Yoon-jung and the ALTO team were busy rehearsing the track the label sent them. When they learned that Sung-ah Kim was coming, Yoon-jung’s heart pounded with excitement. Idol sightings had become routine, but Sung-ah Kim was a top actress and widely admired. People in other fields of work always seemed mysterious.

Soon, the hallway outside the studio was buzzing. Nobody needed to see her to know she had arrived. She walked in beside Hyuk with a relaxed smile. She gave a slight nod. Her voice sounded clear and gentle.

“Hello, I look forward to working with you.”

The students cheered. The crowd swelled behind her as if she had drawn every eye.

‘No one’s taking pictures, right?’ 

I glanced around. To my relief, none of the students were filming or taking photos. Security here was strict. If anyone did do anything, it probably would have appeared online when the idols arrived earlier.

I relaxed and turned back to ALTO. I went over what I explained on the phone.

“They only want to film an intro video today. Just a quick greeting and basic dance moves. Please remind the students to keep this a secret. Early leaks will ruin the surprise.”

“Don’t worry. We’ve at least got that covered,” Ah-young Kim said. She still marched over to the students and gave another pep talk, just to be safe.

‘Why is Yoon-jung so jittery?’ 

Yoon-jung’s face stayed tight with nerves as she watched me. Sung-ah noticed and smiled. She walked right up to Yoon-jung. Yoon-jung slowly lifted her gaze to meet hers.

“Aren’t you going to say hello?”

“M-My name is Yoon-jung Hwang from Blue Sherbet! It’s an honor to meet you, sunbae-nim!” Yoon-jung bobbed into a small bow.

Sung-ah held her gaze for a moment, then nodded. She ruffled Yoon-jung’s hair.

“You look so innocent. Untarnished.”

“Sorry?” 

“Don’t give her a hard time.” I frowned and shot a warning.

“What hard time? That was a compliment, Oppa. You know I hate anything fake. Luckily, she seems genuine. Mind if we keep featuring her in our videos? You have impeccable taste in people. Everyone I meet is sweet. Are the others like that too?”

The students remained oblivious for our interaction and kept gushing. Anyone who knew the real Sung-ah Kim would know she was friendly only to me and different with everyone else. That fact felt both like a relief and a shame.

“Look at them smiling. The two of them together really is something.”

“They said they’re filming, right? I could watch an eight-hour silent video of them together and never get bored.”

“I might even buy a second phone just to play it nonstop twenty-four-seven!”

After her pep talk, Ah-young Kim ushered everyone out. They weren’t truly paying attention anyway. As long as they didn’t pull out their phones, she counted that as a win.

‘But kicking them out doesn’t really help.’ 

The studio sat inside glass walls. Dozens of onlookers still lined the hallway, craning for a peek. Ah-young Kim glanced nervously our way. Sung-ah Kim spoke in the sweetest tone.

“This much is fine, really.”

“Oh, but won’t it get uncomfortable eventually? You’ll be coming more often.”

“Not at all. We’re going to post these videos online anyway. What’s a few dozen spectators? Don’t worry about me. I’m perfectly comfortable. If anything does bother me, I’ll let you know.”

Sung-ah Kim spoke without a hint of insincerity. Surrounded by many or by few, she always said what bothered her. It was always my job to worry. Even now, she spoke politely to Ah-young, but that same sweet tone could still hide something sharp.

I leaned in close to Yoon-jung and whispered.

“Don’t try too hard just because we’re filming. Just be yourself. That’s the best way. You don’t need to feel weird calling her Sung-ah Kim. You also don’t need to impress her. Treat her like anyone else, not like a big celebrity. Got it? Don’t let her scare you. If something bothers you, just say so.”

Those were the basic rules for handling Sung-ah Kim. I kept it short and simple for Yoon-jung. I wasn’t sure she’d actually follow it, though.

“Uh…”

She hesitated, glancing between me and Sung-ah. She looked nervous already, like she’d lost the fight before it started. Sung-ah hadn’t even said anything yet.

‘If only you knew how she could cut you down while smiling… maybe it’s better not to say.’

Yoon-jung gave an awkward smile and scratched her cheek.

“Okay.”

I just hoped everything would go smoothly. I didn’t want to be the one who made things awkward with Sung-ah.

We borrowed ALTO’s camera and started filming right away. It wasn’t live, so they would edit it before posting.

“Hello. I’m Sung-ah Kim.”

Sung-ah and Yoon-jung greeted the camera. The plan was simple. Introduce themselves, talk a bit about the video’s purpose, and say a few things about the movie that’s still in early production.

The real drama, though, was what would end up on film. Once it went public, what kind of reaction would it spark?

“Now that we’ve said hi, can you teach me some of the dance?”

“Oh… yes.”

Yoon-jung hesitated again. She looked like all her confidence had disappeared. I rubbed my forehead and shook my head. Her low energy would show on camera. It might make sense for a rookie to look nervous next to a top actress, but still…

“How about we start with some stretching, Sunbae-nim?”

“Sure.”

