Chapter 70

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Translator: 8uhl

Chapter: 70

Chapter Title: Enthusiastic Interview

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In the center of the interview room sat a solid wooden table, already set with an array of cute little snacks.

Ha-woon plopped down in his seat with a bright smile and pointed at the treats.

"Wow! Can I eat these?"

"Of course. We prepared them for you to enjoy."

The moment permission was granted, he reached out—but Kim Han-soo was a step quicker. In a fairly stern tone, he said,

"You can have some after the interview."

"Aww..."

"No, no, go ahead and eat. It'll make the interview feel more natural. Does everyone like coffee?"

Even as Reporter Kim Isul brewed capsule coffee, she kept the conversation flowing.

"By the way, all the members look even more handsome in person. You're probably the most visually striking boy group I've seen among recent male idols."

It was flattery, sure, but it still lifted everyone's tension a ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠bit. Only Jae-ha stayed on edge, keeping an eye on Ha-woon and Tae-hoo to make sure they didn't start bickering again.

As light, everyday chit-chat went back and forth, coffee cups began piling up next to the machine.

With the sixth and final cup, I quickly stood and approached her.

"Let me help."

"Oh, I can manage on my own."

Still, making her carry six cups solo felt wrong.

By then, Jae-ha had joined us too, and the three of us each took two cups to the table. Jae-ha's quick thinking made it a breeze.

"Thank you for the help."

Hearing her thanks sparked a sudden memory. I turned to Reporter Kim Isul.

"By the way, what were you about to say earlier?"

"Oh? Ah...!"

She clapped her hands with a beaming smile.

"Do-jun, remember that bus accident last time?"

"Ah, yes."

"Do you remember the little kid you saved from the bus?"

Come to think of it, I'd gone all the way inside because the child had lost consciousness.

I wonder if the kid's okay now. Things had been so hectic since then that I'd forgotten, but now worry crept in. I nodded anyway.

"Of course, I remember."

"That was my nephew!"

Her unexpected reply widened my eyes—and Kim Han-soo's too.

Your nephew? Really?

"He was so insistent on coming today to thank you properly with his mom and dad, but I barely talked him out of it since you're doing a B.O.Y interview."

"Ah, really, it's fine. It wasn't that big a deal..."

"Nonsense! It was huge! I promised I'd write an amazing article on your behalf."

She shrugged proudly with a grin, then started asking me about the details of the accident.

Questions occasionally bounced to Kim Han-soo, who had been there too.

"I actually wanted to go when you received that commendation for brave citizenship, but I had a prior interview scheduled that day, and it wasn't even my department."

"It wrapped up super quick anyway. Right, Team Leader?"

"Hey, it's not like awards like that come easy. If I'd been there, I would've snapped tons of photos and written a full feature!"

Reporter Kim Isul gushed excitedly, as ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠if it were her own story.

She didn't hold back criticizing other reporters for glossing over such an important event in a single line.

She treated us like old friends, keeping the conversation smooth and easy.

"I'm thinking of including that story in this interview too. Got the okay from my boss and everything..."

"Reporter?"

"Yes?"

Kim Han-soo cut in gently, drawing her gaze. He smiled awkwardly and nodded toward his watch.

"We should probably start the interview now."

"Ah!"

She checked the time and her eyes went wide, fumbling out a recorder and placing it on the table.

"Sorry! I got too carried away being so happy to meet you. Let's begin."

Her casual vibe vanished in an instant, replaced by a professional demeanor as she led the interview.

There were standard questions—like introducing B.O.Y, group dynamics, and how it felt to hit number one—but the personal ones for each member were anything but routine.

She even seemed to know us better than we knew ourselves, rattling off recent nicknames and pre-debut anecdotes.

For me, it was mostly about the rumors, my relationship with Jae-yoon, and the drama.

She touched on angles I hadn't considered, and even sensitive topics stayed polite and measured.

A glance at Kim Han-soo showed pure satisfaction on his face.

'Hasn't interrupted once.'

He'd said he'd step in if anything problematic came up, but now he lounged comfortably, sipping his coffee.

The interview wrapped without a hitch.

"Great job, everyone. Time for photos!"

True to her passion for the article, the shoot felt like a full pictorial session.

"A bit more sexy in the eyes! Yes, perfect!"

It started with me, then Jae-ha and Ha-woon, up to Tae-hoo. The photographer she'd brought directed with infectious energy.

Some instructions were downright drama-level detailed.

While Tae-hoo was being shot, Ha-woon—worn out from the intensity—slumped over the table, munching snacks.

I watched Reporter Kim Isul consult meticulously with the photographer and said to Kim Han-soo,

"We gotta check this article when it drops."

