Chapter 312
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 312
The dawn air in Japan was muggy, carrying the salty scent of the sea.
I was sprawled out on the sofa in the hotel room, having not even unpacked my bags, when a knock sounded at the door. The manager scurried over to open it, and Director Ju’s face poked through the gap.
“Man, it’s sweltering here in Japan.”
“It’s usually a bit less cold in the winter, though.”
“Oh? Have you been here before, Seo Ho-yun?”
For a split second, I reflexively pictured our youngest, the Puppy, whining about wanting to eat gyukatsu in Shinjuku during our first overseas promotion in Japan.
“Ah, well. Once with some people I know.”
“Ahaha, so you know your way around then?”
I just laughed it off.
Director Ju stepped inside and handed a sheet of paper with the schedule to the manager.
“We’re heading to the studio now to set up the equipment. Do you want to join us, Seo Ho-yun? It might be good to do a quick rehearsal.”
“Wow, Director. You’re putting me to work the moment I arrive?”
“We just have a lot of gear.”
After some playful banter, Director Ju left the room, telling me to meet him in the hotel lobby in thirty minutes.
A short while later, I headed to the studio with the production crew.
“But seriously, how do you know so much about camera equipment?”
“I was interested in it, so I learned a bit in the past.”
“If you weren't an actor, I would’ve hired you as a staff member.”
Director Ju smacked his lips as if truly disappointed.
The location we arrived at was situated right on the beach.
“You really need to go all out on the costume and makeup tomorrow! We came all the way to Japan for this location shoot because I want to emphasize that Kang Ji-sung is a global star.”
“Ah, right.”
“…By the look on your face, you don’t believe me. Well, honestly, that’s just the public pretext. K-pop is a massive craze in Japan these days, so I want to market this well. Besides, half of the rankings on Japanese Letflix are Korean dramas.”
Dead after Hope was still holding its spot on the Letflix charts even now.
“In exchange, I didn’t schedule the filming too tightly, so feel free to do some sightseeing in your downtime. Though, I don’t really know what’s around here either.”
“Then how about we grab a simple dinner together later?”
“Sounds great!”
As I moved in and out of the studio helping with the gear, I scanned the surroundings. I only saw the existing filming crew and a few local staff members.
He’d said he’d drop by with such confidence, too.
‘I guess it was just talk.’
Right. Ju Woo-seong was a busy man; there was no way he’d grace us with his presence all the way out here.
Dismissing the thought, I moved briskly, but then I caught sight of something peculiar beyond the standing microphone set up outside.
“……Hm?”
A single car was parked alone by the main road.
Judging by the shadow cast against the lightly tinted windows, there was definitely someone inside.
It had been parked there since we first arrived at the studio….
‘That’s a paparazzi, no doubt about it.’
After my brief stint working on investigative programs, I’d developed a skill for instantly spotting people who radiated an “I’m a suspicious person” aura.
‘Why would anyone be tailing me?’
Because of the drama Shining Star?
No, the teaser for that hadn't even been released yet.
Besides, I was just a fresh rookie actor who’d barely won a single New Star Award; it seemed unlikely they’d dig into my background.
Was the fleeting popularity I gained from Dead after Hope the problem?
‘Or is it Ha Seo-yeon? Are they trying to link me with her?’
That would be a total waste of their time.
No matter how much I racked my brain, I couldn't find a clear answer. It felt unsettling, but I pushed it to the back of my mind for now and headed back into the studio.
Director Ju was up on the stage area, checking the blocking.
“Um, Director….”
“Is it because the lighting is so flashy? It really feels like a concert rehearsal. You timed it perfectly. Seo Ho-yun, come over here! Let’s see how the shot looks.”
“Ah, yes.”
Even if they dug into me, there wasn't much to find, so I figured I didn't need to tell him right away.
I scratched the bridge of my nose and stepped onto the stage.
Perhaps because they’d turned a venue that occasionally hosted actual performances into a set, it felt a bit strange.
“Wow, it’s perfect! You blend into the stage so well, you look like a real idol!”
“Don’t I?”
Just then, a familiar voice rang out.
“The location and the atmosphere really do suit him well.”
Ju Woo-seong had appeared out of nowhere.
Sporting a mischievous grin, Ju Woo-seong was dressed casually in a black T-shirt and jeans.
“Whoa! Ju Woo-seong!!”
“I told you I’d come, didn’t I?”
