A Warm Evening and Family Dinner
A warm evening.
"You can just head back now."
"It's fine."
"...Good grief."
Even though I'd told him he could go, CEO Kim stayed put, completely ignoring me. Thanks to him, no other guys dared approach me anymore. Who'd even try with that face glaring at them? Other agencies were probably the same, but ours was especially strict about relationships between men and women. Private ones were absolutely forbidden unless it was family. Especially in my case. I mean, I was the agency's star talent, after all.
"Break time's over. Let's get back to the lessons."
The short rest ended, and we dove back into the acting. This time, we switched characters again. Acting out scenes that changed every moment felt just like the pretend games I'd played as a kid.
Gu Min-jun, who'd been watching from the audience seats for a while, nodded to himself and climbed onto the stage. His face said he knew exactly what the issue was.
I swallowed hard and asked cautiously, "How was it?"
"Watching your acting, Ruti, I think I get the problem now."
He raised his index finger and shared his thoughts with me.
"This is just my personal opinion, but it feels like traces of your previous role, Lee Ha-eun, are still too strong in your performance."
"Traces of Lee Ha-eun...?"
"It's common. When a past role's image sticks too firmly, it bleeds into future ones."
He went on to say that watching me act made it seem like it wasn't Ruti performing, but Lee Ha-eun herself. An actor captured by their role. The words immediately brought to mind the protagonist of O Reporter.
That actor had struggled for a while to shake off their previous image, constantly criticized for giving off the same vibe no matter the role.
??? : This is a Muggle's wand right here.
He said I was in a similar boat. My character meshed so perfectly with Lee Ha-eun that I'd immersed myself too deeply. On top of that, I was unconsciously projecting her onto other roles.
His words hit me deep in the chest. That must've been the source of the discomfort I'd felt. The inexplicable awkwardness, the tangled emotions I couldn't pinpoint. It was all because I'd been too gripped by the role of Lee Ha-eun.
"Thank you. Is there a specific fix for something like this?"
"Expanding your acting spectrum isn't something that happens overnight. The most efficient way is what we're doing—trying different styles with various people. That's why..."
He looked at me with earnest eyes, all traces of his initial strict demeanor gone.
"Why don't you officially join our acting classroom? Since you're an idol, we'll adjust the schedule to fit you as much as possible."
He was straight-up recruiting me. Gu Min-jun clasped his hands together, waiting for my answer.
"Hmm."
I stroked my chin, lost in thought for a moment. Whether as an idol or an actor, broadening my acting range was crucial. From that perspective, this place was ideal for learning. The coaches were skilled, and as a theater troupe, their security was top-notch.
Having made up my mind, I nodded and accepted Gu Min-jun's offer.
"I'll take a lesson here."
"Thank you."
Gu Min-jun bowed his head to me. Shouldn't I be the one thanking him? I scratched the back of my head, feeling awkward.
"I'll pay for the lesson upfront then."
I pulled out my wallet from my pocket. That's when the CEO, who'd been listening in, placed a hand on my shoulder.
"I'll cover it. This is all part of the agency project."
"It's okay. I can handle something like—"
I started to decline but stopped midway. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Ha Yu-ri diligently taking her lesson on the side of the stage.
"Um..."
I whispered very quietly to the CEO. He chuckled softly and nodded.
"I didn't think of that."
I asked him to pay for my lesson fee—and Ha Yu-ri's as well. I'd been worried about her working weekends to afford it. I wanted to pay for her myself, but she'd feel burdened. This way, through the CEO, it wouldn't weigh on her.
"See you next time."
We finished the lesson and headed out of the theater. Not just the students, but even the coaches came out to see us off. I waved as I got into the car with Ha Yu-ri. We were on our way home.
"Hey."
Ha Yu-ri, sitting beside me, spoke up hesitantly.
"I heard you paid for my lesson fee too. Thank you."
"It wasn't me—the CEO did it. Strictly on behalf of the agency."
