It's been a week since P Company's ion drink commercial was released. Sales, which had been stagnant for the past few years, broke through the ceiling, becoming a so-called hit. Even P Company acknowledges this: the model and directing were indispensable for a mere 30-second commercial to become such a hot topic. Soyi of the group Bite Me. Her signature refreshing image, pigtails, and bubbly smile, paired with medium pastel makeup, were her greatest weapons in such a short time. The original video, posted on P Company's official account, garnered millions of views, and the outfit Soyi wore went out of print, top to bottom.
With this, Dosoi has finally seen the light of day, just four months after her debut. While the timing may have been unfortunate, the fact remains that she's currently in the spotlight. Perhaps, it wouldn't have been surprising if this had happened at any point.
An advertisement featuring Soyi flashed across the three major broadcasting stations, during the peak time of the most popular drama. Dozens more related articles followed. Like a shadow clinging to Soyi, the group Byte Me also rose to the real-time search rankings due to its ripple effect. Although it was buried under various issues and went down within an hour. With the world closely following the every move of a young rookie, the person herself had to be quite naive to ignore the daily outpouring of praise and praise. As Soyi gradually gained momentum, she began to personally look up articles she had never read before. Mostly, she would stare at her photo plastered on the main page of Entertainment Daily for so long that it was almost like a door, or look at the comments that were swarming around articles. It was as if she was peeking, but even if she didn't want to, she could see them over her shoulder. Whether out of sheer indifference or sheer indifference, she constantly kept me by her side, under the pretext of running small errands—mostly when the manager was away—making it inevitable. Not long ago, one of the members scolded me, saying, "Yeoju, if you listen to all that, you'll spoil yourself." All I could do was chuckle like an idiot. "It's okay. It's not like it's particularly difficult."
The leader of Byte Me. Seo Yeo-ju. The public, only just beginning to recognize the group through Dosoi, wondered if the team had someone like her. The title of leader, which adorned my name, was a title bestowed upon me, as I was the oldest member of the group, excluding Soi. While my singing and dancing weren't terribly bad, they weren't particularly outstanding either. It was a role that was inevitably assigned to a member whose position was ambiguous, so it didn't really matter. The CEO and the director pretended to have some kind of excuse, claiming I was the most mature of the group and easily understood, making me a perfect leader. But I knew it was just a show of consideration, not wanting to intimidate me. In a way, it seemed like they were worried I might slip up, especially since I'd already been compared to Soi, who was the same age as me, since our debut. With the dozens of daily love calls, the company was enjoying unprecedented prosperity, and it was a crucial time for its future.
ByteMe is a five-person group, with three members under me. That meant there were three members to whom Soi could delegate the meaningless, trivial tasks. However, having been the eldest since birth, I felt it was better for me, the leader, to shoulder the responsibility. One of us was particularly displeased, and the other two felt sorry, but in front of Soi, they kept their mouths shut, as if they were plotting something. Perhaps it was because of the CEO's firm words earlier. One day, he called us in private and told us that Soi was the only member who hadn't lost any profits since our debut. Therefore, no matter what, we had to take care of her and treat her well. He must have been beating around the bush, but to everyone, including me, that day, it must have sounded like, "No matter how much it disrupts the team atmosphere, Soi will make up for your losses, so you have to endure it out of shame." She only nodded obediently, not responding. This was a habit she'd developed since her debut, and it was also because she had nothing to refute. With visuals unparalleled in the idol world and talent that stood out wherever she went, Soi seemed destined to become a star from the start. However, she was simply too big for a small group from a mid-sized entertainment company to contain.
"Seo Yeo-ju, I want water."
The air at Broadcasting Station M is dry and chilly. This is especially true in the waiting room before a music show. Being able to speak without worrying about being noticed in this generally tense atmosphere is a privilege reserved for those who are truly worth their salt. Just then, I was checking the movements of the rest of the members, and among them, Hanseol couldn't hide her expression as she turned to me. Even though it was only for a split second, I knew what she was thinking, and somehow, I felt the same way. For once, I praised my habit of reacting with my body before my mind. I jumped up and grabbed something from the table I'd pushed to the corner. "Yes, here." As was my custom, he handed me a bottle of water with the cap off, but Soi, who was sitting elegantly getting her makeup applied, bristled at this. "Who would want me to do that? What are you trying to say?" Her brow furrowed slightly. She stared at the hand that grabbed her, then walked away again.
