Chapter 377
Chapter 377
“Rae-bin, aren't you going to eat?”
“I have already eaten and returned home! Thank you!”
Kim Rae-bin shouted his answer as he stepped out of the bathroom after washing his face.
After suddenly ending up in Seoul, he had stayed at Ryu Gun-woo’s studio apartment for a few days, but following an agreement with his parents, he was now staying at his maternal uncle’s house in the city.
However, the pattern of practicing all day, following Cha Yu-jin back to Ryu Gun-woo’s place on a whim, discussing strategy, and sharing a meal had become a daily occurrence. In truth, the level of hospitality he was receiving felt much the same as before.
‘Why are they being so kind to me?’
Kim Rae-bin still found it puzzling, but regardless, his body faithfully carried out this new routine.
Indeed, his altered daily life had seeped into his existence with surprising naturalness. It was as if he had lived this way once before…
Kim Rae-bin pondered this deeply before reaching a conclusion.
‘Come to think of it, this isn't much different from school!’
The systematic routine, much like following a class schedule, felt remarkably similar in texture!
Speaking of school, as soon as he signed with LeTi, Kim Rae-bin was scheduled to transfer to an arts high school in Seoul, where his attendance would be partially supplemented by his professional activities.
‘Agencies are truly incredible places.’
Now that he thought about it, there was also a strange coincidence.
The agency the two of them belonged to happened to be the same company he had signed his first song contract with.
—…You signed a song contract with LeTi?
—…? Yes!
He had no way of knowing how delighted the LeTi rookie development manager had been when Ryu Gun-woo brought him in that day.
And why had Kim Rae-bin so easily followed these two strangers to Seoul to live the life of an idol trainee?
It was because he had been persuaded by the words he heard on the way home from the Strawberry House.
It was Ryu Gun-woo—though for some reason, the other person called him ‘Moon-dae’—who had spoken calmly to him.
—I’ve listened to the songs you’ve composed so far, and many of them would suit choreography.
—What is ‘choreo’?
—Choreography. And these days, the majority of teams making modern music that incorporates choreography are idol groups.
He continued, almost as if posing a question.
—So, I think experiencing their stage firsthand would be helpful for your future compositions.
—…!
It was something Kim Rae-bin had never considered… but it was a persuasive argument!
After that, Ryu Gun-woo’s words flowed like water.
He spoke about the method he wanted to suggest.
An in-house survival show.
—A survival show is the essence of the idol stage, where you can gain the most experience in the shortest amount of time. It’s also easy to just get the experience and leave once you’re eliminated.
Kim Rae-bin was impressed.
—…! I see. So, after a high-density experience that aids my composition, I will naturally be eliminated?
—That could happen.
No. That was Kim Rae-bin’s misunderstanding. Ryu Gun-woo had only hypothesized that if he were eliminated, that would be the case; he never said it must happen.
In fact, Ryu Gun-woo intended to make sure he passed, even if it meant manipulating the results.
Thus, without knowing the full story, Kim Rae-bin was destined to debut, even though he firmly believed in his own eventual elimination.
‘But to think I would be the only one to receive a decision win on the first stage…’
It was truly a survival show. No matter how much he thought about it, it was absurd that the two who had shown such a magnificent performance were at risk of elimination.
Yet, the fact that both remained so composed only made him trust them more!
He nodded to himself once again.
—It’s fine. Don’t worry about it and let’s just practice.
—Kim Rae-bin, you’re doing great!
That was why Kim Rae-bin was currently waiting for the live broadcast of the first episode of Wise with a fluttering heart, even though he wasn't appearing in it yet.
He wanted to see the performance of the person who had helped him.
“Hmm.”
The broadcast began promptly at 10:50 PM without delay.
[Yes I am~]
A series of silhouettes turning their heads, posing, and raising their arms passed by in time with the theme song’s beat.
[Who can be a star?]
The final scene of the opening showed fourteen trainees standing with their backs to the camera. It was a classic reality survival opening.
After passing through the grand introduction boasting about the agency, the focus shifted to an empty stage.
A dark set, lighting, and music that felt quite expensive created a sense of tension.
[CEO Kim Tae-in: Let’s begin.]
One by one, the trainees ascended the stairs to the stage to perform.
It was different from Idol Inc. Since the company already had a grasp on the trainees they were starting with, all fourteen had already been assigned specific characters.
The edit focused particularly on a few individuals they wanted to appeal to the public.
[The Ace Leader]
For instance, this description attached to Shin Jae-hyun.
[He’s a brother I truly respect.]
[He’s ranked first in almost every monthly evaluation.]
[Is there anything he can’t do?]
The editing emphasized him by intercutting testimonials, his daily life, and practice footage.
Keywords like ‘talented,’ ‘reliable,’ ‘calm,’ and ‘capable’ were being hammered in.
Of course, there were also keywords formed solely by his appearance.
—Wow, he’s seriously handsome.
Kim Rae-bin, watching via TV, didn't know it, but the internet was already buzzing with a small but growing crowd of viewers.
