Chapter 93

Shake off the cobwebs (1)

It wasn’t my first cameo, but I didn’t expect the role to feel so unfamiliar just because it was different.

This time, our role was that of a 'famous idol.'

In the drama, one of the twin sisters, who is much younger than the heroine, is a child actor, so the first meeting scene between the twin and the male lead was set at a broadcasting station.

That was why we were lucky enough to get the role of an idol and get to sing.

“Please take care of me!”

I greeted the director, the writer who visited the set, and the other staff members. After that, I received additional instructions about today’s role.

The scene was about the twin sister waiting for her child actor sister to finish her work while watching an idol performance.

The male lead, played by actor Naohyeok, was the representative of a comprehensive entertainment company that combined an agency and a production company, and we were idols under that company. After our appearance, the male lead would enter and meet the twin.

“Since it’s a real music show stage, you should be familiar with it. Just make it feel like you and Ji-hyun’s eyes meet while performing on stage. After the performance, come down from the stage and greet actor Naohyeok, who plays the representative, and then exit naturally.”

Although the editing will determine how much of Theora’s performance is shown, the viewers will definitely see Theora singing and dancing.

If Theora’s performance makes the audience curious enough to look up her songs, it would be the best outcome, wouldn’t it?

While practicing to avoid looking awkward on screen, my manager brother wondered if I was still nervous before going on stage.

That’s true, but the grammar of a music show and a drama is different. I was worried that Theora’s scene might stand out awkwardly.

Even Seohoon, who has a lot of acting experience, seemed nervous about this cameo, so our concerns weren’t unfounded.

“Would one rehearsal be enough?”

We borrowed the music show stage for a short time, so any delay would mess up the shooting schedule.

Expecting many NGs, only one rehearsal was allowed.

I asked my manager brother to monitor and quickly finished the rehearsal. He gave me a thumbs up without saying anything, but since he always says nice things, it’s not very convincing.

“The director and the writer looked very pleased.”

Seohoon must have observed their expressions in the meantime.

If they were satisfied, I could put my unnecessary worries aside.

Thanks to that, we gained more confidence and finished the main stage shooting in one take.

There were a few NGs when we came down from the stage, but since it was a short scene of greeting and exiting, our part was quickly wrapped up.

“Good job!”

After finishing the shooting to match the schedule, we finally had a polite conversation.

“The acting was natural, so the edited version will be good too. As expected, the group with Seohoon is different. Did you give them some Spartan acting guidance?”

The director made a joke.

While not exactly Spartan, it’s true that I sometimes receive acting guidance from Seohoon. How did he know?

“Thank you for giving us the opportunity to appear. Did we do well?”

“Of course! Very well! Not only the song composed by Ham Euiwon, but also the acting! By the way, the OST sung by Ham Euiwon was released yesterday. Did you listen to it?”

“Yes, I listened to it with the members while watching the drama. I’m honored to have my song included in such an interesting drama.”

It was my first time working on an OST, so I was prepared for some trial and error.

However, the process was smooth, and the communication was good, so I could gain experience without stress. Plus, they gave us the opportunity to showcase our title song in the drama. I’m glad I can return their kindness.

“Phew, you’re sweet-talking. If you keep this up, I’ll recommend you to the production company for the next project.”

“Thank you, Director.”

“I’m not just saying that. The production company staff showed me the data, and the ratings went up slightly every time the OST played.”

“Really?”

He rummaged through the bags around his chair and handed me a file.

“I can’t believe this. It’s fresh data from today.”

The data showed a graph of the ratings trend and the segments where the OST played. The ratings indeed spiked during those segments.

While the scenes with the OST might be important, it’s not entirely due to the OST, but the segments with the OST all showed meaningful increases in ratings.

I was amazed that my song could have such an effect and stared at the file in my hand.

The director said he wouldn’t need the data again and gave it to me.

Holding the file, I left the set, and Parkha was the first to cling to me.

Next was Chorok, and Seohoon and Ji-on joined us late. Olan stood far away, crossing his arms, watching us as a group.

Olan’s subtle smile made my face heat up.

The members, except Olan, didn’t hide their satisfaction. They even smiled openly.

“Stop being so clingy!”

It’s not like I’m a baby! I shouted, sandwiched between the members, but they all pretended not to hear.

No matter how much I tried to stop them, they ignored me, so I decided to go along with it.

“I realized something. To effectively praise Euiwon, I need to provide concrete evidence.”

Was he that happy to get the data from the director?

The members were surprised by Chorok’s statement. Some even clapped their hands.

“Wow! That’s it!”

“Aha. Now I understand. So, to make Euiwon happy, we can only show him the music chart rankings or album sales?”

“Hell mode mission?”

“Right, Ji-on. It won’t be easy… We need to work hard….”

Parkha became gloomy, thinking about the reality. But, is it really that important for me to be happy that everyone is so serious?

“No, I was just amazed that my song could have such an effect.”

“Don’t deny it, Euiwon. You love numbers, don’t you?”

“Ji-on. Saying it that way makes it sound like you love money. It’s more about seeing the numbers with your eyes.”

