Chapter 146: Solo Concert
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 146: Solo Concert
I wanted to ask if we could possibly postpone the shoot, or if I could be the only one to leave early or arrive late today.
If there was one thing I desperately wanted, it was that.
When I started this job, even at the moment I signed the contract, that was the only thing I ever wanted.
Please, let me make the Luka I love shine a little brighter.
To miss Luka’s solo concert like this…
No. Why am I even doing this in the first place?
It’s because I want to see that one thing.
It’s because I want to see Doah performing on stage, happy and magnificent.
But this was my problem and mine alone.
Remembering the atmosphere on set, my body trembled as if from a learned fear.
There was no way I could go up to the director and say, ‘Please postpone the shoot because I have to watch my favorite VTuber’s concert.’
It would be nearly impossible even if I were delivering an outstanding performance, but for me, the one holding everyone back, to even bring up such a thing…
“Um… Manager…”
“Yes.”
“Any idea what time we might finish today?”
“We were told it’s a night shoot, so there’s a high chance we’ll be here until dawn, don’t you think?”
“There’s… no chance of finishing early, I suppose…?”
When willpower wasn’t enough, all I could hope for was a miracle.
The manager, resting his foot on the brake, let out a sigh.
“If you get through your scenes without any mistakes, Mr. Taemin, I’m sure we’ll finish at least a little bit earlier.”
He wasn’t wrong, so I just rested my chin on my hand and stared out the window.
Right. If I don’t do anything stupid, we’ll finish early.
That makes sense.
I had practiced so, so hard.
Doah had also been busy with the final preparations for her concert, so we hadn’t even seen each other’s faces. There were many days she returned home only after practicing in the practice room until dawn, her voice completely hoarse.
The company told me to ask for anything I needed, and even my acting coach helped me with lessons every day from morning until 10 p.m.
But the last shred of my confidence had vanished, preventing me from performing at 100% of my practice level, and my image showed no signs of improving.
Working hard wasn’t what mattered.
What mattered was being good.
These days, I was learning firsthand just how cold the adult world could be.
“I spoke with your coach, and he said your acting is getting better and better. You’ll do great.”
Seeing my lack of response, the manager must have felt awkward, as he offered some words of encouragement from the side.
“…You think so?”
“I know it’s not my place to tell you not to be discouraged, but Mr. Taemin, there are very few rookies who are good from the start. If they’re good, they’re not really rookies, are they?”
As expected of someone with experience, the manager shared all sorts of stories.
They don’t even have expectations for idol-turned-actors, so they don’t bother saying things like that.
The director is only doing it because he cares and wants you to succeed.
Letting the uncomforting words go in one ear and out the other, I got out of the car.
Today’s set was a company office.
All sorts of equipment were lined up in front of the escalator.
I forced a smile and greeted everyone energetically, but the friendly atmosphere from the first day of shooting was gone.
I was well aware that most people here didn't particularly like me.
“Let’s begin. Cue.”
Right. If I don’t cause any NGs, I might be able to catch the end of the concert.
“Section Chief. I don’t want to be so cruel to you.”
“You have children overseas, don’t you? I imagine they’d be very sad if their father lost his job.”
The first scene was a conversation inside the office.
I took a loud sip of the coffee in the teacup and shot him a vile smile.
“I’m not a fan of such heartbreaking stories myself.”
With every step I took, the sharp clack, clack of my dress shoes struck my ears.
“This is the last time.”
I approached the actor playing the Section Chief, leaned down, and met his eyes.
“There won’t be a next time.”
The Section Chief stared back at me, his eyes trembling.
“Cut!”
At the director’s shout, I returned to a neutral stance and turned to face him.
“Moving on to the next scene.”
There was neither praise nor criticism, but an unconcealable thrill washed over me for having finished in one take.
If I can just keep this up, maybe I really can finish early.
During a break between scenes, I quickly checked my phone.
A notification that Luka’s concert had started was at the very top of the screen.
…It must have started.
The intro must have been spectacular, right?
I wonder what song she’s singing right now.
The Pink Army kids are probably drooling over their avatars again.
I was tempted to take a quick peek, even without the sound on.
Wow… Over 40,000 viewers.
