Chapter 215: Laugh, Why Dont You (3)

The media showcase for HyperSoda was located at Hyeum Art Hall, which was located in the bas.e.m.e.nt of a building in central Gangnam. Countless reporters and fans filled the hall as the screen played the girl groups newly released music video after the media press conference.

The music video is done really well, the department head mumbled as they stood at the back of the hallway. Beside them was the girl groups manager, who nodded in response with a smile.

Soon, it would be three in the afternoon, and the girls would perform their new song live for the first time, after which would mark the end of the showcase's part 1.

Isnt today a great day to hold a showcase?

Yeah, it doesn't overlap with the other groups as well. The showcase was an extremely important event as it marked the first release of the alb.u.m and the new song of a group. And HyperSoda had also been putting tremendous effort into preparing for today. If other high-profile groups had held their media showcase on the same day, HyperSodas debut would naturally be buried. It would be worse if their showcase timings clashed, as they would be pushed out of the compet.i.tion by the reporters from the pop culture department and entertainment department.

Im feeling relieved now.

No, not yet. Dont feel relieved until the entire showcase is over.

As the music video finished playing, the first performance began. All five members of the group, including Han Yu-Na, stood on stage. The strong dance beats playing from the speakers was their debut track.

Han Yu-Na is a great dancer.

I think so too. All five of them dance the same moves, but only Han Yu-Na stands out. Shes a natural.

Thankfully, the response from

I Live Alone

was good. Its also the top contributor to HyperSodas recognition. We should thank Writer Ha Jae-Gun sometime,

hmm?

Yes, I was planning to give him a call later after the showcase ends. Were truly indebted to him.

Just as the department head and manager were enjoying their conversation, Chae Bo-Ra entered the hall by cutting through the security guards at the entrance. Her light makeup and straight hair emphasized her innocent look.

h.e.l.lo, department head.

Why are you here? The department head frowned lightly and looked around their surroundings.

Chae Bo-Ra did not give a hoot about their reaction and giggled, then said, Im close with Han Yu-Na unni, so of course Im here to give her support. Were from the same agency, after all.

Im not asking about that. Didnt the CEO say that youre grounded aside from work calls?

Grounded? Am I supposed to stay home around the clock? I need to get cast somehow.

Forget it. The department head clicked their tongue and left Chae Bo-Ra.

Chae Bo-Ra took over the now-empty spot and looked toward the stage. She turned to the manager beside her and asked, Theres nothing lined up after the showcase ends, right?

Ah, um

yes. At least theres nothing until tomorrow morning The manager trailed off, scratching the back of his head. Chae Bo-Ra was the last person anyone wanted to deal with in the agency. He was well aware of her true character, which was unlike her angelic persona seen on TV.

But Why do you ask? the manager asked, afraid and curious at the same time.

Smirk.

Chae Bo-Ra turned to save him with a smirk and replied, I want to treat Han Yu-Na unni to a meal. Ill be at the lounge for a while and will come back later.

The manager gritted his teeth as he watched Chae Bo-Ra walk away, as he had recently guessed that Chae Bo-Ra had been bullying Han Yu-Na. Whenever Han Yu-Na was called out by Chae Bo-Ra, she would always return looking downcast. There was once when she returned and locked herself in the bathroom of their dormitory, sobbing for an entire hour.

The manager was worried sick for her; anyone could see that she was the kindest and sincerest person in the group. He had asked her for the reason on several counts, but he could not get an answer from her. He figured that she might be fearful of Chae Bo-Ras retaliation, as Chae Bo-Ra was similar to a walking time bomb.

It was impossible to know just what kind of scheme she was cooking.

You can stand up confidently now instead of avoiding it, Han Yu-Na,

the manager thought as he watched Han Yu-Na light up the stage with vibrant dance moves.

Many would remember Han Yu-Na after this showcase; the manager firmly believed in it, and it wasn't a baseless belief. After all, he had gone through so many tough times with Han Yu-Na.

***

Chae Bo-Ra? Han Yu-Na was about to drink from a bottle of water when her blood drained from her face. She had just ended the second part of the media showcase, including the fan meeting.

Her manager whispered, She said shell be at the lounge, so leave through the car park. You dont want to see her now anyway.

