Chapter 66

As expected, the second episode of Theora's viewing party ended well past midnight. The epilogue featured a subtitle announcing our appearance. The writer kept their promise to add the subtitle after hearing that Theora would appear in the next episode.

I hope it helps the ratings a little tomorrow. After all, they poured their energy into the filming for a whole day.

Tomorrow's broadcast is short, so we'll probably watch it together in the practice room.

Ji-on must have guessed this, as he started cooking much earlier for today's viewing party, presenting over seven different dishes. As a result, there was a mountain of dishes to wash.

Since Ji-on took full responsibility for the cooking, the rest of us naturally took charge of the washing up.

We played rock-paper-scissors with Ji-on as the judge.

"Let's play one round. The two who win first will be exempt from washing up."

Am I a luck modifier item...? At least treat me like an NPC with a luck modifier.

"Who will be in charge of washing, rinsing, and organizing? Rock, paper, scissors!"

The game was decided in one round. Olan and Chorok won by throwing rock.

"Is this possible?"

For someone who is the icon of bad luck, this must have been a strange experience. Olan stared at his clenched fist in disbelief and then quickly approached me.

Suddenly?

I was taken aback by the unexpected hug. Especially from Olan, who is as rough as sandpaper, making physical contact?

"Hyung Olan. Don't go anywhere, stay right next to me?"

"Ugh?!"

The term "hyung" coming from Olan's mouth made me feel like I was breaking out in hives. Stay right next to Olan?

I'd rather not choose a path that would make me tired. Unless I'm losing my mind.

I slipped out of his grip, and Olan slowly followed. His attempts to provoke a reaction were futile, and I just ignored him.

Shaking my head, I retreated to the kitchen. Olan, who was following me stealthily, was stopped by Chorok.

"I get that you're happy, but you'll get in trouble. If Iwon gets angry, he'll probably be terrifying."

Wearing a simple black apron and rubber gloves, I heard Chorok's voice from behind.

Will I be scary when I'm angry?

They say that someone who doesn't usually get angry becomes even more terrifying when they do. If that's true, and I, who has never been angry, really get angry, the dorm might be turned upside down?

But I won't get angry easily. I don't even get angry over trivial matters.

This is probably a trait formed due to my vocal cord deformity.

No one can blame me, and there's no way to control the immense anger. Experiencing such anger makes other frustrations and anger seem insignificant.

Still, I decided to keep quiet about it to Olan. If he knows I don't get angry easily, who knows how far his clinginess will go.

"Done with the dishes! Let's go to bed quickly! When we wake up, we can see the ratings and the audience's reactions!"

Bakha rolled on the floor laughing while watching the second episode. The other members also couldn't stop laughing throughout the broadcast. I was also engrossed, even though the people on the screen were right next to me.

"It's bound to be a hit, right!"

Even if they don't show it like Bakha, everyone must be thinking the same thing. I might not be able to sleep tonight, feeling excited.

* * *

Perhaps due to tossing and turning, none of the members got much sleep. Everyone woke up later than usual this morning.

We had a cameo appearance scheduled for this afternoon. We needed to go to a film set in a different region, and it seemed like we would be tight on time.

We could only trust the manager's driving skills!

"Hyung Iwon, can I take a picture?"

Bakha, who had already washed up and was ready, asked.

Why take a picture when you wake up with messy hair? I let Bakha do as she pleased, wondering if there was some point I didn't understand.

"I'll check if anything is missing, so come out when you're ready."

Chorok was busy taking care of the members from the morning. In the rush to get ready, we completely forgot about the ratings. It wasn't until we got in the car and caught our breath that we remembered.

"Chorok, did you check the ratings?"

"Ah, right. Just a moment."

The manager was faster than Chorok in pulling out his phone.

"The average rating is 6.8%, and the peak rating is 8.7%."

"Is 6.8% a possible number? The broadcast time was late, right?"

Chorok, representing the members, raised a question. The previous 4% rating was acceptable.

But 6.8%? Most regular variety shows these days don't even achieve this level of ratings.

"The PD was also surprised. It exceeded expectations."

We, as guests, were more surprised than happy. The producers must have been shocked.

"The PR team said it's because you were trending on SNS. They said they need to analyze it in detail."

It seems they hastily started analyzing the ratings after receiving them today. The impact of SNS can't be ignored. The actions of influencers with numerous followers can instantly become news.

"Anyway! We really hit it big! 6.8%!"

6.8% of the viewers watched us. If there are ten million viewers, that means 680,000 people watched us.

Even though the viewing rate has decreased recently, the influence of TV can't be ignored.

If even a fraction of the viewers developed a liking for Theora, we can consider it a success.

