Chapter 123
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 123
[Holy sh*t, is this for real?]
It all started when an SNS user posted a link to a community board.
[They say the partner for the year-end collab stage is L.P.]
[???? Huh??]
Everyone was bewildered. While there had been whispers of a collaboration stage, Lia Purple was a group they had absolutely zero overlap with.
[Omg, honestly... I love this. I actually really like Lia Purple.]
[Same here. Their members went through so much because of that scandal... Trolls were all over them.]
Even as they said this, the Noeuls already knew. This collaboration would inevitably drag a massive amount of "aggro" toward their own group as well.
An account that had just been created, without even a profile picture, proved that point.
[Who does The Dawn think they’re trying to stand next to? Ugh. Protect our Lia Purple girls ㅠ]
The post was scrubbed of the worst profanity, but the intent was clear. Some people simply blocked the account and moved on, thinking, Here we go again, but naturally, others couldn't let it slide, and a fight broke out.
[LOL, what songs does Lia Purple even have? Besides that one hit that climbed back up the charts?
└ Then what do you guys have? Besides riding the coattails of Shining Star and Kabu’s popularity? ㅋㅋㅋ Oh~~ was Today there too~~? You f*cking lucky-shot group ㅋㅋ
└ Yeah, well, scandal~]
While it wasn't the entire fandom, the seeds of controversy were definitely sprouting. Consequently, the majority of Noeuls and Lia Purple fans were clutching their hearts in distress.
[Guys, please just ignore the trolls.... It’s obvious that account isn't even a Lia Purple fan.....]
[Noeuls... that’s not us.. It’s really not... ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ We’re actually really looking forward to the year-end stage ㅠㅜ]
[To be honest, a real fan wouldn't act like that, f*ck ㅋㅋ.. Let’s all keep our heads on straight.]
Realizing they needed to stabilize the atmosphere quickly, the Noeuls and Lia Purple fans put their heads together. They knew all too well that saying pretty things like "Noeuls support Lia Purple ♡" would only make the "Enjoy your scandal" criticisms spread faster.
So, the Noeuls closed their eyes tight and decided to push their youngest member to the front to shift the focus.
[Our maknae is taking the CSAT the day after tomorrow!! We’re doing an event to cheer him on. Check the link for details.]
They pivoted to Jeong Da-jun’s college entrance exam.
[Omg, right! Is the CSAT really the day after tomorrow??? Omg omg]
[Forgive this grandma... It’s been a while since I took the CSAT.]
[Da-jun, make sure you show off the skills you honed while being nagged by Ho-yun!]
Once interest in Jeong Da-jun’s exam was piqued among the Noeuls, his individual fans began churning out clips at the perfect moment.
These were edited scenes of Seo Ho-yun giving Jeong Da-jun crash-course tutoring, which had been revealed sporadically through B-Lives and Nutube.
[Part 1: ‘The Kind Lecture of Star Tutor Seo Ho-yun’
Ho-u: (Explaining quite kindly)
Okay, you get it now, right? Give it a try.
Da-jun: Yes!!!
(Da-jun, whose only strength was his loud responses)
~A long time later~
Da-jun: (Rolls an eraser) It’s number 4! ㅎ
Ho-u: .......
Jing Yi-hyeon: K-hahahahahahahahahaha! (The mean older brothers snickering in the back)
└ Ah, Seo Ho-u ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ He’s cursing with his eyes ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ]
[Part 2: ‘Finally, Jeong Da-jun...’
Da-jun: (Jumps up) Hyung!!! I know this one! The answer is number 2!!
Ho-u: That’s right!! Yes! Hey! How did you know?
(I’ve never seen Seo Ho-u this excited before.
Ah, so cute.
He solves everything calmly himself, but he’s acting like this just because Jeong Da-jun got one question right.)
Ho-u: See? You can do it if you try ㅠ;; How did you solve it?
Da-jun: Your eyes were fixed on number 2, hyung!
Ho-u: Get out.
Da-jun: Eh?
Ho-u: Get out of the dorm right now.
Jing Yi-hyeon: ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ (Sobbing face-down on the table)
└ Our maknae puppy caught the rabbit.
└└ Da-jun... is surprisingly bad at lying.]
