translation by mourningmoor
The short break ended, and the results of the health check-up came out.
The members were generally healthy. Roa’s knee also seemed to have healed properly.
“You’re the problem. You.”
PD Pyo, who had called me into his office, shouted with a face full of worry.
“I told you we should’ve hospitalized you earlier to get you checked out.”
Gyuhyung, standing next to PD Pyo, also had a serious expression.
What’s going on to make them act like this?
“Is it really bad?”
“You might have to stop activities.”
Why would I stop activities when I’m perfectly fine?
“Take a look at this. It’s the doctor’s report.”
I frowned as I took the paper PD Pyo handed me.
Rib fracture, spinal misalignment, shoulder muscle tear… etc. Secondary damage is a concern due to untreated injuries from the accident.
What’s this? I’m fine.
I tossed the report onto the table and smiled calmly at PD Pyo.
“Producer-nim. I’m fine. I know my body best.”
It’s natural for my body to be in this state. If I were perfectly fine after such a big accident, I wouldn’t be a normal human. But I’m not a normal human now, so it’s fine. I can move regardless of my body’s condition.
“I’m not in pain. Really.”
“What are you talking about? They said your nosebleeds could be a side effect of the accident. They even suggested you get a brain scan. You can’t ignore those nosebleeds.”
Then he said I should also get a detailed heart examination.
“I haven’t had nosebleeds lately.”
The nosebleeds happened because Kang Ichan’s body was too weak to contain my magical energy. Now that it’s been tempered, it’s fine.
“The doctor said you must be enduring extreme pain.”
At first, it hurt. But after absorbing mana, the pain disappeared. It’s not that I’m enduring it; it just doesn’t hurt anymore. But there’s no way to explain that.
“I’m definitely not enduring anything, so don’t worry.”
“Ichan-ah.”
“If it hurts, I’ll say it hurts.”
PD Pyo’s expression darkened, as if he didn’t believe my answer.
Gyuhyung was the same.
Both of them looked like they were on the verge of forcing me into the hospital.
“The tour is in two months, and you want me to stop activities? I’m not in pain, and you want me to stop? Really?”
Even if I were in pain, I’d have to keep going.
“I’m really grateful for your concern, but right now, the best way to help me is to let me do my activities freely.”
Maybe this state of my body isn’t entirely bad.
I never planned to settle here permanently from the start. I thought I’d just dip my toes in, but before I knew it, I was in deep.
I need to get out, and maybe this physical condition is a good enough excuse to leave.
Not that I’m leaving right now. The moment everything is back in place and the kids are no longer in danger. Or maybe I’ll have to leave when everyone is in danger because of me.
“Not now, but after this tour, I’ll get a detailed check-up at the hospital.”
I had to make a promise, crossing my fingers, to get PD Pyo off my back.
In the meantime, I asked him not to say anything to the members.
If those kids find out, it’ll really become a hassle.
I need to hurry before that happens.
* * *
It was our first domestic schedule after the North American tour.
Seoul, Japan, Hong Kong, five cities in North America. All nineteen concerts were sold out, and our success was recognized both internally and externally. We were invited to appear on KBC’s late-night music program, <Music Sketch>.
<Music Sketch> was hosted by the renowned producer and singer-songwriter Yoon Yiho and was famous for featuring only stars who had both musicality and popularity.
Usually, three to five guest teams were invited per episode, with each guest given about 15 to 20 minutes.
But on the day we appeared, there were only three guest teams.
We were given 20 minutes for two songs and a talk.
When we arrived at KBC and entered the waiting room, we were given a cue sheet along with a script.
“Today’s guests are… us, opera singer Doyoon, and Lee Gaeul?”
It was an interesting cue sheet.
“Lee Gaeul, the musical actor, right?”
As I looked at the cue sheet and asked, Roa nodded.
“Yes, from Japan’s Four Seasons, right? She’s a musical actor who was active there, and after coming to Korea, her first leading role was a huge hit, so she’s been at the top ever since. Her ticket power is insane.”
Lee Gaeul. A musical actor who was active in Japan. Now, she’s the lead in licensed musicals in Korea.
She’s someone I saw on the list Aki gave me.
Well, well. Meeting her here. This saves me some trouble.
Now I’m motivated to work.
I took a sip of coffee from the table and called the members over.
“You’ve all read the script, right? Just answer as you’ve prepared, so don’t worry too much.”
When the offer from Yoon Yiho’s <Music Sketch> came, the members were full of worries.
