Chapter 97
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 97
“…Seo Ho-yun.”
Throughout the time our filming locations overlapped, Lee Kang-seok sought out Min Ji-heon during every break, wearing a genial smile. This was despite the fact that Min Ji-heon, the kind of person who looked like he’d drink lye if it were served as a meal, seemed slightly uncomfortable. However, that kindness didn't extend to me.
As I was passing by to speak with a staff member, I ran straight into a gloomy-looking Lee Kang-seok, who seemed to have been waiting for me.
“Seriously, why are you doing this to me?”
“Doing what?”
“I’m just trying to do my best here…”
Lee Kang-seok was visibly dejected. By "doing your best," do you mean sucking up to Min Ji-heon and Yoo Ji-ah?
I crossed my arms and stared, wondering what he wanted to say, when Lee Kang-seok suddenly snapped his head up.
“Everything is easy for you, isn’t it, Seo Ho-yun?”
“Excuse me?”
What kind of nonsense was this now?
“You’re a popular idol, everything goes your way. You’re in the same agency as Min Ji-heon, and all your acquaintances are successful people…”
“Pardon? That’s a bit hurtful. Ah, Senior Lee Kang-seok… do you calculate all those things when you make friends?”
“…….”
Lee Kang-seok muttered a curse under his breath. A transparent emotion radiated from his eyes.
Inferiority.
And a victim complex.
‘Interesting.’
I’d seen plenty of guys like this back in my PD days.
They were the type who blamed their lack of success on the people at the top "clogging the way," attributing every failure to someone else.
Well, they weren't entirely wrong, but they were also the type to slam the door on their own opportunities because of that mindset.
‘It’s a bit pitiful.’
I wasn't much different from them, but… they weren't exactly my favorite type. As I watched him in silence, Lee Kang-seok must have misinterpreted my gaze. He suddenly dropped the gloomy act and went off the rails.
“I assume your acting is going well?”
“Hmm?”
“I’m just concerned because idol acting controversies are so common. The first episode airs soon, so hang in there. I’ll be rooting for you.”
= You’re screwed once Episode 1 airs.
He tried to sound cool and sophisticated, but he couldn't quite hide the sarcasm dripping from his tone.
What’s the point of using polite words? Picking a fight in a public place where people can see is proof enough of his stupidity…
‘…Wait.’
Is he describing himself right now?
I briefly reflected on my own behavior, then gave up on thinking and half-heartedly listened to Lee Kang-seok’s rambling.
“But it’s easy to get NGs, isn’t it?”
“…….”
“It’s a shame. Idols usually have a different tone than actors. That’s why people should really learn acting professionally…”
This looked like it was going to be a long story. I needed to talk to the staff and get into hair and makeup soon.
I scanned him slowly from head to toe.
‘Actor disease… plus he’s drunk on his own "artistry."’
I made a quick diagnosis.
People with "actor disease" were a dime a dozen. You saw it often among those who prattled on about "art." They believed they hadn't made it only because they relied purely on their acting, while everyone else succeeded through "strange methods."
“But don't you think it lowers the prestige of the craft when idols join in?”
“Yep. Thanks for the support, Senior.”
“…….”
“So, when are you getting me that fresh cream cake to celebrate my premiere?”
“Shit….”
Unable to resist the provocation, Lee Kang-seok immediately hissed a curse. Honestly, he was fun to watch.
Still, I guess Lee Kang-seok put in some effort. For a guy like him to make a carrot cake to give to his seniors just to get noticed.
But if it were me, I would’ve given it to the director or the writer instead of Min Ji-heon.
“Senior Lee Kang-seok. Why do you like Senior Min Ji-heon so much anyway?”
“What?”
Lee Kang-seok blinked. He seemed very flustered, but he answered anyway.
“Well, uh, he’s popular… handsome… kind… gentle. And he’s so considerate.”
“……?”
Kind and gentle…
Are we… talking about the same Min Ji-heon? When I looked at him with a fed-up expression, he started to look embarrassed.
‘This guy’s character analysis is way off….’
“And.”
He muttered in a voice that grew smaller and smaller.
“…And because he’s a good actor.”
