Suddenly, I Became Crazy Handsome, and the World Became Easy

The rookie girl group 'Lime Some', now in their first year since debut, was a fairly skilled group. However, 'Lime Some' had only just begun making appearances on music shows and minor variety programs. With the idol industry being as massive as it was, competition was always fierce.

Still, for a group like 'Lime Some', their situation wasn’t bad.

Their promotional song was getting invitations from various music programs, and now, they had even been cast in PD Woo Han-suk’s new variety show. Among the members of 'Lime Some', Ha-young held the position of the visual center.

However, just because she was the visual center didn’t mean Ha-young neglected her practice, relying only on her looks.

On the contrary, Ha-young had a reputation for being a practice addict.

Vocals, choreography, speech, and more.

There had been quite a few areas where she had been told she was lacking since her trainee days.

Because of that, Ha-young had been rigorously practicing ever since she was assigned the female choreography part for the song 'brake'. While she wasn’t the main focus of 'Produce That 100!', even getting a few minutes on such a big show was significant.

The impact of appearing on it would be several times greater than performing on an ordinary music program.

PD Woo Han-suk’s prior hints had also played a role.

'If you notice anything lacking, you can give some light advice. Just don’t go too hard on it.'

However, the moment Ha-young met Rojun, she was overwhelmed by his visual presence, and after their first attempt at dancing together, she was completely shocked.

‘...What, what the heck? He’s good?? He’s on par with our dance trainers? Maybe even better.’

Advice? Forget that, his dance skills were already at a professional level. And on top of that.

"Was it bad?"

He was asking with that ridiculously handsome face, his tone calm. Was he seriously asking because he didn’t know? Ha-young was confused. After catching her breath, she asked Rojun,

"Uh... Number 1-nim. Before doing ‘Produce That 100!', were you ever a trainee somewhere?"

Kang Rojun shook his head casually.

"No. This is my first time in this field."

"F-First time??"

"Yes."

"You’ve never learned anywhere? You weren’t in a dance club at school or attended an academy?"

"I’ve never formally learned."

"..."

Ha-young completely froze. Meanwhile, Rojun, seeing her reaction, was able to confirm his own thoughts.

‘I thought it was amazing in my eyes, but I wasn’t sure how others would see it. Judging by her reaction, I guess I passed. As expected of 'AI Automation'.’

The best teacher was 'AI Simulation'.

Then, Ha-young, after tying up her slightly messy hair, moved.

"L-Let’s try it again."

"Okay."

She restarted the 'break' track. Just like before, Ha-young signaled the start, and in sync with the timing, both Kang Rojun and Ha-young began the choreography.

-♬♪

The beginning involved both of them walking fluidly to the rhythm. While focusing on her own movements, Ha-young closely observed Kang Rojun’s posture through the front mirror.

Next cut.

‘His execution is precise. That means he fully understands the choreography. He must have practiced to the point where his body moves automatically the moment the music plays.’

Another cut.

‘The male part of 'break' is different from the female part; it’s bigger and more powerful. But his moves have this weird, relaxed vibe? Yet, they connect smoothly? I can’t tell if his dance lines are just pretty or unique... What’s certain is that he’s good. He’s seriously good.’

Of course, Ha-young still had a long way to go in terms of learning. However, considering that she had been dedicating years, including her trainee period, to dancing, she knew far more than Rojun did. And in that moment, Ha-young realized something for certain.

‘I... need to practice more. If I go on the broadcast like this, people might say I got outshined by him.’

She had hit a crisis.

Even though she was from a rookie girl group, she was still a working idol. If word got out that she had been outclassed in dance by someone who wasn’t even an official trainee yet?

That would be a terrible look.

And so, their second attempt came to an end.

-Swish.

Ha-young, who was wiping her sweat, spoke to Rojun.

"Number 1-nim, your dance style feels really good. Honestly, I don’t think I’m in any position to evaluate you."

Kang Rojun felt a bit awkward at the sudden compliment.

"Thank you. You’re amazing too, Ha-young nim."

Just then, the smartwatch on his wrist vibrated. He glanced at it and saw a notification.

-[You have achieved the Hidden Mission: ‘Receive your first compliment from an idol senior!’ You have been awarded 10 Coins as a reward.]

