A Sigh of Relief
Kwon Dain gave Yun Seola a puzzled look. She couldn't help but wonder what that was about.
"I went because it was supposed to be a quiet time with no people around, but there were tons of customers, so it felt like I was just hogging a seat. I ended up leaving."
Listening to Yun Seola's explanation made the reaction click. It was surprise that someone who ought to be at Monologue Cafe—Choi Saeron's part-time gig—was here instead.
"So, this is what you meant by 'stopping by somewhere'?"
"...Yeah."
"Business done?"
"Yep."
"Mind if I tag along then?"
Yun Seola asked as she stretched out flat across the desk, striking a pose remarkably like a cat extending its paws.
"I'd love that, obviously..."
Kwon Dain hesitated, and both girls' eyes snapped straight to me in an instant. They were waiting for my say.
Truth be told, the moment Yun Seola showed up, I'd already decided we should all go together. But with them staring at me like that, there was no way I could say no.
"Sounds good to me."
My positive response to Yun Seola joining brought a smile to Kwon Dain's lips. Yun Seola sat up at the same time.
"So, what's the plan? Just hanging at the cafe?"
"Nah, now we're heading wherever Jisul wants to go."
At those words, their faces turned to me again. But this time was different from moments ago, when I'd given the final okay.
"You two pick. I'll take a call and be right back."
I waved my phone lightly and slipped outside for a bit. It wasn't an excuse—a call really had come in.
"Hello?"
"Sorry to call during your break, but it's important. You got time to talk?"
"Yep."
"Too much to explain over the phone, so here's the short version..."
To sum up Bae Sol's words: HS was planning to form a special unit mixing veteran idols from the old guard with fresh third-gen stars. No regular activities—pure fan service. They wanted to drop a digital single, and could I compose the track?
A bit early for this.
People in the music biz tend to pour everything into one project. Once it's done, you're wiped out physically and mentally, so a month off is standard. That's why she'd apologized for calling during vacation right off the bat.
"Some of the guys are still active, so we won't dive in right away. Earliest a month from now, latest around three."
But that only applied to creators running dry on inspiration.
"Sure, I'm in. When's good for you at the company?"
"No need to come by this time. I'll share files via email."
"Got it. I'll prep."
"Good, one worry down... You have no idea how much the guys threw a fit about wanting to work with you specifically."
"...Pardon?"
"Only me, Haein, and a few board members know who you are. They're dying of curiosity. Insisting on Fuzz or nothing..."
"Ah..."
Refusing anyone else? Producing for a multi-gen idol mix should've been right up Bae Sol's alley over mine.
Using a pseudonym really pays off.
A hack hiding behind one looks pathetic. But for the skilled? Endless perks. I was feeling them now.
"Oh, and... a little early, but."
"Yes."
"Some companies are already sniffing around to commission tracks from you. If this single charts well, expect more."
Bae Sol's voice turned firm.
"So... don't get arrogant. I wanna see you around for a long time, Jisul."
"Got it."
I knew exactly what she was worried about. Early mega-success has nasty side effects. Especially debuting straight to the top like me—double the concern.
But her fears were unfounded. Arrogance? Not in my vocabulary. Just a healthy dose of confidence.
"I'd love to stick around and keep seeing you too, CEO."
I tossed out a joke to lighten it up, signaling I wouldn't turn into the monster she feared.
"Might take me... oh, thirty years to get arrogant? By then, you'll be retired."
Breaking it down: 'Won't get cocky till you're retired, so relax.' Deeper still: 'Even when you retire, I won't surpass you.' Pure respect.
"...Handsome guys always got the silver tongue."
She tsked, but her voice brimmed with laughter she couldn't hide.
"Alright, let's stay humble for thirty years, Jisul. Rest up."
With that, Bae Sol hung up.
"CEO seemed in a great mood."
Did my joke land that well? Honestly, the respect I offered was more sincere than flattery.
"Probably 'cause she knows you're onto her."
Right as Jeong Jisul stepped out to take Bae Sol's call, the two left at the cafe started scouting destinations.
"Where to?"
"Dunno... I only got one idea, really."
"Karaoke?"
"...Yeah."
Yun Seola grinned sheepishly.
"You really love singing, huh."
"Totally. Feels like my chest cracks open and everything pours out fresh."
"Jisul probably likes karaoke too? We all went last time."
"Seemed like he digs singing."
"Karaoke it is, then?"
Kwon Dain had been twirling her short black hair, lost in thought. Then Yun Seola voiced her worry.
"But we did karaoke last time, and it'd feel like we're just doing what I want..."
"......"
Kwon Dain sensed something off in Yun Seola's hesitation. She wasn't usually the type to overthink this stuff.
But the doubt faded quick. Yun Seola's strong my-way-or-highway vibe aside, considering others in a group like this was just polite. And she wasn't some social misfit—totally normal reaction.
"No clue what Jisul likes. Can't think of anything."
Yun Seola let out a deep sigh. It'd been ages since she'd puzzled this hard over someone else.
"What Jisul likes..."
Kwon Dain racked her brain. The last month had crammed her head full of Jeong Jisul intel.
"Soccer?"
"Most guys like soccer. And it's not like we're playing."
"...True."
Kwon Dain gave an awkward smile.
"What was fun when the three of us hung out?"
Yun Seola answered flatly.
"Same old. Karaoke, food, cafe, photo booth."
Her eyes lit up as she mumbled.
"Photo booth first? Great when you've got nothing else."
"Booth's fun, but... Jisul doesn't seem big on photos."
"Huh? Really?"
Then why post on Insta? Yun Seola added. Kwon Dain explained calmly.
"Said he posted for debut vibes. Doesn't like taking pics or being photographed. Forced himself, hated it."
"Hmm..."
Yun Seola nodded weakly. Kwon Dain piled on questions.
"Music spot? You and Jisul both love it. Record shop to browse tunes?"
"Ooh..."
"If we hit a record shop... buy him one? His birthday's coming up soon."
Kwon Dain pondered deeply. Watching her, Yun Seola tilted her head.
"When'd you two get so close? You know everything."
"...Huh?"
"Photos, birthday... stuff I had no idea about. You even met him alone today."
"......"
"Bond over morning chat?"
"...Kinda."
"Hm..."
Yun Seola thunked her head on the table, pausing.
"Kinda jealous. Wanna get closer too."
She blurted her honest thought.
"...Yeah?"
"Yeah. Gotta tighten up before band club kicks off proper."
"Ah..."
That vibe? Confirming Yun Seola's nuance, Kwon Dain let out a quiet sigh of relief inside.
A sigh of relief.
A sigh of relief...?
Puzzlement flickered in Kwon Dain's mind. Just as it deepened—
"Decided?"
Jeong Jisul returned, cutting her thoughts short.
"Nope."
"Still? Got candidates?"
"Karaoke or record shop."
"Where you wanna go?"
"Karaoke."
Yun Seola answered Jisul instantly. His gaze shifted to Kwon Dain.
Awkward eye contact. Kwon Dain stated her piece coolly.
"Karaoke for me too."
"Karaoke it is."
Good thing I can act. The thought briefly crossed Kwon Dain's mind.