230 - Upki Girl

< I Miss You Already > “Director Myuno, you look much more handsome in person than on screen.” Rahi's mother, seated at the wrap-up party, gazes at me with a distinct intensity. With a look as if she’s encountered a giant Buddha statue—eyes shining with awe—she continues with a reverent expression, as if ready to bow a full 108 times. “Our Rahi was so thrilled when she got your contact information.” “Yes, she seems to have talent.” I reply calmly, and as if on cue, she begins showing off photos of her daughter with great pride. “When Rahi was two, she came first in a children's fashion model competition. Isn’t this photo from that time just adorable?” “Oh my, how cute!” “Her features were already there back then?” The guests silver-haired Yona and other attendees seated near me join in the praise, delighting Rahi’s mother even more. “Right? Our Rahi has been steadily attending practical music academy for four months, dreaming of becoming the next great star. She even considered enrolling in a broadcast choreography school downtown. But then...” But then...? Her sentence trails off ambiguously. I could guess the reason, so I asked directly. Whether she likes it or not, I need to gather as much information as possible since Rahi’s aura has turned purple. “Rahi didn’t have crutches the last time I saw her, but now she does. Is her condition worsening?” “Yes...” According to her mother, Rahi’s legs, which were perfectly fine, suddenly started deteriorating. There’s no medical explanation, no incident of falling, and no periodic symptoms. It just happened—sudden and abrupt. Even the doctor and physical therapist couldn’t pinpoint the cause and decided to continue observing her condition. Her mother seemed a bit bewildered and mentioned this all started after the fan meeting at the park near the broadcasting station following UpKeyGirl's first comeback stage. That was the first time Rahi appeared to the public. Everything fell into place. Are you very confused, mother? But there’s nothing to be done. This is the fate of those with a purple aura. It’s my destiny too. It might be that her lower body paralysis is progressing again. A simple, temporary slump wouldn’t manifest in a purple aura. Rahi’s mother seems convinced that if Rahi becomes our company’s trainee, she could soon follow in UpKeyGirl’s footsteps. She’s likely read the articles. They’ve repeatedly highlighted the short training period of the other UpKeyGirl members—apart from Yona—and attributed much of their success to Director Kim Yoon-ho's pivotal role as a supportive guide, alongside the children’s talent and effort. Her mother, possibly worried about her daughter's suddenly worsened condition, emphasized numerous times that with focused rehabilitation, it could improve. Additionally, she kept steering the conversation as if Rahi was practically a confirmed trainee already. Questions about handling school if she becomes a trainee, whether to rent a separate room in Seoul or if the company provides lodging, and if Hum&Hum charges training fees like some other companies, kept coming up. Despite the conversation being about her, Rahi listened silently, not saying a word while her mother almost seemed more anxious than Rahi herself. I decided to speak honestly and bluntly. “Ma’am, I'm sorry, but nothing has been decided about Rahi. Trainees are selected through basic auditions, and I haven’t even heard Rahi sing yet. Asking for her contact was just so she could participate in such an audition. I’ll arrange something soon and let you know. Also, companies demanding training fees are over 99% shady, so please take note.” I realized I might have reacted a bit harshly. Having been dragged into unwanted abilities and situations against my will repeatedly, just as things seemed to calm down, this new mission had made me a bit sensitive. Not that the UpKeyGirl kids were a constant bother. Being with them was enjoyable and rewarding. But jumping straight into something new without a break doesn’t exactly feel right. For those reasons, my emotional control slipped slightly, and I ended up being somewhat brusque with Rahi too, despite knowing she wasn’t that type of kid. “You aren’t anything yet. Don’t get carried away and let it affect your school life.” “Yes... I won’t...” Rahi replied softly, like the faint sound of a cat’s footsteps, a popup window appeared above her shoulder. ―――――― ―Title/Name: Aspiring Talent Yerahi ―Date of Birth: May 16, 2003 ―Height/Weight: 162cm/44kg ―Blood Type: A ―Affiliation: None ―Recommended Fields: Singer-Songwriter, Main Vocal of Girl Group ―――――― ★ Performs better when praised rather than reprimanded. ―――――― Damn pop-up. The tutorial scolding has started. “Rahi.” “Yes?” “You have talent, so don’t skip practice and diligently prepare for the audition.” “Yes... thank you...” Satisfied? ―――――― ^^ ―――――― Seriously? Now it even responds, as if upgraded. Then... Oh omniscient info-popup, when might I finally escape this celebrity-making hell? No answer returned. Only Yona added to my sense of responsibility. “Rahi, we’re preparing a new rookie group at our company. Just listen to Director Myuno and do as he says, okay?” “Yes.” Seebahn looked at Rahi fondly, playing the role of a successful mogul. “Oh, this really is the best time. It feels like it was just yesterday when I auditioned at the Hum&Hum office, and now, here I am, a top-ranking singer... Rahi, if you work hard, you'll be hitting number one before you know it. Hard work