Chapter 163
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 163
The day of the 3rd Competition. A cafe near the broadcasting station.
Three Noeuls had gathered there early, shivering as they clutched their hot lattes.
“T-t-today is the competition.”
“Phew…”
They were friends who had bonded after wandering the K-pop scene like nomads, never quite finding a place to settle until they finally stanned The Dawn together.
There were a few others in their circle, but only these three had managed to win tickets for the 3rd Competition.
They were either shaking their legs nervously or repeatedly rubbing their faces with dry hands.
“I’m so, so, so nervous… More than when my final grades come out…”
Just then, one of them returned from the counter with coffee and spoke brightly.
“Hey, forget that. Let’s just take some etiquette shots.”
“Are you doing that for your Nutube channel?”
“How’d you know? I’m going to rake in the views with the Deonging-i-deul and buy a building.”
She claimed her bias was Kang Yi-chae, and she certainly lived up to his shamelessness. She pulled a magic wand-shaped holder that could fit three photocards out of her bag.
“You actually carry something like that around??”
“It’s great. I hope they make one that fits five soon. So I can put all the boys in.”
“You’re crazy…”
The design was a bit embarrassing for someone in their twenties to carry, but it was perfect for Nutube content.
Watching this, one of the Noeuls, who had remained calm until now, smirked and pulled something out of her bag.
“Heh…”
“Oh my god!!”
“Are you insane?!”
“Hey! Is that—?!”
Three pairs of eyes snapped toward the object.
It was Seo Ho-yun’s Second Chance photocard.
The card featured Seo Ho-yun staring into the camera with a chin in his hand and a serious expression, seemingly taken while waiting at the dark MV set. It was a rare item whose market value was said to rival the price of land in Gangnam.
“How did you buy this??”
“I sold my house.”
The owner of the card, whose daily life consisted of hyperbole and fangirling, swept her hair back dramatically.
“Today’s Cross Unit? Seo Ho-yun is going to crush it.”
She slammed her hand on the table. Thump!
“If this gorgeous face doesn't win, then K-pop has no future!!”
“Damn… she’s serious.”
“The level of over-immersion is legendary… But I agree.”
They all nodded as if possessed. Having solidified their fighting spirit through Seo Ho-yun’s face, the Noeuls stood up.
Their faces were full of conviction.
*
“Filming is about to start!”
“The audience is all inside.”
At the venue for the 3rd Cross Unit Competition, the atmosphere among the performers was quite somber, in stark contrast to the busy scurrying of the staff.
The audience's mood didn't seem bad, though.
I greeted everyone I passed with a smile, but my gaze remained fixed on Jeong Da-jun.
He’s totally wilted.
The kid, who was usually bright and never stopped smiling, was now as limp as salted cabbage. The criticism directed at the maknae had been harsher than expected.
“……Hmm.”
I brushed my fingers against my lips.
Up until now, I had intentionally left Jeong Da-jun alone.
Even if I did something more for him here, I didn't think his spirits would lift; if anything, I felt it might hinder his growth.
Besides.
“You should worry about yourself first…”
“…….”
Seeing Kang Yi-chae beside me, who now knew what I was thinking just by the way my eyes moved and quietly clicked his tongue, made the urge to look after Da-jun vanish as soon as it appeared.
Yi-chae, who hadn't budged even when I took a 'do-whatever-you-want' attitude, only backed off after dragging me to the hospital and hearing a diagnosis of a simple cold and gastritis… but he held a long grudge.
“The 3rd Competition, Cross Unit, begins now!”
Even when Ha Seo-yeon appeared on the TV in the waiting room, the members remained silent, only sipping their water.
“Vocal Unit Group A, Seo Ho-yun, please move to the standby area first!”
The rehearsal was perfect, and I’d boosted my stats.
Just as I was about to stand up and head out—
“……Hyung!”
Jeong Da-jun hurriedly blocked my path.
“Uh, um.”
“…….”
“Good luck out there.”
He’d seemed a bit sulky since the unit selection, but it looked like he’d ultimately chosen to cheer me on.
I stared blankly at the kind, soft-hearted kid. He shifted his eyes nervously and hesitated, but in the end, he couldn't say anything more and tried to turn away.
“Jeong Da-jun.”
“…Yes?”
As I called his name and patted his shoulder, I raised my index finger. I poked the cheek of the turning Da-jun. Boop.
I chuckled at the sight.
“Hyung will be back.”
