I Can't Love an NPC

#CantLoveNPC08_50

Jimin, Tae, and Dal follow Moon to the stage. Hana stays back with Ara and Professor Kim to do a dry run of the screening procedures.

#CantLoveNPCScene08End

#CantLoveNPC09_01

#CantLoveNPC08_49

[Moon] I'll start doing the sound checks.

[Cafe Owner] Nice suit, Moon, kkkkk.

[Moon] See! I told you I looked silly, Hana!

[Hana] Oh! You look great!

#CantLoveNPC08_50

#CantLoveNPC08_48

[Hana] OK. Professor Kim and Ara are on door duty. Ara will do frisk screening for metal objects, and Professor Kim will make sure everyone has stickers on their phone cameras.

#CantLoveNPC08_49

#CantLoveNPC08_47

[Hana] Is everything set?

[Cafe Owner] Yep! We'll max out the place today! 

[Cafe Owner] Hey, Professor Kim.

[Professor Kim] Nice to meet you again!

#CantLoveNPC08_48

#CantLoveNPC08_46

The cafe owner is waiting inside, and several film crews are setting up to livestream the performance.

[Cafe Owner] HANAAAAAA! This is crazy! I'm so happy for you. Will you still be my friend when you're famous?

[Hana] hhhhh. Don't be silly.

#CantLoveNPC08_47

#CantLoveNPC08_45

[Reporter 2] Are you excited about your American tour?!

Hana gives a thumbs up to the reporter as she whisks the band into the cafe and closes and locks the door tight behind her.

#CantLoveNPC08_46

#CantLoveNPC08_44

[Police Officer] I'm here to help with crowd control. You can't block the road! Did you hire security?

[Hana] Thank you for your help. We don't want to block the road either. And yes, we hired extra security!

[Police Officer] Good!

#CantLoveNPC08_45

#CantLoveNPC08_43

[Hana] Of course, we're performing "Super Brash." We've saved it for the local fans who supported us when we were getting started!

More questions are yelled, but a police officer steps forward, and the reporters make way for him.

#CantLoveNPC08_44

#CantLoveNPC08_42

When they reach the cafe/concert venue, reporters start yelling questions at them.

Over the yell of many reporters questions,

[Reporter 1] Are you really going to perform the premiere of your new song "Super Brash?"

#CantLoveNPC08_43

#CantLoveNPC08_41

The band and Professor Kim take the elevator to the basement. Instead of walking out the front door, they take the secret back exit. As they round the corner to walk down the main street, they are immediately spotted by the press.

#CantLoveNPC08_42

#CantLoveNPC08_40

Today, BxGxR is playing for a small, exclusive audience at the venue where it all started... where they have to do everything from security to putting up banners to washing the floors after they finished.

#CantLoveNPC08_41

#CantLoveNPC08_39

For today, they have cleared almost everything but chairs out of the coffee shop so they could squeeze in a hundred people. 

#CantLoveNPC08_40

#CantLoveNPC08_38

The independent coffee shop underneath their apartment was the first place that let the band play. The coffee shop was large enough to set up a stage and host around 50 people.

#CantLoveNPC08_39

#CantLoveNPC08_37

They also played many tiny, often unpaid, venues, because the K-pop machine did their best to exclude independent artists from any significant venue by threatening the owners of the concert venues.

#CantLoveNPC08_38

#CantLoveNPC08_36

When the band was getting started, being outside the K-Pop factory system, they were forced to do almost everything by themselves, from selling tickets to washing the floors afterward. 

#CantLoveNPC08_37

#CantLoveNPC08_35

[Hana] We can't walk out the front door of our apartment. The press will see us. 

[Moon] There's a back door.

[Hana] I know that Moon. I have it all figured out, as always.

[Hana] Let's go, everyone! 

#CantLoveNPC08_36

#CantLoveNPC08_34

---

Finally, all dressed in their costumes and ready, Hana goes to the front window to look out at the street below. It's several hours before the concert

[Hana] There's already a huge crowd down there! Wow!

#CantLoveNPC08_35

#CantLoveNPC08_33

[Ara] I am trained for airport security screening. Will it be the same thing?

[Hana] Almost the same. But it will be at the concert venue today.

[Ara] I am pleased to be of service.

[Hana] Great!

#CantLoveNPC08_34

#CantLoveNPC08_32

Embarrassed, Professor Kim changes subjects.

[Professor Kim] Ara, can I ask you for a favor?

[Ara] Of course, Professor Kim.

[Professor Kim] I would like you to help me screen the fans who are attending the concert at the entrance. 

#CantLoveNPC08_33

#CantLoveNPC08_31

[Hana] I'll say it like you do, Moon. It'll be fine, kkkkk. 

[Ara] Is my skirt, OK, Hana?

[Hana] Turn around.

Ara turns around.

[Hana] Yes, Ara. Your skirt was already the right length.

#CantLoveNPC08_32

#CantLoveNPC08_30

[Hana] I think that's about right. Turn around, Jimin.

Jimin turns around.

[Hana] Can you see anything, Moon?

[Moon] Just barely... no. But she's not on stage with fans looking up from below. She's not dancing.

#CantLoveNPC08_31

#CantLoveNPC08_29

Hana turns and winks at Moon and Professor Kim.

[Hana] Do you want to see Jimin's surprise, kkkkkk?

[Moon] I'll pass.

Hana hikes up the waist of Jimin's skirt, and reties the little belt to hold it higher on her waist.

#CantLoveNPC08_30

#CantLoveNPC08_28

[Moon] Whoa! It was short already. 

Hana ignores him.

[Hana] Now for Jimin.

Hana squats down in front of Jimin to adjust the waist of her skirt.

#CantLoveNPC08_29

#CantLoveNPC08_27

Talking to herself out loud as she hikes up the waist of her skirt and reties the belt,

[Hana] If we're going to do this, WE'RE GOING TO DO THIS!

Hana brushes her hands down the back of her skirt to feel how much it covers.

#CantLoveNPC08_28

#CantLoveNPC08_26

Hana gets Ara and Jimin, and Moon gets Tae and Dal. Hana lines up the dancers and takes a picture. 

[Hana] Professor Kim. Take one more picture with all of us.

[Professor Kim] Sure.

SNAP.  

#CantLoveNPC08_27

#CantLoveNPC08_25

Hana adjusts her chest and winks.

[Hana] Eww! Watch what you say, Professor Kim, kkkkkk.

Professor Kim's face turns red.

...

#CantLoveNPC08_26

#CantLoveNPC08_24

[Professor Moon] Do you have anything to eat to go with the coffee?

[Hana] I bought you more melons. 

[Professor Kim] Ahh! Hana. Your melons are always the tastiest.

#CantLoveNPC08_25

#CantLoveNPC08_23

[Moon] You really think so, Hana?

[Hana] Just watch, kkkkkk. Everyone wants to think they're in on something special!

[Moon] Let's finish our coffee and our makeup and get the others.

#CantLoveNPC08_24

#CantLoveNPC08_22

[Hana] I'm betting the fans are going to cheat and rip the security tape off their phones and still take pictures. Then they'll think they have something really special and post to social media even more than usual!

#CantLoveNPC08_23

#CantLoveNPC08_21

[Moon] I don't get it, Hana. Why are we covering people's cell phone cameras? Don't we want more free publicity?

[Hana] We do. It's reverse psychology. After securing the fan's phones, they will think something really important is happening.

#CantLoveNPC08_22

#CantLoveNPC08_20

[Professor Kim] I guess. That is... yes, I can.

[Hana] Great! Thanks, Professor Kim!

Hana gives Professor Kim a hug and squeezes him tight before letting go!

#CantLoveNPC08_21

#CantLoveNPC08_19

...

[Professor Kim] So you're putting me to work, kkkkk. That's fine.

[Hana] I also want to put security tape on everyone's cellphone cameras at the venue. Can you do that while Ara screens for metal objects?

#CantLoveNPC08_20

#CantLoveNPC08_18

[Professor Kim] You should have warned me in advance, Hana, but I think we can try.

[Hana] I just thought of it. Ara's help will let me focus on the ticket collection, and Moon focus on the sound check.

[Professor Kim] OK. We'll ask Ara.

#CantLoveNPC08_19

#CantLoveNPC08_17

[Professor Kim] A concert venue isn't exactly an airport.

[Hana] I know. But I'm thinking we can do a few dry runs with Ara and then have her help with the screening. You can be there to make sure it goes smoothly. 

#CantLoveNPC08_18

#CantLoveNPC08_16

[Hana] Today is going to be even more work than usual! Do you think we can use Ara's training?

[Professor Kim] You want Ara to do the screening at the door?

[Hana] Exactly.

#CantLoveNPC08_17

#CantLoveNPC08_15

[Professor Kim] That's right, Ara was trained to screen for metal objects.

[Hana] Well, I got a call from the city, and they're insisting we have a metal detector to screen the fans today. I also had to hire an additional security person. 

#CantLoveNPC08_16

#CantLoveNPC08_14

[Professor Kim] Go ahead!

[Hana] Ara was trained to do security checks at airports, correct?

[Professor Kim] Yes. That was the original intention.

[Hana] And you trained Ara with those special sensors that can detect metal objects, correct?

