Peninsula: I'm the Top Streamer

Chapter 667 Face Show! ?! Danger!

The heavy door to the waiting room was pushed open, letting in the lingering summer heat, which was immediately swallowed up by the powerful air conditioning. Four tall and beautiful figures filed in, carrying an air of swift energy yet one of nonchalance.

"Get ready, we'll be touching up our makeup and doing a final check soon!" the agent followed up, speaking methodically.

Jennie walked to the huge makeup mirror and turned her face left and right to check her makeup.

"Keep this up." She seemed to be talking to herself.

If I'm not mistaken, she should be dating BTS's Kim Taehyung right now.

Rosé hummed the melody she was going to perform that day, her long, golden hair lying smoothly against her scalp.

Kim Jisoo walked last, closing the door behind her and shutting out the faint music and noise from other artists' groups coming from the corridor outside.

She glanced around the waiting room, her eyes quickly sweeping over the space filled with support bouquets, coffee truck snacks, and personal belongings of team members.

"Jisoo unnie, do you think the sequins here are okay?" Lisa sat up from the sofa and pointed to a few small decorative sequins on her collarbone.

Kim Jisoo walked over, bent down and examined it carefully. "Hmm, it's fine, it's very secure. There's still time, the makeup artist can do a final check later."

Her voice was gentle and soothing.

"Everyone, please double-check your outfits and accessories so there are no mishaps on stage." Her gaze swept over the members before finally settling on herself in the mirror. She raised her hand to smooth her slightly wavy long hair.

Although there is no captain, they are practically the same as captains.

Her makeup and styling remained true to the core style of "Pink Venom," with slightly sharp eyeliner and bold colors that surprisingly harmonized on her face. Combined with her uniquely designed patchwork stage outfit, it perfectly blended a cool and powerful look.

The TV screens in the waiting room were lit up, showing a live performance by the previous group, while the MCD studio was bustling with noise.

Kim Jisoo's gaze didn't linger on the screen; instead, she glanced again unintentionally at her phone on the vanity.

At that moment, the agent rushed over with the schedule.

"Everyone, it's confirmed! Stray Kids will be performing before us, followed by the new girl group. There will be a short interview after the performance." The manager spoke quickly, checking his watch as he confirmed.

"We have about forty minutes left before we go on stage. The assistant director of MCountdown will come twenty minutes in advance to let us know to get ready."

The manager was about to turn around to discuss other matters after finishing speaking when, as if suddenly remembering something, she stopped, turned to Kim Jisoo, and lowered her voice with a slightly subtle expression: "By the way, Jisoo, um... did the TV station mention this in advance on the visitor list?"

Although the voice was soft, it was still faintly heard by the other members in the small waiting room.

"Wow~" Lisa was the first to let out a small exclamation.

Jennie raised an eyebrow and looked at Jisoo.

Jisoo paused, her fingers stilling as she adjusted the ends of her hair. She nodded slightly to her manager, her tone sounding perfectly natural.
"Yes, I already know."

She picked up her phone again, her fingertips seemingly swiping aimlessly across the screen, while her gaze was fixed on the live feed playing on the TV screen in the waiting room.

The bottom right corner of the screen clearly shows a close-up of the MC, Zhao Meiyan, with a professional yet sweet smile, smoothly introducing the next segment.

Kim Jisoo narrowed her eyes slightly, picked up her water glass, took a sip, and swallowed a more complex and difficult-to-discern emotion deep in her throat.

Kwon Heonhyuk finished his morning shoot, and the van smoothly drove to the CJ ENM Center in Sangam-dong, Seoul, where "M Countdown" was being filmed.

The car was quiet. Kwon Hyun-hyuk rubbed his temples, looking tired from the filming.

He hadn't thought much when he agreed to Kim Ji-soo's request, but now, the closer they got to their destination, the more clearly the words "MCD" reminded him of the potential "risk of running into them."

Zhao Meiyan was the MC today. He slightly adjusted his collar, looked at the flowing car lights and crowds outside the window, and thought about the possible scenarios.

"Brother, we're almost there," the assistant in the front row reminded him at the right time.

"Mm," Quan Xuanhe responded, sitting up straight.

The car turned into the back entrance area of ​​CJ ENM Center, which usually avoids the large number of fans gathered at the front entrance, providing artists with a relatively private entrance.

However, luck doesn't seem to be on your side today.

The van had just stopped in the lane near the designated drop-off area at the back door when several young girls who had come early to reserve a spot were chatting and taking selfies, seemingly waiting for their idol to drop off or pick up from get off work at the back door.

When the black van door slid open, and Quan Xuanhe, tall and slender, wearing a light gray casual jacket, bent down and stepped out of the car, the girls' eyes were almost instantly glued to him.

"Oh my god?!"

"Uh...who's that? So handsome! Is he a newly debuted idol...?"

"Wait... Kwon Hyun-hyuk? It's Kwon Hyun-hyuk oppa?!"

One of the girls recognized him first and covered her mouth in surprise.

