Chapter 31
Chapter 31
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: uly
Chapter: 031
Chapter Title: The Power of a Single Photo (1)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
A quiet community. It was a famous fan page where fans of Kwon Seonghyeon, the national actor and top star, gathered.
One day, a single post quietly appeared there.
[Guys. You see the news?]
The post started like that and seemed to be buried at first. But that didn't last long. As people who heard the news trickled in one by one, it shot straight up to hot issue status. Considering the nature of that community, it was an utterly unprecedented event.
Like actor, like fans. They weren't the obsessive type who barged into places they didn't belong, like fans of other idols or actors. Rather, they were just like their homebody Kwon Seonghyeon—they didn't move unless it was something major.
[Sasaeng? What's that...? My fans are all such respectable people....]
If the actor himself said that, wasn't that the end of the discussion? Most members were long past the age of frolicking around like immature kids. No, even if they wanted to, with their favorite actor saying that much!
-Let's protect Seonghyeon-nim's beautiful inner world.
They were the mature type who voluntarily restrained their own actions like that. Of course, their composure wasn't just mental.
-To celebrate XX's birthday, recruiting for birthday support!
If ordinary fans collected donations on a massive scale for their favorite celebrity's birthday,
-We donated 100 sacks of rice to a welfare organization in Seonghyeon-nim's name.
-Bought some clothes and shoes from DIX, BalX, IpX, etc., that would suit Seonghyeon-nim this season. If you're sending gifts, please avoid these brands above.
-Sent a BangXol home theater. Hope he uses it well. Seonghyeon-nim, may you only hear good things and live well.
Kwon Seonghyeon’s fan page was such that individuals didn't even need to chip in a little money. Why? Because they could just buy and send it themselves. Why bother splitting costs for something that's not even billions—just a few hundred or thousand?
Of course, not all fans were like that, but curiously, Kwon Seonghyeon’s fans had a high proportion of people overflowing with leisure and wealth like this. Those who couldn't keep up either went silent or got reined in by the diehards.
-Seonghyeon-nim is for us to protect.
-Seonghyeon-nim came first, then us. We didn't come first, then Seonghyeon-nim, so let's not bother him!
The pact among the fans. It was to do their utmost not to make Kwon Seonghyeon aware of their existence.
To put it differently... a kind of pretense? The desperate pretense of wanting to show only their good sides to the person they admired.
That had been the case.
But [Guys. You see the news?] this post was more than enough to blow away the diehard fans' self-control and pretense.
-No.... What is this....?
ㄴ222 No.... What is this....?
-Insta! Seonghyeon-nim posted on Insta!
He made it and didn't post anything for a year, but he finally posted a photo!
ㄴWorth following all this time....
ㄴTrue patience wins.
ㄴOnly our Seonghyeon-nim could gain 16 million followers with one photo... ☆★
ㄴlol That's our Seonghyeon-nim's class, right?
-No matter our pact not to get worked up over trash news;;; If it's news Seonghyeon-nim posted himself, that's different;;;; Guys. Where do you think that is? Looks like a set with the makeup;;; But why's he wearing such baggy clothes???;
ㄴThat's sponsored clothes. I think X brand offered it as tribute since he's playing a chaebol heir;;; Would've been more realistic if he just grabbed something from his own closet;;;;
ㄴStill, I'm satisfied getting to see Seonghyeon-nim's comma hair... ☜(U_U)☞
ㄴlololol Why are you ascending to nirvana already? Before you go, shouldn't you at least find out who that adorable cutie next to him is?
-Who's the guy next to him? Is it true Seonghyeon-nim called him "close"? Real life that his first Insta post in a year is a two-shot? Who's that kid? His skin's so fair, looks young. Searched but first time seeing him? Anyone know?
ㄴThis guy's at least a question-mark murderer, aren't you? This many? Question? Marks? Tired?
-Did Seonghyeon-nim get hacked? A two-shot out of nowhere....
ㄴProbability the hacker has Seonghyeon-nim's unreleased photos?
ㄴRight? Can't believe it, slipped out unconsciously....
-Seonghyeon-nim. If you're being blackmailed, shake a carrot! I'll go burn down the agency!
ㄴAgency does great work tho lololol They make so much money even when actors rest^^... Too competent is a curse....
-Guys stop escaping to unrealistic reality and properly read what Seonghyeon-nim posted.
ㄴKinda cute....
ㄴYeah. To stand next to Seonghyeon-nim and still look fine. Didn't expect a fresh sprout like that.
ㄴGrow big, you tender leaf!
The photo was simple. Well-dressed Kwon Seonghyeon with his arm familiarly around a neat young man's shoulder, beaming brightly.
But that wasn't all the photo showed. The young man with the pale face had a slightly sulky expression, in stark contrast to Kwon Seonghyeon. No matter how you looked, it was clear Kwon Seonghyeon was the one being overly friendly.
The caption added to it was even fresher.
[One shot with a close dongsaeng. Happy to be together!]
This news went beyond the fan page and even made headlines.
[New drama struggling after Idol Lee’s departure completes casting for new actor!]
[Famous actor Kwon Seonghyeon flaunts unusual closeness with rookie actor. Who is he?]
[Who is the one appearing on Kwon Seonghyeon’s Insta? “One shot with a close dongsaeng” ... “Happy to be together”]
[Vacant “Grim Reaper” role filled. By whom?]
