Chapter 323: Commencing Activities (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 323: Commencing Activities (2)
Despite Won Chae-hee’s deep anxieties, a familiar group name slipped from Assistant Manager Yeo’s lips while they were out for lunch.
“I listened to Spark’s radio show yesterday, you know.”
“Wait, really?”
“I turned on the radio on my way home and they were on. I tune into Polo’s show every now and then.”
Assistant Manager Yeo mentioned how nice it was to hear a familiar name while driving.
“They said they have a new song out? I heard it, too.”
“What did you think? Was it good?”
“They released two, but I liked the one with the shorter title better than the long one. They’re all such good singers, aren't they?”
It seemed she had heard Spark singing End live. As expected of Spark. If someone as kind as Assistant Manager Yeo had said something like, “Hmm, they seemed a bit off yesterday, didn’t they?” Won Chae-hee would have wanted to leave the fandom immediately.
“They said a song I like is in this album, too. Have you heard it, Chae-hee? I heard it’s not being released on music streaming sites.”
“Yes, I listened to it yesterday.”
“Maybe I should buy one too? Are idol albums expensive?”
Won Chae-hee hurriedly stopped Assistant Manager Yeo as she reached for her phone, looking like she was about to search for it.
“Would you like me to give you one? I have a spare, brand-new copy.”
“Oh?”
Assistant Manager Yeo’s eyes widened.
Chae-hee realized her mistake. She had momentarily forgotten that a normal person wouldn't buy two copies of the same album in the first place.
However, her senior was truly a person without prejudice.
“Then I guess I’m buying lunch today!” she chirped.
Seeing her reaction, Won Chae-hee gifted the new album to Assistant Manager Yeo the following day. That evening, she received several private messages.
(Fitting) Assistant Manager Yeo Ha-na
[Chae-hee]
[Thank you so much for the album~ I’ll enjoy the music!]
[And a photo of the most handsome member came out of it]
[[IMG_1]]
[If you don’t have this one, should I bring it tomorrow?]
How long had it been since she’d talked to someone who called a photocard a "photo"? Won Chae-hee chose her words with extreme care. Her persona as a seasoned professional took over.
Me
[It’s fine, haha. Do you like the photo?]
The reply came back shortly after.
(Fitting) Assistant Manager Yeo Ha-na
[Yeah, the kids are so cute]
[This is the first time I’ve ever owned an idol album]
Me
[I’m honored, haha]
Assistant Manager Yeo even sent a proof shot of the photocard tucked neatly back into the album, saying she would treasure the picture. Storing it like that would eventually leave an indent on the paper, but the way she cherished such a small gift made Won Chae-hee happy.
Because the concepts for the double titles were polar opposites, the stylists were the ones suffering the most.
Looking at the sheer volume of clothes for just six people and the rows of props, I could feel their conviction that "our boys must look the absolute best." I could only be grateful.
Choi Je-ho asked as he fastened the buckle of a suspender crossing his chest.
“Did you bring that coloring book again today?”
“The coloring book? I finished that ages ago.”
Mister Kim, the photographer, didn't even have time for coloring. To take 300 photos each of their baseball uniforms, their downtime in the waiting room, and their mechanic outfits, I’d have to snap my colored pencils in half just to keep up.
The members all looked stunning. The intensive skincare they’d been doing for their cosmetics commercial was paying off. It was at a level where I wondered if it was even possible for human pores to be this invisible.
In particular, there was one more element this time that the fans would love.
“Taking a mirror selfie? Let’s take one with Cheong-hyeon, too!”
“Just one?”
“Cancel that. 131 photos.”
After going through physical and mental growing pains, Lee Cheong-hyeon had finally crossed over into the "Tall Line." He had grown to the point where he was now eye-level with me.
“Tsk, maybe I should have just asked to be friends on our first anniversary.”
Lee Cheong-hyeon muttered loud enough for everyone to hear as he adjusted his bangs.
“I told you to do whatever you wanted back then. You’re the one who refused.”
“I didn’t know I’d sprout up like this!”
Lee Cheong-hyeon looked into the mirror and flashed his "ultimate idol" smile.
“I’m going to keep growing like this and become friends with Je-ho Hyung, too. How about it?”
“You want to be friends with Choi Je-ho?”
“Wouldn’t a friend like Je-ho Hyung be great? It feels like he could protect me no matter what situation I’m in. It’s so reassuring.”
“Is that a friend? That’s a bodyguard.”
“A true friend is someone who can do anything for the other person.”
“If that’s what a friend is, then I don’t have any.”
“You don’t have any friends anyway, Hyung. You already announced it on the radio, so why act surprised now?”
Lee Cheong-hyeon really didn't back down an inch. No, it was beyond not backing down—it was a total victory.
“Cheong-hyeon is really growing well. I’m jealous,” Jeong Seong-bin said with a bittersweet expression. This was coming from a guy who had also hit 180cm. Park Ju-woo worked hard to comfort his friend beside him.
“Hyung.”
I was about to check the photos I’d taken when Kang Gi-yeon called out to me.
“Yeah? What is it?”
“Do you happen to know any techniques for... swapping out knees?”
Despite talking nonsense, Kang Gi-yeon’s expression was dead serious.
“You know everything, Hyung. Surely there’s some kind of growth plate replacement surgery that isn't well-known yet...”
“Gi-yeon, calm down.”
