Chapter 80
Chapter 80
After moving with extreme caution alongside the production crew, crouching low until we were near the summer migratory birds, we were finally able to lift our cameras.
However, this "nearness" was… a strictly relative concept.
"Ah, from here?"
"Of course. It’s better not to get any closer."
It was a distance where you could barely even see the birds with the naked eye.
Ryu Cheong-woo, who was holding his camera beside me, muttered awkwardly.
"Hmm, I think I’d have a better shot if I were actually shooting them with an arrow..."
"…?"
It was the kind of thought only a former archery gold medalist would have.
Meanwhile, Cha Yu-jin, who was clattering away with his camera next to me, was busy pressing the shutter.
…I don’t even think he’s adjusted the focus.
Whatever. It was already a mess. I sighed and lifted the camera I had been given.
Reminds me of the old days.
Since I had no money back then, I used to rent shared equipment from the photography club to take pictures. Once I made a bit of cash, I bought second-hand gear for cheap from graduating seniors.
I fiddled with the entry-level camera to set the exposure.
Let’s see… if I zoom in a bit.
The handling and resolution weren't that bad. I managed to get a few decent shots.
It was a small, navy-blue bird with a white belly. It seemed to have a bit of a temper, as it was tossing twigs around with its beak.
…But I had no idea what species that bird actually was.
It would be easier to guess the camera model.
I suppressed a sigh, approached the bird researcher, and whispered.
"I think I got it, but I’m not sure what species this is."
"…?! Oh, aha! Really?"
The bird researcher’s eyes widened, and she immediately began babbling praises about how fast I was.
…Did she just look surprised?
But before I could think further, the others crowded in.
"Oh! As expected of Moon-dae!"
"I want to see too."
"H-how is it?"
They huddled around, whispering to keep quiet in their own way. When I handed over the camera, they started marveling at the photos among themselves, clearly excited.
"I-it came out well. It’s c-cute."
"Moon-dae really has the golden touch."
"It’s cool!"
"Teacher, what kind of bird is this?"
The bird researcher raised her index finger.
"…Finding that out is our friends' goal for today!"
"Aha!"
"Once we’re done filming the migratory birds, we’ll have time to look at the photos and identify them! Now, shall we move again?"
"Huh?"
"We don’t have much time, so let’s try to photograph various migratory birds in different spots!"
"Yes, ma'am…"
And so, the forced march began again.
This is going to flop.
There wasn't a hint of entertainment value in sight. I sighed and brushed myself off as I stood up. Seon A-hyun, who was still staring at my photo, hurriedly handed the camera back.
"H-here."
"Mm."
As I took the camera, I absentmindedly snapped a shot of Seon A-hyun.
"……!"
"It came out well."
Seon A-hyun definitely looked good in natural light. I should get this photo later and upload it to SNS.
"I, I should too…"
"I appreciate the thought. Let’s move."
"O-oh, okay…."
I was starting to get sleepy again. It seemed the last bit of expectation I had for this shoot had vanished.
Are we just going to walk until it’s over?
…Perhaps thinking that was the trigger.
"Now… I think it’s okay to get a bit closer to that bird over there. Let’s go."
"Yes!"
Five seconds after approaching a large, white bird by the water following the researcher's instructions.
Suddenly, the bird flapped its wings and charged at us with a grotesque scream.
"…!?"
"Aaaagh!"
"W-wait a minute!"
People scattered in an instant to avoid the bird, which was literally chasing them like a maniac.
The bird began sprinting after Cha Yu-jin and Kim Rae-bin, who had approached the closest.
Shit.
What kind of chaos was this?
"Teacher!! What do we do!!"
"HELP!!"
"Oh my, usually birds are very wary, so this is rare… How fascinating!"
"Aaaaah!!"
Cha Yu-jin rolled on the ground to escape the bird, his face looking like he was about to cry. It was pure pandemonium.
And then, I realized something.
The bird… is running?
"……."
I walked up to the 'bird researcher' and spoke.
"…This is a lie, isn't it?"
"Pardon?"
"That’s not a bird."
At that moment, the large bird that had pounced on Cha Yu-jin shouted.
"Gotcha!"
"…!!"
In an instant, the bird’s neck snapped back, and a human face popped out from inside.
"Hieeeek!!"
The mask was so realistic it was actually a bit disgusting. I completely understood Cha Yu-jin’s reaction.
"Ta-da! This was Humans at Work, Kwak Jung-won’s Prank Show!"
"Uwaaaaaah……."
Cha Yu-jin melted onto the road.
The woman wearing the decapitated bird mask shouted in surprise.
"Oh my, what do I do!"
A short while later, following the guidance of the smirking production crew, we moved to a cafe near the reservoir.
As soon as the MC sat in her designated spot, she apologized.
This is the standard procedure for these shows.
"I chased after the ones who seemed the most fearless… I’m so sorry, you both seemed really shocked."
"…It’s fine……."
"It’s scary."
Kim Rae-bin accepted the apology with a dazed expression, but Cha Yu-jin was still sitting as far away from the MC as possible, hiding behind the other members.
I just wished he wouldn't pull on my clothes. I was being strangled.
He watched horror movies just fine.
I guess experiencing it in person was a different story.
Anyway, the MC, seemingly deciding the situation was settled enough, moved the filming along.
"As you’ve all realized by now, our Humans at Work was actually a full-blown hidden camera prank show!"
"Aaaaah……."
