Echoes of Asael: A Manager's Second Chance

Shattered Facades

Did I hear that correctly?

"Do you mean the 'Code' song by the K-pop boy group REED?" the man asked, seeking confirmation. Yaara nodded in response.

"It's been a long time since I've heard anyone sing that song. So, why did you change your choice to another song?"

"At first, I wanted to challenge myself. But after hearing your comments during Eun-ju's performance, I realized 'Code' doesn't fit the concept I'm bringing to the ASAEL group," Yaara explained at length.

"I want to ensure I'm choosing songs that align with our group's genre," she added.

"That's impressive. But I'm curious, how did you come to choose 'Code'? It's an older song, and not many in your generation know it, especially since it's a 'side song' from REED's main album."

"The REED group?" Zuyi looked at me, seeking clarification.

"REED debuted about...10 years ago. Their first album came out then," I explained.

"Wow, ten years ago? I was only six years old!" Zuyi muttered.

"Hey, Isn't that the group with a member who committed suicide?"

All eyes turned to Director Seo, who had just made the insensitive remark.

I bit my lip. What the hell, does your mouth have no filter? This shameless pig.

"Director, you shouldn't have said that. It's a sensitive topic," reprimanded the young man, frowning.

"What? It's true—" Director Seo suddenly stopped. His face shifted from normal to fearful. He stood up abruptly, bowing at a ninety-degree angle. His eyes darted toward the entrance.

I quickly turned around, as did the others. An imposing older man stood there, exuding the authority of a feared leader.

PD Oh Jihye.

Veins bulged on his neck and forehead, indicating he was about to explode. He must have overheard Director Seo's words.

"Director Seo, come to my studio. Now," he said, his deep voice echoing through the room.

"P-PD Oh..."

"NOW. If I return and you aren't there, you'll face the consequences." PD Oh's eyes blazed as he glared at Director Seo.

The man had no choice but to obey. He would face punishment eventually. Just because you have authority does not excuse speaking ill of the deceased.

I glanced at Yaara, who's still standing in front of the judges' table. She showed no reaction to Director Seo's words, but I was worried. Yaara often hides her feelings, and I feared this would deeply hurt her.

Yaara, I'm sorry. You shouldn't have heard about your brother's death like this.

"I'm canceling this competition. Instead, the group members will vote to choose between Lee Yaara and Kang Eun-ju as their leader. Whoever receives the most votes will lead," PD Oh instructed. He then approached the remaining judges.

"I apologize for the sudden change. I disrupted your judging," he said, shaking hands with both of them.

"It's fine, PD Oh. We enjoyed watching the competition. Thank you for trusting us," the young man replied on behalf of both judges.

As they left the room, the younger-looking judge winked at me, flashing a smile.

Huh? What?

Ah, Yaara. I need to keep an eye on her. I turned to check if she was okay, but she seemed to react as usual. Was she trying to hide her hurt feelings from everyone else?