187 - Upki Girl

< Just let the manager take me > They claimed to be fans, but it was evident they weren't. Although they didn't approach with malicious intent, they weren’t exactly there to offer support either. They were typical youth, seeking to create memories or feign righteousness by mocking celebrities caught in controversy. They grinned, looking between Ran and me as if trying to figure out our relationship. “We’ve never seen a celebrity in person before, could we take a photo with you?” “But is it okay for you to just roam around like this?” Ran looked at me with anxious eyes. As if waiting for me to provide an answer. What do you expect me to say? I'm not your manager. Despite finding it slightly amusing yet burdensome, I hated unwelcome guests interrupting our conversation. So I politely and tactfully replied with a smile. “Sorry, we’re in the middle of an important discussion.” “Oh... then can you at least give us an autograph if not a photo? We’re real fans...” “Oh, you're fans, huh?” Feigning handing over a microphone, I playfully shot back. “Then, how many members are in Eye Contact?” “Huh? Oh... seven?” Pointing at Ran. “And what's this person’s name?” “Rahee.” Utter nonsense. I couldn't help but chuckle. “Come on, not knowing the member count or names, how are you fans? Come back another time. We’re really having a serious conversation now.” “Oh... I even borrowed paper and pen from the counter just for an autograph. It won’t even take a minute.” They came armed with a promotional notepad from a finance company and a ballpoint pen. I kept my smile, playfully responding. “Are you drunk by any chance?” “We’re high school students.” “Oh, I see. You seemed drunk, that's why.” “Just a quick autograph, please. We’ll genuinely start being fans from today.” “Fine. I’ll do it.” Perhaps swayed by the promise of becoming fans or just wanting to brush them off, Ran accepted the pen and paper and began signing. “What should I write your name as?” “My name?” “Yes. I need to write it down...” “Oh... It doesn’t have to be my real name, right?” “Sure, just give me a nickname or something.” “Then write it as ‘DrugDrinker’.” A nearby friend, barely able to contain himself, let out a stifled laugh. Realizing she was being mocked, Ran stopped signing and bit her lip, on the verge of tears. I was hoping they’d know when to stop, but these kids were crossing the line. It’s not about taking sides; it’s about basic human respect. So, I spoke to them seriously. “Let’s keep it reasonable, okay?” “Huh?” “Did she do anything to harm you? Why mock someone who’s just sitting quietly?” “What did we do? Just asked for a nickname.” “Sigh...” I felt like scolding them in a harsh tone, but judging by their looks, they'd make a fuss about being talked to like that. “Stop with the nonsense and leave already. People should keep basic courtesy.” “Are you her manager?” “And if I am, what of it?” “Why is she not in jail if she used drugs? Is this one of those rich-get-away-free situations?” “She’s gone through all the investigations and is awaiting trial. Satisfied?” Another chimed in. “Did she really take drugs unknowingly? Someone said it’s an aphrodisiac.” Ran, sitting quietly like a guilty ― though she is ― glanced sharply at them, eyes half-filled with tears. Oh, I know what this is. It’s like the moment before Seowon loses it completely. If they provoke her once more, it’ll be an all-out chaos. “Ran, just stay still. I’ll handle this.” Before things escalated, I firmly calmed Ran and warned them. “Hey. Do you think this makes you look cool?” “Huh? What do you mean?” “You genuinely don’t know? Are you a psychopath?” “What’s wrong with asking for an autograph?” “Hahaha... Are you confident?” “Confident about what?” “Taking responsibility for your actions and words just now.” I turned my phone towards them, showing the screen. The voice recording function I had turned on to record the conversation with Ran was still running. “I’ve got everything recorded of you guys provoking us. Plus, the store’s CCTV captured your faces. Should I post it online and see who’s wrong? Whether you came for a genuine autograph or just to mock?” “Why are you recording someone else’s conversation? Isn’t that illegal?” “Nope. It's not illegal to record my own conversation.” The guy leading the conversation hesitated, and the one that was throwing in comments nudged him, signaling they should stop. I offered them an escape route. “Let’s not make this a bigger issue and just apologize and leave.” “Sorry.” “Not to me, to her.” “Sorry.” “We’re