Chapter 13
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 13
Chapter Title: Radio Debut Surprise
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"Writer, did something good happen?"
The main writer for the late-night FM radio show Park Min-ha's Languid Night, Nam Ha-jeong, had been grinning all day for some reason.
It wasn't often that Ha-jeong looked this happy from start to finish.
She'd started smiling more frequently since Park Min-ha became the DJ, but she usually wore a stern expression.
So the staff couldn't help but ask.
"Something good?"
Nam Ha-jeong whipped her head around to look at the person who'd asked. A deep smile spread across her lips.
"If it's good, it's good. If not, it's not."
Then she couldn't hold it in anymore and burst out laughing with a "Pfft."
What's gotten into her?
No idea.
The staff whispered among themselves about Ha-jeong's odd behavior. But Ha-jeong herself was too busy imagining Park Min-ha's reaction to the news she'd just heard.
She's definitely going to be shocked.
Just thinking about it made her keep laughing. Min-ha would probably go, "Ahh! Writer!" and lightly tap her with those pale hands of hers.
Imagining that far made her want to push the schedule forward as much as possible.
"Alright, enough fooling around. Let's start the meeting."
She suddenly stopped laughing and spoke sternly. The staff chuckled awkwardly, sharing the same thought.
But we weren't the ones fooling around.
Whatever they thought, the meeting started right away.
"Pardon?"
"They want you on the radio. They specifically asked if Do-jun could come as a guest."
I felt like I was talking to a foreigner in some utterly alien language, even though I was clearly speaking with Kim Han-soo.
I had to hear the same words repeated several times before I grasped what he meant. Even then, I couldn't believe it.
So... I was debuting on the radio?
"And it's from Min-ha's show, no less."
Park Min-ha's Languid Night?
"Yes. It's great for us, but I'm curious how they knew about you, Do-jun."
The puzzle pieces fell into place over Kim Han-soo's puzzled words.
Park Min-ha watching my practice at dawn. Park Min-ha coming to the practice room yesterday to ask my name. And now an invitation from her radio show.
Did she recommend me?
But that didn't make sense—the company didn't know about it. Why would Park Min-ha hide it from them?
Probably not.
It wasn't self-importance. On second thought, there was no reason for Park Min-ha to recommend me.
Radio DJs hear so many great songs. If she invited guests just for catching a glimpse of practice, half of Pida's trainees would be on the air.
"Anyway! It's set for three days from now, so get ready."
"Really?"
It was so sudden, without any warning, that I still couldn't believe it.
Kim Han-soo, in high spirits, continued with a smiling face.
"The group name is finalized, so introduce yourself as from B.O.Y. Just say the rest will be revealed soon."
"Is that okay?"
Come to think of it, they'd said we might debut in as little as half a year, but why hadn't they mentioned selecting the other members yet?
Were things not ready?
Reading my worried expression, Kim Han-soo quickly added,
"Don't worry. The debut lineup is almost set, and song selection is in the final stages. We just need to hurry a bit more. Striking while the iron is hot is best."
It scratched my itch perfectly, but had it been that obvious?
Feeling a bit embarrassed, I gave an awkward smile.
"Anyway, you made this happen, Do-jun! Where else do you find a trainee who brings in their own schedule? You did great!"
Kim Han-soo beamed happily, but I was still dumbfounded. Was it because debut was coming faster than expected?
"Why the long face? Something wrong?"
"Huh? No. It just doesn't feel real."
"Haha, of course. But you can still be happy with me."
No, I was happy. Really happy...
What is this?
I raised both arms with Kim Han-soo in celebration, but oddly, it didn't fill my chest like when I was selected for Flame's debut lineup.
Was it because of the music video accident? I'll just see it through to the end, whatever happens. That thought took precedence.
I've grown.
I felt a strange sense of pride. Like I'd leveled up another step.
At this rate, the radio slot should go off without a hitch.
...Growth, my ass.
"D-Do you have any calming pills or something?"
As the massive broadcasting station came into view, my heart—which had been pounding fiercely since getting in the car—started racing uncontrollably. It felt like it might actually explode.
"Here."
Kim Han-soo smirked as if he'd expected it and pulled a yellow pill case from his inner pocket like a pro.
With a click, a gold-foil-wrapped calming pill emerged elegantly.
"Urk."
I shoved it in my mouth and chewed frantically. Bitter, foul taste flooded instantly. My mouth turned into a battlefield, pushing all other thoughts away.
"Water! Water!"
As if anticipating that too, Kim Han-soo handed over a water bottle right away. Not a team leader for nothing. Smooth as silk.
I quickly chewed and swallowed the pill with water.
But the bitter aftertaste clung like thorns, refusing to fade.
"Ughhh..."
"Need chocolate?"
Kim Han-soo laughed heartily at my dying expression.
Give it before asking. I stuck out my hand silently, afraid opening my mouth would bring everything back up.
Is this how you calm nerves?
This taste would sink anyone's mood.
Anyway, while I was busy chasing the bitterness, the car passed the station's main gate.