While it's not uncommon to run into celebrities through the back door, it's quite surprising to encounter a film actor like Kwon Heonhyuk, who is currently enjoying great popularity thanks to his outstanding performance in the Baeksang Arts Awards and "The Hunt," especially since he's at a music show.

The other girls, startled by their companion's gasp, widened their eyes in surprise when they saw who was getting off the bus.

"Kwon Hyun-hyuk? Really? What's he doing here?"

"Wow! It really is actor Kwon!"

"My God, he's even more aloof and handsome in person than on screen!"

After a brief moment of astonishment, the sound of camera shutters clicking and excited whispers erupted instantly.

The girls hurriedly raised their phones and started snapping photos of Quan Xuanhe, who had just stood still.

"Oppa! Look here!"

"Xuanhe oppa, fighting!"

"Who is Oppa here to see?" a bold girl couldn't help but ask loudly.

Kwon Heonhyuk clearly didn't expect to be caught by several sharp-eyed fans as soon as he got out of the car.

He paused slightly, and the aloofness that actors unconsciously exuded on his face vanished for a moment, replaced by a perfectly timed, polite, and gentle business smile.

He didn't say much, but his gaze swept over the excited girls, and he nodded slightly at the camera as a greeting.

But that was enough to make the girls squeal with excitement.

Seeing this, the assistant immediately stepped forward discreetly, separating the fans who were getting too close, and said in a low, quick voice, "Let's go in from this side."

She pointed to the back entrance, where crew members were already waiting to guide them.

Kwon Hyun-hyuk obediently stepped forward and strode towards the entrance, surrounded by his manager and assistant.

His tall, straight figure stood out in the crowd. His light gray suit accentuated his cool and noble demeanor, creating a unique contrast with the noisy, youthful, and idol-filled backstage environment.

Even after his figure disappeared inside the door, the girls who had taken his picture were still immersed in excitement, excitedly flipping through their phone albums and quickly sharing this unexpected encounter in their social media groups.

"My god, Kwon Hyun-hyuk is absolutely amazing! He has such a great presence!"

"He has such charisma, he doesn't look like he's here to promote a music show, he looks like he's walking the red carpet!"

"He just nodded at me! Ahhh! He's so gentle!"

"Why would he come? Did he come specifically to see Blackpink? Didn't they collaborate before? Or is it..."

"Are you watching for Jisoo?"

The girls exchanged a gossipy and imaginative glance. The little incident of Kwon Hyun-hyuk suddenly appearing at the back door of MCD instantly filled them with unprecedented anticipation for what was to come.

His unassuming exit from the car was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples that were about to spread.

At his assistant's prompting, Kwon Heonhyuk quickly walked toward the waiting room with the "BLACKPINK" nameplate hanging on it.

His assistant knocked on the door for him, and the faint noise inside paused slightly.

The door was pulled open from the inside, and a stronger blend of hair products and perfumes wafted out, along with a vibrant yet slightly tense atmosphere typical of a girl group's waiting room.

"Annyeonghaseyo!" The staff member who opened the door was clearly taken aback when they saw Kwon Hyun-hyuk, then quickly stepped aside. "Please come in, please come in!"

The waiting room was quite spacious, but it was now completely filled with makeup and hair styling teams, clothing racks, and support gifts.

Jennie was carefully adjusting her tassel-trimmed short jacket in front of the huge full-length mirror in the corner; Lisa sat cross-legged on the sofa, looking down at the straps on her shoes; Rosé was humming a song and sipping her coffee. When she saw Kwon Heonhyuk come in, her eyes widened slightly, and then she smiled in a friendly way.

These individuals are now mostly making their mark internationally, and of course, it won't be long before the reputations of two of them decline domestically.

The only one who has maintained a good public image is Park Chae-young.

Unfortunately, the majority of K-pop fans are young, so things like Crazy Horse, fawning over white people, lackluster dance performances, and vulgar acting are all ignored after being whitewashed.

Times change, and the wind can shift in an instant.

But Quan Xuanhe's gaze almost instantly bypassed them and locked onto the person in the center of the room who had just put down his water glass and turned around.

Kim Ji Soo.

Her expression carried a calm, slightly professional composure that came with dealing with a busy schedule, but that composure rippled clearly the moment she saw Kwon Hyun-hyuk, like a pebble thrown into a lake.

Her gaze lingered on Kwon Heon-hyuk for a moment, and then Kim Ji-soo's lips curved into a clear smile, blossoming into a gentle and bright one.

It's a bright emotion that's intimate and carries a touch of triumph.

"Wow~" Jennie turned around at some point, her tone teasing and amused.

"A rare guest? It seems that Jisoo's charm is indeed irresistible."

Her gaze swept meaningfully between Kwon Heon-hyuk and the beaming Kim Ji-soo.

She made no attempt to hide it.

Lisa leaned out from the sofa, her face revealing an undisguised gossip and amusement.

"What?" Kim Jisoo's voice rang out as she took a few quick steps toward Kwon Heonhyuk.

The high heels clicked on the floor, making a crisp sound.

She stopped half a step away from Quan Xuanhe, tilting her head back, her eyes, adorned with eye makeup, clearly reflecting his image.

