Chapter 304
Chapter 304
“Bwahahaha!”
Sejin burst into a fit of laughter in the living room. On the massive screen of the smart TV, three grown men were shown swirling their capes.
[♡ Magical Heart Bullet! ♡]
“...”
It was the YouTube edit of the punishment stage. Playing a cover of a children’s anime in the middle of the living room was practically a public execution.
“Turn it off.”
Before Cha Yu-jin jumps out and grabs someone by the collar.
“Aw, why? Their professionalism is shining through. It’s great!”
However, Keun Sejin just kept smirking.
“I’ve got plenty of professionalism myself, so it’s such a shame I couldn’t participate~”
“You were in the jungle.”
Look at him running his mouth—the guy who was filming solo commercials and appearing on variety shows while the others were dressed in capes and performing antics.
Of course, knowing him, he probably actually was disappointed to miss out.
“That’s what I’m saying. If I’d been with the team for just two more weeks, I would’ve found the time somehow...”
I could feel Keun Sejin stealing glances at the TV with a lingering sense of regret.
“The reaction is seriously good, though.”
That was an undeniable truth.
[- TeSTAR’s maknae-line is way too immersed in this LOL]
[- Gen M idols completely helpless against Gen Z LOL]
[- Park Moon-dae’s ‘Pine Tree’ taste confirmed.jpg]
[- Today’s T-Showbiz TeSTAR is literally insane]
The characters they had built up since the debate carried over into the punishment stage, and the buzz was absolutely massive.
‘It’s ours.’
This wasn't popularity generated by the program itself, but by the participants. In other words, the hype would be attributed to TeSTAR’s image, so I could say the goal was achieved, but...
“Look at this. Someone’s asking if Moon-dae-Moon-dae watches magical girl anime as a hobby.”
“As if.”
“Bwahahaha!”
...It was still a bit much, having done that at my age.
‘At least everyone had actually tried dancing to Popcorn before.’
Fortunately, as time passed, people began to genuinely admire or become addicted to the stage itself.
‘Well, it was well-made.’
If the stage had been purely ridiculous, it would have been a one-way ticket to the "cringe archives," but I was satisfied that we successfully solidified our image as singers rather than just entertainers.
There were compliments for my and Cha Yu-jin’s performances, but Kim Rae-bin received the most attention regarding his skills.
An interview had been inserted as a stinger at the end of the punishment video, where Kim Rae-bin answered very honestly about the arrangement process.
[Moon-dae hyung-nim (Edit) recommended a very meaningful and wonderful song, so I enjoyed working on it. Thank you for the great opportunity.]
[(Edit) It took a total of five hours!]
The reaction from casual viewers who had tuned in for the variety aspect was huge, but even the fans seemed a bit surprised.
They hadn't expected it to be this good.
Everyone was floored by his skill in solo-polishing an old children’s anime theme—especially a magical girl song, which could easily have turned out tacky.
‘His capabilities have been somewhat undervalued because most of our work has been co-produced.’
“Rae-bin, look at this! They’re calling you a genius!”
“I am truly grateful for the undeserved praise, but I shall strive to improve further through diligent effort!”
Kim Rae-bin replied instantly, like an automated robot.
Seeing his solemn expression, it seemed he had seen the internet’s reaction and was getting overly fired up again.
‘Well, he’s always been a high achiever.’
Actually, the reaction wasn't an exaggeration. Kim Rae-bin’s stat distribution was basically a cheat code in this industry.
In particular, his composition-related skills, which weren't explicitly shown as stats, were outstanding. He even had the trait ‘Maestro (S),’ so his speed was incredible.
Producing results one after another exactly as ordered...
‘Isn't he the ideal employee for modern society?’
He lacks a bit of social tact... but since he’s steadfast and diligent, even that can be seen as a merit.
‘Looking back, I really was lucky.’
When I was on <Idol Inc.>, I was so desperate to debut and so unaware of the insane future filled with 'Status Effects' that I didn't evaluate the long-term value of each individual.