"Yeah. Didn't expect this level of effort, but it's great."

Then Jae-ha chimed in from the side.

"All thanks to hyung."

"How's it my doing?"

"Because of the kid you saved. Totally your credit."

How does he say stuff that embarrasses me stone-faced like that? Amazing.

Flustered, I averted my eyes. Just then, Tae-hoo's shoot ended, and Reporter Kim Isul called us.

"Group photo last!"

The mood was electric as we finished up, marking the true end of the interview.

"You all worked hard. I'll let you know when the article's live."

"You had the real hard work. Thank you."

Warm words passed between Kim Han-soo and her, and finally, she approached me.

"Do-jun, thank you so much. Anytime you need help, just say the word. No matter how busy I am, I'll make time for you!"

"Really? Thank you."

"Of course. I wanted to treat you to a meal, but I figured that might be too much."

She smiled wistfully, then handed me her business ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠card.

"Call anytime—even for random questions. I've got surprisingly wide connections; nothing I don't know."

Her words jogged something, and I instinctively glanced at Kim Han-soo. But I quickly looked away.

'Nah. Met her today; no way.'

Asking rashly would just feed rumors about trouble with Lee Jun-hyeong.

People are kind now, but who knows how hearts change? Better stay cautious.

Yet in that brief moment, she seemed to catch on, her eyes sparkling as she lowered her voice.

"Is it because of Lee Jun-hyeong?"

Silence fell instantly.

As I hesitated on what to say, Kim Han-soo jumped in with a quick smile.

"Not sure what you mean."

"Heh, I've heard things. But if you don't want it out there, I'll play dumb for now."

Heard things? When? What?

But prying further wasn't smart—not with the photographer and members around, especially after denying it once.

As Kim Han-soo and I exchanged subtle glances, she smiled warmly.

"Like I said: call anytime."

❤

The drama's premiere was now just a week away.

Idol activities were basically on hiatus, yet minor events, interviews, and photoshoots kept coming, leaving no room to breathe.

How do idols juggle singing and acting? Mind-blowing.

I'd been gunning for a breather after filming wrapped, only to learn we'd dive straight into the next album prep.

This time, with fan club launch, fanmeets, signings—no showcase alone. Way busier.

I'm barely surviving as is...

But my complaints earned only a "You'll get busier" from Kim Han-soo.

Sure, it'd be good. Of course it would...

'Now I get why celebs are late.'

I'm dragging myself up for catnaps in spare moments; sicker folks must crash harder.

Right now, I'd kill for real sleep—not car naps, but flat on a hard floor, head to toe.

'No bed needed; just a bit...'

Pre-debut, I thought I'd hustle endlessly if asked. Tired celebs in interviews seemed pathetic.

Guess you gotta live it to know. Never judge till you've tried.

Lost in those thoughts, I leaned against the car seat. Exhaustion crushed me. Waiting for shoots in the car was routine now, but fatigue lingered.

At least my schedule ends after today, tomorrow, and day after. Most scenes are at the animal hospital—no tough locations.

Regrettable, sure, but more and I'd sleep forever.

Pre-filming's brutal; broadcasting must be hell. No wonder pre-production exists.

Then Kim Han-soo, in the driver's seat, spoke up.

"The interview article just went live."

Interview?

Oh, with Reporter Kim Isul! Too slammed to remember. I clicked the link he sent.

Wonder how it turned out...

"...Huh?"

The headline jolted me awake.

What's the '1' next to the title? How many parts is this?

"It's basically Do-jun's biography."

I read the awkward-yet-amused look on Kim Han-soo's face perfectly.

Matching my vibe exactly.

True to her word, Reporter Kim Isul poured her soul into it. Effort shone through.

Covering all B.O.Y members plus individuals—split into five parts total.

Shocking: my section dwarfed the others. Even my Goodstar handle was listed.

"Exactly. This is a bit..."

Won't it backfire? Feels like I'm getting all the push. Not a solo artist; could spark Arena-level backlash...

Frowning through it anxiously, Kim Han-soo said with a sly grin,

"Don't worry too much. Could be good."

"Huh?"

"We topped charts, sure, but B.O.Y's public recognition still lags."

True. Newbies with my issues boosting us—not the group name.

"You're the one the public knows. Good image for you lifts the others too."

Does it work that way?

Fair point. Every group has that gateway member. I see Ha-woon fitting best, but I'm the name right now.

For better or worse.

'Yeah, tons of groups blew up off one hustler.'

No time for whining. Better review the script again.

As I opened it,

'Oh? Finally?'

The article must've helped. Short of it this morning.

Wonder what rewards await. Better match the hassle it's caused.

'Upgrade won't take forever, right?'

Luckily, notifications kept coming.

"...What?"