163 - I Unknowingly Rejected My Favorite

EP.163 #163. That Guy? "Ah. I said I’m sorry, didn’t I?" My boyfriend, unfazed and unresponsive. This was already my third apology, yet he remained unmoved. "Aaah~ Oppaa~ I said I’m sorry, okay?" I cling to him from behind, nuzzling against his cheek. "Why did you reveal my nickname?" "Well, the others were curious about the origins of your stage name too~ It’s something even idol groups do when they first debut." "I’m not in an idol group." His overly childish act made me want to lightly tap his head, but today I had to swallow my urge. I did tease him more than usual, after all. "But you are a genius composer. Arrrr." With both hands, I pinched his cheeks and pulled at his skin like it was made of rice cakes. Why is his skin so firm even though he’s older than me? "Hrmmmm." "I’ll stop teasing when you forgive me." "I’m not mad." He says that, yet he’s too stubborn to even respond. I pulled his face toward mine and peppered his lips with quick kisses. -Smooch "Hey. Kim Do-a. You know I—" -Smooch "I won’t just let this—" -Smooch "Pass by—" -Smooch Perhaps realizing the interruptions were futile, he finally gave in, lifting me and tossing me onto the bed. "...Now you finally look at me." When I spoke like a forlorn heroine, he laughed in disbelief. "Hey! Kim Luca! I've been looking at you the whole time, okay?" "If you’re going to kiss, now is the time! Luka-lio!" Yelling in my best Luka impression, he leaned down as if conceding. What followed was a kiss that was a bit too long to merely be called a peck. As if on cue, we wrapped our arms around each other’s necks, savoring the sweet sensation. "...I distinctly recall telling you to kiss me." "It’s not my fault; you tempted me first." Hearing such cheeky words, as if straight out of a chatroom, was a bit overwhelming. "Are we good now?" "I said I wasn’t mad." "Blah blah blah." He keeps saying he's not upset after sulking for so long. "Did everything go well with the company?" "Yeah, nothing special. Just details about where the prize money goes and a brief on how the album production will proceed." "That's good." I sat up, pulling the blanket around me. "We’re almost finished with our second album." "Do you have a release date?" Seeing the sparkle in his eyes when we talked about this, I wasn’t sure whether to feel happy or wistful. "Yes, the teaser will be out soon. Probably next week, sometime before Friday." "Kiyaaahhh!" An elated howl from Composer Luka-lio. He clutched his head in both hands, his handsome face twisted in excitement. "What are you doing, oppa?" "A howl of joy. It's mandatory." "Unbelievable." I gently pushed his legs straight, then perched comfortably on them. Naturally, his arms found their way around my waist. His mischievous hands seemed set on not leaving my belly alone today, either. "But I’ve got something to say." I better bring this up. "What is it?" "I think the viewers' work is better than our album!" Whether that's good or bad, I’m not sure, but that’s how it felt to me. When we first received the MR and guide for the second album, I thought it was amazing, but after hearing the winning works from the collaborative album, they seemed superior. "Aww, you're just flattering me." Though he said that, an undeniable smile tugged at his lips. "Ahem... Whose song might that be, I wonder..." Annoyed by the obvious bait, I decided to dodge the question. "It’s Ash Block’s, of course. The untouchable number one." "Ah... Right... Ash's songs are really good..." All award-winning pieces from our Saturday joint stream were partially revealed then, so he must've heard some. "Just kidding. I like your music too." "Alright then, if you say so." "No, no, truly~ I like yours the best, oppa." "Ah, there's none like Lea. I’m subscribing to Lea from today." ...That crosses the line. I turned my head to look at him with sultry eyes, and he finally sensed the mood. "I’m sorry. Just joking." "If sorry was enough, why have police and laws?" "But subscribing to your other members isn’t a crime, is it?" Amused by my own words, I chuckled. "Ugh, whatever. Just don’t do it. Look at me only, dear. You got it!" Leaving my mark once more with a deep kiss, he tried to lay me completely back. "I-I have to stream, though?" At this point, I could easily read his eyes. When he looked at me with that predatory gaze, I knew exactly what he wanted. Not that I minded. I enjoyed this give and take, especially now that it wasn’t like during our early days when I had to push for everything. However, time was... The clock on the wall reminded us we had less than 30 minutes. "...Can't we?" If only he hadn’t sulked so long. Instead of answering, I tugged his t-shirt upward. * * * Caught up in the joy of winning, it didn’t last long. I had to think about my future plans. Should I keep making more songs... Though I enjoyed creating music, I was totally clueless about the first steps to take. Previously, it was sheer luck that got me into YM, where training followed a set course. But now, I found myself adrift without even a compass. Seated in front of my computer, I clicked on the notification. [Average of Audience?! Participate and See Winners!] Wow... It's up already? I thought it would take longer with the editing and all. Unable to resist, I clicked on the uploaded video from the Closer official channel. It had been up for less than an hour, yet it had already garnered tens of thousands of views. There were already hundreds of comments. I usually didn't bother with the number of comments, but today was different. After all, somewhere in there were mentions of me. With a racing heart, I hit the play button, and the memories of that day vividly replayed in my mind. [Kyaa! I love it!] Humu Ring's excited screams. Lea expressing her gratitude to Ash Block. I could enjoy watching others as usual when they appeared. But there was a decent amount of screen time for Luca as well. As I thought it was well-edited, I drank from the barley tea in my bottle. [Alright. Let's welcome our next guest~ Capturing the insane coolness of summer! Let's welcome RKRO!] "Ugh...!" Although I expected it, I didn't foresee the timing, causing me to choke and cough unexpectedly. Why did they edit it differently from the live broadcast order? Wow... Even though my face isn't shown, why does it feel so embarrassing? Watching the hundred questions segment wasn’t this mortifying. Whenever I spoke, a lone "R" would pop up on the monitor, making it seem reminiscent of an alphabet-named genius detective from a mystery manga. Of course, in reality, I was just a nerdy VTuber obsessed with Luca. [Oh my, by "Luka," are you perhaps... referring to me...?] A close-up of Luka’s playful expression fills the screen. Closer fans' chat frequently mocks the public antics. Ahhh! I knew this would happen! I just knew it! Ugh, this is exactly why I said not to do it. Most of my segment in the video focused on Luka and Humu Ring teasing me rather than on the music. Wasn’t this a program about making music? How could they edit it like a comedy clip... But even so, realizing they brilliantly hit the selling points showed how professional the editors were. I grudgingly admitted that if I were a viewer, I’d probably chuckle while watching too. -Buzz Buzz My phone buzzed. I thought it might be Do-a, but I was completely off the mark. The call was from a YM representative who had previously contacted me about the award. [Hello?] [Ah, yes, hello, RKRO.] [Yes, hello.] I was certain we had thoroughly discussed everything before concluding. Why were they reaching out again? Did I submit something incorrectly? [Um... could it be...] Just hearing that word had my throat tightening. No way. No way they’ve identified that I’m Han Tae-min... And if they’re trying to rope me into something else again... Just imagining it gave me a headache. The anxiety had dried my mouth, and I did my best to remain calm. [Yes, please go ahead.] [Well... Ash Block would like to know your email address; would it be alright to share it with them?] ...That guy who got first place? Her unexpected words left a question mark hovering above my head.