Shadows of the Spotlight

Chapter 18

The host interviews Arc in front of the cameras. I watch from a few steps back as Arc answers the host's questions with calm confidence. We had anticipated these opening questions and practiced responses on the drive over, so I could tell he felt prepared. Despite a few pauses here and there, Arc's natural charm made each answer feel endearing, and the host and the media teams seemed completely captivated by him.

Then came a question we hadn't anticipated: "After New York Fashion Week, are you planning to attend any more fashion shows?" Arc's gaze shifted to me, a subtle cue for assistance. I stepped forward, smoothly translating the question. He nodded, pausing just briefly before answering, "Maybe. I don't have any invitations yet." His straightforward response drew a laugh from the host, who quipped, "Oh, I'm sure after this event, designers will be lining up to have you at theirs!"

Arc turned back to me, and I translated the comment, which made him laugh softly. "Let's see," he replied with an easy smile. His relaxed, slightly playful response left the crowd charmed and the host smiling widely. The host thanked him for his time and officially welcomed him to the event. With the brief interview wrapped up, Arc nodded politely, glancing my way as if to make sure I was nearby as he moved further into the venue.

As we moved further into the venue, the designer himself came over to welcome Arc, introducing him to a few celebrities gathered nearby. I stood beside Arc, quietly translating as he greeted everyone with a friendly "hi" and exchanged a few casual words. The atmosphere was vibrant, and it wasn't long before several well-known faces from the music industry approached, greeting Arc with enthusiasm. They each asked if he'd be attending the after-party, and with a confirming nod and smile, he assured them he would.

After the latest group left, I leaned closer and whispered, "애프터파티에서 당신을 만나고 싶어하는 사람이 거의 50명이나 됐습니다. 이대로라면 실제로 즐길 시간이 거의 남지 않을 것이다.(I've counted nearly fifty people eager to meet you at the after-party. At this rate, you'll barely have any time left to actually enjoy it.)" Arc chuckled softly at my observation, and was about to respond when a staff member approached us.

"The event is about to begin. Please, follow me to your seats," he informed us, motioning toward the front row. As we reached Arc's reserved seat, prominently marked with his name, he took his place with ease, exuding his usual poise. The staff member then glanced at me with a polite but puzzled expression.

"Could you tell me your name?" he asked, scanning his tablet and then apologizing, "Sorry, I didn't recognize you."

I smiled and replied, "Oh, I'm just Arc's translator, nothing more. No need to recognize me."

He raised his eyebrows and responded with a friendly chuckle, "Could've fooled me—I thought you were a celebrity yourself." He then explained that there was a designated area for accompanying staff and offered to guide me there.

Turning to Arc, I informed him softly, "제가 필요하시면 직원실로 가겠습니다. 그냥 전화해(I'll be in the staff's section if you need me. Just call.)" He nodded, giving a quick, reassuring smile as I stepped back, feeling oddly exhilarated by the evening's whirlwind energy.

Following the staff member, I made my way to the area designated for accompanying personnel. At first, I thought the earlier mix-up might have been due to my outfit, suspecting I was perhaps a bit overdressed. But looking around, I realized I wasn't alone—many stylists, makeup artists, managers, and even other translators were dressed just as fashionably, mostly more than me.

As I mingled, conversations buzzed around me. Most people here seemed well acquainted, sharing tales and laughing about the eccentricities of their celebrities. Some stories were lighthearted jokes at their clients' expense, while others leaned toward venting, which felt uncomfortable to me. After a while, I drifted out of the crowd, making my way over to the impressive food table.