Director's rest area" and ruin it.
I left Secretary Shin with a soft smile and headed down to the third floor.
There was a music show pre-recording on the third floor today, so A4 sheets had been added to the nameplates on all the waiting rooms.
Those sheets listed idol group names, and it was obvious the more popular groups got the bigger rooms.
It wasn't based on member count, but on fan numbers.
Sorry to the less popular groups with lots of members, but it couldn't be helped.
We had to treat the idols who boosted our ratings better.
That's when it happened.
Someone called out from behind.
"Hey! Over here!"
"Huh?"
They weren't calling my name, but with no one else in the hallway, it had to be me.
The usually bustling corridor was empty, probably because everyone was in the studio.
Anyway, I turned around, and sure enough, a woman was gesturing at me.
Pink-dyed nails, a cheerleader-concept stage outfit dressed to perfection, and a face so flashy it was hard to believe the cameras could capture it all.
But despite the alluring getup, what caught my eye was that gesture.
A commanding "come here" motion.
Who here would gesture at me like that...?
Ha, whatever.
Curiosity got the better of me, so I strolled over with a confident, leisurely stride.
She probably mistook me for staff.
The woman who'd beckoned me was peeking out with the door half-open, but I didn't need to check the group name on the sign.
I had all the groups up to third-tier memorized cold.
The one who called me was probably Harang from the girl group Rize.
Rize wasn't hugely famous, but they were second-tier leaders with several songs people recognized—"Oh, I've heard this one."
Yeah, up close, it was definitely Harang.
An idol with a cute face, shoulder-length wavy hair that swayed like gentle waves.
But right in front of me... for a cute face, her body was way too seductive.
Her figure was sleek and slim like an idol's should be, and that line from her waist to just under her chest, exposing her midriff, was exquisite.
The straight navel line flowing from her wide hips... and skin so pale and creamy, how was that even possible?
I wanted to take a proper, focused look instead of sidelong glances, but that'd be too pervy, so I held back.
That wasn't the point anyway.
"What is it?"
"Mind taking this out for me?"
In response to my question, she held out a trash can.
The lidless bin was stuffed with half-eaten snack bags, wet wipes, and the like from the waiting room... Is she insane? Why me? Does she not know who I am?
I was too embarrassed to say outright, "I'm the director," so I fiddled with my ID badge around my neck, acting nonchalant...
'Ah.'
Come to think of it, I'd left it on the desk when I got to the office.
And since I was dressed in comfy casuals for my basement nap, yeah.
No wonder she thought I was on-site staff...
But do staff even empty trash cans? Shouldn't she ask her own manager?
Especially during music show pre-records when everyone's swamped.
As I hesitated with those thoughts, Harang's eyes narrowed, her lips starting to pout.
"Empty this for me."
She even jiggled the can.
"Sigh..."
I let out a breath and took the trash can, heading to the large bin at the end of the third-floor hall.
I wanted to reveal who I was, but better a big apology later than a small one now.
Ordering the director to empty trash was worse than just telling him to.
And hey, they must be exhausted too. It happens. Not necessarily malicious.
"What the hell."
But against my hopes, a voice full of malice came from behind.
When I turned, Harang had slammed the waiting room door at me with a roar—
Bang!
...
She got mad just because I sighed?
'That fucking bitch...'
Just a rude, clueless one after all.
I glared at the firmly shut door, cursing inwardly, then started to head to my office... but held back.
Rude celebrities like her were a dime a dozen anyway.
A director bickering in front of an idol waiting room with "Do you know who I am?" would look petty, and I could get my apology later.
With their most popular member acting like that, no wonder they couldn't climb to first-tier. Tsk tsk.
Man, this third-floor hallway feels endless. Damn.
I barely swallowed my anger and dumped Rize's trash into the big bin.
Better head back to the waiting room and get that apology.
But no time for that.
