Chapter 332
Chapter 332
What exactly is going on here?
I was lying on the bed. I didn't particularly feel like sleeping. I was just ruminating.
Specifically, on what had happened just moments ago when I went to find Keun Se-jin after he stormed out of the hotel room during our production camp.
Beep—
I had pressed the doorbell to Keun Se-jin’s private hotel room, but there was no response.
…
I wondered if he wasn't in his room. But was Keun Se-jin the type of guy to go out and cause a scandal while he was fuming?
He was definitely inside.
"Lee Se-jin."
I waited a moment and pressed the doorbell again.
Then, a response came.
Vibrate.
Not from the door, but from my smartphone.
[Moon-dae, let’s talk later. I’m a bit tired right now.]
That was it.
“…”
I took my hand off the pillow, checked the text once, and swiped it away.
—Hyung, are you okay?
“Yeah.”
Now, Ryu Gun-woo’s face was on the screen. We were resuming the call I had cut off earlier.
…I had to do what needed to be done.
“What was it you wanted to say?”
—…Just a second.
The guy on the screen moved. Then he raised both hands and pointed at the air.
—Can you see this?
“No.”
The guy on the screen carefully lowered his hands.
—I guess you can’t see it…
“…”
—Well, I’ve been doing some research since the last time I logged in to help you close that ‘Receiving Reward’ popup.
I see.
—A few days ago, I figured out how to call up your status window from my end. So I was wondering if it would show up on the screen…
“Right.”
It was a matter worth a video call. I understood.
When I fell silent, the room became quiet again.
“…”
A cautious voice came through.
—Um, Hyung. Something really did happen earlier, didn't it?
“No.”
Could he please stop asking that?
For a moment, irritation flared up, but I suppressed it, realizing there was no need for it.
…From his perspective, the call had been cut off abruptly, so it was only natural to ask.
“Someone who didn't know the situation came in and cut it off, and there was a bit of a misunderstanding.”
—Ah…
After a short exclamation, the guy went silent again. He seemed to have grasped the general situation.
Is that all he had to say?
Just as I thought it was about time to wrap up the call and hang up—
—Um… then wouldn't it be okay to just tell them the truth?
“What?”
—It’s Lee Se-jin-nim, right? He’s your close friend. Then…
“Just tell him that I returned to the past in someone else's body to be an idol, and that I’ve leveled up to get this far because I’ll die if I don’t? Just like that?”
—…….
“Common sense dictates that this is… No, I’m sorry.”
In that moment, I realized why Keun Se-jin had stopped the conversation and left. He did it to avoid shouting pointlessly.
I shook my head and continued.
“I’ll organize my thoughts and analyze the status window issue you just mentioned, so you should rest for today too…”
—No, Hyung.
The guy cut me off.
—I think this is the first time you’ve been this distracted regarding the system. Usually, you would’ve asked me all sorts of questions.
“…!”
—That’s how much this situation seems to be weighing on you.
“…”
Then, a small voice followed.
—Then why don't you just tell him… and live more comfortably?
I reflexively clenched my fist.
It was at that moment.
Suddenly, several afterimages derived from those words flashed through my mind.
The mistakes this guy had made every time he met me until now.
—Hyung!
—Gun-woo Hyung is, u-uhm…
Errors in titles or speech patterns.
I thought it was just because he was bad at deceiving others.
But thinking about it now, for someone who had lived in Ryu Gun-woo’s body for several years to make those mistakes every single time…
Wasn't it unnatural?
“You… by any chance, those slips of the tongue whenever the members were around…”
—…….
“Was it because you wanted me to get caught?”
After a brief silence.
A voice flowed from the screen.
—Probably…
“…!”
—I wasn't conscious of it at the time, but I think I did it subconsciously… because I thought it would help you.
“What?”
—TeSTAR are the people closest to you, people you’ve lived with for years. I wanted you to be able to share your secret and feel at ease…
It was an action based on goodwill.
