Chapter 10
Team Leader Kim Gyeong-ho, a towering figure with broad shoulders, spoke sternly:
“The organizers requested additional security. Join discreetly without disrupting the event flow. Dong-gyu, focus on Cha Wook. Ja-hye, take Do Eun-seok.”
“Understood.”
I responded with military precision, impersonating the real Kim Ja-hye—who was currently outside handling tasks assigned by the fake Team Leader Kim (me).
Following orders, I moved as inconspicuously as possible and successfully positioned myself behind Eun-seok.
“Numbers 77, 78, 79, and 80—please come to the stage.”
In my past life, Eun-seok had suffered a life-threatening allergic reaction during the infamous “peanut terror” incident. If there was even a chance to prevent it this time, I had to.
Just because he’d survived last time didn’t mean he would again.
With the event nearing its end—when the attack had originally occurred—I couldn’t afford to lower my guard.
“Oppa! You’re so handsome! I fell for you when you smiled while singing in the rain.”
“Ah, that day? I was caught off guard by the rain, but it felt oddly romantic. Thanks for the kind words.”
A red-faced fan giggled, then looked down shyly.
“Oppa, can you try this on for me?”
The moment she pulled something out—
Snap!
I lunged like a spring and seized her wrist.
“Ow!”
“……!”
I’d caught her, but…
“Security. That’s just a headband. It’s fine.”
Eun-seok hastily pried my hand away. True to his words, the fan was holding an adorable rabbit-ear headband.
“Oops! My apologies.”
Just as the atmosphere grew awkward, Eun-seok donned the headband and winked.
“How do I look? Cute?”
“Yes! So cute! Oppa, you’re cute and sexy—you do it all!”
I stepped back, exhaling deeply.
‘Calm down.’
Preventing disaster was important, but I couldn’t ruin the event with reckless actions.
Steeling myself, I suppressed my nerves.
‘……’
Or so I tried.
With each passing fan, my anxiety snowballed. Only about ten remained. Was this what playing hot potato felt like?
No matter how hard I restrained myself—
“Hold it!”
My hand shot out again.
“What is this?”
“I-It’s cat gloves?!”
“Ah. Sorry…”
“Team Leader, shouldn’t outside food be banned?”
“What? Food’s already prohibited.”
Learning that food was already banned at fan signings only deepened my confusion.
The glares from the audience grew increasingly hostile.
I don’t want to do this either! But what choice do I have?!
Before I could stop myself, my body moved again—this time intercepting Fan No. 92’s gift.
Eun-seok fully turned to glare at me.
“Officer Kim Ja-hye.”
“…Yes?”
“I get that you’re on edge after earlier, but this is excessive. You’re upsetting the fans.”
“Ah. My apologies.”
“Don’t manhandle them.”
“I wasn’t—”
“One more incident, and I’ll file a complaint with your company.”
“…Yes, sir.”
Ugh. This is so unfair. No one understood.
‘But Eun-seok…’
So cool. This is what a true leader looks like. Our leader! sob Just look at how much he cares for the fans…
I bit my lip and bowed deeply. To onlookers, I probably looked chastised.
But no—this was an act. It’d reinforce the impression that Eun-seok had reprimanded security, easing the fans’ tension.
Only eight fans remained.
‘What if the terrorist doesn’t exist this time?’
Good. That’d be a relief. I’d just take the heat and move on.
Then I remembered: I was impersonating Kim Ja-hye. She’d be the one blamed.
As I silently apologized to the real Ja-hye—off somewhere following the fake team leader’s orders—Fan No. 95 stepped onto the stage.
‘…Huh?’
Fan signings are where fans meet their idols. Of course, everyone wants to look their best—that’s universal.
But still…
‘You don’t usually show up like that, right?’
Fan No. 95 wore a black hoodie with the hood pulled up, a black mask, and a cap pressed low. I couldn’t look away as she passed Martin, Anthony, and Cha Wook.
‘What? Am I the only one weirded out?’
Dressed like she was the celebrity, she looked like she’d jump out of the shadows for a high-five. How was no one curious?
Her oversized, dingy backpack seemed suspicious, but I shook my head.
‘Hae-bom. You’re biased. Don’t act rashly.’
Remembering Eun-seok’s threat to report me, I forced myself to stay calm—just as the “fan” reached him.
“Ah, hi. Eun-seok.”
“Hello. Thanks for coming.”
“Pfft. Hehe!”
“…?”
“Ah, no. ‘Thanks’… That’s funny.”
She covered her mouth, giggling.
“What’s your name?”
“You don’t need to know mine.”
Her cheerful tone contrasted with her rude reply, startling Eun-seok. She laughed harder.
“Kidding! I just love your flustered face.”
Then, for the first time, she rummaged through her backpack.
Wait. Isn’t she supposed to prep gifts beforehand?
I clenched my fists, resisting the urge to intervene. One wrong move, and the real Ja-hye would pay the price.
‘Something’s off. This time, it’s really off.’
Compared to her vibe, my earlier suspicions seemed trivial.
A peek inside her bag revealed only a floral wreath. She pulled it out carefully.
“I picked this at the dawn market just for you.”
The wreath, adorned with rare peonies, was lush and vibrant. Satisfied, she held it out to Eun-seok.
“Smells amazing. Here, take a whiff.”
“It’s pretty.”
As Eun-seok leaned in, she yanked it back.
“No. Smell it first.”
“Do I have to? I’ve got sinus issues.”
“You have to. That’s the point, Eun-seok.”
Then—before he could respond—she shoved the wreath toward him.
“……!”
Time stretched infinitely.
Food was already banned at fan signings.
No one knew how the attacker had gotten peanuts to Eun-seok last time.
‘…What if it wasn’t food?’
The realization hit me as I dove.
My fingertips grazed the wreath. I snatched it and hurled it aside.
“Yikes! What the—?!”
“Eun-seok. Are you okay?”
I braced for his scolding—to him, I’d just assaulted a fan.
But instead of anger, he just stared. At least he showed no allergic reaction.
“What’s wrong with you? Crazy bitch! Is this how security treats people?!”
“You endangered the artist first.”
“Endangered? This is a fan signing! What ‘danger’?! Just wait—I’m reporting you and Eun-seok!”
Ignoring her tantrum, I stood over the discarded wreath.
“We’ll see if I’m right.”
“…What?”
Her gaze dropped to my feet. The moment confusion flickered across her face, she lunged.
“Don’t you—”
Kick.
I sent the wreath sliding straight to Team Leader Kim.
“NO!”
She screamed, tripping in her attempt to grab it.
Team Leader Kim, stunned by the chaos, asked calmly:
“Officer Ja-hye? What’s…”
“Sir. Inspect that wreath. There’s something in it.”
“AAAH! DON’T TOUCH IT!”