The MC chuckled as she watched TeSTAR clap while groaning.
"Th-then, the original Episode 1 was……?"
"We even tricked the viewers with that pre-release episode! Actually, Humans at Work is just an abbreviation. The real title is… Humans Who Know When to Stop!"
"……?!"
Seon A-hyun’s jaw dropped. I almost bit my tongue too.
I think I’ve heard that name before.
To think we’d be the first guests to get baited by a title change.
"Now, how does it feel to be the first to experience the true title of Humans at Work, Humans Who Know When to Stop?"
The words started pouring out like a broken dam.
"That banner! You made it like that on purpose, didn't you!"
"I was wondering why we were walking so much!"
"So the duck walk wasn't even necessary?"
"Ahahaha! You’re right! You’re all right!"
The MC laughed and happily sipped her coffee. I suppressed a sigh and added a word.
"Was the bird researcher fake too?"
"Of course! She’s a wonderful actress!"
"I knew something was off! She kept talking about nothing but crow-tits!"
At Keun Se-jin’s remark, everyone, including the production crew, burst into laughter.
"I mean, in the first place, this is a spot for winter migratory birds! You don’t have to come all the way here to see summer migratory birds. They’re spread out everywhere. They’re even in Gyeonggi-do!"
"Ah……."
It was my first time seeing Ryu Cheong-woo look so openly pained with embarrassment.
I silently drank my beverage. If I didn't, I felt like I’d end up like him.
Fortunately, the agency wasn't completely incompetent; the MC continued with a fairly long chat about TeSTAR’s album and activities afterward.
Despite his suffering, Ryu Cheong-woo answered diligently for the sake of promotion.
I’m glad I’m not the leader.
As expected, one should avoid positions that only come with responsibilities.
Anyway, after the chat, we were able to film a performance for one of our title tracks.
Performing at a rustic, sentimental cafe and receiving applause from the staff was a rather unique experience.
"My goodness, that was amazing! As expected of audition winners!"
"Phew, thank you!"
The MC smiled brightly as she watched TeSTAR bowing in all directions.
"Thank you for giving our program such a fun start today!"
"No, thank you!"
"It was fun!"
The ending was heartwarming. It was a variety show, so it couldn't really end any other way.
By the end, even Cha Yu-jin had regained his senses and gave a polite bow.
"Birds are scary."
"Hahaha!"
The MC probably laughed thinking it was a joke, but Cha Yu-jin was being completely sincere.
Well… it’s not like he’ll get criticized for it, so it doesn't matter.
He wasn't the type to read the room even if you told him to, anyway.
Just then, the MC received a signal from the production crew, clapped her hands, and continued.
"Now, everyone! We’re giving you the daily wage we originally promised!"
"Huh?"
"An expensive lunch! We’ve brought a whole bunch, worth exactly your daily wages!"
"……Ooooh!!"
"No way!!"
A grill and Korean beef (Hanwoo) appeared.
And just like that, all ill feelings were washed away. Such was the power of beef.
"Eat up!"
"Th-thank you!"
The members sat before the beef with bewildered expressions. A hint of suspicion remained, wondering if this was another prank.
However, nothing happened, and the Hanwoo sirloin was the most delicious thing I had eaten in the past six months.
…Not bad.
Considering we even got paid an appearance fee, it was a productive schedule.
I suppose Cha Yu-jin, who was directly targeted, might feel differently.
But before long, Cha Yu-jin whispered.
"She’s a good person."
"……I guess so."
As I agreed with the full-bellied Cha Yu-jin’s serious remark, I couldn't quite grasp how this whole farce would be edited into a variety show…….
…I don’t know.
As long as we don't get hate, it’s fine. I shoved more beef into my mouth.
In front of us, the manager was signaling the members to please stop eating, but no one except Seon A-hyun paid him any mind.
Time passed, and it was Sunday afternoon.
TeSTAR’s second week of music show promotions had ended.
Fans were starting to enjoy seeing outfits that hadn't appeared in the MV show up on music broadcasts and at events.
While complaints about the incompetent agency flared up occasionally, the overall atmosphere was joyful, with fans enjoying the content-heavy promotions without any major incidents.
However, many were thirsty for variety show appearances.
In this situation, an article was released announcing TeSTAR’s appearance on a variety show no one had ever heard of.
[National Stock TeSTAR, First Variety Show is TVC’s New Work 'Humans at Work']
[Who is the First Guest of 'Humans at Work'? TeSTAR from 'Idol Inc.']
However, SNS was soon filled with the rage of people who had seen the first episode pre-released on WeTube.
Of course, it didn't last long. Publicly lamenting would only provide fodder for trolls.
So, while the underground was overflowing with unsearchable rants, this became the dominant reaction in the article comments:
Of course, these grievances were being stacked up one by one, ready to erupt like a volcano if anything went wrong.
But before the fans' anger could subside, the pre-release for Episode 2 of Humans at Work dropped that night.
=========================
[Pre-release for Episode 2 of 'Humans at Work' featuring TeSTAR]
: It’s out (Link)
=========================
As confused people clicked the link, this title appeared:
[I’m sorry! Actually, both the name and Episode 1 were bait! | A PRANK show that’s serious about baiting: 'Humans Who Know When to Stop' | First guests are TeSTAR! | Episode 2 Pre-release]
The thumbnail showed the TeSTAR members frozen stiff while looking at a banner with a bizarre aesthetic.
Though confused, people hurriedly clicked play.