Most were existing idol fans who had tuned in out of curiosity about the new male rookies being launched by the LeTi.
—Shin Jae-hyun is out.
—TTTTTT I’ve been waiting for your debut. This bank account belongs to Jae-hyun.
—Look at the reaction. He’s already got a truckload of fans lol. I knew it.
—He’s this handsome, has the LeTi look, and he’s talented? He’s definitely the face of the group.
Shin Jae-hyun, who was already somewhat known through word of mouth, boasted an overwhelming response that made his debut seem like a foregone conclusion.
And on the lit stage, Shin Jae-hyun’s performance was elegant and flawless—the work of a perfect professional.
[That pain will sting]
The sequence was edited to contrast him with the previous stage, which had been awkwardly over-the-top, but even without that, it was a perfectly executed performance.
Just as Shin Jae-hyun intended.
—Decision made. I’m voting for Shin Jae-hyun;;;;
—He’s the leader? Okay, okay. He has to be the leader.
—I can already hear the fansite master accounts popping up everywhere.
In a survival show, it’s important to have another surge in the latter half.
Thus, even while moderately hiding his full capabilities, Shin Jae-hyun obtained exactly the image he wanted, as always.
‘As expected…!’
Kim Rae-bin, watching purely as a viewer, nodded.
‘His skills are as great as his personality.’
—Welcome.
Recalling Shin Jae-hyun, who had even shaken his hand with a favorable attitude, Kim Rae-bin took notes. He was jotting down his impressions of each stage in his own way.
But it didn't last long.
“Ah!”
Finally, the person he had been waiting for appeared on screen.
Ryu Gun-woo appeared on the screen with his hair neatly styled and wearing a tidy outfit.
And the internet stirred once again.
—Glasses Guy 1!! Argh, he’s not wearing glasses.
—Ah, a cold-handsome type. So precious TTTTTT Thank you, LeTi!!
—I can already see the ‘Bermuda Line’ forming with him, Shin Jae-hyun, and one more.
He was already one of the trainees being talked about for his looks.
Just then, a caption describing Ryu Gun-woo scrolled across the screen.
[The Singing Genius]
It was so intuitive it was almost cringeworthy.
It was also a nickname that no viewer had expected.
—???? Vocals?
—What’s with the ‘genius’ tag…
Because there wasn't a single keyword about his appearance.
—What, is he the main vocal with that face?
—No, they’re probably just doing that to push another visual. Don’t get your hopes up, damn it. But I’m excited.
└ lolololol
—Maybe it means he’s a ‘face genius’?
—Ah, the captions are overdoing it lol.
Then, the stage quietly began.
Ryu Gun-woo placed his mouth to a crudely large standing microphone and began to sing a surprisingly rich and atmospheric song.
Jazz.
He hit the high and low notes and technical parts perfectly while maintaining the emotional line—a power that forced anyone looking away to snap their eyes back to the TV.
—Ah
—?
—Whoa
—He’s insane.
Reactions consisting of nothing but gasps swept through the chat windows.
Watching the TV, Kim Rae-bin clenched his fists.
His incredible skill was one thing, but for some reason… there was a strange sense of satisfaction.
It felt like a puzzle piece clicking perfectly into place.
‘Is it because the ideal guide vocal I imagined… felt like that?’
It was a strange feeling.
However, the evaluation stage lasted barely two minutes, and the song ended quickly.
The ending, which allowed viewers to savor the lingering emotions from multiple angles, was followed by a shower of praise from the CEO.
Ryu Gun-woo simply stood there calmly listening to the evaluation, but the internet had now begun a proper appraisal.
—He’s definitely the main vocal.
—He’s a singer. A real singer.
—But didn't Glasses Guy dance well too?
└ Is that true? Is it even possible to have no weaknesses?
—I picked him for his face, but this is my first time seeing a stage genius. Is this… stanning?
Furthermore, as the interview with the CEO continued and new information came to light, the viewers were delightfully stunned.
—3 months as a trainee.
—?????
—What, is he a drama protagonist?? lololol
And the topic of his current status wasn't left out.
[CEO Kim Tae-in: Which university are you a student at?]
[Ryu Gun-woo: Yonhee University.]
[Ryu Gun-woo: I’m currently enrolled.]
‘He’s even good at studying!’
Kim Rae-bin nodded. No wonder he was so knowledgeable and spoke so convincingly!
Of course, not everyone took it as calmly as Kim Rae-bin.
—????
—Yonhee University? Is that the Yonhee University I know?
—Main vocal position, that face, good at studying, and only 3 months as a trainee…
—Even manga doesn't use these settings anymore, LeTi. Is this for real?
It reached a point where people were claiming it was rigged or asking how this was even possible.
—No, with that face, shouldn't he have already been famous at Yonhee? lololol
—Wow, he has everything. It’d be harder to hate him lol. I’m already fluttering.
—It’s obvious they’re pushing him. They probably put a ton of correction on his vocals. You guys are falling for it.
└ This is what jealousy looks like.
—Crazy, I love it. I’ve never seen an idol like this TTTT Let’s debut quickly, Gun-woo!!!