#CantLoveNPC08_15

#CantLoveNPC08_13

[Hana] Professor Kim, these small concerts are always a lot of work because we have to do everything behind the scenes by ourselves... like when we just started. You told me about Ara's previous training. I have an idea.

#CantLoveNPC08_14

#CantLoveNPC08_12

[Moon] Hana! See! Even Professor Kim thinks this giant red jacket with shoulder pads is weird!

[Hana] It's a good outfit, Moon. Trust me. The press is going to love putting up your picture in that giant red jacket.

#CantLoveNPC08_13

#CantLoveNPC08_12

[Moon] Hana! See! Even Professor Kim thinks this giant red jacket with shoulder pads is weird!

[Hana] It's a good outfit, Moon. Trust me. The press is going to love putting up your picture in that giant red jacket.

#CantLoveNPC08_13

#CantLoveNPC08_11

Knock. Knock.

[Moon] Come in. It's open.

[Hana] Hey, Professor Kim.

[Professor Kim] Hey, Hana. There's already a big crowd outside.

[Moon] We noticed. 

[Professor Kim] Hey, Moon. Nice jacket!

#CantLoveNPC08_12

#CantLoveNPC08_10

[Moon] But you might just make Jimin famous for the wrong reasons.

[Hana] I'm willing to take that chance. C'mon… it's just a "planned" wardrobe malfunction, kkkkk. Korean society may be conservative, but it's not the Choson Dynasty!

---

#CantLoveNPC08_11

#CantLoveNPC08_09

[Hana] But to get there, today, we need to make Jimin more than ClickClok famous. We need to make the news. 

[Moon] You think the wardrobe malfunction will do it. 

[Hana] Oh yeah! No other band would dare do this!

#CantLoveNPC08_10

#CantLoveNPC08_08

[Moon] You can probably get Tae to massage your feet, and I'll make you a coffee just the way you like it.

[Hana] I'll buy the seaside apartment with the Billion Won that we will make at the concert, kkkkkk!

[Hana] It's a plan!

#CantLoveNPC08_09

#CantLoveNPC08_07

[Hana] No. This isn't famous! The performance on WBS TV was just a start. Wait till you see the 20K crowd we will sell in America. Famous is having a boytoy massage my feet as I sip coffee from my seaside apartment in Jeju, kkkkk. 

#CantLoveNPC08_08

#CantLoveNPC08_06

Moon walks over and looks out of the window.

[Moon] Oh my goodness! The crowd is much bigger than usual! After that performance on WBS TV we may really be famous now!?

#CantLoveNPC08_07

#CantLoveNPC08_05 

Hana goes to the window of her apartment and carefully looks out down on the street without showing her face. In the street below her apartment, there is already a scrum of reporters and fans waiting in line.

#CantLoveNPC08_06

#CantLoveNPC08_04

📞[Cafe Owner] I've ordered rush extra deliveries, so we have something to sell at the cafe the rest of the day.

📞[Hana] Is the metal detector up?

📞[Cafe Owner] Yes, right inside the door, just like you left it!

📞[Hana] Be there soon! Bye!

#CantLoveNPC08_05

#CantLoveNPC08_03

📞[Cafe Owner] Hana! It's already crazy here! Press are lining up outside. I'm selling food and coffee through the outside service window. We're going to sell out of food before people even start coming!

#CantLoveNPC08_04

#CantLoveNPC08_02

In their too-expensive, too-small apartment in central Seoul, Hana and Moon are having coffee together while the rest of the band is still resting. 

Ring. Ring.

#CantLoveNPC08_03

#CantLoveNPC08_01

#NPC를_사랑할_수_없어요

#CantLoveNPCScene08Start 

#멘붕 - #DeerInTheHeadlights

It's the morning of BxGxR's final concert. Time to put Ara's special skills to use... doing security checks!!??

#CantLoveNPC08_02

#CantLoveNPC07_84

Next to Hana's imaginary friend, Cutie or Gwiyeowo (#귀여워), on the pier of Sapgyoho Ocean Park #삽교호, Hana finally told her brother the lie she was hiding, the lie that no one would be fooled by.

#CantLoveNPCScene08End

#CantLoveNPC08_01

#CantLoveNPC07_83

[Professor Kim] Do we have a choice?

[Moon] I was always with you sis!

Hana runs up and hugs her brother, Moon.

In tears,

[Hana] I did it in secret because I thought you would be mad at me, Moon. I thought you wouldn't support me. Sorry.

#CantLoveNPC07_84

#CantLoveNPC07_82

[Moon] Is there actually an audience overlap between Nikki Menagerie fans and K-pop?

[Hana] Eum... I WILL MAKE ONE!!!!

Hana finally stops to take a breathe...

#CantLoveNPC07_83

#CantLoveNPC07_81

Talking at out-of-breathe speeds,

[Hana] If we can mobilize the Korean diaspora community in Queens and get some of the fans planning on going to the Nikki Menagerie concert to come to our concert, we might pull it off.

#CantLoveNPC07_82

#CantLoveNPC07_80

[Hana] And we have a real shot! First, our concert tickets are cheaper than the typical tickets. Second, the arena manager is giving every Nikki Menagerie fan who needs a refund a discount if they buy tickets for our concert. 

#CantLoveNPC07_81

#CantLoveNPC07_79

[Hana] If we can create a mini scandal at our last concert, if Dal blasts the news out at super-human speed to American social media sites with his bot army, if then, fingers crossed, we get on the news in America, we might just pull it off. 

#CantLoveNPC07_80

#CantLoveNPC07_78

[Hana] We need media coverage desperately. The type of media coverage you can't buy... good or bad... anything. 

#CantLoveNPC07_79

#CantLoveNPC07_77

[Hana] I was thinking of announcing that you (looking at Moon) and Jimin were engaged. (K-pop idols are not allowed to date.)

[Moon] Whaat?!

[Hana] I was going to leak a naughty photo shoot.

[Moon] What!?

[Hana] Don't worry. I'm not doing it

#CantLoveNPC07_78

#CantLoveNPC07_76

[Hana] You think having Jimin flip her skirt up without safety shorts is scandalous. I NEED a scandal, a HUGE scandal to get us in the press before our American Tour. 

#CantLoveNPC07_77

#CantLoveNPC07_75

[Hana] We will also do some in person publicity the week before in Washington, D.C.

[Hana] And this is why the scandal I want to create at out last concert in Seoul is so important.

#CantLoveNPC07_76

#CantLoveNPC07_74

[Hana] My uncle's friends in Queens have made arrangements for discount bus services with the capacity to bring thousands of people from Queens directly to the concert venue. 

#CantLoveNPC07_75

#CantLoveNPC07_73

Talking quickly,

[Hana] I have plans. I have plans. I'm taking the proceeds from our performance on WBS TV and buying a giant billboard on Northern Boulevard in Queens, NY, where more than 50,000 Koreans live! 

#CantLoveNPC07_74

#CantLoveNPC07_72

[Hana] GxT sold out Capital 2 arena just a few months ago, and they are just boys. We have boys and girls! We can ride their coattails.

[Moon] We're not GxT.

[Hana] Moooooooon. Not yet!

#CantLoveNPC07_73

#CantLoveNPC07_71

[Professor Kim] Whoa, that's a couple extra zeros than we are used to!?

[Moon] Whoa! But we only have a few weeks.

[Hana] I know. I know. It's a long shot. It's a long shot of long shots. But Korean boy K-pop band GxT sold out the stadium.

#CantLoveNPC07_72

#CantLoveNPC07_70

[Hana] And even if we don't sell out, if we fill half the stadium, we get our $25,000 deposit back, and everything is OK. 

[Professor Kim] So what do we need to do to fill half the stadium.

[Hana] Sell 10,000 tickets.

#CantLoveNPC07_71

#CantLoveNPC07_69

[Hana] But if this works, there's a huge huge HUGE upside. 

[Moon] What upside?

[Hana] If we sell out, we can make a Billion Won... that's billion with a B... in one night!

[Moon] B b b bbb billion?!

[Hana] Yes. A billion Won. (~$750K)

#CantLoveNPC07_70

#CantLoveNPC07_68

[Moon] You should have told us!

[Professor Kim] So we're $25,000 in debt?

[Hana] Plus interest.

[Moon] Oh my!

Hana nibbles more of her fish pastry, letting her surprise 

sink in.

#CantLoveNPC07_69

#CantLoveNPC07_67

[Hana] We went back and forth a bit more and eventually agreed to the $25K deposit and an 85% cut.

[Moon] But we don't have $25,000 dollars!

[Hana] I took a loan based on using the collateral of our contract to perform on WBS TV.

#CantLoveNPC07_68

#CantLoveNPC07_66

[Hana] They came back to me and said a $25,000 forfeitable deposit that we lose if we can't fill half the stadium. I replied that was acceptable, but we wanted an 85% cut of the ticket sales then instead of the standard standard 70%. 

#CantLoveNPC07_67

#CantLoveNPC07_65

[Hana] I made another offer and asked the stadium manager if we could make some arrangement where they wouldn't lose any money even if we didn't fill the seats. If we could give them a deposit of some sort. 

