Chapter 5
Chapter 5
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 5
Chapter Title: Unexpected Meeting and the Playful Secretary
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Ceria was a third-tier girl group, the kind only die-hard idol fans would know about.
They had zero chance of appearing on a major music show like Music In Us, and there was no reason for them to be here at all.
So naturally, I wondered why they were hanging around, but that question was answered soon enough.
"We're Ceria from Enric Entertainment. Please remember our name, and if you ever get the chance, give us a shot!"
"We'll work really hard! Please!"
Sua and the chief manager were out there hustling, doing the classic sales pitch.
The kind where they run around on foot.
Unknown idols often come straight to broadcasting stations like this, greeting passing staff members just to get their group name etched into someone's memory.
No matter how grand or innovative your marketing plan is, nothing beats a single TV appearance. That's why they were hoping for a miracle run-in with a PD.
Most stations ban this kind of thing, but ours allowed it.
The reason was simple: I said not to stop them.
As someone who loves idols, it broke my heart to think of turning away girls working that hard.
'They don't want to swarm and be a nuisance, so the leader Sua came alone.'
I'd probably get a greeting too as I passed by.
The chief manager was handing out business cards, so one would end up in my hands soon enough.
But why was I suddenly getting nervous over this?
Just a minute ago, I'd strolled past Rize—who were way bigger than Ceria—with my hands in my pockets, even cutting their music show slot short. But thinking about passing Sua and what was about to happen next made my blood run hot and my heart pound strangely.
If she knew I was the station director, she'd be shocked, flash that bright smile to stick in my mind, right?
And when she heard what I had to say, she'd be thrilled, no doubt?
-Get ready for next week's music show.
It already felt exhilarating.
"Ahem."
I cleared my throat to steady my voice and walked down the hallway, pretending to be nonchalant.
I even crossed my arms, flaunting my authority like some big shot.
Should've dressed properly and worn my employee badge if I knew it'd play out like this.
Anyway, as I finally passed them, they spoke up.
"Hello! We're from Enric Entertain... Uh...?"
The chief manager trailed off, tilting his head.
What? No way he remembered my face from Ceria's fan signing a few days ago, right?
I'd worn a cap pulled low and a mask, so no chance.
"Station Director!"
As expected, the agency manager recognized the director's face and didn't suspect I was just a fan from the signing.
Thank goodness. Going to an idol fan sign as the NSS director was embarrassing enough—I'd rather keep it hidden.
Time to play it cool and unflappable.
"Yes? Oh, yeah. What is it?"
"Hello! I'm Yoon Sung-ho, Ceria's chief manager. And this is..."
Yoon Sung-ho finished his intro and tossed it to Sua.
"Sua, the leader of Ceria, who wants to be a light shining on the world☆! It's such a pleasure to meet you for the first time, Director!"
Cute. It was the exact same greeting from the fan sign.
They'd only been around for two years, which explained the fresh vibe.
Even no-name idols could get worn down, but she showed no signs of breaking yet.
'She's really something.'
Those obedient-looking eyes contrasting with her sharp, stubborn gaze; her fresh, perky nose; thin lips painted a soft pink, ending in adorable dimples.
And amazingly, all that was packed into a face the size of a fist.
In my opinion, while Enric calls her the "pure" concept member, Sua was an all-weather idol with every charm a girl could have.
Even her full, bulging chest... Wait, what was I staring at?
Sua wore short shorts that clung to her hips, showing off her slender, smooth legs, paired with a white V-neck T-shirt. Both were spandex, so her figure was on full display everywhere it should be.
"Ah, yeah, nice to meet you too. I've heard of Ceria. You're in your second year now, right? Second album too, I think?"
I'd gone to their second album fan sign and gotten autographs from all the members, so I played it like I vaguely knew them but not in detail.
Didn't want to seem too excited and look desperate.
"Yes! We're not that popular, so we're thrilled you remember us! Thank you!"
Sua clasped her hands and bowed repeatedly.
She looked so pitiful, I wanted to just hug her.
"Director! If any performers flake or you need an idol in a pinch, please give us a glance! We'll come running anytime. And here's my card."
Yoon bowed so deeply his scalp showed as he handed over his business card.
He must be desperate, judging by how much ass-kissing.