But after debuting, I realized that finding a combination this well-balanced and talented through a survival show is almost a miracle.
‘I thought there’d be at least one or two total jerks.’
I shrugged.
Anyway, since we didn't lose ground even when pitted directly against T-Holic, our buzz for the second half of the year was stable.
As long as we managed things well until the year-end awards season, we’d be fine.
Ryu Cheong-woo spoke with a smile, offering some kind words.
“Come to think of it, this promotion is almost over. Everyone worked hard.”
“You’re right.”
Our domestic schedule was in its final stages, with no new commercials or events being booked.
All that remained was the concert and preparations for the next album. It was a clean success.
“And now our Rae-bin will do a wonderful job arranging the tracks for the concert~”
“I shall create magnificent songs to ensure I meet your expectations...!”
The atmosphere was good. There were no immediate problems, and it was that lingering glow of success one enjoys right after receiving high praise for their work.
I nodded and turned away from the TV screen.
‘It’s the perfect time to relax and enjoy.’
Since the big tasks were over, I thought it would be fine.
However, there was one among us who couldn't quite enjoy this moment.
From his perspective, 'big tasks' were likely still piled up everywhere.
A few days later, during a short break after our last domestic event.
Knock, knock.
“Moon-dae. Have you... seen Rae-bin, by any chance...?”
“Hmm.”
Seon A-hyun, who had knocked and entered cautiously, asked just as tentatively.
‘But the question is a bit sudden.’
Asking about Kim Rae-bin’s whereabouts. I took my eyes off the proposal I was drafting and answered.
“No. Why?”
“Oh, well... he hasn't, come back to the room much, lately.”
“...”
Even with the explanation, it was still sudden.
First of all, Seon A-hyun was Kim Rae-bin’s roommate. Since both were the type to stay in their room, they naturally saw each other often. The fact that he wasn't coming to the room was strange.
He wasn't the type to go out frequently.
“I haven't seen him today either. Should I ask him?”
“Oh, y-yeah. I should. Just a second...!”
“No, wait.”
I have my smartphone right here, so why bother?
I stopped Seon A-hyun, who was about to head back to his room, and sent a message from my phone.
[Where are you?]
But no reply came.
“...?”
He was usually the type to send a polite reply within five seconds.
“Hmm.”
“N-no reply...?”
“Yeah.”
I placed a call.
Ring—
“...”
But this guy wasn't picking up his phone either.
‘What is it?’
There was a possibility he’d left his phone behind and was on the balcony somewhere inside the dorm... but if he wasn't in the dorm, it meant he’d gone out.
‘Did anyone see Kim Rae-bin leave?’
I immediately went out to the living room and asked the others if they had spotted him.
Cha Yu-jin and Keun Sejin were out. The only ones left were Ryu Cheong-woo and Bae Se-jin.
“Rae-bin? Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve seen him today.”
Ryu Cheong-woo, who was in the living room, seemed equally puzzled.
And then there was Bae Se-jin.
This guy avoided eye contact.
“I haven't... left my room today.”
“...”
“W-what’s going on??”
“We can’t find Kim Rae-bin.”
I understood the situation regardless. Kim Rae-bin had essentially vanished without a word.
This was... strange, even for a break period. If it were Cha Yu-jin, maybe, but him leaving without a word and not answering his phone?
“You said he’s not answering his phone either.”
“Yes. I’m thinking of contacting the company.”
I checked with Seon A-hyun one last time.
“When was the last time you saw Kim Rae-bin?”
“I saw him yesterday, in the evening, and haven't seen him since...”
“What about when you went to sleep?”
“I, went to bed early... so I d-don’t know. I’m sorry. Even though I’m his roommate.”
“It’s nothing to apologize for.”
“Exactly! Nothing to be sorry about!”
I left the comforting to Bae Se-jin and picked up my smartphone again to call the company.
It was then.
[Kim Rae-bin]
“...!”
He was calling me.
“Oh, oh...!”
“Is it Rae-bin?”
“Yes.”
I answered the phone immediately. Words poured out as if he had been waiting.
