Chapter 159
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 159
“Is that why the Black Call seniors like you so much?”
So, this was what he really wanted to say.
“You’re really coming at me out of left field.”
“Ahaha, I was just curious. There are so many rumors flying around lately.”
Kang Yeon-hu shrugged in a way that wasn't particularly offensive and turned his gaze toward the floor indicator above the elevator doors.
“I mean, isn't it strange? Senior Ju Woo-seong usually finishes mentoring us in five seconds flat.”
“Are you jealous right now?”
Since he was being blunt, I decided to match his level and give him a straightforward answer.
“…Seo Ho-yun, you really do live up to your nickname of ‘No-Filter.’ You dive right in.”
He lowered his eyes for a moment, then pressed a hand to his temple and let out a groan. He looked genuinely troubled.
“No, I’m not jealous. I’m just purely curious.”
“Hmm.”
“I get anxious whenever there’s an uncertain element I don't understand. I’m sure you’re the same way, Ho-yun.”
“…….”
“I really need to break this habit.”
Kang Yeon-hu let out a small sigh and took a sip of his coffee.
“Well, whatever. It doesn't matter.”
Watching Kang Yeon-hu mutter to himself, I slightly revised my perception of him.
“I don’t care what you do, or if Senior Ju Woo-seong only looks out for you. Just—”
This guy... he’s definitely trying to get under my skin.
“—don’t turn your blade toward us.”
In a way, he was a lot like me.
“I trust you won’t, but if you do, the repercussions will be quite severe.”
He spoke softly, but it was ultimately a threat—a warning that he would take action if necessary.
‘This is refreshing.’
It had been a long time since someone had threatened me instead of the other way around.
I looked down and stirred my lemonade just as the elevator arrived.
Ding.
“Well then, keep up the good work.”
The doors opened, and just as Kang Yeon-hu was about to step out, I quickly blocked his path with my arm and slammed the close button.
Whirrr.
Thud.
“……??”
As Kang Yeon-hu looked at me with an expression that clearly asked what the hell I was doing, I curled my eyes into a smile while biting down on my straw.
“Why did you close the—”
“Kang Yeon-hu, I know how to read the room before I make a move.”
High Five was under the same agency as Black Call.
If I struck them recklessly, even I wouldn't be able to handle the fallout. It might have been different back when I had nothing and The Dawn was a group of nobodies.
But now? Even Ju Woo-seong, who acted like a pushover around me, might side with his own agency when push came to shove. Blood is thicker than water, after all.
If the things I’d said to Ju Woo-seong ever got out, it wouldn't just be me in danger—The Dawn would be at risk too.
And besides, I’d given up on the idea of messing with High Five a long time ago.
“It’s not that I won’t do it; it’s that I can’t.”
‘Unfortunately.’
Of course, I never said I hadn't looked into them.
Even in a major agency, there were bound to be people who stepped out of line. Just look at our dear Ju Woo-seong—the only reason he hadn't been destroyed was that his scandals hadn't broken yet.
But High Five? Cigarettes, alcohol, dating, backstabbing, drugs… they hadn't been caught in a single thing.
Was it because they were nice? No.
‘This guy is the culprit.’
It meant their leader was managing them so strictly it bordered on obsessive-compulsive.
How old was Kang Yeon-hu? Twenty-five?
Maybe it was because he’d debuted at a relatively late age for a major agency after a long period as a trainee, but his grit was no joke.
“…Ah.”
It seemed my answer wasn't what he’d expected.
Kang Yeon-hu looked surprised for a moment, then let out a short laugh.
“You’re quite honest. But there’s no need to be so humble—”
“We’re going to win anyway.”
“…….”
But.
“I have the kind of personality where I have to win at everything.”
This guy’s skill at being a nuisance was still a bit half-baked.
Seeing the stunned look on Kang Yeon-hu’s face, I kindly pressed the open button for him.
“Well then, shall we head out?”
“…….”
.
.
.
“Oh?”
After leaving the elevator and heading toward the meeting room with Kang Yeon-hu, I spotted Ju Woo-seong and Chae Jeong-woo coming from the opposite direction.
“This is a fresh combination. Hey, Yeon-hu.”
“…Ah, seniors. Hello.”
Kang Yeon-hu, who had been dazed, answered reflexively and then wiped his mouth. He let out a hollow laugh.
He must have found my elevator-thug tactics utterly absurd no matter how much he thought about it.
‘Go learn how to be a better nuisance then.’
Since it wasn't my problem, I ignored him and turned to Chae Jeong-woo.
“Are you finished with your business?”
“Ah, yeah. Everyone caught on pretty quickly.”
“Where’s my green tea latte?”
Right here, you brat.
Ju Woo-seong, who still hadn't said a single word to Kang Yeon-hu, snatched the green tea latte out of the drink carrier I was holding.
Chae Jeong-woo gave a slightly troubled smile.
“Good luck with everything. And Yeon-hu, I was actually just about to head over to High Five.”
“Oh, I’d appreciate that.”