No, oppa. Han Yu-Na shook her head, making up her mind. She had made her debut proudly under the group name HyperSoda. She would also finally be able to return all the money she had borrowed from Chae Bo-Ra by next week.

Since shes come all the way here, Ill meet her briefly before leaving.

Just whats going on? Why are you being manipulated by her?

Theres nothing before, and theres definitely nothing in the future, Han Yu-Na rea.s.sured her manager and grabbed both his hands. Thank you for today, oppa. Please go back to the dorm first with the girls. I wont stay out late.

Youre going to be fine, right?

Of course. Were from the same agency anyway. After rea.s.suring her manager, Han Yu-Na headed to the lounge. Before she could reach halfway down the hallway, the door to the lounge opened and out came Chae Bo-Ra.

Oh,

youre here early.

I came immediately after the showcase.

Both Chae Bo-Ra and Han Yu-Na stood a meter apart from each other. Unlike Han Yu-Na, who stood stiffly like a statue, Chae Bo-Ra had a nonchalant smile on her face.

Looks like the showcase ended on a good note. Congratulations, unni.

Thank you.

You must be very busy recently,

hmm?

Yes, kind of. Han Yu-Na replied curtly.

Chae Bo-Ra frowned slightly and scoffed. So busy that you couldnt even give me a call?

Yeah, I was

that

busy, Han Yu-Na replied firmly. However, Han Yu-Na had, in fact, broken out into a cold sweat. She might not have shown it on her face, but fear was building up in her once more.

I can return all the money I borrowed from you next week, Han Yu-Na gulped and answered.

Chae Bo-Ras eyes narrowed, and she glared at Han Yu-Na

Han Yu-Na felt strength draining from one leg, but she remained unfazed her; she couldnt afford to lose this fight in this stare-down. She no longer wanted to be dominated by Chae Bo-Ra.

Lets talk. Chae Bo-Ras icy tone echoed through the hallway. Im here to buy you a meal, but I think you might get indigestion instead, so why dont we go to the cafe next door?

Sure.

***

The two ladies took a corner table in the cozy cafe next door. Chae Bo-Ra bought herself a gla.s.s of freshly squeezed fruit juice and took a sip from it, then started without hesitation, Ill be straightforward. Please help me, unni.

Help you? For what

For what? How could you say that when you know what situation Ive been in recently? Im forced to a dead end these days. Content Producer Bae, Producer Oh, Producer Ahn Everyone who has worked with Ha Jae-Gun or is working with him now has cut all ties with me.

Chae Bo-Ra looked around briefly, and then she leaned forward to Han Yu-Na. Please mention me on

I Live Alone

.

...?!

Were from the same agency and are close, right? So just bring me up in pa.s.sing naturally during the show, say that Chae Bo-Ra is a kind and nice friend and that youre grateful to her for taking care of you during your trainee days.

This was the second-best plan Chae Bo-Ra could come up with. She would love to appear on the show herself, even for at least thirty seconds, to pull herself out of this crisis. However, she couldnt hope for that at all. It wasnt a matter of conscience but a rational judgment that the ideal situation was impossible to attain.

Even the simple task of cutting a square of tofu would require one to lay down a cutting board and hold a knife in hand. Her first step would be using Han Yu-Na to gain an opening for herself. At least, she would have to create a positive image for herself on

I Live Alone

, where Ha Jae-Gun was the main guest. This was what Chae Bo-Ra was planning.

Hmm?

Unni, you can do that for me, right?

The team is going to edit it out even if I do say that.

Thats why Im asking you to say it in a way that it wont get edited out. Chae Bo-Ra reached out to grab Han Yu-Nas hand.

...!

At that moment, Han Yu-Na felt shock travel all over her body and flinched.

Suggest to resolve it if he has any misunderstanding. If you show how much youre caring for me, he might not reject you. Its also just a single variety show hes doing in pa.s.sing for him as a writer, no?

Han Yu-Na looked down without a sound. As Chae Bo-Ra let go of her hands a few moments later, Han Yu-Na shook her head, Im sorry, I cant do it.

You cant help me? Why?

You dont know him well. He wont agree to this. Thats why I cant.

