Chapter 237
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 237
He had a really good feeling about this.
"Da-jun, you can do it! Aja-aja, fighting!"
Jeong Da-jun threw open the windows of the dorm balcony, took a deep breath of the dry Seoul air, and shouted his encouragement to the world.
"What’s up with him?"
"He must be obsessed with something again..."
Despite the judgment from his older members, he remained undaunted.
An only child who grew up receiving plenty of love, Da-jun had spent most of his time alone after school because of his busy, dual-income parents. Consequently, he loved meeting friends and playing outside; it was a daily occurrence for him to stay out until the sky turned pitch black.
By the time he was old enough for his friends to start attending cram schools and discussing college, he had realized early on that studying wasn't his path.
Instead, following the latest trends by watching movies, dramas, and variety shows felt as natural and enjoyable as breathing—a trait he felt had been ingrained in him since the womb.
That was how he became a trainee at Daepasung and eventually a member of The Dawn.
Dancing, singing, and fans.
Jeong Da-jun’s interests shifted between these three pillars from time to time.
Last time it was cooking; lately, it was dogs.
He had even carved out time during a schedule so busy he barely slept to go volunteer at a shelter for abandoned dogs.
Da-jun’s interest cycles were usually quite short, but his love for dogs only seemed to deepen.
‘Dogs are... angels!’
After several more volunteer sessions, Da-jun even uploaded photos he took with the dogs to social media.
[Jeong Da-jun... you’re basically a giant puppy yourself, why are you going to volunteer at a shelter lol]
[A man who loves dogs is the absolute worst, I love him so much (Why am I crying while saying this!)]
Strangely enough, however, Seo Ho-yun—who had only tagged along to humor the youngest member—was more popular with the dogs than Da-jun, despite the latter's desperate efforts to win them over. Ho-yun just stood there, and they flocked to him.
But Da-jun’s spirit remained unbroken.
If anything, it fueled his motivation. Despite being the type to get sleepy just by looking at text, he bought books on the subject, read them, and binge-watched every TV show and Nutube video he could find.
‘Wait, this is...’
Then one day, while immersed in dog videos as usual, he suddenly thought of Kang Yi-chae—the man dubbed a "Mad Dog" for the way he ran wild on stage.
He also remembered the way Yi-chae looked when he was angry.
He already had a sharp, intimidating look, but when he stayed silent and glared, it was truly terrifying.
Of course, Yi-chae would always apologize later by buying delicious food or giving gifts, but still.
‘Yi-chae hyung is at it again...’
When Seo Ho-yun collapsed and Seong Ji-won and Kang Yi-chae clashed again, Da-jun grew worried.
Yi-chae was likely holding back in his own way, but Da-jun feared that resentment might build up between the members.
In reality, since Seo Ho-yun was peacefully resting in the hospital for a few days, Yi-chae’s anger was already simmering down, making Da-jun's worries unnecessary.
‘I have to help somehow.’
Regardless, Da-jun was dead serious.
Thus, after summoning Seong Ji-won and Kang Yi-chae to the dining table, Da-jun gave them a stern warning.
Don't fight.
If it feels like a fight is brewing, use formal speech to maintain psychological distance.
No matter what happens, don't let it show in front of Seo Ho-yun.
Heaven knows where he had learned these things, but he laid them out like a set of mandatory regulations.
"Oh...?"
They might have fought, but the members of The Dawn were on good terms.
Kang Yi-chae and Seong Ji-won were no exception.
Neither intended to back down from their stance, but they both understood why the other felt that way.
So, they were already fine with each other.
However, instead of saying that, they simply went along with the youngest’s suggestion.
"Mr. Seong Ji-won, would you like to have a meal with a pretty rapper?"
"Ahaha, yes, Mr. Pretty Rapper. Shall we?"
When Kang Yi-chae asked with a smirk, Seong Ji-won played along naturally.
"Mr. Seo Ho-yun~. Where are you goooing~?"
After that, Yi-chae seemed to have taken a liking to the formal speech and started using it with Seo Ho-yun as well.
"Mr. Yi-chae, please stop clinging to me."
Both were acting as they usually did, but Da-jun alone believed a subtle tension existed between the members.
‘Ho-yun hyung might get stressed!’
What Seo Ho-yun—who had literally collapsed—needed most was absolute stability.
He felt that this was the time for him to step up.
‘There must be no bad Kang Yi-chaes in this world!’
And so, on the morning of his birthday, he had gone out to the balcony alone to shout and psych himself up, officially launching his "TANBKYC" (There Are No Bad Kang Yi-chaes) plan.
"Hyung, where are you going?"
"Practice."
"Why? Aren't you resting todayyy?"
"I’ve been resting this whole time, why would I rest more?"
While preparing to go out with Kang Yi-chae to buy a cake and hang out, Da-jun saw Seo Ho-yun putting on his shoes, dressed in a black tracksuit.
‘This is a signal.’
Seeing Kang Yi-chae approach and pester Seo Ho-yun, Da-jun quickly grabbed a notepad and scribbled.
‘A very big problem. A guardian who fails to recognize the severity of the issue can make the situation worse.’