Sung-ah’s body moved easily, thanks to yoga and pilates. She looked light and flexible. After they warmed up and moved into the dance part, her face lit up.

“Okay, let’s try a simple move first. Feel the beat. Just move your lower body up and down. Like this. One, two.”

She watched Yoon-jung try the move, nodded, and copied her.

“Like this?”

“No… like this.”

“So, like this.”

“No. Like this.”

“How…?”

Yoon-jung’s eyes flew wide open like someone had splashed her with cold water.

“Sunbae-nim… could you watch more carefully?”

The respectful tone they had during introductions started to fade once the lesson began. Sung-ah tilted her head, confused, while Yoon-jung looked completely shocked.

‘Unbelievable.’

I suddenly remembered my conversation with CEO Choi at the tea shop.

“Do you want to learn how to dance?”

“Dance?”

“It’s an entertainment industry film. The lead is an idol.”

“Really? Dancing is totally my thing! I’m confident in that! If I weren’t so good at acting, I would’ve succeeded as an idol.”

She really said that. As if becoming an idol was easy. I was too stunned to laugh.

‘Wow… How can someone have zero – or even negative – talent?’

If I was frustrated as an observer, I could imagine how Yoon-jung felt teaching. Impatience etched across her face, and her voice grew sharper.

“No, don’t bend your knees yet, Sunbae-nim. You need to go bang! at the two. Like this.”

“So, bang! at two. Like this.”

“Sunbae-nim…”

Yoon-jung looked like she’d lost all hope. Sung-ah frowned in mock offense.

“What? I did it right. Why are you saying it’s wrong again? Are you just making this up?”

“Me…?”

Deciding it was better to show than tell, Yoon-jung stopped the camera, rewound the footage, and replayed it for her.

“It’s different…?”

Sung-ah’s eyes flickered. Yoon-jung nodded, like she was saying, See?

‘VAR and Hawk-Eye really are unbeatable for anyone who loves to argue.’

Sung-ah tilted her head and murmured.

“That’s weird. I was sure I copied you exactly.”

“…!”

Yoon-jung forgot all about being nervous. She grabbed Sung-ah gently and moved her through the steps herself.

“This is the sort of feel I’m talking about. You see what I mean?”

After going over it a few times…

“Is this okay?”

“Yes! That’s it!”

Yoon-jung clenched her fists, thrilled she finally got through. Then Sung-ah spoke again, and her face froze.

“See? I told you I’m not talentless.”

“Good grief.”

What was supposed to be a short video was already turning into something much longer. There were just too many moments worth keeping.

‘This is actually good.’

Sung-ah’s unexpected behavior and Yoon-jung’s shocked reactions had great chemistry. With the right editing, it could be funnier than some sitcoms. Still, I had plenty to worry about with the movie itself.

***

After I dropped Sung-ah off at her place, we headed back to the dorm.

Yumi came running up as soon as we walked in.

“You came, too, President Kang? Have you eaten?”

“Not yet. Something came up and my schedule got all mixed up.”

“Something happened?”

Yoon-jung dropped onto the sofa, completely worn out.

“I filmed that video with Sung-ah Kim. You know the choreography? They added it last minute.”

Yumi paused. Her expression looked tense, but maybe I imagined it.

“I see. Sounds like a rough day for you, enough that you couldn’t eat anything, President Kang.”

“It’s fine. I’ll eat later.”

“Why don’t you eat here, then?”

I shook my head.

“I’d rather go home, shower, and then eat. I’m exhausted.”

“Oh, okay.”

I got to the point.

“It’s time for you to go public and start promotions.”

“Huh?”

I smiled a little.

“You said you needed a rapper. Did you pick someone?”

Yumi’s eyes lit up. She really did seem excited to go public. While the others were getting praise, she’d mostly faced online hate.

“So now you’ll be managing me directly, right?”

“Huh? Well, kind of. I’ve always handled things, but… did it feel like I wasn’t?”

She shook her head.

“No, I meant now that I’m promoting, you’ll be by my side, helping with everything?”

“Oh, you mean coming to shoots? Of course. The others have managers now, but this is your official debut. I’ll stay with you. You’re already well-known. People just need to see it. You’ll do great.”

“Perfect!”

She grinned wide. I smiled back and asked again.

“By the way, have you picked a rapper?”

“Yes! I chose Crescendo!”

“Oh!”

Crescendo. A legend in Korean hip-hop. Beloved by mainstream fans and fans alike for his mix of singing and rapping, strong projection, crisp diction, and unique rhythm. Tons of artists wanted to work with him, but few could.

‘But with Yumi, it’s different.’

Yumi’s fame already matched his. She kept a low profile, but her name was huge. She started as a YouTuber, got praise from Daft Punk, and jumped into hip-hop with no fear. She even landed a European Adidas ad for her bold style.

‘That commercial changed everything.’

People already knew her name before. After the ad, her fame exploded.

“Crescendo’s a great choice. I’ll reach out.”

“Okay!”

It wouldn’t be long now. Yumi was finally stepping into the spotlight.

The very next morning, I went straight to Crescendo’s label.

—

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