Chapter 17
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 17
“Hyung, are you really okay?”
“Yeah.”
“They said it’s overwork and gastritis. Even though they told you not to overdo it…”
“I told you, I’m fine.”
The members narrowed their eyes at me. I pretended not to notice and picked up my phone. The car was already heading toward the music video set.
[Seo Ho-jin: Hyung, are you trying to die from overworking??]
[Seo Ho-jin: No hope. No hope. No hope.]
[Seo Ho-jin: Don’t come crying to me later—]
[Seo Ho-jin: Ha… seriously, no hope. But if you’re really hurting, just come home.]
Pass on Seo Ho-jin.
[Im Hyeon-su: This is insane;;; What’s with the leak?]
[Im Hyeon-su: How does your company even manage things?]
[Im Hyeon-su: People are saying the song came out great, though lol. I’ll give you that much~ lol]
She definitely sent that just to brag. I carefully typed out a reply to Im Hyeon-su.
[Me: k]
“Did you collapse because you were shocked by the leak?”
“No, it was overwork.”
“Well… it makes sense he’d collapse from overwork. Ho-yun hyung worked the hardest, after all.”
Everyone nodded in solemn agreement.
“He really doesn’t look the type, but he’s a total beast.”
“What do you mean, ‘doesn’t look the type’?”
“You look like you grew up without ever having to struggle.”
“Me?”
A hollow laugh escaped my lips.
“Hey, back in my day…”
“Ugh, here he goes.”
Hey! I really suffered, okay? If I were to write down everything I went through before I transmigrated, it would be a bestseller, get turned into a movie, and make people cry so much their tears would overflow the Han River!
Ding!
[You have no hope!]
…Well, if I include the system window, it becomes fantasy and not an autobiography, but anyway!
“Anyway, I’m glad you’re back to your senses.”
“We were all about to lose our minds, but seeing you collapse actually made us pull ourselves together.”
When did these guys get so attached to me?
I ignored them and kept playing our song. I was busy trying to fix the rhythm that was still slightly off. I had even less time now because of the trip to the emergency room.
“Ah, we’re here.”
After stopping by the salon and catching a quick nap in the car, we arrived at the music video set in the blink of an eye.
Seong Ji-won nervously clutched his chest. Kim Seong-hyeon tapped him on the shoulder, signaling for us to get out.
As soon as we stepped out of the car and saw the staff, we began bowing at ninety-degree angles.
“Hello!”
“Hello! We look forward to working with you!”
“Oh, you’re the guys who caught that robber, right?”
“Y-yes, that’s us!”
“That was so cool. I saw the articles. Good luck today!”
The staff members’ eyes widened before they smiled and greeted us warmly. As we entered the studio, I saw a stage set that looked like it had been put together in a hurry.
“Wow, is this the set?”
“So cool!”
‘It’s low budget…’
Calling it a stage set was a stretch; it looked like they were trying to mask the lack of funds with lighting.
That damn CEO. I told him to give us a proper push. While the members were running around with sparkling eyes, I was the only one standing there with a sour expression.
As I looked around, I locked eyes with a man in his forties standing in front of a camera.
“Hello! We are The Dawn.”
“Whoa, you startled me.”
I knew instantly.
This was Director Jeong, the one Im Hyeon-su had mentioned. There seemed to be a bit of an age gap, but considering how she talked about him, they must be quite close.
Director Jeong grinned at us.
“You’ve got great energy, probably because you’re rookies. We’re going to finish the individual teasers and the music video all in one go today. Let’s have a good shoot.”
“Yes! We look forward to it!”
He seemed to have a better personality than I expected. Director Jeong’s eyes met mine. He smirked and held out a hand.
“You’re Seo Ho-yun, right? The one Im Hyeon-su kept cursing out until her throat went dry.”
…Usually, people say ‘complimenting,’ don’t they?
I felt a bit awkward, but my professional business smile was already in place. I took his hand and replied smoothly.
