172 - I Unknowingly Rejected My Favorite

EP.172 #172. My Dream is You. [Did everyone watch it properly?] Ah. This avatar is really well crafted. I'm sure anyone who's a fan like me can feel it. This time, the avatar's eyes seem a bit rounder. Originally, it felt more like a puppy than a cat, but now it truly exudes the vibe of an innocent student. [What do you think? The song is awesome, right?] With a voice filled with anticipation, the fan club responded with emoticons. [Luka-chan, you're the best! Luka-chan, you're the best! Luka-chan, you're the best! Luka-chan, you're the best! Luka-chan, you're the best!] [Sigh... Kim Luka, you really are...] [I love you! Luka unnie!] [I LOVE YOU♥♥♥♥] In a way, it's got that classic idol concept. Members wearing school uniforms, dancing on a school stage. Luka shared the official music video channel, suggesting we watch it together again. [Now, I'll go through each scene and share behind-the-scenes stories. Watch this.] Luka played it once more, reacting appropriately, and then paused at each scene to reveal behind-the-scenes anecdotes. [So here, do you see me playing basketball? I actually filmed that in the studio.] Imagining her bouncing around alone in full gear was amusing. Knowing Luka's true self and the studio's nature, I chuckled. It must have been tough with her height. [They wanted me to pretend to get hit by a basketball. But if you haven't tried it, coordinating the timing is incredibly difficult.] It must have been challenging for Do-ah, who's not an action movie actor, to pull off. [The director wanted me to shake my head more, but I was a beat late, so the ball missed.] Luka couldn't help but laugh as she recounted her experience. [Yeah, and this scene.] Luka paused at the scene with everyone performing on the grass, clearing her throat. [The choreography here was actually done by computer, not us dancing.] [But Jennifer unnie said we should try making shorts together, and asked us to practice.] Stories she had never shared with me. The fan club was overwhelmed with new revelations, eagerly taking it all in. [I did practice at home alone.] ...And she never showed me. Did she keep this a secret, too? A hint of disappointment rose within me, but she had her reasons for keeping it to herself. [Ah, I can't show you now since I'm not moving my hands, but I'll show you next time when I'm geared up.] [I don't know if I mentioned it before, but I'm totally uncoordinated.] Indeed, she possessed a soft, squishy body devoid of any muscle. She never exercised at all. That trait resembled me so much it amused me. If Do-ah had been a hardcore sports fan, I... Ah... it wouldn't have been easy. Though unlikely a reason to break up, I would probably have reluctantly gone out with her, holding back tears each time. Because I couldn't stay outside for more than three hours without feeling strained. [Ah, and this is something I heard from Robo unnie.] The floodgates of stories burst open like a dam releasing water. How much she must have wanted to share all this. Seeing her talk so animatedly made me think she had shown admirable restraint until now. [So, um, you'll definitely love our second album, right?] The avatar blinked its pink eyes with a wink. Ah... truly... I love you, Kim Luka. I could fully understand why countless fans confessed their love for her. If someone didn't fall for this, they were the odd one out. No matter what they said about wit and appeal, I knew those skeptics would drool after watching clips of her for just an hour. [Chart pledge? Oh, I hate horror games. I will never do them.] [Come on, think about the fuss you guys made last time with the horror game. Hm?] [No matter how many times I say it wasn't me, you insist 'Oh no, it was your brother~' with stubborn certainty.] [Let's go with something else this time instead of horror.] Though not directly my fault, I was involved in the incident, so I chuckled bitterly. ...Sigh. In truth, it was partly my brother who said it. I still regretted not following her that day. [Ah. Then I'll do what you guys have been asking for.] Luka seemed to search the internet and brought up a video clip. It was a slightly dated, yet once viral sexy dance clip. [If we make the top 5, I'll do it. For real.] Newbies were already asking if she'd turn on the camera, unaware of the obvious. They were still so naive. Luka shook her head as she noticed those chats. [No, this is Luka! Guys! Why ask for the camera!] The seasoned fans immediately quashed such requests with sensibility and humor. [I'll do it after a full performance, okay?] [Won't the company say something? They might, but if we hit the top 5? I'm sure it'll be fine. Who knows~] [Anyway, everyone, top 5! If we reach top 5, we'll go for it!] [So please listen to our music a lot, and continue to love Closer~ Byeee~] Phew... How long has it been since I watched a stream? Stretching and preparing myself, I accessed the music site. Of course, set to replay the song endlessly. * * * "Leah did an amazing job this time." More than 30 minutes had passed since arriving at the studio, yet we hadn't discussed anything related to our classes. "Since Luka did the ending, doesn't that make her the main character this time?" The teacher hadn't yet realized I was dating Luka, so their comments tended to be a bit harsh. Or rather, it might be more accurate to say they were blunt. "Honestly, Luka is just a background piece, musically speaking. You know, every idol group has those members who are just there." Luka... a background piece...? "Hahaha." There's nothing I can say since it's the teacher. Even though anger simmered from deep within, I kept my expression in check. "No way, she's not just a background piece. You can't call someone with this much presence a background piece." "Idol groups usually have those faces with a lot of presence. It's not like they're the center because they sing well." Having collaborated with idols before, our Ashe Block sensei was keen on drawing parallels between idols and Closer. "Anyway, I've told YM I'll personally direct the winning song from our contest, so I might be able to handle the part distribution." "Is that... possible...?" They never mentioned anything like this to me. "Come on, Tae-min. I have enough clout for that kind of request." I... I want to become someone like that too! Directing a song for Closer is an incredible privilege. Having the authority to choose the parts Do-ah sings felt like a divine power to me. "So you'll oversee the recording too...?" Could it be? Would the company actually allow that? I doubted YM would accept the red pill of virtual artists... "Ah, well, recording is another matter. If there's anyone interested, we'll do it offline. If not, we'll probably proceed online, giving feedback on the recordings sent in." "I see." I guess it wasn't meant to be. "Why, do you just want to see Closer in person?" The teacher looked at me with a smug expression. ...I've already had the pleasure of meeting them, more than halfway. Bound by confidentiality, I stifled my itching urge to speak with my hand. "Should I say I'll direct your song too? Want to join in?" "Pardon...?" He said it as casually as suggesting we go for lunch together. "I think if I say I'll do it, they'd actually be happy about it. If you're okay with it as the original creator, we can give it a try." Kneeling down, I decided from this day forth to revere him not as a teacher, but as a god. "Ooh... most revered Ashe Block...! Ooooh!" The teacher, amused by my antics, laughed heartily and offered me a hand to stand up. "But don't get carried away, okay, Tae-min?" "I'll sign a lifetime contract if necessary." If I can continue to grow here and become like the teacher... The untamed hair, the stubbly beard. The oversized t-shirt and flip-flops. Appearance meant nothing. What truly mattered was the ability to create such an awesome situation that made him shine brilliantly. "Alright! I'll go talk to them about it! Tomorrow! Let's get on with the class now!" "Yes!" From today, my dream is you, Ashe Block.