Chapter 322
Chapter 322
A few days later.
A performance clip of TeSTAR was uploaded to the official WeTube channel of the music platform that hosted this year’s first awards ceremony.
It was the very stage we performed right after winning our first Grand Prize of the year.
[Whish—!]
Water and light erupted from a simplified aquatic device adapted from our concert set, backed by spectacular choreography.
It turned out that way because we wanted to create a stage that would make fans who had seen the concert go, "Isn't that cool? But the concert was even better!" and excitedly promote us.
Naturally, it ranked on the real-time trending videos.
[(RMA) TeSTAR | Intro + Promise Live Performance]
Of course, VTIC’s performance was ranked right there with us, but who cares if those guys were waving capes or riding a boat?
My own performance, my first in a while, was so impactful that it took up all my brain capacity.
I suppressed a sigh.
‘It’s a relief I didn’t screw it up.’
I barely survived because my body remembered the moves at the last second. I almost made a choreo mistake on the stage immediately following our first Grand Prize.
‘That would have been way over the top.’
Strangely enough, the reaction to my acceptance speech was absurdly better than expected…
But if I had messed up the stage too, any excuse like "I was just so overwhelmed with emotion" wouldn't have worked.
It would have come down to whether I had professional spirit or not.
Fortunately, that didn't happen. Instead, what remained were… a few unnecessarily intense close-up shots.
[The sailing island in the sky
We Fly so far!]
“Oh~ Moon-dae hyung, look at that smile~”
“…….”
I admit it. I was a bit excited.
The thumbnail of a comment compilation video that popped up in my recommended list earlier was a sight to behold.
I stared at the close-up of myself grinning ear to ear before silently turning off the screen.
“What the…! I was watching that!”
Don't talk like you were watching it when you just burst out while brushing your teeth.
I switched the screen to the Magical Girl cover stage, and Cha Yu-jin ran away.
“Hyung, that’s mean!”
If you feel wronged, grab the remote first next time.
I waited for Cha Yu-jin to go back to the bathroom and was about to turn off the TV when I accidentally spotted the T-Holic guys standing in the background of the Magical Girl performance.
[The flying magical Heart bullet!]
Their eyes were hollow. Their overwhelmed expressions were perfect for creating that "sickly-sweet" atmosphere.
‘Come to think of it, I think those guys sent a congratulatory message for the Grand Prize too.’
I opened my smartphone and checked the messages.
I didn't have as many as Keun Se-jin, who managed his messages and calls until his phone died the moment we got home on the day of the awards, but I received quite a few myself.
Since I’d been contacted by everyone from Young-rin to a comedian I’d met once on a variety show after winning the Grand Prize, those guys must have sent one too….
[T-Holic: Listen up, TeSTAR. We also have enough Grand Prize trophies to give one to each of us. We hope you continue to treat us as your seniors.]
[T-Holic: Please.]
[T-Holic: Of course, we couldn't actually take them home. They’re probably in the CEO’s office.]
Did these punks really start a new group chat just to send this?
On top of that, there was a private message asking if it was okay to screenshot this and post it on their variety show SNS.
‘They really hustle.’
There was a reason they had managed to stay relevant through variety shows long after their prime.
I sent a polite reply that essentially said, "You can post it, but if a controversy breaks out, you're on your own."
The other minor messages could be handled with standard courtesy.
It was then.
“Wait, why is Moon-dae-Moon-dae watching the penalty stage… Oh, T-Holic sunbaenims~”
The guy with the quickest wits for this kind of thing poked his head toward my smartphone.
‘This guy is losing all sense of privacy.’
But I didn't bother hiding the screen. Dealing with T-Holic was basically part of the job.
However, it seemed that wasn't his main point. Keun Se-jin grinned and sat on the sofa.
“As expected of T-Holic sunbaenims~ Their KakaoTalks have a real punch! Hmm, but by any chance, what did the other sunbaenim say?”
I didn't even need to ask who he meant. He was talking about the senior who narrowly missed the first Artist of the Year award.
VTIC.
It made sense that he was curious.
‘It would be even funnier if they stayed silent now after sending reactions to every award and appearance.’
Of course, VTIC had shown they were still going strong by winning the "Album of the Year" at the finale.
And they would likely beat us for Artist of the Year in about half of the upcoming awards ceremonies.
‘Still, it must feel like crap to lose it after a long streak.’
They might stop sending those unilaterally friendly messages now.
“What did he say to you?”
“He just said congratulations. But you know, we can read between the lines~ So I was just wondering what he sent to the other members!”
Of course.
He wanted to see if there was any sign of wariness. I chuckled and scrolled through the message windows I had open for organization.
And finally, I found the message from a VTIC member.
However… the content wasn't a congratulation.
