GalaxyTL
In mid-August, as Kim Donghu prepared to watch Ryu Jae-rin’s debut performance.
Meanwhile, at the Korean Arts High School, known as Daejong High, tensions ran high within the drama club, Sparking.
"Are you really going to do it like this? Do you think this is okay?"
"It’s not like I want to do this. I hate it too, but there’s no other way, so what can I do?"
"So, you’re just saying you won’t do it?"
"I’m not saying I won’t. I’m saying we should go with a different script."
At the mention of using a different script, a desk was overturned.
As if the word was the ultimate insult, one of the seniors kicked the desk, openly displaying his anger.
"You little punk! You’re insulting me outright, saying my acting’s trash?"
"No, it’s just that we’re on different levels. I’ll only act with people I want to work with."
"So, that means I’m not good enough?"
"Yeah. Sorry, but you’re not up to my script’s standards."
"You little…!"
Crack.
The older student, taller and bigger than his peers, grabbed the younger one by the collar and lifted him. Despite dangling off the ground, face turning red from lack of air, the younger student continued.
"We agreed from the start to have two scripts, remember?"
His words only incited the senior’s anger further, and in a fit of rage, he threw the younger student to the ground.
Crash!
"Do you know who you’re messing with? You want me to pull all the funding for this? This production you’re working on—your graduation project?"
"I’m really sorry, but I can’t do it. Even if I barely have the money for tuition, rely on scholarships and part-time work, and write scripts in a cramped room…"
One thing was certain: I have my pride in my craft, and you can’t handle my script.
This never-ending argument, repeated so many times, was at a standstill. But in the younger student’s eyes was a resolve to end it today.
"Hey, that’s no way to speak to a senior. Apologize."
"I’m just being honest. Besides, I was the one who got hit. Why should I apologize? There’s a reason they say the person who butts in is the worst."
Though his words showed no social grace, they were not wrong. He was, perhaps, someone who only ever spoke truths that got him punched.
Despite his lack of tact, his talent was undeniable, and so the other club members refrained from getting involved.
Noting the atmosphere, the younger student rose, dusted himself off, and looked around.
They were all just spoiled kids looking for an easy way out. He couldn’t hand over his masterpiece to such people.
"You guys couldn’t handle this play."
The younger student, Bong Jin-woo, held firmly to his ideals and philosophy.
"Just pick a safe script, put on a decent performance, take a modest bow, and leave quietly," he said to the senior. "In my opinion, that’s all your talent can handle."
At this, the senior grabbed Jin-woo by the collar again.
Yet Jin-woo’s expression remained unchanged.
To him, this was payback for all the years of insults.
Calling him a beggar, mocking him as an orphan, and now throwing a tantrum when he couldn’t take a jab himself?
"How narrow-minded can he be?" Jin-woo thought, a bitter smile on his face as he slightly lifted his knee.
Ordinarily, it wouldn’t reach. But thanks to the senior grabbing his collar, the move was possible.
Thud.
His knee lightly grazed the softest spot on the male anatomy. He didn’t aim to injure, just to give enough of a shock.
But that was enough.
"Ahh…!"
Any man struck in such a place would fall.
Brushing off his clothes, Jin-woo collected his script from behind the senior.
"Y-you… who… who do you plan to give that to?"
Clutching his groin, the senior desperately asked about the script’s fate. Jin-woo cocked his head.
"Who knows? Rumor has it Kim Donghu is joining next year. Maybe I’ll give it to him."
"Do you really think he’ll act in some beggar’s script?"
The reality of that insult made his grip on the script tighten.
"If my script is good, why not?"
I trust in my work. Jin-woo looked down at his script, titled:
The Story of Stars and Moon
A heart-wrenching romance about a boy and girl, born from the hands of a playwright who felt emotions only faintly.
+++++
Finally, the day of Ryu Jae-rin’s music broadcast debut arrived.
"My first time watching a music broadcast live."
I arrived at the broadcast station with a mix of anticipation. I wanted to go to the waiting room to cheer her on, but Jae-rin wasn’t performing solo, so that was impossible.
"It’d be too overwhelming."
Besides, I needed to be careful here, with so many eyes watching.
"No need to start any rumors."
So, I had disguised myself thoroughly: mask, sunglasses, hat, coat—leaving no part of myself exposed.
