Episode 123
“I really never imagined that Oh Jin-woo would do something like that. I thought at least he would have the pride of a composer, but plagiarism… I’m truly embarrassed. Moreover, if Flower hadn’t been facing a major investigation this time, I wouldn’t even have known about this, and I feel even more ashamed in front of Team Leader Seon.”
I waved my hands in a hurry, bowing politely as James Oh apologized.
“No, it’s not like that. Even if you are Composer James Oh, how could you possibly know everyone else’s work? Given that our agency, TwoBear, is struggling to find an art team, it’s only right you offered help purely out of goodwill. How could I possibly hold you accountable? You don’t need to apologize at all.”
Even though I kept saying it was fine, he bowed his head even lower and apologized again.
“I fully understand how a recommendation from someone like me is perceived. Saying no must have been a huge burden. I tried to introduce someone I knew well, and look where that got us. I sincerely apologize once more.”
“So, it’s Oh Jin-woo’s fault, not your fault for introducing him, Composer James Oh.”
“No, if it were someone else, maybe, but introducing Oh Jin-woo is indeed my mistake. That guy is not just anyone as Team Leader Seon mentioned.”
…If he’s not just anyone, then what is he?
“Could it be… a romantic interest…?”
“No! Absolutely not!”
James Oh exclaimed in panic, breaking into a cold sweat.
“…That guy is my biological little brother.”
“….”
This was something I had no idea about in the previous episode…
“I’m sorry, but your name is James, right? How can you be brothers with Composer Oh Jin-woo?”
“Oh, that? I just picked a fancy stage name. I’ve never even studied abroad—I’m a complete local through and through.”
“….”
…Uh, right, it’s good to support local talent.
“Anyway, facing this situation, as a composer who wants to maintain a good relationship with Team Leader Seon, I considered what it would mean for me to take responsibility as his older brother. And although I’m not sure if it’s what Team Leader Seon desires, I came up with a solution.”
So that was the reason why James Oh called me during this busy period.
In truth, since Oh Jin-woo had already thrown in his lot with Flower, there wasn’t much need for specific accountability. I just hoped he wouldn’t forget about the songs he had promised to deliver earlier.
There was no particular need for responsibility in the thrown yard. I just hoped he wouldn’t forget to work on the song he promised before.
However, I was curious about what he meant by his plan, so I quietly waited for him to speak.
“How about I join TwoBear?”
“…What?”
I blurted out in shock at a comment I never expected, and James Oh seemed to interpret it as a request for more explanation, continuing his story.
“To be honest, while I’ve developed a good relationship with Team Leader Seon and genuinely admire their character, my inspiration has run dry. So I feel that collaborating with Team Leader Seon could be a turning point for me. If I join TwoBear, I can work with Team Leader Seon while also taking responsibility for Jinwoo’s work, which feels like a win-win situation. Thinking of this plan, I couldn’t help but wonder why I was complicating things in the first place.”
“Wait… just a second.”
Before I could say anything else, I paused James Oh, who seemed determined to finish his point in a rapid-fire manner, and took a moment to think.
“You mentioned the studio, right?”
James Oh quickly answered, as if he had anticipated the question.
“I can just shut it down.”
“What about your colleagues?”
“Actually, my studio was created by friends who want to do personal projects under a company name similar to mine, so shutting it down or not won’t matter much to them. They’re all top-tier in the industry anyway.”
“Even though our president doesn’t treat newcomers badly, your income may significantly decrease after joining TwoBear. Are you sure you’re okay with that?”
“It doesn’t matter. I’ve made enough money already.”
“…”
James Oh, brushing aside the seemingly negative conditions, lowered his head and said.
“I sincerely hope you’ll accept me into TwoBear. I want to create the best idol together with Team Leader Seon.”
In front of me unfolded the avant-garde scene of an S-grade composer voluntarily bowing their head to become a slave.
I hurriedly responded before he could change his mind.
