Chapter 125
Chapter 125
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 125
Chapter Title: To the Point Where Seniors Will Remember
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Love is something that moves, they say.
As I walked down the broadcasting station hallway, my eyes met those of the VIP members. I bowed politely and straightened up.
“Hello. I’m Zenith’s Cha Dowon.”
They just flicked their eyes at me.
“Oh, Zenith? Where’s that?”
“There are just too many new groups coming out these days.”
Aha.
‘So these are the types of guys they are.’
I smiled brightly.
“Ah, I see. I’ll work even harder so that you seniors will remember us!”
I behaved with utmost courtesy, but for some reason, the seniors’ expressions soured.
‘There’s no way they don’t know us.’
They could see us rising up, so why act like this, seniors?
“Uh, yeah. Keep at it.”
“Well, we’ll remember the name eventually.”
“But... who’s that next to you...? Huh?”
The guy seemed to recognize Kang Minje.
“Hello. I’m Zenith’s Kang Minje.”
“You’re the one our president tried to recruit a few years back and bought drinks for, right?”
He even got free drinks out of it? More importantly, a few years ago would’ve been when Kang Minje was still a minor.
The fox replied calmly.
“Ah, yeah, that happened once. Long time no see.”
“You were at Friends the whole time, huh.”
“Kiki from Vita was always trash-talking you, right?”
Kang Minje smiled softly.
“Is Vita’s Kiki senior doing well?”
Who was Vita’s Kiki again?
‘Oh, right. The guy who shit in front of Kang Minje’s house and ran off.’
I wonder if the senior still pulls stunts like that.
“Kiki? He’s not in Vita anymore.”
“He’s prepping for solo now.”
“I see. I haven’t heard any news since he left the company, so it’s good to know he’s doing well.”
Kang Minje smoothly moved past it. But the VIP guys pressed down again.
“You’re such an idiot, Kang Minje. If you’d come to our company, you’d be doing way better than now.”
“You wouldn’t have been stuck cleaning up after trash like these guys and could’ve gone solo right away, right?”
Oh dear. I didn’t know that.
‘Kang Minje solo...’
Well, not a bad idea. Friends probably has plans like that too.
‘He’s a mad genius when it comes to music, but as a solo idol...’
The fox just doesn’t have that spark for it.
Before my return, when Zenith disbanded, Kang Minje naturally went solo. His music-focused activities weren’t bad, but they didn’t reach the top either.
‘He wasn’t an idol back then.’
Even as a former idol, the results weren’t great.
‘No wonder the Pig President went looking for his crazy maknae.’
That was also why Friends hadn’t debuted Kang Minje alone.
“I’m still way too lacking to go solo.”
The fox gave the model answer.
“Plus, my members are amazing. Way beyond what I could keep up with.”
Was he sincere?
‘Whatever, none of my business.’
I kept beaming at my dear VIP seniors. Right on cue, the staff signaled us in. We entered the studio waiting room and got ready immediately.
‘With cameras around, this is where it starts.’
The MCs’ voices came through.
“We’re starting Stereo Star, the high-class music show of the week.”
“Today’s a special on handsome male idols.”
“Guys who seem to have it all.”
“We have Jeremy and Kao from VIP! Minje and Dowon from Zenith!”
I opened the door first and let my dear VIP seniors go ahead. Then I took the seat farthest from the MC spot among the four.
“Whew, the studio’s shining bright.”
“Please introduce yourselves first.”
VIP looked at the camera.
“I’m VIP’s leader, Jeremy.”
“I’m VIP’s Kao. Been a while since I came here, but it’s the same as ever.”
The guy named Kao looked around casually.
‘You can tell he’s looking down on the place. Acting like he parties internationally.’
They probably know what I know.
Maybe that’s why the MCs’ expressions soured.
“Well, it hasn’t changed. Just the people got a bit older.”
Now it was our turn. I made eye contact with Kang Minje and timed it.
We started together.
“Hello. Zenith, bringing the peak to you.”
Kang Minje said with a smile.
“I’m Zenith’s softness, Kang Minje.”
“I’m Zenith’s maknae, Cha Dowon.”
The MCs burst out laughing. I turned my head shyly.
‘You watching, VIP?’
Gotta toss them some laughs. This is variety.
‘That’s how you get screen time.’
The MCs said,
“Wow, rookies are different.”
“So fresh.”
“Cha Dowon, how old are you?”
The classic variety age flex. I grinned and answered.
“Still in middle school year 3. High school first year next year.”
“Kyaa~ Young.”
“Not young, just a kid.”
“Cha Dowon, I hear you’re paying a ton in taxes these days.”
Brag here and they’d tear me down. I spoke shyly.
“Ah, I just got some opportunities.”
“This kid raked it in with CFs. They play and he pops up. How do the family react?”
Cha Sora popped into my head. I repeated exactly what my sister said.
“Don’t waste money on nonsense, save up and buy a house.”
The MCs cracked up.
“Wow, the family knows what’s up.”
“A house? What kind? Where?”
I answered honestly.
“Just somewhere near a subway, I guess. Don’t know much about real estate. That’s all I know.”
“Wow~! Amazing! Kids these days really get it!”
