Chapter 443
Chapter 443
There was a common thread among the "mild-flavored" content idols put out, like daily W-Apps or radio appearances.
Unless they went viral for being legendary, casual fans rarely watched them if they missed the live broadcast. At most, they might catch a humorously edited highlight reel.
In that sense, what TeSTAR was doing right now…
…was an exception.
A sudden surprise appearance followed by a comeback teaser.
I already felt we’d scored a win during the ghost story skit, which was impressive enough on its own, but by this point, the fans' social media was in a state of frenzy—in a good way.
And right in the middle of it all.
Park Moon-dae suddenly began to insist vehemently that he was a hardcore fan of TeSTAR.
[“I’m… such a huge fan that I even know TeSTAR’s B-sides.”]
While everyone was confused by the unpredictable direction of the skit and the stray comeback breadcrumbs, clear laughter flowed from the radio.
It was the "good-natured" members.
[“That’s right, TeSTAR is pretty great. Right, Moon-dae?”]
[“I’m the K-POP No. 1 Fan!”]
[“Ah, I listen to TeSTAR’s music too! I respect their performances!”]
With the addition of one member with fantastic acting skills, it seemed like the skit was getting back on track in a heartwarming way. But then.
[“No, hyung. I mean I watch every single one of their performances.”]
[“…??”]
[“And I’ve watched all of TeSTAR’s variety show videos. I’m a total fan. They’re the energy that keeps me going.”]
Park Moon-dae started dragging it back into crazy territory. He was completely going off-script.
‘Hey!’
At that, Keun Se-jin grabbed the steering wheel again.
Internally, he pushed aside the countless guesses and curses regarding Park Moon-dae’s "big picture" and the current situation. Then, in an instant, he came up with the most characteristic improvisation.
And that was…
[“Ah! I saw TeSTAR’s awards ceremony performance too! That sword dance~ You saw that too, right?”]
[“Uh… well, yeah.”]
[“Oh, and that Tibetan Moon-dae? That member who sang… ‘Flower Dark Moon’ on that variety show? Is that a B-side too?”]
[“Y-yes, it is.”]
[“Oh, I know that one! Song DJ, do you know it too~?”]
[“Oh my, of course I do~ Doesn’t everyone?”]
He was diluting the point.
TeSTAR had an unusually high number of mainstream hits. It was the result of them racking their brains at every turn to throw out at least one hot, buzzworthy topic. Which meant…
[“And variety shows… Wow, honestly, I think everything TeSTAR did with that PD was hilarious~ Do you guys know about that Carrot Coin?”]
[“Of course~!”]
[“Yeah! I remember!”]
[“Haha. Right, the part where they sold hotteok was fun too.”]
If you just mixed in some famous songs and variety shows, it was generally impossible to prove you were a hardcore fan just by talking.
Because everyone knew them!
Responses poured in from everywhere.
The host also chimed in, steering the conversation toward a warm conclusion while keeping it within reasonable bounds so as not to mention other broadcasting stations too much. Still, she didn't miss the listeners' reactions.
[“Ah, user ‘5226’ sent this in. ‘I remember too~ My whole family laughed while watching TeSTAR getting stranded.’”]
[“Uh….”]
They had inadvertently secured a solid promotional segment looking back on TeSTAR’s past activities.
‘Just as planned.’
It was one win for Park Moon-dae inside Ryu Gun-woo’s body.
Keun-dal, who hadn't grasped the situation, was dazed for a moment before finally opening his mouth again.
[“No, I’m really a fan—”]
[“TeSTAR even won the Grand Prize this time. They said their goal this year is to make the whole nation their fans!”]
[“With the album coming out this year? Daebak!”]
[“Ahahaha!”]
[“…….”]
He was shut down.
Keun-dal, who had initially been trembling while responding to Park Moon-dae’s prompting, had now become stubborn.
‘…That’s it!’
So, he instantly thought of the most definitive way to prove it. Forgetting that he had even forgotten to speak informally, he shouted out passionately.
[“I even went to their concert!”]
His calculation was that no matter how popular a male idol was, no one would go to their concert unless they were a fan!
However, his opponent was TeSTAR.
[“Really? We went too~”]
[“…….”]
Right.
They went… because they were the ones performing.
Even now, he himself was the one who had performed.
Having been completely defeated by the facts, regardless of the skit, Keun-dal tilted his head with a dazed, soul-crushed expression. He had no choice but to accept the reality that he had failed to prove his fan status.