sorry. We made a mistake.” “Yeah...” Bunch of opportunistic kids. Finally, somewhat humbled, they nodded apologetically towards Ran, who reluctantly nodded back, ending the situation. Once the duo left, Ran looked at my phone and cautiously asked, “Why were you recording?” I smoothly evaded like a seasoned old fox. "I record in case of situations like this." "Pardon?" "It's a habit I picked up while managing UpKeyGirl. Sometimes when hanging out in cafes with the kids, people would cause trouble. To have evidence during arguments, I tend to record everything." "Oh..." Looks like she bought it. Her tense expression eased. Oh, Ran, falling for it again. But thanks to those unwelcome guests, the bond between us seemed to strengthen a bit. "So, what were we talking about again? Ran, what were we discussing?" "Sponsorship..." "Ah, right. So, what CEO Kim was offering—was it a sponsorship or not? Tell me in your own words." "From what you've said, it doesn’t seem like it." "Right?" "Yes... I must have misunderstood..." "But here's the thing..." "Yes." "Do you know Yona really hated attending those events, whatever they were?" "Yes..." "Really? You knew?" "Yes..." "How did you know?" "Just, you know... You could tell from her expression... Plus, Yona naturally dislikes such things..." "Right, you know her well. Then here’s the question: if Yona is known for disliking those, why do you think she went?" "Well... She realized the reality, that in a small company like ours, that's the only way..." "That's exactly CEO Kim Seokwon's mindset. Wrong." She looked at me with eyes telling me to cut the crap and talk straight. For crying out loud, this kid's got some nerve. I made sure the tables around us were empty before telling her the truth. "It's because of you guys." "What do you mean?" "She made a deal to keep CEO Kim from touching the underage members. She went in your stead." Wrinkles formed on Ran’s forehead, a look of complete surprise on her face. But inside, she must be struggling to deny it. "Did Yona really do that?" "That's what your CEO personally told me. Here, I’ll stop recording, and we can speak openly." I pressed the stop button on the recording app in plain sight and continued. "Can you really imagine Yona, abandoning the team just to save herself? From what I know, Yona’s not that kind of person. You've known her longer than I have, so surely you know her better. Tell me." "How can you really know what's in someone’s heart?" "Don’t overcomplicate it—just think logically. Sure, you guys probably couldn't have known Yona’s feelings. Why? Because she never showed it in front of you. Come on, Yona threw away her pride to protect the juniors, yet you claimed she went because she liked it? How do you think Yona felt hearing that? If it were me, I'd have lost it. But she never complained about you and took all the blame. Do you know what her last thoughts were going to the karaoke in Sinsa-dong? She was going to end her life. She even wrote a suicide note but changed her mind after meeting me and lawyer Woo Yontak by chance. Do you know which day I’m talking about? The day you packed up and left the dorm." "Yes..." "Do you still not believe me?" Still seemingly unwilling to fully acknowledge it, her lips were pursed tightly. "Want to hear something sadder? Despite everything, Yona thought of you guys, bringing leftover snacks and drinks because she knew you’d be hungry late at night amidst dieting. Is that right?" "Yes, that's true..." "Good at answering at least." I carefully chipped away at Ran, who seemed to slowly open her eyes to the truth. "But you guys, those idiots from Eye Contact, easily bought into CEO Kim's sleazy words and went on to sing songs like ‘Revenge’. Do you know how happy Yona was when she heard your album was coming? She was rooting for you guys even while preparing her solo work. And the songs you came up with... You basically killed Yona twice." "We didn’t know... According to the CEO, Yona took a break pretending to be sick, but actually signed a double contract with another team..." "You’re badmouthing her again. Try calling her that one more time. See what happens. Did you or did you not understand?" "Yes..." "So, do you still find it hard to believe?" "No, I believe it somewhat..." "This prideful... Then what part don’t you believe? Tell me, and I'll explain it to you as thoroughly as mixing rice in a crab shell." "Heh..." "What, is this funny to you?" "No, it was just the crab shell comment caught me off-guard..." "Sigh... If you were on my team, you'd have gotten a