In the midst of it all, Ryu Gun-woo’s sincere closing remarks even managed to appeal to a sense of purity.
The amount of mentions skyrocketed, but at the same time, a subtle concentration of resentment began to thicken.
Appearing to have no weaknesses and no trials in life simultaneously invites both admiration and backlash.
However, thanks to that, the buzz surrounding Ryu Gun-woo began to burn even brighter, as if it had met a catalyst.
[The identity of the handsome glasses guy who appeared as a year-end dancer for Malang Dalkom.jpg]
[LeTi survival trainees who look like they’re going to hit it big]
And this fire even reached those around Ryu Gun-woo.
I picked up my smartphone.
24 missed calls.
When I opened the messenger app, chat rooms with long strings of new message notifications lined the screen.
They were coming in in real-time.
[Lee Yu-jin (Yonhee): What what what why are you debuting]
[Lee Yu-jin (Yonhee): Was the thing you wanted to do seriously being an idol? No way….]
Messages like these were piling up.
‘…I didn't think of this.’
But it was a logical development.
In the end, the Ryu Gun-woo of this world had been living a normal college life before suddenly appearing on TV as an idol trainee, so it was natural for people who knew him to reach out, even if only out of curiosity.
‘He probably kept to himself.’
Looking at the list, most of them seemed to be people I’d done group projects with, so I didn't feel any sense of crisis regarding malicious rumors. Still, I’d have to monitor the school community eventually.
Ryu Cheong-woo, who must have heard my phone ringing from the kitchen, spoke up.
“The guys were asking me today too, if you were my cousin.”
Is that so?
“What did you tell them?”
“I asked them if they didn't know we were twins, not cousins.”
“…….”
Are you serious?
Ryu Cheong-woo burst out laughing after seeing my face.
“I’m joking. Of course, I told them you were a cool and great relative.”
He sat down next to me and held out a frost-covered beer can.
“……!”
“What’s wrong? Oh, do you not drink that, Hyung?”
“No.”
I gladly took the beer and popped the tab. Then I downed it in one go.
Gulp, gulp, gulp!
The crisp, refreshing taste was something I hadn't experienced in a very long time.
Since this… isn't reality, I suppose I can enjoy myself a little.
“Is filming fun?”
“Quite.”
I replied, putting the can down. In fact, I had only told him about my participation after the profile pictures were posted online.
He had seen them first and asked me about it.
—Hyung, you didn't tell me you were appearing on something like this.
—…Uh, well.
I had managed to smooth things over with Ryu Cheong-woo by giving the excuse that ‘nothing was confirmed, so I didn't know how it would turn out.’
Though his attitude had changed a bit now that it was actually airing.
“I see. Certainly… looking at this, you do seem to be having fun, Hyung.”
He was watching the idol program quite favorably. Even now, he was naturally focused on the TV screen.
The second episode was currently in full swing.
[New participants appearing…?]
The second episode ended on a provocative note with the appearance of the Supplementary Class.
The faces of the existing participants hardening flashed across the screen…
‘Not bad.’
It was quite spicy. Thanks to the unpredictable setup, it looked like this survival show would do quite well.
‘Of course, I can’t let it end at just doing well.’
I smirked, anticipating the reaction to episodes 3 and 4.
I had to paint the picture as well as possible until the end.
Because things were going to move in a direction that the people watching the early episodes could never easily predict.
[New competitors, the <Supplementary Class> appears!]
“What are you watching?”
“Ah~ the new LeTi survival show.”
An idol group was traveling in a car.
The member sitting in the back seat, seriously watching the program, was briefly interrupted.
The member in the next seat, seeing the screen with the Wise and LeTi logos, gave a light jeer.
“Ugh, another rookie from a major agency?”
“Ugh.”
One or two others reacted similarly, but even then, most of the rest were busy with their own business.
Socializing, games, dating.
“……”
Zairop of MS Ent had successfully established themselves in the music industry, as expected of a group from a famous agency. They were already in their third year.
Once they started winning main prizes at most awards ceremonies and their settlement checks grew thick from touring, signs of mannerism began to show in everyone.
‘Ah~’
This guy doesn't even know the schedule.
The member who had been watching the screen held back a sigh and turned his head with a smile.
“Hey, Hyung, we’re appearing as mentors here, so I’m just watching it while I’m at it~ I’ll keep a good eye on them!”
“Ah, um. Right.”
His tone suggested he hadn't known.
‘All talk.’
Lee Se-jin naturally pushed aside the urge to curl his lip and resumed watching with a light smile.
‘…They’re good.’
On the screen, which he had rewound to the first episode, a participant was singing a fluid jazz song.
Was it because there was nothing awkward about the performance? It was particularly memorable.
“…….”
Lee Se-jin watched it with his chin resting on his hand.
Even though he had achieved the debut he so desperately wanted, and everything was going even more smoothly than he had imagined.
For some reason, he couldn't shake this strange sense of dissonance, as if he had received something that wasn't his.
‘Why am I like this?’
It was still a cold winter.