Chapter 183

Chapter 183

Raise Three Idols Well And They’ll Launch a Confession Attack.

Episode 183: Team Leader Seon

Mastering, final version approvals, music video shoots, promotion strategy planning, package design, individual member concept shoots, press contact for the showcase, rescheduling existing plans to align with the comeback—everything was progressing almost too smoothly.

It wasn’t just the business side moving smoothly—the relationships I had built this cycle were showing me real support.

Even the girl group members I had met through Yeo Hanna’s variety request for Girls in Road, the travel variety show, were cheering for me.

“Hey, why does our Team Leader Seon look so gloomy? Worried the new album might flop? Don’t worry too much! We’re close, right? I’ll even do a dance cover for you. I’m practically a celeb—if Han Eun-chae dances to it, the entire feed will follow. And your songs always blow up anyway!”

“Oh? Dance cover? Look at Han Eun-chae shamelessly trying to hog the favor! Team Leader Seon, I’ll do one too, don’t worry.”

“Dance cover? I’m in too!”

“Oh? Me too, me too! I can’t resist Team Leader Seon’s songs.”

The main person involved, Yeo Hanna, along with other PDs, also spoke to me with expectation and goodwill.

“Team Leader Seon, I heard you’re releasing an album this time. You’re participating in the composing too, right? When I first heard ‘Albatross,’ it made my nose sneeze—I even teared up a little. I’m really looking forward to this one too. Oh, and if you need it, we could even play your MV at the end of Girls in Road—just a thought.”

“I’m PD Dokgo Chan from Music Road. If it’s not too much trouble, I’d love for you to appear on my music talk show—maybe as a duo with Gaeul using one of the new album tracks. Your chemistry is very well-received, and the fans are already buzzing. Honestly, the main guest would be you, Team Leader Seon. Please don’t misunderstand it as you being just an add-on. I’ll do my best to make sure the footage comes out beautifully. I’ll wait for your response.”

“This is Seon Yujung. You remember the long talk we had in the meeting room, right? Actually, my junior is reaching out to rising star composers for a project—if you have time, it would be great if you could at least listen. To be honest, the whole project was inspired by you, Team Leader Seon. It’s not just because you’re trending; it’s genuine admiration. So don’t worry about any malicious editing—it’s all coming from a place of real fandom. Please consider it.”

“Team Leader Seon! This is Ina Bi from the variety show First-Person Intervenor! How have you been? I heard you’re participating in composing and featuring in the upcoming album, and I was wondering, would you let us film that process? Honestly speaking, you’re practically a ‘virality cheat code’ these days. Showing your artistic side on our program? That’s irresistible! Our main PD even promised to offer the best rates, so it could be a great opportunity for you. Of course, it would also help promote Girl Revolution. But the star would obviously be you.”

The directors, actors I connected with through Oh Yoori’s shoots, the entertainers I befriended while appearing on various variety shows, the managers I bonded with on different programs, the journalists tied to my promotion strategies, and even old friends and acquaintances from before my regression all reached out, checking in on me and wishing me well.

Naturally, TwoBear’s employees too… no, actually, they showed the strongest expectations.

“Team Leader Seon, I really think the song you made, ‘I’ll Be By Your Side,’ is going to be a huge hit. Even the Chairman—not President Cheon, but Yeoreum’s father, Chairman Jin Baekho—gave it a very positive review and said he’s looking forward to it. I’m super excited too.”

“Um… Team Leader Seon, for the new promotion plan, could you give an interview about the song’s intentions to a few journalists? Nothing helps viral marketing like your own words. Honestly, anytime you show up on a variety show, even the outtakes go viral anyway, so it’s obvious.”

“Team Leader… you seriously don’t want to salvage that guide version? I hate to pressure you, but even our fan cafe has been buzzing about it. Whenever you release something, the reaction’s always been great. Sure, I get the logic about overexposure making regular people seem annoying… but you’re practically a celebrity now.”

“I’m not saying this just as a fan, but ‘I’ll Be By Your Side’ is honestly incredible. I, Oh James, am putting my entire career on the line to guarantee it. With this song, the title of ‘star composer’ will naturally stick to you, Team Leader. I know I sound ridiculous, but… I’m genuinely excited. Haha.”

