The dawn air in Japan was muggy, carrying the salty scent of the sea.
I flopped onto the sofa without even unpacking after arriving at the hotel when a knock came at the door. The manager rushed to open it, and Director Joo’s face poked through.
“Wow~, the weather here in Japan is steamy.”
“It’s not as cold in winter, at least.”
“Oh? Seo Hoyun-ssi, have you been here before?”
In that instant, I automatically recalled the maknae whining in Shinjuku about wanting gyukatsu during our very first overseas activity.
“Ah, well. Once, with some people I knew.”
“Hahaha, then you know a little bit, huh?”
I brushed it off with a laugh.
Director Joo came inside and handed the manager a sheet with the schedule.
“We’re heading to the studio now to set up equipment. Seo Hoyun-ssi, would you like to come along? You could even rehearse early.”
“Wow, our director puts us to work the moment we arrive?”
“There’s just a lot of equipment.”
He cracked jokes here and there before leaving with a cheerful “see you in thirty minutes at the hotel lobby.”
Later, I went with the production team to the studio.
“But how do you know so much about camera equipment?”
“I was interested, so I picked up a little before.”
“If you weren’t an actor, we’d have taken you on staff.”
Director Joo smacked his lips regretfully.
The place we arrived at was by the seaside.
“Tomorrow, you’ll need to go all out with costume and makeup! Since Kang Jiseong is supposed to be a global star, we came all the way to Japan for the shoot.”
“Ah, yes.”
“...Doesn’t sound like you believe me. Well, truthfully, that’s just the excuse. With the K-POP craze in Japan these days, we want to sell big here. Half of Japan’s Netfliks rankings are Korean dramas.”
Dead after Hope was still holding a spot on the Netfliks charts.
“But don’t worry, the shooting schedule isn’t tight. You’ll have time to sightsee too. I don’t know what’s around here, though.”
“Then, how about having a simple dinner together later?”
“Sounds good!”
While carrying equipment in and out of the studio, I noticed only the usual filming staff and some local employees.
So much for his cheerful promise to stop by.
‘Yeah. Like he’d really come all this way, being as busy as he is.’
I dismissed it and kept moving, when something strange caught my eye beyond a standing microphone outside.
“...Hm?”
A lone car parked by the roadside.
Through the lightly tinted window, the shadow of someone inside was visible.
It had been there since we arrived...
‘Definitely paparazzi.’
After dabbling in a current affairs program, I’d gained the knack for spotting people who screamed, “I’m suspicious!”
‘But why tail me?’
Because of the Shining Star drama?
No, that hadn’t even released a teaser yet.
And me? Just a fresh rookie actor who’d won a rookie award at best.
Was it the fleeting popularity from Dead after Hope?
‘Or... are they trying to link me with Ha Seoyeon?’
That well’s completely dry.
No matter how I turned it over, I found no clear answer. Feeling uneasy, I shoved the thought aside and went back inside the studio.
Director Joo was checking the stage directions from the makeshift stage.
“Uh, Director...”
“Is it the flashy lighting? Feels like we’re doing a concert rehearsal. Good timing. Seo Hoyun-ssi, come up here! Let’s see how you look on stage.”
“Ah, yes.”
Nothing would come out of shaking me down anyway, so no need to report it right away.
I scratched the bridge of my nose and stepped onto the stage.
Since the venue was sometimes used for concerts, being there felt oddly surreal.
“Wow~, perfect! You’re completely immersed in the stage—you really look like an idol!”
“Right?”
Just then, a familiar voice rang out.
“The location and atmosphere really fit.”
Out of nowhere, Joo Woosung had appeared.
Wearing a casual black T-shirt and jeans, he came in with a playful smile tugging at his lips.
“Whoa! Joo Woosung-ssi!!”
“I said I’d come, didn’t I?”
“Didn’t think you really would!”
I didn’t think so either.
Even Director Joo must’ve only mentioned it with a ‘nothing to lose’ mindset. Yet Joo Woosung had really shown up. Excited, he puffed out breaths through his nose.
“One of the drama’s co-producers is WH Entertainment. Wouldn’t look good to break a promise, right? Loyalty matters.”
“Wooow!”
And this guy, who’s got no friends besides Chae Jungwoo, talks about loyalty?
I clucked my tongue quietly when suddenly a spark of instinct stabbed the top of my skull.
“It’s a long way here. How’d you get over?”
“Begged our capable manager, of course.”
The paparazzi outside—clearly they’d followed him.
“Feels even nicer seeing you abroad. Do you come to Japan often, Joo Woosung-ssi?”
“Only sometimes, for filming.”
“Well, I suppose you’re never not busy. Ah, Woosung-ssi, if you’re free, want to have dinner with me, the staff, and Seo Hoyun-ssi?”
“Ah...”
Joo Woosung wore a slightly troubled look.
“Sorry, I already have plans tonight.”
“With staff?”
“No, with a friend.”
He replied smoothly, but I immediately caught on.
A woman.
One hundred percent a woman.
‘You bastard!’
I was internally outraged, while he brushed it off with a radiant smile. Somehow his face seemed to shine even brighter than before.
Rubbing my stiffening neck, I felt his gaze turn toward me.
“Seo Hoyun-ssi, hello.”
“...Hello.”
Hello my ass, bastard.
“What’s today’s shoot about?”
“Ah, Kang Jiseong singing a song. Over there, that’s Seo Hoyun-ssi.”
“Oh?”
I seemed to be the only one breaking into cold sweat.
While he and Director Joo chatted casually, my brain spun at full speed.
Wouldn’t the agency block it before an article got out?
As long as he didn’t recklessly post straight to SNS, it should be containable.
“Really? Will there be dancing too?”