“I didn’t think you’d actually show up!”
Neither did I.
Director Ju had likely brought it up thinking he had nothing to lose. But Ju Woo-seong had actually come. The director was so excited he was practically huffing.
“WH Entertainment is one of the co-producers of this drama. How could I not keep my word? It’s a matter of loyalty.”
“Woooow!”
This guy, who doesn't have a single friend besides Chae Jeong-woo, is talking about loyalty.
As I clicked my tongue inwardly, a realization struck me like a bolt of lightning.
“It’s quite a distance to get here. How did you come?”
“I pestered my talented manager and made it happen.”
The paparazzi outside—they were definitely following Ju Woo-seong.
“It’s even better to see you in a foreign country. Do you come to Japan often, Woo-seong?”
“I’ve only been here occasionally for shoots.”
“I see. Well, I suppose you’re never not busy. Oh, Woo-seong, if you have time, would you like to join us for dinner? Me, the staff, and Seo Ho-yun.”
“Ah….”
Ju Woo-seong looked slightly troubled.
“I’m sorry, I have a prior engagement for dinner.”
“Ah, with your staff?”
“No, a friend I know.”
He replied nonchalantly, but I caught on instantly.
It was a woman.
One hundred percent, a woman.
‘You idiot!’
While I was reeling in internal horror, Ju Woo-seong brushed the situation off with a bright smile. For some reason, his face seemed even more radiant than it had been a few days ago.
I massaged the back of my neck, which was growing stiff with irritation, when he turned his gaze toward me.
“Hello to you too, Seo Ho-yun.”
“…Hello.”
Do I look like I’m doing well, you punk?
“What are you filming today?”
“Ah, it’s the scene where Kang Ji-sung sings. Over there, Seo Ho-yun is…”
“Oh?”
It felt like I was the only one breaking into a cold sweat.
While he and Director Ju chatted peacefully, my brain was spinning rapidly.
Wouldn't his agency take care of it before an article broke?
As long as he didn't post it on social media like a total lunatic, wouldn't they be able to handle it somehow?
“Is that so? Does he dance too?”
Come to think of it, Black Call had been around for a few years now.
Rather than spending a fortune to block it, there was a high chance they’d try to exploit it instead.
While not as bad as Daepasung, WH Entertainment occasionally did stupid things, so anxiety began to creep in.
“Should I check his blocking for him?”
“No.”
“…Pardon?”
“Ah.”
Ju Woo-seong’s questioning look snapped me back to my senses.
“No, I mean, it would be a great honor if you did.”
Ju Woo-seong quirked an eyebrow slightly before turning his attention back to Director Ju. Then, he hopped up onto the stage.
“Here. Originally, it’s two steps to the right and one to the left, but the camera won’t catch that well anyway. Using your upper body effectively will result in a much better shot.”
Ju Woo-seong continued his explanation, demonstrating the movements himself.
“You don’t need to make the movements large. There will be more close-ups in a drama.”
Seeing the guy who used to mock me for being a hopeless ttukttak-i acting so incredibly kind made my skin crawl.
“Got it?”
“…….”
His pleasant, low voice brushed past my ear. Other words were itching to burst out of my throat.
“……Seo Ho-yun?”
Hey, are you going to be okay?
If things keep going like this, your position in the company will shrink, and the public will tear you apart.
“…Well, I guess you’ve got it.”
And if things go south, your entire list of past girlfriends might be exposed.
It’ll affect your career, too.
“…….”
I sincerely wanted to grab him by the collar and shake him, telling him that now was not the time to be so peaceful, but….
“Yes, thank you for the clear explanation.”
I reined in my reason and remained silent.
“Great. Director, you got that behind-the-scenes footage just now, right?”
“Ahaha, of course.”
“Please upload it nicely.”
Watching Ju Woo-seong diligently play his part and work hard at his social life, a sigh escaped me.
‘Fine…. There’s nothing I can do now anyway. He’ll handle it on his own….’
“The equipment setup is almost done, right? Then, Seo Ho-yun, do you want to try a rehearsal?”
Usually, for performances like this in dramas, it was common to do post-recording, but Director Ju said he wanted to capture the live feeling and film it with a guide track playing faintly.
Because of that, there was more to prepare.
“Yes, I’ll do it.”
I nodded and walked to the spot where Ju Woo-seong had stood. I gripped the stand microphone under the glaring lights.
