Cheerleader Cash and Classmate Fan
I couldn't help but mutter to myself.
Why are you here?
I was riding in the van heading to the event venue. The other members were all quietly checking their schedules. A brief silence settled over us. Right in the middle of it, I discreetly pulled up my bank balance on my phone.
Even though we'd only debuted a short while ago, a pretty substantial amount had already piled up. It was thanks to running around non-stop, day and night, for events. These days, peeking at my bank account like this was my life's little joy. Watching the balance climb in real-time felt like it could cure depression in one shot. Not that I had any depression, of course.
Money makes even whales dance, huh? That's probably what they mean. Thanks to it, every day felt fun. Still, the road ahead was long. My goal was that yolo life after retirement. I needed way more cash than this. To make that happen, I had to earn big while I could.
I slipped my phone back into my pocket and checked the schedule sheet on my lap. Morning agenda: CF shoot. By the way, this was our first ad gig. Probably thanks to our latest single blowing up. The client was Donghyang Pharmaceuticals, a famous beverage brand. I'd bought their drinks a few times myself—definitely those refreshing ion drinks perfect for hot days. The product we were promoting was something similar.
The ad concept blended cool freshness with an active summer vibe. The backdrop and outfits were all geared toward that. But hold on. My hand froze as I scanned the proposal. The costume concept jumped out at me.
A crop top that fully exposed the navel and an excessively short pleated skirt. That was the shoot team's request. The classic cheerleader getup, in other words.
...Way too sexy. At least by my standards.
I could negotiate stage outfit changes with the stylist, but this was the shoot team's demand from another company. Too late to raise issues now that we'd accepted. I should've scrutinized the initial proposal more closely instead of skimming it because I was busy. That was my mistake.
"...I don't wanna wear it."
It had zero anti-magnetism power. Just thinking about slipping into it killed my motivation.
I let out a sigh—then my eyes caught the appearance fee listed at the bottom of the contract. Since the client was a major corporation, the payout was on another level from typical CFs. After commissions and splitting with the members, my cut would be...
I punched it into the calculator, and my eyes lit up brighter than ever.
"Screw it, let's do it."
The money was too good to pass up.
"Hmm."
Ad director Lee Jin-su surveyed the spacious CF set. The stage setup had just wrapped up. Once the talent arrived, everything would be ready.
"Where are the performers at?"
"They arrived on site about three minutes ago."
"Got it?"
They were probably in the waiting room getting coordinated with the wardrobe team by now. While waiting, Lee Jin-su reviewed the ad plan again.
Performers: A-Star. Their recent release had skyrocketed in popularity, making them the hottest girl group right now. The ad impact should be solid, but as rookies, there were concerns.
Like their acting skills, for instance.
CFs had to cram product appeal and brand image into 15 to 60 seconds. Acting was key. Even stunning visuals couldn't save flat performances. Most of A-Star's members had zero acting experience. Especially the center, Ruti. She'd started training at 16, debuted at 17. No acting background or training.
Lee Jin-su had seen plenty like this. Every one botched it with awkward NG takes, dozens of times. Worst cases delayed the whole shoot. Those memories still haunted him.
Hope it doesn't get that bad this time...
He squeezed his eyes shut in silent prayer. Just then, A-Star arrived on set. Four members, but Lee Jin-su's gaze locked on one: maknae Ruti. Her face hit like a punch to the gut. He'd known she was pretty from videos, but the real thing? Unreal.
She approached with the others for greetings.
"Hello. Please take good care of us today."
She bowed deeply, her high ponytail bouncing sweetly. A faint, sweet scent wafted over—shampoo? Lee Jin-su shook off the stray thought. She was an idol first, but still a 17-year-old girl. Entertaining impure ideas disqualified him as both director and human.
He plastered on his most wholesome smile and offered a handshake.
"The pleasure's mine. Let me brief you on the shoot plan."
He explained each member's concept and role in detail. They'd all memorized the script perfectly, so it didn't take long.
"Let's start shooting. Stay relaxed and natural, everyone."
The CF rolled. The camera centered on Ruti, the ad's star—the group's top pick. Lee Jin-su watched with bated breath.
First take's bound to be an NG.
He was ready to call cut. But no NG came. Far from it...
Why is she so natural?
She nailed drinking the beverage effortlessly. Smooth movements, natural expressions, perfect eye lines—no flaws, perfectly following directions.
"...Cut."
He'd never dreamed of a one-take success. Reviewing the footage, Lee Jin-su was speechless in awe. Flawless. They could wrap right there.
"Um..."
He approached her quietly.
"Have you ever studied acting professionally?"
With skills like that, she had to have training or experience. She replied with the world's most innocent face.
"Never once."
Ever since the TS, my life had been pure acting every single day. I'd survived three years playing "Kim Siyeon" to hide my true self. My skills had sharpened naturally, to the point where I could rival pros. That's how we nailed the first CF.
"Great work, everyone."
I thanked each staff member personally, then headed straight to the waiting room. Let my hair down, ditched the cheerleader outfit, changed back into my regular clothes. Afternoon schedule awaited—no time to waste.
Idol days were insanely packed. Finish one gig, and the next was lined up. Lucky our school, Haneul Arts High School, was lax on attendance, or I'd have dropped out.
"We're gonna be late—hurry!"
"Wait, I'm not dressed yet!"
Afternoon: fan meeting at a nearby university auditorium. We piled into the van and headed out. No time for a proper meal—we scarfed something quick in the car.
We arrived to a long line snaking from the entrance. All fans here to see us. More than expected—I was a bit shocked.
"This way, please."
Escorted by security, we slipped in through the back. Inside the venue, my spot was front and center at the table.
"Let's begin the event."
Fans filed in from outside, taking seats one by one in front of us. I flashed my business smile.
"Nice to meet you! ♥"
This was our third fan meet. Simple format: greet warmly, chat briefly, sign, done. The hard part? Repeating it hundreds of times.
These were paying customers. Every single one was precious. Gotta give my all, no matter what. Business ethics, right?
We powered through the chaos when—
"F-Fan. I'm a fan."
A familiar voice hit me. I looked up. There sat a girl from my class.