Chapter 110
Chapter 110
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 110
Chapter Title: Shall We Leave a Memory Together?
-----------------------------------------------------------------
“Idol Using Cheats Idol Using Cheats-110화(110/354)”
110. Shall We Leave a Memory Together?
“Of, of course it’s important, right?”
Well, she wasn’t wrong. Screen time was crucial. You had to appear on camera for the public to remember you.
“But I think there’s something even more important.”
I tapped my temple with my index finger.
“Stuff that sticks in here, in the mind, seems way more important. Though it’s all a matter of perspective. If you don’t get any screen time, nothing sticks in the head either.”
But even with tons of screen time, if it wasn’t fun or touching, it wouldn’t stick.
“Uh, r-really?”
“Sweet Kiss member. We’ve got a lot of scenes dancing together, right?”
“Yeah.”
I tapped my temple again with my index finger.
“Shall we leave a memory together?”
Hana, the member, froze mid-step for a moment.
I flashed a bright smile and continued.
“Let’s do great out there. Us.”
Of course I had to perform well. She couldn’t be too tense.
‘To etch into the public’s minds, I need you.’
Honestly, VIP was a little pissed right now.
Hana’s face flushed as she nodded quickly. She started walking again soon after, but she seemed kind of stiff.
‘Her muscles look tense. Still nervous?’
No helping it.
I turned around to find the manager.
“Manager, can I have my phone?”
“Huh? Here!”
I quickly switched the screen back to cheat mode.
[Cheat Mode 1/3]
[Zenith, Sweet Kiss Condition Recovery]
[Change applied.]
[Side effect: Nape stiffness for 10 minutes starting in 10 seconds.]
[Cheat Mode 2/3]
Huh.
‘The side effect’s pretty bad this time.’
I glanced at Hana.
‘Is her tension that severe?’
Right on cue, my nape cramped up. I rubbed the back of my neck and handed the smartphone back to the manager.
Hana tilted her head.
“Huh? Weird. My body suddenly feels loose.”
“You too? Me too!”
I slipped back a bit. Yoo Hajin started massaging my neck.
“What’s wrong? Stiff?”
“A little. It’ll be fine soon.”
“Dowon, you know… Never mind.”
“Spit it out. Why stop halfway?”
“You’re just… Nah. You’re still too young.”
What the hell.
“I’ll have to watch you closely when you turn adult. Ah, being leader is tough. So much work!”
Was she picking a fight?
I tilted my head, and Leader Hyung kept massaging my neck, working out the knots.
‘What’s that about?’
A sigh escaped me naturally, but no one answered.
***
The recording was still officially the “Year-End Music Special Showdown.” A flashy stage had been set up.
‘Though they might recycle it as is.’
On the bright sky-blue stage, stomachs were showing.
‘Boys and girls on the sea.’
It was time to show some freshness.
Rehearsal ended, and I caught my breath. The members shook out their hands lightly, while Sweet Kiss fixed their outfits.
“Main take incoming.”
We took our positions on the studio stage right away. It was finally starting.
Music flowed soon after, and the steps followed. I smiled cutely, nodding my head, and Hana approached.
I took her hand and spun her around.
‘Right once, forward twice.’
We matched the upbeat rhythm, and I caught a glimpse of her smile.
‘You’re doing great, Hana.’
Then I had to step up too.
Suddenly, something boiled up in my head. I knew this feeling.
‘The stage.’
Lights flickered between breaths. I loved this split-second thrill.
I moved my shoulders softly and grabbed her hand again. The camera closed in soon.
‘Bingo.’
Exactly what I wanted. Grateful the camera followed my line.
I pretended to gently kiss the back of her hand. Then I straightened up and beamed.
‘An adventurous boy would be thrilled.’
After meeting a pretty girl, of course.
I stepped back one foot, then forward again. Took her hand and faced her. Our eyes met, and I tilted my head slightly left. Hair fell over my eyes.
