“Are you telling me that the know-it-all PDs I know are going to rearrange the lineup, sets, and even styling support just for Ye-rin’s appearance?”
At the news delivered by Ha-ri over the phone, Beom-jun let out a wry laugh.
He understood well, having stood on the stage of music shows in the past.
Just for Baek Ye-rin’s appearance, he knew how much the PDs had compromised.
“Could you have anticipated this too?”
“?”
Beom-jun casually munching on snacks asked me.
“In that case? I was just worried about Ye-rin getting overworked. Honestly, everyone knows how grueling music show filming is, even a child could figure that out. I simply didn’t want her to experience it for three consecutive days.”
“…Right, you were always like that.”
Beom-jun sighed wearily, gazing at me with an irritated look.
In fact, for idols and singers, appearing on music shows for three consecutive days might be a standard schedule.
But is there really anything that’s truly ‘standard’ in life?
It’s not as if I’m back from the past, but things like that don’t exist.
And for the current Baek Ye-rin, the concept of time itself is probably lacking.
It would only be right to give her some precious moments with family.
Anyway, the reason Beom-jun summoned me today was to consult over a certain issue.
“So which one should we go with? The song Ye-rin should perform on the music show.”
On a music show, due to time constraints, each team can only perform one song.
Typically, this would be the title track.
However, we released the 3rd album all at once, meaning there were no less than three title tracks.
We originally planned to split these three title tracks over the three days. But thanks to me, that plan vanished entirely.
Still, a question comes to mind.
“Is it alright to not consult the opinions of the managers?”
“The decision has been made to fully respect the opinions of you as the composer and Ye-rin as the singer.”
…What?
Lately, it feels like the managers are favoring me too much.
As I pondered this thought, Baek Ye-rin and her manager, Lee Ha-ri, arrived at the office together.
“What were you talking about?”
Baek Ye-rin casually sat next to me as she asked.
“We were deciding the song you’ll perform on the music show. The CEO and managers left it up to us.”
“Ah… do you have any songs in mind?”
“Rewind.”
I answered right away.
To me, it’s the most meaningful song.
Sure, all the songs are great, but personally, I wanted to see Ye-rin perform <Rewind> on her first music show.
“I see…”
However, upon my answer, Baek Ye-rin gave a somewhat wry smile, showing a slightly awkward reaction.
Curious, I immediately inquired back.
“Why? Are you thinking of performing a different song?”
“No, no, I wanted to perform Rewind too!”
“In that case, it’s good news. Ah, and could you get me an extra audience pass?”
“Are you planning to watch Ye-rin’s performance?”
“Isn’t that my right? Or would you like to come with me? Honestly, I think the CEO would be curious as well.”
“Alright, I’ll take care of the ticket.”
“No need, I’ve already arranged a ticket from the PD, considering this would happen.”
“Wow, as expected from our manager.”
As the conversation flowed, …
“…”
For some reason, Baek Ye-rin seemed quieter than usual.
The day of the music show arrived.
Ye-rin and Ha-ri visited the KBB broadcasting station at 7 a.m. Friday for the Music Save recording.
“Is that the rumored genius singer? Because of her, the competition for the audience tickets was reportedly fiercer than ever.”
“Wow… I’m a huge fan. She looks even more beautiful in person. Should I try saying something to her later?”
Among numerous celebrities, Baek Ye-rin was unmistakably popular.
Despite the somewhat uncomfortable stares, her first music show recording began.
Truthfully, what’s called “recording” involves a lot of waiting, given the nature of music shows.
From the dry rehearsal to camera rehearsal… once the team completes its own rehearsal, they’re left waiting until the actual broadcast.
Typically, with a tight schedule, other activities are arranged during these waiting periods, but none of this applied to Baek Ye-rin.
Sitting in the viewer’s section, Baek Ye-rin was observing the rehearsals of the other teams.
While observing the process, time quickly passed, and she began to feel a growing sense of uneasiness.
Baek Ye-rin looked at her right hand…
…which, for some reason, was trembling violently.
At that moment,
“Ye-rin.”
“Yes, did you call me?”
Responding with her usual gentle smile at the call of her manager, Lee Ha-ri, who seemed to notice no hint of uneasiness.
“Are you not hungry? You didn’t eat lunch earlier.”
“Oh, I’m fine. This quiet waiting is rather pleasant.”
Ha-ri chuckled bitterly.
Though she spoke confidently, sitting for hours quietly waiting isn’t as easy as it sounds.
Especially for a rookie experiencing this for the first time, it must be tough to adapt.
“Ah, could I go outside for a bit of fresh air? Staying indoors feels a bit oppressive.”
“Hmm… since we need to change costumes in forty minutes, you have about thirty minutes of spare time. But don’t go too far.”
Thus, Ha-ri sent Ye-rin off willingly.
Ye-rin wasn’t the type to cause trouble and seemed fine, so she wasn’t worried.
However, exactly thirty minutes later, Ha-ri realized she was wrong.
3 PM.
The president of RT Entertainment, Kang Beom-jun, left the company dressed in disguise.