“How can I be calm? I’m the only one who hasn't passed 180!”
“Gi-yeon, it’s your turn for a makeup touch-up!”
His lamentation was cut short as he had to obediently sit in the chair at the staff member’s call.
Even as a purple hair clip was pinned to his forehead, Kang Gi-yeon’s mouth didn't stop.
“My growth period is going to end soon, what should I do? Should I start jumping rope every day? Can’t you give me permission to go out at night?”
I kept my mouth shut. Instead of offering words of comfort, I simply patted Gi-yeon on the shoulder.
Your height has already shown miraculous growth. You’ve already beaten the past version of yourself. Just give some praise to your knees for doing their best.
For as long as Pyeong Dae-yeon had known them, Spark always had great energy. They were literally fit, but they also had a habit of cheering each other on to boost morale. Seeing a team or organization run this smoothly was a fresh experience for him.
There were many reasons why the team atmosphere was so good. Everyone was diligent in their work and never slacked off.
Their mindset was positive, too. In his time as their manager, Pyeong Dae-yeon had never heard them say things like, “We’re not going to make it.”
And, though this part was a bit heartbreaking...
“Manager.”
“Yes. Do you need something?”
“Could I get one headache pill?”
...They never showed how much they were struggling.
Kim I-wol, who had come to ask for medicine, was the prime example. This was already the second time today he had asked for a headache pill. It was due to chronic migraines.
Ever since the official comeback preparations began, Kim I-wol hadn't skipped a single day of taking headache medicine. After the hospital and the company stepped in, worried about liver damage from long-term use, they had reached a sort of compromise: he could take up to three tablets a day, but only if he received them from the manager.
Pyeong Dae-yeon always bought individually wrapped tablets, fearing that if he bought them in bulk, Kim I-wol might accidentally take medicine that had gone bad.
After realizing that I-wol’s usage was becoming prolonged, he had even taken him to the hospital to get a proper diagnosis and switch him to a medication that was less taxing on the body.
Even so, his worries didn't fade. Because from what Pyeong Dae-yeon had seen, Kim I-wol had a very high threshold for pain. He couldn't help but think how hard it must be for someone like that to be living on medication.
In fact, rather than it being an addiction, it was clear that I-wol endured it until he could no longer control his facial expressions. Even though the other members were pros in front of the camera, Kim I-wol was a pro even in front of the company staff. Only after his eyebrows twitched minutely a couple of times would he invariably approach and ask for a headache pill.
“Should I book a hospital appointment during the break in recording?” Pyeong Dae-yeon asked in a lowered voice.
Kim I-wol shook his head.
“I think I’ll be okay for the rest of the day if I take this now. Thank you for looking out for me.”
Kim I-wol politely held out both hands. Even though he was much taller than Pyeong Dae-yeon, he always used both hands whenever he received something from him. It didn't sit well with the manager to place the pill into those pale, strained hands.
“I’ll get some water. Go lie down for a bit.”
“It’s okay. I still have some water left from earlier!”
Kim I-wol smiled and shook his tumbler. Seeing Pyeong Dae-yeon and Kim I-wol in the corner, the other members began to gather one by one. Lee Cheong-hyeon spoke with a worried face.
“Are you taking medicine again? You already had one this morning.”
“This is the last one for today.”
Kim I-wol popped the pill. The trash was about to go into his pocket, but it ultimately ended up in Kang Gi-yeon’s hand, which was thrust in front of him.
“Take a nap after the pre-recording. I’ll clear off the sofa for you.”
“I can’t. My voice will get congested.”
“Having two stages is the downside here.”
The members huddled together in a circle. Feeling awkward about the atmosphere, Kim I-wol waved his hands to shoo them away.
“Go do your own work. Stop worrying about others.”
“There he goes again,” Lee Cheong-hyeon grumbled. Kim I-wol awkwardly averted his gaze.
Above all, the biggest factor that made Spark seem so close-knit was the way they took such meticulous care of one another.
Pyeong Dae-yeon found that very admirable. But conversely, it meant they had so much work that they had to look after each other like this, which always left a bittersweet aftertaste.
Kim I-wol’s eyes, which had been blinking slowly, turned toward Pyeong Dae-yeon.
Did I stare too long? Just as Pyeong Dae-yeon was feeling self-conscious, Kim I-wol spoke to him.
“Manager.”
“Yes?”
Kim I-wol smiled gently. It was a smile that put the viewer’s mind at ease.
“I’m always grateful.”
“...”
Sincerity radiated from eyes that seemed deeper than his dark-dyed hair.
“It must be a hassle, but you always take such good care of me.”
Kim I-wol was kind. He even went out of his way to add more words so that Pyeong Dae-yeon, who was struggling to find a response, wouldn't feel awkward.
“It’s my job.”
“Even so.”
Pyeong Dae-yeon had lived his life believing that one should work hard at their given tasks. That it was only right for a healthy member of society.
But when Kim I-wol, who was much younger than him, told him that his efforts were by no means something to be taken for granted—when he said thank you every single time—how could he not care?
“I’m the one who’s grateful to you, I-wol.”
At Pyeong Dae-yeon’s words, Kim I-wol’s eyes went wide. It was that "ㅇxㅇ" expression fans often compared him to, looking completely puzzled.
“I get a lot of strength while working, thanks to you,” Pyeong Dae-yeon said.
Kim I-wol seemed a bit flustered, but he didn't look unhappy at all.