Chapter 72
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 72
“‘Summer is in our hands’?”
“It’s refreshing. I like it.”
We had landed a soda CF. It had been a while since we’d filmed outdoors, and since it was our first major commercial, everyone was on edge.
Beside me, Kim Seong-hyeon and Jeong Da-jun were flying around on skateboards they’d picked out as props.
“Phew, I was going to use stunt doubles, but they’re amazing!”
The CF director looked highly satisfied. Perhaps because he was young, Jeong Da-jun had recovered twice as fast as the doctor predicted, and he was now darting around the set with his usual boundless energy.
“Tsk, I told him to be careful…”
“He probably just wants to run around and play.”
“I get anxious just watching him. It’s like watching a child playing near the water.”
As I let out a sigh, Seong Ji-won looked at me with a strangely proud expression. What was that look for?
His attitude toward me lately had been subtly irritating. When I glared at him, Seong Ji-won quickly caught on and changed the subject.
“Ho-yun, aren’t you going to ride?”
“I’ve only ever ridden a kick-scooter.”
“Are you good at it?”
“There wasn't a soul in my neighborhood who could beat me…”
“I honestly can’t tell if you’re joking or not sometimes…”
Whether Seong Ji-won muttered in confusion or not, I went back to checking the CF storyboard printed on the papers in my hand. Kang Yi-chae, who had been diligently following Kim Seong-hyeon and Jeong Da-jun around with a camcorder as if he’d developed a taste for filming behind-the-scenes footage, approached Seong Ji-won this time.
“Seong Ji-won! Where are you and what are you doing right now?”
“Today, we are filming a CF for ‘Lanta.’ I’m checking the storyboard with Seo Ho-yun.”
“Lanta is so delicious! Give us a quick thought on it.”
“Yes, yes! The reason we’re able to be here is all thanks to our Noeuls. I will show my passion in everything I do so as not to be a burden to the advertisers who were kind enough to call on us.”
“Wow… did you memorize that?”
“…Pardon? I’m being sincere.”
“……”
Kang Yi-chae looked quite taken aback before moving on to his next target: me.
“Seo Ho-yun. Do you drink a lot of Lanta usually?”
“Usually?”
I furrowed my brows as if offended.
“Goodness, my blood is practically made of Lanta…”
“Oh! My apologies.”
“I’d appreciate it if you watched your tongue.”
“Aigo, aigo. This humble servant has sinned~.”
Since I played along, Kang Yi-chae seemed satisfied and went off humming to find his next victim.
That guy… he’s not filming this for the fans; he’s doing it for his own amusement. I clicked my tongue and finished checking the storyboard just as the members gathered in one place.
I was glad the schedule was set for the morning. Even if the shoot ran long, I figured I’d still be able to make it to the CEO’s office.
Right, today’s the day.
It was finally time to revise the members' contracts.
Even if they could be changed by mutual agreement, this was a drastic measure. From what I could see, the company did almost nothing for us. Considering we were a self-made group that grew on our own, the current profit distribution was absurd.
“We’re starting the shoot!”
True to a soda commercial, the staff were full of energy from the start. I gave a loud response, bowed my head, and entered the pre-booked skate park.
“We’ll start with Seo Ho-yun’s solo shot!”
“Understood.”
I brushed my hair back and walked forward slowly.
Since they weren't in the shot, the members' faces were full of expressions that said they were ready to tease me.
The camera focused on the soda can in my hand before slowly moving up to my face. I looked into the lens and recited the lines I’d memorized.
“Summer is in our hands.”
The camera director tilted the angle up slightly. I took a step forward, looked straight into the camera, and let the corners of my mouth curl into a smile.
“Grab hold of your refreshing youth.”
“—Okay, cut!”
Did that turn out alright?
I’d have to do ADR (automated dialogue replacement) later anyway, but I still said all the lines for real.
The director, who was reviewing the footage, tilted his head slightly.
Did he not like it?
“Seo Ho-yun. That was good. It came out well, but let’s go one more time from a different angle.”
“Yes, sir.”
I nodded and returned to my original position to set my pose. The members, who had been ready to tease me, seemed to have changed their minds and just watched in silence.
