When I came to my senses, I was sitting close beside Seo Nakil. Our shoulders were pressed together, and even our fingers resting on the sheets were intertwined.
‘Isn’t this too close?’
There was an excessive lack of distance between us. There were chairs nearby, so did we really have to be like this?
However, the atmosphere wasn’t one where I could suddenly stand up and move seats. More than anything, it seemed like the other person wouldn’t want that.
Seo Nakil’s calm voice cut through my useless thoughts.
“Did the CEO say that? That he’d agree to terminate the contract by mutual consent?”
“Yes. I think he figured there was no chance of winning if it went to civil court.”
“That makes sense. I don’t fight battles I can’t win.”
“It would also be troublesome if it became public. After I appeared on ‘For Starium,’ several more trainees joined the company.”
If a precedent was set that I fought against Cosmos Entertainment and won, the agency wouldn’t be able to manipulate those kids like before. They might even have to watch their step. My contract was in this state, so there’s no way the contracts for kids younger and just as desperate as me would be any better.
“No matter how much they use health issues as an excuse, if I don’t participate in the group’s first solo concert, the fans will be very disappointed. If the formation changes, the members will have a hard time too…”
In any case, this was also a task assigned to me. And it was also a moment I once dreamed of with all my heart. So if I could, I wanted to end things on good terms.
Seo Nakil, who had been listening quietly to my words, spoke.
“When this year did they say?”
“Until the last day.”
When I gently pulled my hand away, Seo Nakil stared intently down at where my hand had been. Feeling embarrassed, I smiled slightly and added in a joking tone.
“If you think about it, it would be a birthday present. That’s how I’m trying to think of it.”
“Birthday?”
Seo Nakil asked.
“Don’t tell me, is your birthday December 31st?”
“Huh? Yes.”
“So you, on your birthday…”
The rest of his words didn’t follow. When I glanced at him, his face looked somehow very serious. Bluish veins were even protruding from the hand gripping the bed sheets.
It was when I was about to ask what was strange.
Suddenly my body spun around. It was because Seo Nakil had pulled me into his arms. That distinctive scent of dry sand and burnt wood wrapped densely around me.
I didn’t know the reason for this sudden embrace. I couldn’t guess why this action of holding me crushingly tight felt so heart-wrenching. I could only think that the formless sorrow being transmitted through his entire body felt strangely pitiful.
I couldn’t push him away. Somehow it felt like I shouldn’t.
“…”
After hesitating for a moment, I loosely put my arms around his waist in return. Then I pressed my cheek against his chest and relaxed my body. Thump, thump, thump. I could feel a very faint yet regular pulse.
So this is what the warmth of a living person feels like. It felt refreshing, and also somewhat nice.
How long were we like that? Seo Nakil slowly released me. His expression, emotions now composed, was as courteous as usual.
“Do you believe what the CEO said? I mean, do you think he’ll readily terminate the agreement?”
“Actually, I don’t really believe him.”
My phone has an automatic call recording function. So the previous conversation would be recorded.
I also turned on the recording function when I went to the office. Because I knew full well they wouldn’t show a favorable attitude, I thought I should at least do that much.
But I’m not sure how effective the recording I obtained that way will be. Still, it’s better than nothing.
“I’ll receive the contract. And if his words change later… then I’ll have to change my approach too.”
Even if it eventually goes to court, the fans’ reaction will be a bit more favorable than now. After all, it’s my personal problem, not a problem with Starium itself.
‘Since they can just do their second album promotions without me from the start, both the members and fans will be less confused.’
Until then it’s fine. I roughly know who to be careful of, so I just need to be careful to minimize any issues. If I don’t get too attached to the members and slowly prepare to separate, it should be okay.
“I see.”
Seo Nakil answered in a serious tone.
“…I admit it. My methods were one-sided. It’s an excuse, but I was impatient. I wanted you to get out of there as soon as possible, and I judged that I couldn’t miss this opportunity.”