Perhaps the problem wasn't that the "Mad Dog" Kang Yi-chae needed fixing, but that the "guardian" Seo Ho-yun needed improvement.
"Fine, you two go ahead. I'm going to practice with Ju Woo-seong. Maknae, call me when it's time for the birthday party."
"Yes, sir!!"
"Eh~, practice? Why don't you just rest at home?"
"Seriously, stop."
Given Seo Ho-yun’s personality, he had been quite patient.
Seeing Ho-yun scowl in annoyance, Da-jun’s pen moved even faster.
‘It’s fine.’ ‘Forget it.’ ‘Go away.’
As he wrote down the phrases Ho-yun frequently used, Da-jun organized his thoughts.
‘Emphasized and repeated sounds make Kang Yi-chae anxious...!’
Then what should he do?
Da-jun gnawed on the end of his pen before deciding he needed to separate the two for now.
He jumped up and inserted himself between them, performing a literal body block.
Seo Ho-yun and Kang Yi-chae both paused.
"I'm going to go buy a super delicious cake, so Ho-yun hyung, you have to be back at the dorm in two hours!!"
"...?"
Even though he had told them to contact him when the party started, the return of such a specific requirement made Seo Ho-yun’s eyes narrow.
Catching that look, Da-jun felt a slight pang of regret.
Seo Ho-yun was just as much of a madman as Kang Yi-chae—no, perhaps he was the true lunatic.
There was no predicting what would happen if you crossed him.
"...Fine, whatever."
Seo Ho-yun nodded, and Da-jun finally stopped clicking his pen.
Once the situation seemed settled, Kang Yi-chae’s eyes sparkled as he looked at Da-jun.
"Maknae, shall we go buy a really, really, reaaaally delicious cake?"
"Gasp!"
"The cake's gonna be good, right?"
‘Really, really, reaaaally? Isn't that repetition?’
Repeated sounds make Jeong Da-jun anxious...
He was about to ask Kang Yi-chae how he was feeling but stopped himself.
‘Better not get too close and wait until he calms down...’
Da-jun recalled the knowledge he had gleaned from Nutube videos.
‘Excessive attention can lead to a fight!’
Seo Ho-yun left the dorm first, followed by Da-jun and Kang Yi-chae heading out to pick up the cake.
All along the way, Da-jun was restless, his small brain working overtime to implement the "TANBKYC" plan, while Kang Yi-chae casually leaned on his shoulder and whined.
"Maknae~, Yi-chae’s life is so hard lately, so haaard~."
"It’s hard for me too whenever you’re like this, hyung... me too..."
As soon as he answered, he regretted it.
Responding to someone else's complaints with your own was an unhealthy behavior!
Recalling what he saw at the "Problem Child Counseling Center," Da-jun took a deep breath and asked gently.
"Yi-chae hyung, what exactly is making it so hard?"
"...Pfft."
He heard a sound like air escaping a balloon.
When he whipped his head around, he saw the corners of Kang Yi-chae’s mouth twitching. Yi-chae quickly dabbed at the corners of his eyes with his knuckles.
"Kuh... actually, you see..."
"Yes!! Tell me!"
Even while picking up his own birthday cake—a honey macaron cake—Da-jun kept his ears perked, focusing on Yi-chae’s story.
But what he got in return was:
"...My imaginary hamster has left my side. I suppose it's time to let him go."
"Da-jun, I feel like if I eat honey cake, I'll feel sorry for the 'me' from five minutes ago who wanted melon cake."
"Oh!! Hey! There's a claw machine over there! Hyung will win a doll for the maknae!"
It was all nonsense.
His interest already diverted elsewhere, Kang Yi-chae dragged Da-jun along. Even then, Da-jun answered with the utmost sincerity.
"That’s truly unfortunate, but the imaginary hamster will live on in your heart forever."
"Don't think about the hyung from five minutes ago, you have to enjoy the pres— Wait! Where are you going!"
"Hyung, I said I don't need a do-doll?! Wait! You're stretching my clothes!"
Da-jun tried to flee but was caught, and he ended up being dragged into playing the claw machine for over thirty minutes.
At first, Da-jun just watched with a bored expression, but as the rounds went by, his passion to win a doll caught fire.
Clunk!
"Whoa!! I actually got it! I got it!"
"Told you I'd win one for you~."
"You're the best!! Hyung, you're a freaking genius!!"
By the time they won a rabbit doll with their last 1,000 won in cash, Da-jun was so overwhelmed with excitement and joy that he completely forgot what he had been doing.
"TANBKYC" and the "Thug-chae Counseling Center" were long gone.
Kang Yi-chae carried the cake while Da-jun returned to the dorm with a dog doll and a rabbit doll tucked under each arm.
Seo Ho-yun, who had finished practice and arrived first, greeted them.
"Did you guys have fun?"
"Hyung~! Hehe, this is a present for you!"
"Wow... I'd think it was my birthday."
Looking a bit disheveled, perhaps from sweating, Seo Ho-yun let out a small chuckle as he accepted the rabbit doll from Da-jun and Kang Yi-chae.
"Thanks."
Even though it was actually his own birthday, seeing that smile filled Da-jun’s heart with pride.
