"Wow, so this is the famous Lotus company," she thought, staring up at the towering building before her. Just then, the sudden arrival of a black car behind her broke her focus. A group of people rushed toward the vehicle as girls began screaming, "Chuwon oppa!"
Chuwon? Could it really be that Chuwon—the singer as popular as Jackie? Her heart raced as she turned to see him, but the crowd jostled her, and she tripped, falling forward. In her panic, she grabbed onto the nearest person, accidentally pulling him down with her. The shrill voices of angry fans and the question, "What do you think you're doing?" made her realize the man she had knocked over was Chuwon himself. She quickly scrambled up, reaching out a hand to help him, but he ignored it. Before she could even apologize, his security team had ushered her away. Jackie watched from a distance, giving her a strange look. She hurried over.
"That idiot is unbelievably rude. Did you hurt yourself?" he asked, examining her.
"I'm fine," she replied. A small scrape on her arm was barely noticeable.
"I want to punch that bastard."
"It's just a small scratch, I promise. By the way, do you know Chuwon?"
Jackie frowned. "We work at the same company."
Right, she had almost forgotten Jackie was also famous.
"Anyway, let's not waste more time. We need to find the head of security," Jackie said, and she nodded, following him.
She had completely forgotten about the security at the entrance. As she tried to walk in, the guards stopped her.
"Do you have an appointment?"
She looked to Jackie in a panic.
"Don't look at me. I'm here for an interview," he said.
Turning back to the guard, she stammered, "Uh… I'm here for a job interview."
"A job interview? You must mean the auditions. Take the elevator at the end of the hallway, left side, and go up to the 4th floor."
Wait, there really was a job interview? Could it be her lucky day? But she hadn't applied. Maybe the head of security Jackie mentioned could help.
"By the way, is it possible to meet the head of security?"
"Mr. Kang is on leave due to illness. He'll be back in a week."
"I see. Thank you."
She stepped into the elevator with Jackie.
"Job interviews on the 4th floor? I thought that floor had studios," he murmured.
"What kind of studios?"
"We'll see when we get there."
Once on the 4th floor, she approached a staff member in the corridor.
"The interviews are through that door, second room on the right. Did you fill out the application form?"
"No, I made the decision last minute," she said awkwardly.
The woman gave her a once-over, then handed her a form from her folder.
"Normally we wouldn't allow this, but I suppose we can make an exception today. Fill this out and return it to me."
She nearly hugged the woman out of gratitude. "Thank you! I really needed this."
She took the form and sat at one of the desks near the window.
"You're lucky to have run into Ms. Park. Everyone in the company adores her," Jackie said.
As she began to fill out the form, she frowned. "Why are they asking for height and weight at a job interview?"
"Maybe it's for a physical role," Jackie replied without looking away from the window.
"Ah, that makes sense." She quickly finished the form and handed it back.
"Now wait until your name is called."
"Thank you."
They walked over to the audition room, where a group of girls waited outside. She figured it might be for cleaning staff, though it felt strange so many young women were here for that. About thirty minutes later, her name was called.
"Kang Aera."
She jumped up nervously. Jackie took her hand. "Don't look at me," he said, then added gently, "There's nothing to be afraid of. I'm right here."
Inside the large room, four people sat behind a table, waiting. As she scanned the panel, her eyes locked with the fourth person—Chuwon. He was staring at her, one eyebrow raised, glancing down at her application.
"So, you're here for the audition? I must say, your first impression wasn't great."
She opened her mouth, but no sound came out. Ms. Park, seated at the table, spoke up.
"Do you two know each other?"
"I wouldn't say that. I only saw her downstairs. It's just surprising someone so clumsy would want to audition to be an idol."
An idol? What?
"I'm sorry… I thought this was a job interview."
Chuwon laughed mockingly. Her blood boiled at his attitude.
"You didn't know it was an idol audition? How did you even get in here?"
"I… I didn't know. I apologize for wasting your time." She turned toward the door.
"Since you're already here, why not give it a try?" Ms. Park said. "There are hundreds who wish they could be in your place."
She was about to decline, but of course Chuwon jumped in.
"This is a waste of time. She doesn't fit the idol image at all. Let's move on to the next candidate."
Maybe people treated her like this because she always stood there silently, apologetically. But this time…
"You know what? I will do it." She squeezed Jackie's hand and began to sing.
(Note: Imagine the music that best fits this moment—it's yours to choose.)
Ms. Park and two of the other judges looked thrilled. Chuwon, however, wore a puzzled expression. Clearly, this wasn't what he expected, which only made her more confident.
When she finished, one of the judges said, "Excellent. Now let's see your dancing."
She hesitated, not wanting to let go of Jackie's hand, but he gently pulled away. "Don't worry. I'm still with you."
She nodded. "I'm ready."
As the music played, the room faded away. There was only her.
When the dance ended, the room was silent. No one said a word. Chuwon flipped through papers with a frown.
"You may go. Results will be posted on the website tomorrow at 10 a.m.," Ms. Park said with a smile.
"Thank you," she whispered and left. Her legs shook beneath her. How had she just done that?
"That was impressive," Jackie said. "I didn't think you'd do it."
"I wasn't going to. I just wanted to put that arrogant jerk in his place."
Jackie blinked. "So you're not pursuing it?"
Her stomach growled. She stood. "I need food."
Jackie followed, still trying to make sense of her decision, but she said nothing more. Once they were seated in a restaurant, she avoided eye contact while Jackie glared at her.
She finally sighed. "I joined the audition because of Chuwon's attitude. I wanted him to regret his words. And I think he does."
"You're serious…" Jackie dropped his head into his hands. Just then, a group of girls entered the restaurant.
"Have you heard of Yeppo Gumiho?"
"Who hasn't?"
"I heard Lotus tried to contact her for a collaboration, but they couldn't find her. That's why they held this latest audition—they're looking for someone like her."
"I'd die to see that collab."
"Let's comment on her videos—show her we support it!"
"Great idea! But first, food."
Collaboration? She quickly checked her phone. Amid spam emails, one from Lotus had gone unnoticed. How could she have missed it?
Let's clarify. Yeppo Gumiho was her secret channel. She had started it to distract herself, posting covers anonymously. But it had blown up, and eventually she released her own music. Yeppo Gumiho was loved across the country—maybe even as much as Jackie. But no one could know her identity.
"Hey Jack, did you hear what those girls said?"
"No, I was too busy thinking of another way to get close to your soul since you've officially rejected the company."
She sighed. "Stop sulking."
"I'm not sulking. I don't have much time left. Eventually, I'll just become something disgusting and rotting."
The sun had begun to set as they walked home.
"You know, I've never gone for an evening walk," she said softly.
"Seriously?"
She nodded. "Never been to a theme park either. Never drank soju. Spirits enter my body easier when I'm drunk. My aunt once gave me a necklace to protect me, but I lost it and never told her. She's scary when she's mad. The things normal people take for granted... they're just dreams for me."
Jackie walked beside her in silence, then said, "Want to make a deal?"
"What kind of deal?"
"You help me by joining the company, and I'll help you experience everything you've missed. We'll drink soju, go to theme parks—whatever you want."
He looked genuinely excited. She didn't want to join the company, but his enthusiasm tugged at her heart.
"I'm not promising anything. But I'll think about it."
She had always kept a list of things she wanted to do. Maybe… just maybe… this was her chance. Hopefully, she'd make the right choice—for both of them.