It was somehow lonely yet incredibly hilarious.
It was somewhat nostalgic, feeling similar to Park Moon-dae’s days on Idol Inc. when he was popular for his "ordinary person, my-pace weirdo" character.
But this was… how should I put it? It was in the same vein, but the feeling was a bit different.
It felt a bit… comfortable, perhaps?
It had a more natural, human touch. it was a "lifestyle-type" comedy that hadn't even been there during the Idol Inc. days.
The host professionally managed the time while holding back her laughter.
[“So, you heard a rumor that TeSTAR’s album for this year is coming out soon?”]
[“Ah, right. Since Moon-dae seems to be the most interested, I think he might have something he wants to say first.”]
And Ryu Cheong-woo, with the kind thought that ‘Moon-dae must have prepared a lot for the radio,’ willingly yielded the first word.
[“…Me?”]
[“Yeah.”]
Keun-dal was flustered, but he soon snapped out of it after seeing Park Moon-dae’s ‘It’s okay’ pop-up.
Only halfway, though.
[“The next album… I’m really looking forward to it. Ah, I’m not saying this to pressure you, I just wanted to say that I’m really rooting for TeSTAR’s unique, sophisticated time-travel SF world-building and their unique connected formation performances……”]
[“You wanted to say?”]
[“…I really wanted to tell the TeSTAR members through this radio!”]
He sounded truly desperate and sincere.
Because, in fact, he was sincere. Since the one inside was Keun-dal.
By this point, even under the surface, these kinds of reactions were appearing.
[“…Th-that, yes, thank you.”]
[“Wait a minute, why is A-hyun-ssi giving the thank-you…?”]
[“…! Because… we were the ones who told him the rumors about TeSTAR’s comeback…?”]
[“Right~ We were talking about that!”]
In the end, the talk about the comeback was able to proceed in a much more humorous atmosphere and in a "less promotional" way.
[“Excuse me, by any chance…. Is TeSTAR coming back as magic-using phantom thieves, connecting to the Magical Boy Trilogy?”]
[“…! I’ve never thought about it, but I think it’s a really great idea. After returning to the dorm—no, I mean, after returning to the dormitory, for the next album… no, for the next club activity, a meeting…?”]
[“Kim Rae-bin is broken!”]
Because the atmosphere was like this, the members could also excitedly chatter about the comeback concept under the guise of high school students, mixing truth and lies without feeling pressured.
And so, the breadcrumbs for TeSTAR’s comeback concept ended with a burst of laughter, leaving behind numerous possibilities and plausible delusions.
And at the same time.
“Excellent.”
Inside Ryu Gun-woo’s body, Park Moon-dae was nodding in satisfaction while monitoring all the reactions.
He had thought it was time for a refresh, and this turned out even better.
‘Park Moon-dae’s image has been a bit… heavy lately.’
There was the recent stage accident issue, and the accumulated image of being a "pro idol who is too good at reading public opinion and handling things" was also a minus. Balance was important in everything.
‘This should have lightened things up a bit.’
So, thinking that this wasn't just a mental victory but a genuine gain, he cracked his neck.
‘Now I just need to find a proper way to go back.’
Of course, he didn't forget to take care of what needed to be handled before that.
“Are you okay?”
[“Yes!”]
“Good job.”
Certainly, Keun-dal’s answer was spirited, perhaps because he had enjoyed the situation quite a bit toward the end. Furthermore, the atmosphere in Park Moon-dae’s field of vision, which he was sharing, was good.
TeSTAR finished their greetings with the host while laughing. And as they left the booth without much fuss, they seemed to lightly scold Keun-dal for his slight ad-libs in passing.
‘I’ll have to explain it well so those guys aren't too shocked.’
Compared to a live radio broadcast, the next step was actually better because there was at least time to plan.
He nodded.
“I’ll find a time for you to explain to the members, so don’t worry….”
[“Um… about that.”]
What.
[“I think A-hyun-nim… already knows?”]
“…??”
What… did you say?
Just then. Through Keun-dal’s shared vision, he met Seon A-hyun’s gaze as he stared blankly this way.
His face was expressionless.
“…….”
[“…….”]
“I’m coming right now.”
[“Okay.”]
Ryu Gun-woo immediately called a taxi.
And 30 minutes later. TeSTAR’s dorm would be filled with screams and monologues.
“Again??”
“OK, [Seriously, I think we need to look for a secret agency or something. This is like some Netflix Season 4 drama.]”
