Chapter 43
Im sorry, but being the trash that I am, trusting you is the best compromise I can make.
I couldnt just unconditionally accept Kim Seonghyeons words and say it was okay. That would only make things worse.
Assuming everything you say is true.
Instead of nodding hesitantly, Kim Seonghyeon asked me a question.
What are you going to do?
Listen carefully.
I told him all the plans I had in mind. Originally, I would never have told him.
The members who heard the whole story let out a sigh.
This is unbelievable
Hyung, are you still human after all this?
I am human.
Everyone held their heads as they became dizzy from listening. Seong Jiwon spoke with a pale, sickened face,
The risk is too high.
I have no choice.
What about the stress Seonghyeon will face during this time?
Turn off your phone. Dont look at the internet. Cut off your connection to the outside world completely.
How can you say that? We have to go on stage.
Everyone objected, but I was serious. I grabbed Kim Seonghyeon.
Kim Seonghyeon, your opinion is important. If you say no, I wont do it.
But if you say its okay, Ill go all the way.
Kim Seonghyeon hesitated for a moment and then let out a bitter laugh.
It would be good for the team and me if it goes well.
What if it fails?
If it fails well fall without even hitting rock bottom.
Thats true. Kim Seonghyeon was cautious, as his own fate was on the line. He hung his head and rubbed the back of his neck.
I guess I should be grateful that youre even telling me this. Originally, you wouldnt have said anything and just carried on.
He hit the nail on the head.
I thought I had wrapped it up well, but Kim Seonghyeon knew me better than I thought.
I dont know what kind of face I made, but Kim Seonghyeon looked at me and smiled.
Then Ill make up my mind too.
He nodded. It was decided.
At that moment, the manager kicked open the practice room door and ran in late.
Guys! Did you see whats happening right now?! Huh, S-Seonghyeon.
Seonghyeon, lets send the others out first so we can just talk between us. It might be a bit uncomfortable
No, its okay.
Kim Seonghyeon gave a firm answer and took a roll of kimbap from the bag the manager was holding. He unwrapped it quickly and stuffed it into his mouth enthusiastically.
Weve already talked about everything.
Huh! Okay, I see. Um, can you explain a bit to me
Im not going to explain right now. Its not true.
Whaaat?
Were going to practice for now.
Whaaat?
Kim Seonghyeon took out another roll of kimbap and threw it to Seong Jiwon. Jiwon caught it and unwrapped the kimbap with a venomous expression. Kang Ichae gently smiled and pushed the manager out of the room.
Alright! So, manager, please talk to the CEO for us.
Guys!
Manager, if the company tries to make the announcement first, let me know. Ill talk to the CEO.
As I snatched some kimbap from Seong Jiwon, I spoke to the manager. The managers face turned blue, possibly recalling the previous incident with the CEO. The manager, who clearly didnt want to get involved between the CEO and me, hurried towards the door.
Ill do my best to persuade him.
Please, I appreciate it.
Seonghyeon! Fighting! I believe in you!
Of course you should!
The manager left noisily.
As Kim Seonghyeon ate his kimbap, I saw him choke up. I pretended not to notice.
***
[Oh, why would this lucky guy call me?]
Kim Jaeyeon.
I called Kim Jaeyeon as I headed toward tvK Broadcasting Station. Kim Jaeyeons whining voice came from the other side of the phone.
Wow, its a huge hit, really. Im sure itll blow up Today, and then itll be a straight path to success. Its definitely the right time now, isnt it? If youre worried about that, you dont have to be.
Kim Jaeyeon, you didnt listen to me, did you?
Yes?
What did I say about making contact with Joo Woosung?
Huh? What are you talking about?
Kim Jaeyeon stopped mumbling. I unconsciously scanned across the smoking room to see if Kim Heeyeon was there.
It seems like my words were taken as a joke. But I was serious.
Ha ha ha! I dont know what youre talking about. Its starting to get annoying.
Do you remember when you suddenly had to pull out of the third-generation chaebols case from XX Construction?
Theyre still grinding their teeth over there. And they dont even know its you, Jaeyeon.
Wow seriously?
The silence continued from the other side as if he was speechless. Then Kim Jaeyeon let out a groan.
How on earth could that have?
Is this the time to question me? Dont you know who you should be apologizing to right now?
I purposely went hard on him. Kim Jaeyeon was startled, and after a while, he finally apologized.
I guess I really messed up. I wont bother you anymore. Im sorry.
Yes. Apology accepted, but you have to do me a favor.
This is the first time Ive seen an idol like this
I rubbed my ears. An apology is an apology, but I still had to get what I deserved.
This time, it wasnt a deal. It was a threat.
Look into the whereabouts of a friend named Hwang Jungkyu from XX High School, a classmate of Kim Seonghyeon. As soon as possible.
I could hear Kim Jaeyeon grumbling over the phone, but I didnt care. I just said please and hung up, then went striding into tvK Broadcasting Station. There was a massive poster of Shining Star plastered in the lobby.
Isnt that Seo Hoyun?
Yeah, thats him.
The murmuring sounded unusually loud. I guess I managed to escape the rumor mill for a while.
[Now, hes a rising idol, even more so than just a face people know!]
Well, I was quite grateful.
I got on the elevator and walked towards where Shining Stars PD, Kim Heeyeon, was. I asked a staff member I recognized, and soon Kim Heeyeon came rushing over. Seeing her eyes full of dark circles, I could tell she had probably been editing all night.
She quietly closed the door to the meeting room and came in.
Hello.
Yes, Hoyun.
Kim Heeyeon sighed. It seemed that even just looking at my face made her sigh now. I couldnt help but smirk at the thought.
It was like this before, and it seems nothing has changed this time either.
Do you regret coming here?
Excuse me?
Werent you thrilled to get back at Today, but then got scared after a while? I didnt think you were that type.
I just smiled without saying anything. Both Kim Heeyeon and I knew it wasnt a serious joke.
Kim Heeyeon shook her head and wiped her face.
So, Kim Seonghyeon?
Thats right.
We would like to know if Seonghyeon will be leaving the show. I hope you guys make a decision quickly.
You dont even check if its real or fake.
What difference would it make if I did? People only believe what they want to believe.
She was right. In this aspect, Kim Heeyeon and I had the same way of thinking.
Seonghyeon wont leave the show. Thats not what I came to talk about. You said you owe me something, remember?
I did.
I tapped on the table.
I calculated the actual broadcast time and stage performances.
The second episode has already aired. Todays stage and our first round of competition will be shown in the third episode. Thats when it will be revealed that I chose Today.
It seems so.
I came to ask for a favor with the editing.
Editing?
Kim Heeyeon laughed bitterly and ruffled her hair, looking troubled.
Hoyun, its true that I owe you a favor, but I can do nothing on my end. If I edit that scene, Ill get complaints from my superiors, and the viewers forum will be filled with protests.
Im not asking you to edit that part.
Then what? Do you want me to edit it more favorably? Like adding in cheers and narrative?
No.
That wasnt what I meant.
Please edit it negatively.
Negatively?
Yes, the devils edit.
Kim Heeyeons eyes wavered. Then she quickly composed herself.
I must have misheard you. Do you want me to give Today the devils edit? No, I cant do that. The backlash from their agency would be no joke. I said I would repay the favor within my capabilities.
No, PD.
When did I say it was about Today?
I spoke calmly.
Its Seonghyeon.
Please give Kim Seonghyeon the devils edit.
Kim Heeyeons expression was priceless.
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