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I’m completely snapped back to reality.

In an instant, the effects of the alcohol disappeared, and with clear vision, I read once more the article displayed on the phone screen that Moon Chang-sik handed me.

“Wait a second.”

Starting from the title which mentioned suspicions of a romantic relationship, I scrolled down, and a flood of evidence photos emerged.

But…

“Hmm…”

The meaning of referring to ‘Ms. K’ is almost irrelevant because anyone can tell it’s me.

Seriously, there are all kinds of photos with no clue as to when they were taken.

There are shots from the historical drama ‘Chase,’ and one that looks like it was taken during a visit to the composer’s workshop for recording a drama track.

“These were taken quite skillfully.”

“…That’s true.”

Moon Chang-sik and I locked eyes as we both stared at the photos.

“What do we do now?”

“First, our representative will take measures, so a correction article will be out shortly.”

“…That’s a relief.”

If a correction article comes out, it would ease my fears somewhat, but…

“This might have some serious repercussions, right?”

“…I’m terribly sorry.”

It’s not just anyone; it’s Moon Chang-sik.

Moreover, I’ve been getting a lot of exposure lately.

In fact, he’s even mentioned his interest in me on variety shows.

But a romantic scandal?

With so many photos to boot?

It’s questionable whether a correction article will be enough to clear the misunderstanding.

Still, let’s assume, for the moment, that everything gets resolved smoothly.

Thinking about it, our agency is a specialized actor agency that has been just focused on Moon Chang-sik, so can’t they handle one romantic scandal?

The problem is….

“Hmm… The broadcast is the issue.”

“…I have no words.”

My main job? The broadcast is the problem.

I have a feeling this is going to get chaotic….

No, it’s obvious that the community is already buzzing with activity.

…It hasn’t been long since the concert ticketing event, after all.

“Let’s head back for now.”

“Okay.”

The article was alarming, but we couldn’t stay outside, so we returned to the shop.

Once back, the shop was eerily quiet, contrasting sharply with the earlier raucous atmosphere.

Everyone was silent, glancing at us.

Rather than worrying about the romantic scandal, it seemed they wanted to confirm whether it was real or not.

“…No, it’s not true.”

Upon feeling their scrutinizing gazes, Moon Chang-sik said this, prompting responses to spring up from various corners.

“Wait, it’s really not true?”

“Oh, so it was a false report.”

“I said the reporters are the problem.”

“Hahaha….”

Seeing their reactions was a bit surprising.

It seemed like these people half-believed the rumor, huh?

If those who shot together for months are reacting this way, the general public must be fully convinced.

Swallowing a sigh internally, I returned to my spot where the people I used to sit with were waiting.

“What a surprise, that article came out all of a sudden.”

“Don’t worry too much. Just stay calm.”

“I’ve had a few romantic rumors too, but people forget quickly.”

One after the other, Nam Han-kyung, the writer, and Han Ye-eun offered me their support.

“Um, well… I’m okay.”

It was a confusing situation, but I replied as such and made my way back to my seat.

Ping! Ping!

I noticed my phone, which I had left on the table, buzzing away.

…Checking the caller ID revealed it was the agency’s representative.

Speaking of which, where was Park Kang-seok?

“Kim Soo-hyun, the representative is trying to reach you.”

“Oh, yes.”

They do say that when you mention someone, they show up.

Just as I thought that, Park Kang-seok appeared right behind me.

He looked just as sober as before the drinks, actually.

Taking a deep breath while observing him, I picked up the phone.

“Hello?”

[Oh, Soo-hyun, you must be shocked, right?]

The representative’s voice was slightly cautious.

…I knew they treated me differently, but they really know how to handle situations, even like this.

Still, the good news is that the shock has cleared my head.

So now, I can grasp the situation more intuitively.

“Ah, yes… I was surprised, to say the least.”

[Don’t worry too much. We’re requesting a correction article right now. The photos are just because you two are close, right?]

“Yes, most of them are from the filming site or during work.”

[Got it. Soo-hyun, just don’t worry and head home to rest well.]

“….”

They say to take a rest, but can I actually relax?

Right now, I’m still receiving missed call messages.

“I understand for now….”

[Right. We’ll handle it; you really don’t need to worry.]

With that, my conversation with the representative ended.

“Hmm….”

After the call, while packing up my things, I addressed the people at the table.

“Um, can I go ahead and leave first?”