However, in the sense that it completely disregarded the other person's will and feelings, it reminded me of something.
And he said it himself.
—But that’s the kind of thing the system does.
Right.
—Ignoring your thoughts or feelings and just doing whatever it wants.
This was an impulse far too mechanical and inhuman for this soft-hearted guy.
I spoke slowly.
“…So, you guessed that you’re being influenced by the system?”
I remembered how he had been particularly afraid of the system when we met last time.
—I can feel the parts of me that have synchronized with the system getting stronger. I guess that influence carries over even when moving to a different body.
Then, a bitter, somewhat dejected voice came from the screen.
—Yes. So, ever since I realized it, I’ve been trying really hard not to make mistakes…
“…”
—It really wasn't intentional. I’m so sorry for making you uncomfortable. I’ll be very careful not to be swayed by it in the future…
“…Alright.”
I heard a sigh of relief from the screen.
He’s having a hard time.
Being influenced by something unknown must be a pretty disgusting feeling.
I should keep a closer eye on his condition from now on.
Feeling as if I’d been splashed with cold water, I looked at Keun-dal with a clearer head.
However, the topic returned to its original point.
—B-But Hyung, regardless of that, I’m telling you this as a separate matter. That friend will definitely believe you.
This is driving me crazy.
I suppressed a groan and said, “If he were the type of person to believe such science-fiction nonsense, this would have been settled already.”
But Lee Se-jin had the most realistic personality among us.
I admitted it.
That’s why… I’ve been putting it off.
Because I had to work, because the timing wasn't right.
I had been using those excuses to rationalize my silence and procrastination.
I had said, caught up in the mood, that I would tell him when the time was right, so I had to say something… but the probability of him not believing me no matter how I delivered it seemed too high.
I sighed.
Then, a voice that sounded somewhat incredulous came from the screen… Wait, incredulous?
—Hyung, I’m saying this just in case you forgot… I was your status window, you know??
I know that.
—I know everything about how you and Lee Se-jin-nim have been getting along!
“…!!”
—Even when you guys fought and all that… Anyway, I’m telling you this from the perspective of a third party who knows all the information. Please trust me…!
The fact that he had seen all of that was quite embarrassing.
But Keun-dal was now practically wailing, embarrassment be damned.
—As much as that friend is realistic, he also knows you very well…! And you trust each other a lot.
And, as ridiculous as it was, I found myself listening to his words.
—If you just explain it seriously and honestly, he’ll believe you.
“…”
I lay down, propping my head on one arm.
—Hyung…
I don't know.
“I don't even know how to bring it up. Things have turned out like this.”
—Ah…
“For now… I’ll see how the situation goes.”
Whether I confessed the truth or not, I didn't even know how he would act tomorrow.
It could just be that his emotions were heightened right now, and it might not be a big deal. Once he cooled down, I could explain the misunderstanding, we’d be a bit awkward, and that would be the end of it.
—Hyung, so…
The guy on the screen seemed to be trying to offer words of encouragement in his own way, but they didn't quite hit home.
“Yeah.”
I soon ended the call and, after some hesitation, replied to Keun Se-jin’s text.
[I’m sorry. Get some rest.]
And, funnily enough, it really did become 'not a big deal.'
Because the overtime production camp for the album proceeded smoothly the very next day.
“I added an explosion sound to the beat, what do you think?”
“It’s good. But how about only putting it in the chorus points and replacing it with a different sound in the verses? It might tire the ears out quickly.”
“Understood!”
Keun Se-jin coordinated the situation well, giving feedback not much differently from the day before. He pushed for good ideas and cut out inappropriate ones.
“I want to pull one B-side track based on demo number 4, what do you think?”
“…That’s not bad. But I think number 3 is better.”
“Okay.”
He wasn't blindly smiling and acting nice like he did when things got awkward after I got angry before.
It was just… the distance between us had grown thicker.
Damn it.
