Chapter 78
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 78
Chapter Title: 하트 받는 탑스타-78화
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 78
Chapter Title: Variety Show Invitation
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Drama filming had wrapped up too. For a while, I enjoyed a leisurely schedule. Then one day, Kim Han-soo called me into the meeting room.
"Do-jun, how about appearing on a variety show?"
"A variety show?"
"Yes. There's been an offer from CBK's Today's Deduction."
I'd gotten plenty of interview and event offers, but this was my first variety show invitation. And when I heard the program name, I nearly fainted.
Today's Deduction was CBK's flagship long-running variety show, now in its seventh year.
With the nation's top MC as host and rumors of it being the network's production budget pillar, it was no wonder.
The fact that it had aired for seven years alone explained its buzz and popularity.
'It's still one of the top three variety shows out there, right?'
This wasn't just somewhere you could go—it was a place everyone begged to appear on.
And honestly, appearing on it had been one of my bucket list items.
Even in this casual conversation, I could feel the company looking out for me.
"Is this because of our album?"
Seizing the momentum, preparations for our album were progressing faster than expected. They said the title track was already in the final stages.
They'd emphasized that success with this album would truly solidify our position.
But Kim Han-soo shook his head.
"No. It's for Oh, My Cat. They'll film soon, and it'll air around the drama's finale."
Right—the cat. It was important, but honestly, the next album weighed more on my mind.
He must have read my expression because Kim Han-soo reassured me.
"We're discussing variety appearances for album promotion right now."
"Ah, so who's going?"
The leads usually went, so Park Min-ha was a given. Would Lee Jun-hyeong join? Since they invited me, maybe Han Yeo-wool too.
'Things are still a bit awkward with Han Yeo-wool sunbae since our schedules barely overlapped.'
But the answer was unexpected.
"Park Min-ha, Teacher Lee Sun-jeong—that's the three. Han Yeo-wool's schedule conflicts with her next project's crank-in."
Kim Han-soo continued with a suspicious glance.
"The odd part is Lee Jun-hyeong declining. No reason for it, so it's concerning."
But I had a pretty good idea why. From his perspective, he'd want to minimize running into me.
"I'm worried he might be plotting something again. At least your filming ended, so he can't pull any more stunts."
He pondered seriously. He'd kept a straight face around me, but the set incidents must have him worried.
"Disappearing mid-company dinner was suspicious too. Even urgent matters warrant a goodbye."
'Um...'
That was my doing.
Of course, I couldn't tell him that, so I just nodded.
He grumbled on, clearly pent-up, but switched topics the moment our eyes met.
"Anyway, we'll keep an eye on Lee Jun-hyeong. Congrats on your first variety gig."
"Thanks. Today's Deduction was on my wishlist."
"Then it's confirmed."
Wrapping up with Kim Han-soo, I headed back to the practice room.
Ha-woon was already there, changed and warming up—I hadn't even noticed him arrive.
"Ha-woon, you made it? School go okay?"
Huh?
No reply. The practice room vibe felt off from when I'd left.
Always-smiling Park Tae-hoo sat expressionless for once, and Jae-ha was nowhere—bathroom, maybe?
Had the two fought while I was gone? It'd never happened before, but no guarantees.
I approached the silent Ha-woon and tapped his shoulder.
"Ha-woon?"
"Yes?"
Kim Ha-woon startled and looked up.
What? He had earphones in?
"Hyung, when'd you get here?"
"Just now. No answer when I called."
"Practicing songs. Gotta nail it."
"Whoa, our maknae's ambitious. Right, Tae-hoo?"
Park Tae-hoo gave a slight, uncharacteristic smile and a plain reply.
"Yeah."
I finished prepping and headed to the dorm rooftop to call reporter Kim Isul.
- First broadcast variety appearance, right? Congrats.
"Thanks. But I heard Lee Jun-hyeong passed?"
- Oh, really? He's been quiet on set too. Probably avoiding attention.
"Too quiet—it's weird."
She let out a low chuckle.
- With those photos and all the Peach Star dirt, he doesn't want trouble.
But my doubts lingered.
Didn't this mean he was confident? Hard to believe no one would find out.
I voiced what I'd been mulling over.
"Did he really think no one would catch it? Maybe he prepped everything."
- Carrot Ent's got media locked down. They see us as attackers, others as victims—and themselves untouchable.
"Hm, still..."
- If not for your 'acquaintance,' you'd have been hit too, Do-jun.
"Ugh."
True enough.
"Yeah, makes sense. Never crossed my mind."
- See?
She burst out laughing.