After the director called cut again, he rubbed his chin while monitoring the screen before turning his gaze to me.
“Seo Ho-yun.”
Is something wrong?
“Yes, please tell me.”
I steeled myself to do whatever was asked, but the director said something completely unexpected.
“Your diction is really good. Like an actor’s.”
“……Pardon?”
“Your expressions are good, too… I’m just curious, do you take acting lessons?”
What was this now…?
Lately, the topic of acting was popping up everywhere. I was slightly on guard, wondering if the CEO had put him up to this, but I answered reflexively.
“Haha, not at all. I’m just following your detailed direction.”
“Wow, you’re quite the smooth talker, too.”
The director didn't say much else. I was worried he might ask, “Why don't you try acting?” but I was relieved when he didn't.
It was a relief that Daepasung was a small agency and didn't have the clout to influence a CF director like this…
“Whoa!”
Suddenly, a chorus of admiration erupted from the staff. I turned my head to see what was happening and saw Kim Seong-hyeon gesturing to me from a distance.
“Seo Ho-yun. Look at this.”
“What?”
Kim Seong-hyeon poured the soda into a paper cup, hopped onto his skateboard while holding it, and rode down the half-pipe [1].
“……What is he doing?”
Swoosh!
As he rode up the vert [2] using the momentum, he grabbed the cup, flipped in the air, and landed back on the half-pipe.
“Whoa…”
Kang Yi-chae was genuinely impressed. Kim Seong-hyeon returned to his starting position and held up the cup. Not a single drop had been spilled.
“Not bad, right?”
“Seong-hyeon!! An interview! Please give us an interview!”
As Kim Seong-hyeon strolled over, sipping the soda from the paper cup, Kang Yi-chae cheered and shoved the camera in his face.
This guy… he could have made it even if he hadn't become an idol.
“Seong-hyeon! That! Let’s use that in the ad!”
The director, who had also seen it, rushed over in excitement. Kim Seong-hyeon seemed a bit flustered since he’d just done it on a whim, but they ended up using the shot for the commercial.
“I want to try too!!”
“Don’t.”
“Hmph.”
I immediately shut down Jeong Da-jun as he stepped forward with his board to copy Seong-hyeon. This guy, trying to show off again when he was just injured…
After that, it was Kim Seong-hyeon’s time to shine. The staff showered him with praise and applause. It seemed they were even more enthusiastic because they were getting great shots and could finish the shoot early.
I turned my head to take a break and locked eyes with Seong Ji-won.
“Ho-yun.”
“…Yeah. What?”
For some reason, I always felt uneasy when he made that kind of face.
Especially since Seong Ji-won was the type who could kill a person with a smile and a mountain of practice…
“I heard what they said earlier. Are you going to act?”
“Why are you starting, too?”
I narrowed my eyes and clicked my tongue softly.
“Who else did you hear it from?”
“The manager mentioned it. He said Seo Ho-yun even got a recommendation from Senior Min Ji-heon but kicked it away because he didn't like it.”
“What’s with that exaggeration?”
“So?”
It wasn't a matter of whether I liked it or not. I was someone who had to do what I was told. …But this wasn't it. I pulled on my tracksuit jacket and gulped down some soda.
“I’m not doing it.”
“Why? Even the director said it earlier. He asked if you act. In my eyes, you have talent.”
“Does everyone and their mother have talent? He was probably just saying that.”
“No, when I was at the major agency, I saw a lot of kids who took acting training and actually filmed things.”
“Seong Ji-won.”
When I gave him a warning look that meant ‘stop right there,’ Seong Ji-won shrank back slightly but soon lingered around me with a grin.
“Did the manager tell you to do this? To try and persuade me?”
“No, it’s nothing like that. I’m saying this because it feels like you’re overthinking things.”
Overthinking?
I didn't understand what he meant, so I asked. Seong Ji-won plopped down next to me and cracked open a soda of his own.
“It’s obvious what you’re thinking, Ho-yun. We haven't been active for that long, and since we’re a group that hit number one on a wave of momentum, we shouldn't do individual activities until our recognition is stable. If someone stands out with mediocre acting, it could cause internal strife.”
“……”
Ding!