He wasn't giving me any room for a private conversation.
This made it awkward to even apologize. A conversation where one person says 'What are you sorry for?' and the other says 'It’s fine' was impossible to develop.
“Let’s take a break.”
“Yes.”
During the break, I watched the guys scatter more freely around the suite than yesterday, then I stood up.
I should go splash some cold water on my face.
It would be stupid if I couldn't focus because I felt frustrated. I needed to snap out of it with some cold water and focus on the album.
I was on my way back after using the sink next to the entrance.
“…Lee Se-jin.”
“Yes?”
I heard voices from the kitchen next to the hallway.
It was Bae Se-jin calling Keun Se-jin.
It was a rare occurrence. So, my conversation with Bae Se-jin yesterday after Keun Se-jin left came to mind.
—Did I… say something weird?
—…No. It’s because of a misunderstanding between us. I’m sorry for getting you involved.
—No, it’s fine.
It was a situation where anyone could tell that topic was about to be brought up.
The voices of the two namesakes continued to drift from around the corner of the hallway.
“Um… about yesterday. If I made a mistake, I’m sorry.”
“Huh? No. It’s nothing like that. I was the one making a scene.”
“…Is it because a problem came up?”
“Ah, it’s just my own problem. I was a bit rude back then, wasn't I? I’m sorry, Hyung.”
“No, that’s fine, but…”
After a brief silence.
“Um, Hyung. I have something else to do, so would it be okay if we stopped here?”
“……Wait a second.”
I heard Bae Se-jin swallow hard.
“…Um, about yesterday, the person Park Moon-dae was looking for, it’s not like I knew because Park Moon-dae told me. I only found out because I happened to be there.”
“…….”
“He wouldn't have said anything if—”
“Hyung.”
Keun Se-jin cut him off.
“I think I should hear this kind of thing directly from the person himself.”
“…!”
“I really don't think it’s your fault, so you don't have to worry. If anything, I found out thanks to you. About the situation.”
I heard Bae Se-jin groan. He seemed torn between wanting to explain what the situation was and the thought that interfering further would be overstepping.
And finally, he spoke.
“Alright. Well… I hope you and Park Moon-dae talk it out.”
“…….”
The guy who would usually have ended it with a 'Yes' instead spat out words in a somewhat exhausted and sharp tone.
“…Who knows. If we will.”
“…!”
“Anyway… yes. Understood.”
I knew then.
This guy was definitely bothered by the current situation more than he let on.
And although he was incredibly pissed off right now, he also had an impulse to hear the story.
In that case.
Suddenly, I remembered Keun-dal’s last words from yesterday, his response to my comment about not knowing what would happen now that things had turned out like this.
At the time, the statement hadn't really resonated with me.
—Since the situation is like this, wouldn't he believe you more if you told him? You’re not the type of person to say something nonsensical to someone who’s angry.
—…!
—Because he knows you, the more absurd the story is, the less he’ll think it’s an excuse or a joke!
“…….”
Fuck. Fine.
I picked up my phone and contacted the manager.
There was no other way. Let’s do this.
Lee Se-jin loved concerts.
Anyone who knew him might easily mistake him for someone who preferred appearing on variety shows or famous WeTube channels.
But what a person thought with their head and felt with their heart were often different.
A concert was like a self-verification of his identity as an idol.
The existence of dreams and ambition.
That’s why I like it…
But today, he couldn't fully enjoy that wonderful concert.
Usually, during the encore of a concert, the members would gather together and enjoy the reunion.
Even if that wasn't the case, perfectly syncing up with the members on stage from time to time boosted immersion and a sense of belonging.
But today, that was impossible.
Sigh…
It was because he had stood on stage with Park Moon-dae without having had a proper conversation since that mess a few days ago.
He was conscious of it every moment, like a pebble in his shoe, and his mood plummeted each time.
Why…
Actually, he already knew that Park Moon-dae didn't 'look at him as leniently' as he did the other members.
