Nias's Manager, Jin Su-hyeok
Jin Su-hyeok worked as a manager at Raum, a small entertainment agency. As a child, his dream had been to become an actor. Blessed with handsome looks from a young age, he'd received endless praise, and under the influence of his drama-obsessed grandparents, he'd set his sights on that path.
Throughout school, he neglected his studies and everything else, bragging to his friends, "Why bother studying, fuck it. Once you make it as an actor, you're set for life."
His face was undeniably perfect—no one could argue that—so his friends just laughed and played along. Jin Su-hyeok spent those days chasing vague dreams and hanging out, but as graduation loomed, he finally panicked and started cramming about acting.
That's when the harsh reality hit him. At the acting academy he joined late, he learned just how narrow the path was. Hundreds, thousands of aspiring actors—many far more stunning than he'd imagined—faded away into bit parts without even landing a decent supporting role.
It was right before high school graduation that he realized this. Jin Su-hyeok, who'd only vaguely dreamed of acting without real passion, couldn't endure the academy's grueling lessons for even half a year. He quit and enlisted in the military like he was fleeing.
He was too ashamed of his empty talk. After two years in service, a bit more mature upon discharge, he got a call.
—Hey, Su-hyeok! Congrats on getting out first off. Wanna do some bit-part gigs? Maybe extra work?
It was from an acquaintance he'd bonded with at that tough academy—a fellow aspiring actor now managing at a small agency.
It was barely better than extra work, but Jin Su-hyeok gratefully accepted. The pay beat plain extras, and fresh out of the military, he couldn't bear mooching off his parents.
That connection led him to Raum. He started with occasional extra gigs and eventually joined as a full manager. Raum had even considered grooming his good looks and friendly personality into an actor or model, but he turned it down.
Now he knew: he lacked both talent and passion.
"Hey, hand out those business cards quick! Push with your looks, slip 'em in slyly!"
"Yes, sir!!"
From then on, hustling as a manager, learning on the fly amid the chaos, Jin Su-hyeok found fulfillment despite the grind. The industry was filthy and full of sleaze, but supporting those actors, singers, and idols who poured everything into it—crashing headfirst against the odds—gave him purpose.
And among them...
"Oh, Manager. Hi."
"Chae-yeon, you still here? Wait, don't tell me you've been practicing this whole time? What hour is it...?"
"The door's still open, isn't it? Gotta work hard to make the debut lineup."
"......"
"Manager? Did I do something wrong...?"
"...Nah. Hungry? Want me to grab something? Heading to the convenience store real quick."
"But... you've been buying me stuff every time..."
"Pay me back with a big meal once you make it. No confidence in Han Chae-yeon's class?"
"...Thanks."
Han Chae-yeon had already been a third-year trainee when he started. To him, she was a dazzling uncut gem. Unlike him, who'd bailed after six months of acting, she'd endured three years of hellish practice since middle school.
It shamed him deeply, but it also made him root for her endlessly. His own failure was inevitable. But a kid like her had to succeed—he wished it desperately. So he went out of his way to help.
Trainees didn't get dedicated managers, but whenever he had time, he poured everything into supporting her.
But the company's woes delayed her debut, pushing her toward year five. That's when Han Chae-yeon raised the white flag first.
"Oppa... I'm quitting."
"Why? Hang in just a bit longer! The project's not fully scrapped!"
"But the odds are slim. They even said we might get cut..."
"No... damn it, Chae-yeon."
"...Yeah."
"Fine. You've put in the work, the suffering, the time. If you're saying this after all that... I get it. I shouldn't butt in recklessly. You've thought it through."
"......"
"But... won't you try a little longer? I'm barely pulling my weight now, can't guarantee your future."
"Oppa..."
"Let's push a bit more. I'll do everything I can. If Han Chae-yeon can't be an idol, who can? No one's got your dance or vocals."
"...Why've you always been so good to me?"
"Why? 'Cause you're awesome! No complaints, grinding through years of brutal practice, no wasted effort, giving it your all—that's cool as hell! I said I'd be your first fan when you debut. Remember?"
"...Hehe. Yeah... you did."
"So stick it out till year's end at least. Sena, Yumin, Hyebin, Gina... with you, it's perfect. If Roxy hits minimum in Japan, the project survives. Straight from the boss—not me bullshitting to convince you."
"......If scouts bail and it all flops, it's on you, oppa. You take responsibility."
"I will. You staying?"
"One year. Just one more, like you said."
"Phew... good call. Really."
"If we debut, you're our manager, right? No one else."
"Duh, who else?"
"Promise. Pinky swear."
"What are we, kids...? Fine, promise."
"......"
"......"
Disguised to avoid recognition, Han Chae-yeon rode in manager Jin Su-hyeok's personal car. Her mind drifted to their debut stage—the thrill, the electric buzz, the overwhelming emotion she'd never imagined but always believed in.
Backstage after, Su-hyeok oppa had cried harder than them, clapping wildly. Recalling it now filled her with nostalgia, joy, and a smile. She'd thought the rookie manager was hitting on her with his pretty face at first, but no—he'd genuinely cheered her on.
The one and only manager for us, for me. Nias, clawing our way up together, shouting encouragement. She couldn't give up. She'd protect it, no matter what.
That's why she followed him.
"...We're here."
"Okay."
Fear gnawed at her, but she hid it, trailing Jin Su-hyeok. They parked in the lot of some fancy unknown hotel, took the express elevator to the 14th floor, and walked the hall in silence. Like Nias's leader, head held high.
'Damn it...'
Glancing at her, Jin Su-hyeok bit his lip until it nearly bled. He loathed himself—powerless, dragging this radiant fairy into hell.
But he couldn't refuse. Rejecting this would crumble everything they'd built like sandcastles before a wave.
This sponsor deal—secret from everyone but him and Rainy, even the agency—meant total cutoff of support and her expulsion if broken. Without leader and key member Rainy, Nias was done. The whole group hung in the balance.
They stopped before 1412, door propped open with a stopper.
Before entering, Jin Su-hyeok couldn't face her, murmuring an apology.
"...Sorry."
"For what."
"Making you do this..."
"I chose it. To save Nias. So don't say that. You... you of all people don't owe us anything."
Her strained smile blackened his heart further. He knew: he'd fallen for Han Chae-yeon at first sight, feelings unchanged. And she felt the same.
Idol and manager—they could never voice it. Even now, it was hopeless.
After agonizing hesitation, his trembling hand pushed the door open. A few steps into the living room, a man lounged deep in the massive sofa, greeting them casually.
"You're here."
"...Yes."
The 'sponsor' looked younger than Jin Su-hyeok—younger even than Han Chae-yeon beside him. But one word from him could erase them both. Immense power and influence.
Unlike Jin Su-hyeok's squeezed-out reply,
"Hi! I'm Rainy, leader of Nias!"
"Whoa, same vibe as on stage. I like it. Worth sponsoring."
"Thank you!"
Han Chae-yeon flashed her practiced bright smile, bowing deeply and politely. She'd ditched the wig and glasses on entry, standing as Nias's leader, Rainy, bearing the group's fate.
This wasn't some minor broadcast gig. It decided Nias's very survival.
She couldn't afford to displease him. Never. For herself, the members, and Jin Su-hyeok, who'd given everything for Nias.