#CantLoveNPC07_66

#CantLoveNPC07_64

[Hana] I told them the stadium would likely be empty if we didn't perform, and they would lose money. They replied they would lose money if we DID perform and couldn't fill the seats. 

#CantLoveNPC07_65

#CantLoveNPC07_63

Talking quickly,

[Hana] I contacted the stadium and said we were available. They said we were too small and couldn't fill the seats. I kept calling them back and begging them and asking them to make some arrangements for us. 

#CantLoveNPC07_64

#CantLoveNPC07_62

[Hana] The Capital 2 arena in Washington, D.C., where GxT sold out a few months ago... they had a last-minute cancellation by Nikki Menagerie and were desperate to fill the prime mid-summer slot on short notice.

#CantLoveNPC07_63

#CantLoveNPC07_61

[Hana] It's a long story, but please hear me out... completely... first.

[Moon] OK.

[Professor Kim] OK.

#CantLoveNPC07_62

#CantLoveNPC07_60

[Moon] WHAAATTT?!

[Professor Kim] WHAAATTT?!

[Moon] H h   h  hoow did you book a venue that big? Can we actually sell that many tickets?

#CantLoveNPC07_61

#CantLoveNPC07_59

[Moon] Whoa! It's really a thousand seats?

[Hana] No... larger.

[Moon] What? 2,500 seats.

[Hana] No.

[Moon] Stop this game. What is it, Hana?

[Hana] It's 20,000 seats!

#CantLoveNPC07_60

#CantLoveNPC07_58

[Hana] OK. Let's talk about the stadium in America.

[Moon] You said is was larger than our usual venues... that it was hundreds of seats.

[Hana] It's larger.

[Moon] You said less than a thousand seats.

[Hana] I didn't say that, you said that.

#CantLoveNPC07_59

#CantLoveNPC07_57

They walk down the pier and through Gwiyeowo and then take a spot leaning on the pier alongside Gwiyeowo.

Hana grabs a bunggeoppan and takes a nibble.

#CantLoveNPC07_58

#CantLoveNPC07_56

---

[Hana] OK. We have the snacks. Let's go say hi to Gwiyeowo and I'll tell you guys the whole story.

[Moon] I thought you would never get to it.

[Hana] Mooon! Shut it!

#CantLoveNPC07_57

#CantLoveNPC07_55

Hana used to talk to the object like a sister when she was small. Hana wanted another sister but got Moon instead. Hana calls the cube-shaped object on the pier "cutey" or 귀여워 (Gwiyeowo).

#CantLoveNPC07_56

#CantLoveNPC07_53

After playing in the amusement park, Hana takes the group to the seafood market. Hana buys lollipops for herself and the girls... just for posing. She also buys her favorite bunggeoppan (fish-shaped pastry) and skewers of fish cake in broth. 

#CantLoveNPC07_54

#CantLoveNPC07_52

On the Ferris wheel, Hana sits between Ara and Jimin. The girls practice cute faces and take lots of selfies together.

#CantLoveNPC07_53

#CantLoveNPC07_51

Hana insists on sitting on the very back seat on the tilting ship. She screams loud, directly into the ears of Moon, Professor Kim, and the boys sitting one row forward. After a few swings, Hana also gets Ara and Jimin to scream with her.

#CantLoveNPC07_52

#CantLoveNPC07_50

On the carousel, Hana jumps off her horse to take cute photos of the others in the band while the ride operator yells at her to sit down.

#CantLoveNPC07_51

#CantLoveNPC07_49

Hana's mother used to take her and Moon there when she was young.

In the amusement park, Hana coaxes the group to ride the carousel and swinging ship and ferris wheel. 

#CantLoveNPC07_50

#CantLoveNPC07_48

Adjacent to the amusement park is an ocean-side park with sculptures and views. There are also places for selfies. A long pier stretches out into the ocean with views of the ocean and surrounding ships. 

#CantLoveNPC07_49

#CantLoveNPC07_47

Sapgyoho Ocean Park (삽교호 바다공원) and amusement center is a relic. While still operating, it's far from being a modern amusement center. There are only a few rides. The swinging ship, the carousel, and a tall Ferris wheel. 

#CantLoveNPC07_48

#CantLoveNPC07_46

...

.

.

.

.

.

...

#CantLoveNPC07_47

#CantLoveNPC07_46

[Hana] I just want to touch up the lipstick on Ara and Jimin, and we'll be ready to go. We got ready so fast just so you wouldn't have to wait so long. Can I get a thanks?

[Moon] Thanks, Hana. We really do appreciate it!

[Hana] Thanks, bruh.

#CantLoveNPC07_46

#CantLoveNPC07_45

[Hana] Professor Kim...  ?

[Professor Kim] Wow! What beautiful outfits, Hana!

Hana smiles.

[Hana] Oh, Professor Kim, if it was just Moon and me, I don't know what I would do!

#CantLoveNPC07_46

#CantLoveNPC07_44

[Hana] What if we perform in Japan?

[Moon] Then they will want to see Korean-style performers, not Japanese-style performers.

[Hana] Ahhhhhh! You're so aggravating, bruh. 

#CantLoveNPC07_45

#CantLoveNPC07_43

[Moon] I didn't even know you had clothing like that. Since when did you have all that clothing? 

[Hana] This is one of the costume themes we might use on stage. Do you really like it?

[Moon] Eum, for a performance... too Japanese.

#CantLoveNPC07_44

#CantLoveNPC07_42

[Hana] Thanks. I'm definitely accepting that as a compliment. I HUGE compliment, kkkkk.

Turning to Ara and Jimin,

[Hana] See! Moon said he likes our new costumes.

#CantLoveNPC07_43

#CantLoveNPC07_41

[Tae] Good morning, Professor Kim.

[Dal] Good morning, Professor Kim.

Next, Hana comes out with the girls Ara and Jimin, all done up in over-the-top pastel, kawaii-style clothing.

[Moon] Whoa! You look like three shades of cotton candy!

#CantLoveNPC07_42

#CantLoveNPC07_40

...

In a few minutes, Moon comes out with the boys.

[Moon] We're ready.

[Tae] I should wear a shirt today?

[Moon] Yes. It's better to wear a shirt today.

[Professor Kim] I agree. Good morning everyone.

#CantLoveNPC07_41

#CantLoveNPC07_39

As Moon helps to get the boys ready and Hana helps to get the girls ready, Professor Kim watches the TV news while eating a mellon and drinking coffee.

#CantLoveNPC07_40

#CantLoveNPC07_39

As Moon helps to get the boys ready and Hana helps to get the girls ready, Professor Kim watches the TV news while eating a mellon and drinking coffee.

#CantLoveNPC07_40

#CantLoveNPC07_38

[Moon] I should help the boys get ready. Go ahead and help yourself.

[Professor Kim] Thanks. Can I turn the news on?

[Moon] Sure. Here's the remote.

#CantLoveNPC07_39

#CantLoveNPC07_37

[Moon] Do you want anything to eat? There are some bagels in the fridge.

[Professor Moon] Anything healthier?

[Moon] Uh. Fruit? Hana bought some melons yesterday.

[Professor Kim] Melons would be good.

#CantLoveNPC07_38

#CantLoveNPC07_36

[Moon] If it was important good, would Hana be going through so much trouble?

[Professor Kim] Not likely. 

[Moon] Exactly.

#CantLoveNPC07_37

#CantLoveNPC07_35

[Professor Kim] So what's this all about?

[Moon] Hana wouldn't tell me, but she said it's a serious situation. It's important.

[Professor Kim] Important good or important bad?

#CantLoveNPC07_36

#CantLoveNPC07_34

[Moon] Thanks for offering to drive us. It will save a lot of time. Is your 7-seater big enough?

[Professor Kim] Just barely. The girls in the back will be a bit squeezed.

#CantLoveNPC07_35

#CantLoveNPC07_33

[Moon] You mean 15 minutes!

[Hana] Ahhhh! OK. 15 minutes.

Hana slams the door with a thud.

[Moon] Coffee is fresh, Professor.

[Professor Kim] Thanks, don't mind if I do.

#CantLoveNPC07_34

#CantLoveNPC07_32

[Professor Kim] Where are the others?

[Hana] You get the boys, Moon. Here's a shirt for Tae.

Hana throws a shirt and a hoodie onto the floor in the middle of the room. We'll be ready in about 5 minutes.

#CantLoveNPC07_33

#CantLoveNPC07_31

[Hana] OK. OK. I WILL play with Jimin and Ara. 

[Moon] What's that on your face?

[Hana] Mooooon! It's called makeup.

[Moon] All those sparkles?

[Hana] Yes! Ahhhh! You're so annoying!

#CantLoveNPC07_32

#CantLoveNPC07_30

Hana opens the door of her bedroom and sticks her head out.

[Hana] I heard that! Both of you are just party poopers.

[Moon] We're going with you, Hana. We didn't complain. You can play with Jimin and Ara. Stop while you're ahead.

#CantLoveNPC07_31

#CantLoveNPC07_29

[Hana] How ya doing, Professor Kim?

[Professor Kim] I'm doing fine. 

[Hana] Excited to be going to the amusement park with us?

[Professor Kim] Well, no. But it's fine if Hana insists.

[Moon] Ha! My thoughts exactly!