In fact, he had been rather pleased by it.
Because it felt like a specific kind of relationship definition.
Equal friends.
He had even felt a bit proud. The certainty that even if the group disbanded, he and Park Moon-dae, if no one else, could continue to work together and remain friends.
That sense of security.
But once he realized it was a delusion, that certainty turned into… a sense of betrayal.
This is ridiculous.
It wasn't like Park Moon-dae had ever told him he trusted him the most, so what was this sense of betrayal?
Lee Se-jin let out a hollow laugh.
He knew well that people easily changed their positions depending on the environment. And there was nothing particularly disappointing about that.
Especially in this industry.
But he couldn't understand why he had become so disappointed, as if he and Park Moon-dae were such great friends.
But then again, wasn't it understandable?
It’s not like we were just a casual group.
They had shared all sorts of worries, accidents, and even personal stories.
And yet…
Lee Se-jin clenched his fist.
He just sent a one-line apology via text and that was it.
It meant Park Moon-dae didn't feel particularly regretful right now.
What was even more ridiculous was that he was the one contemplating whether to strike up a conversation and resolve the situation even now.
Waaaaaaah!
Watching the flower confetti bursting beside the stage, Lee Se-jin took a deep breath.
It wasn't just because he was out of breath.
This is annoying.
He found it absurd that his condition had worsened just because he’d fought with one member on such a great day, in front of so many spectators.
He looked down most on the kind of idiots who couldn't separate their personal feelings from their work.
That was why he focused even more on the performance and the live vocals. If he lacked immersion, he had to at least be precise.
“Good job, everyone~”
“Great work!”
So when he came down after finishing the concert, a certain sense of emptiness was greater than the usual overflowing joy.
It felt as if the energy that had been overflowing on stage had vanished without a trace.
“…….”
“Oh, where’s Moon-dae?”
“He left early for something!”
The fact that the other party had left perfectly fine somehow made him even angrier.
Why am I the only one emotionally drained?
Lee Se-jin wavered between anger and fatigue before finally leaving the area, suppressing a sigh.
He planned to head back to the hotel quickly and just go to sleep.
Beep.
However, when he opened the hotel room door and walked in—
“You’re here.”
“…?!”
Someone was already sitting in the room.
“I got the key from the manager-hyung.”
The person sitting with his hands on the table was… Park Moon-dae.
For a moment, Lee Se-jin doubted his eyes.
What is…
What was going on?
Why was the guy who supposedly left early here?
In that moment, a flash of expectation crossed his mind.
Could it be?
Is he trying to give a proper apology…
“Sorry for the unauthorized entry.”
“Oh, that’s what you’re sorry for?”
Fuck, fuck.
Keun Se-jin felt like slapping his own mouth. He didn't know why he was speaking like this.
To begin with, showing that he was upset felt like losing.
And… he was also afraid that the relationship would become strange because of it.
“I’m sorry for that, and I’m sorry for other things too.”
But even at those words, Park Moon-dae replied calmly without any other retort.
His calmness somehow made him even more unlikable.
“Like what.”
Wait, is he really… calm?
He was about to snap, but then he caught sight of Park Moon-dae’s face and posture.
His expression was still serious, but his hands were fidgeting with his fingers, and his shoulders were twitching slightly.
“…!”
Park Moon-dae was… incredibly nervous.
“About not being able to explain things to you properly yesterday.”
“…….”
“The hyungs don't know my entire situation properly. They just happened to find out a part of it.”
“They found out?”
“Yeah. So that means this is the first time I’m saying this with my own mouth.”
“…….”
In an instant, Lee Se-jin forgot all his complications and irritation and focused on the conversation.
Just what was he about to say?
“First… I think it’s right to start by saying this.”
Park Moon-dae’s eyes sparkled.
“I am not Park Moon-dae.”
“…??”
“And I came back to the past.”
Lee Se-jin began to wonder if he had actually fallen asleep in the car.