Reporters who caught wind quickly weren't about to miss this hot issue. Yeonwoo, belatedly seeing the internet flipped upside down over the small ball—no, single photo—Kwon Seonghyeon tossed, looked ill.
"No way, articles over one photo...?"
It wasn't even days ago. Just a few hours back.
-Since it's a monumental occasion, how about a commemorative photo together?
Kwon Seonghyeon, who seemed to be brooding over something, had said.
-Yeonwoo-ya. Seems like our Kwon actor-nim has some serious issue? Still hurt because of that bastard we serve? Even the Child Spirit was worried like this.
No. That guy had spectacularly self-destructed and gone on indefinite hiatus ages ago, and still?
With that thought, Yeonwoo casually asked.
-Any worries?
Kwon Seonghyeon was an excellent lifespan supplier, so he needed ongoing care. That was all.
But the response made it clear casual asking was a mistake.
'Didn't expect this.'
If he'd known the ripple would be this big, he wouldn't have allowed SNS, let alone the photo.
"I didn't expect this either. Just posted one photo..."
Kwon Seonghyeon was just as flustered. Articles popping up right after posting, reporters sniffing around and lurking near the set.
"It's fine, it's fine. Thanks to you, Seonghyeon-ssi, promo costs will drop, right? Was pondering how to get the word out about Yeonwoo-ssi. As you know, our drama's in a tricky spot now. But here's a way. The marketing team might bow to you."
The set was chaotic, but surprisingly, Director Heo and Writer Min didn't seem too bothered. They saw positive buzz forming from curiosity.
"While we're at it, maybe release some making-of footage? Centered on Yeonwoo-ssi, could draw even more heat."
"Yes?"
"That damn guy bailing made a huge fuss everywhere, saying the drama's wobbling. Even with Kwon Seonghyeon and Min Yerin. But with a crazy presence like Yeonwoo-ssi filling that spot perfectly, those complaints will swallow themselves."
"Yes?"
Crazy... what?
'Do people here not know shame?'
Maybe his central nervous system for embarrassment was paralyzed. Hearing "crazy presence" out loud. And the insane part was no one batting an eye. Everyone nodded as if it made perfect sense.
"Director-nim! Coffee truck just arrived. What do we do?"
As Yeonwoo cringed alone, the maknae PD burst in.
"Coffee truck? Already? Who sent it?"
The director asked, puzzled.
"From Kwon Seonghyeon-ssi’s fan page."
"Oh, them! That's fine. Good. Tell them to send it over."
"Yes! I'll relay that!"
Watching the maknae PD dash out, Writer Min stuck out her tongue.
"What's a coffee truck?"
"Ah, right, Yeonwoo-ssi wouldn't know. Sometimes fans send stuff to sets. Trucks with coffee to drink during breaks."
The so-called tribute culture—fans of appearing celebs boosting actors' morale by sending food to sets. Not just coffee trucks; snack trucks, lunch boxes, or even full meals like pizza, chicken, street food... basically anything edible.
"Anyway, Seonghyeon-ssi’s fans have insane execution. How'd they get a coffee truck so fast? It's been less than two hours since the photo."
"Yeah. Didn't expect this much interest... Most of my fans are respectable folks."
"First time Seonghyeon-ssi posted voluntarily, that's why. His fans are famous for their execution. I think they're more curious about Yeonwoo-ssi."
Suddenly, the conversation shifted to Yeonwoo.
"Me?"
"Yeah. You're the first Seonghyeon-ssi openly called 'close.' He gets along with everyone but picks his people. Ah, that confused face. Still don't get it?"
How'd he know?
"Um... so, basically, Seonghyeon-ssi’s fans coming to check you out. Coffee truck's just an excuse."
"Yes...?"
In other words, an interview?
"Don't worry. Seonghyeon-ssi’s fans are famous for being classy. They won't threaten you not to hang with him."
Writer Min smiled brightly. But Yeonwoo felt a chill for some reason.
[Don't worry, Yeonwoo! I'll protect you! Even if they're actor-nim's fans, I won't tolerate anyone bullying our Yeonwoo!]
The Child Spirit bellowed from his chest, but it wasn't much comfort.
How much time passed? Soon after the maknae PD left to relay permission, he came panting back.
"Coffee truck's in the parking lot!"
"Whew. Time for a breather. Been a while since good coffee."
"Call some reporters? Could use this for promo."
"Contact the promo team, sure."
Staff tossed out lines and shuffled outside.
"Yeonwoo-ssi, you gotta go too. Seonghyeon-ssi’s fans have refined tastes—better than most chain cafes."
Director Heo chuckled and headed out first.
"Let's go, Yeonwoo-ssi."
"Heading to the test...?"
Yeonwoo recoiled. After what I just heard, go out?
"I'm not ready yet...?"
Cold contemptuous gazes. Accusing eyes. All familiar to Yeonwoo.
But familiarity didn't make it pleasant.
"If they're testing me, means they don't like me already. Do I really need to go?"
Suddenly facing judgment from strangers.
"You do."
But Kwon Seonghyeon said to such a Yeonwoo with utter confidence.
"Don't worry. I guarantee it."
Kwon Seonghyeon smiled brightly.
"No one would dare dislike Yeonwoo-ssi."
A soft yet firm smile. Somehow, a smile brimming with certainty.