Chapter 166

Episode 166

Despite achieving an unbelievable judging rate of 97% on Music Road, Gaeul faced defeat against the legendary R&B singer Lena Shin, her opponent in the second round—talk about a plot twist!

Lena Shin scored a lesser 95% than Gaeul, but the expert evaluations created a confusing score gap.

This was in stark contrast to what the PD initially stated: “Expert evaluations are merely supportive; we will focus on audience ratings!”

Even though I agreed with the judging decision, as Lena’s performance was epic enough to deserve such praise, it seemed the internet was not as forgiving.

The community erupted like a firestorm, with supporters of Lena battling it out with those dissatisfied with the results, creating a full-on comment section melee.

We viewed this rather positively. The “fairness controversy” that Gaeul faced in the opposite sense ended up being a huge boost to the image of Girl Revolution.

In the past, associated searches for Girl Revolution included words like “doping allegations” and “stage fainting,” but now phrases like “Yoo Gaeul Music Road” and “Han Gyeoul Star Challenge” were at the forefront. You could roughly deduce the shift in image!

This change appeared to ripple through the broadcasting world, leading to a surge in invitations for collaborations with Girl Revolution.

Though they insisted on excluding Jin Yeoreum from the mix.

“Brother Taeyang, could you help back me up on ‘Clear Sunshine Good Day’ for my singing?”

“You’ve already done plenty! Lately, I’m lost between being a session player and a manager. I should focus on managing now!”

“But the backup and chorus for ‘the duty of singing’ totally relies on Team Leader Seon, right? Everyone would be disappointed if Team Leader Seon isn’t there! Especially, people love the parts where Team Leader Seon and I sing together!”

“…Honestly, I don’t get why people love it so much.”

Truthfully, the real treasure from Gaeul’s second round performance on Music Road wasn’t just about improving her image; it was about the song “the duty of singing,” which I composed and Gaeul penned lyrics for, going viral amidst the controversy, and landing a hot Rank 2 on the charts that Girl Revolution had never achieved before!

Sadly, we couldn’t snag the top spot due to the comeback of the K-Pop Prince and the mighty “Shield Assault Squad,” but whether it was due to buzz or sheer song strength, “the duty of singing” managed to hold its ground at a steady 2nd place.

Naturally, Gaeul, being the artist of such a hit, received plenty of invites for various broadcasts, festivals, stages, and events, greatly contributing to the wholesome establishment of TwoBear.
“Still, I can’t. I really have a lot of work piled up. I also have to supervise the two new road managers coming in.”

“Is it really not possible…?”

Gaeul looked at me like a sad cat, her spirits low as she asked.

“…This time is the last.”

“Wow! Brother Taeyang, you’re the best!”

Gaeul beamed and hugged me tightly.

I wasn’t joking; there really was a mountain of work waiting for me.

Honestly, I was worried about the aftermath, but I couldn’t help but feel it might be okay.

Because Gaeul’s smile was enough of a reward to make me forget about all that.

*

While handling work at TwoBear, I took a breather and headed to the rooftop.

And there, I encountered a guest.

“Team Leader Seon?”

It was Seo Eunbyeol, who was flourishing in the publicity team.

Her face was softly illuminated against the sunset sky, and she looked captivating. It was a shame she had given up being an idol.

I asked, pretending to be nonchalant as usual.

“Is the work going okay?”

“Oh, the work? It’s fine! I was a bit flustered at first, but I’m okay now! I’m learning a lot from Unnie Miso and Unnie Nara.”

Seo Eunbyeol spoke as if it was an official report, visibly nervous.

“Nara Unnie usually speaks plainly, but the other day, she said, ‘Well, at least you’re pulling your weight now.’ I couldn’t show it much, but I was really happy.”

“Um… I’m glad to see you adapting well, but I can’t help but worry a bit.”

“Eh? Did I do something wrong…?”

“No, no. It’s not that you did anything wrong. I just feel like you’re taking on more of a burden than I intended. My original plan was to have you help with simple tasks while you found time for your next dream.”

“Oh… Haha, I’m relieved to hear that. I was worried I’d be messing things up.”

“You’re doing great, Eunbyeol. And it’s okay if you don’t do everything perfectly.”

“…”

Seo Eunbyeol always gives her best and handles her tasks skillfully.

Yet, she laments about having no talent, which starkly contrasts with her results.

However, I think it’s okay not to accomplish everything perfectly.

“Why are you so lenient with me, Team Leader Seon?”