“No, it’s fine. More importantly, where are you right now?”
Ryu Cheong-woo quietly added his input.
“Rae-bin. Even if it’s a day off, let us know before you go. Everyone was worried because no one saw you today.”
The other end of the line went quiet for a moment. What was that?
But soon, a vigorous apology followed.
“It’s not that big of a deal.... Anyway, good luck with your work.”
Kim Rae-bin hung up only after offering several polite expressions of gratitude.
Bae Se-jin sighed and muttered.
“It was nothing after all.”
“I guess so.”
“Rae-bin must have forgotten to check his messages because he was working.”
The internal consensus was that he must have rushed out because inspiration struck.
‘Is that it?’
I shrugged and headed back to finish the proposal I was writing.
And a few hours later, in the evening.
Kim Rae-bin, wearing glasses, bowed his head as soon as he walked in.
“I have been at the studio reviewing future plans. I felt that I must not miss this opportunity, as I am able to secure a long stretch of time for once!”
“Right.”
“I apologize if I caused any concern.”
“N-no, it’s fine. I was just worried that something uncomfortable might have happened... if so, I’d really like it if you told me.”
“It is not uncomfortable at all. I would also ask that you please tell me if there is anything uncomfortable for you!”
The two shared a warm conversation, exchanging considerate words.
‘Well, I guess it’s fine.’
I shrugged and tried to walk past, but at that moment, I caught a close look at Kim Rae-bin’s face.
“...”
He looks... way too haggard.
He wasn't exactly the most cheerful-looking guy to begin with, so it really stood out.
‘Hmm.’
He’s someone who often works on music even at the dorm. He’s not the type to end up like that just from tinkering with a song for a bit....
‘Wait.’
I caught him just as he was about to leave after finishing his conversation with Seon A-hyun.
“Kim Rae-bin.”
“Yes?”
“Did you pull an all-nighter?”
“...!”
“It’s not that Seon A-hyun didn't see you because he went to bed early; you didn't come back to the dorm at all last night, did you?”
“...T-that is.”
His face was a dead giveaway.
Kim Rae-bin hesitated but soon answered sheepishly.
“I... was so immersed that I did not realize how much time had passed, and thus failed to report in. I am sorry.”
True to his nature as someone who can’t lie, he confessed the truth.
Well, pulling all-nighters isn't exactly rare in this profession, so I’d usually let him handle it himself, but it felt unsettling because it wasn't a season where he needed to do that.
“What were you working on?”
“I was preparing the concert tracks and the next album!”
I spoke up to test the waters.
“You don’t really have to do that. We’re not pressed for time.”
There was plenty of time until the concert. Even more so for the next album.
“Since your working speed is on the faster side, there’s no need to go as far as staying up all night...”
“I cannot rely on such shortcuts!”
“...!”
Kim Rae-bin seemed shocked at himself for cutting me off and talking back.
“I-I am sorry! It’s just... I might not be fast this time, so I want to be more prepared.......”
So it wasn't that he was running wild on inspiration; it was the pressure.
“Alright, I get it. Just don’t overdo it.”
“Yes....”
Kim Rae-bin nodded and walked slowly toward his room.
Seon A-hyun didn't leave his spot and watched him the whole way.
His face practically had ‘I’m worried’ written all over it.
“Are you concerned?”
“Yeah.”
Seon A-hyun seemed to have reached a similar conclusion.
“He seems to be under a l-lot of pressure.... I think I’ve felt like that before, too.”
“Yeah, I suppose.”
With everyone on the internet calling him a genius, he couldn't help but be more concerned about the next result.
Wasn't he the type to think of every possible outcome right before every album release?
‘Still, he’s someone who’s done well so far.’
Worry is just worry, and once he sees the results, he’ll regain his confidence.
‘Right now, even if people around him tell him not to worry, he’ll just think of counterarguments.’
I decided for now not to restrain him and let him do as he wished.
However, this time, there was a variable.
A few days later, in a blind test conducted for the concert arrangements... Kim Rae-bin’s arrangement was ultimately rejected.