“I’m not sure what she could have said.”
“Hahaha, don’t worry, I didn’t hear the details. But I did hear that you have a veteran-like grit that’s rare for a rookie. There’s a lot of talk about the leak and all that… but you know all that controversy disappears if you do well, right?”
‘He’s subtly putting on the pressure.’
But I just gave him a brazen smile.
“I’ll do my best.”
“Good. I’m looking forward to today.”
I wanted to talk to Director Jeong more, but the members were watching with curious eyes, making a candid conversation difficult.
I’d try to recruit him later if he seemed useful.
“Guys, come here! You need to try on your outfits.”
The stylist, who usually only worked with Daepasung’s actors, waved us over. The members were acting very hesitant.
“Your outfits are reaaaally complicated.”
“We’re sorry!”
“Huh? What are you sorry for? Actors don’t wear clothes like this, so I don’t get many chances to make things like this. It was fun for a change.”
“Thank you, Ssaem.”
“You can call me Noona!”
When Kang Yi-chae spoke up affectionately, the stylist readily agreed. They skillfully handed out the clothes to each member.
Following the plan pushed by the planning team’s youngest staff member, the concept was split into two.
Our expressions were complicated as we took the clothes. They certainly were intricate.
After struggling to get changed for a while, I stood in front of the mirror. Beneath my navy-tinted hair, I wore a deep blue uniform with a shoulder strap running from my right shoulder to my left hip.
I wasn't sure if it looked okay, so I just stared blankly at my reflection.
“Wow, Seo Ho-yun, you look amazing!”
“…Is it okay?”
“It’s more than okay! You’re a ‘cool tone,’ so it looks like you were born to wear this.”
“Thank you.”
“It’s a perfect fit! Perfect!”
The stylist and the hair stylists watched with satisfied expressions. As the other members came out, Seong Ji-won suddenly pointed a camera at me.
“Whoa, Ho-yun! It really suits you!”
“What are you filming?”
“The manager told us to film some behind-the-scenes footage.”
I got the gist. Seong Ji-won was wearing a similar uniform to mine, but his hat was slightly different. His brown hair, which glowed brightly under the lights, suited him well.
At the same time, Kim Seong-hyeon, Jeong Da-jun, and Kang Yi-chae emerged. Their outfits were closer to military fatigues than dress uniforms. As they put on their combat boots and rolled up their sleeves, the stylists busily adjusted their hair and clothes.
“Kids these days are so tall.”
“I know, right? Their limbs are so long, it’s fun to dress them up.”
“Ah… hehe.”
Jeong Da-jun laughed shyly. Kang Yi-chae had already snatched the camera from Seong Ji-won and was running around like a puppy.
“Say hi to the camera!”
“Oh? Can the staff say hi too?”
“Of course!”
“I’m sorry. Kang Yi-chae, get over here.”
“I don’t want to!”
“This brat…”
When he started getting too comfortable and clinging to the staff, Kim Seong-hyeon walked over, gave him a light noogie, and dragged him back.
It was then.
As we were waiting to head out, the quiet set began to fill with music.
“Oh…”
It was our song.
The low beat and the humming sound—the song that Im Hyeon-su had tormented the members over during re-recording, the one that had arguably turned out better than White Cherry’s track—was playing right here.
Playing the artist’s song on a music video set was perfectly normal, so the staff quickly went back to work, but neither I nor the other members could move.
“…It’s our song.”
Seong Ji-won smiled softly. Jeong Da-jun, who had been chatting incessantly just a moment ago, clamped his mouth shut.
‘Good grief.’
We’d already heard and practiced this song countless times; why were they getting so emotional now?
The stylist and hair stylists seemed to find the members’ reactions cute and chimed in.
“Your song really came out great!”
“It’s catchy. It’ll be really popular when it’s released.”
“Th-thank you.”
Jeong Da-jun bowed his head, sniffing slightly.
