The Trashy PD Has To Survive as an Idol - Chapter 31

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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31

“Ah, just kidding.”

I winked at him with one eye. But Yoo Hyuk, knowing full well it wasn’t a joke, flushed crimson from his ears down.
Even if a conglomerate poured capital into it, some things simply couldn’t be done.

‘Fools. They couldn’t see the bigger picture.’

The White Cherry song’s overwhelming fame had actually become a poison. Even mixing in the mermaid princess concept, they’d ended up following White Cherry’s original arrangement too closely, failing to show anything fresh.
The Today members had decent skills, so they might generate some buzz momentarily, but the original performance was far superior.

“You, you…!”
“The Dun, we’re moving now!”

I nodded toward the staff, and as all The Dun members filed out, Yoo Hyuk missed his chance to retort again.
Seeing his face rendered speechless—as if he’d swallowed honey—I could take the stage in a refreshed mood. Sung Ji-won looked equally satisfied, like he’d just downed a box of soda.
As the brilliant stage lights enveloped The Dun members, the staff’s bewildered voice came through clearly.

“Their concept is Peter Pan, right?”
“Yeah, it is…”
“Then why are the costumes pirates?”

These were costumes we’d deliberately hidden during rehearsal. At that remark, I caught Kang Yi-chae’s lips curling upward.
The conversation we’d had among the members before asking Lim Hyun-sung to arrange this piece came back to me.

‘Peter Pan doesn’t only have Tinkerbell. There’s one character that fits our concept perfectly.’
‘Captain Hook? A pirate?’
‘Exactly. Actually, there’s talk that Captain Hook is incredibly charismatic. He hates Peter Pan for cutting off his hand, but there’s also the story that he’s tender toward Wendy.’

Sung Ji-won added his thoughts.

‘So we’re pushing a narrative where the pirate clings to his opponent?’
‘That’s right.’

Like Girls’ “Want You.”
A fresh and spirited unrequited love song about someone anxiously approaching another who won’t look at them, confessing their feelings. Originally conceived with a cheerful American cheerleader concept, but the arrangement can be adapted in countless ways depending on perspective.

Tick, tick.

The sound of a clock’s second hand echoes through the stage.
The pirates, traumatized by the crocodile that severed their arm and terrified of the ticking sound, cover their ears and curl up their bodies.
In an instant, the stage floods with light,

Boom!

At the cannon blast, everyone’s eyes widen in surprise, and Kang Yi-chae leaps over his members, bursting forward to the front of the stage.

[My fellow pirates, this is our show time!]

Whoosh—splash!

With that, Sung Ji-won rises. Instead of the clock’s ticking, the sound of fierce waves crashing against the ship fills the air. The spirited song transforms, woven with sirens, into an upbeat yet sharp-edged rhythm.

[Hello, let me greet you once more
You passing by over there, why won’t you look at me
Right now I’m giving you the message]

The American high-teen style song shifts into a tempo that exudes danger and alluring charm.
As expected of Lim Hyun-sung—her sense for arranging songs is impeccable.
Kim Sung-hyun blocks Sung Ji-won’s path and smiles toward the camera.

[Look at me, not that one beside you,
Don’t you think we’d make quite the pair?]

Kim Sung-hyun raises one hand above his eyes, gesturing as if gazing out at the distant sea. Simultaneously, his other hand gripping the helm turns to the right in a sweeping motion.
We sway as if our bodies are aboard a ship sailing across the ocean.

[I’ve told you countless times, it’s not him
He’s so selfish, I only have eyes for you
I’ll make sure you won’t regret it, trust me]

Jung Da-jun came at me fiercely. It was hard to believe this was the same person who’d been trembling while playing the recorder just moments ago.
‘That child’ pointing to Peter Pan, and ‘me’ pointing to the pirate.
As Jung Da-jun raised his hand, the camera lifted upward before zooming in sharply on me.

[Hello, let me greet you once more]

I leaned against the set, swept my hair back, and approached the camera with the distinctive swaying gait of a sailor, curling my lips into a smirk.

[I know you’re wavering
After all, you were always meant to come to me
But don’t make me wait too long]

Kang Yi-chae held up a pocket scope, blinking and pretending to doze off before tilting and dropping downward. Simultaneously, the sound of something falling into the water echoes.

Whoooosh!

As the bubbling foam sounds intensify, the song reaches its climax. The lighting turns a deep blue as if submerged in the ocean depths. Sung Ji-won walks forward with a swaying gait, clutching at his throat as if drowning, his brow furrowed.

[I feel like I might be going crazy
Over your smile, your way of speaking
I’ve already fallen for you]

At the same time, Kim Sung-hyun slowly picks up the tricorn hat
1)
from the floor and places it gently on his head before opening his mouth.

[Maybe I can’t do it anymore
I might have already lost
But I’ll gather my courage once more and move forward]

His gaze meets Sung Ji-won’s.
The final climax. The bubbling foam sounds fade as we rise above the ocean surface.

[I really want you]

In Like Girls’ “Want You,” the final note that had descended is lifted high instead.
As Sung Ji-won and my stable duet ends, with a refreshing splash of water, the ship reaches the shore, breaking the stage’s tension once more.
Kim Sung-hyun tosses his hat into the brightened lighting.