“……Wha— what was…?”
“Ho-yun, do well.”
“You too.”
Leaving behind a confused Jeong Da-jun, I walked out of the waiting room.
I moved to the backstage area as instructed by the staff and waited while the VCR played.
There were an unusually high number of scenes showing me making mistakes.
Cracking notes, fumbling lyrics, or my voice splitting at the end of a phrase. It also showed Team A comforting me through those moments.
“Going up soon!”
“Yes!”
The TEW main vocal, who had been leisurely drinking water and warming up his throat, quickly stuck to my side.
“Seo Ho-yun, let’s not be nervous and do a great job!!”
I shifted my eyes toward him while doing a final check on my outfit. Jeong Won-ha gave a slight smile.
It was an expression that contained a bit of genuine liking for me, a fair amount of calculated posturing, and a whole lot of confidence in the upcoming results.
The problem is that it’s so transparent…
Well, where would you find pure goodwill in the jungle of the entertainment industry?
If there were no benefit to him, the TEW main vocal wouldn't have even spoken to me.
Then again, at this point, this might be considered a sufficiently kind gesture in this cutthroat world.
“I’m really glad I’m working with you, Seo Ho-yun. To be honest, I was a bit unsure at first, but after talking to you, you’re a pretty decent guy.”
Finding out who had been grinding down Jeong Da-jun’s mental state was easy.
When we played videos of each group under the pretext of analyzing the opposing teams' performances, the answer was clear just by looking at our maknae, who still couldn't hide his facial expressions properly. After that, it was just a matter of confirming it.
You should have hidden it better if you were going to do it.
Though I would have caught him anyway.
The reason Jeong Won-ha shook Da-jun was because of the famous people surrounding The Dawn, like Ju Woo-seong, Im Hyeon-su, and Min Ji-heon.
To him, we were nobodies, so seeing us hang around such big names must have rubbed him the wrong way.
That’s why he targeted the easiest mark, the maknae.
Once I understood the motive behind Jeong Won-ha’s actions, becoming close to him was a breeze.
By subtly name-dropping Ju Woo-seong or Min Ji-heon and hinting that I could act as a bridge to connect them, I had become a 'decent person' among the TEW members before I knew it.
“Ah~, I wish I were the maknae of The Dawn too.”
“…….”
I continued checking my costume with an indifferent expression.
When I didn't respond, Jeong Won-ha looked slightly flustered.
“…Why aren't you saying anything?”
After smoothing out the wrinkles in my jacket one last time, I spoke.
“Jeong Won-ha.”
I called his name.
“Next up! It’s Vocal Unit Team A!”
Hearing Ha Seo-yeon’s introduction from the stage, I curled the corners of my mouth.
“Are you dating?”
Amidst the pouring cheers for us, Jeong Won-ha stared at me with a blank expression.
“……What?”
“When I was waiting in the van on the way into the station, I heard the fans whispering. They looked like they were out for blood.”
“…….”
I didn't know how he acted in front of his fans, but I had noticed he was in a relationship.
I sneered at the guy whose eyes were shaking violently after I hit the mark.
“Looks like your votes are about to be cut in half.”
I added one last prepared comment.
“Are you sure you’re okay to go on stage right now?”
Leaving the TEW main vocal behind, who stood frozen like a broken machine, I climbed the stairs toward the stage.
【♬♭♫♪】
With the intro, the spotlights hit the five of us, revealing the members of Team A in the darkness. Simultaneously, screams erupted.
“Kyaaaaah!”
The audience slowly swayed their hands to the gentle ballad melody.
The first to start was the main vocal of Try.
【Once, you asked me
If I was okay
I guess I looked anxious to you】
His tone matched the song perfectly, instantly lifting the atmosphere. The High Five main vocal followed.
【I’m okay, I said I’m okay
But the words got caught in my throat
And the answer couldn't come out】
As expected of a main vocal from a major agency, his voice was clear and charming, with clean execution.
I pressed my in-ears firmly into my ears once more, smiled at the audience, and raised my microphone.
【Maybe I was afraid
Of the hollow nights that find me】
“……!”
I could feel a stir in the audience.
【A dark path where I can’t see ahead
I couldn't move forward easily】
Perhaps because the VCR had shown me missing beats and cracking notes like the hole of the team, my vocals felt significantly better and stood out more.
But the event I was truly waiting for was next.
【Because I’m different from my younger self】
Because the next part belonged to Jeong Won-ha.