He and Ryu Won intended to attend the Music Save as audience members.
He planned to pick up Ryu Won from his middle school, but…
– President, President! Emergency situation!
The urgent call came from Ha-ri.
Immediately, Beom-jun sensed something was wrong.
After all, panic was clearly etched in the voice of the veteran manager, Ha-ri.
“Ha-ri, calm down and tell me what’s happening.”
-President… Ye-rin has disappeared.
“Ye-rin has disappeared?”
Ha-ri went on to explain the details.
Baek Ye-rin left for a short walk outside to enjoy the fresh air and hadn’t returned to the recording studio since.
– The phone connects normally, but for some reason, she’s not answering my calls.
“I understand. I’ll try contacting her from my side.”
“Yes, please. I’ll look around the broadcasting station area as well.”
With that, the line cut off.
“…Damn, did I miss something?”
Beom-jun, filled with self-reproach, dialed Baek Ye-rin.
And soon, he heard the following message from the receiver.
-The call cannot be connected and will direct to voicemail after the beep. Beep…
Sure enough, Baek Ye-rin wasn’t answering her call from Ha-ri or himself.
This isn’t ordinary…
There are only two possible cases when the call connects but isn’t answered.
Either the phone wasn’t noticed due to silent mode or the recipient is intentionally ignoring the call.
Beom-jun instantly had a hunch.
The current situation likely belonged to the latter.
Reason aside, finding Baek Ye-rin was the top priority.
But how?
Beom-jun racked his brain contemplating solutions and, ironically enough, the thoughts quickly led him to an answer.
He stared at his phone blankly.
What if…
Really, what if…
‘Could you have foreseen this situation?’
Beom-jun instinctively called the boy who popped into his mind instantly.
It was an almost instinctive choice—and perhaps the most reasonable.
-Hey?
Ryu Won.
On the line, his usual calm voice echoed.
“Ryu Won, do you have any idea what this is about?”
-Well, without any hint, I wouldn’t know… But I sense some urgency in your voice. Did something happen to Ye-rin?
“…Correct. She went for a stroll saying she’ll enjoy some fresh air, but hasn’t returned to the recording studio yet. Moreover, even though the calls connect, she’s not answering mine or her manager’s.”
-She probably wouldn’t answer my call either.
“Huh?”
-Boss, please listen carefully to what I’m about to say.
At that, Ryu Won’s tone changed.
Precisely speaking, his ambiance became serious.
-I’ve literally bet my life in pursuit of one dream—to hear Ye-rin sing my song and to see her sing it right there on stage with my own two eyes.
To Beom-jun, considering Ryu Won’s immense talent, it seemed like a rather modest dream.
Surely not something worth dedicating an entire lifetime to…
But what followed revealed the depth of that dream.
-Then, what if Ye-rin says she doesn’t wish to perform on that stage and doesn’t want to sing my songs?
Naturally, it would all crumble to nothing.
His youth, his efforts, his dreams… Everything would remain unfulfilled.
For Ryu Won, it would be an inevitably poignant, sorrowful experience—losing the meaning of his life.
But Ryu Won knew.
-I would still respect and follow Ye-rin’s decision no matter what. It sounds silly, but there’s no other way for someone like me.
“…”
-What about you, Boss?
RT Entertainment had put immense effort and care into preparing Baek Ye-rin’s debut, and no one knew that better than Ryu Won.
But what if all that effort came to naught?
Would you be able to bear the burden of public expectations should Baek Ye-rin ever announce her decision to quit singing?
That’s what Ryu Won was questioning Beom-jun.
To which Beom-jun replied with these words.
“I’m human, so naturally I’ll be angry. This isn’t child’s play where we can start and stop whenever we want. But I absolutely will not harbor resentment. Ye-rin’s debut was ultimately my decision, and failing to recognize her stress is my fault.”
-Is that your answer, Boss?
“That’s right.”
After that, the conversation fell silent momentarily.
Ryu Won merely smiled faintly upon hearing Beom-jun’s answer.
A satisfied smile, it seemed like.
Then Ryu Won finally disclosed his plan.
-Boss, stay with the manager and buy as much time. The Music Save production team must be bewildered with this situation too.
“Eh… all of a sudden?”
-Yes. You’re good at that thing, aren’t you? Meanwhile, I’ll bring Ye-rin to you.
“You’ll… bring Ye-rin? How?”
-That’s a trade secret. However, as stated earlier, I will respect Ye-rin’s wishes to the best of my ability. And, Boss, please don’t overly reproach her when her thoughts are shared.
“…Alright, I understand.”
Upon hearing Beom-jun’s affirmation, Ryu Won promptly ended the call.
To be honest, Beom-jun had no alternative options.
After all, could anyone be more reliable than Ryu Won under the present circumstances?
He knew it well…
He understood this boy’s nature too well.
‘Would you really let go of your dream that easily?’
Beom-jun knew.
He was certain Ryu Won wasn’t the kind to let go of his dream so effortlessly.
With this faint hope in mind, Beom-jun rushed over to the KBB broadcasting station.