taste of a one-punch knockout. The UpKeyGirl kids grew up taking hits from me, you know?" "I know that's not true." "What do you mean?" "It's a well-known fact that you get bossed around by the UpKeyGirl members." "What? Is CEO Kim spreading that around too?" "You can just tell. All the Repeat Girl contestants know it. They call you Myeon Myeon the servant..." The servant? Is that the image I have? "You have no idea how well they treat me. Do you know Ria calls me Emperor God Myeon Myeon these days? They can’t live without me." "I know." "And I wasn’t a servant back then either. I just didn’t know the industry well and found dealing with young girls unfamiliar, so I went easy." "I didn’t mean it badly… Your popularity among girl groups is high." "Oh... Really? First I’ve heard..." So, tell me more about that. Come on. Ran took a sip from her neglected coffee and continued. "The members of UpKeyGirl might be a bit much, but the managers have a great reputation. Even the road manager is popular." "Oh, really? I had no idea. Well, Jangwoo's always been the type that women like..." So when are you going to start praising me? "When you were rumored to be leaving for Promise Sky, a lot of people were disappointed." "Really?" "The Lip Balm ladies even said they’d love to join Hum Hum because of you..." Lip Balm… that sends a shiver down my spine. I kept my lips from curling into a smile, maintaining a straight face with all my might. "Anyway, the important thing isn’t that. What I’m trying to say is you should be grateful to Yona, not resentful. You’ve been played by CEO Kim’s manipulations all this time. I hope you clear up the misunderstandings now. Don’t hold any grudges against Yona in the future. And whenever you get the chance, apologize. Yona’s been deeply hurt." "I was really hurt back then too." "That’s what I’m saying—it all stemmed from a misunderstanding. Don’t you get my point?" "I do." "Then why aren't you crying?" "Excuse me? Why would I cry?" "In situations like this, don’t emotions usually get the better of people after misunderstandings are cleared up? You’re not touched by the part where Yona wanted to take leftover snacks from the karaoke? That moved me a bit." "Oh... I’m just not very emotional, that’s all..." "You’re a tough one." "It’s not that intense. I was touched, though." "Wow, you answer well and are defiant yet confident when talking to adults. I like that." She seemed quite pleased, taking it as praise. Just as I was thinking it's not such a bad development... ―――――― ★With quick and appropriate handling, you've managed to steer clear of a major team crisis. Congratulations on moving one step closer to being a great producer. ―――――― "Whew..." The sense of liberation. An overwhelming sense of liberation! A sigh of relief escaped as my head instinctively tilted back. "What’s up?" "Nothing. Looks like we're done here, so let’s head out. You said a friend’s waiting." "I was lying..." "Really? Why make up something like that? Then, I’ll head out first." "Uh... um..." "What? Got something to say?" "Yes." "Go ahead." "Well… I actually received an offer from a Chinese agency. It's really more of a broker. They said they’d cover Karma's penalty for my incident if I agree to work in China, along with Sumi unnie." "Oh, that's good news. Congrats." "But I want to work in Korea." "Hmm..." Such an ambitious dream. "I know it's tough." "No, no, if you have the determination, nothing’s impossible." Just a courteous response. For someone with no talent who’s taken drugs with male idols, that’s the end of the road. Unless she's prepared to shamelessly go full tacky. But why is she telling me this? Obviously... "Then can you be the one to take me on?" "No, I can't, I'm not interested. Just go to China. They pay well." "I’ll do everything you ask. I’m willing to do whatever it takes." "Really?" "Yes." Look at those eyes burning with ambition. She's willing to drink bleach if I asked. "Seriously, you'll do everything I ask?" "Yes." "Okay. Then go to China." I stood up abruptly, ending the conversation. Ran followed me to the underground parking of the PC room, persistently throwing around dangerous words... "Can’t you just take me under your wing?" "Are you out of your mind... Oh, sorry." "No, it’s fine. You can swear at me." An ambitious maniac of a kind! Not your usual ball of ambition. Didn't want to give false hope with empty words, might as well cut it off bluntly. "Is that so? Then stop bothering people and just disappear to China, you junkie scumbag." < Just let the manager take me > End