#CantLoveNPC07_30

#CantLoveNPC07_28

Yelling from her bedroom, [Hana] Pretty close.

Yelling back, [Moon] That means, no. How much time?

Yelling back, [Hana] Only 15 more minutes, for real!

Moon lets in Professor Kim.

#CantLoveNPC07_29

#CantLoveNPC07_27

Forty-five minutes later,

Ding Dong.

Yelling from the main room,

[Moon] That must be Professor Kim. Are you ready yet, Hana?

#CantLoveNPC07_28

#CantLoveNPC07_26

Moon continues working on his songs. Hana grabs a coffee and brings Jimin and Ara to her bedroom. They start trying on Hana's over-the-top kawaii-style outfits.

...

.

.

.

.

...

#CantLoveNPC07_27

#CantLoveNPC07_25

Yelling from the main room,

[Moon] Coffee's been ready for a while, Hana.

[Hana] Thanks, I'm coming.

#CantLoveNPC07_26

#CantLoveNPC07_24

Thinking to herself,

[Hana] Kawaii... yes. Let's do it. It will be a lot of work, but... (looking at the clock) I probably have time. I better get started right away!

#CantLoveNPC07_25

#CantLoveNPC07_23

Moon starts to play one of the songs and tries different chord progressions.

Meanwhile, Hana, who has the largest bedroom, mainly for her over-the-top wardrobe collection, starts digging through her clothing for ideas.

#CantLoveNPC07_24

#CantLoveNPC07_22

Moon puts his coffee on the window shelf and sits down at the keyboard he positioned in front of the window facing the rising sun. He gets out his heavily dog-eared music sketchbook filled with chords, lyrics, and scratch-outs. 

#CantLoveNPC07_23

#CantLoveNPC07_21

[Moon] What you picked is fine. What do you want me to say?

[Hana] OK. OK. Maybe I'll use this maybe I'll find something else.

...

#CantLoveNPC07_22

#CantLoveNPC07_20

---

Hana comes out with a sleeveless tank top and a hoodie.

[Hana] How about this, Moon? We can put Tae in the tank top and cover him up if we have to.

[Moon] Sure. Whatever.

[Hana] Moon, you're so noncommittal!

#CantLoveNPC07_21

#CantLoveNPC07_20

---

Hana comes out with a sleeveless tank top and a hoodie.

[Hana] How about this, Moon? We can put Tae in the tank top and cover him up if we have to.

[Moon] Sure. Whatever.

[Hana] Moon, your so non-commital!

#CantLoveNPC07_21

#CantLoveNPC07_19

[Hana] Ahhh! Moon. You're a man! You should be sensitive when someone wants to go into your private bedroom. Not just tell them to dig around!

[Moon] OK. Then don't go. kkkkkk

[Hana] Ahhhh!

#CantLoveNPC07_20

#CantLoveNPC07_18

[Hana] What about the boys? Do you have a shirt big enough to fit Tae?

[Moon] I didn't think of that. But yes. I do. Can you go into the closet in my bedroom and get something? I know how much you like dressing people.

#CantLoveNPC07_19

#CantLoveNPC07_17

[Moon] Fine.

[Hana] Fine. Fine. Fine. You're so annoying. You're the one that sounds like an NPC. You've clearly given Ara and Jimin a complex.

#CantLoveNPC07_18

#CantLoveNPC07_16

[Hana] Ahh! You're so annoying.

[Moon] Do whatever you want, Hana.

[Hana] Hmmph. I will. I can do much better than this. I have a better idea. I'm going to start changing with the girls now. It's going to take us a while to get ready.

#CantLoveNPC07_17

#CantLoveNPC07_15

Moon answers without looking,

[Moon] Whatever. I'm sure it's fine.

[Hana] Ahhhh! You're so annoying. You didn't even look.

[Moon] Would you listen to me anyway?

[Hana] Of course, I listen to you.

[Moon] Ya, right, kkkkkk.

#CantLoveNPC07_16

#CantLoveNPC07_14

---

The following morning Hana is looking through her wardrobe as Moon is making the coffee.  

Hana comes out with a few sets of clothing and holds them up to her body.

[Hana] What do you think, Moon? I can let Ara and Jimin borrow these.

#CantLoveNPC07_15

#CantLoveNPC07_13

[Professor Kim] We'll do the full self-defense and hand-to-hand combat courses. I'll take them to the apartment when I'm finished.

[Moon] OK. We'll go back and start practicing how to sing the Star Spangled Banner. 

...

#CantLoveNPC07_14

#CantLoveNPC07_12

[Professor Kim] OK. It's settled. I'll meet you at your apartment at 9 a.m.

[Hana] That's fine. Do you need us anymore?

[Professor Kim] No. I'll take Jimin and Ara now and also finish up with Tae and Dal.

#CantLoveNPC07_13

#CantLoveNPC07_11

[Professor Kim] We could also get some more natural pictures of the band in public settings.

[Hana] You think so, Professor Kim.

[Professor Kim] I do.

[Hana] OK. Then we'll all go.

#CantLoveNPC07_12

#CantLoveNPC07_10

Thinking about the trip,

[Professor Kim] You know, Hana. It's a good opportunity to take the whole band. Jimin, Ara, Tae, and Dal are ready. We don't need to hide them away. We're going to America. 

#CantLoveNPC07_11

#CantLoveNPC07_09

[Hana] I want to do it at Sapgyoho. Can you come with us to the amusement park tomorrow?

[Professor Kim] I can make it tomorrow.

[Hana] Good.

#CantLoveNPC07_10

#CantLoveNPC07_08

[Moon] So Hana, shouldn't you tell Professor Kim about the trip to Sapgyoho Ocean Park?

[Hana] Oh! Yes. Professor Kim. There's something I want to discuss with you and Moon... 

[Hana] It's a serious situation! 

#CantLoveNPC07_09

#CantLoveNPC07_07

[Hana] Other exceptions will come up. I will tell you when it happens, OK?

[Jimin] I understand.

[Ara] I understand.

#CantLoveNPC07_08

#CantLoveNPC07_06

[Hana] We sometimes touch when we dance, but that's not a reason to switch to self-defense mode. We also have to touch you to help you sometimes. 

[Jimin] I understand.

[Ara] I understand.

#CantLoveNPC07_07

#CantLoveNPC07_05

[Hana] The most important exception is that it's OK if anyone on the team here touches you. It's OK if Professor Kim, Moon, myself (Hana), Tae, Dal, or either of you touch each other. 

#CantLoveNPC07_06

#CantLoveNPC07_04

...

[Hana] Jimin, Ara, there are some important exceptions when it is OK if someone touches you.

[Jimin] I understand.

[Ara] I understand.

#CantLoveNPC07_05

#CantLoveNPC07_03

[Moon] I'm concerned that Jimin and Ara will start whipping out their new moves if a stranger brushes into them by accident. What if a police officer pats them down

[Hana] You're right. We should talk about exceptions. 

#CantLoveNPC07_04

#CantLoveNPC07_02

As part of the training, Hana had Ara kick her brother Moon and throw him to the ground.  

Hana offers a hand to Moon to lift him off the floor.

[Hana] I'm sorry, Moon. Are you OK?

[Moon] Barely, but yes. I'm OK.

#CantLoveNPC07_03

#CantLoveNPC07_01

NPC를_사랑할_수_없어요 

#CantLoveNPCScene07Start #상황의_심각성

A Serious Situation 

At Professor Kim's office, Hana is finishing up her safety and self-defense training with female dancers Jimin and Ara. In the last lesson, Hana probably went too far.

#CantLoveNPC07_02

#CantLoveNPC06_40

[Moon] Owwwww! That wasn't gentle at all!

[Ara] No one told me to be gentle.

Professor Kim laughs.

[Hana] Oops! Sorry, Moon.

#CantLoveNPCScene07End

#CantLoveNPC07_01

#CantLoveNPC06_39

[Hana] OK, Ara. It's your turn.

Moon grabs Ara. Ara grabs his hand, spins, and kicks Moon hard, where it really hurts, and then hip tosses Moon onto the ground with a heavy thud.

Ara winks at Moon.

#CantLoveNPC06_40

#CantLoveNPC06_38

Jimin spins and kicks Moon and then flips him on the ground.

[Moon] Whoa! Jimin is extremely strong!

[Professor Kim] They are strong.

[Hana] Good job, Moon. One more to go.

[Moon] ...

#CantLoveNPC06_39

#CantLoveNPC06_37

When it comes to the final situation where Jimin is supposed to kick and hip toss Moon, Moon tries to back out, but Hana forces him to continue.

[Hana] Do it, Moon, but Jimin, be gentle, OK? You don't want to hurt Moon.

[Jimin] I understand.

#CantLoveNPC06_38

#CantLoveNPC06_36

[Moon] ...

[Hana] Good. That's a yes. 

Hana runs to Moon and pulls him off his chair.

...

Hana takes her brother Moon through the training with Jimin and Ara. 

#CantLoveNPC06_37

#CantLoveNPC06_35

[Hana] Professor Kim was kind enough to volunteer. That means you've drawn the short straw. kkkkk

[Moon] HAAAAnnnnnaaaaa.