The MCs seemed satisfied. After getting my screen time, they turned to Kang Minje.
“This one’s impressive too. Kang Minje, royalties pouring in, right?”
“Hit song machine.”
Kang Minje smiled softly.
“Not a machine, just a bit. Yeah, I got lucky.”
“Not just a bit!”
“Hear it’s pretty good every settlement.”
“All of Zenith’s songs are by this guy!”
“What? For real? Genius?”
I beamed.
“Minje hyung really is a genius when it comes to music.”
“Kyaa~”
“How’s he in the booth?”
I deliberately stiffened and glanced at Kang Minje like I was checking.
“Can I be honest?”
“Of course.”
“We’ll edit if it’s too much.”
“We’re not that mean.”
I knew better than them they wouldn’t edit.
“Minje hyung turns into a different person the moment he enters the booth.”
Kang Minje quietly grabbed my arm.
“Dowon?”
Whatever. I kept going.
“He’s super soft normally, but in there, he’s a dictator. Total perfectionist. If it doesn’t satisfy him, you sing till it does.”
The MCs chuckled.
“Dowon, how could you say that? People will misunderstand.”
“It’s true. He’s scary every recording. Totally changes.”
You hear that, VIP?
‘We got something good.’
Solid ratings program.
‘And plenty of it.’
Most important was the image.
Kang Minje got “soft usually, but genius perfectionist.” Plus, I came off as outperforming my hyungs but still the obedient maknae.
‘All images that benefit us right now.’
Luckily, the MCs played along.
‘Maybe extra reactions ’cause they hate VIP.’
Not bad. Kang Minje watched me, then smiled foxily.
“But Dowon keeps up great. He’s the only one who prepped and reviewed every single note I pointed out.”
“Trendsetter’s no fluke.”
“This kid acts too, right?”
I smiled brightly, bowed a bit, and straightened.
“Gwiju Victory is playing in theaters now. Help us out. Just watch once. The director’s wife invested. Protect one family’s future.”
“Puhahaha! That kid’s got guts!”
“For real?”
I nodded seriously.
“Yeah. He always begged on set. If it flops, he won’t see his 2-year-old son.”
“Uhahahaha! But isn’t it doing well?”
“Heard it’s about to break even.”
“Good. No divorce then.”
The MCs loved the anecdote.
“Great vibe today. You’re watching high-class music show Stereo Star. Next up, what guests always do. Talent corner!”
“Who first? Seniors?”
VIP smirked sourly.
“Ah, we’ll go later.”
“Juniors first, obviously.”
“We’re not in position to go first.”
Order didn’t matter. Their arrogance did.
I smiled innocently.
“VIP seniors look tired, so we’ll go first.”
The MCs replied.
“Partying internationally tires you out.”
“Jet lag tough?”
“Japan activities, what jet lag!”
“Oh, right? Then flying must be rough.”
“VIP’s been back two weeks, no?”
The words had bite.
‘This show’s perfect for biting back.’
MCs really hated VIP.
“VIP ain’t what they used to be. Getting older.”
“VIP’s at that joint-pain age.”
Wow.
‘Straight-up has-beens roast.’
Fighting, respected MCs.
VIP finally snapped.
“We’re still young!”
“Joints?!”
Oh.
‘Jumping like that kills the fun.’
It was variety. Better to ask for joint supplements for screen time.
‘Whatever, not my business.’
The MC laughed like he hooked one.
“Jumping around? Suspicious.”
“VIP, don’t be too upset. That’s the age.”
“Jeremy’s 31 already? Front digit change makes you sensitive.”
They clung viciously. I enjoyed VIP’s souring faces. Of course, my expression was the opposite.
‘I’m the bewildered rookie in harsh variety today.’
MCs bit for a while, then switched.
“Yes, talent time. Zenith’s youngest, Cha Dowon, go.”
“Talents... what is it? Princess carry?”
I smiled sweetly.
“Yes. Princess carry’s my talent.”
“Oh, I know this. Sa-hyuk herniated doing that.”
Herniated?
‘Didn’t know.’
Hope he’s healed by now, Sa-hyuk senior.
‘Had time for PT.’
Not my business.
“C-can anyone do princess carry?”
I nodded.
Average-build MC said,
“Me too?”
Heavier than Urami?
“Yes.”
“Gotta see it.”
“Do it, Cha Dowon.”
“Who?”
MC pointed to Kang Minje right beside.
“Lightest member first.”
Damn.
I looked at Kang Minje. He smiled softly.
“You got this?”
“I can, hyung.”
“Then do it.”
Rage boiled up. I went to the studio center. Kang Minje approached, hand on my shoulder.
‘Proper inferiority complex here.’
I hypnotized myself inwardly.
‘This isn’t Kang Minje. It’s a mannequin.’
Damn. At least mannequins you can toss.
I placed hands on Kang Minje’s waist and butt, lifted quietly.
‘Huh?’
Actually lifting, I was a bit surprised.
“Minje hyung?”
Kang Minje whispered in my ear.
“Why?”
“You’re too light, hyung. Shouldn’t you eat more?”
Fox nature? I tilted my head.
That’s when it hit.
“Puhahahahaha!”
All four MCs laughed hard.