Soon, the music began to play.
It happened to be a song I knew well.
“Clouds and Wings,” a track released by the legendary 1990s singer Lee Ju-hwan, which I had performed on The Complete Singer.
【…—As I have always wished
If I could fly away with you
I even thought about wanting to run away】
I missed the intro for a moment, caught up in my thoughts, but I calmly picked up the lyrics.
【…As I dreamed yesterday
If I could hold your hand
I even prayed that I wouldn't wake up】
I recalled what Director Ju had told me.
He wanted me to stay true to the original song, expressing a precarious youth who doesn't lose a faint light even in the midst of dark and cold loneliness.
Because this scene would be the turning point for Kang Ji-sung’s growth.
【I’m just moving forward
Umm Hmm I’m just moving forward】
But had Kang Ji-sung—no, Ju Woo-seong—ever felt lonely or lost?
He was a guy who always stood loftily at the top, brimming with confidence.
【No regret
Even if it’s far, even if it’s blurry, even if it’s scary
If I just show a smile, it’s the end】
He was a member of Black Call, a group that easily took first place as if no one else even mattered.
‘It was the same during Kill the Lights. You were no help at all, you bastard….’
In fact, whenever they made a comeback, that year’s Grand Prize was practically guaranteed.
From the outside, his life seemed nothing short of smooth sailing.
【Even if it’s far, even if it’s blurry, even if it’s scary
Once it passes, it’s just the end】
Even though the song wasn't over yet, Ju Woo-seong whispered something to Director Ju and left the studio with his manager.
I pulled my gaze away from Ju Woo-seong’s retreating back and slowly closed my eyes.
【When I try to paint a future with you
Why do I feel so lonely?】
However, the Ju Woo-seong in my memory would occasionally make a strange expression.
Holding a trophy he must have received countless times with an awkward grip, his face would contort as if it were his very first time winning first place.
【Leaving your side
To those distant clouds
I want to run in a single bound】
…As if this moment were just too overwhelming.
【To the place where someone will be waiting
I am not afraid
To those distant clouds】
……I see.
【I want to run in a single bound】
This guy really loves being an idol.
I let go of the stand microphone and lifted my closed eyelids. Every staff member’s gaze was fixed on me.
“……This… is actually really good?!”
Director Ju clapped vigorously, offering his praise a beat late. Following his lead, the staff erupted in exclamations.
“Seo Ho-yun, let’s do it exactly like this tomorrow! Man, it’s coming out so beautifully, it’s almost a waste that this is just a rehearsal!!”
“…Ah, yes.”
I quickly hopped down and approached the director.
“But, Director, there’s nothing else for me to do today, right?”
“Huh? Well, I guess not?”
Having received confirmation, I gave a hasty, half-hearted bow and shouted urgently.
“I just remembered I have something important to do, so I’m skipping dinner tonight! See you tomorrow!”
“Eh?? Wait, Seo Ho-yun, where are you going?!”
I hurried toward the studio entrance, but as expected, Ju Woo-seong was nowhere to be seen.
I turned and ran toward the parking lot. Fortunately, his manager was standing in front of a black van.
Just as I was about to grab him and ask where Ju Woo-seong was, I spotted a familiar back of a head peeking out from between the cars.
“Manager. I’ll head out now.”
“Ah, get some rest. Be careful.”
“Yes, thank you.”
I gathered my strength and called out his name.
“Ju Woo-seong!!”
My voice rang out loudly.
I thought it might have even reached the staff, but I didn't care.
“…-ssi!”
Dammit!
Ju Woo-seong turned around, his eyes wide with surprise.
I walked toward him at a near-run, panting heavily as I spoke.
“Ju Woo-seong-ssi, where are you going?”
“Pardon?”
“Could you spare some time?”
“No, what are you….”
I scanned the area with my eyes to see if the paparazzi vehicle was still there.
It was.
“I have an appointment right now….”
“Have dinner with me.”
I’d been hindered by this geumjjok-i many times, but I’d also received just as much from him.
I’d intended to help him out at least once anyway.
It wasn't a particularly difficult task.
“……What?”
“It’s my first time here.”
Above all, a guy who shines on stage belongs on the stage.
I’d shaken off paparazzi in Los Angeles before; surely I could do it in Japan.
I pulled the corners of my mouth into a brazen smirk.
“Please, be my guide.”
With this, my debt will be settled.