I knocked, and Harang opened up again—this bitch snatched the empty can from me and slammed the door shut again with a bang!.
"Heh... she's lost it."
The white door stared back like it embodied my blank mind, holding me there.
I'm stunned. Is this for real?
Makes a total stranger empty her trash, then slams the door in his face because she's pissed?
Have I been too low-profile with idols? She doesn't know me?
No, that's not it. Whether I'm the director or not doesn't matter.
This is a personality issue, and I can't let trash like her appear on our shows.
Not personal at all.
With irritated steps, I dialed someone.
Ring... ring...
A few rings, then a voice.
—Yes, Director! It's An PD!
An Jin-su, chief PD overseeing the music show Music In Us, which was pre-recording now.
We're pretty close. He runs our flagship music show, so we've shared meals and chatted plenty.
He's even invited me to rooms a few times, but that's...
No, focus.
—An PD, I have a favor to ask, that's why I'm calling.
—If it's you, Director, of course! What is it? Just say the word!
—You're doing pre-records for Music In Us, right?
—Yes, yes.
—Cut Rize from next week onward. And make sure to tell them to empty their own damn trash cans.
Our station monopolizes idol programs, running three music shows, and Music In Us is the most prestigious.
Even top idols have to appear for new albums—it's mandatory.
For a middling group like Rize to get cut from a prime slot like that?
It'll hit hard. Harang's probably getting reamed by her agency president.
—Pardon? Suddenly what... Uh, got it! If you say so, Director, I'll cut them! So, Director, mind if I ask a favor in return?
—Sure, go ahead.
—If you could recommend someone to fill Rize's spot after we cut them, that'd be great...
—Huh? Oh, hahaha!
I couldn't help but burst out laughing at An PD's social savvy.
That's why I like him so much.
I make the request, but the gratitude comes back to me.
He always sets up these selfish, one-sided situations—how could I not adore him?
—Then, mind if I slot in a girl group?
—Of course, of course! Time you started accepting them properly, Director! Hahaha!!
Huh? What's that mean?
Accepting? Like, exercise your authority more?
Who knows. Sounds positive, so I'll play along.
—Haha, then I'll dig up a pretty gem and get back to you.
—Yes! Waiting for your call.
I pocketed my phone and headed to my quiet basement retreat, pondering what An PD meant by "accepting."
Even as I lay on the sofa in the empty, pitch-black storage, pulling the blanket over me.
'What exactly does "accepting" mean? Doesn't sound like empty words...'
A few minutes of brooding later,
Creeeak...
The storage door opening snapped me out of it.
What day is it? I emptied trash, and now people flock to this usually deserted spot.
Fine, maybe sleep in the break room today...
"Oppa, no one really comes here, right?"
"Of course not. Nobody comes here."
"But where to lie down..."
"Hey, the floor's cleaner than it looks."
What? A guy and girl's voices.
They didn't notice me on the sofa, thanks to the enveloping darkness.
Makes sense—it's pitch black, and my blanket's black too.
Better make some noise...
Thud—
Mmmph♥
'What the fuck.'
Why are they kissing in the storage room?
Not just any kiss—a deep one, tongues sloppily entwined and swirling.
The wet schlurp schlurp sounds echoed crisply in the quiet space.
The emergency light even spotlighted their sticky scene like a movie.
"Pah..."
"Harangie's saliva is so sticky and tasty. What do you think? Not bad doing it here, right? Found this spot for pounding you."
What? Harang? Rize's Harang?
"Yeah♥ Oppa, I'm wet. Hurry and put it in..."
Yep, sounds just like that bitch's tone from earlier.
But wait—this is... sex.
No way. Even so, this is too much. Gotta let them know I'm here...
"Hold on, lemme put on a condom..."
"Ah, Oppa, I'm on the pill. Hurry... I have to go on stage in 30 minutes."
"...Then, inside?"
"Yeah♥"
No... raw creampie?!
I held my breath.