Chae Bo-Ra abandoned her tender att.i.tude and cast a deathly glare at Han Yu-Na.

Youve grown a lot in the time I havent seen you, huh? she spat coldly.

Dont say that. Han Yu-Na maintained eye contact with Chae Bo-Ra despite her shaking slightly. Im older than you, Im not in the position to hear that from you. Are you done? Is there anything else you want to say? Im busy.

Chae Bo-Ra turned away and scoffed. When did Han Yu-Na grow so much when she used to be a timid girl after getting slapped once? If they werent at a cafe, Chae Bo-Ra would have flipped the table on her.

Well, theres no helping if thats what you said. Chae Bo-Ra mumbled, seemingly accepting the situation.

However, Han Yu-Na wasnt letting her guard down. There was no way this girl with gleaming eyes and the heart of a snake would let it go so easily.

Then you shouldnt appear on the show either.

...What?

Are you deaf? I said you shouldnt go on the show. And dont appear in any programs related to Ha Jae-Gun or Park Do-Joon.

Wow! Who do you think you are? Han Yu-Na stood up noisily, speechless at Chae Bo-Ras words. She was about to turn around to leave when Chae Bo-Ras next words rang in her ears.

Should I spill about Seong-Je?

...?! Han Yu-Na stood frozen, horrified at the name she just heard. Seong-Je was the name of her ex-boyfriend whom she had dated during her trainee days. Of course, he had transferred to another agency and was currently preparing for his debut as a solo singer.

I have a few photos, too.

Photos? Han Yu-Na stammered. Just what photos was Chae Bo-Ra referring to? And if Chae Bo-Ra really had those photos in her possession, how did she even get her hands on them?

You guys look quite chummy, and you even went to a villa together? I saw both of you hugging and kissing; you guys looked really happy.

Are you threatening me?

Yes, I am.

And do you think I have nothing on you? Wow, Im speechless. How pure are you to be threatening me?

Im not sure what youre talking about. Why dont you bring some of that evidence to make me understand what youre getting at?

Han Yu-Na covered her face with one hand while Chae Bo-Ra smiled with her chin resting on her hands. It was her M.O to grab hold of her opponents weakness to keep them in check.

Oh, my,

isnt that Chae Bo-Ra and Han Yu-Na?

But the air around them looks strange.

Han Yu-Na stood there, agonized, amid the surrounding murmurs. It didnt take long for her to come to a decision by following her heart instead of her mind.

Do whatever you want, Han Yu-Na answered.

...! Chae Bo-Ras eyes widened in surprise.

I said do whatever you want. Photos? Of us hugging and kissing and looking happy? Of course, we were dating back then and liked each other, so isnt that a given?

Unni, arent you forcing yourself?

Im not sure how you got our photos, but do whatever you want. Han Yu-Na downed the rest of her coffee and continued. And I dont want to see Mr. Ha Jae-Gun getting hurt over a brat like you. I truly respect him, and hes a great person. I dont want to betray the trust he had given me either.

Han Yu-Na didn't give Chae Bo-Ra a chance to answer. She turned around and left immediately.. As soon as she stepped out of the cafe, a cold wind swept past her. It was a timely wind, and she prayed that the freezing wind would freeze her tears before they rolled down her cheeks.

***

Thank you for always writing such great articles, Reporter Hyun, Ha Jae-Gun said after their interview.

Sitting across from him was Hyun Sung-Beom from Weekly Trends. Hyun Sung-Beom smiled and shook his head. You dont have to thank me. Im the one whos blessed to have so many articles to write on, thanks to you, Mr. Ha.

The two of them had been maintaining a great relations.h.i.+p ever since their first meeting at the airport. Hyun Sung-Beom was far from an average writer. Ha Jae-Gun liked the man but was also worried if Hyun Sung-Beom would ever succeed in his career.

Im starving after talking for so long; what would you like to have?

No, you should be busy with your writing, so I shouldnt impose on you any further. I should get going now.

Ha Jae-Gun then stood up to send Hyun Sung-Beom out with Rika in his arms. As they crossed midway across the garden, the doorbell rang.

Who is it?

Ha Jae-Gun walked ahead of Hyun Sung-Beom and opened the door, his face turning instantly into a state of shock. It was the section chief of the general affairs department he had met at the library during his recent lecture.