Unaware that she had just given him a reward, Ha-young continued speaking.

"It's like- overall, your dance line is really smooth... But I often get told that mine are too stiff. How do you move so effortlessly like that?"

"I think it’s just about relaxing as much as possible and letting my body follow the flow?"

To be honest, Rojun wasn’t exactly sure himself. But he never lied, he really was just following the flow.

"Relaxing and letting my body follow the flow... Whew- let’s try again! I think I’ll get what you mean if I keep watching you dance!"

"Do you see anything I need to fix?"

"Fix? I don’t think there’s anything wrong with your dance itself. If I had to mention one thing... it’d be your facial expressions."

"My expressions?"

"Yeah. Your face is too focused solely on the choreography. When you’re on stage, facial expressions are part of the dance too. You have to plan when to smile, when to show a certain expression, it’s all decided beforehand. So, from now on, try practicing dancing while smiling."

Expressions, huh? Kang Rojun had come across that while studying. Dance performances weren’t just about movements, facial expressions had to be impressive too. In fact, expressions could be a powerful part of the performance.

‘Hmm-I don’t want to rely on 'AI Automation' for something like facial expressions. Maybe just a relaxed and enjoying-the-moment vibe? Let’s give it a shot.’

And so, they went into their third round of practice.

-♬♪

Once again, Ha-young was astonished.

‘Whoa- his expressions improved instantly? Is he a sponge or what?’

It was because of Kang Rojun’s insane ability to absorb skills.

Later that afternoon.

After finishing practice with Rojun, Ha-young finally got into the van. However, instead of heading to her dorm, she went straight to her agency’s practice room.

‘I need to internalize what I saw today. If I do that, I’ll improve a little more before the actual recording.’

Kang Rojun, who had only been in this industry for a few weeks, had unknowingly lit a fire in Ha-young. Two days later, on the morning of the 23rd, she returned to 'Produce That 100!'

This time, she was scheduled to practice with Number 10.

Before their meeting, Number 10, his face slightly flushed, was in the middle of a brief interview with the production team.

"Hello, Number 10-nim."

"Hello~"

"How has the training camp been for you so far?"

"It’s been great~ The other participants are really nice, and the food is delicious."

"What about the training?"

"It’s amazing. I’ve been able to fix weaknesses and posture issues I didn’t even know I had. Plus, I get to hear tips from senior idols."

"Is there anyone in ‘Produce That 100!’ who catches your attention the most?"

"Ah, of course, Number 1-nim. He’s just so unique, right? Also, I’m set to compete against him in the second round of evaluations. And, look at Number 1-nim’s face. I bet everyone here is paying attention to him."

"How do you feel about the second evaluation? You’ll be competing against Number 1-nim in dance soon."

"It’ll be tough, but I have to win. To be honest, I think I’m a bit ahead when it comes to dance."

After finishing his interview, Number 10 met Ha-young in the practice room. He was practically bouncing as he shook hands with her.

"Wow- Ha-young nim! Nice to meet you!"

"Ah, yes. Hello."

"You’re even prettier in person than on TV!"

"Thank you."

From the start, Ha-young couldn’t help but compare Number 10 to Number 1.

‘With Number 1, his face and overall aura were overwhelming, but this guy is just kind of... unpleasant?’

But work was work. Just because she didn’t like someone didn’t mean she could slack off. Ha-young handled things maturely and took the lead.

"Shall we start if you’re ready? We’re doing the first verse, right?"

"Yep!"

Soon, the practice room was filled with the sound of 'brake'.

-♬♪

Around the middle of the choreography, as Ha-young was matching moves with Number 10, she was slightly surprised.

‘Wow, he’s better than I expected.’

Unexpectedly, Number 10 was also quite skilled.

‘He’s completely different from Number 1. If Number 1 has a bit of a wild, carefree vibe, this guy is more like an elite.’

Ha-young wasn’t the type to easily judge who was better or worse, but she did have her honest impressions.

‘But still, I definitely prefer Number 1’s style.’

Meanwhile.

While Ha-young was in the middle of practicing with Number 10, Kang Rojun was getting ready to go out. Today was the day he had arranged to meet with PD Jung Soo-ryeong.