I glanced at him, and feeling a sudden mischievous urge, I pressed down on the back of his neck. Jeong Da-jun sputtered and stumbled.
“Ah, hyung! What was that for?”
“Let’s do a good job today.”
* * *
“More wistful! Don’t be awkward in front of the camera; handle your gaze more wistfully, Ji-won!”
“Yes!”
Director Jeong was tougher than I expected. A smiling Buddha in front, a tiger behind.
I’d heard from Im Hyeon-su that he was usually the type to phone it in, so why was he working so hard?
“Wow, he’s really meticulous.”
“He seems to know all the details.”
I’d have to buy Im Hyeon-su some really expensive sake later.
“His energy is incredible.”
“Yeah…”
Seong Ji-won looked troubled. He seemed a bit nervous.
He already had a fairly wistful face, but Director Jeong kept calling for retakes as if Seong Ji-won could do more.
“No! I told you to look further into the distance!”
“Ah, yes!”
Kang Yi-chae was busy filming everything for the behind-the-scenes video, while Jeong Da-jun was fidgeting, frustrated that Seong Ji-won couldn't catch the vibe.
“Hyung! Think about that baby chick you bought in front of the school in elementary school! You said you cried back then!”
“Hey, hey!”
Seong Ji-won’s face turned red as he shouted at Jeong Da-jun.
Laughter erupted from the staff on set. But Director Jeong remained serious.
“That’s not bad. Let’s try to go with the feeling of missing that chick a bit more.”
‘…?’
“Imagine what that chick would look like now if it had grown into a chicken.”
What kind of nonsense is that?
‘Is that what they call art?’
Can you even say things like that? No, you shouldn't.
I watched with my arms crossed. But the truly unbelievable thing was that Seong Ji-won, who had been blushing with embarrassment, instantly switched to a deeply wistful expression the moment the red light on the camera turned on.
‘…Wait, is it just his face?’
Even I was confused, stroking my chin, while Director Jeong excitedly kept bringing up the chick.
“Yes, that’s it! That’s the face! What was the chick’s name?”
“Ch… Chicken.”
“Good, think about Chicken!”
“Chicken…?”
“That’s actually pretty cruel, Ji-won hyung…?”
Jeong Da-jun and Kang Yi-chae whispered to each other. They were like a pair of idiots.
“Can he really act like that after receiving an order like that?”
“I couldn't.”
When I muttered that, Kim Seong-hyeon silently nodded.
“His years as a trainee aren't for nothing.”
Kang Yi-chae didn't let go of the camera, desperately holding back his laughter with professional spirit. I’d have to check how this gets edited later.
Seong Ji-won seemed shy, but he didn't look nervous anymore. Even though he’d been so tense in the recording studio before.
‘What is his deal?’
I tilted my head. He was shaking back then.
“Next, Kim Seong-hyeon!”
“Yes!”
Kim Seong-hyeon answered briskly and walked out.
The red lights came on. Sitting in the space surrounded by cameras, he took a deep breath and composed his expression.
“Let’s look cold, Seong-hyeon!”
At Director Jeong’s order, Seong-hyeon tilted his head slightly and looked forward. It was a look that fit the planned image of a cold and thorough character.
However, looking at Director Jeong, his lip was pouting slightly in dissatisfaction.
‘That won't do.’
I quickly signaled to Kang Yi-chae. Kang Yi-chae nodded, hurriedly scribbled something on a sketchbook he’d asked a staff member for, and held it up high.
“Hyung, look at this!”
When Kim Seong-hyeon looked over in surprise, he saw a quiz written in Kang Yi-chae’s messy handwriting.
Kim Seong-hyeon frowned as he read it. A few staff members read along with him.
“What is a gentleman’s greeting…?”
“What? What kind of quiz is this?”
I took the sketchbook, flipped the page, and held it over my shoulder. Kang Yi-chae shouted.
“The answer is…!”
“…Shin Saimdang?”
