Unexpected Encounter 2
The 1187th O Direct Bank Chart.
It was a bone-crushing defeat. And it stung even more because our opponents were a rookie girl group just starting to make waves.
The most crucial factor in music chart rankings is the number of fans you have. Lovely Pink had been active as a top-tier girl group for a full year now, while A-Star was still a rising newcomer. We should have crushed them in fan numbers, no question.
Yet we'd lost anyway. It meant their performance on stage—their sheer skill—had utterly overwhelmed us. A pure, unadulterated defeat on talent alone.
That part hurt the most.
What caused the loss?
Lovely Pink's leader, Chae Yu-na, coolly analyzed the reasons for their defeat. Know thyself and know thy enemy, and you'll win every battle. She pored over performance videos of A-Star and Lovely Pink, comparing them hundreds of times, day and night, to pinpoint the differences.
And before long, she figured it out.
Ruti. A-Star's center.
Despite her young age, her stage presence was already near perfection. It was hard to believe she was only seventeen. The public went wild for it—a seventeen-year-old girl dominating the stage like something out of a fairy tale. Man or woman, once you saw her, you couldn't look away.
And Chae Yu-na was no exception.
She'd only meant to watch analytically. But at some point, she found herself utterly captivated by the girl on screen.
"Incredible."
The humiliation of defeat had vanished. Losing to a talent like this? Totally understandable.
For now, she was just grateful—to share the same era, the same stage, competing against someone like this.
I need to step up. No, we do.
To remain A-Star's rivals, they'd have to work even harder. From that day on, Chae Yu-na's schedule grew busier than ever. To match A-Star's rising fame, she threw herself into performances, broadcasts, and variety shows without a break, always in front of the cameras.
And by chance, she ended up on one particular program.
The National Street Dance Battle. (Youth Division)
She was picked as a judge. She accepted for image management reasons and figured it'd be easy since it was aimed at teens. Just offer warm advice on camera and react appropriately. Nothing more, nothing less.
But then—
She spotted a mysterious girl.
From Haneul Arts High School's dance club: Kim Siyeon.
The moment she saw the girl's dance, she knew instantly.
It's the same.
The dance lines had been cleverly altered, but that unique breathing pattern—and the distinctive rhythm it spawned—couldn't be faked.
This girl's was exactly like Ruti's.
Having studied Ruti's movements hundreds of times, she was certain. That breathing, that rhythm—they're unique to each person. No two dancers share them exactly.
So, was this girl Ruti?
Time to test the waters.
"What's your connection to Ruti?"
The blunt question made the girl flinch.
"Wh-what do you mean... I have no idea."
Her lie was so obvious it was almost pitiful.
...Even the voice is the same.
And the moles on her face—position and size—matched perfectly too.
That sealed it. This girl was Ruti.
Sure, her appearance was different, but there had to be a reason. For now, she'd trust her instincts.
"I know who you are. Meet me in my waiting room after the competition."
She whispered it softly as a final nail. The girl froze rigid, breaking out in cold sweat right there.
1st Place: Haneul Arts High School.
2nd Place: Geumseong Arts High School.
3rd Place: Goseong Arts High School.
The results flashed on the ceiling screen. For the first time since the school's founding, we'd taken first in nationals.
Sunbaes and teachers hugged, screaming in joy. The venue turned into a festival in no time.
While everyone celebrated, I sat on the bench alone, face grim.
My mind was stuck on one thought.
How did she know!? x100
My identity was busted. But how? I'd racked my brain, but no clue.
"Siyeon-ah, what's wrong? You sick or something?"
Sunbae Lee Ha-neul approached, worried.
I forced a casual act.
"Nah, just can't believe we got first."
"Oh, gotcha. Hey, got time later? Teacher's treating big-time to celebrate."
"I'm beat. Family's picking me up."
Stomach was growling, but I had somewhere to be.
Meet me in my waiting room.
Part of me wanted to ignore and bolt, but she already knew everything—real name, school. Brushing her off might backfire later.
Better to meet and talk it out.
"I'll head out first. Great job, everyone."
I greeted sunbaes and teachers, then slipped out.
Up to the fourth floor, staff who looked like managers greeted me and led the way.
"Right in here."
Staff waiting room.
Opening the door, there was Chae Yu-na, lounging on the sofa sipping coffee leisurely.
Our eyes met; she waved happily.
"Hi."
"Ahem!"
I cleared my throat, deciding on one last probe.
"You called me here, but why would a celeb like you summon a nobody like me?"
I played innocent, wide-eyed lamb.
Chae Yu-na stood from the sofa and strode over. No idea what she was thinking.
"No need to lie. I already figured it out. You're Ruti."
Her steady gaze screamed certainty. No clue how, but she'd pierced my disguise perfectly.
So, only one play left: before she blabs, win her over and seal her lips.
Time to come clean.
"...How'd you know?"
Checked for others, then removed my glasses.
Seal released.
Chae Yu-na, seeing my bare face—
"Wh-what the heck was that!?"
She clapped a hand over her mouth, jumping back in shock.
Her reaction threw me off completely.
"Wait, you didn't know?"
"I clocked you as Ruti instantly, duh. But I thought the face was makeup or something. Like Kaito Kid."
Not the looks—something else? Whatever, water under the bridge. Full confession time.
"Glasses Syndrome...? "
I explained my condition and why I hide. Fellow industry folk might sympathize and keep quiet.
"Whoa, a disease like that exists? Mind if I touch your face real quick?"
"...Uh, sure, whatever."
Before I finished, she plopped beside me and started kneading my face like dough.
A bit much. I didn't mean that casually.
"Just taking off glasses changes your face this much? Wild."
"Hey, but how'd you peg me as Ruti?"
"Oh, that?"
She kindly explained how she'd figured it out.
But it was all gibberish from start to finish.
"Breathing...? Rhythm...?"
I knew she was quirky, but this level? And she'd been studying me forever? Chills.
I scooted away a bit, still side-by-side.
"Y-you get my situation, so keep my secret, please."
Straight to the point.
Expected an easy "Sure, no prob."
But she stroked her chin, pondering. The longer it dragged, the more I fidgeted.
Was she gonna exploit this? Possible. Rival group and all.
Finally, she clapped lightly, like a lightbulb moment.
"I'll keep your secret. But can you do me one favor?"
"...Wh-what favor?"
I swallowed hard. Hoping it wasn't too crazy.
She hesitated, then ventured carefully.
"Truth is, there's this thing I wanna do with you."
She flashed a bright, bubbly smile.
No idea what, but I'd hear her out.
She wouldn't ask something weird, right?