We parked in the underground lot and headed straight to the 8th floor radio studio.
Tension built with every elevator floor. Luckily, the pricey pill worked—my heart had settled quietly.
This stuff's no joke...
Suddenly, I felt like I could do anything.
"Do-jun."
Kim Han-soo stopped me after we exited the elevator in front of the meeting room.
He launched into the speech he'd drilled into me for days.
"Greet everyone right away. You've got time, so say hi to all the staff. Don't go anywhere without telling me. If something unexpected happens, stay silent instead of blurting out—easier to handle. Stay calm but don't panic, and..."
"Act humble since you don't know who anyone is?"
I finished his last line, and he smiled.
"Exactly."
"You've said it a hundred times over four days. Think I'll forget? Let's go in."
"Yeah, you'll do great, Do-jun."
He encouraged me with a grin and knocked. Only two people sat in the open meeting room.
"PD, Writer. Long time no see."
Kim Han-soo led me in, introducing one by one.
"This is Do-jun—greet them. This is the PD, and this is main writer Nam Ha-jeong."
"Hello, PD! I'm Lee Do-jun!"
"Nice to meet you, Do-jun."
"Hmmm."
I bowed deeply, but got odd looks instead of replies. I saw main writer Nam Ha-jeong scanning me up and down.
What?
Did I mess up? The PD responded fine.
Should I greet again? Finally, a response came.
"Looking forward to working with you."
Then the meeting began.
Nothing special—just confirming what I'd practiced for four days.
Oh, and it turned out Nam Ha-jeong was the one who'd recommended me, which was a surprise.
Kim Han-soo was curious how she knew me, but she said everyone needed a little mystery and didn't spill.
I never learned why she invited me specifically. The meeting ended like that.
Tell me already. So unfair.
Then came the boring wait. Kim Han-soo and the PD chatted about things I couldn't join.
That's when my phone buzzed. Bzzz.
Lee Jae-yoon
Hyung! You switched companies?
Why didn't you tell me?
It was from Lee Jae-yoon. Seeing it reminded me I hadn't told him yet.
I glanced around cautiously and replied discreetly.
Things just worked out that way. I'll call later.
Lee Jae-yoon
No
Not later
Why hide something like that!
Bzzz. Bzzz. Bzzz.
Three buzzes in a row. Nam Ha-jeong, chin on hand, looked over.
This guy's making me look suspicious. I silenced my phone and fired off a quick reply.
I'm in radio meeting so ltr
Typo, but no time to fix. Nam Ha-jeong was staring curiously.
"A call? From who?"
She was paying attention. Hope this doesn't leave a bad impression.
I smiled as softly as possible.
"From a trainee buddy."
The buzzing continued amid my answer. A peek showed all from Lee Jae-yoon.
Lee Jae-yoon
Later my ass!
What radio? Huh?
Hyung?
Why no reply?
Argh, seriously!
Hyung!
"Really? Girl? Guy?"
Nam Ha-jeong's question cut through the flood. Why ask that? I kept smiling.
"No, guy's."
"Hmm, I see?"
Her gaze turned odd again. Didn't seem like dislike, but...
Her piercing eyes made sweat trickle down my neck.
Tension crept back in. Pill wearing off already? Cheap stuff?
"PD, Park DJ's here."
A staffer spoke as the door opened. Park Min-ha entered the meeting room.
"...Huh?"
She froze mid-step, surprised. Shocked to see Kim Han-soo and me.
"Team Leader? Junior?"
"Haha, Min-ha's here?"
Kim Han-soo waved happily. The PD and Nam Ha-jeong burst laughing at her flustered face.
"What brings you here?"
Nam Ha-jeong answered first.
"He's the guest today."
"Guest...?"
Min-ha's eyes turned to me, wide with shock.
She really didn't know.
Can a DJ not know her guest?
Nam Ha-jeong's words cleared it up.
"I kept it secret to see your shocked face. How was it? Surprised?"
"Ahhh! Writer!"
Min-ha finally got it and stomped her feet. Laughter erupted again.
"Sit first. Check the script. Not much changed."
"You're too much. I'll get you later."
She glared lightly at Nam Ha-jeong and Kim Han-soo, then sat beside me. A faint fragrance wafted as she plopped down.
"Ah! Junior... I mean, Do-jun. It's not that I don't like you being here."
Worried I'd misunderstand, she explained while looking at me.
She's so kind.
Not easy for someone this famous.
The meeting resumed lightly for Min-ha. Her nodding spread shampoo scent around.
"Time's up. Shall we?"
"Yes, please take care of him."
Everyone rose after Kim Han-soo's words.
Now it was real. Live broadcast.
Gulp.
I swallowed unconsciously. Hope the tension didn't show too much. But then my eyes met Min-ha's.
"First time, right? Don't worry too much. I can cover any slips."
Her soft, gentle voice.
She added, "Simple mistakes happen a lot on radio," with a reassuring, pure smile.
But senior, frequent mistakes don't mean it's okay for me to mess up.
...I won't mess up, right?