episode_0144

#144

“You can all do well.”

“Yes!”

The children answered in unison, their faces a mix of anticipation and tension.

It was the filming day for *Queen of Idols Season 2*.

Due to the show’s dormitory-style format, we each packed our luggage into suitcases and moved to the location designated by the broadcasting station.

They didn’t reveal the location until the day before filming, and we only got a late-night call from the staff.

When I entered the destination into my GPS, I realized it was already saved in the system.

A hotel.

Not just any hotel—**the exact same one** where Harin and I first met Park Dong-chul.

The broadcasting company had rented out the entire hotel for filming.

The girls got into my car, and we headed there.

As the hotel came into view, I noticed Harin’s expression darken. She must have remembered too.

It was the unforgettable place where she lost her virginity.

“……….”

I had no idea what she was thinking, and I couldn’t ask.

“Dorm life… Harin unnie, how long is it this time?”

“They said we get a break after the first evaluation—about a week.”

“A whole week?”

“Then another three days off before the next dorm filming, eliminations, and so on. They posted the schedule in the group chat. Check it.”

Harin was still performing well as a leader.

But behind the scenes…

No. I should forget about that for now.

I had to focus solely on this shoot.

Of course, the filming location was strictly off-limits to anyone other than staff and the participating idols. Even agency employees were barred entirely to prevent unfair advantages.

So I couldn’t enter.

As for editing… All I could do was pray they wouldn’t use malicious cuts.

There were many unfair conditions compared to standard shoots, but in our thoroughly subordinate position, we couldn’t protest.

“Okay, we’re here. Remember—step out of the car like always. Filming starts the second you exit. Keep smiling. Pretend there’s always a camera watching, and endure it for just a week. Understood?”

“Yes!”

“Everyone… Yeah, do your best.”

“Hogu oppa. I’ll contact you if I get the chance.”

“…Sure.”

The dorm shoot was extremely strict. They even confiscated the girls’ phones and banned snacks—almost military-level control.

Meaning, outside contact was nearly impossible.

They claimed the staff would inform agencies in emergencies, but honestly, I didn’t trust them.

No one knew what might happen inside.

“Here, Sarang.”

“What’s this? Oppa, a doll?”

“…Just a gift.”

“For me to hug while sleeping? It’s too small for that.”

It was a rabbit plushie, about 20cm tall. Not very big.

“Just… Think of it as me. Keep it with you.”

“Wow… Really? Didn’t expect this from you, oppa.”

“We won’t see each other for a week.”

“Okay, I’ll pretend it’s you.”

“Do that.”

Sarang stuffed the plushie into her bag.

“Filming’s starting now. See you in a week!”

“Yes!”

At the signal, the girls stepped out of the car in unison.

Dragging their suitcases and bags, they lined up and greeted the cameras.

“We’re , the brightest shine in the world!”

*

Three days into filming.

The girls had told me to take a break, but I was too worried to relax.

Not with this broadcast company—even their interviews were suspect.

With the dorm completely isolated—no entry except staff—could I truly believe nothing would happen?

I parked near the hotel entrance and waited.

It was past 8 PM.

Filming for the day should’ve been over.

As I sat silently in my car, lights appeared in the distance.

No—not just one. Dozens.

“What the…?”

A fleet of cars.

An unnatural number for this remote area.

All heading to the same place—the hotel parking lot, turning left one after another.

All were luxury foreign cars, the kind that made your jaw drop just hearing the names.

The procession passed staff stationed at the entrance before entering the lot.

Midnight. Luxury cars. Staff approval.

There was only one thing this could mean.

Tonight, inside that hotel—something was definitely…

**Buzz.**

My phone rang. I snatched it up without checking.

“Oh~ Manager Jeon.”

Ah.

That disgusting voice.

Park Dong-chul.

“Long time. Been well?”

“…Producer.”

“Anyway~ I’m at the hotel right now—quite the spectacle. Who knew Korea had so many expensive cars? Like a damn auto show.”

“……What do you mean?”

“Ah~ The VIPs are arriving. Thought I’d like to see your face.”

“……Are you calling for me?”

“Yeah. Can you come now?”

“……Isn’t it off-limits?”

“Not if I allow it. There’s a passphrase—all the VIPs are using it. I’ll tell you, so get here.”

“………”

“Meet at… Oh, how about where we first met? The lounge where I first saw Harin.”

“Ah…!”

“I’ll expect you. Later.”

**Click.**

He spoke unilaterally and hung up.

This wasn’t a request. An order.

“Sigh….”

I quietly started the car.

Following the last car in the procession, I entered the hotel.

*

“Ah~ Manager Jeon! Fast as ever.”

I remembered hearing that exact phrase somewhere before.

In this same hotel lounge.

Harin and I had come together that day.

But now, I was alone.

Rather—

“…Manager.”

“Harin.”

Park Dong-chul was here **with Harin**.

In the exact spot where they first met.

Dong-chul had an arm around Harin’s waist, holding her intimately—like lovers.

“Sit there. Been a while, right?”

“……Yes.”

“Why so gloomy~? Hey~ Young people should work hard.”

You bastard.

He **knew** and was taunting me.

I sat across from him.

Ignoring me, Dong-chul groped Harin, kissing her casually.

“……Producer.”

“Hmm?”

“Did you call me here just to show me this?”

Dong-chul blinked.

Stared at me, then laughed.

“Wow~ Manager Jeon’s grown up? Huh~ Making bold statements now.”

“…Not a joke. What’s your business?”

“Manager. I hold a lot of decision-making power here.”

“……?”

“From editing… Not just what the public sees, but behind-the-scenes too.”

“…….”

“Screentime, eliminations—**everything**.”

“Eliminations are decided by votes, no?”

“Officially~ Yeah.”

“…….”

“But those idiots won’t count the votes anyway. If we say someone got cut for low votes—what can they do?”

“………”

I’d suspected, but he was outright admitting **rigging**.

“So… Are you threatening us?”

“Watch your tone, Manager. Huh? You don’t know when my patience runs out.”

Damn it.

Dong-chul’s smile vanished instantly.

I knew his temper—he’d ruin everything if provoked.

Right now… I had to endure.

was his hostage.

“What do you want?”

“That’s more like it.”

Dong-chul nodded, stroking Harin’s head.

She stayed quiet in his arms.

“You called because you want something.”

“Heh… Think I’d call just to demand conditions for ’s survival?”

“…Isn’t that it?”

“Nah. I’m not **that** free. If I wanted something, I’d have asked before filming.”

“…….”

“Ah… Didn’t Harin tell you?”

“Huh?”

I looked at Harin. She kept her head down.

“Guess not. Let me explain. I’ve already made my demand.”

“To me?”

But he’d never asked me for anything.

“No~ Her.”

Dong-chul pointed at Harin.

“I told Harin long ago. And she accepted.”

“……What?”

What the hell did he…

“Missed it? You should’ve heard… **Pregnancy**.”

“Ah….”

My gaze snapped to Harin’s stomach.

No visible change.

But Harin…

Was gently caressing it.

“The clinic confirmed it. Four weeks along.”