- Wish I could brag to my sister about helping you properly, but can't.
I chuckled along awkwardly. Given the sensitivity, yeah.
"Just say you did—I'm that grateful."
- Nah, just business.
"I haven't given anything back."
It sounded polite at first, so I added sincerely.
"I owe you big. Call anytime you need help—I'll do what I can."
- Come on, you saved our nephew's career. Can't compare.
"Saved it, yeah."
She saw it as metaphor; I didn't.
Mess up, and retirement meant death from time shortage.
- Overkill. And... I'm not letting Lee Jun-hyeong's mess slide.
I froze reflexively. Reading me, she quickly added.
- Don't worry! After drama wraps, obviously.
Startled anyway. Expected it, but still.
Hated or not, he was our lead—his scandal would hurt.
- Talking to that girl, it all spilled like sweet potatoes. His private life's filthy, past deeds revolting.
Her stories were unbelievable.
At least three celebs hit similarly. Schmoozing press, toying with aspiring actors.
'...Writer-nim, it wasn't just womanizing.'
Would Seo Ji-hye have cast him knowing? Probably thought mild playboy.
- After Ona-go ends, I'll time the drop. Warning first.
Appreciated. Real care—must repay.
"Seriously, need anything, say it. Gratitude."
- For real? Exclusive interview next? Boss is hounding for Ona-go pieces.
"Me okay? Happy to."
Exclusives went to Park Min-ha or—reluctantly—Lee Jun-hyeong.
Kim Isul laughed.
- Haha, you don't get it yet.
Amused, she continued cheerily.
- Your drama stake's huge. Not Park Ji-eun/Kim Jin—Park Ji-eun/Lee Jung-woo's the hot ship.
"Huh...?"
Stocks? What?
- Meaning tons think you fit Kim Jin better. Consensus you're the couple, but...
"Aha."
- You're key in a drama gunning for mid-teens ratings—and climbing.
Hard to feel it yet. To my tepid reaction, she hinted meaningfully.
- Comeback soon, right? Or even before...
Pausing, she sounded expectant.
- Better to feel once than hear a hundred times.
After the call, I returned to the dorm. Relieved—no schemes, just Lee Jun-hyeong dodging variety.
Lingering suspicion he'd plot again.
"Phone done?"
Opening the door, Lee Jae-ha looked up from the living room.
"Yeah. How'd you know?"
"Out with just your phone? Obvious call."
"True."
"Who? Girlfriend?"
"Outta nowhere."
Random nonsense. Lately, Jae-ha resembled Lee Jae-yoon oddly.
"Look happier post-call."
"I'd sleep more than date."
"Fair."
"Why up?"
"Eh. Wake for your door anyway—waiting."
Lee Jae-ha said casually.
...Made me feel guilty.
"Living room chat wakes me too."
Park Tae-hoo shuffled out, rubbing one eye. He grabbed water from the fridge.
"Ha-woon?"
"Asleep, think."
Tae-hoo plopped beside us, fridge shut. Up close, no sleepiness.
"Not just-woke face."
"Heh. Bluff. Entered room, you came. Crows flying, stomach drops?"
"Nope."
"Close."
Suddenly sheepish, scratching head.
"Hyung, talked to Ha-woon?"
Sudden?
"What about? Issue?"
"No, today in practice..."
"Seems stressed from album prep."
Jae-ha cut in before Tae-hoo finished. Tae-hoo looked flustered but nodded.
Explained the heavy vibe earlier. Less jokes from Tae-hoo?
"Gotta chat with him. Team leader know?"
"Not that bad. Right, Tae-hoo?"
"Uh? Yeah..."
"First time today. Maybe school stuff."
Jae-ha eyed Tae-hoo, who just blinked.
Felt off, but couldn't pry.
Turning back.
"Watch a bit more."
Do-jun entered his room, leaving Jae-ha and Tae-hoo in the living room.
Tae-hoo spoke first.
"Really not tell? Do-jun hyung should know..."
"Won't fix if Do-jun knows. Ha-woon won't admit now."
"Yeah..."
Tae-hoo nodded faintly.
True. Jealous of Do-jun—telling him would shut Ha-woon up.
Still bothered—couldn't fix it himself. Tae-hoo ventured.
"Better if he knows?"
Jae-ha pondered silently, glancing at Do-jun's room, then Ha-woon's.
After a beat.
"Watch more. Like last time."
"Last? Oh."
When Ha-woon said fans dropped without Do-jun.
Yeah, similar.
"Still young. Passed then—will now."
Jae-ha licked dry lips.
"...It'll be fine."
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