[Well,]

Kang Yi-chae pierces the hat with the sharp tip of his blade and spins it playfully, flashing a mischievous grin.

[It looks like I don’t need fairy dust.]

At the same time, Jung Da-jun rushes in and executes a perfect saber move.

[That’s not it, how many times do I have to tell you?
He’s so selfish, I only look at you
I’ll make sure you don’t regret it Trust me]

‘All that effort Sung Ji-won put in is finally paying off.’

The moment they entered the group choreography, a siren wailed through the air, and dazzling dance moves unfolded across the stage.
The beat gradually slowed, and the members rotated in perfect synchronization.

[Hello, let me greet you once more]

Following the ticking of a clock, their bodies swayed left and right.

[we can do this together.]

Bang!

Everyone collapsed at the gunshot, and the lights cut out.
It was the tragic ending of the supporting character who loved the protagonist—the story that had illuminated the supporting role’s narrative had come to a close.

“….”

Silence blanketed the set.
I wondered if it was because there was no audience, but when I heard nothing from the Assistant Director or the PD either, The Dun’s members and I held our ending poses for a moment before cautiously lifting our heads.
All the staff members with their gazes fixed on the stage were visibly stunned.

‘Looks like it went well.’

“Thank you for your hard work.”
“Yes, thank you as well.”

I bowed respectfully with a greeting, shook out the dust from my hat with a flourish, and exchanged light pleasantries with the members.
That’s when my eyes met those of Kim Hee-young, the PD who stood below the stage with her mouth agape in surprise, yet whose eyes sparkled brilliantly as she spotted the gem.

“Thank you.”

This was only the beginning.

***

“To commemorate the first shoot of Shining Star, here’s to a one percent viewership rating! Cheers!”
“Cheers~!!”

Everyone laughed boisterously. The Manager had said I didn’t need to attend the after-party, but how could I skip the first celebration for the program? Absolutely not.
The Manager kept insisting I should be careful at gatherings like this, and despite only sipping at his drink, his eyes were already glistening with tears.

“I, uh, watched your performance today and honestly, so foolishly, *sniff*, I got tears in my eyes. These kids are so talented, and I… I just left them alone!”
“Manager, are you alright?”
“Waaah!”

Whatever I said, he looked ready to cry. I tried to console him gently, but then I passed him off to Kim Sung-hyun, who was quietly consuming nutrients to my left—and Kim Sung-hyun gave me a bewildered look.

“Why are you dumping this on me?”
“You’re dependable.”

Kim Sung-hyun sighed, then patted the Manager’s shoulder and even brought him water. Yeah, I knew he’d do that. Beside him, Jung Da-jun, who was only sipping cola, giggled as if intoxicated by the atmosphere without a drop of alcohol.

“Manager, don’t cry~!”
“Don’t cry, don’t cry.”

Sung Ji-won even clapped his hands rhythmically to soothe the Manager. We’d rented out a restaurant and were seated in groups by staff, when one idol group approached The Dun hesitantly. It was Nightmare—the only group among the performers who were juniors to The Dun.
They rented out a restaurant and sat divided by staff groups, when an Idol Group approached The Dun with a swagger. It was Nightmare, the only performing group that was The Dun’s junior.

“Hello!”
Hello!

Nightmare’s leader stepped forward awkwardly.
Nightmare’s leader stepped forward hesitantly.

“I’m Lee Han-sung. Your performance earlier was so impressive that I wanted to come greet you.”
“We really enjoyed Nightmare’s stage as well.”

One member stepped forward to speak, and after receiving a rather warm response, the rest of them seemed to gain courage. They rushed over and bowed at a perfect ninety-degree angle.

“It was absolutely amazing. Oh, and your new single is fantastic too!”
‘Hmm.’

I decided to leave this to Sung Ji-won. When I subtly pushed him forward, he looked greatly flustered but didn’t try to escape.

“Oh no, that’s not true. You all are far more impressive.”
“What are you saying! The Dun is even more incredible!”
“No, Nightmare is more…!”

I needed to get out of this conversation quickly.
I left Sung Ji-won to his fate and casually walked toward another table. I had something to discuss with PD Kim Hee-young.
As I walked, I spotted the Today group chatting and laughing with the staff.
I tried to ignore them and pass by, but their main vocalist suddenly grabbed my arm.

‘He’s drunk.’

“Hey? Aren’t you the ones who performed last? Those pirates!”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Wow~! You really surprised us. Your stage composition was so good. You should have a drink with us to celebrate! Don’t you think?”
“That’s right!”

Doing this in front of the staff was basically asking for trouble.
I was debating whether to play along when Today’s center smiled unpleasantly.

“Or what, you don’t even want to drink with us? Are you scared you’ll lose?”

‘Well, well…’

The staff member, sensing the uncomfortable atmosphere, widened his eyes and looked back and forth between us. I glanced toward the staff. Behind them stood Kim Hee-young with an expression that said ‘these bastards are acting up again.’

My mind raced quickly. This kind of provocation was something I could easily brush off….

