Chapter 141
Chapter 141
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 141
Chapter Title: Calm Down, Everyone
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I clenched and unclenched my fist. The pain was incomparable to before.
“Zenith, encore stage please. Music Light broadcast ends here.”
I bowed to the idols heading inside. Soon, the intro to Chunhyang started playing. The fans screamed, and I made eye contact with each one.
The dreamlike time came to an end. Panting, I returned to the waiting room.
“Do we have any more schedules?”
Ki Jaeyoon quickly replied.
“I have a solo one!”
A solo? For Ki Jaeyoon?
I looked at Leader Hyung with trembling eyes. Yoo Hajin sighed and said.
“Variety show, as an eating guest.”
“Ah, so that’s why it’s Ki Jaeyoon.”
“Keep your mouth shut and just eat, Jaeyoon. What if you cause trouble? I’m really worried.”
“Hajin Hyung! That’s too much! Do you know how much I’ve been looking forward to this schedule?”
“For food? You’ll really rip your outfit if you keep that up?”
Huh. But one thing bothered me.
I whispered quietly to Yoo Hajin.
“Hajin Hyung. Our country’s variety shows won’t just let you eat without reason, right?”
“Yeah. You have to win games to eat, obviously.”
“What’s the name of the variety show where Jaeyoon’s going as a one-off guest?”
“Brain Play, I think?”
Hajin Hyung and I turned to look at Ki Jaeyoon at the same time.
“Why, why are you looking at me like that?”
“No worries about gaining weight.”
“You probably won’t even get to eat.”
“Watch your mouth, Jaeyoon. Don’t pick up scraps off the floor. If you turn into a street urchin, Zenith’s image goes down the drain.”
Oh man.
‘Do we really have to warn him about that?’
Well, with Ki Jaeyoon, it’s possible.
“How do you see me! Do you know how hard it is these days with food prices dropping?”
“That’s exactly why I’m saying it, because I know you.”
“Leader Hyung! Too much!”
I shook my head and entered the waiting room.
“Manager still not here?”
“Dowon, didn’t he say he’d be right back?”
“Ah, about that…….”
Time to explain, I guess.
Just as I was about to speak, the waiting room door opened.
Clunk—
I turned around. One of the people who came in was someone I knew.
“Long time no see.”
“Ah, yeah…….”
“Han Jinseok.”
Come to think of it, this is our first proper introduction. I smiled awkwardly.
“You look good.”
“Yeah. Hello. Zenith members. Nice to meet you.”
The man who had been Sa Hyeok’s manager bowed to the members and straightened up.
“I’m Han Jinseok, temporary manager. Since Manager Heo Yongdam is at the ER right now, a few of us came together for now.”
“Manager Brother’s at the ER? Why?”
Oh no.
I quickly looked around at the members. Yoo Hajin immediately turned to me.
“Dowon? You know something?”
“Ah, there was a car accident.”
“What?”
The members suddenly surrounded me.
‘Their reaction is intense.’
I took a step back, gesturing for them to calm down.
“I’ll explain from the beginning.”
“Do it, quick.”
I started with the most urgent info first.
“First off, Manager’s fine. Airbag deployed perfectly, he’s unscathed. We sent him to the ER just in case. Manager’s okay.”
Even after giving them the info they wanted most, the members’ expressions didn’t soften. I hurriedly continued.
“On the way back from ‘Audience Meet-and-Greet’ earlier, some car hit us.”
“Dowon, your body?”
“Ah, I’m fine. Wrist hurts a bit. This is nothing. Just misplaced weight during the impact.”
So, calm down, everyone. I’m fine. Why are you all so worked up?
“What about the other car?”
“Ah, it was a hit-and-run.”
“What!”
They stepped forward as much as I’d backed away. In an instant, the three big guys felt like a wall.
‘What’s with the vibe?’
It felt like I was a criminal.
“Isn’t that dangerous?”
“Of course it is. They’re probably investigating by now. Anyway, that’s police business.”
I can’t investigate myself.
I desperately smiled at this wall.
“The car’s just dented. Everything’s fine. Look, I did the schedule. Nothing wrong. Why are you like this? Seungjun, Hajin Hyung, Minje Hyung. Please calm down.”
The walls’ eyes wavered. Why are they like that? Why are they shocked? I said everything’s fine.
‘Maybe it’s about the car cost? No way Friends Entertainment can’t afford a new van.’
Insurance should cover it.
‘The issue is when they catch the hit-and-run driver, but I don’t know that far.’
That’s when Sa Hyeok’s former manager, Han Jinseok, spoke.
“Maybe discuss later. We have something to do first.”
Zenith all looked at Han Jinseok. The skinny manager adjusted his glasses and said.
“For now, Manager Jeong Mijeong will handle Ki Jaeyoon’s schedule temporarily. She’ll also take the rest of you back to the dorm. Cha Dowon?”
“Yes, Manager.”
“Go to the hospital with me first. At this hour, only the ER’s open.”
Ah, the wrist.
‘It’s nothing…….’
Honestly, with cheat, it’d heal in no time. Not serious, so minimal side effects. But right now, that wasn’t the issue.
‘Better see those three later. Don’t know what’s up, but their eyes aren’t joking.’
I quickly walked toward Han Jinseok.
“My wrist isn’t that bad.”
