Chapter 183
The final mastering and confirmation of the draft, the music video and filming, the establishment of promotional strategies, package design, concept shoots for each member, networking with journalists for the showcase, rescheduling discussions according to the comeback schedule—everything was progressing smoothly in sequential order.
Not only was it going well from a business standpoint, but the connections made in this round were also sending me their support.
Thanks to Ye Han-na’s request, the members of the variety show cheat code girl group participating in the travel show “Girls on the Road” also cheered me on.
“Why is our Team Leader Seon looking so serious? Are you worried that the new album might not do well? Don’t stress too much, we’re all friends here! I’ll do a dance cover just for you! When Han Eun-chae, the embodiment of a celebrity, dances, everyone follows along! And with the song created by Team Leader Seon, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!”
“Huh? A dance cover? Look at this Han Eun-chae; even in this situation, she’s still making waves! Team Leader Seon, I’ll join in too, don’t worry!”
“A dance cover? Count me in!”
“Me too, me too! I can’t resist a song from Team Leader Seon!”
Ye Han-na, the main person involved, along with other PDs, voiced their expectations and kind words toward me.
“Team Leader Seon, I heard you’re releasing an album. You’re participating in the composition too, right? When I first heard ‘Albatross,’ it moved me so much I almost cried. I’m looking forward to another wonderful song. Oh, if you need it, I could play the music video at the end of ‘Girls on the Road’, so just let me know.”
“This is PD Dokgo Chan. If it’s not too much trouble, I’d love for you to join me and Gaeul as a duo on my music talk show with one of the tracks from your upcoming album. The chemistry between you two is fantastic, and there are many eager fans looking forward to it… actually, Team Leader Seon is the main star. I hope there’s no misunderstanding; I just thought of it as a request for Team Leader Seon. As you might have experienced, I’ll capture the visuals as beautifully as I can. Looking forward to your response.”
“It’s Seon Yujeong. You remember we talked for quite a while in the meeting room last time, right? I wanted to mention that my junior is reaching out to rising star composers, and I’d appreciate it if you could at least hear them out if you have the time. Honestly, it was started with Team Leader Seon in mind. They’re considering your buzz, but more so they’re acting on their fan heart, so there won’t be any malicious editing, I promise. Please consider it.”
“Team Leader Seon! This is Ina Bi, the writer for ‘First-Person Observer’! How have you been? I heard you’ll be participating in the composition and featuring in album activities this time. If you’re okay with it, would you mind if we filmed that for our show? To be honest, Team Leader Seon is like a cheat key for hype. We want to showcase your artistic side on our program. I can’t resist this! Our main PD has guaranteed top-notch pay for you, so I think this could be a great opportunity for you too. Of course, the spotlight will obviously be on you, Team Leader Seon, but there’ll be promotion for Girl Revolution as well!”
“I’m Ina Bi, a variety show writer for ‘First-Person Observer!’ How have you been? The reason I’m reaching out is that I heard you’re going to be involved in the album activities as a composer and featuring artist. If it’s okay with you, how about we film that for our ‘First-Person Observer’ show? To be honest, Team Leader Seon is basically the cheat key for buzz. Showcasing Team Leader Seon’s artistic side on our broadcast? Oh, I can’t resist! Our main PD said they would give the best pay, so I think it could be a great opportunity for you, Team Leader Seon. And of course, it will promote Girl Revolution too. But of course, the main focus will always be on Team Leader Seon.”
From the connections made during Oh Yoori’s shoot, the directors, actors, and various entertainers I’ve become close to, the managers I’ve partnered with for promotions and strategies, the reporters I’ve worked with, and friends and acquaintances from before my regression all reached out to me, expressing their anticipation and giving me well wishes.
Naturally, TwoBear’s staff also… No, in fact, they were the most visibly excited.
“Team Leader Seon, the song you made this time, ‘I’ll be by your side,’ is going to be a huge hit. President… I mean, not President Cheon, but Ms. Yeoreum’s father, Jin Baek-ho, also spoke positively about it and mentioned his excitement. I’m really looking forward to it too.”
“I… Team Leader Seon, since you’re setting up the promotion plan this time, could you do an interview with the reporters about the intention behind the composition? Nothing is more helpful for going viral in the community than hearing your story. It’s kind of obvious, but filming a variety show with you will no doubt get cut and spread everywhere.”
“Team Leader Seon. Are you really not considering reviving the guide version? I hesitate to say it, but there are plenty of voices even in our fan cafe looking forward to it. The reactions when it was out were never a failure. I understand the concern that frequent appearances by regular folks can lead to being disliked, but you’re basically a celebrity now.”
“I’m not saying this just because I’m a fan, but ‘I’ll be by your side’ is simply amazing. I, James Oh, guarantee it with my entire career. This song will naturally earn Team Leader Seon the title of star composer. I know this is a bit embarrassing, but I’m so excited, haha.”