And that atmosphere didn’t change even when I returned home to Gahyeon and my sister.

“Brother, can you sign some stuff? No, not for the noonas; they already got tons. Girls from my art academy are fans of yours. They keep pestering me about when you’re appearing on First-Person Intervenor again. I used to just brush them off, but now I kinda feel bad. Just five autographs, please. Oh! And by the way, I’m excited for your song too.”

“Taeyang, I’m proud of you. Just make sure you deposit a reasonable amount into the account. Seeing you fly so high is already more than enough happiness for me.”

It was something to be thankful for.

“Team Leader Seon.”

“Team Leader Seon.”

“Team Leader Taeyang.”

“Taeyang.”

“Taeyang oppa.”

“Brother.”

“Taeyang ssam.”

“Seon Taeyang.”

Every word felt overwhelming.

““We’re counting on you.””

But then why do I…

“…”

Why am I feeling like this?

Clack!

I didn’t mean to slam it down, but the sound of the soju glass hitting the table rang out loudly.

And realizing that made me notice just how drunk I’d gotten.

…I should stop drinking and get up. I have to go to work tomorrow.

Technically, it was the weekend, and normally I’d be resting at home — but with Girl Revolution’s comeback so close, there was no such luxury. Voluntary overtime, of course.

After pouring and drinking what was probably the last shot from the soju bottle, just as I was about to get up, someone sat down beside me.

I felt a flicker of irritation—there were plenty of empty seats — but when I looked up, it was someone familiar.

“…Eunbyeol?”

It was Seo Eun-byeol, a former trainee now learning the ropes in the PR team, and in my past life… my lover.

“Boss! One more bottle of soju and another glass, please.”

“Yes, coming right up!”

“…”

Taking the bottle and the glass, Seo Eun-byeol tapped the bottom of the bottle with her elbow, popped the cap with a crack, and downed a full shot in one go.

…She drinks well.

“So, how did you find me here, Eun-byeol?”

“I followed you after you got off work. Secretly.”

“…Isn’t that stalking?”

“Aww, more like a ‘Red Light, Green Light’ kind of game.”

“…”

Should I call the police?

While thinking that, I subconsciously clinked glasses with her and drank as she cheerfully said, “Cheers.”

And then, catching me slightly more drunk, Seo Eunbyeol suddenly said,

“Team Leader Seon, you’ve been struggling a lot lately, haven’t you?”

“…It’s just because we’re busy with the album preparations. Not just me; the other staff and members are all under pressure too. It’s inevitable.”

“You know that’s not what I meant.”

“…”

Hearing her say that, it made me realize—maybe my state was a pretty open secret inside TwoBear.

I let out a small sigh and said,

“Was it that obvious? That’s embarrassing.”

“It wasn’t that obvious, don’t worry. Probably only President Cheon and Yoori noticed. Those two are just incredibly good at reading people’s hearts, so don’t blame yourself. You hid it well.”

“And you, Eun-byeol?”

“I just… somehow felt it. That you were really hurting.”

Yeah, you were like that in the past too.

I had fallen for that—for the way you quietly, effortlessly reached into me.

“Would you tell me? Why it’s hard?”

“…”

“You listened to my worries so many times. Think of it like ‘Seo Eun-byeol repaying a debt.’ Then it won’t feel so heavy, right?”

“…Repaying a debt.”

“Yeah. You gave me so much, Team Leader.”

Drunk on soju and old memories, I found myself stupidly, easily saying the things I had tried so hard to hide.

Just like how I used to be in the past when we laid everything bare between us.

“I am expected to succeed. A lot.”

I had considered it an honor. I had seen it as proof of their trust in me.

That’s why I tried to prove myself.

To become someone who was worthy of that trust.

To become a person they could be proud of.

Because I was afraid I might not be enough.

“But even though I know it’s an undeserved, shameful way to think—sometimes, no, right now…”

On the filming set, on rooftops, in the office, in the A&R team’s studio, on planes, in meeting rooms, at my sister’s house.

“It feels unbearably heavy.”

I had become weak.