"Our great actor Quan finally remembered to visit the set?" Her voice was clear and crisp, with a hint of mischief.

"You came empty-handed? You're just offering congratulations with words?"

She deliberately raised her delicate eyebrows and stretched out her slender palm in front of him, her posture natural yet playful.

He was used to Kim Jisoo's sometimes straightforward and sometimes indirect way of expressing herself. To him, that little bit of teasing seemed more like a disguised form of coquetry and confirmation that he had "finally seen her."

Kwon Hyun-hyuk looked at Kim Ji-soo's outstretched hand, and at the mischievous and expectant look in her eyes. The helplessness on his face at being teased was instantly replaced by an understanding smile.

"How could that be?" His voice was deep, carrying a hint of composure. He turned his head and gave a slight nod to the assistant behind him. "Jisoo and the others have worked hard on their comeback, so of course we should show them something meaningful to celebrate."

The assistant immediately understood, stepped forward, and handed over several simple yet elegant gift bags of excellent quality.

The bag has a matte dark exterior and is tied with a ribbon of the same color, making it understated yet luxurious.

"I brought you all a little something." Kwon Heonhyuk took the bag and naturally handed it to Kim Jisoo, his gaze sweeping over the other three members who were casting curious glances at him.

Jennie was the first to react with a smile: "Wow, really? You're so kind!"

She peeked into the bag, but didn't immediately take it. However, her expression clearly showed more genuine joy than her earlier teasing.

"Thank you." Lisa smiled.

Rosé also put down his coffee cup and gave a slight bow: "Kamsamita."

Kim Jisoo looked at the bag handed to her, then glanced at Kwon Heonhyuk's gentle, smiling face. The "dissatisfaction" she had just deliberately put on had vanished without a trace, and the smile in her eyes was much more genuine, even carrying a hint of barely perceptible smugness.

She took the bag without looking closely at what was inside, figuring he wouldn't be bad at making things anyway, and simply touched Quan Xuanhe's arm lightly with the bag.

"That's more like it." The voice was light and cheerful, tinged with satisfaction.

"What would you like to eat? I'll go over there."

Kim Jisoo turned to look at the members and asked with a smile.

Actually, she wanted to create an opportunity to be alone with Kwon Hyun-hyuk.

"I am, dried squid!"

After Park Chae-young said something, the other two also said what they wanted to eat.

Then, Kim Jisoo gave him a look, and they walked out of the waiting room together without any hesitation.

Kwon Heonhyuk and Kim Jisoo walked out of BLACKPINK's lively waiting room side by side, the door closing gently behind them, shutting out the noise inside.

The air conditioning in the corridor instantly enveloped us, accompanied by a cacophony of noise.

The relaxed and joking atmosphere in the waiting room seemed to have been left behind inside the door.

"Good luck with your performance later," Kwon Hyun-hyuk said, turning his head slightly, his voice deep and gentle.

Kim Jisoo nodded, her face about to speak in response.

Without stopping, the two turned the corner of a T-shaped corridor ahead.

Just as their view suddenly opened up, a slender, tall figure in a bright MC stage outfit appeared not far ahead, with her back to them, leaning slightly forward to listen to a staff member speaking.

Zhao Meiyan.

The bright lights in the corridor made her sequined MC outfit shine.

She seemed to have just finished a pre-shoot, holding a schedule card in one hand and habitually tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear with the other.

Even just a glimpse of his back reveals the professionalism and sophistication befitting a stage MC.

As if sensing the movement behind her, or perhaps having finished her conversation with the staff, Zhao Meiyan straightened up slightly and turned around naturally.

The moment she turned around, the image froze.

Zhao Meiyan's beautiful face, adorned with a professional smile, unexpectedly met the gazes of Kim Jisoo and Kwon Heonhyuk the moment their eyes met as they turned the corner of the corridor.

That moment.

The lingering smile in Kim Ji-soo's eyes froze as if frozen, and her breath hitched almost imperceptibly.

Although her steps continued forward due to inertia, her straight back seemed to instantly enter a state of silent vigilance, and the smile on her lips froze slightly.

Quan Xuanhe maintained a gentle expression, though he had mentally prepared himself before coming.

He just hadn't expected things to unfold so dramatically here, without any warning...

On the other side was Zhao Meiyan.

Her polite, bright smile froze as if struck by a strong wind when she saw the two people standing side by side in front of her.

Those bright eyes widened abruptly the moment they saw Kwon Heon-hyuk and Kim Ji-soo beside him, their posture clearly intimate.

Her pupils were like the surface of water after a stone was thrown in; shock, disbelief, and the chaos of being caught off guard exploded with complex and surging emotions that made her almost forget how to breathe.

The thin process card in her hand was unconsciously clenched tightly by her slender fingers, and clear, deep creases instantly appeared on the paper.

Three people, three beams of light, suddenly converged, collided, and froze in this narrow backstage corridor.

Time seemed to be paused in the corridor; the music from the distant stage, the sounds of staff walking around, the hum of the air conditioner... all turned into blurry background noise.

Only the heavy heartbeats and silent, clashing gazes of the three remained in the narrow corridor.

(End of this chapter)