episode_0059

#59

Rewinding time once more.

After dropping off Eun-chae, I headed back to the dorm.

My mood wasn’t exactly great.

Eun-chae’s darkened expression, the last thing I saw before leaving, lingered in my mind.

……Maybe I should message her.

I fidgeted with my phone, contemplating it over and over… but it’s probably better not to.

If I reach out carelessly, I might just cause more harm.

And if things were truly serious, Eun-chae would’ve contacted me first.

At least… I believe so.

Buzz. Buzz.

Then, my phone suddenly rang.

[Incoming Call: Ha-rin]

I answered immediately.

“Um… PD-nim?”

“Yeah, Ha-rin.”

“You picked up so fast.”

“……It’s because it’s you.”

“Ah… I-is that so?”

I could tell she sounded flustered but pleased.

“Did you drop off Sa-rang and Eun-chae already?”

“Yeah. Just took Eun-chae home—now heading back.”

“Ah… about how long will it take?”

“If I’m a little late, maybe around 30 minutes…?”

“30 minutes? Ah…. Right! PD-nim, um, when you come…”

“Strawberry milk? Of course, I didn’t forget. I’ll stop by a convenience store on the way.”

“Th-that too, but… um… It’s not that… I….”

“……?”

Unusual.

Ha-rin rarely stumbles over her words like this.

“Do you need something else?”

“W-well… there is one thing.”

“Then just say it. Don’t hold back. I’ll get it for you.”

“It’s… um… I….”

“Hungry? Want something tasty? Or snacks?”

“N-no! That’s not it.”

“Then? Is it something expensive?”

“Not… really? But….”

“……Then?”

After a long pause, Ha-rin spoke in a voice so faint it was almost inaudible.

“PD-nim……. Hng…. Please… don’t think badly of me……. Um….”

“……Yeah?”

“Could you… buy… a… condom?”

“…….”

That’s what she was embarrassed about?

……Well, no—

I get why she hesitated.

Of course, even if she hadn’t said it, I’d have figured it out and bought some myself. I’m not that clueless.

But I didn’t expect Ha-rin to bring it up directly like this…

Could it be she’s been looking forward to today too?

Her voice carried a mix of shyness and barely concealed anticipation.

“……Got it. Don’t worry.”

“O-okay……. W-well, then… see you later, PD-nim.”

“Yeah. See you soon.”

The call ended, cutting off her voice.

My grip on the steering wheel tightened.

“Ugh…… finally…!” Alone in the car, my unfiltered thoughts spilled out.

This counts as an OK signal, right?

Since Ha-rin asked me to buy condoms, it’s basically confirmed, right?

Even as I focused on driving, a grin refused to leave my face.

Ha-rin and I have only been official for two days.

But we’ve known each other for six years.

Tonight, Ha-rin and I will finally take that step.

I expected it might happen soon, but hearing that direct confirmation from her—nothing could’ve made me happier.

Still, showing up with just condoms would be a little awkward, right?

Better grab a cake too… and maybe some other things.

I turned the wheel and swerved into the next lane.

Any worries about Sa-rang or Eun-chae had long since evaporated from my mind.

I texted Ha-rin, apologizing that I’d be slightly later than expected.

I stopped by a café for cake and coffee, and—though admittedly cliché—a single bouquet of flowers.

It felt better to do something small before rushing into things.

Then I hit the convenience store—Ha-rin’s strawberry milk, simple snacks… and two boxes of condoms.

This should cover everything for tonight.

I placed the cake and flowers in the passenger seat and stuffed the condoms into my pocket.

No need to flaunt those.

Impatient, I drove a little recklessly toward the dorm.

Ha-rin must be waiting, right?

I can’t really imagine what she looks like right now.

Would she already be undressed…?

No. Knowing her personality, that’s impossible.

No point getting ahead of myself. Stay calm.

“Phew……”

Yet my hands trembled on the wheel.

Honestly, I’m nervous.

Caught between tension and excitement, I reached the dorm—

only to freeze instantly.

“……That.”

A familiar car was parked outside.

The pillars blocked most of it, but the protruding front end was unmistakable.

Red Ferrari.

2022 model.

In Korea, there’s only one person with a rare foreign car like that in such a flashy color.

And I already knew who.

