Chapter 23
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 23
Chapter Title: Visible Radio Debut
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“Do-jun! Time to get ready to head out!”
“Already?”
“Yeah, go wash up and meet us in the lobby.”
Kim Han-soo delivered the message and vanished in a flash. I didn't even have a chance to respond.
I hurriedly tidied up my surroundings, and before I knew it, Kim Ha-woon was standing there like a drenched puppy, asking,
“Hng... Lucky you. Bet you can sneak in some food on the way out, huh?”
No, don't ask that with such a pitiful look on your face. Anyone would think we were starving you.
I chuckled and replied,
“I'm not going alone—where would I even find time to sneak food? Anyway, I'll be back.”
“Nyaang.”
“Yep.”
“See you later, hyung.”
The members' farewells every time I headed to the radio had become somewhat familiar by now. With a bit of excitement bubbling up, I quickly showered and changed into fresh clothes.
When I rushed up to the lobby, Kim Han-soo—who had said he'd wait—was nowhere in sight. Instead, Park Min-ha, dressed in a relaxed ivory shirt and black skinny jeans, was waving at me.
“Do-jun, there you are!”
“Oh? Senior. Hello.”
I greeted her on reflex and scanned the area, but Kim Han-soo was still missing. Maybe he was tied up with work?
As I kept glancing around, her manager, sitting beside her, spoke up.
“Let's go.”
“Pardon?”
“Team Leader Kim asked me to take you. He cleared it with the salon already and said he's heading straight there.”
“That's why we've been waiting.”
Park Min-ha chimed in, wrapping up the explanation.
“Thank you!”
I bowed politely and followed her and the manager to the car parked on the first floor.
The vehicle soon set off toward the salon.
I'd thought we'd gotten somewhat close after doing the radio together, but in the confined space, conversation didn't come easily.
In the awkward silence, I stared out the window until Park Min-ha broke it.
“I saw your WeTube video. Didn't know you could play guitar that well.”
“Ah, no, it's not that good.”
Her sudden praise embarrassed me, and I waved it off, but she smiled softly and continued.
“I'm serious. You were amazing—everyone in the comments was wondering who you were and what you do.”
“With all the articles out now, they probably know, right?”
“Not yet, I bet. But with so much coverage, today's radio ratings are gonna skyrocket. Everyone's in for a surprise.”
What if not many tune in? The thought made my face heat up, so I quickly deflected with a playful tone.
“A good surprise, I hope?”
“Of course. You're super popular, aren't you?”
Popular? Says the one even more famous than me.
But saying that would probably lead to even more embarrassing talk, so I brushed it off with an awkward laugh.
Come to think of it, no word on her next project? Someone like her must get offers nonstop.
“When do you start your next gig, senior?”
“Me? Well...”
She pondered briefly, then gave an unexpected reply.
“You'll find out soon enough.”
Well, yeah, I'd hear about it eventually. A lead role for Park Min-ha would be all over the news.
Did I ask something pointless? But she grinned and added,
“You'll know before long.”
Guess it's starting soon. Probably can't spill yet since nothing's official. That's showbiz for you—anything can change.
After that, she peppered me with questions about idol debuts, curious about everything. By the time I'd answered them all, we'd arrived at the salon.
What followed was a tedious ordeal.
Makeup, hair—stuff I'd only experienced right before Flame's debut. It was exciting and nice at first, but that faded quick. It dragged on forever; I was squirming inside.
Still, I sat still and let the staff do their thing.
Having Park Min-ha next to me made it less boring, at least.
“It's been ages since I did a visible radio.”
“Sorry if I'm putting you out. My fault.”
“Nah, I actually like going visual. Gets more comments and texts.”
Even a top star like her cared about that? Surprising. I figured constant spotlight meant she wouldn't bother.
“Anyway, with you on visual today, your articles are gonna explode.”
“All thanks to you, senior. I owe you for even getting on the radio.”
With her makeup nearly done, Park Min-ha flashed an even brighter smile.
We sat side by side, chatting about nothing important. The staff jumping in at perfect moments had us laughing, easing my nerves a lot.
Once prepped, I checked the mirror and barely recognized myself.
I remembered staring forever when getting ready for Flame's debut, mesmerized.
“See you at the station.”
Park Min-ha smiled and left first. I went with the now-arrived Kim Han-soo.
He launched into nagging the second we got in the car.
“You know it's visible radio today, right?”
“Of course.”
How could I not? You'd have to be clueless.
“Always smile. Smile at every comment. Smile during your lines.”
“What if it's a sad story?”
I caught his glance in the rearview. What was with that pitiful look?
“Then make a sad face, obviously.”
“But earlier you said always smile.”
“Argh! I mean smiling's the default. Default!”
And his lecture kept going. Don't overthink the cameras, don't stare at Park Min-ha too much, etc.
It felt like belaboring the obvious, but knowing it came from worry didn't bother me.
By the time I'd nodded along, we were at the station parking lot.
We headed straight to the radio offices and opened the meeting room door where the Na Night staff were. Spotting me, Nam Ha-jeong beamed.
“Whoa, the real-deal singer's here? You went all out on the glam today.”
Park Min-ha, who'd arrived first, sat beside her.
But... something felt tacked on?
“Ready for visible radio, superstar?”
“Yep. Think I'm set.”
“Ooh, confident much?”
First time—better fake confidence than freak out. Way preferable.
Nam Ha-jeong nodded approvingly.