"Aren't you angry, sister?"
"Huh? What?"
"What the heck, you always pretend not to know. Doesn't it make you mad when Soi-nee acts like that?"
We're the same age, but how can we be so different? What unlucky. While Soi was away on a personal schedule, Hanseol chattering away in her complaint diary like a blaring stereo in the car on the rattling ride back to her dorm. "Do you know that you're the only one messing up the choreography during the live broadcast? You saw that, right? I raised a corner of my mouth, not sure if I agreed or not, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't. Soi messed up a couple of steps during the chorus. Her schedule had increased dramatically since her commercial appearance, which had reduced her practice time. Considering her tendency to avoid the act of checking in with everyone before a performance, that level of mistake was a relatively minor one. Fortunately, the camera director was focused solely on Soi's pretty face in that scene. Furthermore, among the fans present, there didn't seem to be anyone from a harsh corner who would hold back a singer, so a mistake was just a mistake. It was a natural progression.
"You should be careful what you say. Are you unlucky with your sister?"
While Hanseol, who had been questioning Soyi's behavior, was arguing with her, Dayeon, sitting in the backseat, made a sharp remark. As for her, she'd always been a member of the group with a venomous and stubborn streak. In fact, she'd had the least complaints about Soyi. Hanseol's words seemed to have resonated with her, and she turned sharply toward the back of the chair.
"What? You have to be like your sister."
"What's so great about being a sister?"
"You're being so childish and not nitpicking."
"You always end up like that when you have nothing to say."
"Hey, why are you fighting again?"
These two, with their conflicting personalities, clashed daily, and eventually, someone had to step in to resolve the situation. "I'm so tired. If you have the energy to argue with the youngest, you should at least rub my shoulders." Yuje, who was sitting in the middle, jokingly covered Dayeon's mouth. Dayeon drew dots with her sullen eyes and quickly turned her head to the window. She was just as assertive as Hanseol, but her relatively simple personality and her roommate, Yuje, who shared the same room, played a big role in controlling her.
Silence once again lingers in the car. Hanseol pouts, then looks up at me with a sly look.
"Sister. Are you on my side?"
"then."
If you smile faintly, his puppy-like eyes will draw a curve as if to repay you.
"Let's sleep for a bit until we get there. We have a radio schedule later this evening."
At those words, she said, "Yes," and rested her head gently against the head cushion, her eyelids slowly closing. A moment later, I turned on my phone. The news that dominated the screen was Soyi's upcoming August appearance on a variety show.
Bite Me
W. Yeonmang
Melo Entertainment. The agency that owns Soyi, Byte Me, and the agency I'm currently working for. The news that this company had been acquired by FG Label was a bolt from the blue. It hadn't been "acquired," to be exact, but the process was still underway, but for a singer involved in such a significant change, finding out so late was a huge problem. When asked, "Did you know?", Soyi calmly replied, "Then you didn't know, did you?" It seemed obvious she'd heard the news from the CEO the night before. I was envious. But considering Soyi's position, it was also understandable. At least, with her holding a significant stake in the company's operations, the CEO wouldn't have informed her in the manner of a low-level employee, like he did with us.
The familiar routine gradually changed. What had once been a natural route to Melo Entertainment suddenly found itself cruising down unfamiliar roads several times a day. At first, we thought it was just for promotional purposes, but later, it became more than just frequent stops; we even moved our lodging to nearby Yongsan. As it turned out, Bye Me itself was now under the umbrella of FG Entertainment, the flagship label of FG. Soi tried to persuade us to choose a better place, citing her own earnings and salary, but we, aware that we were borrowing money, worked hard to secure a place as similar as possible to our previous one. She was so passionate and dedicated that the members who had been waiting for her were left feeling completely drained for a while.