Haha,

h.e.l.lo, Mr. Ha Jae-Gun.

Mr. Yang was disappointed after that day. Anyway, you know that theres going to be a neighborhood walking compet.i.tion, right? He's hoping that you'll partic.i.p.ate in the event.

No, I have no intentions of partic.i.p.ating. Ha Jae-Gun rejected flatly, knowing full well of what was coming. He found their unsolicited visit to be quite rude.

Please partic.i.p.ate; there are already huge reactions to your partic.i.p.ation on social media.

Social media?

We announced that we would be inviting you to the compet.i.tion, and everyone was excited about it. If you dont partic.i.p.ate, the residents will be extremely disappointed. Why dont you take a look at our districts social media page?

Ha Jae-Gun was rendered speechless. They went ahead without asking his opinion or permission; it was as if his partic.i.p.ation was already a done deal.

Please leave.

Mr. Ha

I have nothing more to say. Would you like me to reject outright right now?

No, no

Um,

I will then wait for your call. The section chief bowed and turned around to leave.

Hyun Sung-Beom grinned. Hes talking about the head of the district office, Yang Beom-s.h.i.+k, right?

Do you know him?

I havent met him personally, but I know this is about his election campaign. He wants to show off his connection with you and get closer to you as well. I can guarantee you Mr. Yang will visit you personally the next time.

With a slightly worried look, he continued, But please be careful, Mr. Ha. If you get misled into the political arena, you might unintentionally get pulled into their fights. There are countless people targeting you.

Dont worry, Ill make sure that doesnt happen. At the same time, Ha Jae-Gun recalled his fathers advice: politics, region, religion. These were the three things his father had advised him to stay out of.

Actually, I received help from them.

Help?

Theyve become my subject for my novel.

Just then, a taxi was driving in. Having an inkling as to who would be alighting, Ha Jae-Gun said his goodbyes to Hyun Sung-Beom. Reporter Hyun, please be safe on the way back.

Thank you, Mr. Ha. Please rest well; I will be waiting to hear from you again.

Hyun Sung-Beom walked past the taxi that was driving in and disappeared down the street. Ha Jae-Gun stood by the roadside with Rika still in his arms. The taxi slowed down and stopped where Ha Jae-Gun stood.

h.e.l.lo, Mr. Ha. Han Yu-Na greeted him. She looked fl.u.s.tered as she opened the car door.

Why are you out here?

Unfortunately, Im not here to welcome you. I just sent another visitor off. Please come in. Ha Jae-Gun led Han Yu-Na across his garden, feeling puzzled.

He had received a message from her earlier when he was having an interview with Hyun Sung-Beom, asking for permission to meet him as there was something she had to tell him.

She doesnt look good, I wonder what happened?

Even after they stepped into the living room, Han Yu-Na was standing in a daze. Ha Jae-Gun wanted to make some coffee but decided against it and pointed at the sofa.

Please take a seat. Do you want some coffee?

Im sorry, Mr. Ha

Huh? Why are you apologizing out of the blue?

I dont think I can go on

I Live Alone

. Han Yu-Na bowed deeply as if asking for forgiveness. She was grateful to him and the people at the agency for helping her out. Ha Jae-Gun had also been treating her with respect even when she was just a n.o.body, which was exactly why she didnt want to disappoint him.

Im really sorry Im really grateful for everything you have done for me, and I know I should be doing my best in return for the favor, but Im sorry, Mr. Ha. I really am

Im not sure what happened, but please take a seat first. Lets have a talk over some coffee. Ha Jae-Gun headed to the kitchen to make some coffee.

Han Yu-Na plopped down on the sofa, and Rika looked at Han Yu-Na with s.h.i.+ning eyes.

Rika? Han Yu-Na murmured in surprise as she watched Rika approach her with elegant steps. Rika was acting differently compared to when they first met. With s.h.i.+ning eyes, Rika pressed Han Yu-Nas thigh with her tiny paw.

Have you decided to accept me? Han Yu-Na carefully reached out. She stroked the cat for a while, and Rika even allowed Han Yu-Na to hug her. Han Yu-Na put her face closer to Rika, and Rika licked her nose with her scratchy tongue.