‘Hmm.’

Lifting the mood a bit wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Once I’d made up my mind, I smiled softly.

“No.”

Good.

“But do you think you can handle it?”

Let me show you something entertaining.

.
.
.

I shook the beer bottle in front of the glass.
I could even hear someone swallowing nervously.
Countless glasses were lined up before me. I picked up the beer bottle I’d been shaking and aimed it at the glasses.

Splash!

“Woooow!”
“Seo Ho-yoon! Seo Ho-yoon!”

The beer poured perfectly into the glass, completing the bomb shot. I grinned and shook the glass, and everyone erupted into absolute frenzy.

“What?! I can’t even do that!”
“An idol doing something like that?!”
“Seo Ho-yoon! Show us the next trick, the next one!”
“You want to see it?”
“Yes~!”
“Hmm… your voice is a bit quiet.”
“Ooooh~!”
“Do you really want to see it?”
“Yes~!!”

The staff had gone completely wild.
Even though they’d seen all sorts of tricks working in the entertainment industry, they were losing it over a fresh rookie idol doing this.

“….”
“Seo Ho-yoon! Seo Ho-yoon!”

The Today members, already thoroughly defeated, sat huddled in a corner with bitter expressions. Kang Yi-chae, brimming with excitement beside me, cackled loudly and amplified the festive atmosphere.

“Next round coming up.”

I stood, popping the bottle cap open with a spoon.
Each staff member held out their glass with sparkling eyes in anticipation. I deliberately kept my distance and used a snap motion—snap, snap—to fill each glass from afar with practiced precision.

“Woooow!”
“Me too! Please fill mine!”
“I’ll go in order of gratitude.”
“Ho-yoon! I think I took good care of you.”
“No way, I looked after you more!”

Seo Ho-yoon still hadn’t surrendered.
With a sense of quiet satisfaction, I worked the bottle diligently. By now, I figured I’d thoroughly broken the spirits of every Today member.
Kang Yi-chae bounced excitedly, then giggled and asked between gasps.

“Hyung, how on earth did you learn to do something like this?”
“Practice until you drop dead.”
“That’s not what I meant—where did you even learn this?”

Where else? I’d picked it up at the Broadcasting Station while constantly appeasing Director Kook.
Along the way, I’d also learned tricks like secretly dumping soju into rice bowls or soy sauce. But I couldn’t very well tell the young, innocent Kang Yi-chae about that.

“I’m going to step outside for some fresh air real quick.”
“Ho-yoon, you need to come back soon. Can you help me slow down on the drinking?”
“No.”
“Haha, you’re such a tease~.”

The staff members laughed and let me go. Thanks to the atmosphere I’d cultivated so well, the Nightmare members seemed to be receiving especially attentive care.
The moment I stepped outside, my body trembled. It was surprisingly cold tonight.
Normally I would’ve lit a cigarette, but that wasn’t an option now.

Ding!

[Why did you come out? You’re not even drunk.]

“I’m drunk.”

[But I saw you dump it all in the rice bowl earlier?]

Goodness.

“That happens.”

My mind was perfectly clear, and I was simply tired of mingling with people and answering their questions. But there was another reason—the real one. When I glanced outside, I caught sight of a ponytail beyond the wall.

‘As expected.’

I approached slowly, feigning coincidence.

“…Oh.”
“Hello.”

It was Kim Hee-young, the PD. She held a bottle of alcohol in one hand, drinking it like water with eager gulps.

‘Still the same. Always the same.’

Kim Hee-young smiled without a trace of embarrassment.

“You were quite impressive out there.”
“Thank you.”
“Where on earth did you learn to do that? It couldn’t have been from your agency.”
“It’s a talent.”
“Well, I’ll be…”

Kim Hee-young, intoxicated by alcohol, let out a series of soft chuckles.

“Seo Ho-yoon, in any case, you’re going to become quite popular among our staff. I can’t speak for the other groups, though.”
“Is that so?”
“Your performance earlier was excellent too. Not that I’d say this anywhere else, but honestly, it was the best stage I saw all night.”
“Really?”
“Truly.”

Kim Hee-young sighed.

“So that’s why… ah, damn it. Just forget I said anything.”
“….”

Bittersweet—that’s what this feeling was. Our stage might have been the best, but we couldn’t make it first place anyway. Shining Star was a program where first place was always predetermined for Today.
Kim Hee-young swallowed her words and drained the bottle to the last drop.

“PD.”
“Yes.”
“You changed our performance order last, didn’t you?”
“…That wasn’t something I did—the filming logistics just got tangled up.”
“Is that so?”

I let out a quiet laugh, and Kim Hee-young froze. She looked anxious, as if worried her true intentions had been exposed.

“Anyway, thank you.”
“…For what?”
“Just… I’m grateful. That was exactly the scenario I was hoping for.”
“….”

It was the moment Kim Hee-young’s eyes wavered with a question—*could it be?*—when a sharp, honed voice cut through from behind.

“What the hell are Seo Ho-yoon and those guys?”

It was Today.

1) A hat worn by European men from the late 17th to late 18th century. Also famous as a pirate hat.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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