never betrays.” “Yes, I’ll practice diligently.” Haha, Si-ba is just so openly adorable these days. She looks like a kindergartener trying to teach a younger sibling. I swear, it feels like just yesterday she showed up at the office with a suitcase twice her size. It's the same for the other kids, too... But now that I think about it, calling it “pretending to be a big shot” doesn’t do justice to all they’ve achieved. It’s not just an act—they truly have become big names. Adding to Silver Light’s words, I offered Rahi a bit of mentor-like advice, using UpKeyGirl as a model. “Exactly, just practice as much as the UpKeyGirl seniors did. While talent is, of course, important, the biggest reason UpKeyGirl succeeded is because all five of them practiced every day like there was no tomorrow. Nowadays, there are tons of kids who are great singers and dancers, but in the end, it all comes down to the amount of practice.” “Yes...” “But oppa, didn't I also start out small like Rahi?” “You’re still small.” “Am I still cute then?” “Yeah. So cut the seductive act already.” “Ugh, having too much charm is such a hassle. Seriously, I'm the bible of cute and sexy.” “Director, Seewon wants you to look at Yeonhong.” “Why Hong?” “They’re double-stuffing meat in lettuce wraps.” Seewon interrupted Si-ba’s self-admiration session and reported on Hong’s voracious appetite with perfect timing. No wonder Hong had been so inconspicuous. Sitting at the end of the table—just out of my sight—she was silently devouring the meat, chopsticks in hand. We were at a famous galbi place near the broadcasting station, yet only Hong’s table had been noticeably cleared of its meat trays. Her wraps weren’t ordinary either; they were premium wraps stacked with lettuce, perilla leaf, two pieces of meat, garlic, chili, and green onion salad. Knowing Hong always counted her wraps as she made them, I asked. “How many wraps have you had so far?” “21...” “Wow, so many already? You’ve been busy while we all chatted.” “Sorry... I wrapped a lot...” “No, no, I wasn’t pointing it out to chastise you. I was just curious. When else would you get to wrap like this if not today? Wrap to your heart's content, no one will say anything.” “Thank you. I’ll do my best to wrap as much as I can.” “Do you think you can surpass twenty-eight wraps?” “Yes, I think it's definitely possible.” “Then let me know when you reach twenty-six, so you can break the record on a live stream with your fans.” Unleashed officially, Hong tore through wrap after wrap. She continued to wrap as if there was no tomorrow. The final count was thirty-two premium wraps. And, at long last, the food program she so desired reached out—a cable show called “Bobak-Dasik” renowned for epic eating shows. *** The next day. UpKeyGirl, having finished their final broadcast for the song "Violet" the previous day, was given a day off. The kids, who had been sleep-deprived, all opted for a lie-in, while I headed to the office solo for the weekly meeting. It was my first day as Head of Rookie Development, not just UpKeyGirl's manager anymore. “Oh? You’re here, Director! Long time no see!” As I was changing into slippers at the shoe rack, Lani emerged from the recording studio and greeted me with an excessive enthusiasm and a 90-degree bow. But then... “Hah... seriously...” “Oh no. Did I do something wrong again?” I’m sorry for sighing right in front of your bright greeting. That was an involuntary sigh. Just like with Rahi, a purple aura began to emanate from Lani's body, something I hadn't seen before. I dreaded this since getting involved with her, hoping it wouldn’t happen. “What’s going on with you?” “What do you mean?” “Why has your aura turned purple?” “Huh?” Are they asking me to create another girl group following UpKeyGirl? Sure, considering Rahi’s physical disabilities, I can let it slide a hundred times. But this isn’t like the last pop idol comeback. How am I supposed to propel this one? It’s like a shooting game, where after defeating the final boss, you start again from the first level with increased difficulty. That’s exactly how I feel. Just when I thought I cleared the last stage, it starts over, harder. I'm already missing the UpKeyGirl kids... “What purple?” Lani doesn’t know what I mean by purple, but seems to delight in my interest. She asks in her regional accent, eyes sparkling. “Are you talking about lenses? But these aren’t purple. They’re Spanish Real Sky colored.” “No, it’s nothing...” “Director, you don’t like me, right?” “It’s not about liking or not. To my eyes, you’re still a trainee.” “Wow, so I'm still a trainee. It’s going to be long before I become an official trainee, huh.” Murmuring as if talking to herself with a hint of sarcasm, Lani rattled on, seemingly trying to keep me from leaving. “So, why doesn’t our company conduct auditions for trainees? Shouldn’t we work on a new successor for UpKeyGirl? We've done a girl group, so let’s make a boy group now, a boy group.” “No, they want another girl group.” “Who does? The president?” “The god of the entertainment world.” “Huh... Director, you know sometimes you’re funny, but other times you’re really not?” “I wasn’t saying it to make you laugh. Besides, haven’t you had enough trouble dealing with guys to keep saying ‘boys, boys’?” “If not boys, then do you expect a woman to like another woman?” “No, I mean, why is someone preparing to be a singer so interested in the opposite sex?” “Oh, that's what you meant. If you tell me to stop being interested