Chapter 89: A Secret I Want to Hide

“A few more weeks?”

“Yes. At least until the drama’s outline is finalized.”

“Hmm. Are you sure that’s okay?”

President Na Geumdong sighed regretfully. Even a small amount of money could become a fortune after just a day or two of work! But Muyoung was resolute.

“The contract period is long. Since it’s something I have to do with the Music members, I’ll just agree to that and put the rest on hold.”

It’s a market where one’s value can change in a day or two.

Given how the drama’s flow is shaping up, he’ll have to hunker down and wait.

It’s better to wait a month and take on a 6-month project worth 100 million than to take a 10-million-won role that lasts a year.

“If you say so, there’s nothing I can do.”

“Just a few more weeks. It’s not as long as you think.”

“That may be true, but…”

“Lately, I’ve been so busy that a week flies by in the blink of an eye. Oh! Look, it’s almost time for lunch already. After lunch, I’ll be slacking off until it’s time to go to work.”

Muyoung stretched, looking tormented. But while his body was tired, his mind was clearer than ever. Even though he spent a lot of time waiting around at work, he was still acting every day, after all.

“I’m so happy these days.”

His innermost thoughts slipped out unintentionally, like a confession whispered in his sleep. He smiled and rubbed his face against the pillow.

“I’ve got a nice, comfortable home, the movie’s doing well and I’m getting running royalties, the drama’s doing great, and I’m acting every day. I’m so happy I could die.”

“What would happen then? The fans would be sad too.”

“Oh. That wouldn’t be good.”

“Good point. That’s exactly the problem. We’ve created an official fan cafe.”

“Oh? Where is it?”

“It’s been set up on two major portals, but I think it’ll probably end up on N Company’s site. They’ve got more users.”

When a fan cafe is created, the agency communicates with the largest one.

Of course, these days, with MeTube and the W app being so popular, fan cafes aren’t as preferred, but they’re still an easy and traditional way for older generations to communicate. Of course, there should be at least one official cafe.

“The fans usually decide on the fandom name.”

“Wow, really? What’s mine?”

“I haven’t decided yet. So I’m going to post on SNS about the fan cafe opening and the name contest. If you have any preferences, I’ll subtly mention them.”

The fans decide, but if the artist has a preference, it will be actively adopted—as long as it’s not too terrible.

“How about Ha Muyoung Hamoye~? Hehe!”

“……You’re not fully awake yet. Director Ko, get him some herbal medicine. The kid’s body may be tired, but his mind needs to stay sharp.”

“Ah, I’m joking. I’m joking. I’ll think about it.”

Muyoung withdrew his joke and pressed his lips together. He was more careful than when guessing the answers to a tricky exam question. But of course, no good ideas came to him right away.

“I’ll think about it slowly and then move on.”

“There’s a lot to do today, isn’t there?”

“Of course. That’s why the president came in person. If it weren’t for your day off, we wouldn’t be able to sit down and chat like this.”

“Hmm. I agree!”

“Next up is the variety show schedule.”

“Oh no. Here it comes.”

With The Plague and You Are a Star, I Am a Star premiering almost simultaneously, the schedule had become incredibly complicated.

As a result, they both ended up missing a lot of events.

“But haven’t most of the major shows already been booked?”

All the famous variety shows, both on cable and broadcast TV, had already been scheduled.

For The Plague, Yuna and Hijun were the main representatives, while Song-a and Pyo Lai represented You Are a Star, I Am a Star.

“Let’s see what I’ve done… ‘I Love Stars,’ ‘In-Depth Movie Exploration Special,’ and an interview on ‘Entertainment World.’ That’s about it.”

They were all studio interviews classified as variety shows, but they were purely promotional.

“Monet contacted me. They suggested that you appear on a variety show to promote the second Nepflix distribution. There’s some time, so it’s easy to adjust the schedule. Since you’ll be going with Yuna, the program difficulty won’t be too high.”

“I’m fine with anything.”

“Then we’ll confirm that and proceed. Next is You Are a Star, I Am a Star. We’ve received two offers.”

President Na Geumdong explained, extending his fingers one by one.