“Wait a second. I’ll go after I send Woo-seong off.”
“Okay.”
Kang Yeon-hu nodded slightly and then looked back at me.
“Seo Ho-yun, I’ll be looking forward to the second competition.”
“Yeah, me too.”
Kang Yeon-hu met my eyes for a moment, then walked away quickly without saying anything else. Ju Woo-seong took a long drag of his green tea latte and smirked at me.
“You brat, you only act all polite and close to me at times like this, don't you? Usually, you’d be nagging me.”
“I’m always polite.”
“I don't even know why I bother talking to you.”
Chae Jeong-woo chuckled softly beside him.
I’d considered being careful with my words since I wasn't alone with Ju Woo-seong, but given the atmosphere, it seemed like everyone already knew the deal. I decided to just ask.
“By the way, Ju Woo-seong, do you hate High Five?”
“……Huh?”
At first, I’d wondered if Kang Yeon-hu was jealous of me and Ju Woo-seong hated High Five, which was why he was helping me in this competition.
‘But that’s not it.’
If you looked closely, Ju Woo-seong had been giving me advice since Second Chance (even if it was laced with a bit of blackmail). Considering his personality—building walls against most people—he wasn't just acting this way toward High Five.
And after talking to Kang Yeon-hu, that side seemed fairly composed too.
“…No?”
Furthermore, Ju Woo-seong looked genuinely bewildered by my question, as if it were the first time he’d ever heard such a thing.
“Why would I?”
“…….”
“Did that guy say something to you?”
While I was debating how to answer, Ju Woo-seong reached his own conclusion and snapped his fingers.
“Ah~! You think I’m helping you because I hate them??”
“…….”
“It’s not like that, kid. I don't care about them. I just… to you….”
But Ju Woo-seong shut his mouth there, as if he didn't want to say any more.
‘…To me, what?’
Seeing this, Chae Jeong-woo let out a long sigh.
“Phew… our Woo-seong is a real, real, real handful, isn't he?”
“…Sometimes I’m not quite sure.”
“Why am I a handful? Don't you know how well I treat Seo Ho-yun?”
“The fact that you ‘treat him well’ is exactly why you’re a handful. Didn't you see Kang Yeon-hu’s face just now?”
Living up to his title as a best friend, Chae Jeong-woo had a sharp eye for people, unlike Ju Woo-seong, who was always missing about two percent of the necessary social cues.
He spoke to me as I was still trying to get a handle on the situation.
“Like Woo-seong said, it’s not that there’s trouble with the juniors. This guy has lived his whole life as the center of the universe, so he’s only interested in himself.”
“…Hey, why are you talking like that? I’m not that bad.”
“Hey, Ju Woo-seong. You’re getting annoying. Go on ahead so I can talk to Ho-yun.”
“…….”
“Hurry up.”
When Chae Jeong-woo even gave him a push to drive him away, Ju Woo-seong surprisingly just grumbled with narrowed eyes and walked off first.
‘What’s with him?’
I’d only ever seen the shameless and bullheaded side of Ju Woo-seong, so seeing him act so obediently made me scowl slightly.
‘He’s being remarkably compliant.’
Chae Jeong-woo crossed his arms and clicked his tongue before turning back to me.
“Anyway, thank you so much, Ho-yun. For looking after Woo-seong.”
“…Have I really looked after him?”
“Ahahaha.”
Chae Jeong-woo gave a beaming smile.
“I guess you don't realize it yet.”
“I really don't.”
As long as it didn't harm The Dawn, I didn't care one bit why Ju Woo-seong was helping me.
“Anyway, good luck with the second competition! Seeing a great junior group like The Dawn is very motivating. If you need anything, feel free to reach out. I’ll answer anytime.”
“If you say that, I really will contact you at all hours.”
“Go ahead. I tried not to be biased, but I find myself feeling more fond of the person who helped our Woo-seong than our own direct juniors.”
Chae Jeong-woo, who had been joking around lightheartedly, suddenly looked me straight in the eye with a clear, sincere gaze.
“I hope you take first place in the end.”
I couldn't tell what he meant by saying this to a group from another agency while his own juniors were right there.
I didn't even know what the source of the goodwill Ju Woo-seong and Chae Jeong-woo felt for me was.
“Well.”
I smirked.
“You’re stating the obvious.”
With that, I ended the conversation and watched Chae Jeong-woo’s retreating back for a moment before returning to the meeting room.
“Whoa, awesome!”
The inside of the meeting room was filled with energy, a complete contrast to the depressed atmosphere from earlier.
“I’ve got it! I’ve got the framework!!”
“Wow! Yi-chae, you’re a genius~.”
“The moment I heard this, the vibe just hit me~!”
It seemed they’d found their direction without me even needing to use the Lee Ji-hyeon chance. I set down the coffee carrier and looked at the notes the members had left.
They’d organized it quite well.
“I’ve put together a rough beat, want to hear it?”
“In that short amount of time?”
“It’s possible when the feel hits you.”
Kang Yi-chae spoke nonchalantly as he played the track on his laptop.
