Chapter 286
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 286
“Jeong Da-jun, wake up!!”
Jeong Da-jun shouted as he threw off his blanket and bolted upright.
Normally, he would have immediately been nagged by someone nearby to be quiet, but since they were still staying in a hotel in LA, only silence met his ears.
Starting his morning routine immediately, Jeong Da-jun brushed his teeth thoroughly before rinsing and spitting with a refreshing splash.
“Alright.”
His throat, his body—everything was in peak condition.
Even his knees didn't have that usual nagging ache today.
For no particular reason, Jeong Da-jun just felt like everything was going to go well. Actually, whenever he felt like this, something good always happened.
“Let’s do great today!!”
Stretching his arms out wide with a vigorous shout, Jeong Da-jun pulled a ball cap low over his head and hurried out. The road manager was already waiting at the hotel’s main entrance.
As soon as he hopped into the van, Kim Seong-hyeon greeted him.
“The maknae’s here?”
“Yes, sir!!”
Jeong Da-jun winked at him and subtly gave a thumbs-up.
‘I’ll talk to Ho-yun hyung today!’
Yesterday, Kim Seong-hyeon had told him to keep a close eye on Seo Ho-yun’s reaction during the performance. There was surely a reason for it.
Assuming the older members had already discussed things among themselves, Jeong Da-jun planned to initiate a reconciliation by thanking Seo Ho-yun for the donuts.
“Ho-yun, hi!”
“Oh, hey.”
“Hyung!!”
When Jeong Da-jun, who was sitting in the very back, suddenly stood up, Seo Ho-yun’s gaze flickered toward him.
As expected, seeing his face made Da-jun's nerves settle.
“…Um, Ho-yun hyung, thanks for the donuts yesterday…”
“Alright guys, we’re heading out! Buckle up~.”
However, the words Jeong Da-jun carefully broached were drowned out by the manager’s voice.
Without a response, Seo Ho-yun put on his earphones and eye mask as usual, buried himself in his seat, and fell asleep instantly.
‘…Huh?’
He probably just didn't hear me, right?
It’s just my imagination that it feels like he’s ignoring me, right?
No way, surely…
Since there was an unspoken rule within The Dawn not to disturb Seo Ho-yun once he was in the car, Jeong Da-jun couldn't say anything more.
‘I’ll just talk to him when we get out!’
But there was no time for that.
A barrage of camera flashes awaited them at the venue entrance, and as soon as they were led to the waiting room by security, they were swept up in a whirlwind of back-to-back rehearsals.
Before he knew it, it was already time to take the stage.
“The Dawn! Over here, please.”
“Get ready for standby!”
Backstage was a flurry of activity, with staff from Karis Games, WH, and Daepasung all rushing about.
‘This isn’t how it was supposed to go.’
Though he fretted, there was nothing he could do. He turned his gaze aside while getting his makeup and costume checked one last time.
The members were dressed in all-white outfits, each with slightly different details.
“When we go up for this—”
“Yes, I’ll do that.”
It was distinctly different from their previous Cyberpunk concept. However, Jeong Da-jun thought this also blended well with the new version of Connected.
Just then, he saw Seo Ho-yun—who had a few feathers woven into the ends of his hair—finishing his costume check and putting in his in-ears.
Jeong Da-jun hurried over and grabbed his shoulder.
“Hyung!”
An indifferent gaze turned toward him. It was a look that felt somewhat chilly.
He flinched slightly, but thinking of the other hyungs, Jeong Da-jun spoke up.
“Hyung, um, those donuts were really delicious… Did you have a good half-day break? No, wait, first of all, I… I wasn’t avoiding you.”
He blurted out words incoherently, but Seo Ho-yun just listened in silence.
Feeling somewhat intimidated, Da-jun lowered his head and asked.
“…Hyung, don’t you have something to say to me?!”
“……”
Since they were performing barefoot, he watched his toes peeking out from his slippers, wiggling nervously. For a long time, no answer came.
Just as Jeong Da-jun was about to peek up,
“Something to say to you?”
Seo Ho-yun tilted his head mockingly.
“I don’t.”
“…Huh?”