[Hana] This is important, Moon! You saw what happened on stage with the handsy fan. It's time you take one for the team.

#CantLoveNPC06_36

#CantLoveNPC06_34

[Hana] Now it's time to give Jimin and Ara a try.

[Professor Kim] No way!

[Hana] Then you're on, Moon.

[Moon] No way!

[Hana] You decided to stay and not watch the video with the other boys. 

#CantLoveNPC06_35

#CantLoveNPC06_33

Moon makes a pained face.

[Hana] See, Jimin and Ara, that move is only for the most extreme circumstances. If the person on the ground gets up and comes at you again, then it's time for self-defense techniques.

#CantLoveNPC06_34

#CantLoveNPC06_32

[Moon] Whoa!

Professor Kim shakes his head on the ground.

[Professor Kim] Hana! I can't believe you just did that! And you're so small! How did you throw me?!

[Professor Kim] Owww! I've had enough.

#CantLoveNPC06_33

#CantLoveNPC06_31

Professor Kim grabs Hana.

Hana quickly grabs his arm, spins, and kicks him hard where it really hurts. Professor Kim screams and doubles over. Hana pulls him up and hip-throws Professor Kim onto the ground as he doubles over in pain. 

#CantLoveNPC06_32

#CantLoveNPC06_30

[Hana] Do it. It's OK. Grab me here. Like you mean it.

[Professor Kim] ...

[Hana] DO IT!

#CantLoveNPC06_31

#CantLoveNPC06_29

[Hana] OK. Let's do it again. I'm going to show you something else. I'm going to show you another place no fan should ever touch you. Something that's definitely not a mistake.

[Hana] OK, Professor Kim, touch me here.

[Professor Kim] ...

#CantLoveNPC06_30

#CantLoveNPC06_28

Hana lets go of Professor Kim's hand. 

[Hana] See! It's pretty effective. 

[Professor Kim] Oww!

[Hana] Oh! Don't be a wimp. I specifically did something not to hurt you. 

#CantLoveNPC06_29

#CantLoveNPC06_27

[Hana] So, Jimin and Ara, if someone grabs you like this, it's definitely not a mistake. Here's what I do.

Hana grabs Professor Kim's arm, spins it around, and bends his fingers backward, forcing him to his knees.

#CantLoveNPC06_28

#CantLoveNPC06_26

[Hana] I'll show you what I do to protect myself.

[Hana] OK, Professor Kim, wrap your arm around me and grab me here.

Professor Kim's face turns bright red.

Moon giggles.

[Hana] It's OK. Jimin and Ara need to know.

#CantLoveNPC06_27

#CantLoveNPC06_25

[Hana] OK, Jimin and Ara, do you understand?

[Jimin] I understand.

[Ara] I understand.

[Hana] Now, I'll demonstrate the most serious situation. If someone grabs you like this, it's definitely not a mistake.

#CantLoveNPC06_26

#CantLoveNPC06_24

Hana and Professor Kim demonstrate the most innocent "excuse me" situation a few times. Then, they demonstrate the more serious situation where Hana pulls Professor Kim's hand off her body. Hana also demonstrates the angry finger waggle.

#CantLoveNPC06_25

#CantLoveNPC06_23

[Moon] I don't think that's what the book says.

[Hana] Maybe not. It's what I say.

[Hana] If a fan really touches you, grab their wrist to take their hand off of you. If they act confused, you can give them the finger waggle like this.

#CantLoveNPC06_24

#CantLoveNPC06_22

[Hana] In almost all cases, if something awkward happens, just step away and say, "Excuse me." That should be enough.

#CantLoveNPC06_23

#CantLoveNPC06_21

[Hana] OK, Ara and Jimin, we want to avoid making a scene if possible and always use the most gentle response. This is what I recommend.

#CantLoveNPC06_22

#CantLoveNPC06_20

[Hana] OK. Sounds like a plan.

...

Hana starts awkwardly instructing Professor Kim where to grab her to demonstrate the behavior of an overly "handsy" fan. Hana demonstrates the appropriate reactions. 

#CantLoveNPC06_21

#CantLoveNPC06_19

[Hana] There's one more new song we need to practice.

[Moon] What are you talking about?

[Hana] The concert venue in America asked if we could sing the Star Spangled Banner. You know... the America song. It's really hard to sing!

[Moon] Oh!

#CantLoveNPC06_20

#CantLoveNPC06_18

[Professor Kim] OK. The plan is for you to give a bit of specific training right now, Hana, then you and Moon can leave, and I'll do the rest of the training myself.

[Moon] Sounds good. I need to practice the new song.

#CantLoveNPC06_19

#CantLoveNPC06_17

Professor Kim setups up Tae and Dal to watch the video from the military on hand-to-hand combat training and comes back to his office to work with the others.

#CantLoveNPC06_18

#CantLoveNPC06_16

[Professor Kim] Come, Moon, Tae, and Dal! Let's watch a training video. There's a room across the hall.

[Moon] I don't want to watch the video.

[Hana] Yeah! Stay with us, Moon

[Professor Kim] OK. Just Tae and Dal.

...

#CantLoveNPC06_17

#CantLoveNPC06_15

[Hana] That's a good idea. The girls don't need military training. 

[Professor] I'll give everyone everything. No reason not to. But let's separate now anyway.

[Hana] OK. Whatever you say.

#CantLoveNPC06_16

#CantLoveNPC06_14

[Hana] Ha! Then you're on, Professor Kim. You get to feel me up today, kkkkk.

[Professor Kim] ...

[Professor Kim] Eum... OK. But let me start the boys on the self-defense training first. We can show them military hand-to-hand training now.

#CantLoveNPC06_15

#CantLoveNPC06_13

[Professor Kim] So, Hana? Why don't you start, would you like to demonstrate proper behavior if one of the girls meets someone who is... as you say... too handsy? Moon can be the victim.

[Moon] I'm not doing that to my sister!

#CantLoveNPC06_14

#CantLoveNPC06_12

[Professor Kim] Moon, Do you want to spar with Tae and Dal after I give them the self-defense course?

[Moon] Eum, I'll pass.

[Hana] kkkkk. Probably a good choice.

[Professor Kim] We can tell them we're just practicing.

[Moon] I'll still pass.

#CantLoveNPC06_13

#CantLoveNPC06_11

[Hana] Let me start with the girls. I don't think I have to be here all day. I think you can show them the self-defense training videos without us.

#CantLoveNPC06_12

#CantLoveNPC06_10

[Professor Kim] I think I know what you mean. I can find some training videos like that.

[Hana] And I can supplement a bit.

[Professor Kim] Jimin, Ara, ready to watch videos?

[Ara] Of course, Professor Kim.

[Jimin] Of course, Professor Kim.

#CantLoveNPC06_11

#CantLoveNPC06_09

[Hana] The videos they make new employees watch in order to avoid sexual harassment lawsuits... the videos that no one pays attention to?

#CantLoveNPC06_10

#CantLoveNPC06_08

[Hana] We also need some clear statements about what behavior is acceptable and what behavior is not acceptable. Maybe, you know, the video they make new employees in large companies watch during orientation. 

#CantLoveNPC06_09

#CantLoveNPC06_07

[Professor Kim] In terms of teaching the girls to avoid being harassed, I thought I would ask you first, Hana. What do you recommend?

[Hana] Eum, I think some example videos of how to respond to unwanted advances from boys would be useful. 

#CantLoveNPC06_08

#CantLoveNPC06_06

[Professor Kim] I've been looking up training materials. I found some relevant self-defense courses. I also found some materials from the army about how they train hand-to-hand combat.

[Hana] Sure, we'll give them everything.

#CantLoveNPC06_07

#CantLoveNPC06_05

A few minutes later, Hana and the rest of the band arrive at Professor Kim's office.

Knock. Knock.

[Professor Kim] Hey, Hana! You're all here?

[Hana] Yes. We have the whole day if needed.

#CantLoveNPC06_06

#CantLoveNPC06_04

📞[Hana] Professor Kim, are you ready for us?

📞[Professor Kim] Sure. It's about time.

📞[Hana] OK. We'll be there soon. Byeee....

---

#CantLoveNPC06_05

#CantLoveNPC06_03

---

Hana and her brother Moon finish getting ready and having coffee together.

Hana finishes her mug of coffee and slams it down on the table. 

[Hana] OK. I'm together now. I'm calling Professor Kim.

#CantLoveNPC06_04

#CantLoveNPC06_02

Hana explained that the concert venue in America is a bit larger than anywhere they have ever performed. When her brother Moon asked if it was as large as a thousand seats, Hana said it was different and she would explain everything tomorrow.

#CantLoveNPC06_03

#CantLoveNPC06_01 

#CantLoveNPCScene06Start

Training Day Part 2

It's training day. Hana and Moon are in their apartment getting ready before they wake the others in the band. Hana just partially shared her secret about the concert venue she booked in America.

#CantLoveNPC06_02

#CantLoveNPC05_32

[Moon] OK. Do you want some coffee?

[Hana] YAASS! Please! The coffee always tastes better when you make it, bruh. 

[Hana] Today, we need to focus on training the dancers for more realistic public situations. 

