Chapter 133
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 133
“Oh, he’s coming out! He’s coming out!”
Having returned to the dorm after another grueling day of practice, the members opened a box of chicken—now a staple of their dorm menu—and turned on the TV. It was December 30th, and they were tuning in to watch the Drama Awards, which were being broadcast live.
The members' faces were full of anticipation.
“Did they say Ho-yun Hyung was nominated today?”
“Yeah. For the New Star Award.”
Unlike the year-end music festivals, which felt like massive parties, the atmosphere here was more dignified, and everyone was dressed formally.
Right on cue, the screen filled with a shot of Seo Ho-yun stepping out of a van and onto the red carpet.
“Oh! There he is.”
“He looks so good in a suit!”
[Seo Ho-yun is entering! In Please Take Care of the Camera, he successfully portrayed PD Lee Jeong-hun—a character whose personality was in the gutter, but whose talent was so outstanding you couldn't help but love him!]
Despite the introductory comment that hovered somewhere between an insult and a compliment, Seo Ho-yun strode forward with a stoic expression.
However, his expression shifted instantly when he saw the group of The Dawn fans waiting by the red carpet and the people cheering for him. A soft smile spread across his face.
“Whoa…”
The members marveled at the sight.
Not at his face, of course.
But at his sheer audacity to act that way.
“That guy, seriously… if I didn't know his real personality, I would’ve totally fallen for that ‘good guy’ image he’s selling.”
“He really was born to act, wasn't he?”
Knowing Seo Ho-yun was the type to survive no matter where he was dropped, the members weren't particularly worried. They chatted comfortably while divvying up the wings and drumsticks according to their preferences.
“But hasn't Ho-yun Hyung been weird lately?”
“Ah!! I was just about to say that.”
“Hmm? Why?”
“The other day, on the way back to the dorm, he bought some food and said, ‘You like this, don't you?’”
Everyone looked at Kim Seong-hyeon with disbelief.
“Yesterday, he told me not to overdo it and to take it easy,” Jeong Da-jun added.
“……??”
At Da-jun’s words, Kim Seong-hyeon shook his head as if he were getting goosebumps.
“This might sound crazy, but you know…”
“…Don’t say it.”
“Lately, Seo Ho-yun has been acting a bit Da—”
“Ack!! Waaaah!”
“—It starts with ‘Da’ and ends with ‘jeong.’”
“I told you not to say it!!”
Jeong Da-jun shrieked, bits of chicken flying from his mouth. He even set down his favorite drumstick on the table, despite not having finished it.
“Excuse me! Even the youngest has the right to eat chicken in peace! Please, let’s talk about stuff like that after we eat.”
“…Sorry.”
Having lost their appetites, the members whispered among themselves, suggesting that if anyone had done something wrong to Seo Ho-yun, they should confess immediately.
“What did you do? Spit it out.”
“I… I didn't clean up after eating ramen yesterday…”
“That must be it. Let’s apologize properly when he gets back.”
“Guys, what on earth do you think of Ho-yun?” Seong Ji-won muttered, looking exasperated.
Among them, only Kang Yi-chae was unusually quiet today. He sat with his chin resting on his knees, staring intently at the TV.
As the acceptance speeches for the New Star Award continued, Min Ji-heon’s face briefly appeared on screen before the camera moved to another actor.
Hmm.
Kang Yi-chae spat out a clean bone.
Unlike Seo Ho-yun, who had been walking around the dorm with a refreshed expression for the past few days, something was weighing on Yi-chae’s mind.
The drama… Min Ji-heon. Seo Ho-yun.
Seo Ho-yun hadn't said a word and had moved on nonchalantly, but Kang Yi-chae still remembered that day vividly.
And the hyperventilation.
Seo Ho-yun’s state back then had reminded him of a scene from the past, making it something Yi-chae couldn't just ignore.
It’s confusing.
“Yi-chae, want to grab a drink while we watch?”
At Seong Ji-won’s question, Kang Yi-chae reflexively flashed a bright smile and nodded.
“Sounds good~.”
“I’ll go get it.”
“Wait! What about me?”
Seong Ji-won turned his head slowly and asked sweetly, “Da-jun, would you like to say that again?”
“I’m only two days away from being an adult…?”
“Hmm?”
“…….”
“…….”
“…Coke, please.”
“Ahaha, right.”
Jeong Da-jun, on the cusp of adulthood, couldn't overcome the wall that was the formidable Seong Ji-won and sipped his Coke with a dejected expression.
It was only natural.
Lately, even Seo Ho-yun found the current Seong Ji-won a bit much to handle.
By the time the rest of the members had downed enough beer to feel a pleasant buzz, Seo Ho-yun was finally called as a winner of the New Star Award.
[This person showed impressive acting despite it being his first project. New Star Award, Seo Ho-yun! Congratulations!]
“Oh, they pick up to five people for the New Star Award?”
“Apparently. They say they usually include idols if they make the cut.”
“Ah~, well then.”
The five winners stood in a line and gave their acceptance speeches one by one. Seo Ho-yun was last.
[Hello. I am Seo Ho-yun.]