Rumors among Ceria fans said the company might shut down soon, and it seemed there was some truth to it.
Makes sense. Ceria was Enric's third group, and the first two had flopped and disbanded. Ceria was their last hope.
But even they weren't getting traction, so the funding was drying up.
Maybe... Ceria could disband soon too.
"Then get ready for next week's music show."
The thought hit me, and I went for it without thinking.
I planned to say it anyway, but the timing was a bit early. Whatever—good is good.
"Y-Yes...?!"
Yoon and Sua's eyes went wide as they asked in unison.
They couldn't believe it, so I had to confirm.
"There's an open slot on Music In Us. You just came back, right? Prep for next week. An PD will reach out."
"Uh... Uh... Y-Yes! Thank you, Director! We'll never forget this favor!"
"Thank youuu! Hehe... No, I shouldn't laugh like this, but it's so sudden and happy..."
Sua's mouth was smiling, but her eyes welled up with tears.
It was like the culmination of all her pent-up frustrations.
She shook her head to pull herself together, but it only tousled her bangs, making her look even more heartbreaking.
"Hey, why are you crying all of a sudden? I thought you'd be happy."
"I am happyyy... But it's so good, the tears just..."
"Our Sua's a very emotional girl. Perfect for an idol. We'll make sure Ceria preps well and doesn't disappoint you, Director."
"Haha, yeah, I look forward to it. But stop bowing already. It's no big deal. Sua, you too—lift your head."
I got tired of looking down at their heads, so I grabbed their shoulders and straightened them up.
That moment, the feel under my right hand was pure bliss. Sua was on my right.
Her T-shirt had a bold off-shoulder design, and her alluring shoulder line and soft skin sent shivers through me.
Plus the V-neck meant her cleavage trembled nicely as she straightened.
Sua, you're adorable...
"Thank you so much, Director!!"
I waved one last time to Sua and Yoon, then headed to my office.
Who knew my authority could make a fragile girl cry from joy?
Why hadn't I used this sooner? Heh heh...
The mood? Refreshingly sweet.
"What's got you so happy, Director?"
"Ahem, Secretary. Make some noise when you approach."
Whoa, startled me. There stood the secretary, who must've popped out from the secretary's office without me noticing.
"I just greeted you like always when you arrive. What had you grinning all day? You didn't even notice me."
"Something good happened."
"Tell me too. I want to be happy with you, Director..."
Hm? Oh, the secretary's messing around again. She's pretty and sharp, so she tosses these out casually. Might as well play along.
"No way, I'm keeping the joy to myself. Look at Winnie the Pooh. He hugs that honey pot tight to eat it alone."
"Huh? Pfft... You're so funny, Director. Oh, right—the broadcast schedule's been updated."
"Good work."
We traded a joke, and as I went to enter my office, someone grabbed my arm.
"Hm? What is it, Secretary?"
"Um... Director. Am I doing okay? It's been about three months..."
The secretary was eye candy, made great coffee, and handled work steadily. As a manager, I'd give her a solid 10/10.
She teased a lot, but never crossed the line—like a cute little sister.
But if I said that straight, she'd get cocky, so I dialed it back...
"Eight out of ten."
"Eight's still an A-grade, right?"
"Yep. Keep it up."
"Okay. If I earn the other two points, will you... fill me up too, Director?"
"What?"
What'd she say?
Did I hear wrong?
"No, I mean... thanks for hiring a newbie like me as your secretary and always looking out for me. My first job... with you the Director... is grea...t."
She kept dropping her volume mid-sentence, so I couldn't catch it all.
Just teasing again? But her face was slightly flushed, and she seemed serious.
"Secretary, I couldn't hear. Say it properly. First what?"
"My first job in the working world started as your secretary, and it's been great. A 23-year-old assisting someone as big as you..."
Oh, that was it.
No need to hype me up like that—it felt awkward for no reason.
Unlike her usual sly vibe, this felt too heavy.
Over nothing.
"Haha, the age gap between us isn't that big—what 'big shot'? I picked you because a younger girl is handy for secretary work. Don't overdo it. I'm heading in."
As her boss, I gave her shoulder a cool pat and opened the office door.
"...du...mb..."
Something faint came from behind, but the door closing drowned it out. Whatever.
Just the secretary joking around again.
Today felt like a really long day.