#CantLoveNPCScene05End

#CantLoveNPC06_01

#CantLoveNPC05_31

[Hana] Eum... No... I'll tell you and Professor Kim about the concert venue tomorrow. I want to go to Sapgyoho Amusement Park #삽교호놀이동산 to reminisce and eat at the seafood market tomorrow. There I'll tell you everything.

#CantLoveNPC05_33

#CantLoveNPC05_30

[Moon] Don't tell me... you booked us in a place with a thousand seats. 

[Hana] Uh... not quite.

[Moon] Phew. I'm glad it's in the hundreds. It would be hard to fill a thousand seats.

#CantLoveNPC05_31

#CantLoveNPC05_29

[Hana] It's not just a concert venue like we usually play at!

[Moon] Of course, it's in America.

[Hana] No, that's not it. It's larger than our typical venue.

[Moon] You mean like three hundred seats.

[Hana] No. A bit larger.

#CantLoveNPC05_30

#CantLoveNPC05_28

[Hana] I should have told you a lie that no one would be fooled by. 

...

[Hana] It's about the concert venue in America, it's bigger than I told you.

[Moon] That's fine. I leave those things to you and focus on the music.

#CantLoveNPC05_29

#CantLoveNPC05_27

[Hana] I'm embarrassed. I did something without telling you or Professor Kim. I should have kept you in the loop the whole time. This next concert is more important than you think. There's a lot on the line.

#CantLoveNPC05_28

#CantLoveNPC05_26

[Hana] Oh, Moon. As much as you annoy me, we're family, and you've always been there for me.

[Moon] Of course.

[Hana] kkkkkk. That's exactly what you would say. kkkkkk

#CantLoveNPC05_27

#CantLoveNPC05_25

Hana huffs, out of breath, after her self-confidence-building statement.

[Hana] Moon, Are you with me bruh? Are you really with me?

[Moon] You know I am sis. I've always been with you.

#CantLoveNPC05_26

#CantLoveNPC05_24

[Hana] If we succeed in America...

Yelling,

[Hana] LET THEM TRY TO STOP US!!!

#CantLoveNPC05_25

#CantLoveNPC05_23

[Hana] If we get a small following, even a tiny following in America, if we get enough money to perform in Vietnam and Cambodia and Mongolia, where we've already been promised venues. We can force open the Korean market from the inside.

#CantLoveNPC05_24

#CantLoveNPC05_22

[Hana] We did it. We broke them. We won our first skirmish against the K-pop factory. Now, the final step. Now we will the war. We get an international following... a following in an even bigger market... one the K-pop factory can't block. 

#CantLoveNPC05_23

#CantLoveNPC05_21

[Hana] If we didn't immediately sign that contract without even reading it so the K-pop factory couldn't pressure him to drop us later... if the stars didn't align so many times in so many places...

#CantLoveNPC05_22

#CantLoveNPC05_20

[Hana] If it weren't for the tiniest opening we had with WBS TV... if we didn't happen to book a contract with the new executive the first week he started working... before the K-pop factory got their claws into him... 

#CantLoveNPC05_21

#CantLoveNPC05_19

Hana laughs to herself and gathers her strength again as she sheds one final tear, a tear of happiness.

[Hana] Moooooon! We did it! We really did it! We made real money at the last WBS performance. We were on prime time! 

#CantLoveNPC05_20

#CantLoveNPC05_18

[Hana] That's so you... to find the positive when I bring up a negative situation but to find the negative when I bring up a positive situation. At least I know what side you are on, the opposite of mine, kkkkk

#CantLoveNPC05_19

#CantLoveNPC05_17

[Moon] Well... now, I've learned to do everything musical myself. If I were able to hire a band, I would have never learned so much.

#CantLoveNPC05_18

#CantLoveNPC05_16

[Hana] Moon, you're the only musician here! How did you feel when you finally found another musician to help us, only for the K-pop factory to threaten them... and then we get ghosted?

#CantLoveNPC05_17

#CantLoveNPC05_15

Fighting back the tears with determination,

[Hana] How many recording studious refused to work with us because the K-pop factory threatened to blacklist them?

#CantLoveNPC05_16

#CantLoveNPC05_14

[Hana] Without Professor Kim and his crazy idea, we wouldn't even have a band.

...

[Hana] How many times did a larger venue manager embarrassingly apologize and say he couldn't host us because the K-pop factory threatened to blacklist him?

#CantLoveNPC05_15

#CantLoveNPC05_13

[Hana] And then we find out that the K-pop factory bribed our band member in secret to quit and hired them away from us to do... nothing... but not talk to us, and make them sign a contract banning them from doing business with us?

#CantLoveNPC05_14

#CantLoveNPC05_12

[Hana] Do you remember how hard it was when we were getting started?

[Moon] It did really suck.

[Hana] How many times did we finally find a good new band member, only for them to quit? 

#CantLoveNPC05_13

#CantLoveNPC05_11

Getting emotional, with her voice breaking,

[Hana] We've come so far, Moon. We're an INDEPENDENT K-pop band... one of the first to make it big... well, almost big. We are not part of the K-pop factory.

#CantLoveNPC05_12

#CantLoveNPC05_10

[Moon] Why just Jimin?

[Hana] So, if it gets complicated, it looks more like a personal decision than a costume choice for the whole group

[Moon] You sure you thought this through?!

[Hana] Oh! Moon. We wouldn't be here unless we took chances.

#CantLoveNPC05_11

#CantLoveNPC05_09

[Moon] I prefer the black.

[Hana] We'll go with the red! We're all matching!

[Moon] Eum, so we're going through with the stunt?

[Hana] Definitely.

[Moon] All three of you.

[Hana] No, just Jimin.

#CantLoveNPC05_10

#CantLoveNPC05_08

[Moon] Do you have backup outfits?

[Hana] Moooooooon!? We're going to look great! Don't ask that! But yes, I have the black muscle shirt if you want to change... if you're too embarrassed to show your naked chest.

#CantLoveNPC05_09

#CantLoveNPC05_07

[Moon] You know that's not a fair comparison! And how are you going to look in comparison with Jimin and Ara in a miniskirt that short, hmmm?

[Hana] Better than you, kkkkkk.

#CantLoveNPC05_08

#CantLoveNPC05_06

[Hana] You and the boys will wear the jackets only, without shirts.

[Moon] ...

[Hana] I know the other boys are going to show you up... are you a bit self-conscious, now... hmmm? kkkkkk

#CantLoveNPC05_07

#CantLoveNPC05_05

[Moon] And, uh, for me, those red things?!

[Hana] Those red things!? Mooooooon!? I go to so much trouble to keep the band dressed well, and you call my clothing... things?! 

[Moon] But a big red suit for me and the boys? With shoulder pads?!

#CantLoveNPC05_06

#CantLoveNPC05_04

[Moon] So those are our new costumes.

[Hana] Yes. How do you like them?

[Moon] It's rather short. 

[Hana] That's the point!

#CantLoveNPC05_05

#CantLoveNPC05_03

Hana is studying a rack of clothing she rolled into the living room. Hana holds a short skirt up to herself.

Talking to herself,

[Hana] Yes. This is going to work. 

Hana's brother Moon walks in.

#CantLoveNPC05_04

#CantLoveNPC05_02

Hana is excited about introducing the new song and the new costumes for BxGxR and their last home concert before their American Tour. Hana is also relishing the scandal she plans on unleashing.

#CantLoveNPC05_03

#CantLoveNPC05_01

#CantLoveNPCScene05Start

Training Day

The following morning... it's a soju hangover. Hana's excitement is enough to wake her up early despite the past evening's drunken celebration of their successful TV debut with her brother Moon. 

#CantLoveNPC05_02

#CantLoveNPC04_20

[Hana] OK, Moon. You're coming with me. Time to get drunk and celebrate!

[Moon] ...

#CantLoveNOCScene04End

#CantLoveNPC05_01

#CantLoveNPC04_19

...

The band finally arrives at their home in Seoul after the long drive and goes up to their apartment.

[Jimin] We're going to recharge. When do you need us in the morning?

[Hana] Don't worry. We will come and get you. 

#CantLoveNPC04_20

#CantLoveNPC04_18

[Moon] I'm not getting drunk.

[Hana] Yes, you are!

[Moon] OK. OK.

.

.

.

#CantLoveNPC04_19

#CantLoveNPC04_17

[Moon] C'mon, Hana. The boys should get self-defense training, too! Come up with one reason why not!

[Hana] OK. We'll all go in together. But not too early. Tonight, I'm getting drunk with Moon to celebrate!

#CantLoveNPC04_18

#CantLoveNPC04_16

[Professor Kim] Eum, I have some self-defense training models.

[Hana] As long as we're training, we can add in some self-defense training for Jimin and Ara. But they do need some more targeted training for their circumstance. I can help you.

#CantLoveNPC04_17

#CantLoveNPC04_15

[Professor Kim] So what do you propose, Hana?

[Hana] We should have a session with Jimin and Ara to make sure they understand. We can go to the office tomorrow, but not too early.

[Moon] Sounds like "Hana's Training for Handsy Boys." kkkkkkkk

#CantLoveNPC04_16

#CantLoveNPC04_14

[Hana] Tae doesn't even wear a shirt! 

[Moon] ...