[Part 3: ‘A True Professional’
Da-jun: Hyungs ㅠㅠ Ho-yun hyung is scary ㅠ (Hey! You better get over here right now?!!)
Yi-chae: Hey, hey. Yi-chae hyung will tell you the secret to winning the CSAT ㅋㅋ
Da-jun: Omg!!!!! What is it??
Yi-chae: Just mark a heart on your OMR card and come out ♡
└ ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
└└ No, but Kang Yi-chae making a finger heart just because he’s not the one taking the test is so mean.
└└ And in the middle of this, Jeong Da-jun’s response: “Sh-should I?”
Seo Ho-yun is absolutely livid.
He told him to just quit. Told him not to even think about printing his test slip, f*ck.]
Those short videos spread further than expected, even catching the attention of people in the private education industry.
[I’m a 28-year-old part-time lecturer and I’m getting PTSD (lol)]
[Is he an idol?? The guy on the left is actually a really good teacher. You can tell he’s done a lot of tutoring.
The way he swallows a sigh while thinking, ‘Why... why can’t he get this?’ and keeps teaching...]
While the fans were working hard to suppress the conflict over the collaboration and praying for it to pass safely, Seo Ho-yun was spending a warm holiday with his family for the first time in a while.
“I haven’t seen you in a while, and you’ve gotten even uglier...”
“Hyung, you and I look almost the same.”
Seo Ho-jin pouted and grumbled.
* * *
I intentionally chose a quiet gukbap place and ordered some random items from the menu.
“How’s school?”
“School’s the same. Just the usual ‘I want to throw my group project teammates into the Han River’ feeling?”
“Wouldn’t the mountain behind the school be better?”
I gave a half-hearted response and asked another question.
“Do you have friends?”
“I guess...”
I pushed the side dishes toward Seo Ho-jin. I didn't have much of an appetite, but I wanted to see him eat.
Maybe it was because I hadn't been paying attention, but his face looked quite haggard after a few months.
“Are you eating well—? Ah, okay. I’ll stop.”
“The triple threat is really something. School, friends, and nutrition. I’ve never seen anyone ask those when it’s not even a holiday.”
Seo Ho-jin grumbled properly while mixing his rice into the soup filled with ingredients. Realizing I was being a bit excessive, I shut my mouth awkwardly.
That brat—maybe it’s because he takes after me despite acting like he doesn't—but his sarcasm is no joke.
“But what brings you here on vacation? You haven't shown your face lately, acting like you only live with your members.”
“Da-jun is taking the CSAT.”
“What?! Then why are you here?”
What about it?
“Shouldn't you be there? Isn't it normal to wait in front of the school gate all day?”
“Why would I?”
“...Hm?”
It would be a nuisance if I did that now. People would swarm Da-jun’s testing site anyway, and I didn't think there was any need for me to add to the chaos.
When I frowned slightly, Seo Ho-jin blinked and tilted his head in confusion.
“The CSAT is a huge event for you, hyung. ...Isn't it?”
“What are you talking about? Who is the CSAT not important to?”
Because it was important, I had even filmed a CSAT support message video with The Dawn members a few days ago.
Recently, a video was released of Jeong Da-jun—who had been suffering through both practice and studying—cheering for all test-takers (including himself) with a gaunt face and a "fighting" pose. It had become a minor hit among the Noeuls.
“No, I mean, when I took the CSAT, you... Ah.”
Seo Ho-jin stammered before lowering his head as if realizing something.
“...Ah, I see.”
I looked at him with narrowed eyes at his suspicious reaction, but Seo Ho-jin just shoveled rice into his mouth as if lost in thought before changing the subject.
“So today is our Da-jun’s CSAT...”
“...Since when is he 'your' Da-jun? And why are you smiling?”
Back when I was a PD acting like a total wreck (not that I’m much different now), I always told him not to act like he knew me, fearing he’d get doxxed if I got tangled up with some weirdo. Perhaps because I reminded him every time we met, Seo Ho-jin tended not to show much interest in my workplace.
Actually, it’s better to say he didn't know much about it.
Seo Ho-jin set his spoon down on the table with a clack.
“I hope our Da-jun does well. He seemed to prepare really hard.”
“Don't act like you know him when you didn't even know he was taking the test until a moment ago. And don't you dare contact Da-jun or my members just because you met them once...”
“Hmm?”