It was only after he happily returned to his room and placed the dog doll on his bed that Da-jun realized.
‘Wait, did I just play around without a single thought?’
Reflecting on the situation, Da-jun realized he had failed to comfort Kang Yi-chae as a reliable, mature maknae.
In fact, he had been completely played by Kang Yi-chae.
Once he realized this, a chill ran down his spine.
‘...No, surely not!’
He had clearly executed his plan perfectly and meticulously. Could Yi-chae have noticed anyway?
Driven by a bad omen, he jumped up and threw open his door.
"—Why are you always like this, hyung?"
"!!"
In the living room, he saw Seo Ho-yun and Kang Yi-chae, their voices rising.
"What about it?"
"If you're going to be like this, just quit everything."
Kang Yi-chae brushed his hair back in irritation.
The atmosphere was turning seriously grim.
"Why do you always— Forget it. Drop the formal speech. Why don't you ever think about how I feel?"
"I've listened to you enough."
Seo Ho-yun turned his head, a slight smirk playing on his lips.
"What more do you want?"
It was the expression Seo Ho-yun often wore when he was angry.
The moment Kang Yi-chae’s eyebrows shot up, Da-jun threw himself between them.
"Stooop!!"
Da-jun waved his arms frantically.
"Wait, stop!! This is an unhealthy relationship! Unconditional affection is the foundation for members!"
"..."
"Saying 'I did this for you, so why can't you do this for me' is the shortcut to a broken relationship! It's okay to want affection, but you must never demand too much from the other person!"
With a face flushed red, Da-jun rattled off the knowledge he had accumulated from various media.
"S-So!"
‘And what was I supposed to do next?’
"Interesting."
Despite Da-jun’s efforts, all he got was a cold response from Seo Ho-yun.
Seo Ho-yun looked at Kang Yi-chae with a sneer, and Kang Yi-chae stared back at Ho-yun with a frigid expression, arms crossed.
"Then why don't our smart maknae tell us."
Just as Da-jun was clutching his hair, not knowing what to do, the arrow suddenly shifted direction.
When the two members with the scariest poker faces stared at him simultaneously, Da-jun wanted to scream "I'm sorry" about twenty times.
He barely managed to keep his mouth shut, swallowing hard, when Seo Ho-yun grabbed both his shoulders and pushed him down onto the sofa.
"Jeong Da-jun, you—"
"Ye-yes, yes."
Ho-yun met his eyes and asked in a low voice.
"—Do you like the black rabbit, or the blue rabbit?"
"...Huh?"
...Black rabbit? Blue?
"Decide quickly. I don't have much patience."
"Heeeh??"
It was a very familiar situation.
Da-jun quickly searched his memory.
The scene where they were looking for a whipped cream cake for Kim Seong-hyeon during the hidden camera prank they planned for Seo Ho-yun’s birthday during their Japanese promotions.
Just as he remembered that, Kang Yi-chae plopped down to Da-jun’s left and wrapped an arm around his neck.
"Is this blue rabbit your rabbit~?"
"No, mine is a normal rabbit."
"Then is this Seo-rabbit your rabbit~?"
"Yes, I think that's roughly correct~."
While Da-jun was stammering, the two of them fell into a perfect rhythm and started cackling.
Seo Ho-yun, sitting on Da-jun’s right, turned on the TV with the remote.
A PPT appeared, complete with a birthday song and flashy animations that looked exactly like something Da-jun would make.
☆ JEONG ELEPHANT ☆
HAPPY B-DAY
"Uwaaaah!"
As the tension broke, his tear ducts burst as well.
"Wahahaha!"
"Pfft."
Even though the youngest was wailing, the wicked older brothers only burst into louder laughter.
"You guys are so mean and annoying!"
"Didn't you know? That's our group's identity."
"I really, really, reaaaally hate you guys!!"
They had definitely set this whole thing up from the start just to tease him.
Hearing Da-jun’s muffled whining, Kim Seong-hyeon finally emerged from his room, sighing deeply as he warned the mischievous hyungs.
"Hey, cut it out. You're making him cry."
"Okay, okay."
"It's just because Da-jun is so cute."
How could they be so shameless without even blinking!
While Da-jun glared at Kang Yi-chae and Seo Ho-yun, huffing, Seong Ji-won came out of the room carrying the honey macaron cake with lit candles.
The birthday song flowed from the members' lips.
After blowing out the candles and taking a bite of the cake Ji-won sliced for him, Da-jun thought to himself:
Thanks to them, he would never be able to forget his 20th birthday for the rest of his life.
Sniffle...
"Da-jun, drink some water."
"Okay..."
"Hey, hey, you have to eat the macaron on top too."
"I'll eat it when I want to. Don't touch it."
Seeing how sulky Da-jun was, Kang Yi-chae chuckled.
"Alright, I won't touch it."
In truth, Kang Yi-chae, who hadn't quite let go of his anger until now, was able to completely move past it today thanks to Da-jun.
In the end, Da-jun’s "TANBKYC" plan wasn't a failure...
"Happy birthday, our maknae~."
Though that was something Jeong Da-jun would never know.