“Wow, he looks like a real actor.”
“Did Hyung say he’s going to keep acting?”
“He said he absolutely hates the idea.”
“Eeeeh?!”
[I am truly grateful to receive the New Star Award for my first project.]
“Waaah! That’s such a waste of talent. Speaking objectively as a drama fan with nineteen years of experience—basically my whole life—Ho-yun Hyung is actually really good at acting.”
“Have you been watching dramas since the day you were born?”
“I’m telling you, I’ve been watching since I was a newborn!”
The other members half-ignored Jeong Da-jun’s mumbling about how ‘if you count the time in the womb, it’s actually nine months longer’ and focused on Ho-yun’s speech.
[I’d like to thank the cast of Please Take Care of the Camera...]
To the members, Seo Ho-yun was usually grumbling or prickly; to those he didn't like, he was cold or sarcastically mocking. But in a formal setting, he spoke with perfect decorum.
After briefly thanking the cast, writer, and staff, Seo Ho-yun took a short breath and added one more thing.
[And to the members of The Dawn, who are probably eating chicken in the dorm right now.]
“Whoa, is he a psychic?”
Seo Ho-yun gave a slight smile.
[You worked hard.]
“……!!”
[Let’s keep it up next year, too.]
Having spent an unforgettable Christmas, Seo Ho-yun spoke with the kind intention of being nicer to them, but the members let their chicken pieces fall from their hands.
“…Seriously, what is wrong with him?”
“……I just lost my appetite.”
They felt extremely uneasy.
“Is this a new form of bullying?”
Seriously, Seo Ho-yun, you need to live a more consistent life.
Kang Yi-chae clicked his tongue inwardly.
The members argued back and forth over Ho-yun’s final comment before eventually concluding it was just ‘fan service for the Starlights,’ which calmed the atmosphere. If Seo Ho-yun, who had spoken with genuine sincerity, had known this, he would have been beyond pissed.
However, there was something even more shocking in store.
It was the special stage for Part 1 that Seo Ho-yun, Min Ji-heon, and Yoo Ji-ah had prepared so diligently.
[Please Take Care of the Camera Hot Stage:
Let’s Love from Today
Min Ji-heon, Yoo Ji-ah, Seo Ho-yun]
“Waaaaah!”
The three of them appeared, having shed their suits for white sweaters and jeans, and began a light choreography to the music.
The key points were their shy expressions and simple movements.
Yoo Ji-ah took the first verse.
[On this day when petals flutter
I want to match my steps with yours
One, two, three, four]
“Yoo Ji-ah Sunbae-nim is seriously good.”
“I mean, it’s Yoo Ji-ah Sunbae-nim. Need I say more?”
“…Stop being so serious.”
Seong Ji-won, whose status as a Yoo Ji-ah fan was now an established fact among the members, didn't take his eyes off the TV.
At that moment, the internet was also blowing up.
[LOLOLOL Wow, this is so much fun!!!!]
[If you watched Please Take Care of the Camera, this is a must-watch fck fck fck fck. My cheeks hurt because I’m smiling so much.]
[Legendary Sunbae Yoo Ji-ah
Trending Idol Seo Ho-yun
Trending Actor Min Ji-heon (Note: He’s a klutz)]
[Seeing the drama cast do this together is so fresh and cute ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ]
Since the Drama Awards are watched by the general public as well as idol fans, reactions poured in from all sorts of communities.
[On this day when love begins
I want to hold your hand
One, two, three, four]
[I love you, Lee Jeong-hun PD. I love your trashy personality. Marry me.]
[I’m so grateful his day job is being an idol.]
“Wow~ Ho-yun finds the camera so perfectly.”
“His dancing has improved a lot lately. He’s hitting the beats exactly.”
His dancing had improved, but it was also the result of Seo Ho-yun, well aware of his own weaknesses, desperately using his brain to calculate every move to make it look natural.
While the members, who were professional idols, discussed the stage with a critical eye, most viewers watching the same thing were reaching similar conclusions.
[Guys, Seo Ho-yun and Yoo Ji-ah are so good at finding the camera.
Wow, you can really tell they’ve performed on stage before.
└ Hey, but Min Ji-heon ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ]
However, Min Ji-heon—
[Mr. Min Ji-heon
There are no cameras on the ceiling.]
—really could not find the camera.
[F*ck, this man is going to be the death of me.
└ Please stop smiling so brightly at the ceiling.]
[Min Ji-heon is such a klutz.
└ There’s a reason he’s friends with Seo Ho-yun.
└ Seo Ho-yun: (Extremely offended)]
[He’s given up on looking at the camera and is just smiling to himself now ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
└ You know...
His real personality...
He used to be so mysterious so I knew nothing, but after seeing the Camera, Please behind-the-scenes, I think he’s just a total cutie...
Is this a controversial take?
└ No, you’re right.
└ He’s especially like that with SHY. Are they close? ㅠㅠ
So cute, I’m losing it.]
“Oh, here comes Min Ji-heon Sunbae-nim.”
“Ah, um.”
Min Ji-heon, who had been a total scene-stealer even while dancing in the back, walked to the center and made a heart.