Through the half-obscured view, I saw Hana’s flushed face.
I extended one leg back long, then swung it forward. Then I lifted her half a turn in my arms and set her down.
Music flowed again. She stretched her arms idol-style with a smile.
‘Gotta catch her.’
The boy and girl joined hands. Then the music faded.
Hah.
Panting, I looked ahead. Lights and cameras receded slowly.
The stage was over.
I let go of her hand and bowed politely.
“Good work.”
Hana looked exhausted, her face a bit pink. The manager clapped and rushed forward right away.
“Wow, you killed it!”
The assistant director slapped my back in praise.
“So fresh! Cha Dowon, I knew you were good, but Zenith is no joke!”
The manager chimed in from the side.
“Well, our kids are from Friends, after all.”
“And Hana was great. Was Hana always this pretty?”
Sweet Kiss’s Hana blushed even more, delighted.
‘Perfect.’
Stage over, not my problem anymore. I took a sip of water and fixed my outfit. The sailor collar felt annoying since it was a sailor suit.
That’s when I noticed someone backstage who stood out.
A slim figure in a wide hat, arms full of flowers.
‘Ah…’
I recognized her instantly and bowed. The woman in sunglasses smiled faintly.
“Hey! Hey! That’s her!”
Ki Jaeyoon, who recognized her, pointed. Yoo Hajin startled and forced his hand down.
‘What’s she doing here?’
And what were the flowers?
Curiosities piled up. Just as I was about to approach her, a familiar shriek came from behind.
“Eek!”
“Wow! Yumi sunbae, right?!”
I chuckled.
Sweet Kiss members squealed like dolphins and rushed to Yumi, jumping and shrieking.
“I’m a huge fan, seriously.”
“Sunbae! I really admire you.”
So enthusiastic. Yumi smiled shyly.
“Really? Thanks.”
“You’re amazing!”
Such passionate confessions. The heat was intense, so I shrugged and finished the water in my bottle.
“Your stage was so pretty.”
“Ah, getting praised by Yumi sunbae!”
“Here, flowers.”
Yumi casually pinned the two biggest flowers on Sweet Kiss. They stomped in joy.
‘Wow, she’s popular.’
Couldn’t even say hi because of it.
Hana fiddled with her flower and asked.
“Sunbae, what brings you here?”
“Ah!”
Sunglasses Yumi turned to me.
“Came to make a reservation.”
For what?
“Dowon, you got openings? All of you!”
What?
I furrowed my brow.
“Need to buy some of your time tonight.”
Huh.
Clueless, I tilted my head. But the members seemed to know something, faces subtly flushing.
I asked Lee Seungjun.
“Know what that means?”
The bear-like guy stared at me blankly, then shut his mouth.
Why was I the only one out of the loop?
Then the manager approached.
“Yumi, how could you say it like that.”
“Why? It’s fun.”
“You’ll give the kids the wrong idea.”
“It’s not wrong. I even booked the place.”
Members couldn’t lift their heads.
‘Why are they like this?’
No one explained. The manager spoke again.
“She means she booked the practice room! Yumi! How could you phrase it like that.”
Ah.
I chuckled. She took off her sunglasses and handed me the remaining flowers.
“Still your sunbae, couldn’t come empty-handed.”
“Ah, honored.”
“Saw your stage. Felt it during Countryside Life too, but Dowon, you’re climbing scary fast.”
“Well, all thanks to you planting the fame seed.”
“Still got that silver tongue.”
Yumi’s long hair swayed as she smiled brightly.
“Our stage time changed?”
She plucked a flower and pinned it in my ear like with the girl group.
“VIP’s right before us.”
Ki Jaeyoon shouted from behind.
“Isn’t that a good slot?”
Yumi replied softly.
“Yeah? But I’m petty. Want our stage to shine alone.”
Wow.
I smiled back.
‘As expected of a legend.’