‘Oh….’
It seemed he viewed Min Ji-heon as the sole exception—the one who rose to the top through pure acting ability without any backing.
‘Is he like… a role model for those with actor disease?’
Min Ji-heon was indeed someone worth respecting as an actor.
I scratched my cheek. I’d lost a bit of my fighting spirit.
I pulled over a stray chair and sat down. Beside me, Lee Kang-seok regained his composure and started barking about how "the world doesn't work on talent alone," but I just nodded along.
“…Are you even listening to me?!”
“Of course.”
“I’m a supporting actor in a drama airing at the same time as Please Take Care of the Camera. I’m the second male lead, so I’m on a different level than a minor role like Lee Jeong-hun PD.”
“Of course, of course~.”
“…Let’s see if you can stay this confident after the results are out.”
“Oh my… yes. Walking proudly, everywhere I go~.”
“…….”
After humoring him with some nonsense, I rested my chin on my hand and watched his retreating back as he stomped away in a huff.
‘Well, from his perspective, I guess it makes sense to hate me.’
A guy with actor disease swallowed his pride to suck up to Min Ji-heon, only for some idol to roll in and start acting… he’d be pissed.
But it wasn't my problem.
‘I am Lee Jeong-hun, you punk.’
Once he sees Episode 1, he won't be able to say things like that anymore. To think that a supporting character in a drama within a game I’m trapped in was modeled after me… The absurdity of my situation made me chuckle. As I turned my head, I found Yoo Ji-ah and Min Ji-heon watching me with intrigued eyes.
“……Hehe.”
It was obvious they’d witnessed the whole thing.
“What are you two doing here?”
“Just eating popcorn….”
“Honestly, this is more entertaining than the drama right now.”
Min Ji-heon’s face twisted into a grimace as he sheepishly looked away, while Yoo Ji-ah pointed an index finger at me.
“It’s amazing how Seo Ho-yun-ssi keeps running into people like that. I’m starting to feel a bit sorry for him.”
“For me?”
“For Lee Kang-seok-ssi.”
“…….”
* * *
Drama filming doesn't necessarily follow the order of the script. Most of it was adjusted based on location scouting and the actors' schedules.
Still, things were progressing quite smoothly. Most of the filming was finished, except for a few scenes from the scripts up to Episode 4….
“Wow! It’s Seo Ho-yun-ssi!”
“…Hello?”
The problem was that since the drama was set in a broadcasting station, we’d been filming at station sets and various locations lately, leading to unintended encounters with people I knew.
While waiting for a shoot, I was using a mini fan to keep my makeup from melting and grabbing a drink from a vending machine when I bumped into White Cherry. I thought they’d just pass by, but for some reason, they approached me genially.
“Are you filming a drama?”
“Ah, yes.”
“Oh~! You’re acting with Ji-ah unnie this time? I’m jealous~. Isn’t Ji-ah unnie’s personality just the best?”
She’d cackled while watching me have a war of nerves yesterday… but compared to Min Ji-heon, Yoo Ji-ah was practically an angel.
“Yes, she’s been very helpful.”
“Ahaha!”
And then she giggled again.
I was flustered by how friendly she was being despite us not having much to talk about. We didn't really have any connection. If I had to stretch it, maybe Ju Woo-seong, who’d been sulking lately and barely replying to my texts?
But if I were known to be close to Ju Woo-seong… (which I wasn't), wouldn't I be someone she’d be more wary of, considering she was the ex-girlfriend he had a bad breakup with?
‘…What is it?’
As I stood there, eyes darting around because I didn't know how to react to someone initiating a relationship for no reason, White Cherry’s leader stepped in to manage the situation. She sighed and nudged Han Chae-ri.
“Hey, you’re flustering him by talking so suddenly.”
“Oh my? My apologies.”
“No, it’s fine. But did you need something?”
If someone saw a senior in the industry apologizing to a junior like this and spread rumors, it would be a mess. Liz seemed to have the same thought and quickly got to the point.
“I’ve wanted to say hello ever since the Victory is Mine incident. But none of our members had your number…. You don't seem to have many acquaintances, Seo Ho-yun-ssi.”