“I said I have nothing to say.”
Jeong Da-jun’s mouth slowly fell open.
As he stood there, soaked in shock, Seo Ho-yun turned his back and walked away.
“What did he just…”
“Moving onto the lift!”
Don’t get hurt. Let’s do well on this stage.
He had believed Ho-yun would smile at him with his usual confidence or at least say something, even if it was in his typical dry manner.
Pushed along by the staff, Jeong Da-jun had to take off his slippers and step onto the lift.
‘Why is he being so scary?!’
The first emotion he felt was certainly bewilderment. But soon, a wave of hurt washed over it.
‘Seriously! Seong-hyeon hyung, you told me to watch him closely! Closely!’
While he was floundering in shock, the other members also moved to their designated spots and finished their preparations.
Jeong Da-jun squeezed his eyes shut and then opened them.
‘Fine, whatever.’
Beneath the dark stage.
The shoulders of the five members were lined up.
Jeong Da-jun fixed his gaze straight ahead, forcing himself not to look toward Seo Ho-yun.
He wanted to do well.
No, he really had to do well.
【Fly neither too low nor too high
Sun's heat will melt your feathers apart】
The sound of the VCR began to play from above.
It was a video where CG of IRIX characters had been added to the concept photos the members had taken in Korea.
Slowly, the lift The Dawn stood on began to rise.
“Why am I the main focus?”
Kang Yi-chae had arranged Connected with ‘Icarus’ as the motif—the figure of a human challenging their limits. Although the Icarus of myth falls after flying too close to the sun out of pure joy, this version was meant to represent someone truly transcending extremes and being reborn as a being that pierces through the sun.
When Da-jun had asked why he was the main focus of such a concept, Kang Yi-chae had simply smirked.
“You’re the one who should do this, Da-jun.”
The members, positioned atop pillars that looked like statue pedestals, appeared one by one, and finally, Jeong Da-jun made his entrance.
Hugging his knees, he tilted his head slightly through the ruffles of his sleeves and gave a playful smile to the camera. Despite his growing physique, the Jeong Da-jun reflected on the electronic billboard still possessed the unchanging freshness of a boy.
Behind him, connected to the pillar, metal sculptures decorated with feathers, pearls, and jewels wrapped around his body like wings.
【Finally, the boring time passes
I love watching you shine】
Even as the bright midday sun beat down and a grand, powerful beat filled the venue—and even as the cheers of the excited audience erupted from all sides—Jeong Da-jun’s insides felt tight.
‘Don’t think too deeply.’
【Chase me if you can
Shift gears and floor the pedal】
‘Stay calm. Let’s stay calm until the end.’
【Don’t hesitate
Just move forward】
Seo Ho-yun took over after him, as Da-jun struggled to keep his expression from hardening.
【I will never leave your side】
As always, he showed not a hint of agitation.
Furthermore, with his vastly improved skills, he captivated the audience in an instant.
‘Don’t get excited, stay calm…’
Moving to the back, Jeong Da-jun locked eyes with Kim Seong-hyeon, who was coming forward.
Kim Seong-hyeon gave a tiny, fleeting smirk before performing his newly added part.
【Not too high
And not too low
Stay at your position
Do what people have asked you】
‘…No.’
Jeong Da-jun knew himself well now.
He could find his own value without comparing himself to others, and he no longer tried to prove himself to anyone.
Gradually, the dancers’ attention shifted toward Jeong Da-jun.
It was almost time for the part with the tumbling.
Even if he didn't do the tumbling, the dancers would likely cover for him as they had discussed.
They had kept practicing it during rehearsals. But if he actually got hurt trying it this time, Seo Ho-yun might truly be disappointed in him.
Jeong Da-jun was terrified of that.
More than the eyes of others, he feared failing to be a source of strength for the person he cared about.
It would be easy to just give up.
【You hit me with words to knock me out】
—But could he be satisfied with that?
At that moment, as if sensing Jeong Da-jun’s heart, Kang Yi-chae intentionally turned his head and flashed a grin.
【But I don't lose my temper, darling】
As if to say there was absolutely nothing to worry about.