This must be why she’s Korea’s top female singer.
Yumi tapped the flower.
“So practice room booked from today? No backing out?”
“Got it, sunbae.”
“Then I’ll head out. You were awesome today, Dowon. Ah, Zenith too. Though those two were the cutest, of course.”
Dolphin shrieks erupted again. I let out a small breath and said.
“You seem in a good mood too, sunbae.”
“Better to enjoy the challenge. Plus good sleep means good condition. Anyway, really going now!”
Yumi brushed past me. As soon as she turned, I pulled the flower from my ear and sighed.
Then Ki Jaeyoon said.
“Wow, Yumi sunbae really seemed happy.”
Oh dear.
I stared at Ki Jaeyoon.
“What?”
Leader Hyung spoke first.
“Jaeyoon, no tact means no popularity.”
Kang Minje whispered.
“Really looks that way?”
Ki Jaeyoon yelled right away.
“Why! She gave flowers!”
Oops.
I muttered.
“Flowers are just decoration.”
Ki Jaeyoon looked more confused. Eventually grabbed Lee Seungjun.
“Hey, you know?”
I chuckled. Of course that guy knew.
Sure enough, Lee Seungjun answered kindly.
“Yeah. I know. Got a noona.”
I held one flower and walked out slowly.
“Women are scary.”
Kang Minje grabbed my shoulder.
‘Why’s he doing this?’
Almost shoved him off but held back.
The fox smiled softly.
“Yeah. Really scary.”
“Well, Yumi sunbae’s charming.”
“Now I get why it’s Yumi. No joke.”
“She’s kinda airheaded usually. But flips the switch and boom.”
Knew from sharing stages, but didn’t expect this level.
‘Hajin held out with that body pre-regression.’
Source of that strength, huh.
Kang Minje whispered.
“Thanks to this, the song’s direction is set.”
That’s what he was thinking.
“Gotta do it quick. No, now.”
Inspiration hit, I guess.
Kang Minje trembled like a recovering alcoholic.
‘Look close, he’s a maniac too.’
I told the manager.
“Manager, get Kang Minje’s laptop and headphones.”
That punk might die if he doesn’t do it now.
“Huh? Those are in the waiting room?”
Yeah, too heavy to carry.
“Minje hyung, hold on a sec.”
“Huh? Can’t hold on.”
He dashed off.
“Minje! Where you going!”
The plump but nimble manager chased. I shook my head at their backs.
‘No normal people here.’
Yoo Hajin grinned at me.
“Minje’s so passionate. Passion and addiction must be similar.”
“Passion’s legal, addiction sends you to hell.”
“Yeah, true.”
A sigh slipped out. I consoled Yoo Hajin lightly.
“Must be tough being leader, handling guys like that.”
Good call putting Hajin here. Kang Minje can’t lead.
As I thought that, I felt eyes on me. I looked up at Yoo Hajin. Leader Hyung hadn’t looked away.
“What?”
“Hm, Dowon. I think Minje’s easy to handle.”
“Really?”
Didn’t know that.
“Compared to you, easy.”
Huh?
“Me?”
“Yeah.”
“Kinda unfair. I’m not the troublemaker type.”
“Yeah. True. You’re super rational, Dowon.”
Knows and still.
“Rationally cause trouble and charge ahead.”
Yoo Hajin sighed deeply.
Huh.
“No time to stop you. You charge, punch, take hits, win, and come back. That’s the problem.”
Joking?
“Leader’s tough. Leader’s suffering.”
I asked Lee Seungjun behind me.
“You think Hajin hyung’s right?”
Lee Seungjun nodded.
“Hajin hyung has it rough.”
Damn.
“I disagree.”
“Troublemakers never know.”
Lee Seungjun came forward quick and draped an arm over my shoulder.
“It’s fine. I’ll help.”
With what?
“So don’t charge alone. This time, we go together, yeah?”