‘Why are we being invited to such a big program?’ they wondered, and then, ‘Can we really do well? Are we just going to get criticized?’ their concerns grew.
But once today is over, they’ll realize how much LIT’s status has changed.
“We got word that Yoon Yiho sunbaenim will take care of most things.”
The host will handle everything, so they just asked us to appear. Our status at the broadcasting station has changed.
The waiting room is bigger, and the facilities inside have improved.
Of course, the appearance fee has also changed. The attitude of the broadcasting station staff toward us has definitely changed.
So much has changed in just a few months.
“But it’s better to be perfect than to make mistakes, so let’s practice.”
We were practicing the interview, going over questions and answers.
Then, someone knocked on the waiting room door and peeked in shyly.
“Um…”
It was opera singer Doyoon.
Doyoon, who is older than us, is said to be in his late twenties.
Yet here he was, his face full of shyness, hesitantly entering our waiting room.
“Uh, hello. I just wanted to say hi…”
He’s a graduate of Korea’s top music university and studied abroad at a famous American university. He’s a high tenor with a smooth voice and global recognition.
But for him to come and greet us first? The members, feeling embarrassed, quickly stood up and gave an idol-style greeting.
“Hello. We’re LIT. Please take care of us.”
They’re still like they were during their rookie days. Polite to the point of being overly formal. Seeing this, Doyoon smiled and bowed back.
“I’m Doyoon. Please take care of me too.”
Doyoon said he really likes our songs and often listens to them, and lately, he’s been watching our performances on NewTube whenever he has time.
As we were chatting with Doyoon, there was another knock, and the waiting room door opened.
“Oh, hello.”
Doyoon, our guest, looked toward the door and greeted first.
It was the other guest, Lee Gaeul.
“Oh, Doyoon-ssi, you’re here too?”
They seemed to know each other.
Lee Gaeul, who greeted Doyoon first, smiled brightly and approached.
“I came to see LIT too.”
As expected of a musical actor, her pronunciation and vocalization were excellent. Her features were also strikingly handsome.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Lee Gaeul.”
She’s also quite tall.
Lee Gaeul went around shaking hands with the members.
“Hello. Nice to meet you.”
“It’s our first time meeting.”
The members, shaking Lee Gaeul’s hand, looked a bit flustered as they each finished their greetings. Now that they’re feeling the change in our status, their faces showed excitement.
As I was observing the members, Lee Gaeul approached me.
“Kang Ichan-ssi. Nice to meet you.”
Then she held out her hand. Her gaze was quite serious.
I stared at Lee Gaeul for a moment before taking her hand.
“Hello.”
I didn’t miss the slight tremble in Lee Gaeul’s eyes.
She knows. Who I am.
I glanced down at her left hand.
On her left ring finger, the problematic ring was quietly sitting.
After finishing the handshake, Lee Gaeul smiled brightly and looked around at us.
“You’re all really amazing. How do you come up with such performances?”
You’re the one who’s frustrating. How did you get ensnared by such a guy?
From what I can see, she’s naturally artistic, has a gentle personality, and has the kind of striking looks perfect for theater or musicals.
“Your vocals are amazing too. If the opportunity arises, I think you’d do well on a musical stage.”
Then she continued chatting with the members.
Well, she’s not aggressive like Aki or overly defensive like Jung Yoobin. She doesn’t seem to have a complicated backstory like Natalie Grace either.
I decided to observe her until the broadcast was over.
I need to decide on a direction.
* * *
We stepped onto the dark, unlit stage.
Sitting in front of the grand piano, I watched as the members took their places in front of the standing microphones.
Then, I turned my gaze to the audience filling the seats.
Unlike music shows or concerts, the audience wasn’t filled solely with our fans. But even non-fans seemed to have a fairly high opinion of us.
They must be curious. We’re an idol group that, in our third year, has made waves not just domestically but also in Japan, Hong Kong, and the U.S.
But we’re not an easy target to win over. Yoon Yiho’s <Music Sketch> is a stage where only those who have proven their musicality and star power can stand. In terms of importance, musicality weighs much heavier. That’s why idol groups don’t appear on it often.
Of course, for the audience, it’s not a program where they can commonly see idols, so they must find us intriguing. They’ll be watching us with high standards.
Not bad. In fact, it’s good.
I think it’s a great opportunity to show a new side of us.
LIT isn’t just strong in performances.
When the director’s cue came, the members’ eyes focused on me.
I smiled faintly, nodded, and moved my fingers.
A sweet piano melody flowed through the quiet stage.