Or, just remembering Theora as an idol would be a significant achievement.

"We've achieved our goal."

Chorok let out a low chuckle, like a cat purring. It was filled with satisfaction.

Achieving popularity or boosting ratings. We perfectly achieved the goals we set before filming. In fact, we exceeded them.

"From the moment Iwon was recognized at the supermarket, it was clear."

Did they plan it? Were they going to scold us for being reckless?

Ji-on's words made the members' gazes turn sharp, and they all looked at me. I had to recount the details of what happened at the supermarket. A barrage of nagging was inevitable.

"I'll stop nagging here. We need to focus on today's schedule."

It's surprising how welcome a schedule can be.

"From here, senior actor Seohoon will take over."

"Even though you've heard it before, I'll go over the precautions again."

The reason we were called for a cameo was because of Seohoon. I was just an extra. The difference between a cameo and an extra is the level of recognition of the person appearing.

"First, when you enter the set..."

I perked up my ears and focused on Seohoon's meticulous baritone.

* * *

The exhausted Theora members fell asleep as soon as they got in the car.

To avoid causing any inconvenience to the film, the members were on high alert throughout the filming. The determination to do well seemed to have drained their energy.

Only Seohoon, with his monstrous stamina, was fine, and for some reason, I couldn't sleep either. Maybe when you're too tired, you can't sleep?

"Iwon, can't you sleep? You should get some rest to recover. You have to go to the company later."

Seohoon whispered to avoid disturbing the sleeping members.

I had a meeting with the A&R team leader about the OST. I had completed the demo and sent it to the drama production company.

It was probably news that the OST, which would be sung by actor Naohyuk, had been selected.

I couldn't confirm if my song was chosen. The A&R team leader might congratulate me and adjust the schedule, or they might console me and suggest trying again next time.

The more you hope, the more you might be disappointed. So I tried to clear my mind.

"I'll drop Iwon off at the company and go straight to the dorm. If you need to go to the practice room, let me know."

Since even the leader, Chorok, was sound asleep, Seohoon decided to relay the manager's message.

"Iwon, try to get some rest, even if it's just for a moment."

Would it help to close my eyes? I put on my headphones and closed my eyes.

I might have dozed off while listening to a calm new age song. When I opened my eyes, we were near the company.

"I'll take the kids to their dorm and come back, so don't even think about going outside the company."

Am I a child? After the incident at the supermarket, the manager treats me like a child. I couldn't respond, just nodded and got out of the car.

"I hope it's good news."

Even if the song is registered under my name, it won't significantly boost Theora's recognition, but it will earn money.

If I could buy gifts for the members with the money I earn, that would be great.

I ran into the team leader in the hallway before even reaching the A&R team's office. The team leader took me to a cafe on the lobby floor.

The team leader was silent until our drinks were served. The way he hesitated to speak suggested bad news. I had to hide my disappointment.

"The production company liked Iwon's song!"

"Really?"

This was an unexpected result. It was clearly good news, but why did he sound so serious?

"Didn't Iwon record the demo?"

There was no one else to ask. I'm the main vocalist of Theora. Was there a problem with that?

"Yes, I recorded it."

"Actor Naohyuk was supposed to sing it, but after hearing Iwon's voice, they didn't want to give it up. They asked if Iwon could sing another song!"

His voice rose, and by the end, it was filled with excitement. He must have been trying to surprise me.

"Iwon, congratulations!"

"So, I'm taking on two OSTs, and I'll be singing one of them?"

My sense of reality was dulled. It was an honor to be the composer of an OST that Naohyuk would sing. But to sing it myself?

No matter how imaginative a person is, they couldn't have imagined this. It was an unbelievable stroke of luck.

"Can't believe it, right? I asked several times to confirm. But it's true. Iwon's composition and voice impressed the production team!"

"Thank you for the opportunity, team leader."

The A&R team leader's face lit up with my gratitude. Knowing about the opportunity to participate in the OST led to this result.

"Iwon, you're a talent who would have shone eventually, even without me. I'm sorry for not managing the team well, but I hope this makes up for it a little."

The composer Kiba, who unjustly criticized me, was also part of the A&R team. The team leader must have felt some responsibility for that.

"As long as it doesn't happen again."

The team leader promised it wouldn't happen again. He said the composer's actions had spread throughout the company, and no one would dare to mistreat an artist.

He couldn't fire Kiba, but he might leave on his own, now that everyone knows.

"I brought a carrot to show that I want to get along well with Iwon in the future. I also heard that Theora is promoting to get more schedules. I have quite a solid network, you know."

When talking about the carrot and the stick, the carrot? Did he bring something that would benefit me?

"Iwon, would you like to attend the opening ceremony?"

* * *