“Am I lenient?”

“Yes, anyone would see it that way.”

I feigned objectivity and responded.

“You have no talent, Eunbyeol.”

“…You’re suddenly hitting me where it hurts. It’s sad, but I know it too.”
“Is it okay?”

“But Eunbyeol doesn’t fall behind anyone in producing excellent results. And that’s not something achieved by chance or talent. It’s dedication and effort.”

“….”

“Yeah, if I ever showed a weak side, it’s just because I know the kind of effort Eunbyeol puts in to achieve those results. I guess it makes me want to be a source of strength for her without even realizing it.”

Knowing full well that it’s not just for that reason.

“….”

She looks at me with flushed cheeks.

Seo Eunbyeol from my memories gazes at me.

And the words of her from the past and the Seo Eunbyeol standing right in front of me overlap.

“Team Leader Seon is like my guardian angel.”

“The Manager feels like my guardian angel.”

With that delicate and fresh smile, the same one.

“….”

And at that moment, the memories I had tried so hard to forget overflowed like a flood.

“Um… could you perhaps not sit right next to me? I’m a bit scared of men.”

“The Manager really has bad luck, having to bring a kid like me along for this supporting role. But please don’t think I’m too much of an eyesore. After all, I’ll be gone soon.”

“Honestly, it’s true. Among all the kids here, I have the least talent. There might be some kids who seem better than me now, but they’ll soon leave me behind, right?”

“Don’t overdo it. I’m not worth that much. This is enough for me. The company will surely see the Manager as competent. You’ve done well. More than I deserve.”

“Can someone like me even dare to dream?”

“Did you see that? The banner, the posters, the balloons—all words cheering me on. I never thought I’d witness such a sight. Truly. …So how do I feel? I feel happy. To the point of wanting to die.”

“…Is it okay to sit next to you?”

“Why! Why are you being so nice to me? Is it really just because you’re my Manager?”

“Can you not smile so much at the other kids? …I know this is unreasonable, but …I also know I’m just one of the artists you have to manage …my heart hurts so much.”

“Manager Seon Taeyang. I love you. Please be my lover.”

The first memory of the girl I stepped into the world of management for.

“Team Leader Seon, are you okay? …You’re crying.”

“….”
“Are you saying that if the contract ends, you’d allow it? Since there’s still 5 years left, are you telling me to wait for 5 years? How do you think I’ll respond to that? …Of course, I’d say no, right? Wrong! I’m actually quite satisfied!”

“Hugs are just a simple form of skinship, right? It’s a friendly expression you can share even if you’re not dating. So, even if we’re not dating, this much is okay.”

“The kid seems really attached to the manager… Maybe a bit too much, actually.”

“I asked you! Please don’t look at the other kids with that gaze. I’m different, right? I’m special!”

“I have nothing. No talent, can’t make people laugh, and my mother doesn’t expect anything from me anymore. I only have you, manager. That’s all I’ve got.”

“…There are still 3 years left, but if the contract is broken early, can we interpret that as the contract being over?”

“Please don’t make that face. …I’m sorry. I won’t do it again. Forgive me. It’s just that I like you, manager, Taeyang oppa. Please don’t say we should end this. I can’t handle that. I won’t be able to hold on any longer.”

“Can I have one last hug? …I see, right, of course not. …Sorry for saying something weird, Taeyang oppa.”

“Be happy. …Just forget about a girl like me.”

Memories of the girl I loved.

“….”

In my memories, Seo Eunbyeol shone brightly.

She faced pain with subpar talent deemed unfit for an idol, and through hard work, she shone.

Yeah, I thought she was dazzling when I saw her.

And that brilliance, I ruined with my own hands.

Did I say I’d help her this time so that I won’t regret not helping her before?

What a disgusting thing to say.

What I did was just a trick to alleviate my own guilt. Nothing more, nothing less.

My arrogance, my negligence, my indulgence—every sin and evil.

I was poison to her.

And in that moment, Seo Eunbyeol embraced me.

“…It’ll be okay. Everything.”

I felt her warm embrace.

The warmth spread.

And while hugging me, she gently patted my back and said,

“You can overcome the harsh times and the scary darkness. So please don’t cry. If Team Leader Seon looks so sad, it makes me sad too.”

“…”

It dawned on me that I showed my ugly side in her comforting presence.

It was late, but just as I was about to pretend everything was fine and apologize, a trembling voice came from behind.

“…Taeyang oppa?”

Gaeul was standing there.

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