[VTIC Shin Cheong-ryeo Sunbaenim: Do you have something to say now?]
Ah, this.
‘He read the room.’
He’d been talking about this since November, and it seemed he’d caught onto something after seeing my acceptance speech.
‘This guy, he’s been waiting.’
Just then, I heard a quiet murmur from beside me.
“…Something to say?”
Right. From the perspective of someone who thinks Cheong-ryeo and I have a terrible relationship, this looks almost like a provocation.
‘He probably saw it as a power move, asking if I have anything to say for myself.’
Of course, it was true that our relationship had been terrible. So, an excuse came easily.
“Ah, we almost got into another fight over the Grand Prize.”
“What??”
“It’s nothing major, just a verbal spat. I’ll probably get a decision win over the phone later.”
I waved my hand.
“He can’t beat me. I have a recording.”
“……Moon-dae, you’re amazing. Truly amazing.”
Keun Se-jin shook his head as if appalled. Good, if I can just change the subject like this….
“Give it here. Big Brother Se-jin will listen and tell you who won.”
Oh, really?
“Don't worry, I speak politely when I'm on the phone. There won't be an incident like last time.”
Considering the Chae Seo-dam recording incident, it wasn't unreasonable for him to act this way.
But Keun Se-jin narrowed his eyes.
“Who said I was worried about that? Well, I am worried about that too, but… hmm, Park Moon-dae, you’ve been strange lately.”
“…….”
Hmm.
“It’s like you forgot the choreography, and when you’re singing your parts, it feels like you’re off doing something else and then snapping back into character….”
No way.
While I remained silent, Keun Se-jin finished his sentence.
“Did you really go on a secret NIS mission or something?”
“…….”
Look at that imagination.
I looked at him as if he were being ridiculous, but Keun Se-jin was just grinning.
“When would I have time for that with daily practice and schedules?”
“At dawn? Oh, wait. Cheong-woo hyung is an early bird, so it might actually be possible.”
“Don't talk nonsense.”
“You even caught Rae-bin composing at dawn. Could it be~? Did you see him while you were heading out?”
Is this guy kidding me?
But even as he babbled nonsense, there was an awareness on his face that he knew he was talking crap.
He knows something is up, but he’s choosing to brush it off with a joke.
“…….”
I suppressed a sigh and spoke.
“I told you I’d tell you when I’m able to.”
“…!”
“It’s nothing serious, and everything is being resolved well.”
I continued slowly.
“Obviously, it’s not the NIS. It’s just a personal matter. There’s no problem for TeSTAR.”
“…I know.”
Keun Se-jin sighed and then gave a bitter smile.
“Sorry. We’ve had a lot going on. I just thought maybe you were in a tough spot and couldn't speak up, so I tried poking a bit.”
It sounded like his honest feelings.
I hesitated for a moment but soon replied with equal honesty.
“If I’m in trouble, I’ll tell you.”
“For real?”
Yeah.
When I nodded, Keun Se-jin’s bitter smile vanished. He tapped my shoulder and stood up from the sofa.
“Okay. I trust you, Moon-dae-Moon-dae~”
With that, he dragged Cha Yu-jin, who had just come out, toward the kitchen.
“Whew.”
I leaned back against the sofa.
‘I don’t know how long that excuse will hold.’
But it would be insane to blurt out this irrational situation in a moment of frustration and expect them to believe it. There was a reason I’d kept my mouth shut until now.
‘I guess this is what happens when a group stays together for a long time.’
It’s hard to hide anything. Especially from the sharp ones.
In fact, to some extent… I almost felt like just telling them.
‘Is there no other way?’
I’d have to come up with a separate plan for that later; for now, I had to focus on the task at hand.
I went out to the balcony and made a call.
[VTIC Shin Cheong-ryeo Sunbaenim]
The ringing went on for quite a while before the connection was made. Then, a groggy voice answered.
—Mm… Junior.
Did I wake him up? This won't do.
I immediately delivered my line for the recording.
“Did I wake you up, sunbaenim? I’m sorry.”
—No. I had a dawn schedule… mm.
Cheong-ryeo was silent for a moment, then replied in a perfectly normal voice.
—It’s fine.
He didn't have those decades of experience for nothing. He seemed completely adapted to an irregular lifestyle.
—So, the reason for the call?
I could sense anticipation in his tone. I replied calmly.
“I have something to say now. Just as you messaged me.”
—Ah, finally.
Cheong-ryeo’s voice gained strength.
—How is it? It seems you’ve returned well.
“I’m perfectly fine. Nothing is wrong, and we received the Grand Prize.”
—I see. Congratulations on your first Grand Prize. I hope you enjoy this moment.
Meaning I won't be able to enjoy it in the future.
I thought of a retort like, "I hope you do the same, sunbaenim," but I dismissed it.
