Start (4) [D - 127]
I glanced at the large number scrawled boldly on the whiteboard hanging on the wall. It marked the release date for Hyeon Ha-yeon's debut track, Pure Love. Numerically, it was a three-digit count, but that amounted to just over four months. These days, most rookie solo singers debuted with single albums or digital singles rather than full albums.
Choi Dae-pyo had initially pushed for a full album debut for Hyeon Ha-yeon, but struggling to find tracks he truly loved, he shifted gears. He decided on a single album—not just a digital release—to chase physical sales too. They settled on three tracks: Pure Love, its arranged version, and the MR. The quick song selection allowed them to accelerate her debut.
Choi Dae-pyo was so confident in the track that he'd vowed to step down as president if it flopped. Paired with her enviable physique that could rival any model, and a radiant beauty reminiscent of Lee Ji-yeon at first glance, they locked in the concept of "the talented beauty soloist." With a clear direction set, progress accelerated daily. From album composition to the music video, they were running nonstop, day and night.
A while back, I'd gleaned a bit more info on the hero and demon king. Comparing it to our current situation, things seemed safe for now, so I focused on debuting them successfully.
Lately, I hadn't given Baek Ga-eun much attention, but she brushed it off...
She was the one looking after me, popping up just enough to keep things smooth without needing constant oversight. Baek Ga-eun's maturity beyond her years made her reliable.
A few days ago, Lee Ji-yeon's overseas shoot got confirmed. My workweek shrank to ten days, but she wouldn't budge on needing a full week of free time outside the three shoot days. I had no choice but to accept the schedule.
"Kim Team Leader, here's the album art draft. Take a look."
I approached the small bulletin board next to the screen, pinned with various album art candidates. Among them, the clean design on a white background with [Pure Love ] stood out nicely.
"Number 2 looks good."
"Won't it feel too empty?"
"Wouldn't the simplicity match the song's concept better?"
"Hmm... I'll prep a few more in that vein."
With me stepping away in a few days, I needed to tweak everything I could to feel satisfied.
"Kim Team Leader, Director Kang Sang-jun called. Wants to switch over."
Choi Dae-pyo had pulled in Director Kang Sang-jun, who'd worked with CG Entertainment before, to pour resources into Hyeon Ha-yeon's music video. Even without a formal recording, he'd heard her sing and insisted on directing it himself.
"Tell him I'll call right away."
I pulled up Kang Sang-jun's number. It barely rang before he picked up.
"This is Kim Cho-in."
Oh, Manager Kim! Er, Team Leader now, right?
"Long time no talk. How've you been?"
Yeah, yeah, doing great... You heard I took the song?
"Yes, huge relief."
That Hyeon Ha-yeon kid's got it. About time you leveled up too, Kim Team Leader. Let's grab a meal sometime.
"Sure, just let me know whenever."
Kang Sang-jun chuckled heartily before slipping into a sly tone for the real pitch.
So... how's Lee Ji-yeon doing?
"...Yeah, she's been good. No incidents lately."
Right... Busy these days?
He had the clout to know her schedule inside out. So why ask me?
Could she... make a cameo?
Getting Lee Ji-yeon in Hyeon Ha-yeon's video wasn't impossible. With her schedule this week or overseas, it could work. But would she, given her distaste for Hyeon Ha-yeon?
"...Hard for me to say for sure."
Kang Sang-jun grew frantic.
Kim Team Leader, without Lee Ji-yeon, I'd have to scrap everything!
Please, just float it to her...
That explained his desperation. Lee Ji-yeon had always cherry-picked her gigs since debut, but if I convinced her, she'd take them. Lots of folks contacted me directly back then, though it tapered off after I shifted from her to Shining Boys.
"...I'll mention it."
His voice lit up with thanks as we hung up. Now worry set in. I had to pack soon, but formal recording hadn't even started. I thought we'd breeze through early stages, but nitpicky details dragged us down. Time marched on relentlessly.
I fired off casual replies to Hyeon Ha-yeon and Baek Ga-eun, then glanced at Lee Ji-yeon beside me. She was grinning ear-to-ear at her phone, what with her so happy? I tried peeking, but she slyly blocked the screen. The empty VIP lounge let her lounge freely without hiding.