“No.”
The manager shook his head firmly.
“Executive Director Ju asked me to tie you down at the ER quick. Traffic accident, who knows what might burst, and you’re doing schedules.”
Oh man.
I deliberately didn’t look back. Didn’t need to see the prickling stares.
“Change into comfy clothes and let’s go quick. See you later.”
Saying that, Han Jinseok swiftly undid my outfit like speed was key. As I pulled on clothes, I said.
“My arm’s really fine.”
“It’s not about the arm, Dowon.”
This stick-thin guy had surprising backbone. Once changed, he grabbed my good arm firmly.
“Let’s go.”
“You don’t have to drag me.”
“Worried you’ll say schedule again. Clean up here, please. Mijeong.”
Han Jinseok dragged me straight to the parking lot, loaded me into the sedan, and started the engine.
I glanced at the manager and pulled out my smartphone.
‘Use cheat after hospital.’
If I say arm hurts but it’s fine, that’d be weird.
Suddenly, I realized.
‘Should’ve acted fine from the start.’
No need for ER then.
I sighed, and Han Jinseok said.
“Traffic accidents can have unknown aftereffects.”
“Really fine.”
“That’s not for you to judge, Dowon. Doctor’s job.”
So firm, this guy.
“I’ll get you there quick.”
“Slow’s fine.”
“No. Gotta be quick. And Dowon.”
“Yeah.”
The twig-like manager grinned.
“Nice to see you again.”
Oh.
“Sa Hyeok’s stuff all sorted?”
“Almost done. Takes time, though. My wife’s very satisfied at her new job.”
Real estate, right? Don’t know details, but glad.
“You introduced me to your aunt, Dowon. Got me out of that hell. Thanks again.”
Thanks again.
“No biggie. Didn’t think I’d see you like this.”
“I applied myself.”
Han Jinseok grinned in the rearview.
“When you didn’t go to hospital. Honestly wanted more specs before meeting Zenith, but couldn’t wait.”
Why this guy? Gotta parrot “I’m fine” again?
“Zenith seems like it needs my help. Manager Heo’s great, but seems weak against Cha Dowon stubbornness.”
“Stubborn? I listen so well.”
Rare idol who obeys like me?
“Should’ve dragged to ER anyway, not do schedules. You’re something, Cha Dowon.”
But Han Jinseok sighed like lament and shut up. Voice trembled a bit, couldn’t say more.
‘Damn. Things going weird.’
The jammed traffic cleared up nicely. I shook my head and sighed. Day felt long for other reasons.
***
ER was all waiting. No cheat, went through several checks.
Result was simple.
“Wrist sprain. Doesn’t seem severe.”
I smiled bitterly.
“Told you it’s nothing.”
“Doctor, any other issues? Traffic accident victim.”
“Nothing now.”
“Manager, doctor says fine.”
I glanced at the half-cast wrist and said.
“Let’s discharge.”
“Better stay overnight…….”
“I’m good. Schedules cleared tomorrow anyway. If really bad, come back.”
Of course, cheat first.
‘No need for this hassle…….’
How’d it end up like this? As I stood, Han Jinseok scurried after. Sigh escaped.
“Manager Heo Suyong okay?”
“Yeah. Word is he’ll be fine.”
Obviously, cheat-ed him ahead. That manager’s got luck too.
‘No, not really.’
If not Zenith manager, no such incident.
I bit my lip.
‘Damn VIP bastards…….’
Suspicion, but definitely them. Hard to believe two hit attempts in one day.
“Cha Dowon, back to dorm?”
“Yeah.”
“I’ll take you.”
Han Jinseok was overly polite. Heading to parking, I said.
“Casual speech fine. I’m high school freshman now.”
“Hmm. Could casual everyone else, but not you, Cha Dowon.”
Why?
“Really, casual’s okay.”
“Say it’s gratitude.”
Han Jinseok even opened car door. Felt like hotel valet, so I said.
“I can get it.”
“Arm inconvenient.”
“Ah, use the other. One arm fine.”
I got in, shaking head. Not used to this.
“Just want to do it for you.”
He smiled a bit.
Why’s he like this? Ate something weird?
“You’re really different from Sa Hyeok, Cha Dowon.”
“Obviously.”
“Yeah. Sa Hyeok expected this as given.”
Wow. Must’ve sucked.
‘Sa Hyeok’s hobbies wild?’
Noble or what? Expecting that. What’d he do, hands off?
“Can’t understand.”
“Y-yeah. Heh-heh.”
Weird laugh.
Han Jinseok laughed more, fake coughed. Then serious tone.
“Go home and rest fully today.”
“Nothing to do. Will rest. Whatever.”
Abs workout in room possible. Oh, one more script.
“No workouts.”
“Wrist hurt. Rest fine.”
“Still no. Just sleep.”
So picky. Like he’d monitor.
‘Won’t stick at dorm.’
I smiled.
“Yeah, shower and sleep.”
“Must. You’re too busy, Cha Dowon.”
“Obviously. Doing well.”
Not trendsetter for nothing.
‘Want busier with big stuff efficiently.’
Show more of me. How to imprint properly.
‘Something to blow away VIP trash.’
Mid-thought, Jinseok said.
“Arrived.”
Oh. Forgot thing resurfaced.
‘What about those walls.’