…Is she telling me I have no friends?
“Thanks to you… well, maybe not entirely because of you, but several events were abolished after that.”
‘Ah.’
“It wasn't because of me, so there’s no need to thank me.”
As I tried to make a natural exit with a slight smile, Liz smiled back as if she’d seen right through me. Perhaps sensing my awkwardness, she brought up her own difficult story first.
“It’s a bit embarrassing to admit…. But, um, I injured my ligaments there a few years ago. It’s still hard for me to do intense choreography.”
There were many idols like that.
Not just from that specific program, but idols who couldn't handle intense routines because they’d been injured overexerting themselves on variety shows.
“I’m fine since I’ve finished my rehab, but I always hoped my juniors wouldn't have to go through that…. It actually became a reality this time, so I wanted to say thank you.”
“Do you know that the clip of you carrying your member is still a hot topic on Nutube? It was so cool.”
“Han Chae-ri, watch your language.”
Liz poked Han Chae-ri in the side. Han Chae-ri laughed and clung to Liz.
“Unnie~, rookies usually can't even think about doing something like that. I can talk back a bit now, but I was too scared to do anything back then!”
“You were exactly the same back then, Chae-ri unnie.”
“Was I~?”
Han Chae-ri let out a hearty laugh. Her boisterous nature was exactly what I’d expect from the person who dumped Ju Woo-seong by pouring a basin of water over him.
…I lowered my gaze for a moment, remembering the Starstagram story that had been posted during the Jeong Da-jun incident. My hesitation was brief.
“Thank you for back then.”
Liz smiled silently.
Han Chae-ri, who had been watching us with a pleased expression, changed the subject.
“Oh right, how is that jerk Ju Woo-seong doing?”
“…….”
That was an even more uncomfortable topic.
I stood before Han Chae-ri, one of Ju Woo-seong’s many ex-girlfriends, wondering how I, as his acquaintance, should respond. She gave a short laugh.
“Ah, I just know Ju Woo-seong a bit. I heard you two were close.”
We’re not….
And Ju Woo-seong is very sulky these days.
“Um, I’m not sure. I haven't been in touch much either….”
“Really?”
Han Chae-ri shrugged.
“He used to be… quite unstable in the past, but he seems okay lately.”
“…….”
Ju Woo-seong was unstable?
As I blinked at the unexpected information, Han Chae-ri scratched her cheek awkwardly.
“Ah, I guess you didn't know…. Well, he’s come to his senses lately for some reason. You might not know that side of him.”
“Pardon?”
“No, well, um… he was feeling disillusioned… No, it’s better if I don't say.”
Han Chae-ri stopped herself with an embarrassed look.
“Geez, what am I saying when it’s not even my business.”
“…….”
“It’s not like there was a scandal or anything special. It’s just, well… as much as he was born with, he also faced a lot of jealousy and envy.”
While I processed this new information, Han Chae-ri let out a small chuckle.
“Anyway, please get along with him. He’s a bit of a prick, but he’s a good guy in his own way.”
The "coolest ex-girlfriend in the world" fell silent again when her leader nudged her to watch her mouth.
“Chae-ri, why are you holding up a busy person?”
“Ah, hmph, sorry. I was just glad to see him.”
“No, it’s fine….”
As the members of White Cherry turned to leave, I caught the faint sound of them whispering.
“But unnie, did you and Ju──ssi really────?”
“With that face──── don't you know──?”
“Ah──.”
“…….”
Han Chae-ri and the White Cherry members walked away without looking back.
The thoughts lingered like a scent. I stood there for a moment, fiddling with my empty can, and remembered how I’d unintentionally picked a fight with him before. I decided to send Ju Woo-seong a text.
[Me: Where U?]
Surprisingly, a reply came back almost immediately.
[Ju Woo-seong: Why do you care?]
Is this guy seriously still sulking?
But a straightforward answer followed soon after.
[Ju Woo-seong: Cali]
[Me: ?]
[Me: Why?]
[Ju Woo-seong: Who knows]
[Ju Woo-seong: Hey, but it’s actually pretty livable here??]
[Ju Woo-seong: I feel like I can breathe]
What is he even talking about?