novelnext Chapter 234: Again After Rainfall (10)
Chapter 234: Again After Rainfall (10)
Chapter 234: Again After Rainfall (10)
On our journey to our accommodation, the production crew thoughtfully took us on a scenic route through the city. It was our first time experiencing the foreign land, so it was the best chance to soak in the vibrant life of the streets.
Goh Yoo-Joon and Jin-Sung eagerly pressed their faces against the windows. Even Joo-Han and Yoon-Chan, who had been abroad with their families before, couldn't hide their excitement at the sights of New York.
On the other hand, I was still caught in a drowsy haze as my gaze drifted aimlessly. I longed to be part of the excitement but too worn out to fully engage.
‘I am too sleepy...' I yearned to etch the novel New York scenes into my memories, yet my body refused to cooperate. My entire limbs were heavy.
As I tried to muster the energy to enjoy the view, my eyelids started to droop. They eventually surrendered to sleep amidst the soft murmur of conversations around me. I couldn’t tell how long it had been since I closed my eyes. I then felt a gentle touch that tilted my head back to a more comfortable position, inviting a deeper slumber.
When I woke up, the world had whisked by in what felt like an instant, and we were already at our destination.
“Should I carry him on my back? Should I, hyung?”
“No, wake him up. Wake him up!”
“Ah, why? Jin-Sung, carry Suh Hyun-Woo. Whoaaaak!”
The raucous banter of my fellow members filled the air as I opened my eyes. They were already outside the car, eagerly discussing our new surroundings while looking at me. Judging by the situation, it seemed like Goh Yoo-Joon had just been playfully hit by Joo-Han, and Jin-Sung was having a disappointed face somehow.
“...What's going on?" I mumbled, still groggy from sleep.
“Ah, Hyun-Woo hyung's awake.”
“Hyun-Woo, we've made it to the accommodation. Time to get out." Joo-Han called out and prompted me to step out of the vehicle. I took in the sight of our temporary home.
“Is this it?" I asked and looked up at the imposing structure before us.
The building was a pristine nine-story white hotel that stood proudly, embodying the unique essence of New York while exuding a welcoming resort-like ambiance. “There's a coffee shop nearby and a bakery too. This place seems perfect for exploring.”
“Which floor are we on? The view at night must be spectacular.”
Our curiosity about our new surroundings was soon met by the arrival of the accommodation's manager, dispatched by the production team.
“Welcome!”
“Hello!"
As we greeted loudly, the man seemed a bit taken aback but soon flashed a warm smile. “My name is Choi Han-Son, the manager here."
He introduced himself as a Korean and led us to our accommodations. The place was impressive from the outside but was even more beautiful on the inside. It featured a square-shaped garden surrounded by the building, designed to offer different views from both inside and out.
“You will be staying on the eighth floor, the highest level here," Mr. Choi informed us, his voice tinged with pride.
“Wow...”
The idea of staying in such a high-quality spot in New York, especially on the top floor, was thrilling. It seemed the production team's promise of a significant investment had generously extended to our accommodation as well.
After showing us to one of the two rooms on our floor and providing some essential information, Mr. Choi left us to settle in. The room was already equipped with cameras, and the production crew lingered just long enough to capture our initial reactions before giving us some space.
“Feel free to relax until Reina arrives. If you want to step out for a bit, that's fine too. Just keep your phones handy please."
“Okay!”
With the crew gone and the door firmly shut, the room became our own private haven. The excitement was palpable as we started to explore every nook and cranny of our spacious new lodging.
“Gosh, this place is huge.”
Jin-Sung made a pouty face, almost as if he was about to whine. “Hyung, I thought you got used to my sleeping habit.”
“As if he could be okay. He has just been putting up with it until now," answered Goh Yoo-Joon on behalf of Yoon-Chan, who didn't protest. This indicated he probably had been just enduring it.
Joo-Han then suggested, “How about excluding Hyun-Woo and playing rock-paper-scissors for old times' sake?"
“Deal." They agreed in unison.
The four engaged in a playful round of rock-paper-scissors. The outcome? Yoon-Chan triumphed, and the notorious sleep disruptors, Joo-Han and Jin-Sung, ended up as roommates. They playfully bickered about who was less thrilled with the arrangement.
Then came a moment of rest. After a rejuvenating nap in the smallest room's bed, I was informed that Reina had arrived at the accommodation.
***
“Good afternoon, Senior!"
“Hey there, did you guys get some rest?" She immediately handed over some snacks she had bought for us. “I heard these were good, so I got them for you to try. Enjoy.”
“Thank you so much!" we replied in chorus.
“Are the others not here yet?" She peeked into the adjacent room and checked for the other cast members we were supposed to meet.
“Oh my gosh, they are not here yet? Director, they haven't arrived?"
“No, they missed their flight because of a passport issue. They should be arriving on the next one," the production staff explained.
“I see,” Reina murmured as she was a bit surprised.
“They said they will catch up with the meeting details later."
“Well, they are acting like protagonists, gosh!" She joked, and her laughter filled the room.
The mention of the other cast members, comedian Cha Yi-Seul and composer-producer Seon In-Ha, hinted at their close-knit relationship formed through the program. They often gathered for personal hang outs beyond their professional ones.
“Let's take a short break and then discuss our plans," Reina suggested.
“Okay!" After she retreated to her room for a brief respite, we too returned to ours and tiptoed around the fact that our senior was just next door. The chocolate tarts she gave us were deliciously rich, but so sweet that we couldn’t eat the whole thing. Jin-Sung and Yoon-Chan ended up claiming the majority of it.
***
Reina's "short break" was indeed short. Despite having just arrived in the country and even meeting with Callia Lawrence upon her arrival, she already gathered us all for a dinner meeting in the rooftop garden restaurant on the ninth floor, much sooner than we had anticipated. We sat there, stiff and nervous, as we were not sure how to interact with such a revered senior.
“Relax, guys. Anyone else would think we are strangers meeting for the first time," she chided gently.
“Oh, no... We are not nervous." Yoo-Joon tried to assure her, but the tone of his voice betrayed him.
“Loosen up, loosen up. We've known each other since before your debut, remember?" Reina broke the ice and then asked us some questions. As Joo-Han and I joined the conversation, the rest of the members slowly chimed in, creating a genuinely warm and convivial atmosphere. It was at this moment that Reina made an announcement.
“Let's put aside the formalities for now. For the next two weeks, consider me not a senior but your manager, Reina. Please call me 'manager,’ not 'senior.’ My goal is to ensure you all take something valuable from these two weeks, so focus solely on that."
“...Okay!”
She pointed to her ears, signaling us to make the most of this opportunity. “Make sure to entertain the viewers and listeners. Speak up if something's not right or if you have any wishes."
“Yes, ma'am!" we responded, feeling a bit more at ease now.
“And don't hesitate to mention if there's something specific you want to eat,” Reina said with a reassuring smile as she resumed the meal. I steeled myself once again. The real shooting started the next day. Inspired by her passion, I was determined to give my best and create positive synergy during the shooting.