[Hana] But we ARE worried about fans attacking the girls.

#CantLoveNPC04_15

#CantLoveNPC04_13

[Hana] It's different with boys. I don't think Tae and Dal need the training. Boys like that sort of thing.

[Moon] Really?! That sounds sexist to me.

[Hana] Face it. We're not worried about a female fan rubbing Tae's chest.

#CantLoveNPC04_14

#CantLoveNPC04_12

[Hana] If we're going to have the rest of the band interact more with the public, they need to be ready for some handsy fans and deal with them in a more natural way.

[Professor Kim] We can train them.

[Moon] What about the boys?

#CantLoveNPC04_13

#CantLoveNPC04_11

[Professor Kim] Ara, I have a question for you. Did that fan who took pictures with you touch your butt?

[Ara] Yes.

[Moon] That doesn't sound good.

#CantLoveNPC04_12

#CantLoveNPC04_10

[Hana] Girls don't act like that with fans, Ara! That one boy fan put his arm around you! Fans should not be touching you!

[Professor Kim] Well, that's just a small thing.

[Hana] He grabbed Ara's butt!

[Professor Kim] What?! Are you serious?

#CantLoveNPC04_11

#CantLoveNPC04_09

[Moon] I'm sorry, Ara. I know you're not an NPC. Hana can help you act more naturally.

[Ara] What did I do wrong? I took pictures with fans and posed.

[Professor Kim] Yeah! What happened? Even I don't understand.

#CantLoveNPC04_10

#CantLoveNPC04_08

[Professor Kim] Jimin and Ara get upset when someone says "bad" things about them, and you just explained being like an NPC is bad and then called her one.

[Moon] Oh!

#CantLoveNPC04_09

#CantLoveNPC04_07

[Moon] Oh my! You're sensitive, too, Ara.

[Professor Kim] It's their personalities. Ara is sweet but sometimes serious, and Jimin is standoffish and proud but switches to desperate and sad.

#CantLoveNPC04_08

#CantLoveNPC04_06

Ara stares at Moon with eyes wide open and speaks in a steady, angry voice,

[Ara] Don't call me an NPC!

[Moon] Whoa!

#CantLoveNPC04_07

#CantLoveNPC04_05

[Hana] When we were taking pictures, one of the VIP fans was handsy, and Ara didn't even react! It wasn't natural.

[Moon] Yeah, Ara was like an NPC.

#CantLoveNPC04_06

#CantLoveNPC04_04

---

Hana continues the discussion with the band in the limo.

Changing subjects,

[Hana] That reminds me. Professor Kim, I saw something else I'm concerned about.

[Professor Kim] Yes. What?

#CantLoveNPC04_05

#CantLoveNPC04_03

Their tour in the U.S. is on very short notice, and Hana is worried about selling enough tickets to break even. Hana's brother, Moon, and their partner, Professor Kim, don't like Hana's idea but won't try to stop her. 

#CantLoveNPC04_04

#CantLoveNPC04_02

Hana told the team she wants to create a planned "wardrobe malfunction" at their final concert in South Korea in hopes of creating a scandal to go viral on Social Media. 

#CantLoveNPC04_03

#CantLoveNPC04_01

CantLoveNPC_Scene04Start 

Hana's Training for Handsy Boys

Hana is riding home with her band BxGxR in a limo from their concert in Incheon, which was a huge success. They have one concert left in Seoul before starting a brief American Tour. 

#CantLoveNPC04_02

#CantLoveNPC03_58

[Jimin] Good. Then I want to change costumes! I want the fans to love me.

[Hana] See, Moon! Jimin is in! kkkkk.

#CantLoveNPC_Scene03End

#CantLoveNPC04_01

#CantLoveNPC03_57

In her desperate, pleading voice,

[Jimin] I don't want to be an NPC! I want to be loved!

Switching to her normal voice,

[Jimin] Changing costumes... is that what an NPC would do?

[Hana] Definitely not!

#CantLoveNPC03_58

#CantLoveNPC03_56

...

[Hana] Good. It's settled.

[Hana] Moon, I'll let you do the costume check on Jimin... if you want, kkkkkkkk.

[Moon] That's not funny. 

#CantLoveNPC03_57

#CantLoveNPC03_55

Moon and Professor Kim look at each other, realizing now is their last chance to pull the handle and shift the crazy Hana train down a different track, or prepare to hold on for a wild ride. They don't respond and let the Hana train roll on.

#CantLoveNPC03_56

#CantLoveNPC03_54

[Professor Kim] I did say they are ready for more public interaction, but I wasn't expecting "interaction" like this!

[Hana] We're on trend now... about to start an American tour... now is the time to strike... strike it big!

#CantLoveNPC03_55

#CantLoveNPC03_53

[Professor Kim] If I understand what you're planning, Hana, you'll be putting Jimin in an awkward situation that will lead to a lot more scrutiny.

[Hana] You're the one who told me they're ready for more public interaction, Professor Kim!

#CantLoveNPC03_54

#CantLoveNPC03_52

[Hana] We're playing on our home stage in Seoul, and I know the camera angles. Only the audience will get a glimpse of Jimin's surprise.

[Moon] What if the cameraman moves?

[Hana] He won't! They don't! Or they'll be fired.

#CantLoveNPC03_53

#CantLoveNPC03_51

[Moon] When you put it like that...

[Hana] Exactly. Let's do the costume change. Put Jimin in the microskirt without the safety shorts and we'll make the front page of the paper for sure. 

[Professor Kim] Did I just hear that?!

[Hana] Oh yes!

#CantLoveNPC03_52

#CantLoveNPC03_50

[Hana] I mean, come on... what type of married man would take a job sitting in a tiny room with no windows, staring at the bodies of K-pop idols all day and measuring the square inches of fabric covering an idol's butt... to avoid indecency?!

#CantLoveNPC03_51

#CantLoveNPC03_49

[Moon] Hana! We're taking a big chance!

[Hana] I know the head indecency inspector. He's a creepy old married man. He's super creepy. He's sus. He's a sussy lil baka. 

#CantLoveNPC03_50

#CantLoveNPC03_48

[Moon] What are you going to do if the indecency police call us out?

[Professor Kim] Indecency police?!

[Hana] Just say sorry and pay the small misdemeanor fine. We'll already have the publicity.

[Professor Kim] Misdemeanor?!

#CantLoveNPC03_49

#CantLoveNPC03_47

[Hana] In publicity, there is no bad news.

[Moon] That's not true.

[Hana] C'mon, Moon. We wouldn't have gotten this far without taking chances. Let's do the wardrobe change.

#CantLoveNPC03_48

#CantLoveNPC03_46

[Hana] Yeah. Let's create a scandal with our last concert. It'll hit the media right before our U.S. tour. We'll be able to fill all the empty seats in America. 

[Professor Kim] What scandal?!

[Moon] But it could backfire on us.

#CantLoveNPC03_47

#CantLoveNPC03_45

Hana changes the topic of the conversation to make an announcement. 

[Hana] So let's do it, Moon! Let's do the plan!

[Moon] You mean...

[Professor Kim] What plan?

#CantLoveNPC03_46

#CantLoveNPC03_44

[Professor Kim] Anyway, I think the crowd thought Jimin's answer with the exact amount of views of her video was a joke.

[Hana] Me too. Thank goodness. I'm glad the announcer covered for us.

...

#CantLoveNPC03_45

#CantLoveNPC03_43

[Ara] I don't understand either but I know boys scream they love me from the crowd all the time.

[Hana] That means you are doing a good job.

#CantLoveNPC03_44

#CantLoveNPC03_42

[Hana] When I told you it is your goal to make the fans love you, I mean that love like the fan screaming from the crowd. That type of love should be your goal.

#CantLoveNPC03_43

#CantLoveNPC03_41

[Hana] That's right, but love is a complicated word, too. It has many meanings. When a fan screams from the crowd, "I love you, Ara," he's using a different sense of the word love than the boy breaking up with his girlfriend in Moon's song. 

#CantLoveNPC03_42

#CantLoveNPC03_40

In a desperate, pleading voice,

[Jimin] I want to be loved! I don't want to be like an NPC!

[Professor Kim] OK, Jimin. We'll help you with that.

[Ara] Hana also told me it's my goal to make the fans love me.

#CantLoveNPC03_41

#CantLoveNPC03_39

[Jimin] That's really what it means! Metaphors are hard to understand, like people.

[Moon] I wrote the song!

[Jimin] I don't want to be an NPC because they are not loved, and I want to be loved.

[Moon] I guess that's one way of putting it. 

#CantLoveNPC03_40

#CantLoveNPC03_38

[Moon] NPCs in games are programmed to act in the same way toward anyone nearby over and over again. They are made to appear like they are responding to you, but in reality, they are no more responsive than an endlessly repeating short video.

#CantLoveNPC03_39

#CantLoveNPC03_37

[Moon] Do you understand the metaphor?

[Jimin] No. Metaphors are hard to understand.

[Moon] OK. I'll explain it. The singer is a boy, and he is breaking up with his girlfriend because there is no emotional connection, and he can't love her. 

#CantLoveNPC03_38

#CantLoveNPC03_36

[Moon] I can't love an NPC is a metaphor, it doesn't really mean the boy singing the song can't love a non-player character. An NPC is a computer. Humans don't love computers, right? Humans love other humans.