I was about to say Don't get close to the guys at my workplace... but I hesitated.
...Wait, are the members okay?
Compared to my PD days, public opinion of me was practically saintly, and the company was doing a decent job of blocking over-the-top fans (it sounds like a lie, but it’s true).
After the incident with Seong Ji-won’s sasaeng calls, I had gone to the company and shared a few "refined" words, and they seemed to be even more careful about those things now.
...Come to think of it, this brat is twenty-three, the same age as Seong Ji-won and Kim Seong-hyeon.
Since he’s ten years younger than my original age, I always thought of him as a baby, but after living with The Dawn members since my rejuvenation, I realized twenty-three isn't that young.
At twenty-three, you can read the room, engage in some amateur social politics, and even look down on people.
I mean, for starters, "that" Kang Yi-chae was only twenty-one.
Thinking about it like that... really?
I looked at Seo Ho-jin, who was chewing away after neatly placing a piece of kkakdugi on a spoonful of rice.
He looked so dim-witted.
...Maybe not?? Is this brat’s mental age still ten?
In truth, to me, Seo Ho-jin and Jeong Da-jun were about the same. I didn't say it out loud, but Seo Ho-jin sensed it immediately and furrowed his brows.
“What is it? Why am I suddenly annoyed?”
“Watch your tone, okay?”
“Ow!”
I tapped his head with my unused spoon, making a sharp sound. Seo Ho-jin rubbed the spot and muttered, “Can’t even say a word,” followed by two more grumbles, before glaring at me indignantly.
“What, what are you gonna do about it?”
“.......”
“If you’re unhappy, you should’ve been born as the older brother.”
“Mom... why didn't you give birth to me first...”
I hit him one more time and was about to eat a spoonful of rice when I heard the voice of a middle-aged woman who seemed to be a staff member.
“Wow~, isn't this PD Lee? Is that your friend next to you?”
“Ah, hello.”
I gave Seo Ho-jin a look to stay quiet and quickly switched my expression, putting on my business smile.
The drama really was a hit. Occasionally, people would recognize me and strike up a conversation like this.
“I told you to stop picking on Yoo Jeong-hwa! That’s why Jeong-hwa ended up going to Seung-tae in the end!”
“Hahaha... I want to keep Yoo Jeong-hwa by my side and pick on her for the rest of my life.”
“Don't keep her by your side just to pick on her...”
“Aww, but it’d be such a waste otherwise~.”
I threw out a service line—a variation of my "What a waste, really"—and the woman laughed delightedly, clearly charmed. After bowing my head at her promise to bring out some extra food on the house, I went back to eating. Seo Ho-jin was looking at me with a straaaangely proud expression. The impurity in his eyes gave me goosebumps, and I rubbed my arms.
“Why are you looking at me like that? It’s creepy.”
“Maybe you should watch your tone?”
“I am watching it plenty.”
“The literal definition of a hypocrite...”
The grumbling brat scratched his head.
“Just... it’s good to see you doing so well, hyung.”
“You’re talking too much. You want something else to eat?”
“Hyung, why do you always have to be so twisted? You could just say you understand or thanks.”
“......Ahem.”
I stopped, feeling awkward. He was right; there was no need to be so sarcastic in front of my own brother. It was just a habit I couldn't help.
I’d realized recently while living with the nineteen-year-old minor Jeong Da-jun that kids really do soak everything up like a sponge. That was why I was trying to curb my swearing in front of Da-jun.
Considering that, Seo Ho-jin turned out quite alright.
I marveled for a moment at Seo Ho-jin, who had grown into a fairly normal adult despite enduring my hellish "storm and stress" period.
He didn't swear, he studied a bit, and his head was screwed on straight.
“What a waste, really.... Ms. Yoo Jeong-hwa, do you want to work with me again tomorrow?”
“.......”
Wait, maybe his head isn't screwed on straight...
I kicked Seo Ho-jin’s shin under the table as he mocked me and finished inhaling my gukbap. Even so, Seo Ho-jin kept chattering away.
“Your method acting was insane, though. I got scared while watching the drama and had to turn it off halfway.”
“Did you even finish it?”
“I took a deep breath and hit the spacebar. Why on earth is Lee Jeong-hun so popular as a romantic lead? I really don't get it.”