“Oh, you’re leaving?”

“Yeah, get some rest.”

Just a while ago, if I had said something like this, people would try to hold me back, but now they let me go without hesitation.

…Will these guys even be able to go for a round two? It feels like an awkward mood.

But that’s not what’s pressing right now.

“You didn’t drink, right?”

“No.”

“Can you drop me off at home?”

“Yes, I’ll prepare.”

I asked Park Kang-seok to drive me in the van.

Afterward…

“Hello?”

[M-Miro, what’s going on?]

Even though it’s late, it seems my manager got wind of the news and called right away.

“It’s a false report. A correction article will be released soon.”

[Ah, um, that’s right? It’s false, right? Not real?]

“Did you seriously think it was true?”

[…A bit, yes.]

“What?”

No way.

How can everyone believe this?

I’m the one who’s shocked enough to have my head clear from the alcohol.

“More importantly, what about the broadcast?”

[Ah…]

Right now, my head is filled with thoughts about the broadcast.

Should we just wait until the correction article is out as soon as possible, or should we take some action?

I thought about hopping into the community to see the reactions, but ultimately… I chose not to look.

I’ll just check it out at home, later, when I can decide whether to broadcast or not right in front of my desk.

Nevertheless, for now, I’ll discuss what to do with my manager while riding in the van home.

[…So, in my opinion, it’s best to wait and see for now.]

After our discussion, my manager concluded that we should simply wait until things calm down.

“…Do you think it’s alright?”

[Yes, I know your go-to style is head-on confrontation, but… this might be a bit too big of a situation and could blow back on you.]

My manager has been watching my broadcasts for the past three years, observing, and sometimes even studying my approach.

She knows full well how I’ve handled such situations head-on and managed to clear them up with grace.

Knowing this, I nodded seriously.

“Okay, I understand.”

[However, you know broadcasts better than I do, so ultimately, you need to decide on how to handle that.]

“…Sure.”

While my manager provides advice, she told me to do what I think is best.

That trust can sometimes feel heavy, but I’ve become accustomed to it now.

After all, who else but the Celestial Realm King Miro can handle this situation?

Once I finally got home, I headed straight to the soundproof booth.

Then, staring at the dark monitor, I pondered for a bit.

My head was spinning.

If I start the broadcast, how would I clarify the situation?

Can I just say, “I’m actor Kim Soo-hyun, and the article is false”? I can’t just say that.

Which would mean I’d have to beat around the bush, but I have no confidence that the furious viewers would take that at face value.

In truth, up until now, I hadn’t done anything wrong, so I had tackled things with sheer audacity… but now, until the correction article comes out, I’m the sinner, and the viewers are the executioners.

In this situation, is it right for me to stroll into the fiery executioners’ domain?

I think perhaps dodging this might be the right answer.

…But for now, I powered up the computer.

As always, I booted it up quickly, and feeling a bit nostalgic, I logged into the internet.

I figured I might as well check the community first.

It wouldn’t hurt to gauge the reactions first before making any decisions.

I knew what the public sentiment would likely be, but seeing the details myself was essential.

What if the viewers were thinking this was just absurd?

After all, if someone suddenly hears their favorite virtual YouTuber is in a romantic scandal with a huge contemporary actor, it’s an entirely rational thought to assume it’s just a false report.

Which it is, in fact.

Even though our viewers can be quick to boil over and then cool down, I believe they would exercise a brief moment of rational judgment in this instance, and I entered the community.

Then I immediately checked the popular posts…

[Shit, I canceled my concert tickets.]

[Are you betraying us???]

[Gross, if this is the Celestial Realm’s worst member, thumbs down.]

[I smashed my monitor, dammit.]

[No way, Miro was a virgin, you bastards.]

“Hmm.”

Alright.

With that, I closed the internet window and powered off the computer.

Alrighty then.

If the correction article comes out, things should settle down.

I decided to let it all go and headed to the bathroom to wash my face and change clothes.

Thinking about it, while the short-term effects of the alcohol had worn off, the buzz from it hadn’t completely faded, and I felt sleepy starting to creep in.

So, I just tucked myself under the blanket and closed my eyes.

Tomorrow, my self, who’s as solid and reliable as Taesan, will be ready.

Just like always, they would handle everything beautifully when entrusted with tasks, after all.

I planned to lean on them once again without shame as I drifted off to sleep.

 

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