Bzzz-
My phone buzzed—Hyeon Ha-yeon. We'd just texted; what now?
"...Hello?"
Hello?
"...What's up?"
Oppa... Be really careful out there... I looked it up, and Americans just carry guns everywhere...
I'd answered gravely, expecting trouble, but she launched into earnest nagging.
Ah, seriously, can't you just not go? Why fly all the way to Hawaii if something bad's gonna happen... Don't go if some weird girls invite you, okay? Even if they're pretty, no, just don't!
I wanted to ask where she'd gotten these worries, but her sincerity was adorable, so I let it slide.
"Nah, it's work. No worries there."
Hng...
After soothing Hyeon Ha-yeon and hanging up, a scorching glare hit me. Lee Ji-yeon had closed her phone, glaring daggers.
"...Real sweet, huh?"
"...She's anxious."
"She's anxious, so why're you soothing her?"
"...Feels like a little sister..."
"Oppa, play 'little sister' too long, and she'll turn into 'wife,' got it?"
Lee Ji-yeon leaned in, tapping my cheek as she whispered.
"Don't forget—you're mine."
Like a snake eyeing prey, she closed in. I nudged her away and turned.
"...She's got someone she likes."
"...What?"
Lee Ji-yeon blinked wide-eyed like a startled rabbit.
"Han Jeong-suk asked about her first love, and she said yes—ongoing."
"...Han Jeong-suk?"
She pulled back, lost in thought. I left her to it and made some calls.
Bzzz-
Phone buzzed again—Baek Ga-eun. Lee Ji-yeon was still deep in thought. I murmured about hitting the bathroom and stood, answering.
"...Hello?"
Oppa, good time to talk?
"Yeah, fine."
Um, one favor okay?
"What kind?"
Well...
Turns out, she wanted a duty-free exclusive perfume, hard to get. I offered to buy it; she refused payment, insisting on sending money.
"Alright, send to my account then."
Thanks, oppa! Safe travels.
Right after sending my account, a transfer notice and product details pinged. About 100,000 won perfume. Cute that even a chaebol heiress asked for this.
Back at my seat, Lee Ji-yeon glared again.
"Where'd you go?"
"...Bathroom."
She snorted, snatched my phone, unlocked it effortlessly, and checked calls.
"Hey, what the—"
"Baek Ga-eun? You talked to her?"
"...Well..."
"Hyeon Ha-yeon's 'like a sister,' but sneaking calls with Baek Ga-eun?"
"...On my way to the bathroom... Mmph."
She yanked my collar, lips crashing into mine.
"Schlurp... smack..."
"Mmph... smack..."
Her long tongue probed every corner, leaving traces. I pushed, but she held firm. Furious at my resistance, she gripped my hair too. Gasping desperately, her tightening hold infuriated me as she devoured my breath and saliva, mind fogging. Just before blacking out, she released, holding only my hair.
"Hah... hah..."
"Cho-in-ah... enough already... Whose are you?"
"...Hah... hah..."
"Huh? Who do you belong to, Cho-in?"
Ear to my lips, I couldn't pull away in my daze, whispering what she wanted.
"...J-Ji-yeon's..."
Satisfied, she patted my butt, her curved eyes faintly red.
After a thorough "re-education" from Lee Ji-yeon, I was freed. As she headed to duty-free browsing post-customs, I slipped away to grab her gifts. Multiple stores let me snag Baek Ga-eun's perfume discreetly for Hyeon Ha-yeon.
Sent proof to Baek Ga-eun; instant reply.
Curious how much she'd sent, I checked—way more than the perfume. Absurdly so.
Shocked, I called Baek Ga-eun—no answer. Texted; she insisted I spend it, off to lessons. Team leader taking millions from a trainee? Headline material.
Tried returning it multiple times, but she dismissed it—buy a gift with the change.
During gift inspection, she spotted the perfume and "re-educated" me again, but not whose it was.
Finally boarded. Thanks to Lee Ji-yeon, first class to Hawaii was comfy.
Post-landing procedures and heading to lodging, the ten-day death roulette began.