“The first is an opening performance on ‘KPOP Center’ as a special event. We’ll have to check which members’ schedules match—”

“Huh?”

“The second is a program called ‘The Great Challenge.’ Do you know it?”

“I’ve heard of it.”

It was a popular cable variety show where experts and guests competed in various genres, with the experts given handicaps. Of course.

“I saw that episode recently—the one where the Go player played blindfolded. If they won, they got a prize, right? A million won?”

“The episode with the pro gamer Kongsoon playing with a keyboard and mouse was fun. Oh! And there was one where a chef cooked with toy utensils.”

Even with handicaps, pros are pros. The show was entertaining because of the close competitions in unusual situations. It was a hit every episode, thanks to its ingenious ideas.

“If I go on, has it been decided what genre I’ll compete in?”

“No. They’ll write the script once you agree to appear.”

The theme will be tailored to Muyoung’s image, skills, and concept.

“Since you’ll be competing against a civilian, it’s much easier to coordinate the schedule. If you say yes, we’ll adjust it right away. They asked if you have any special skills you’re good at.”

“As long as I can make the time, I’m in. I’ll do it.”

It sounds like it’ll be fun. Since the filming time isn’t too long, it should be manageable if they coordinate well. Na Geumdong nodded and asked,

“What’s your specialty?”

“Uh, I don’t have any specialties.”

“……I’ll fill it out myself.”

Something tailored to the Korean college entrance exam? I did well on the exam, after all. Or acting? But that’s my job. Hmm. No matter how he looked at it, he couldn’t think of anything he was exceptionally good at.

“Is the meeting over for today?”

“Are we done? Director Ko?”

“Yes, for now. Oh, and we’re getting more interview requests, but this time we’re going to be selective. It’s not urgent.”

As soon as he heard that, Muyoung lay back down and hugged his blanket. Then a thought occurred to him.

“But am I really going to be on KPOP Center?”

“We’re discussing it. That performance might be used in a Music ad. I’ll let you know once it’s finalized, so don’t worry about it.”

“Wow. Unbelievable.”

It’s already a miracle that he doesn’t get called tone-deaf while playing Doha. And now he’s going to perform on KPOP Center, the dream stage for all idols? Muyoung shook his head in awe.

“Ha Muyoung has really made it. Seriously.”

“You’ll go even higher, much higher.”

“Of course. I’ll build you a company building.”

Na Geumdong smiled broadly and gave a thumbs-up at Muyoung’s promising words. He’s so good! The way he speaks is so kind. Na Geumdong found his jacket and stood up.

“Then get some rest, Muyoung.”

“Are you leaving?”

“What good am I if I’m here while you’re sleeping? I also have to pick up Taeseok.”

He was both the president and a manager. To save on labor costs, he had to do the work himself.

“Oh, by the way, could you tell me Taeseok’s workout schedule? I want to join him.”

“Exercise? Good idea. Taking care of your body will come in handy later.”

“That’s true, but my stamina isn’t keeping up. Anyway, be careful on your way.”

“Okay. Get some rest. Director Ko, take care.”

Ko Gyeongmin would be leaving with him when he went to work in the evening, so he stayed in the officetel. Na Geumdong said goodbye to both of them and stepped out the front door.

“Then sleep some more. Wake up if you’re hungry.”

“Yes.”

Muyoung waved his hand out from under the blanket to say goodbye. Ko Gyeongmin drew the blackout curtains and closed the door. The officetel was quiet. Thus, Muyoung’s brief rest came to an end.

“Hello!”

“Oh, Muyoung. You must have rested well. You’re looking good.”

“Right? Sleep is the best medicine.”

Muyoung returned to the broadcasting station at night. He stood out among the exhausted people, looking particularly radiant. His face was smooth, a sign that he’d had a proper rest.

“Where’s Romin?”

“He left earlier. Didn’t you see him?”

“Gosh, that guy’s so busy. He’s busy. I’m already overwhelmed with just this, but how does he manage with a concert too?”

“I know, right. Sit down. Did you wash up?”

Muyoung sat down in the dressing room chair and opened his script. The scene he was shooting today was……

“Oh!”

“Finally, the love scene! Yay!”

“Why are you so excited, noona?”