"I already thanked him, of course. But I still felt like I needed to thank you too, Senior Ruti."
She'd vaguely figured out it was my request. That's why sharp kids are...
"You've helped me so much, Senior Ruti. I want to repay you somehow, but..."
She pouted, frustrated that she had nothing to offer.
I hadn't done it expecting anything in return.
That's when—
Grrrrowl.
My stomach suddenly signaled for food. Come to think of it, I hadn't eaten since morning.
Ha Yu-ri's face lit up like it was perfect timing.
"This might be overstepping, but..."
She hesitated a long time before mustering her courage.
"Would you like to have dinner at my place? Feel free to say no if it's too much."
The car had just pulled up in front of her house. Ha Yu-ri watched me with a mix of hope and worry.
How could I say no to that face? I nodded readily, accepting. Truth be told, I was curious about her family too.
**
Ha Yu-ri's house was a cozy two-story home tucked inside an alley. Through the fence, I could see a tidy yard and spotless windows. It wasn't fancy, but the homey vibe suited her perfectly.
Ding-a-ling.
Following her inside, two little figures came to greet us at the narrow entryway. They looked just like mini Ha Yu-ris—must be her siblings.
"Hi?"
I greeted them first, and they both stared at me with wide, curious eyes.
"It's Lee Ha-eun."
"Whoa, for real?"
They recognized me instantly. Probably from the movie.
"She's your sister's senior. Say hi properly."
"Hello."
"Hello."
Like Ha Yu-ri, they were polite and sweet. After a quick greeting with the siblings, we went inside. The living room matched the cozy exterior, with kids' toys scattered around like they'd just been playing.
"Where are your parents?"
"They stepped out to grab something, I think. Have a seat."
"Hey, mind if I use the bathroom quick? I've been sweating a bit."
Running around since morning, I was pretty grimy. I wanted to wash up before her parents got back.
"Take your time."
"Thanks."
Ha Yu-ri even filled the tub for me before heading to prepare dinner. I took her siblings to the bathroom with me. Didn't feel right lounging alone, so I figured I'd bathe them too.
"Who wants to go first?"
"Me!"
"I'm good."
The little sister eagerly handed herself over, while the brother shyly slipped into the tub first, looking embarrassed. A bit shy, huh? I ended up just washing the sister.
"Heehee."
"Ticklish?"
Ha Yu-ri's sister, A-reum, giggled every time I touched her. Watching her innocent, childlike joy melted away my built-up fatigue.
"Feels refreshing."
I dried off and changed into the pajamas Ha Yu-ri had prepared. Delicious aromas wafted from the kitchen.
"Bathroom's all good."
"Oh my."
As I stepped out, I bumped into an unfamiliar woman. But I knew right away who she was—she looked just like Ha Yu-ri.
"Hello. I'm from the same agency as Yu-ri..."
"I know! You're Ruti, right? Eek!"
She jumped up and down, grabbing both my hands tightly. I'd assumed she'd be calm like Ha Yu-ri, but she was way more bubbly.
"Yu-ri told me. You're staying over tonight."
"Huh? Staying over...?"
"Come on in first. Dinner should be ready."
In the kitchen, the table groaned under a feast fit for a king. You could tell real effort had gone into the food. How'd she whip this up so fast? Ha Yu-ri's cooking skills were impressive.
"You're even prettier in person than on TV."
"Mom! Staring like that will make her uncomfortable."
"But an idol in our house? How can I not look?"
We sat around the table and dug in. Her dad wasn't there, but the atmosphere was incredibly warm and familial. It was the first home-cooked meal like this in a while.
That's when—
Ding♪ A text from Manager Unni.
We were shooting the music video before the new song's release. The detailed schedule was in the attached file.
I checked it right away. Shoot date: next week. Location—
Jeju Island.
"Hmm."
Jeju Island—I knew it well. It was where my family home was.