in guys, I’ll stop.” “Has your singing improved?” I asked, almost resignedly, and Lani confidently gave me a thumbs-up with both hands. “Mr. Hyundong says I’m seriously on another level lately. Want to hear?” “Uh, maybe later... just keep practicing.” “Why? Is there something special if I practice a lot?” “Wow, you really do talk a lot.” “Do you not like it? If you don’t want me to talk, I won’t.” Why does she keep trying to put her life into my hands? Rahi’s mother seemed the same. Do I exude some kind of Midas touch? “Hey, are you really going to do everything I say?” “Yeah.” “‘Yeah’? Are you using informal speech?” “Oh, sorry. I'm trying to fix it, but it slips out because it’s a habit." "From now on, stop being interested in guys." "Okay." "And talk less." "Yeah. Oops, there goes the informal speech again..." One thing I disliked about working at the company was people mixing formal and informal speech, testing the waters. But with her, it didn’t seem intentional. More like a habit she’s picked up. Probably only like this with guys. Sure, she likely had an easy life thanks to her pretty face since childhood. Surrounded by older guys, batting her eyelashes, getting treated to meals and movies, then flirting with sponsors and colleagues after becoming a celebrity. “Up to two times is a mistake I can overlook. The third means it’s intentional. If it’s not intentional, then your brain’s at fault.” “Okay, I’ll remember. But no one ever said I was dumb.” “Well, you don’t seem particularly bright either. A smart person wouldn’t make that kind of mistake while at their peak.” “Haha, you got me there. I was kind of losing it back then.” Does she think she knows what guys like? At first, I thought she was cold and cynical, but that wasn’t it at all. Over time, her true nature revealed itself—her basic behavior was embedded with cuteness and charisma. Light touches during conversations or laughter, pretending to be weak or naive, triggering a protective instinct. Not extremely beautiful for a celebrity, but she has a lovely smile and knows it, often reacting with eye smiles. Having been treated well by men all her life, she tends to push boundaries if coddled too much. A type I really dislike. She needs some taming. If not corrected early, she'd undoubtedly become wilder than Seewon or Riya. “Stop trying to look stylish now.” “Huh. No way. I mean, I'm an entertainer, so don’t I need to maintain my appearance?” “I thought you said you’d do as told. Besides, you’re not an entertainer anymore.” “Oh, right. I won’t style up.” “Except for eating and sleeping, practice is all you should think about. Even while eating, practice. Dream only of practicing. Got it?” “Yes. I’ll do everything you say, just let me make a comeback.” “And starting today, submit a reflection paper to me daily.” “About what? What am I reflecting on?” “Aren’t there a lot of things you should reflect on?” “...There are.” “If you can’t think of anything, make it up. Even breathing and blinking.” “Understood.” The tactic worked. Being a little strict brought her energy down a notch. “You can go now.” “Go where?” “To practice.” “I was done and headed home.” “Done? Who said practice has an end? Was it Kim Seok-won? Did you learn that at Karma?” “Nah, he’d just tell us to attend more events during practice time.” “Which is why you’re in this state. From now on, unless you’re working a part-time job, you must come to the office to practice.” “Oh, right. I quit my part-time job.” “Why?” “It was embarrassing. People recognized my face more than I thought.” “Then how will you pay for lessons and rent?” “I was going to ask you for a loan.” “Which manager? Me?” “Yes. If I succeed, I’ll pay back with interest. Or maybe you'd like to buy one of my bags? I’ll sell you a Prada bucket bag for 80.” Seewon is my light, and Yeonhong is my truth. I was wrong. I already miss you all... As I was thinking that— “What are you two up to?” It was Yona. The one who pledged a full day of rest like a lion appeared on the stairs. Even in casual sweats and with a hat pulled down, her pink aura and fresh, bare face were captivating. “Yona, I was wrong.” “Haha, about what?” “You guys are real angels. I get it now.” “Lani, you’ve been bothering Director again, haven’t you?” “No...” “What do you think would happen if Seewon or Honghong caught you bothering the Director?” “What would happen?” “You’d be torn to bits. Like paper.” “Whoa... those sisters really might do that.” “Yona, you said you’d sleep like a lion today. Why are you out?” “Oh, I woke up because I was hungry.” “Want me to get you something?” “No.” “Want me to order delivery?” “No~” Yona declined again and with a smile, linked her arm with mine. “Let’s go have brunch together. You haven’t eaten yet, have you?” The warmth of the middle class... “What? What’s with the atmosphere between you two? Isn’t this relationship off-limits?” Lani squinted suspiciously, and Yona shrugged her shoulders and countered, seemingly amused. “What kind of relationship are we?” “Manager and singer, of course.” “No, no, no. He's not our manager anymore, right, Director?” Yona—often slyly strategic—looked at me with intent eyes. Her expressions ranged from Yonie the Serpent to Yona the Lovely and even Yona the Great. It reminded me of Hong’s gaze on that day when her self-restraint snapped in front of all the meat wraps. That sense of middle-class warmth felt too comforting. I was completely disarmed. My heart felt serenely Yona-ed. < I Miss You Already > End