“…”
“You must be curious why I’m like this. I know it must seem suspicious when we’re nothing to each other. But there’s something more important and urgent than that, so how about we focus on that first for now.”
I nodded obediently. My opinion was the same as his.
“Anyway, if that’s your intention, the next thing to do would be a settlement agreement.”
“That’s why I said I’d contact the CEO soon.”
At those words, Seo Nakil made an expression of disbelief.
“Directly?”
“…Right? Whatever it is, it’s a problem the two of us need to resolve, and since I’m currently active with Starium, I don’t have a separate manager right now.”
Originally Director Jeong from Cosmos Entertainment was in charge of me, but that had changed a few months ago. The reason was that it was a waste of manpower.
“Even after going through that insane treatment, you’re going to go see him again. I wonder if you’re brave or reckless…”
I smiled awkwardly.
I know it’s a complacent judgment. I had no know-how and was clumsy at handling matters like this. There was no guarantee I wouldn’t be subjected to the same treatment as last time if I went. I might hear absurd insults again and get hurt.
But there was no other way. I had to do it anyway.
“I’ll resolve it, tomorrow.”
He said decisively.
“I’ll move not as an individual but as part of Revalue Entertainment. Even if you don’t actually sign a contract with us, it’s more advantageous to respond as company to company.”
“…”
“It’s even better if you sign with us. What do you think about coming over?”
Revalue Entertainment. It was Seo Nakil’s agency and also a company he held shares in. It was a comprehensive entertainment management company based on solid capital, and several prominent actors and singers were also affiliated with it.
It was often evaluated as a small but excellent agency with exceptional skills in various areas. Their eye for selecting projects was particularly outstanding.
“Working in this industry without an agency is like walking around a battlefield without a bulletproof vest. It becomes more difficult to deal with when dirty rumors spread or when you meet unreasonable people.”
I bit my lip tightly.
“In that respect, there’s no better option than Revalue Entertainment. They’ve hired many lawyers from major law firms, and they also have personnel prepared for any potential public opinion battles.”
He didn’t seem to be joking. In the first place, Seo Nakil had never once joked with me.
“Think about it slowly until the end of the year. And on January 1st, tell me your answer.”
Seo Nakil added lightly.
“If you think about it, it would be a birthday present.”
It was an odd thing to say. My birthday was December 31st.
“What happens if I don’t accept your offer?”
Will he retaliate? He doesn’t seem like that kind of person. But he might be disappointed. He might regret having shown me this kindness. He might withdraw the consistently kind attitude he’s shown, and that sense of betrayal might eventually…
“A refusal is just a refusal.”
Seo Nakil cut off my thoughts cleanly.
“I’d prefer a positive answer if possible. Probably soon our CEO will request a meeting with you, and during the remaining time they’ll try their best to change your mind. But even if they don’t get the desired result after their efforts, they won’t harm you.”
He gently brushed my eye area with his thumb and added.
“We’re human to that extent at least. Both me and CEO Seon. So stop worrying about things that won’t happen.”
“…Yes.”
“Tomorrow.”
His voice grew quieter. It didn’t sound like a voice produced by vocal cords, but rather like something crafted from the wind. That gentle breeze led me helplessly toward him.
“I’d like you to stay here quietly, what do you think?”
“I don’t have to go myself?”
“That’s what representatives are for.”
“Not just there, I also have to go to Starium’s agency. If I’m not immediately stopping activities, I need to go to the dorm too…”
“I’ll handle all of that too. In the most comfortable way possible for you.”
I vaguely recalled what Seo Nakil had said before.
‘If someone treats you well, just accept it.’
Is this kindness really okay to accept? Could it possibly not be poison to me?
After hesitating for a while, I eventually nodded. Even if I didn’t know when it might change or disappear, I acknowledged the fact that for now, he was the best option.
“I’ll do that.”
The conversation finally reached a conclusion. I quickly got up.
“Then, I’ll go sleep in the next room now…”
Seo Nakil swiftly grabbed my wrist.
“Why?”
“…”
“Let’s sleep together.”