“Perfect! That's the WeTube star vibe we love.”
“Huh?”
Mi-what now?
I hadn't misheard. As I blinked in confusion, her laughter filled the room. The staff giggled too.
“You didn't know? Articles called you 'Mi-chin Jjin Gam-seong'—so fans shortened it to 'Mi-jjin'.”
...Crazy authentic? What's Mi-jjin?
News to me.
I'd avoided most articles after some hate comments, so I'd missed it.
Seeing my disbelief, she grinned mischievously and patted my arm.
“Google yourself later. Our Mi-jjin singer's got sneaky fans even pre-debut.”
She laughed forever before leaning in conspiratorially.
“So, how's radio treating you?”
“Love it. Gets why everyone's hooked.”
Her lips curved happily at my answer.
“Good. You'll come back post-debut, right? Deal?”
“Deal? Nah, all-in!”
“Yes! Love how straightforward you are. Station's broke, so pay stays low—you'll sweet-talk your company, yeah?”
“On it.”
I mimed slitting my throat with my hand, and her laughter boomed.
“If it flops, we'll hire you. No worries.”
“Writer!”
Park Min-ha startled, raising her voice. We both turned wide-eyed.
She glanced at me cautiously.
“Don't say that...”
Her cheeks flushed, the mood awkward.
Made sense—words carry weight in this industry, lots of superstitions.
I'm fine, though.
It was a joke, no malice. I'd rather succeed, but the offer was sweet anyway.
They'd booked me monthly pre-debut.
I grinned.
“I'll come back a success.”
“Haha! You're a riot. Let's crush this visible ep then.”
Duh.
Five minutes to air for Park Min-ha's Languid Night at 11:55 p.m.—the CBK Radio app was already buzzing with viewers.
Is this where Mi-jjin guests?
Nope? It's Park PD's show.
Visible after forever!! Scream everyone ㅅㅅㅅ
Lee Do-jun checked the comments with a slightly tense expression. As airtime neared, they poured in relentlessly.
He'd been on radio a month already, but nothing matched today's heat.
Can't mess up.
Unlike usual, cameras focused on Park Min-ha. Part 2 would swing to him.
They'd practiced with cameras at the company, but live was live—nerves were natural.
Always smile. Smile at comments. Smile on lines.
Recalling Kim Han-soo's advice, Do-jun forced his lips up as the broadcast began.
“Hello, this is Park Min-ha of Park Min-ha's Languid Night. Visible after so long, so I dressed up special. How's it look?”
Comments flooded instantly.
Park PD! Park PD!
Sis wave once pls!
Dressed up for visible ㅠㅠㅠ Dying
“Dressed up just for visible? So you don't usually?”
Park Min-ha furrowed her brows playfully, then beamed.
“Kinda true. Not much reason to otherwise.”
Pretty w/o makeup too!
Post glam pics sometimes ㅠㅠㅠ
Park Min-ha handled it smoothly as always. Visible wasn't new to her, and sans cameras, it was business as usual.
But for Do-jun, it was different. Tense, he scanned the script and comments nonstop.
Part 1 ended before he knew it.
“Opening Part 2 with Eruda's 'Wish.' Bet everyone's waiting for this guest.”
Same seat as always, but his palms sweated. Do-jun swallowed, glancing at Park Min-ha.
She smiled warmly, like to ease him.
“Our hot topic lately. Na Night fam knows her as my little singer, Lee Do-jun.”
The screen split with her intro, showing Do-jun opposite.
“Hello? I'm Lee Do-jun of B.O.Y.”
Comments froze. Just as production panicked over a glitch—
Omg... Sorry not sorry but I love you.
Why hat in WeTube? Woulda known w/o ㅠㅠㅠㅠ
Park PD and Pida hires all visuals? ㄷㄷ
Saw on Goodstar!!!!
They exploded back, faster than ever. Staff sighed in relief. The flood showed no signs of slowing.
“Insane reaction.”
No. 1 ratings locked. PD sounded pleased; Nam Ha-jeong replied matter-of-factly.
“Their chemistry's fire. Sit 'em together on a talk show, ratings gold.”
“True that.”
Undeniable, no-brainer. No filters even—their shot glowed.
Meanwhile, Park Min-ha steered expertly.
“Do-jun's WeTube vid blew up lately. Seen it, Na Night fam?”
Nope?
Must-watch?
Saw it! Voice rang a bell ㅠㅠㅠ
Some salty replies, but she ignored them pro-style.
“Heard the busking was impromptu.”
“Yeah. Didn't know it was filmed, or that it'd go viral—found out later.”
“How'd you end up singing in the street, Do-jun?”
Do-jun eyed Kim Han-soo watching outside.
No point hiding now—it was out.
“That day was our first in the dorm. Snuck out for commemorative chicken, and... it happened.”
“Haha, diets are brutal, yeah.”
He nodded sheepishly; comments went wild.
Move-in chicken... Too cute...
Chicken fan? We match already ㅠㅠㅠ
Ridiculous lol Guitar for chicken run?
Spotting the sharp one, Do-jun added quick,
“Guitar was borrowed from the busker there.”
Some bought it, some didn't—but mostly positive.
Min-ha gauged the vibe, caught production's cue outside, and pivoted.
“Do-jun prepped that song and guitar for Na Night fam today, right?”
“Yes. Worked hard to share it first with you all.”
“Time to hear it live then?”
Do-jun hugged his guitar, closing his eyes lightly.