【The more I know, the more I’m scared
It feels like I’m suffocating
But when I look up, you’re…】
Jeong Won-ha’s pitch wavered unstablely.
【…so kind】
And finally, his voice cracked.
Ooh.
I quickly lowered my head to manage my expression.
This is fun.
Jeong Won-ha seemed to realize his mistake and tried to pull his emotions together, but between the mistake and his worries about his dating life and ranking, he even fumbled the timing.
【Because your words are so careful
Because my breath trembles with worry
That’s why I…】
The Verci member, who was forced to cover for the completely distracted Jeong Won-ha due to the sequence, got caught up in the pace and came in a bit early.
【Sing
I’m here
In front of you】
Everything was going so smoothly.
【Because I’m with you
I’m okay…】
The next part was a duet between me and Jeong Won-ha, but the guy couldn't even look me in the eye.
He seemed to be trying to finish the song somehow, but he was practically muted.
Thanks to that, this part became my solo.
【Watch over me, I’ll tell you forever
That I’m okay
Because I’m with you, I’m okay】
The highlight, where all five of us sang together, approached.
【Our memories
Our records
Our day】
Looking at the audience, everyone seemed possessed, moving their slogans and lightsticks in unison—except for the TEW fans, whose expressions were sour.
【I’m happy because I’m with you
Because you’re here, I can believe in myself】
As we entered the latter half, everyone gradually regained their composure and delivered the lyrics smoothly.
【I will sing for you—!】
At the climax, the High Five main vocal closed his eyes and sang the final line.
【Because I’m with you, I’m okay
Because you’re here, I can believe in myself
I’ll always sing】
The other members made eye contact and added harmonies.
I slowly lowered my microphone, and a moment later, thunderous cheers erupted.
I gave a small smile.
* * *
“Congratulations! The winner of the Vocal Unit is Team B, the performers of ‘Time of You and Me’!”
“Wooooo!”
“Also, the individual 1st place for Team A’s ‘Sing for You’ is Seo Ho-yun of The Dawn. Congratulations! With this, the score of Team B’s 5th place, Ju Hyeong-jin of TEW, will be added to Seo Ho-yun’s score.”
That’s a bit of a shame.
One miscalculation I made was thinking Seong Ji-won would naturally take 1st place in Team B, but Kang Yeon-hu’s individual score was the highest.
I guess the difference in fandom size and public recognition was too significant.
Anyway, even though Team A lost, since I took 1st place and gained the points from Team B’s last place, the gap between me and Kang Yeon-hu, who gained extra points, wasn't that large.
Furthermore, if you compared the sum of Seong Ji-won and my scores against Kang Yeon-hu and the High Five main vocal’s scores, The Dawn was slightly ahead.
In the end, the winners of the Vocal Unit were us.
Ah~, I feel good.
Having achieved the desired result, I felt refreshed as I looked after Seong Ji-won and headed toward the waiting room.
“Good job, everyone!”
I was smiling brightly and greeting members of other groups when the sub-vocal of Verci called out to Seong Ji-won. It seemed they had become close while working together in Team B.
I waited for Seong Ji-won a short distance away, bowing to the staff.
“Amazing! Seo Ho-yun, how did you stay so calm and keep the performance going in that situation? And your skills are getting better and better!”
“Ahaha, thank you.”
It looked like Seong Ji-won was wrapping up his conversation, so just as I was about to join him, someone grabbed my shoulder and spun me around.
“Wait a minute!”
It was the TEW main vocal, his face flushed and his teeth clenched so hard the veins in his neck were popping.
Even though he’d cracked his voice, he’d avoided last place and taken 4th, but he wasn't the type to be satisfied with that rank.
“I just, I just checked with my manager. There are no such rumors spreading at all.”
Of course not.
It was a bluff.
I just guessed he was dating because he was constantly giggling at his phone and blushing—either that or he had chronic facial flushing.
He kept it hidden pretty well, though.
I thought he’d spill it himself once we got close, but as someone who’d been in the industry for a while, his lips were sealed.
It’s not like Kim Jae-yeon didn't cross my mind, but time was tight, and he wasn't someone worth that much effort.
“Why the fuck did you say something like that and screw me over?!”
As the gazes of several nearby staff members landed on us, Jeong Won-ha’s voice shrank drastically.
Fortunately, thanks to the noisy surroundings, Seong Ji-won didn't seem to have noticed the anomaly yet.