And that excitement didn’t change when I returned home to Gahyeon and my older sister.
“Taeyang oppa, can I have an autograph! …No, not for my older sisters. They’ve already gotten a lot. The girls at art academy are fans of yours. They keep asking me when ‘First-Person Observer’ will air again. I’ve been ignoring them every day, but I feel a bit sorry now, so could you just give me five autographs? Oh! By the way, I’m also looking forward to your song.”
“Why do you keep asking when Chalja will come out? I ignored you every day, but now I’m feeling a bit sorry, so could you just sign five things for me? Oh! By the way, I’m looking forward to hyung’s song too.”
“Taeyang, I’m proud of you. So, put a reasonable amount of money in your account. Just seeing you soar like that makes me happy enough.”
It was something to be thankful for.
“Team Leader Seon.”
“Team Leader Seon.”
“Team Leader Taeyang.”
“Taeyang.”
“Brother Taeyang.”
“Hyung Taeyang.”
“Teacher Taeyang.”
“Seon Taeyang.”
It felt awkward to say.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
But why do I…
“….”
Why am I feeling this way?
*
Thud!
I didn’t intend to place it down roughly, but the sound of the soju glass hitting the table echoed somewhat loudly. And once I realized that, I acknowledged the reality that I was quite tipsy.
…I should stop drinking and get up. I have to go to work tomorrow.
In truth, it was the weekend, and normally I would spend my day off at home, but with Girl Revolution’s return just around the corner, there was no such thing. Of course, it had to be voluntary attendance at work.
Just as I was about to stand up after finishing the last drop from the soju bottle, someone sat next to me.
Feeling a bit annoyed with the question of why they chose to sit here when there were plenty of other seats, I looked up and saw someone I knew.
“…Eunbyeol?”
She was Seo Eunbyeol, a former trainee learning hard at the PR team and my former lover from the last event.
“President! Please bring me another bottle of soju and one more glass.”
“Yes, coming right up!”
“….”
Receiving the soju bottle and a glass, Eunbyeol turned the bottle and tapped the back with her elbow, then popped the cap and took a shot.
…She knows how to drink.
“So how did you find out I was here, Eunbyeol?”
“I followed Team Leader Seon after work. Sneakily.”
“Isn’t that stalking?”
“Oh come on, it’s more like a game of ‘The Mugunghwa Flower Has Blossomed.'”
“….”
Should I report this to the police?
While thinking that, I clumsily filled my empty glass with more alcohol as Eunbyeol raised her glass and cheerfully said ‘cheers.’ Without thinking, I clinked my glass with hers and took a sip. I wasn’t particularly planning to drink, but it felt like a routine from the last event that I had experienced too many times.
I had a drink. I didn’t particularly plan to, but after experiencing it so many times in the last round, it felt like a routine.
Then Seo Eunbyeol suddenly said to me in a surprise attack.
“Team Leader Seon, you’ve been having a tough time lately.”
“…I’m busy with the album preparations. It’s not just me, all the other employees and members are having a hard time too, so it can’t be helped.”
“You know that’s not what I mean.”
“….”
From the way she said that, it seemed it was a nearly open secret within TwoBear.
I let out a small sigh and replied.
“Did it show that much? …How embarrassing.”
“It didn’t show too much, so don’t worry. Right now, the only ones who know about your state are probably President Cheon and Yuri. They’re just really good at reading people’s feelings, so don’t beat yourself up about it. You’ve hidden it well.”
“What about you, Eunbyeol?”
“As for me… I just felt something odd, like this person is really struggling right now.”
Yeah, you felt that way in the previous round too.
Seeing her so casually prying into my inner thoughts made my heart flutter.
“Can you tell me? Why is it hard?”
“….”
“You’ve given me so much advice, Team Leader. So couldn’t this be considered ‘repaying Seo Eunbyeol’s kindness’?”
“…Repaying kindness, huh.”
“Yeah, because I’ve received a lot from you.”
With those words from Seo Eunbyeol, fueled by my tipsiness and old memories, I found myself opening up effortlessly, something I had long tried to hide.
Just like in the last round when we were honest with each other.
“I’m under a lot of expectation. A lot of it.”
I considered it an honor. I viewed it as trust in me.
Because of that, I felt I had to prove myself.
I wanted to be someone who was not lacking in that regard.
Someone who could be a point of pride for those people.
That I hadn’t felt that way at all.
“But I know this is an undeserved and shameless thought, but sometimes, no, right now…”
On the filming set, on the rooftop, in the office, in the A&R team’s studio, on the plane, in the meeting room, at my older sister’s house.
“It feels heavy.”
I became weak.
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