Episode 202
This relationship is unstable.
Saying that they’ll date after the contract ends sounds nice. However, it’s just a flimsy promise that can shatter with a mere gesture.
It’s a ridiculous play on words, relying solely on one person’s goodwill, and a promise that can be tainted with coercion, nothing more, nothing less.
But that man faced such absurdity more sincerely than anyone else.
Even though he could cut ties in disgust as if he were fed up, or disappear without deeming it worthwhile to express such negativity, he confronted and contemplated the absurdity head-on.
It was goodwill and devotion.
No matter how much those women sent shivers down his spine with their obsessive desires, he didn’t deny them and just smiled.
So, the fact that he decided to choose one among the three indicates that it would be the kindest and gentlest choice he could display.
Even Gaeul herself wouldn’t find it strange if she were already fed up with the relationship.
Thus, there’s no need to view it negatively. Rather, it’s something to consider positively.
Perhaps Taeyang could choose Gaeul on the day the contract ends.
“Really?”
With three options, the probability was close to 33%. It wasn’t a ridiculously low chance.
“Do you really think so?”
Considering Seon Taeyang’s usual demeanor towards her, the possibility seemed high.
“No way. That can’t be true. I’m just lost in hope, consumed by my own feelings, indulging in delusions, right? The confession and promises I received from Brother Taeyang are merely byproducts of threats I extracted using my life as leverage. It’s all just about taking advantage of the remarkably kind heart of Brother Taeyang. But do I really think he genuinely likes me? That he would choose me on the day the contract ends?”
“…”
After countless self-interrogations filling her mind, Yoo Gaeul bitterly pondered the answer to that question.
“…There’s no way, right?”
Yeoreum possessed an extraordinarily dazzling appearance that even another woman would find beautiful. Her long, straight black hair flowed down like silk, her delicate and alluring features could only have been crafted by a skillful artisan or designer painting the most exquisite image of Eastern beauty, deep blue-black eyes holding the depths of the ocean, and a body that showcased the slender form to its maximum charm—she was like a model.
On top of that, her background was that of the prestigious Jinkang conglomerate, with a harmonious family where her parents looked like they would support her in anything.
She seemed to express support as if she could give anything and everything.
She was perfect as a woman.
Gyeoul had a seemingly cold and stern appearance, yet paradoxically, she was the owner of the cutest and warmest look. Her unique and attractive blonde hair flowed with a hint of natural curls, giving her a unique flair. Her mixed heritage added a distinctive point, and her idol-like charming features and sharp eyes seemed to melt attractively upon her kind-hearted nature.
Moreover, Gyeoul had spent the most time with Seon Taeyang, being the idol who graced his firsts, creating a sticky connection between the two.
‘…But what about me?’
Considering the public’s evaluation of her, it seemed she wasn’t a bad choice after all.
But that was relative.
Gaeul didn’t have the background of Jin Yeoreum.
Gaeul didn’t have the time of Han Gyeoul.
Hence, she was internally certain that she was the less attractive option compared to the two.
‘What kind of ending awaits me, I wonder…’
Happy couple. From a distance, Yoo Gaeul pretended to bless them while hiding her dark and dull emotions.
It was a foolish and stupid sight.
And quite predictable.
Once again, she felt a wave of discomfort rising.
Gaeul, gasping for breath on the floor, finally managed to rise with trembling legs.
‘That can’t happen. I absolutely can’t see that ending. …Even if I lose everything.’
It was because of such thoughts that Gaeul had arrived here.
“Nice to meet you, Gaeul. But you’re a bit late…. Are you okay?”
The reporter Yang Joo-ho, whom she called, asked with a puzzled expression.
“Your condition doesn’t seem normal; shouldn’t you go to the hospital?”
Gaeul shook her head.
“I’ll handle that. What’s important to you, Yang reporter, is the information about the dating rumors, isn’t it?”
“Well, that is true. Being an entertainment reporter means we often don’t see what’s in front of us. Then, I’ll put aside my unwarranted concerns and ask without shame.”
Yang Joo-ho pulled out a recorder, eyes sparkling as he asked.
“So, is this dating rumor about Yoo Gaeul with someone? An entertainer? Or perhaps a common person? If so, that might be a bit disappointing…Haha, sorry. It’s a journalist’s nature.”
“Ah, I’m sorry. My calling is as a reporter.”