“I don't get it either, so shut up.”
I chuckled while scooping up some broth. Seo Ho-jin spoke while searching for meat in his soup.
“But it really was natural. How did you play a PD role that didn't even fit your age so...”
“......?”
“...So...”
Seo Ho-jin seemed to hesitate for a moment, then his eyes darted around as he gave a weak laugh to lighten the mood.
“...Well, of course you were good. You acted by drawing on your experience from when you were a PD, hyung.”
“......?”
What?
A faint sense of unease, like a "danger radar" going beep!, made my eyes narrow. I immediately set my utensils down with a clack.
“What is it?”
“What’s what?”
“You’re being weird.”
“...I said, what is?”
My appetite vanished instantly. I scanned Seo Ho-jin from head to toe, but he intentionally avoided my gaze. Just then, the extra food arrived at the perfect time.
“Eat up, you two~.”
“Oh! Thank you!”
I bowed my head along with Seo Ho-jin as he accepted the service. The conversation soon shifted to Seo Ho-jin’s university life, but throughout his talking, the little brat kept stealing glances at me.
Just as I was about to say something, my phone rang. It was Seong Ji-won.
“Hey, give me a sec.”
I raised a hand to Seo Ho-jin and answered the phone. The business was relayed immediately.
[Ho-yun, Da-jun is finished! Come to the company.]
“Okay, I’m coming.”
“Ah, you’re leaving already? If you see Da-jun, tell him I said hi.”
“...Yeah.”
Hearing my response, Seo Ho-jin coolly set his spoon down. He stood up and reached for his wallet, but I blocked him and handed my card to the counter.
I still hadn't hung up, so Seong Ji-won’s voice was leaking through the receiver, but honestly, I couldn't really hear what he was saying.
That was because...
“Oh, I got a call too. I’m off~.”
Seo Ho-jin hurried away as if the timing was perfect.
...Fck, what was that?*
I watched him for a moment, then pulled my hat down and started toward the company, but I felt like someone was grabbing the back of my head.
Like I shouldn't let him go like this.
“.......”
[Ho-yun?]
“...Hey, wait. Hang up for a second.”
[Huh? Okay.]
“I’ll be there soon.”
No, this is really bothering me.
I didn't know where this feeling was coming from, which made it even more unpleasant. In the end, I hurriedly ended the call and turned around. I walked briskly and saw Seo Ho-jin talking to someone on the phone.
“Are you joking?”
Seo Ho-jin seemed to be arguing with someone about a group project or something... but that wasn't the important part.
“If I don't have that, what do you expect me to do now?”
“.......”
“I’ll give you ten seconds, so send it right— Whoa!”
I grabbed his arm and spun him around. My younger brother, caught off guard and turning with wide eyes, really...
The more he grew...
“Seo Ho-jin...”
“Wh-what? Why?”
“...Yeah.”
...He looked so much like our mother.
“...Hyung might not be able to make it for Mom and Dad’s memorial day.”
Because of that, I couldn't say what was actually on my mind... and blurted out something else instead.
Faced with my hurried, clumsy excuse, Seo Ho-jin, still holding his phone awkwardly, blinked for a moment before laughing sheepishly.
“Ah, you scared me...”
“.......”
“I wondered what was going on, you running over here like that. Hey, hang up for a sec.”
[——!!]
“I said hang up.”
Despite the noise coming from the other end, Seo Ho-jin ended the call without a second thought and looked at his arm where I was holding him.
“The memorial day? You came all this way just to say that?”
“It’s coming up soon.”
“Yeah, well. I’ll go by myself. It’s been over ten years; I’m sure they’ll understand even if you can’t make it.”
‘Ten years.’
I... felt relieved by that number.
Only then did I let go of his arm and take a step or two back. Seo Ho-jin rubbed his arm and studied me. Feeling awkward for no reason, I rubbed the back of my neck and looked away.
What the hell am I doing?
“Buy some flowers.”
“Of course. I’ll tell them you said hello.”
Seo Ho-jin just shrugged and pointed to his phone. It meant he was going to call back, a gesture telling his older brother—who even his members acknowledged as a nuisance—to get lost now.
Seo Ho-jin turned his back first.
I stayed in that spot for a long time, and only when Seo Ho-jin was out of sight did I slowly begin to walk away.