Soon, news of the acquisition broke. The fact that an official announcement had been made by the company signaled confirmation and immutability. I read a few lines, lost in a vague feeling that wasn't particularly good or bad. FG Entertainment itself was renowned as a dream agency for trainees. I'd heard that once they joined, they were almost never kicked out, and even if internal circumstances forced them to move to another agency, the head office would ensure their debut. But, as with all success routes, getting in was the only real challenge. The only other options were being randomly selected through FG's secretive headhunting process, or beating the 100-to-1 odds of winning the third round of competition among the first and second rounds of talent. For them, it was both a dream job and a near-perilous prospect. Furthermore, there was a reason FG Entertainment was so coveted: Philip.
Philip. A four-member boy group with the largest fandom in K-pop history, creating a global sensation.
The group's recognition was significant, but when it came to Philip, there was one name that immediately came to mind. Perhaps that's why all the members, who had entered FG headquarters for the first time today, were secretly looking forward to meeting him in person. Hanseol had been jumping for joy since morning, excited by the chance to meet a star she'd only seen on TV—perhaps forgetting that she herself was an idol. Yuje and Dayeon feigned composure, but their anticipation was palpable. Soi pulled out a pair of earrings from her favorite brand and put them on. According to her manager, she had a meeting with the CEO first. If there was a reason why the successful FG would reach out to a mere agency, it had to be Soi. She seemed to know it well, her attitude brimming with confidence.
“You know I’m in the CEO’s office today, right?”
"Yeah, I said we'd talk."
"I'll text you when it's over, so don't ask the manager to do it and come yourself."
I was a little surprised, but I didn't show it. I felt much better when I thought of it as a request for resolution, like bringing a bottle of water to the waiting room.
"Okay. I'll be right up."
As Soyi turned toward the parking lot entrance, the ivory earrings on her ears dazzled in the light. Next to her straight, straight hair, the silk dress that hugged her straight shoulders and slender waist immediately caught my eye. "Aren't you going, Yeoju?" Yuje asked, poking me in the back. "Oh, I should go." Only then could I move my feet, stuck to the floor like hardened gum.
Surprisingly, Dayeon seemed the most disappointed of all the members. After exchanging greetings with every employee, nearly breaking our backs, filling out countless signatures and texts at the legal team's office, and then wandering the building, including the studio, we hadn't even gotten to see Philip's private room. After Soyi's turn, we needed a place to wait before meeting the CEO, so we were led by a staff member to one of the many dance studios that wasn't currently in use. The room itself was so spacious that Hanseol playfully let out an "Ah-", only to be met by an echo from the other side. Dayeon, already feeling down from not seeing Philip, must have found even that a thorn in her side, as she couldn't avoid being reprimanded to be quiet.
"I think Sister Soi is really amazing."
After a brief commotion, Yuje, crouching down next to the audio system, which was as big as my body, spoke. The floor shook slightly to the sound of the music. I nodded absentmindedly, not understanding the context.
"Soyi, that's amazing..."
"Right? Honestly, if it weren't for that older sister, I don't think I would have even come to see a place like this. I thought I'd be stuck going back and forth to our company's gates my whole life."
Did you see the staff office earlier? There were a lot of people in the department, so it was really quiet. Just a little while. Yuje, perhaps not satisfied with just the explanation, spread her arms exaggeratedly. She must have been really impressed. While I teased her, telling her not to act like a country bumpkin, I couldn't help but understand her feelings to some extent. Of course, even if I glanced around out of the corner of my eye, it seemed like three or four of our company buildings were stacked on top of each other. The current studio was more than enough compared to the stuffy, cool basement I'd stayed in as a trainee, but any idol would have this kind of fantasy. A mega-entertainment company. Excellent support. The optimal conditions for a star to shine brightly. Who would turn that down?
"I want to stay here, together."
It didn't seem like he was expecting an answer, but Dayeon, who had been listening silently, bit the last word.