The members, who had been staring blankly, wore sour expressions. They all knew that he and Seo Ho-yun weren't exactly on the best of terms.
As if by unspoken agreement, they all held their tongues.
[I want to give you all my heart
Let’s love from today]
“…….”
“…….”
Or rather, they wanted to hold their tongues.
[Excuse me?]
Until they witnessed Min Ji-heon’s legendary tone-deafness.
If Seo Ho-yun had checked Min Ji-heon’s stats, his singing would have surely been an F-.
[I’ve never seen someone this tone-deaf in my life.]
[LMAO f*ck seriously, it’s so funny. Min Ji-heon looks like he’d be good at everything, how can he be this tone-deaf?]
[Please just stick to acting, Mr. Min Ji-heon.]
“…This is a performance, right?”
“I don't think so.”
Meanwhile, Seo Ho-yun, The Dawn’s proud sub-vocalist standing on the same stage, seemed perfectly satisfied with Min Ji-heon’s klutzy, tone-deaf disaster. He popped out from the side with a refreshing smile.
[I want all of your heart
My shy confession to you
Let’s love from today!]
[Wow]
[Whoa, Seo Ho-yun;;]
“Phew, I feel much better now.”
“I feel purified… not a single beat missed…”
The irritation that had almost flared up because of Min Ji-heon finally subsided, and the members went back to gnawing on their cold chicken.
As expected, the reactions popping up online were identical to those of The Dawn.
[I knew Seo Ho-yun was a good singer... but coming after Min Ji-heon, he sounds like an angel.
└ That’s mean to Ji-heon.
└└ We all know you’re laughing behind your screen.
└└└ (Laughs)]
As the performance reached its climax, Yoo Ji-ah’s high note was so impressive that Seong Ji-won’s eyes even welled up a bit.
Of course, whether Yoo Ji-ah was showing off her insane vocals on stage for the first time in a while, or a satisfied Seo Ho-yun was being a perfect example of an idol next to her…
[Let’s love from today~♡]
Min Ji-heon stubbornly blazed his own trail, ending with a perfectly angled final pose and a bright smile.
Even if he still hadn't found the camera.
“Whew…”
“Endure it.”
The Dawn members, who felt a slight prickle of annoyance again, looked away and quietly started cleaning up the empty chicken boxes.
“…Should we go practice?”
“Let’s do that.”
After all, they still had their final year-end stage on December 31st.
* * *
[Title: Did you see Min Ji-heon’s Daesang speech yesterday?
I obviously thought he’d win the Daesang lol.
His speech was short, but it was so good I brought it here...
(Video)
He said he’s really grateful for the Daesang,
but he thinks it’s thanks to the people he loves.
And at the end, he said nonchalantly,
“Everyone must have had a hard time this year. Don’t overdo it, and make sure to eat well.”
“I hope everyone finds happiness in their own moments.”
Are you crazy?????
Ah.
Don’t do this to a person who cries just from hearing a harmony.
└ Having a hard time lately?
└└ ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ ㅠㅠ F*ck, it’s so hard ㅠㅠ
└└ Pat pat...
But Min Ji-heon’s mysterious image is completely gone this year..
└ Someone please tell me how to stop loving Ji-heon..
└└ Meanwhile, his puppy-dog handsome face is glowing...
No... it’s so bright I feel like I’m getting LASIK.]
[But at the end, “♡ I love our little princess ♡” < ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Suddenly overflowing with aegyo ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
Does Ji-heon have a princess at home?]
The ‘little princess’ at home grit his teeth.
[“I’m also grateful to Seo Ho-yun, who always brings big laughs to the set” << What is this?
└ What, are they close?
└└ I saw the behind-the-scenes and they seem like real friends.
Though it was mostly Seo Ho-yun looking disgusted.]
Of course, Seo Ho-yun, who had heard that comment in person, was inwardly reciting words that would never pass a broadcast censor, even as he forced his lips into a smile.
Unaware that the two were seething after being provoked by Min Ji-heon, people were losing it over how ‘sweet’ he was.
Furthermore, since the Please Take Care of the Camera special stage had felt so fresh to viewers, interest naturally shifted toward Seo Ho-yun’s next performance.
[Title: Summary of the process of becoming a Starlight through Camera, Please
Wait, Min Ji-heon is in it? Turning on Camera, Please right now.
→ Lee Jeong-hun is a jerk, but the more I watch, the cuter he gets.
→ Huh? He’s an idol? Let me look up The Dawn’s fancams. (It’s over at this point)
→ Can’t stop watching their stages. Giggling like crazy at his aegyo.
→ Seo Ho-yun starts looking like a bunny.
Phew...
You have crossed the point of no return.
Welcome to K-pop...]
December 31st. As befitting the last day of the year, people were celebrating the safe passing of another year in their own ways, but the Starlights, who had bet their lives on The Dawn, were different.
The Music Festival!!
The Dawn had made the list for the December 31st stage, where only selected idol groups were allowed to perform.
It was the moment to put a period on the Apocalypse Trilogy they had worked so hard on all year.