A chill swept through the set. The atmosphere around Kim Seong-hyeon, the one actually solving the quiz, became as cold as the Arctic.
Of course, Director Jeong was thrilled.
“Shin Saimdang! That expression is perfect! That’s exactly the cold image I wanted!”
“…….”
“Be cold! Like you’re looking at someone with contempt!”
It worked.
‘Good.’
‘Yes.’
I gave Kang Yi-chae a thumbs up. Kang Yi-chae nodded and scribbled a second question.
A few staff members with peculiar tastes watched the situation with great interest.
“What does a dragon… say… when it goes to heaven?”
“What is it? Ascension?”
“The answer will be revealed by Ji-won hyung!”
Overwhelmed by the momentum, Seong Ji-won awkwardly held up the sketchbook. Kim Seong-hyeon looked truly pained, but he couldn't help but look at the sketchbook to see the answer. Seong Ji-won shouted shyly.
“The answer is… I’m going up-yong…!”
“…….”
“Did they turn on the AC?”
I asked Jeong Da-jun. Jeong Da-jun shook his head with an uncertain expression. It felt like the temperature had dropped by at least ten degrees.
Seong Ji-won hung his head in genuine embarrassment, and Director Jeong, who was having the time of his life directing the cameras, finished Kim Seong-hyeon’s shoot in five minutes.
“Perfect. Nothing more to be done.”
Director Jeong dismissed Kim Seong-hyeon with a satisfied smile. Kim Seong-hyeon walked out from in front of the camera, looking exhausted. Then he gave Kang Yi-chae a noogie.
“Um, next, Seo Ho-yun, please!”
Ah, it’s finally my turn.
Kang Yi-chae cheered me on. I stood before the cameras, facing the blinding lights and reflectors.
I didn't know standing here would feel like this. I was always the person standing behind the camera.
“Seo Ho-yun, don’t be nervous, just do what you usually do. Be subtle, like you’ve got something up your sleeve.”
‘…Tsk.’
It seemed Director Jeong knew something about the incident with Im Hyeon-su.
I squinted at the lights that changed every few seconds. I was surprisingly nervous.
“What, are you nervous?”
“Haha… I guess so.”
Director Jeong smirked, subtly testing me. I gave him an awkward smile and recalled the advice Im Hyeon-su and Ju Woo-seong had given me.
“I look forward to working with you.”
I took a deep breath and slowly opened my eyes toward the camera. Director Jeong’s eyes, which had been gleaming with curiosity, instantly turned serious.
“Your gaze is great right now—okay.”
Director Jeong gave the okay from the start and moved in for a close-up. I slowly toyed with my fingers and looked forward.
“A bit more. Lower your gaze and smile.”
I was lucky that the character concept for this project suited me. If I’d had to stick with that cute and bubbly Pineapple concept, I wouldn't have been able to immerse myself and shoot this easily.
“Good, like that… Hmm, I like it.”
Director Jeong nodded and signaled. As I slowly walked out, the members’ eyes were fixed on me.
“You’re very photogenic, Ho-yun. It was worth the anticipation.”
“Thank you.”
“Come here and take a look.”
I walked over to Director Jeong and looked at the screen; the image was a bit unfamiliar.
Seo Ho-yun moving in the video, Seo Ho-yun standing under the blue lights with narrowed eyes—everything felt alien.
‘It’s strange.’
…It felt like it wasn't me.
“How is it? Do you like it?”
At that moment, ding, options appeared.
[Options:
1. Am I… an angel?
2. My heart is thumping-kyun.
3. I’m just too handsome.]
‘Damn it.’
I quickly made a choice.
“I’m just too handsome.”
“What? Hahaha!”
It was the best option. At least it was the most normal. When I said it brazenly, Director Jeong burst out laughing and slapped me on the back.
“You’ve got a sense of humor, Seo Ho-yun.”
“…….”
Does that mean I’m not handsome?