Thinking about it—Black Call had been around for years now.
Rather than burning money to cover things up, WH Entertainment might exploit it instead.
Not as bad as Daepaseong, but WH still screwed up often enough. The unease crept in.
“Should I check the movements for you?”
“No.”
“...Excuse me?”
“Ah.”
Snapping back, I quickly corrected myself.
“No, it would be an honor if you did.”
Joo Woosung raised his brows with a small smirk, then turned back to Director Joo. He hopped onto the stage in a single leap.
“Here. Normally it’s two steps right, one left, but the camera won’t catch it well anyway. Using half your body more effectively will make it look better overall.”
He demonstrated the movements as he explained.
“You don’t need big motions. Since it’s a drama, there’ll be more close-ups.”
The same guy who’d always mocked me as a hopeless klutz was now being absurdly kind—it sent shivers down my spine.
“Got it?”
“......”
That pleasant low voice brushed past my ears, and words itched to jump out of my throat.
“...Seo Hoyun-ssi?”
Hey, are you sure you’re okay?
If it goes on like this, your position at the company will shrink, and the public will rain criticism down on you.
“...Looks like you got it.”
And if it slips further, your whole dating history could be dragged out too.
Your career would take a hit.
“......”
I wanted to grab him by the collar and shake him, but...
“Yes, thank you for explaining so simply.”
I swallowed it back and stayed calm.
“Good. Director, you filmed that behind-the-scenes just now, right?”
“Hahaha, of course.”
“Please upload it nicely.”
Watching Joo Woosung diligently secure his social points, I couldn’t help but sigh.
‘Fine... there’s nothing I can do now. He’ll handle it himself....’
“The equipment setup’s almost done, right? Then Seo Hoyun-ssi, would you like to try a rehearsal?”
Usually for this kind of performance scene, dubbing was common, but Director Joo wanted more realism, so he planned to shoot live using a thinly layered guide track.
That meant more prep on my part.
“Yes, I’ll do it.”
I nodded and walked to the spot where Joo Woosung had stood. Grabbing the stand mic under the glaring lights, I readied myself.
Soon the music began.
A song I knew well.
It was “Clouds and Wings,” released by legendary 1990s singer Lee Juhwan—one I’d sung on Perfect Singer.
【...—As I had longed for
If I could fly with you
I even thought I wanted to run away】
Distracted, I missed the opening line, but I calmly continued the lyrics.
【...As I dreamed yesterday
If I could hold your hand
I even prayed I would never wake up】
I recalled what the director had told me.
Bring out the original’s essence—capture a youth on the edge, fragile yet still holding on to a faint light in the midst of darkness.
It was the moment Kang Jiseong would grow as well.
【I just move forward
Umm Hmm I just move forward】
But had Kang Jiseong—no, had Joo Woosung—ever truly been lost or lonely?
He was always so confident, standing proudly at the top.
【No regret
Even if it’s far, blurred, or frightening
If I smile, it ends there】
No matter the competition, he crushed everyone effortlessly as a member of Black Call.
‘Even during Kill the Lights. Worthless, bastard....’
Every comeback guaranteed a grand prize.
From the outside, his life seemed endlessly smooth.
【Even if it’s far, blurred, or frightening
Once it passes, it ends there】
Though the song wasn’t over, I saw Joo Woosung whisper something to the director, then slip out with his manager.
I tore my gaze away from his retreating back and slowly closed my eyes.
【When I imagine a future with you
Why does it feel so lonely】
Yet in my memories, Joo Woosung sometimes wore strange expressions.
Clutching trophies he must have held countless times, his face would contort like it was his very first win.
【Leaving your side
To the distant clouds
I want to run there in one step】
...As though the moment was overwhelming.
【To where someone waits
I’m not afraid
To the distant clouds】
......Yes.
【I want to run there in one step】
This guy... really does love being an idol.
I opened my eyes, letting go of the mic. Every staff member’s gaze was fixed on me.
“...This... is really good?!”
A beat late, the director burst into applause. The staff followed with excited cheers.
“Seo Hoyun-ssi, tomorrow just do it exactly like that! Wow, it looks so beautiful, it’s a shame this was just rehearsal!!”
“...Ah, yes.”
I quickly stepped down and approached the director.
“But, Director, there’s nothing more for today, right?”
“Hm? Well, right.”
With confirmation, I bowed hastily and blurted out:
“I just remembered something important, so I’ll skip dinner tonight! See you tomorrow!”
“Eh?? Wait, Seo Hoyun-ssi, where are you going?!”
I rushed to the entrance—of course, no sign of Joo Woosung.
Turning toward the parking lot, I spotted his manager near a black van.
Just as I was about to ask where he was, I caught sight of the back of his head peeking between cars.
“Manager-nim, I’ll be off now.”
“Ah, rest well. Take care.”
“Yes, thank you.”
Gathering strength in my core, I shouted his name.
“Joo Woosung!!”
My voice boomed.
Maybe even the staff heard, but I didn’t care.
“...-ssi!”
Thud!
Joo Woosung’s eyes widened as he turned.
I jogged over, breathing hard.
“Joo Woosung-ssi, where are you going?”
“...What?”
“Can you spare me some time?”
“No, I, uh....”
I flicked my gaze—yes, the paparazzi car was still there.
“I have plans right now...”
“Eat dinner with me.”
That precious brat of ours had caused me plenty of grief, but I’d also received a lot.
I had always planned to help him once, anyway.
It wasn’t even that difficult.
“...Excuse me?”
“I’m new here.”
More than anything, someone who belongs on stage should stay on stage.
I’d ditched paparazzi even in Los Angeles. Why not in Japan?
I pulled a shameless smile onto my face.
“Be my guide.”
This would settle my debt.