#CantLoveNPC03_37

#CantLoveNPC03_35

[Jimin] NPC is an abbreviation for non-player character. It means the protagonist can not love a non player character.

[Moon] It does not mean that.

[Jimin] Then what does it mean?

#CantLoveNPC03_36

#CantLoveNPC03_34

[Moon] Because that's what an NPC would say.

[Jimin] I don't understand. 

[Ara] I don't understand, either.

[Jimin] Your song is called "I Can't Love an NPC."

[Moon] Do you know what it means?

#CantLoveNPC03_35

#CantLoveNPC03_33

[Hana] Jimin, if someone asks you for a number, like how many times your video was viewed or how many fans we have, you can't answer with an exact number. Just say millions, or thousands, or hundreds, OK?

[Jimin] Why?

#CantLoveNPC03_34

#CantLoveNPC03_32

[Moon] Are you sure we're ready for primetime?

[Hana] It was a bit weird. 

[Professor Kim] If we're going to pull this off, we have to be a bit more public. We're ready. It will work!

#CantLoveNPC03_33

#CantLoveNPC03_30

[Hana] AHHHHHHHHHHHHH! It's so good to be alive!!!!!!!!

---

#CantLoveNPC03_31

#CantLoveNPC03_29

Hana collects the pay envelopes from Jimin and Ara, and Moon collects the pay envelopes from Tae and Dal.

[Moon] We were paid a ton. A ton times three.

[Hana] I know. We have what we need now to do the American tour in style.

#CantLoveNPC03_30

#CantLoveNPC03_28

The band walks to the limo for the drive back to Seoul. They enter the limo. The door clicks closed. Hana lets out a huge scream.

[Hana] AHHHHHHHHHHHH! Yes! We made soooooooooooo much money.

#CantLoveNPC03_29

#CantLoveNPC03_27

[Backstage Manager] Roger! You need me on Wednesday for the Seoul concert?

[Hana] That's right! See ya on Wednesday bright and early to start the prep.

[Hana] Let's blow this joint... limo's waiting!

#CantLoveNPC03_28

#CantLoveNPC03_26

Turning to the backstage manager,

[Hana] That's a wrap. We're heading back to Seoul. I'm leaving it to you for the cleanup.

#CantLoveNPC03_27

#CantLoveNPC03_25

[Hana] Sure. We'd love to come back and perform at WBS after our American tour, but it may cost ya a little more next time. Wink. Sounds like a plan. See ya.

[Hana] Let's go, everyone.

#CantLoveNPC03_26

#CantLoveNPC03_24

Hana walks up to the executive, and he takes a selfie with Hana as she winks.

[Executive] Thanks, Hana. My daughter will be so jealous. hhhhhhhhh. So will you come back here to our studios and do another concert after your American tour?

#CantLoveNPC03_25

#CantLoveNPC03_23

[Hana] Great! It's all here. It's a pleasure doing business with you. 

Hana bows and starts to walk out.

[Executive] Hey! Can I get a picture with you, Hana.

[Hana] Sure!

#CantLoveNPC03_24

#CantLoveNPC03_22

[Executive] Fine. Whatever you say. The ratings for your concert were incredible... some of the highest ratings we've had all year. 

Hana rifles through the envelope and counts the money.

#CantLoveNPC03_23

#CantLoveNPC03_21

[Executive] It's a real hassle paying you guys in cash. I hope you're claiming this as income. It's not a secret.

[Hana] We know. It's just far easier to have the cash on hand and divide things up quickly for our support staff.

#CantLoveNPC03_22

#CantLoveNPC03_20

[Executive] You certainly do ask for a lot, Hana!

[Hana] kkkkkkkkkkkkkk

BxGxR band members line up, and the executive walks down the row and hands each one their own thick envelope of money.

#CantLoveNPC03_21

#CantLoveNPC03_19

[Executive] That was an incredible performance, Hana. It was a huge success! The performance, the announcements, everything!

Hana smiles.

[Hana] Of course, you know we always put out for you. We ask a lot, but we give a lot in return.

#CantLoveNPC03_20

#CantLoveNPC03_18

[Professor Kim] I told you the others were ready for live interviews! You have to trust me!

[Hana] We'll talk more in the limo on the way home.

The WBS executive breaks into the conversation to congratulation the band.

#CantLoveNPC03_19

#CantLoveNPC03_17

Hana walks up to Professor Kim and gives him a high five. Professor Kim helps manage the band behind the scenes.

[Professor Kim] We did it! See! That was great! We're ready for the big leagues in America!

#CantLoveNPC03_18

#CantLoveNPC03_16

---

Back in Incheon, South Korea, after finishing taking pictures with the VIP fans, BxGxR goes backstage. Their partner, Professor Kim, is waiting for them with an executive from WBS Broadcasting.

#CantLoveNPC03_17

#CantLoveNPC03_15

[Hayoon] That's how you tell jokes in Korea.

[Marc] What?! What's that supposed to mean?!

[Hayoon] It means you're stupid, kkkkk

#CantLoveNPC03_16

#CantLoveNPC03_14

[Marc] Was that translated correctly?! That long exact number?! Now, you can't deny that was freaky!

[Hayoon] It's just a joke, Marc.

[Marc] Jimin wasn't laughing.

#CantLoveNPC03_15

#CantLoveNPC03_13

After hearing Jimin answer that her video has twelve million five hundred forty-five thousand three hundred and twenty-four views, Marc can't resist making more snide comments.

#CantLoveNPC03_14

#CantLoveNPC03_12

[Hayoon] What's wrong with reading books?

[Marc] I'm just saying... why would anyone say that?! I've read all of them!? Definitely a freak, but at least Ara is pretty.

[Hayoon] Ara's just making a joke. You should try it sometime.

#CantLoveNPC03_13

#CantLoveNPC03_11

After hearing Ara's answer to the question--What books are you reading?--Marc makes another snide comment.

[Marc] Books... I've read all of them. C'mon! What type of answer is that? Ara is not even attempting to be normal.

#CantLoveNPC03_12

#CantLoveNPC03_10

[Hayoon] Ara's hair is amazing. You have no idea how much work it is for a Korean to get that hair color... and it's perfect! Her hairdresser is amazing. And it looks so natural on her!  

[Hayoon] Ha! The announcer even mentioned it!

#CantLoveNPC03_11

#CantLoveNPC03_09

Next, Hayoon and Marc watch the replay of Ara's interview in K-Town, USA.

[Marc] Hayoon, I thought Koreans all have black hair. Ara's hair color is so unnatural... that blond... that sunflower yellow blonde is like a comic book color.

#CantLoveNPC03_10

#CantLoveNPC03_08

[Hayoon] Hey! Dal IS cute!

[Marc] I'm just having fun.

[Hayoon] Well... You ARE going with me to the BxGxR concert. I'll let you get it out of your system because I'm NOT hearing comments like this at the concert!

#CantLoveNPC03_09

#CantLoveNPC03_07

Next, they listen to the replay of Dal's interview, and the announcer call him a cutie and ask him about facials.

[Marc] (In a mocking, effeminate voice) My name is Dal and my hobbies are staying home all day and giving myself facials.

#CantLoveNPC03_08

#CantLoveNPC03_07

Next, they listen to the replay of Dal's interview, and the announcer call him a cutie and ask him about facials.

[Marc] (In a mocking, effeminate voice) My name is Dal and my hobbies are staying home all day and giving myself facials.

#CantLoveNPC03_08

#CantLoveNPC03_06

[Hayoon] With a body like that, who would want him to wear a shirt?! You're just jealous. Shut up! Let's hear the next one!

[Marc] So if I grunt (exaggerating a low voice), "I don't get cold!" you'll think I'm hot?

[Hayoon] kkkkk

#CantLoveNPC03_07

#CantLoveNPC03_05

[Marc] And you're telling me Tae isn't freaky?!

[Hayoon] What was freaky about that? He's hot!

[Marc] He parades around without a shirt and speaks with that low, grunting voice!

#CantLoveNPC03_06

#CantLoveNPC03_04

[Hayoon] Maaaarc! I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that. Now, shut up! Let's listen again.

Hayoon rewinds to Tae's interview when he grunted in a low voice that he doesn't wear a shirt and doesn't get cold.

#CantLoveNPC03_05

#CantLoveNPC03_03

[Marc] So you're going to rewind the DVR so we can see the freak squad again?

[Hayoon] Maaaarc! Why would you say that?!

[Marc] They're in a K-pop band. They must be freaks by definition.

#CantLoveNPC03_04

#CantLoveNPC03_02

Hayoon gasps,

[Hayoon] I can't believe we just saw that on live TV. The other band members of BxGxR spoke in public for the first time! That was incredible. Let's watch those interviews again! I'll put on subtitles.

#CantLoveNPC03_03

#CantLoveNPC03_01

#CantLoveNPC_Scene03Start

---

Back in K-Town, USA, Korean immigrant Hayoon and her too American boyfriend Marc are having a lively debate about the BxGxR concert they just watched on Korean TV.

#CantLoveNPC03_02

Scene 03 The Plan (read upward a tweet at a time)