“You can’t really definitively say they’re a celebrity, but I believe Reporter Yang knows who they are.”
“Hmmm… a famous person? A sports athlete? A big corporate leader? A politician? Wow, I like the sound of that. Sounds like a hot topic. So, who are they?”
Gaeul twisted her lips into a strained smile and replied with a pale face.
“It’s Team Leader Seon Taeyang.”
“Team Leader Seon Taeyang?”
The expression of Yang Joo-ho, puzzled at first, quickly transformed into one of shock.
“Wait a minute… If that’s the case, then they’re Gaeul’s manager…”
“Exactly.”
With that twisted smile now filled with desperation and desire, she said, “Brother Taeyang and I are in a relationship.”
*
Even though the solo concert of Girl Revolution, which could be considered the biggest event, wrapped up successfully, I was busier than ever.
“Team Leader Seon, due to the noise pollution caused during the concert, citizen groups are demanding a statement. What should I reply?”
“Do NOT answer that! First, contact the legal team and let them know we’ll get back to them. We need to discuss this thoroughly with the PR team before making any statements.”
“Team Leader Seon! The local Japanese partner agency ‘Sora Music’ mentioned they want to hold a concert over there with the same narrative as our last one. How should I reply to that?”
“Is there definite demand for it?”
“Yes! They confidently stated that if they fill every seat, they’d still have extra!”
“It’s a very attractive proposal, but let’s hold off for now. I think it should be discussed only after we renegotiate with the kids. I’ll reach out to explain the situation; just say that for now.”
“Team Leader Seon! The clothing sponsor for Alcest, Perda, said they would like to do a joint advertisement shoot with Girl Revolution. This one…”
While handling the torrent of requests, I received a call on a number that was only shared with TwoBear’s staff.
“Yes, this is Seon Taeyang.”
“Hey, it’s Cheon Aram.”
It was Cheon Aram, the president of TwoBear.
“I hope I didn’t call you at a bad time?”
“No, not at all. I’m wrapping up some payment processing and now just doing some light paperwork. And of course, your words are always my priority.”
“Oh wow, look at you buttering me up! You really don’t have to do that between us anymore.”
… Well, obviously, you should prioritize what the president says.
Of course, we should prioritize what the president says.
– Team Leader Seon should be a bit careful about that, you know? I told you, there are many people who will be enchanted by every little word. …Well, I’m in a good mood, so I don’t care.
I wondered why I had said something so amazing that warranted that reaction, but since they looked happy, I decided to let it slide.
– By the way, how did the contract negotiations with the kids go?
“…”
– Team Leader Seon must feel it too, but many projects are on hold because the re-contracting with the kids hasn’t been firmly established. Of course, our Soo-yeon is working hard on the contract negotiations, and she’s trying to set the conditions as favorably as possible for the kids, but there’s been some vague reactions to that. …It seems like it’s closely related to Team Leader Seon’s policies, don’t you think?
“…If President Cheon feels that way, then it must be true. Who in the world could deceive President Cheon?”
– …I’m sorry, that might have come off as unpleasant.
I quickly apologized in response to her gloomy reaction.
“Not at all. That’s not what I meant, …it’s just, I also find the re-contracting difficult.”
– No, I think I was too casual with Team Leader Seon and made a slip of the tongue. Having such abilities nearby might have been seen as surveillance.
“Really! It’s fine. Haha, as it looks, I’m used to being monitored and eavesdropped on.”
– Huh…? Why are you used to that?
… I never expected this, but it just turned out that way as I lived my life.
“Anyway, I’ll do my best with the re-contracting as well. …I want to stay with the kids at TwoBear.”
– Okay, I trust Team Leader Seon. …Even if we fail, I’ll respect that, so don’t feel too burdened.
Just as I was about to respond to that considerate remark, I briefly excused myself to take a call, but one of the employees, Shin Heeseung, approached me and shouted.
“Team Leader Seon! This! You need to see this!”
And employee Shin Heeseung shoved a smartphone in my face.
I felt a strange sense of anxiety from Shin Heeseung’s frantic reaction as I checked the article on the smartphone.
[“Shocking” Girl Revolution’s main vocalist ‘Yoo Gaeul’ confirms relationship with star manager ‘Seon Taeyang’. STA TV NEWS]
“…”
Why is my name in there?
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