“Kang Yi-chae, you really are a damn cheat code….”
And he still doesn't think he’s a genius even after hearing this?
I watched the members nodding their heads and tapping their hands to the beat before turning my attention to the planning notes.
‘Hmm.’
As I tapped my finger on the table, Kang Yi-chae’s stats popped up as if they’d been waiting.
[Kang Yi-chae
Your group doesn't have a Kang Yi-chae, does it?]
The system’s fanboying was really something else.
[Singing: A+
Dancing: A0
Variety: A0
Acting: B-
Charm: S-
??: ??]
[Wait a moment! Your kind, beautiful, cute, adorable, and friendly system window will explain!
Rap is included in Singing, and Charm represents Star Quality!]
Thanks for the incredibly belated explanation.
[Thank you, System-wagon!]
Ignoring it, I looked over the guys who had S- in Dancing, S0 in Singing, and S- in Charm.
I imagined the stage for the second competition, plugging in these members who were the miracles of a small agency.
‘With this much….’
Maybe we could actually take first place in the expert vote this time.
“Hyung, why are you staring at us so intensely?”
“Because I’m proud.”
“Eh?”
The members looked at me with strange expressions, and only then did I realize one pair of eyes was missing.
“Wait, where’s the maknae?”
* * *
“Ah.”
Meanwhile, Jeong Da-jun had run into TEW’s main vocal in front of a vending machine near the broadcasting station’s lounge.
“Hello.”
“…Hello?”
It seemed there were other groups besides them staying late for meetings.
Jeong Da-jun took coins out of his pocket and dropped them into the machine.
Clink, clink.
‘Ho-yun hyung said he was buying coffee, so should I just get water?’
He’d come out because he was thirsty, but seeing all the different drinks lined up made him hesitate.
As he was diligently choosing what to drink, a voice came from beside him.
“Is practice going well?”
“Whoa!”
“…….”
“A-Ah, you were still here. You scared me.”
He hadn't intended it at all, but it felt like he was being scolded for the TEW vocal’s lack of presence.
“Jeong Da-jun, you seem to wander around in a daze sometimes.”
“Yes, yes.”
“Be careful. You shouldn't treat your seniors like this.”
“Sure, sure.”
Jeong Da-jun answered half-heartedly and turned back to the vending machine. The TEW main vocal’s eyes narrowed at the dismissive attitude.
‘Hmm. Ho-yun hyung eats a lot of sweet things, so maybe barley tea?’
He tried to ignore the guy pestering him.
If there was one thing Jeong Da-jun had learned most clearly while promoting with The Dawn and staying by Seo Ho-yun’s side, it was that annoying things should be blocked off in advance.
However, one particular word tickled his ear and grated on his nerves.
“Work harder for the second competition. If one mistake leads to something bigger, it’ll ruin everything.”
“…….”
“You don't want to be a burden to your talented hyungs, do you?”
Thud.
A bottle of water fell into the bin.
Jeong Da-jun, who had been staring at him with lowered eyes, slowly bent down to pick up the water and held it out to the TEW main vocal, who had a sneer on his face.
“Here, senior, you take this.”
“…What?”
“Seong-hyeon hyung said you should give an extra rice cake to the person you hate.”
It was something Kim Seong-hyeon often said to Seo Ho-yun.
Jeong Da-jun pushed the water onto the TEW member, who was still stammering, unable to understand what was being said.
“Drink some cold water.”
It was what Seong Ji-won said to a half-asleep Kang Yi-chae, who mostly lived like an owl.
The next part of the line was Seo Ho-yun’s “Get it together, you idiot,” but he swallowed it.
He felt that, as a junior, it wasn't something he should say to a senior.
Jeong Da-jun turned his head sharply, skillfully grabbed a few more drinks, and was about to leave when he stopped.
“Ah.”
He looked at the TEW main vocal again.
“And my hyungs don't call that being a burden.”
This was something he knew as the maknae, even if the members didn't explicitly tell him.
“Is that how it is for you?”
“……Hah.”
With those final words, Jeong Da-jun brushed past the TEW main vocal. Behind him, the TEW vocal’s face contorted.
“Ha! Unbelievable…!”
Jeong Da-jun’s pace toward the meeting room quickened.
The TEW main vocal probably just wanted to get under his skin.
‘Mistake.’
A small seed of anxiety began to sprout in Jeong Da-jun’s heart.
And that anxiety reawakened the thoughts he’d kept buried for the past year—thoughts about how ‘Jeong Da-jun would be nothing if it weren't for his position as the maknae.’
‘I know. The hyungs are amazing, and I’m just ordinary.’
That was why, more than ever, he absolutely could not make a mistake.
“You’re back?”
“…Yup.”
As he opened the door and walked in, Seo Ho-yun’s gaze—sharp as a hawk’s—followed him persistently, but Jeong Da-jun just forced a smile.
‘It’s okay. I just have to do well.’
However, that day, the day after, and even the night before the second competition…
“…….”
Jeong Da-jun tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.