Now wasn't the time. Instead, I got straight to the point.
“Thank you. Then, may I ask what happened with the matter you said you’d call about?”
Since he was supposed to make a confirmation call to "Ryu Gun-woo’s" side as well.
—Ah… that person.
Cheong-ryeo replied nonchalantly.
—I tried contacting that phone a few times. But… it said the phone was turned off every time.
“…….”
What?
“Then, any news on his whereabouts?”
—Pardon? Haha. Junior. How would I know something like that? I’m just saying he didn't pick up the phone.
“…….”
This damn….
—I had an overseas schedule the very next day. Where would I find the time to look into domestic matters while doing a concert?
“…Right.”
Yes, that was a rational statement.
But hearing it from the guy who had dug up the studio apartment address all on his own made me feel like I’d been played.
‘Sigh.’
Why was I trying to find out the whereabouts of "Ryu Gun-woo’s" body from this guy right now?
It was because I still hadn't received a separate text from the original Park Moon-dae… that is, "Keun-dal."
I had lifted the recipient restrictions to receive it, but only a flood of spam and stalker-like messages had poured in.
‘Hmm.’
I thought it would be better to wait until he wanted to contact me. He must be busy since he just passed the Level 7 exam.
Still, I thought he was the type who would definitely reach out… but there had been no word for days, even after I won the Grand Prize.
I didn't have a good feeling about this.
‘Back then… he definitely said this.’
—Then… I’ll make good use of it for a while…
Why did he set a time limit? Of course, I knew the address of his studio apartment. If push came to shove, I could just go there.
‘And of course, there’s another method I can use before that.’
First, I’d hang up.
“I understand. Then, I hope you get some more sleep.”
—Wait a minute. Is that it?
“Pardon?”
What was he talking about now?
—I thought you’d give me your impressions or something.
…He sounded a bit disappointed. This guy… disappointed?
“…….”
It was chillingly out of character… but well, I did receive advice from him while I was in Ryu Gun-woo’s body.
I couldn't deny that. He was an involved party now.
In the end, I added a follow-up.
“I don’t think this is something to talk about over the phone. Let’s meet up when our schedules align.”
—Mm… I suppose so. Good.
I never thought the day would come when I’d casually make plans to hang out with this guy.
I finished the call with a bitter taste in my mouth.
However, I didn't turn off the screen. Instead, I immediately navigated back to the "Messages" icon. Then I opened a new message draft.
‘I’m not an idiot.’
Naturally, I had memorized "Ryu Gun-woo’s" number, at least roughly.
I could just be the one to initiate contact.
‘I’ll just put in the two or three numbers I’m confused about and write something only he would respond to.’
I entered the number I remembered and had just written, "Keun-dal-nim, why haven't you contacted me? It’s the person you last saw in November…." when it happened.
“Moon-dae-ya!”
“…!”
Taking a lesson from Keun Se-jin, I immediately closed my smartphone.
Turning my head, I saw Ryu Cheong-woo waving from outside the balcony door, having walked down the hallway.
“Are you busy? I was wondering if you could come to the company with me for a moment.”
He was less calm than usual. It seemed like he had some urgent news.
Refusing this during a break would look suspicious.
“Sure. But what’s going on?”
“I’ll tell you on the way.”
Ryu Cheong-woo opened the balcony door and urged me. This was also rare.
‘He must be in a real hurry.’
I reluctantly grabbed my coat and followed him out the front door. I planned to finish the text once I got in the car.
But the moment I sat in the passenger seat and saw Ryu Cheong-woo operating the navigation.
I realized something was wrong.
“Hyung.”
“Yeah?”
“That’s not the company, is it?”
“Ah. Just a second.”
The car started. Ryu Cheong-woo’s car left the underground parking lot and exited the complex in an instant.
And with a face full of smiles, Ryu Cheong-woo spoke again.
“Moon-dae-ya. About the person you asked me to look for.”
“…?”
Why was that coming up now of all times….
“I got a call saying they found him through the clan.”
“…!”
“Ryu Gun-woo-ssi, I mean.”
What?
Ryu Cheong-woo lowered his voice slightly.
“They said he’s a Level 7 civil servant. I guess his whereabouts were unclear because he was studying for the exam.”
“…….”
“It seems they got in touch with him now that he’s passed.”
A sudden sense of foreboding washed over me. I barely managed to open my mouth.
“Don't tell me, right now….”
Ryu Cheong-woo grinned.
“That’s right. That’s why we’re on our way to meet him now.”
“…!!”
“Since I have a car anyway, and I wanted to see him in person…… Moon-dae-ya?”
Ah… damn it.
I was suddenly about to meet Ryu Cheong-woo and the Park Moon-dae who was in Ryu Gun-woo’s body at the same time.