Idol of the Heavenly One - vanish into fiction

Korean variety shows are always calculated.

Every expression, every glance is meticulously managed by the agency. Especially when it comes to Baek Jae-heon, even a casual joke with a female panelist is handled with caution, and any scene that might lead to fan misunderstandings is filtered out beforehand.

That’s why I always felt secure. I knew that in any broadcast, Baek Jae-heon would never create a ‘story’ with another woman.

But Japan was different. It’s more spontaneous, reaction-based, and above all, ‘fun’ is the priority, so relationships and images aren’t as carefully managed as in Korea.

“Let’s try an experiment where two people look into each other’s eyes for 10 seconds and fall in love!”

I was taken aback when I heard the MC’s words translated by the interpreter. What are they talking about? We’re idols here!

But the panelists and audience erupted in laughter and cheers. Other guests playfully reacted with “Ee~!” but my heart sank.

The target was Baek Jae-heon.

At the MC’s gesture, a woman walked up to Jae-heon.

I recognized her instantly. She was one of Japan’s top idols, appearing in countless ads and magazines. In person, she was even more beautiful. Her eyes crinkled adorably when she smiled, and her attempts to speak Korean were endearing.

Jae-heon awkwardly smiled and bowed his head. Seeing that familiar broadcast smile made me dislike it even more.

“Nice to meet you?”

She said in broken Korean.

“Nice to meet you too.”

Jae-heon replied politely.

Then a staff member said, “Please hold hands and exchange glances.” At the same time, my heart dropped. Jae-heon casually extended his hand, and her small, white hand rested on top of his.

The lights shone on the two of them, and the entire set held its breath.

The MC started counting down.

Their eyes met.

1 second,

2 seconds,

3 seconds.

They were both smiling. Awkward but soft, respectful of each other.

Around 5 seconds, their smiles became more natural.

This was just a broadcast. It should have been a scene I could laugh off, but strangely, time seemed to slow down for me.

7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds.

10 seconds.

The MC loudly declared the end. The room filled with laughter and applause, but all I heard was silence.

Even after that brief moment ended, my fingertips felt cold. I tried to keep myself busy by drinking water and looking down, but the image of the two of them lingered at the edge of my vision. My throat felt dry, and I kept drinking water, even though I wasn’t thirsty.

After the shoot, we waited in the green room while the staff cleaned up. The members were either on their phones or joking around, but there was an awkward tension between Jae-heon and me, who were sitting in the corner.

“Feeling unwell?”

“…No?”

“Why aren’t you looking at me?”

“…Was I?”

Ever since that incident, it was hard to look at Jae-heon. Every time I did, something stirred inside me. I didn’t know what this feeling was, but I was angry. Annoyed. Hurt? Was this hurt?

Jae-heon was forced into an unscripted situation and had to smile to get through it. He did his best. But was I being ridiculous to feel hurt over something so minor?

I didn’t understand my own feelings. Feelings that I couldn’t control. I felt pathetic. You’re pathetic, Ji Myeong-hyeon. I even tried self-deprecation, but the scene kept playing in my mind, and I couldn’t shake off the bad feeling.

“Thank you for your hard work…!”

Just then, the door to the green room opened, and the Japanese female idol from earlier walked in. She was thanking the staff for their hard work, and before I knew it, I had moved to stand right next to Jae-heon. Jae-heon turned to look at me and then smiled slyly.

“Ah, Instagram… shall we follow each other?”