‘A mask and a cap should be enough to keep me covered.’

Rojun was alone in Room 105. The rest of the participants were all busy with training or practice. He sat on the edge of the single bed, waiting for the production team’s call. He had planned to take a taxi, but conveniently, a few staff members were heading out, so he was able to get a ride with them.

While waiting, Kang Rojun opened the 'AI Simulation' app.

He had already completed today’s mission in advance.

-[Coins Owned: 344]

Seeing the number, he decided to invest 10 coins into his Singing Ability. As he was checking for any changes, a staff member arrived to pick him up. Comfortably leaving the 'Produce That 100!' campus, Kang Rojun headed straight for SBC.

About an hour later.

Upon arriving at SBC, Kang Rojun spotted PD Jung Soo-ryeong standing near the entrance. Her messy brown hair was loose, and she waved as she approached.

"It’s been a while, Writer-nim. Still keeping up the mysterious aura today?"

"Hello."

"How about we step out of this stuffy broadcasting station for a bit and talk? Have you had breakfast?"

"Not yet."

"Then let’s start with food."

Familiar with the area, PD Jung Soo-ryeong led him to a budae jjigae restaurant near the station. She seemed to know the owner well, greeting them before heading straight to a small private room. Settling into her seat, she rubbed her hands together.

"This place is great. I usually come here when I need a hangover cure, the broth is amazing. And since it’s a private room, you can maintain your air of mystery, Writer-nim."

"Thank you."

Rojun gave a polite nod and took off his mask and cap. Just as he did, PD Jung Soo-ryeong, who had been reaching for a napkin, let out a small exclamation.

"But seriously... It’s like God poured a bucket of handsomeness on you. I usually don’t get fazed by good looks, but every time I see you, it’s shocking."

At that moment, the restaurant owner came in carrying a pot of budae jjigae. Amusingly.

"Oh my, who’s this young man? An actor?"

The moment she laid eyes on Rojun, she immediately showed interest. PD Jung Soo-ryeong chuckled.

"Nope. He’s a writer, a writer."

"Really?? No way, that’s a lie. He’s totally an actor. Where would you even find a writer this handsome? Wow- you’re seriously good-looking. I’ll throw in some extra ham for you."

"See? Being handsome is everything. Even our stingy owner is handing out freebies."

True to her word, the restaurant owner not only added extra ham but also served an omelet on the house. Kang Rojun simply felt pure joy.

‘Being handsome is the best. Feels amazing.’

And with that, both PD Jung Soo-ryeong and Kang Rojun began their meal. About 30 to 40 minutes later, PD Jung Soo-ryeong finally set down her spoon.

"Ugh, I’m stuffed."

"Thank you for the meal."

"No problem. Thanks to you, I even got some extra service."

After downing a few glasses of water, PD Jung Soo-ryeong shifted to the main topic.

"Alright, so as we discussed over the phone, ‘Rental Lover’ has been officially approved for production, and I’ll be directing it. We’re starting pre-production in a few days. Oh, have you heard of pre-production before?"

Kang Rojun had come across the term before while researching about being a writer.

"Yes. It’s the preparation stage."

"Exactly. In simple terms, it’s the period where we get everything ready before shooting. Anyway, we’ll be assembling the staff within this month, and since the script is already complete, it’ll only need some minor revisions and refinements. It’s a two- to three-episode project. Do you think you can get it done today?"

"I can."

"Great, that’s settled. While we’re forming the production team, we’ll also start considering actors. As you probably know, one-act plays don’t get A-list actors. The budget is tight."

This was something Kang Rojun was already aware of.

‘They usually cast rookies, right?’

PD Jung Soo-ryeong spoke again.

"Well, occasionally, very rarely, decent actors do take on one-act plays. But that only happens if they happen to really like the script, which is almost never the case. So usually, we just send the script around to agencies and cast rookies."

"I’m aware."

"Mm, still, is there any actor you had in mind while writing?"

"......"

Rojun fell silent for a moment.

Then, he answered calmly.

"No, I don’t have any specific actor in mind."

After a brief pause, he added.

"But… would it be possible for me to appear in it?"