“Hmm? Isn’t it the same thing?”

“Not entirely….”

Seohoon tried to think of a good example, while Ji-on wondered if they were the same.

The members were engrossed in gossip about me, with Ji-on on my right shoulder and Parkha on my left.

“Can we talk without hugging?”

It felt like I was caught in a trap, trying to talk while being sandwiched from both sides.

“Do you dislike me, Euiwon?”

“No, of course not.”

“What about me?”

Parkha and Ji-on, who got the answer they wanted, stubbornly kept their arms around my shoulders.

“You’re so popular, Euiwon.”

“I don’t like this kind of popularity….”

It felt awkward and was getting hotter. However, seeing the two of them enjoying it, I decided to go along with it.

I had to drag them along to the car, which was parked nearby.

The laughter of the drama staff became the surround sound as we walked.

Well, if I can make others laugh, that’s good enough….

* * *

The drama "There Is No First Love" saw its ratings gradually rise after our cameo.

I hoped more people would watch the next week when Theora appeared.

Thanks to the positive response to the OST, we received many requests for more OSTs. However, with our schedule getting busier, we only accepted two and declined the rest.

I also wanted to focus on composing individual songs for the members, especially the rap beats for Ji-on.

Ji-on, with his strong personality, couldn’t fully showcase his talent in Theora’s debut album. This would likely happen again in the future to fit the concept.

Even if it’s inevitable, I felt guilty as a composer. If I were more skilled, could I have balanced Ji-on’s unique style while maintaining harmony? This question kept circling in my mind.

“I’m going to the studio. Anyone want to come?”

“What?! Euiwon! Isn’t that a no-entry zone for non-staff?”

Parkha seemed to think my personal studio was off-limits.

“We are staff, right? You can come. I’m sorry for inviting you so late.”

I had thought about inviting them for a while, but the studio was a mess due to my busy schedule. Now, I had finally tidied up the items from Hyun-oh and arranged the instruments.

I visited almost every day and brought in easy-to-care-for plants. I cleaned the fridge and stocked it with drinks, and covered the tacky sofa with a dark gray cover.

Now, it was finally ready to invite guests.

“Should we all go?”

Olan looked slightly annoyed but couldn’t refuse Chorok’s suggestion as the leader.

I barely managed to stop them from bringing gifts, saying, “Will a hastily prepared gift impress the rich Ham Euiwon?”

Last time, when I passed on the hotel reservation voucher from my mother, Olan was particularly uncomfortable. He said that if you receive a gift, you should return one of similar value.

When I asked if they even considered the cost of gifts exchanged among family members, he became quiet. Since then, Olan has been treating me like a rich kid.

I sighed deeply, and Olan’s smile became even more pronounced.

I don’t need to prove I’m a Theora member by teasing me!

“Finally getting to see it.”

Seohoon, Olan, and Chorok had seen the studio from the outside but never inside.

Parkha and Ji-on probably only knew the location of the studio building.

“Don’t expect much. It’s just a plain studio with nothing to see.”

I didn’t have much talent for decorating, so the studio was just neatly organized, with no real appeal.

“Let’s go and see for ourselves!”

“Once we’re there, Euiwon, play us some of your compositions.”

It seemed Ji-on’s main goal was to get new songs rather than just see the studio.

* * *

“This is the studio…?”

“Is collecting instruments your hobby?”

“Not usually. The places I’ve been to were rapper studios, right?”

The members commented that it looked like a space for someone who collects instruments.

The studio was filled with the equipment from the previous owner, new equipment I bought, instruments I owned, and those I received from Hyun-oh.

I couldn’t deny it. I see it every day, so I didn’t notice, but from their perspective, it could be called a music store.

“At least we have enough seats.”

“Still, Euiwon, when you make money, you should expand your studio. You’ll keep collecting instruments, right?”

I can’t deny that. There’s a drum brand I want to buy, but I’m holding back.

I play just to keep my skills from getting rusty, but I have a strong desire for instruments.

“Play us some of your compositions, compositions! Compositions!”

After giving each member a can, I turned on my laptop connected to the speakers and thought about which song to play first.

“Why not start with the latest ones? They’re all good, right?”

The compliment made my ears burn. The hyenas wouldn’t miss a chance to tease me.

“Euiwon, you should say ‘I am a music genius’ three times a day!”

“That’s a good idea.”

The other members nodded in agreement with Parkha and Chorok.

Unable to resist their encouragement, I had to start praising myself out loud.

Honestly, calling myself a music genius might be an exaggeration, but I couldn’t dismiss the consistent praise from the members and staff as just empty words.

Even if it was exaggerated, it was heartfelt. I had also seen the objective results with my own eyes.

Thanks to that, I could admit it. I’m a pretty good composer.

If I keep building my confidence like this, I might gain more confidence in my music. Then, maybe I can accept compliments more easily.

“Open the treasure box, Mr. Ham Composer.”

“Music genius Ham Euiwon! Milk-white Ham Euiwon!”

…It seems I still have a long way to go to become immune to the members’ fuss.

“…Alright, listen. The first song is Ham Hyun’s theme song.”