episode_0098

As I waited in front of the ticket box where I had parted ways with Jin in the early morning, Siwoo quickly returned.

“Already done? I thought it would take a long time to meet a friend after so long.”

Siwoo held a drink in his hand, as if it was obvious. It was a refreshing iced tea.

“I bought it because I thought you might get thirsty from talking so much.”

My heart ached, and I almost sat down right there.

I realized it wasn’t an explosion, but my body still couldn’t help but tremble.

The shock Siwoo gave me was tremendous. This ruthless terrorist had no idea of restraint.

“You’re quite perceptive.”

I tried to act nonchalant, but maybe it didn’t show on my face.

“If you like it, just say so honestly.”

“What, what? You don’t like it?”

“You’ve already drunk half of the iced tea and you’re saying that…”

I glared at Siwoo with a sharp look. I meant for him to stop bothering me since I didn’t need to keep poking at him.

“Tsk.”

“If you keep acting so nonchalant, do you think I don’t have any thoughts?”

Siwoo burst into laughter and playfully nudged me, but I leaned into him.

Now I can be this proactive. There are no explosives or gunpowder, after all.

Yes, the more proactive I am, the harder it is for Siwoo. Feel the guilt of messing with a minor to the fullest.

“Hey, hey. People are watching.”

Siwoo tried to push me away, but I persisted and leaned into his chest.

How does it feel to be aware of the surrounding gazes? Not easy, right?

When I raised my head, he was looking at me with a troubled expression. Well, what can you do? Even if you look at me like that, do you think I’ll let you go?

I hope it gets even more awkward. And do some harmful things to my heart.

I pressed my cheek against his chest firmly again. I did it with the thought that it wouldn’t fall off.

“Back off and stop it. It’s really dangerous.”

Ignoring his protests, I pressed my chest against his abdomen this time. I could feel Siwoo’s body trembling.

His reaction to this extent means that Siwoo is also enjoying it. He might say otherwise, but he probably doesn’t want me to let go.

Even though the surrounding gazes were uncomfortable, he probably wanted to continue like this—

“…?!”

I felt something pushing up against my abdomen.

I quickly released my hand from Siwoo’s back and stepped back. Siwoo, as if waiting, looked away and buttoned up his cardigan.

I see. The dangerous beast just woke up.

“You… don’t ask.”

Siwoo growled.

He said it like a real beast, not joking.

“If you keep doing that, I’ll eat you…”

He seemed to want to stop himself before saying it, but it was a good clue for a great comeback for me.

“Wow. I might really eat you.”

I frowned as if I had just met a barbarian on the street.

It had an effect. He seemed to feel a pang of conscience, calming down his excitement and regulating his breathing.

No matter how much his desires boil, a few words like this can bring him back to his senses…

“There really is a chance of being eaten.”

Yeah, no. This guy is just a broken-down Eaton truck.

He hesitated for a moment, then approached me with a more fierce expression and took a step towards me.

It’s not getting through to him. If I fight back, I’ll be the only one at a loss.

“Sigh…”

Siwoo sighed, scratching his head.

“If you’re going to be scared like that, why are you even playing chicken in the first place?”

Then, he approached me, who was backing away, and gently stroked my head.

“I told you, don’t overdo it. I’ll lead the way anyway.”

It’s not unreasonable. I just played around without thinking because Siwoo was being too annoying.

Did you think I would just sit back and let Siwoo respond so aggressively?

“It’s fine to play around, but don’t touch me too much. You know, right? How much I… like you.”

I could have just let it go in the awkward atmosphere without saying anything.

But how could I stay quiet when Siwoo said that?

I have to prove my feelings.

“I… like you more.”

In front of the ticket box softly illuminated by warm light. People bustling around, heading to their destinations in this place that feels like a transition to another world.

It seemed like cherry blossoms were blooming only around us. It was the end of May, but it felt like we had gone back to early April.

“What, what are you saying? I like you more.”

“No. I liked you more.”

Continuing our childish love quarrel for a few more words, we finally acknowledged each other and burst into laughter.

“Hahaha!!”

“Haha…!”

We’re like fools. Arguing over unnecessary things.

But why does this feel so good?

My heart is definitely malfunctioning.