Though such an obvious disguise might draw suspicion, everyone here was focused on idols. On the street, I’d stand out, but here, the fans’ attention was solely on the stage.
"Better find a spot that doesn’t stand out."
With my height, I moved to the back and checked my phone.
Are you here? <(Photo) Yep. We’re first since we’re rookies, so you’ll see us right away. I’ll do my best! <Go for it! Thank you!!!
Then a new KakaoTalk message appeared. Soon, the show began.
"Hello, viewers!"
"Wow, it’s Thursday already! We’ve been waiting too long!"
With the MCs’ cheerful introductions, the live broadcast kicked off. Starting with a live performance instead of a pre-recorded one was a bold choice, a testament to their confidence.
"So this week! Just before diving into the exciting world of music, there’s a fresh new girl group on the scene!"
"Hmm, do I smell flowers blooming somewhere?"
"Brimming with charm! A magnetic scent drawing us in~ BloomBell! Come on out!"
The MCs introduced BloomBell with flair, and the group appeared on screen.
"Jae-rin is center."
The youngest in the group, Ryu Jae-rin, held the center position. Even from afar, it was clear why she was there.
"She stands out."
Even someone who didn’t know her future would look at her and believe she was destined for greatness. Her beauty was stunning and radiant.
"One, two, three! Blooming like a flower! Hello, we’re BloomBell!"
After their brief group introduction, it was clear a lot had been invested in them.
As the introduction ended, BloomBell exited to prepare for the performance, and the MCs filled the time with some light conversation.
A moment later…
"Oh, the lights are going down."
The stage lights dimmed briefly before illuminating once again.
Bang!
Five girls sat elegantly on stage in bridal dresses, their song titled Only Your Bride.
BloomBell’s concept was immediately clear—a song about different charms, with each member wearing a unique dress. Ryu Jae-rin, clad in a hanbok-style dress, displayed a demure beauty.
"Wow, it’s like the one Sujin wore."
The detail in her queenly attire was impressive, and just as I admired it, the music began.
But…
"Wait?"
I felt as though Jae-rin’s gaze was directed right at me.
"Is she… looking this way?"
It was absurd to think she could spot me among the crowd, so I brushed it off as a coincidence.
+++++
The sweet lyrics drifted out from the TV. Ordinarily, she would have changed the channel without a second thought.
"Hmm?"
But Kim Sujin held the remote tightly, sitting on the sofa with a strange feeling.
"Is that… her?"
She didn’t care about the group’s name or the song. What grabbed her attention was the girl in the center, smiling demurely.
Ryu Jae-rin, wasn’t it?
"The girl doing the school uniform modeling with Kim Donghu."
Her legs crossed automatically, and her brow furrowed for reasons she couldn’t quite explain.
"Everyone else is in Western dresses, but she’s wearing a hanbok-style wedding dress?"
It was subtle, but it bothered her.
And then…
"When she looks at the camera, her gaze shifts slightly to the side each time."
Who was she looking at? It could have been nerves; new idols often struggled to hold their gaze on the camera. Even other members’ eyes wandered occasionally.
But…
But.
There was something different about the way Ryu Jae-rin’s gaze strayed.
"Is Kim Donghu in the audience?"
It couldn’t be, could it?
Just as she tried to dismiss it as an absurd notion, the camera briefly panned across the audience.
"Kim Donghu! Are you crazy?"
Kim Sujin shot up from the sofa.
No matter how thorough his disguise, it was useless. His aura was unmistakable, and as someone who’d shared deep emotions on set, she recognized it instantly.
"The same guy I shared a romance scene with, watching a girl sing Only Your Bride in that outfit?"
Crack.
Her grip tightened on the remote.
Just as her rage surged, Jae-rin locked eyes with the camera, singing with a defiant look. For some reason, Sujin sensed a challenge in her gaze.
"Quite a bold girl, getting close to Kim Donghu."
We’re practically family, sharing Christmas dinner together. And she dares to cross a line just because they modeled a few times together?
Her anger peaked, then dropped, as if it were suddenly quenched.
"Hah, this is interesting."
A wry smile crept onto her face.
"Keep going."
Struggle all you want. I’ll show you who’s real. And make you understand just how arrogant and insignificant your desperate attempts are.