As soon as they grasped the situation, the guys, who had gone through the five stages of shock-anger-confusion-bargaining-resignation in an instant, began to shout.
I nodded with a blank face.
“There’s some good news too.”
“What is it?”
“At least we know for sure that no one is going to die. At worst, it just ends with a body swap.”
“Hey! Then that’s retirement!”
“I said only in the absolute worst-case scenario.”
Last time, it was about dying in a building collapse, so this was definitely good news.
I raised both hands toward Bae Se-jin, whose neck veins looked like they were about to pop.
“And we’ve already passed the biggest crisis.”
“What!”
“The live radio.”
“…….”
I was serious.
‘I thought I was going to die.’
And everyone fell silent for a moment as if they were reviewing what had happened on the radio just now.
“Then, don't tell me that was you and Se-jin….”
“Yes.”
Naturally, eyes turned to Keun Se-jin.
I confessed voluntarily.
“I’m sorry.”
“Oh~ You should be.”
Keun Se-jin seemed quite pissed off. But like the guy who was good at reading the room, he didn't seem to have any intention of grabbing me by the collar and demanding compensation for mental distress right away.
‘Carrot first.’
I immediately gave him a thumbs-up.
“You were brilliant.”
“…….”
“I only tried it because I believed in your quick wits.”
“You sure have a way with words….”
But he didn't seem to have any intention of denying that he was today’s MVP either. I knew it.
‘And honestly, that guy benefited from the results too.’
And… I turned my head toward the second super-save.
“…….”
“……Did you hear it back then?”
“Yeah.”
Fortunately, Seon A-hyun just had a worried face.
“I-it’s okay. Even if you didn't tell me. I’m not exactly a member who’s good at variety shows anyway…….”
“No, thanks to your help, we got through it.”
“Thank you….”
Keun-dal also approached awkwardly and bowed his head deeply.
However, Seon A-hyun looked back and forth between me and Keun-dal with an expression that said he was happy but didn't know what to do.
And he greeted us stiffly.
“N-no….”
Come to think of it, all the members were looking at Keun-dal with peculiar expressions anyway.
I mean, the Park Moon-dae that Keun-dal was in. The atmosphere must be a bit different from usual.
Cha Yu-jin whispered.
‘That’s weird with hyung’s face.’
‘Be quiet.’
It was originally his, though.
Bae Se-jin also muttered with a peculiar face. However, it was a different topic.
“…It would have been fine if you’d told me about the radio. I mean, I’m not saying I would have done better.”
“You probably would have. Since you’re good at acting, hyung.”
In fact, not only Bae Se-jin but Ryu Cheong-woo was also a good candidate. He had good judgment, was calm, and was the leader.
“But if we had shared more while going into the radio, and Rae-bin had accidentally overheard……”
“Umm….”
“Ahem, right.”
As soon as the name of the member who was the symbol of that personality came up, all the members nodded.
And Kim Rae-bin was deeply shocked.
“Am—am I the type of person who cannot be trusted?”
“Well~ no. Only when lying on a live talk show.”
“It’s okay, Rae-bin. It just means you have a good character.”
“…??”
Anyway, after the initial shock had passed, the brainstorming began.
“Well, shouldn't the two of you try something first?”
“What did Yu-jin say earlier? Ah! Netflix. In those dramas, how do they usually get their bodies back?”
“……A kiss? Murder?”
“Hyung-nim, both are too horrific.”
“No! I’m not saying we should do it, I was just saying what came to mind…….”
I had learned what genre of dramas Bae Se-jin watched. It was TMI.
‘Anyway, the initial suggestion is useful.’
First, I grabbed the arm of Park Moon-dae… that is, Keun-dal.
“Then the two of us will go and talk for a bit to sort things out.”
“Alright. Share it with us immediately if there’s a problem.”
With Ryu Cheong-woo’s confirmation, I immediately moved to my room.
Click.
“Good job.”
“No….”
And as soon as I sat down, I started checking the status window first.
[Sudden!]
Status Effect Mission Failure: Restoration
- Everything returns to the original state as if nothing happened.
: Time remaining until end: 21:26:43
“Hmm…….”
This gives me a lot to think about.
‘Everything returns to the original state as if nothing happened….’
I looked at ‘Park Moon-dae.’
Right. I’d thought about it earlier, but that body originally belonged to that guy, Keun-dal.
