Devil’s Music

When Jang Hyuk, Oh Ji-ho, and Lee Daehae appeared at the airport, there was a moment of chaos, but thanks to the thorough security at Incheon Airport, they swiftly processed VIP clearance for departure, allowing the group to board the plane without major issues.

Geon, being a first-time flyer, couldn't contain his excitement, exploring the plane's interior curiously. The flight attendants, initially gossiping about the arrival of celebrities, were taken aback when they saw Geon's face.

Blushing, the attendants giggled whenever their eyes met Geon's. Nonetheless, as the departure neared, they swiftly resumed their professional demeanor, tidying up the cabin and conducting safety instructions and emergency briefings before the plane departed for China.

Among the crew and celebrities, Da-hae, insisting on sitting beside Geon, happily shared peanuts with him.

"Geon~ Are they good?" she asked, offering the peanuts.

Geon accepted graciously, feeling less burdened by Da-hae's kindness. In fact, after the conference and the week leading up to their departure, they'd been texting and calling each other daily, growing quite close.

"These are really good, noona. But wait, are all the snacks free on the plane?"

"Well, basics are complimentary, but some items need to be ordered and paid for. However, in first class, we have more options available without charge compared to economy or business."

"Ah, I see. My younger sibling loves peanuts. I'd like to bring some home for them."

"Really? You can ask for more. As long as you're not carrying an excessive amount, there aren't strict limits."

"Oh, really? Then I'll ask for a few more. They got upset since I said I wouldn't bring any and promised to give me pocket money if I did."

"Hehe, seems like Geon is really caring towards their sibling."

"Well, yeah, they can be a bother sometimes, but they're so adorable and quick-witted."

As the flight prepared for takeoff, Yeongseok, looking a bit uneasy, leaned over and asked Geon about their preparedness for singing.

"Geon, are you all set for the song? I asked AD, and they mentioned not reaching out specifically, so I assumed you're well-prepared."

"Yes, hyung. Everything's ready, lyrics and all."

Relieved, Yeongseok relaxed.

"Ah, good. I have to manage every little thing. Our AD has good drive but lacks attention to detail. The main writers are meticulous, thank goodness, or else I'd have a breakdown working with them."

"Why do you say that about the AD who's good at their job?"

Da-hae nudged Geon, speaking with her elbow.

"Ah, don't mind him. Yeongseok is just making it up. The AD is well-respected in this field. Don't worry, he's just trying to push you further, pay no mind. Apparently, they criticize more the ones they want to grow."

Geon chuckled and nodded in agreement.

"Ah, Yeongseok hyung is just joking? You seem nice. Hehe."

Yeongseok scratched his face and returned to his seat.

Meanwhile, Hogan, seated ahead with the manager, turned to look at Geon.

"Geon, have you seen the video released in China? You're in it."

Geon shook his head.

"No, it hasn't been broadcasted domestically, so I haven't seen it."

Da-hae gestured to a small bag from which she retrieved her iPad.

"Hehe, Geon, I brought it just for you! I thought you might want to see it, so I nagged Yeongseok oppa and got it as a file. Here, take a look."

Geon smiled, taking the iPad from Da-hae.

"Thanks, noona. You're always so thoughtful."

"Hehehe."

Geon touched the screen, playing the video. It showcased interactions between Yeongseok, Geon, and others, but Geon's face remained obscured. Then, there were glimpses of a conversation between Da-hae and Geon, generating anticipation for their relationship in the video. Despite Geon's brief appearance, the captions hyped their involvement.

As the video ended, Geon seemed surprised.

"Huh? My face hardly showed up for three seconds, how could that be?"

Yeongseok approached, commenting, "Ji-ho's right, Geon. The Chinese network even wanted to interview you separately. They've been reaching out for entertainment programs. We had to decline due to our tight schedule. Just play along casually during breaks if cameras approach you."

Is this about right? I'm doing my best to match the tone and essence of the scene!

The plane soon landed at Beijing's Seowudu Airport.

Just before landing, Geon was bombarded by stewardesses who made a point not to ask celebrities for autographs. Smiling, he graciously signed a few autographs and took photos with them before disembarking.

Daehae stopped Geon as he was about to get up.

"Geon, wear this. It's good to have it on when we get off at the airport."

Geon chuckled as he looked at the sunglasses Daehae handed him.

"Hmm? Shouldn't we take off sunglasses at immigration?"