A moment of hesitation, a bit of anxiety, and nervousness.
All those things held Jeong Da-jun back, but they could never stop him.
Without a second of stalling, Jeong Da-jun’s feet touched the backs of the dancers as they bent over.
‘I know. I won’t be satisfied.’
He didn't want to fail.
He didn't want to stay stuck in place in such a pathetic state.
He didn't want to remain just a 'younger brother' who couldn't be relied upon.
Just as he was about to step onto the last dancer’s back, Jeong Da-jun’s head turned toward Seo Ho-yun.
【I just keep tempering our hope】
Seo Ho-yun was also looking at him.
A brief moment, less than a second, stretched out like a slowed-down tape.
Under the brilliant white lights, Seo Ho-yun’s lips moved.
‘Go.’
He told him to go.
So, Jeong Da-jun stepped off without hesitation.
【When our eyes meet
The anxiety melts away】
One.
Two.
Three.
He put strength into his legs and took a great leap.
【All that’s left for us…】
The sweltering heat lashed against his cheeks.
The ground tilted, and the background blurred like paints mixing in water. Soon, a heavy but solid impact vibrated through the soles of his feet.
Waaaaaaah—!
The cheers erupted violently, but to Jeong Da-jun, who was swept up in a burning sense of elation, the sound felt distant.
【Are wings and faith】
“……!”
As he moved through the formation, gasping for breath, Seo Ho-yun brushed past him, tapping his shoulder.
At the same time, the stage pyrotechnics exploded, and for some reason, Jeong Da-jun felt a lump in his throat.
【Even if we fly further toward the sun
These wings will not melt】
Sometimes, when he stood on stage with the hyungs, there were moments when his heart raced so much it felt uncontrollable.
【They will only be tempered hotter】
A racing heart.
Adrenaline.
Until now, he hadn't known how to describe such moments.
But now, he could say it clearly.
【Don’t hesitate
Just move forward
I will never leave your side】
When he came to his senses, all that remained was the thick sweat in his palms and the cheers of the audience.
Realizing he was standing there dazed in his ending pose, Jeong Da-jun quickly bowed and moved backstage.
“Da-jun! That was amazing!”
He frantically returned the staff’s compliments with thanks as he quickened his pace.
“That part earlier was good—”
“Yeah, the timing was pretty—”
When he entered the waiting room, the members who had arrived a step ahead were briefly sharing their thoughts on the stage. Seo Ho-yun looked at Jeong Da-jun standing at the door and spoke.
“You’re here?”
His tone was still dry and his expression calm, but he couldn't hide his eyes.
“……”
A look that said he was dying of pride.
Seeing that, Jeong Da-jun felt like he understood why Seo Ho-yun had said he had nothing to say.
Slowly approaching Seo Ho-yun, Jeong Da-jun—
“You, on stage earlier… Whoa!”
—suddenly ran and threw his arms around him in a tackle-like hug.
Seo Ho-yun staggered and fell backward, and at the same time, the other members who were huddled together fell to the floor like bowling pins hit by a ball.
“Ack!”
“Hey!! Jeong Da-jun!”
The members’ screams echoed, but Jeong Da-jun didn't budge, burying his face in Seo Ho-yun’s shoulder.
An emotion he was feeling for the first time in his life surged from deep within his gut. Even though no tears came, his heart fluttered endlessly.
“Hey, Jeong Da-jun, you…”
Seo Ho-yun, who had sat up, started to say something but suddenly stopped. As if waiting for Jeong Da-jun to speak.
I’m sorry, thank you, you’re the best, Hyung.
‘I don’t know, I don’t care about all that complicated stuff.’
To be honest, he still wasn't sure if he could be a reliable member for the hyungs.
However, a faith that wouldn't waver no matter what came his way had sprouted within him.
As long as he was with these members, he could go anywhere and achieve anything. It didn't matter even if they headed into pitch-black darkness where not a single ray of light reached.
“Hyung, you’re seriously annoying.”
Because we are the dawn.
And we are about to meet the rising sun.
Hearing that, Seo Ho-yun burst into laughter.
And his hand slowly patted Jeong Da-jun’s back.
“You just realized that?”