“As you know, this whole situation where I’m an idol and you’re a civil servant happened because I swapped with you.”
“Th-that’s true, right?”
This guy had no intention of becoming an idol, and I had failed the civil service exam. In short, this meant we were both living the lives we had achieved.
But, ‘Restoration?’
I muttered with a blank face.
“What are the chances that this means we’ll both be ‘restored’ to our previous lives where we were dead after 24 hours?”
“Th-that much?!”
He’s terrified.
Keun-dal pointed at the hologram.
“L-look! It’s a mission failure! It’s not a status effect! I don’t think the penalty will be that strong?!”
“Hmm.”
Looking at the guy who was squawking, ‘Let’s not make such extreme assumptions,’ I rubbed my chin.
“A-and… I’ve been thinking about this for a while, but I think the wording is a bit different from what appeared to you before, hyung.”
Hmm?
‘Now that I think about it….’
I recalled the phrase that had appeared to me during the previous building collapse.
: Time until the final disaster: 00:29:59
“Back then, it was called a ‘disaster.’ Now it’s ‘end.’”
“Yes. And the situation was a bit special then. Since we were barely avoiding the failure penalty….”
Right.
At that time, we were in a state of somehow narrowly avoiding the sudden death that was the failure penalty for the status effect.
And then it had changed to mission failure… hmm.
“Then is the mission failure effect already in effect now?”
The fact that he and I had swapped bodies was the ‘mission failure effect.’
“Yes. I think so. So until that failure effect ends… well, there are 21 hours left now.”
I see.
Then it was manageable since we only had to hold out for a day. It was a persuasive and advantageous interpretation.
But questions still remained.
“Then what mission did you fail?”
“That’s….”
Keun-dal’s face clouded over.
“I… don’t really know either. It’s not like I had a status window….”
“…….”
I thought of a few hypotheses, but I stopped rambling for now.
Confusing priorities was the perfect way to mess things up. Handle the urgent matters first.
“Fine. Anyway, since it’s the most persuasive, let’s act for the day based on this hypothesis.”
I brought up a pop-up.
[After 24 hours, the bodies will be completely swapped back.]
“Yes!”
Thinking back to the experience with the building, of course, that was assuming we survived today well.
I thought about it for a moment and then nodded.
“First.”
“…?”
“Is the atmosphere okay for you to take a day off today?”
“That…… um.”
I guess not.
“What about sick leave?”
“That… would work, but I’d have to submit documentation.”
I smiled.
“It doesn't matter. If it’s okay to use up one day of annual leave.”
“…?? That’s fine, but……”
Then it’s settled.
“Is this person your direct team leader?”
I checked a contact on his smartphone.
And the next morning.
“Um, Team Leader. I’m going to try not to use sick leave if possible. There’s the issue of performance reviews and… right. I thought it would be right to manage my attendance as you said, even if it means using my annual leave.”
Keun-dal’s mouth was hanging open. Park Moon-dae’s jaw was quite sturdy, so it wouldn't be a problem.
“I’m really sorry. I hope I’m not being a burden……. No, it’s the restaurant’s fault, but still, food poisoning this early in the morning.”
“…….”
“Yes! Then I’ll see you when I come in! Ahem, thank you so much. Yes, I’ll greet you properly then.”
Beep.
I hung up the phone.
Then I turned my head.
“Was that okay?”
“……Yes.”
“I’m going to send this person a drink this afternoon, so don’t be surprised.”
“I-it’s okay……. Thank you.”
“Sure.”
Even for a civil servant, it was natural for there to be a disadvantage in performance reviews if someone who received a salary used sick leave frequently.
So, wouldn't it be enough to flip that thinking and make them think he was using annual leave instead of sick leave because he cared about his performance review?
‘Well, since he said he works at a district office, he probably isn't being ground down like other Level 7s.’
Anyway, now that I’d handled this guy’s work.
“As you know, TeSTAR is coming back soon, so we have a lot to do.”
“Ye-yes.”
“So… can you accompany TeSTAR on today’s schedule as Park Moon-dae so that nothing looks unusual?”
“…??”
“Don’t worry. There are no filming schedules.”
There was nothing that would make him as anxious as the radio broadcast.
“And I’ll be following you.”
“What?! R-really?”
“Yeah.”
“How?”
Ryu Gun-woo hadn't taken a day off for nothing.
“As a daily road manager.”
“Gasp.”
I stood up. I’d have to handle it right away to keep up with the schedule.