"Yeah, right. Just then. Otherwise, with the camera flashes, your face might scrunch up and become a lifelong meme. Take it from me, I've been through it. It's my recommendation, so put them on quickly."

Geon took the sunglasses and headed to the immigration checkpoint.

With Yeongseok and AD's smooth clearance, they passed through immigration effortlessly and, after retrieving their luggage, headed straight for the arrivals hall.

Standing at the exit to the arrivals hall, Geon almost approached the automatic door absentmindedly when Yeongseok held him back.

"Geon, hold on. The signal from the security team hasn't come in yet."

Seeing Yeongseok's hand on his chest, Geon asked, puzzled.

"It seems Hyuk and Jiho are quite popular. The airport's even arranged a security team for them."

Yeongseok nodded.

"Yeah, seems like Hyuk, Jiho, and Daehae are pretty popular in China because of the dramas. We got word that around ten thousand fans are waiting near the arrivals hall at Seowudu Airport."

Geon exclaimed, "Ten thousand?? Even in Korea, we don't usually have that many waiting at the airport, right?"

Yeongseok shrugged. "It's a big country, China, with a population of 1.3 billion. Ten thousand isn't a big deal here. Sometimes, when really popular idol stars come, they get up to thirty thousand fans at the airport."

Geon nodded, understanding China's status as the country with the largest population.

Watching Geon's reaction, Yeongseok thought, "From what I heard, among the ten thousand fans, there'll be numerous placards with your name on them, Geon. Heh heh heh."

Yeongseok directed the filming team that accompanied them.

"Alright, main camera director, set up your camera first, and remember, focus more on the actors' and fans' expressions rather than the overall scene. We'll use this for behind-the-scenes or a documentary later, so make sure to capture that well. Audio director, lower the volume when fans scream, and double-check the actors' microphones."

Yeongseok gave instructions at the entrance to the arrivals hall, and the team, familiar with their work, swiftly and accurately followed the director's commands.

After about fifteen minutes, a voice echoed through Yeongseok's walkie-talkie.

"PD Chik, this is AD. We've received clearance from the local security team, but the fans are gathering too densely, raising safety concerns. Please move to the transport as quickly as possible."

Yeongseok raised his own walkie-talkie to his mouth.

"Chik... what? Why? Wasn't there supposed to be a press conference right after arrival at the airport press conference hall?"

"Chik... Unexpectedly, over twenty thousand fans have gathered. The press conference will be held temporarily at the National Theater. We were discussing using the airport press conference hall, but due to the potential for fans storming in, they've canceled our access."

"Chik... I see. Well, popularity calls for such measures. Alright, am I heading out now?"

"Chik... Yes, come out now!"

Yeongseok positioned the security team around the actors and said, "Security team, we're going out now. Focus on protecting the actors. Hyuk and Jiho go first. Daehae, come with me, and Geon, follow us last!"

As Yeongseok checked the security team's readiness and pressed the button for the automatic doors in the arrivals hall, the security team assigned to Hyuk and Jiho quickly rushed out.

"Scream!!!"

"Wow!!! Geon!!!"

The airport seemed to tremble as a massive cheer erupted. Hyuk and Jiho, wearing faint smiles, walked through the path cleared by the security team. Fortunately, safety barriers were in place, ensuring that fans couldn't get too close, providing a relatively comfortable and safe passage.

However, as Daehae and Yeongseok passed through after them, things took a sudden turn when Geon emerged from the arrival hall.

"Scream!!! Geon!!!"

Though the fans were initially relatively contained, they surged toward the arrival hall entrance in unison. The security team struggled to push them back, but it wasn't enough.

Reacting swiftly to the change, Yeongseok shouted urgently, "Hyuk, Jiho, take Daehae and run outside! I'll take Geon!"

As Yeongseok's urgent voice echoed, experienced Hyuk and Jiho grabbed Daehae's hand and sprinted. The team responsible for the three of them also dashed out without looking back.

Yeongseok directed the remaining security team, yelling, "Push them back, no matter what! It's fine if we can't keep the safety line. Just make a way for Geon to escape!"

Geon, still inside, looked astonished at the flood of fans and their Korean-written placards.

"Geon, you're amazing!"

"Even though there are many men in the world, you're special!"

"Geon, I love you!"

"Kim Geon, you're the one!"

"Take me, Geon!"

Though Chinese, they all waved placards in Korean, continuously shouting "Oppa! Oppa!" toward Geon. He stood protected by security, utterly stunned by the unexpected fan reception.