“The door to TwoBear is always wide open!”
Of course, the exit door is closed.
I sat in the corner of the café terrace, licking my vanilla soft serve in a tiny cup, finishing the story I was telling to the intensely staring Yeoreum.
“…So, that James Oh is joining our TwoBear.”
“Wow.”
Yeoreum exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she said to me.
“Just like Team Leader Seon! Even Composer James Oh fell for Team Leader Seon’s flirting!”
“…Could you at least not bring up the word ‘flirting’ when I’m talking about women?”
I don’t know where the misunderstanding came from, but I’m heterosexual, you know, Yeoreum.
“But Team Leader Seon’s flirting doesn’t discriminate between men and women, right? That Song Johan vocal trainer, who seems a bit self-absorbed, lights up with excitement whenever Team Leader Seon’s name comes up!”
“Hm…, that’s oddly touching?”
The incident when I recruited Johan was pretty complicated too.
“It wasn’t easy to lure him in since he’s a romantic who refuses to give up on a failing vocal training academy, even if his salary gets delayed. I ended up doing a lot of weird things as a complete stranger, but luckily, it seems he remembers that fondly.”
“Hehe, because you’re that kind of person, Team Leader Seon.”
Yeoreum nodded with a smile, then quietly murmured.
“…That ‘anyone’ part is a bit disappointing sometimes though.”
Just as I was about to ask about that, Yeoreum wore a playful smile again and said,
“The new member of the PR team, Park Miso, also looks at Team Leader Seon with a strange gaze, doesn’t she? You must have flirted again, right?”
“No, flirting? If it seemed that way, then it’s my fault. Miso is someone I knew personally, so I might have been a bit too friendly. I should be more restrained in the future.”
It was a bad habit I needed to correct, as the distance between people often got tricky to manage when revisiting previous connections.
“Hm…, then what about Seo Eunbyeol, who joined the PR team with Park Miso?”
Yeoreum’s eyes got a bit mischievous. It seemed like she was trying to sound casual, but deep down, I felt she really wanted to ask that question.
I heard that.
Well, I couldn’t be sure how I looked at her either.
“Ms. Eunbyeol…”
“….”
“By the way, was the concert fun? Since it was the performance of SAYA, the hottest girl group lately, I hope something left an impression on you.”
I, having turned the conversation in a painfully obvious and contrived manner, felt I couldn’t give a definitive answer just yet.
Yeoreum watched me with a faint smile, playing along with my obvious intention.
“It was really great. I liked SAYA too. The stage, the performance, the songs were all impressive, but what felt even more amazing was seeing people who love the same group come together, enthusiastic all at once. Each audience member sparkled like they were dreaming of stars, their eyes shining brightly.”
I understood. As someone who has planned and participated in countless music shows and concerts, I felt that emotion every time.
“…Will I ever be able to be one of those people?”
I looked into Yeoreum’s slightly trembling eyes, peeking out from under her beanie and sunglasses, speaking with a hint of fear.
“Yes, I’m sure you will.”
It didn’t matter that I was labeled a public enemy or was involved in drug controversies.
“If the world tries to stop that, I will make it happen.”
Thus, I made my resolve.
“….”
Yeoreum, who had dropped her disposable spoon while eating ice cream and was staring blankly at me, suddenly cleared her throat and extended one hand.
“Um, could I shake your hand?”
“A handshake? Why so suddenly?”
“Well, you know, to feel like ‘the contract has been fulfilled’?”
“….”
“…And also because my hand is cold from eating ice cream and I need the warmth.”
I chuckled softly and complied with her small request.
As I carefully grabbed her hand to shake, Yeoreum twisted my hand slightly and locked fingers instead.
“This isn’t a handshake!”
“It’s American style.”
…Is that true?
Maybe it was because she had experience studying abroad in the U.S., but it oddly sounded convincing.
At that moment, a chilling voice came from behind me.
“…What are you two doing right now?”
It was Gaeul.
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