"Don't expect too much. If she doesn't perform well, she'll be out in a few months. Even if you treat her well, in the end, only Soi will be left."
"Hey... what are you doing again? Since you're here, think positively."
"That's right. Who knows, maybe we'll hit it big during this promotion?"
"......"
"...What. Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Phuhat!"
Yeah. The youngest is bright. I like it because she's bright. I was worried those two would catch on again if I just left them alone, so I responded with something like, "Yeah, good is good." I found it funny how I suddenly interrupted their conversation while they were busy taking pictures in the mirror, but I decided not to bring it up. Our cute Jang Han-seol! Come on! Unlike me, Yu-je couldn't hold back, so he rushed over, wrapped one arm around Han-seol tightly, and caressed her already messy hair. Unable to escape, she let out a silent scream and struggled. Dayeon, who had been watching them pitifully, quickly inserted the AirPods in her ears without mercy. Watching them, a hollow laugh escaped her lips. With this, everything seemed to have regained some semblance of peace. Relaxed, I lay down on the dance floor, staring at the ceiling, where LED lights flashed fiercely.
"This is awesome..."
It's not like it's completely impossible. With a little bit of hard work and a little bit of luck, it could happen. It could happen, but it was only a matter of time. The trickle-down effect I was receiving from Soyi would eventually wear off, and by then, it wouldn't be surprising if she'd find a better contract and leave Byte Me. I couldn't just sit back and wait for the next big thing. But even knowing that, I couldn't stop hoping for the next time. If not now, then next time, next comeback, next year...
Tiring. The alarm rang just as the timing was right. I picked up what I had left by the bedside and turned around to lie down.
[Come now.]
The caller was a single, unnamed number, but naturally, I knew it without much explanation. It was Soyi. I told her to come pick me up earlier, didn't I? I left the dance studio, leaving the members having fun behind. I was still dazed as I closed the door, which was four spans taller than me, and headed straight for the VIP elevator. No matter how much I teased Yoo-je for being a country bumpkin, I still couldn't quite grasp it. Soyi, who had gone to meet the CEO so casually, was almost terrifying. I felt lost just standing there in this unfamiliar hallway. She seemed like someone who had been living with everything in mind from the beginning.
Looking back, it was always that way. The only reason I changed my number every month without fail was because a few malicious fans would find out and make things worse for me, but Soyi didn't seem to mind. Most of the time, it was just pointless, crude insults, or things that wouldn't be easily dismissed even at a glance. I remember her innocent face when she'd playfully change my number at dawn. Her voice, watching me flinch with surprise, seemed to be filled with amusement. How much more would it take for me to become as comfortable as she did? The elevator arrived, and I swiped the key card I'd received from the manager beneath the tightly packed buttons. The CEO's office was on the incredibly high top floor.
I'm starting to think that maybe it's not Dosoi, but me, who's overly concerned with other people's reactions. Long before Soyi became addicted to internet surfing, I'd been in the habit of reading articles. Even in the car at midnight, when everyone else was exhausted and asleep, or during the precious respite after a grueling workout. I never tried to find anything related to myself, but I seemed to find myself in others. I should do this in this situation, I shouldn't make that mistake... These were empty assumptions and assumptions. This article was no exception. The entire screen, scrolling down, was plastered with a single name. Perhaps it was the reporter's poor writing skills, but he seemed to have realized that this was the only way to maximize attention. As if his efforts had paid off, the article topped the real-time entertainment news charts within three hours of its release. Philip Jungkook and actress Lee Ah-young were dating. It was a remarkably effective catchphrase, I thought, to grab attention.
"What did they find out that led to dating rumors..."
As I was mumbling, the elevator came to a halt with a "ding." My eyes met with the man waiting right in front of me, but I absentmindedly lowered my gaze to the screen. Then, as if a thought had occurred to me, I hurriedly turned the power off. My heart was pounding so hard I'd forgotten how to even breathe.
Soon, the man in the photo came over to me, his hands in his pockets. Very slowly, without making a sound.