***

Manager Kwon Hanguil turned out to be a surprisingly busy person, as it took almost a week after requesting to meet before I could see his face.

But it seemed like he felt sorry for making me wait, as he went crazy offering to treat me to a meal, causing a bit of a fuss and making me feel sorry for him.

After a few clashes over KakaoTalk, we ended up meeting at the same cafe as before.

“Is this really okay?”

“Yes. This is enough.”

I hadn’t done anything to deserve a reward, and I had no intention of debuting in the entertainment industry as he suggested, so a drink was sufficient.

After taking a sip of my smoothie, I got straight to the point.

“You started a YouTuber business at your company.”

“Oh. Yes. I mentioned that. It’s almost unrelated to me, but…”

“You’re recruiting 1st generation trainees, and the application rate doesn’t seem to be high.”

Kwon Hanguil shrugged. It meant it wasn’t true.

“Surely not. If you’re talking about a blind audition, it’s just viral.”

“Viral?”

“Yes. Ah. Well… yes. This story is about trusting Chaewon. Don’t spread it around.”

“Okay….”

It turned out that the viral aspect was a sophisticated strategy.

“If you talk about a low application rate, people with talent but lacking confidence tend to apply.”

“… Does that work?”

“Yes. Surprisingly, it does.”

There are plenty of talented people in the world, but surprisingly few stand out, according to Kwon Hanguil’s explanation.

I couldn’t help but laugh at the example he gave.

“I’m not an expert in YouTubing, but I have a good relationship with the casting manager in that field, so I’m telling you….”

While aspiring entertainers flock to auditions with their looks, bodies, and even dance and singing skills, the atmosphere is quite different in the YouTuber world.

Characters who are well-versed in game culture and subculture tend to be popular, so it’s not uncommon to see introverted people who are not confident in themselves.

They have to step out of their homes to audition and attend interviews. Even that is difficult for many people.

Experienced individual YouTubers who have already solidified their fan base would be a perfect fit. However, they tend to avoid being affiliated with companies, which poses a challenge in business.

“Plus, one of the things that YouTuber fans value is mystery. If you can immediately tell who it is just by hearing their voice, it’s not interesting. It’s like taking the red pill.”

I wondered why that was the case, and it turns out that fans follow the character itself, not the real person behind it.

That’s why YouTubers should never reveal their true selves hidden behind the character, and if someone persistently tries to uncover their real identity, they might even disappear from the fan’s perspective. They make every effort to keep their secrets safe.

These days, there are some who cautiously show only their hands, feet, or torso during broadcasts, but even that is a controversial area.

In the case of Jin Saebyeok, she debuted as a YouTuber after already revealing her body, so it seems that cooking broadcasts were possible for her.

“So, finding talent isn’t easy. They suggested bringing in a less popular idol like KJ and turning them into a YouTuber, but Kaiju strongly opposed it, saying that the industry itself is completely different. But I agree. The needs are different, the fan base is different. It’s not something that can be forced.”

“…That colleague of yours seems very dedicated.”

“Yes, she’s overflowing with confidence in her field. She actually worked as a related manager for over five years on the mainland, so she has a lot of experience.”

As Kwun Hangil was enthusiastically talking, he suddenly seemed to realize something and stopped talking.

“Um, please don’t get too carried away with industry talk. I got too excited and talked too much.”

“You don’t trust me too much, do you? What would you do if I started spreading everything on the internet?”

Kwun Hangil chuckled.

“Because you’re not that kind of person. That’s why. So, why did you suddenly bring up the topic of YouTubers?”

I turned on Jin Saebyeok’s personal broadcasting station and showed it to Kwun Hangil.

“I’m close with her. It’s her personal channel. She’s too busy with editing and broadcasting right now, so she’s hoping to join the company.”

Numbers don’t lie. Kwun Hangil soon thoroughly checked Jin Saebyeok’s SNS, NewTube, and personal broadcasting station followers, then made a call somewhere.

After talking on the phone for a while, he put it down and asked me.

“This friend wants to meet in person and talk. Are you okay with that?”

“When? I’d prefer to see her by next week if possible.”

Kwun Hangil chuckled.

“I don’t know why, but this friend was really surprised. She’s coming over right away.”