[Is that person the Talmud?]
I fell silent, having been hit right where it hurt. I was confident I could argue against anything, but I had nothing to say when my true intentions were laid bare like this.
“But I just want you to do whatever you want. Don’t worry about what others think.”
“……”
“You’ve more than earned the right to do that, Ho-yun.”
Doesn't this guy feel any resentment? Even though he was the one who sacrificed his youth and practiced for all those years, Seong Ji-won still put the other members first. Perhaps noticing my sour expression, he intentionally cracked a joke.
“And if you get more popular, won't we be able to ride your coattails a bit more?”
“…Just how much are you going to give up?”
“Huh? Haha… I’m not giving anything up, Ho-yun.”
Seong Ji-won crinkled his nose, cleaned up his empty can, and left. But there was a separate, fundamental problem here. Both Seong Ji-won and everyone else were mistaken…
“…I’m not even interested in acting, though?”
Ding!
[I gave you a trait for it!!]
Why does everyone think I want to act?
Not at all. I have no talent. Even Min Ji-heon said you never know until you try.
I clicked my tongue and tossed the empty can in my hand into the trash.
“Man, I just don't get it.”
For now, I set aside the unsolvable problem and proceeded with monitoring. Kim Seong-hyeon’s stunts looked even more artistic with the sunlight reflecting off him.
That’s a great shot.
“That’s a wrap! Great job, everyone!”
“Good work~!”
Everyone cheered at the early finish, clapping and exchanging greetings with the staff.
Just as I was about to leave after shaking hands with the youngest prop assistant, my phone suddenly rang.
“……”
It was the CEO. Feeling a sense of foreboding, I stared at the phone for a moment before pressing the call button and bringing it to my ear.
“Yes, this is Seo Ho-yun.”
[Ah, Ho-yun.]
I heard a low sigh, followed by a slightly apologetic voice.
[I’m sorry, but I don't think we can renew the contracts this time.]
“…Pardon?”
[I’ve already finished talking to the manager. Let’s talk more later.]
I was about to ask what on earth he was talking about, but the manager came rushing onto the set in a panic. At the same time, the CEO let out another sigh and hung up.
…What is it this time?
“Gu-guys!”
Anyone could tell from his face that something had happened. All the members froze, waiting for the manager’s next words.
Despite his frantic entrance, the manager looked around warily and cautiously grabbed Jeong Da-jun.
“Da-jun, I’m sorry since you just finished filming, but you need to come to the company with me right now.”
“Why? What’s wrong?”
“Seong-hyeon, later…”
“Why?”
As the leader, Kim Seong-hyeon stepped forward first and stood between the manager and Jeong Da-jun. Jeong Da-jun looked at the manager with a startled face, clearly having no idea what was going on.
I also strode toward them, organizing my thoughts.
Jeong Da-jun? Why Jeong Da-jun?
What was left? Victory is Mine? The broadcasting station? Or a dating scandal? No, I’d cleared all of those. Jeong Da-jun would keep his promise to me, so it wouldn't be a dating scandal.
Then what…
Ding!
The ominous sound of the system window rang out.
I stopped and glanced up, letting out a groan at the description that appeared there.
“Ha…”
This is driving me crazy, seriously.
Meanwhile, Kim Seong-hyeon, who still hadn't grasped the situation, was questioning the manager calmly.
“You have to tell us so we know what’s going on and can prepare.”
“That’s… ah, I shouldn't be doing this.”
The manager fidgeted restlessly before finally covering his mouth and whispering softly enough so that those around them couldn't hear.
“An exclusive contract issue cropped up.”
“…What?”
“Da-jun. It turns out Jeong Da-jun was under a double exclusive contract. So we have to go and explain. The CEO is very angry right now…”
Jeong Da-jun’s eyes grew wider and wider. I lamented my cursed fate as I stared at the system window.
[‘Double Exclusive Contract’
Resolve Jeong Da-jun’s double exclusive contract issue!
Success: 10,000 Points
Failure: Jeong Da-jun leaves the group, Main Scenario cannot proceed]
How is it that not a single day goes by quietly?
*
[1] A curved, U-shaped ramp.
[2] The vertical wall of a half-pipe.