“Because it’s fun to watch young people being cute together!”

Muyoung chuckled at the silly coordinator’s words. It’s all acting anyway, so what’s the big deal? While Muyoung studied his lines, Song-a arrived as well.

“Unnie, I’m here. Hi, Muyoung.”

“Welcome. Is it cold today?”

“It’s windier at night. Haha.”

Muyoung, who was two years younger than Song-a, had become quite close to her. The two sat side by side and got their makeup done.

She smiled playfully as she looked at the script.

“Today, Doha’s charm is going to explode.”

“I know. Be careful, noona. Oh, by the way, did you hear? We might collaborate with Music and perform on KPOP Center.”

“Huh? I thought that was confirmed?”

“What? No way. What should I do?”

The two chatted about this and that as they prepared to start filming. Muyoung got up first to head to the studio, and Song-a hesitated.

“Do you want to go first? I’ll finish up.”

“……? Okay, I understand.”

What’s going on? Her makeup looked finished. Muyoung stood in front of the camera, puzzled. A few minutes passed, and Song-a appeared, smoothing her hair.

“Sorry I’m late.”

“Yes. We’ll start shooting.”

Her face hadn’t changed at all. Song-a looked a bit awkward as she fidgeted with her arms.

“Ah.”

Muyoung noticed something felt off. Since it was winter, she always wore long clothes, and even in the spring scenes in the story, her arms weren’t exposed. But this time, she was wearing a sleeveless top.

‘Is she embarrassed? That’s unexpected.’

Idols often wear more revealing stage outfits, don’t they? Muyoung tilted his head in confusion and took his place at the piano.

Today’s love scene involved Doha kissing Miran’s hand and showering her with affection.

“Noona. Your hand.”

Song-a awkwardly extended her hand. She gave Muyoung a troubled smile and glanced at him, as if she had something to say but couldn’t bring herself to speak.

“Let’s go. Ready—action!”

Muyoung set his thoughts aside and focused.

He gently held Miran’s soft hand, interlocking his fingers with hers one by one. Then he slowly pulled her hand toward him and kissed the back of it.

Smack—

As soon as the sound was made, Doha looked up at her. His eyes blazed with desire.

“Okay, cut! Let’s do it again.”

“Is it a close-up?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Muyoung, following the assistant director’s instructions, adjusted his clothes. He noticed a lot of concealer on his palm.

“Huh?”

What’s this? Why is there something like this on my hand……

“Let’s go again. Standby! Ready, action!”

Muyoung held her hand once more. His fingers gently caressed hers. Then he moved past her hand to grasp her slender wrist. And at that moment, he realized.

‘Ah.’

There was a thick layer of concealer near Song-a’s wrist. Beneath it, faint scars were visible—self-inflicted wounds that had been erased by Muyoung’s kiss.

‘That’s why.’

I wondered what she was doing alone in the dressing room for so long. She was trying to erase this.

Song-a, her face reddened, sent Muyoung a signal for help. It was something that couldn’t be known by the staff, so she hadn’t consulted anyone about it.

“Miran.”

On stage or at events, she covered the scars with accessories, but for the drama, exposing her bare wrists was essential. Doha murmured softly as he pulled her hand closer.

“I love you.”

And, without the camera catching it, he adjusted the angle and brought her wrist to his mouth. Like a vampire sucking blood, he did it softly but intensely.

“Okay—cut!”

“Muyoung, was that good improvisation?”

“This time, I’ll just film your face.”

The staff, unaware of anything, laughed as they adjusted the camera settings. Song-a, her face bright red, hid her wrist behind her back and spoke to Muyoung.

“……Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Please don’t tell anyone.”

“Of course. Everyone has secrets like that. But, senior, just like Doha and Miran, I hope we can rely on and trust each other more.”

He wiped the concealer from his lips and smiled.

“If we had, you wouldn’t have had to put on concealer.”

Song-a fanned herself with her hand to cool down. She was grateful to Muyoung, who had helped her without asking questions or expressing doubt.

“We’re partners, aren’t we? Partners.”

“……If you’d been an idol, you would’ve been really good.”

You’re a total leader.

Muyoung just smiled at Song-a’s playful words.