“Park Dong-chul…!”

*

No way.

It can’t be.

On today of all days, he came to the idol dorm?

How did he even know where it was?

This made no sense.

A PD doesn’t just wander around for no reason—no way he’d come here on a weekday afternoon.

And the dorm location is top-secret information for idols.

Even as a PD, he shouldn’t know.

Yet he did…

Unwanted possibilities flooded my mind.

I parked beside the Ferrari and cautiously checked inside and around the car.

No signs of life.

The hood was cold—he’d been here a while.

Please.

Just a coincidence.

Maybe another resident bought the same car.

Right?

Grabbing the cake and flowers from the passenger seat, I rushed upstairs.

As I reached the dorm door—

“Oh. PD Jeon. Long time no see.”

I almost dropped the cake but managed to hold on.

“Wow~! Running into you here of all places? Right, PD Jeon?”

He spoke casually, like it was a chance encounter, and patted my shoulder.

My body stiffened. My face refused to cooperate.

“……PD-nim. What brings you… here…?”

“Hm? Ah~. Just stopped by for some filming prep.”

Filming? He should’ve brought dozens of staff, but no one else was around.

No broadcast vans in the parking lot either.

The only car there was Park Dong-chul’s personal Ferrari.

“……You knew… where this was…?”

“This is ’s dorm, isn’t it?”

“……How did you find out?”

“There are ways~. Especially since I’ve taken a personal interest in this group. Shouldn’t I know where they live? Right?”

“…But the dorm location is confidential—”

“PD Jeon.”

His smile vanished.

“You don’t seem too happy to see me here.”

“……….”

I didn’t deny it.

Normally, I’d wear a poker face and brush it off, but—

right now, I couldn’t even manage that.

Why?

Why are YOU here right now?

“Wow. Tone down the glare, huh? You’re getting scary. PD Jeon, you’re not usually like this. Something wrong?”

“……No.”

“Don’t take it badly. Sorry for not calling ahead.”

He tapped my shoulder again.

I wanted to kill him.

But I had to swallow it.

For Ha-rin’s sake. For .

Taking a deep breath, I forced out quiet words.

“……What’s the occasion?”

“Like I said. Filming prep.”

“Filming?”

“Well, technically a site survey before filming.”

“…….”

I didn’t get it.

“Ah, right—haven’t told you yet. Don’t overthink it. It’s just….”

“…….”

“…I’m thinking of giving a variety show.”

“……A variety show?”

“Idols should do at least one reality show, right? hasn’t done one yet?”

They hadn’t.

Reality shows—especially mainstream TV productions—are nearly impossible for anyone outside the top tier.

Even mid-tier groups only manage web shows.

couldn’t even get those.

“……A reality show? With you, PD-nim?”

The unexpected answer made me speak faster.

“Nah~ I can’t—I’m with a terrestrial network. But you know that production team at the cable channel? The ones specializing in idol shows?”

I’d heard of them.

“…Yes.”

“They asked if I knew any groups without shoots lined up. already did one; is scheduled post-comeback, so they’re delayed… needed a smaller group for a two-episode pilot.”

“We’ll do it. Please choose us.”

I answered without hesitation.

If Park Dong-chul was telling the truth—if this wasn’t a lie—

this was an even bigger opportunity than a music show appearance.

His lips curled into a smirk.

“Knew you’d say that.”

“……Please.”

I bowed deeply.

Even I couldn’t believe I was groveling to the man I’d wanted to kill moments ago.

But right now, I had to.

I’d bow as much as it took.

“Relax~. I came here planning to give it to anyway.”

His friendly pat landed on my shoulder again.

“……Thank you.”

“Ha-rin begged me for this show too, when I mentioned it.”

“……Is that so… Wait, WHAT?”

My head snapped up.

Park Dong-chul met my stare with a chuckle.

“Ha-rin really wanted it.”

Just then—beep—

The dorm door opened.

Ha-rin peeked out cautiously.

“…Oh. PD-nim.”

“Ha-rin.”

“Hey~ Ha-rin. Been a while, huh?”

“……PD-nim.”

“We’re all set. Right?”

Park Dong-chul winked at me.

Ha-rin hesitated before whispering,

“……Come in.”

Her eyes never met mine.