So many people are watching.
In front of all those people, with the song I made for her…
Swallowing hard, I put my phone away and took out my script.
Right. I can just watch the full VOD when I get home.
This is better than getting it spoiled clumsily anyway.
The next scene I had to shoot was a conversation with the female lead in front of the company lobby.
When the signal was given, I composed my emotions once again and looked at her with a blank expression.
“You… Don’t you look down on me.”
“I’ve never looked down on you.”
It was a scene of intense psychological warfare.
The actress playing the female lead glared at me with a venomous expression.
“You think Taesung will even bat an eye at what you’re doing?”
“If I were to say this is all because of that Shin Hoyeon girl…”
I put all my strength into my gaze and spoke in the most chilling voice I could muster.
“I won’t let you get away with it.”
“Cut!”
I thought I had delivered the lines perfectly, without a single mistake.
I prayed for the okay sign.
“Taemin-ssi.”
The director, having reviewed the take, called my name.
“Yes.”
“I think it would be better if you were a bit more fierce. You’re too gentle right now.”
“Understood!”
This is gentle?
I said I understood, but I truly thought I had been fierce, so I wondered how I could possibly be any fiercer.
Nevertheless, I repeated the same performance with an even sharper attitude.
“Taemin-ssi, what are you doing? I told you to do it again. Be sharper, more chilling, I said.”
…That’s not it either?
I didn’t know how to do more than that.
This wasn’t a school.
There was no kind teacher here who would smile and answer my questions.
I hadn’t found the answer myself, but the slate came down once again.
We were on the seventh take of the exact same scene.
“Han Taemin-ssi!”
Having experienced it once before, I knew exactly what that shout meant.
It was a sign that the director’s patience had reached its limit.
“I told you to be fierce! This isn’t a scene where you can have that stupidly gentle look on your face! How many times do I have to say the same thing!”
“…I’m sorry.”
But I don’t know how.
I really don’t know.
What am I supposed to do?
During my lessons, they said this was all I had to do.
Even though I clenched my fists, it wasn’t enough to stop my hands from shaking.
“When I give you feedback, you should listen! Okay? Or does my word not mean anything to you? What is it? What the hell is the problem?”
“Sor…”
I needed to apologize, but I couldn’t breathe properly.
The trembling grew more violent.
A pain shot through me, as if someone were choking me.
“Ah…”
“…Are you okay?”
Unable to bear the agony, I collapsed to the ground. The staff, including the director, rushed toward me.
“Sorry…”
That was my last memory before I lost consciousness.
*
[Everyone~ Thank you so much for being with me today~]
Inside the VR world, countless Pink Army avatars were waving their light sticks.
It was time to bring the curtain down on this heart-swelling solo concert.
[I really feel like I had an unforgettable experience today, and I was so happy. Please continue to give us, CLOSER, lots of love!]
I closed one eye in a wink, and the light sticks waved back and forth even more furiously.
[The other members have their solo concerts scheduled too, so please look forward to them~ Well then, bye-bye~]
With a final wave, the concert came to an end.
When I took off the VR device, I was drenched in sweat, but I felt incredibly proud and fulfilled.
I wish Oppa could have seen this.
I wonder if he caught even a little bit of it?
He had said he was going to a shoot, so I felt it would be awkward to contact him first. I went around and thanked all the staff members and my fellow members who had helped with the concert.
As expected of a VRWorld concert, there’s no after-party.
While that was a relief, I also felt a little disappointed.
It would be nice to get all the members together for a meal after the Closer Project is over.
Sitting on the mini-sofa inside the studio, I finally took out my phone to check it.
Several missed calls from Oppa’s number.
Is he already done?
But something was a little strange.
The calls had come while I was in the middle of my concert.
He would have known I was live.
Did he call by mistake?
I wasn’t sure, but I decided to call him back just to check.
[Hello.]
[Hello?]
It was the voice of a man I didn’t know, not Oppa.
Startled, I asked who he was, my voice full of suspicion.
[Who… Who is this?]
[Is this Kim Doah-ssi?]
[Yes, it is…]
Oppa… collapsed…?
How…?
Why…?
Before I even heard the rest of the answer, my feet were already carrying me out of the studio, running.