“Do you know how much that messed with my head? Because of that, I cracked, I got 4th—”
“Excuse me.”
I looked indifferently at Jeong Won-ha, who was venting in a whispered voice.
“Is that my fault?”
“……!”
There are a few things in this world I’m exceptionally good at, and one of them is playing innocent.
It was a skill that came in very handy whenever I was summoned by the Bureau Chief after a scandal broke.
“Well, I suppose you’d want to shift the blame. You missed quite a few lines because of that voice crack, didn't you?”
“……Wha— what?”
“I’m saying, don't get it twisted.”
His face turned red and then pale. I slowly spoke as I adjusted my bothersome ear-mic.
“You made a mistake, Won-ha, and you burdened your team.”
“…….”
“Don't try to pass it off.”
The guy, who was trembling, quickly left the scene while holding back tears. He had come to confront me out of anger, but he realized that causing more of a scene here wouldn't do him any good.
I don't usually use such petty methods, but this time, I wanted to pay him back double.
I watched his retreating back without emotion before turning away.
It’s not very fun when you’re the one on the receiving end, is it?
Ding!
[Excuse me, didn't you say anyone can make a mistake?]
Sure.
Anyone can make a mistake.
But whether I let it slide or not is my decision, isn't it?
Having wrapped things up cleanly, I was on my way back to the waiting room with Seong Ji-won when I ran into Kang Yeon-hu.
He let out a short laugh.
“Seo Ho-yun.”
A sharp intuition alarm went off in my head. I tried to send Seong Ji-won ahead, but Kang Yeon-hu was faster.
“So that’s why you were acting all friendly? To get revenge for Jeong Da-jun and take 1st place?”
Shit!
“Thanks to you, he’s completely out of it over there. How do you shake someone’s mental state like that right before they go on? I think he’s going to be traumatized.”
Damn it!
Don't say things like that when Seong Ji-won is right here!
I had to try my hardest not to look at Seong Ji-won beside me.
“What are you talking about?”
“Pardon?”
“I don't recall.”
“…Is this a public hearing?”
Kang Yeon-hu rubbed his eyes as if my shamelessness was absurd.
“Sigh… well. Good job. You too, Seong Ji-won.”
And with that, he dropped the bomb and vanished.
“……Seong Ji-won.”
I was contemplating how to fix this, but Seong Ji-won looked remarkably calm.
“Why are you calling me?”
I brushed my lips, thinking of how to continue, when Seong Ji-won tilted his head slightly and met my eyes.
“Is something wrong? Do you need help?”
“…No?”
“Then why are you looking at me like… Ah!”
Seong Ji-won, who had been rolling his eyes while mentally retracing the situation, suddenly clapped his hands.
“The thing with that other vocal?”
“……??”
…What is he talking about now?
“You knew?”
“…Isn't that obvious?”
Seong Ji-won pushed my back as I stood frozen in shock, urging me to walk.
“Weren't we all doing this knowing that? Ah, maybe Da-jun didn't know.”
“……!”
You knew all along and didn't say a word?
Even the other members?
Seong Ji-won glanced at me, as I wore an expression like I’d been hit over the head, and burst into laughter.
“Ho-yun, do we really need to say it at this point? I’ve known you for over a year.”
“…Yeah.”
“You really are a great actor. It’s almost a shame you don't want to do it anymore.”
Is he being sarcastic?
But knowing Seong Ji-won wasn't that kind of person, I muttered as if making an excuse.
“Don't you hate this kind of thing?”
“Huh?”
“…Scheming.”
Seong Ji-won bowed to a passing staff member and then said softly.
“Of course, I hate it a lot.”
Then he turned toward me.
“But, it’s you.”
With those words, Seong Ji-won gave a bright smile and returned to the waiting room.
I stood there, staring at the direction where Seong Ji-won had disappeared.
[…How can he say something like that without even blinking?]
“My thoughts exactly. Kids these days are terrifying.”
[Yes. Don't ever lie to Seong Ji-won again…. You won't even be a match for him now….]
“Yeah….”
Seong Ji-won is definitely not someone to be taken lightly.
“…Phew.”
Anyway, my part was done.
I’d taken care of the TEW main vocal who messed with Jeong Da-jun, and I’d boosted my stats to A+ to secure the Vocal Unit’s victory.
I rubbed the back of my neck and thought.
Da-jun, Hyung got a little revenge for you.
Now, all that was left was for Jeong Da-jun to stand up on his own.