Chapter 368
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 368
【I will always be by your side.
Let us move forward together, bathed in the warm light of love….】
Even before the trailer for the year-end variety special Let’s Go on a School Trip was released, WH Entertainment’s official Nutube channel made a preemptive strike by uploading a video. It featured Black Call, High Five, and The Dawn singing in front of a carousel.
[I love WH (crying emoji)]
[WH, you petty motherfckers... I came here to talk sht and tell you to get your act together, but then you hit me with a preemptive strike of them harmonizing in front of a glittering carousel at night... This hardcore WH stan is KO’d and drowning in tears....]
[Omg crazy crazy crazy, Chae Jeong-woo is singing~~~!!!! His throat must be feeling a lot better.]
[I suddenly started sobbing in the middle of the night watching Jeong-woo sing... I guess I really do love you more than I thought...]
The majority of the comments were about Black Call, specifically Chae Jeong-woo, but occasionally, mentions of High Five or The Dawn would pop up.
[The High Five babies all look so nervous and excited, it’s sooooo cute. But why does Kang Yeon-hu look so exhausted? lololol]
[Why do The Dawn babies look like such a family? It’s so cute seeing them mess around with each other.]
[That’s what I’m saying lol. Look at Kang Yi-chae poking Seo Ho-yun while rapping. At this point, it’s a habit, a habit.]
[Se-hyeon, I love you ㅠㅠㅠㅠ High Five is seriously so cute they make me want to scream f*ck just for breathing.]
[Meanwhile, our leader looks like his soul is being sucked out...]
“Hmm.”
I scrolled down the screen slowly, looking through the comments that seemed peaceful enough—at least on the surface.
High Five was scheduled for their final comeback of the year soon. In the meantime, The Dawn planned to promote briefly in Japan.
After the album release, it was just a few broadcasts, a K-POP concert, and a fan meeting.
Perhaps because our domestic popularity had surged, our recognition in Japan seemed to have risen as well; the company was actively discussing a Japanese concert for next year’s schedule. Furthermore, Seong Ji-won’s participation in an OST for a drama starring a famous actor was all but confirmed, and Jeong Da-jun had recently been appointed as a fixed MC for U-U Bank.
I flicked through my phone a few more times before turning it off and sprawling out on the practice room floor.
In a corner of my vision, a flashy-looking trophy that had appeared a few days ago spun in mid-air.
[Unknown Idol Tycoon Clear Conditions!
Win a Daesang (Grand Prize) at one of the top 3 music awards ceremonies held between December and February. (0/1)
Clear all Main Scenarios. (0/1)]
Below that, a list of phrases appeared, looking like a final countdown for this world.
A Daesang at one of the top three music awards.
“……Get lost.”
With a dismissive wave of my hand, the rotating trophy vanished into smoke. Just then, Kim Seong-hyeon opened the door and flinched when he saw me.
“W-what? You were already here?”
I gave a half-hearted wave with the hand I’d just used and closed my eyes. I heard the rustle of clothes beside me. It seemed Kim Seong-hyeon had taken a seat nearby.
“Seo Ho-yun, is your private lesson over?”
“Yeah.”
“Really? Did you eat?”
“Yeah.”
“Vitamins and red ginseng?”
“Yeah.”
“……Hmph.”
After a barrage of annoying questions, a warm sensation touched my forehead. I lifted my eyelids to find myself staring directly at Kim Seong-hyeon, who was inspecting my face. His palm was covering my bangs as if checking for a fever.
“What are you doing?”
“…No, just. You were being so compliant, I thought you might be sick….”
Mumbling under my breath, he avoided my gaze and stood up, moving his arms like an old man out for his morning exercise.
Suddenly, a vibration rang out from Kim Seong-hyeon’s back pocket. Looking relieved, he quickly pulled out his phone to check it, but his expression soon turned subtle.
“Who is it?”
“Jeong Da-jun.”
[Jeong Da-jun: (Photo)]
[Jeong Da-jun: ☆Jeong Da-jun, heading out!☆]
On the screen he showed me was a selfie Da-jun had posted in The Dawn’s group chat. He was wearing a white beret, posing to clearly show off his U-U Bank Manager ID card with a maximally cute expression.
[♥Super Cute Pretty Sexy Handsome Kang Yi-chae♥: Ooh... Our maknae is a real man now, a real man lol]
[Jeong Da-jun: I know, right? lol]
[Seong Ji-won: Hehe, Da-jun, have a safe trip!]
“…Is that how you have Kang Yi-chae saved?”
“What do you—Ack! What is this?! Ugh, Kang Yi-chae…….”
Disgusted, Kim Seong-hyeon hurriedly began changing the contact name. Then, he suddenly looked up, his brow furrowed as he spoke in a slightly hesitant tone.
“…Seo Ho-yun, the maknae is doing okay, right?”
He’s old enough to handle himself now.
I kept my inner thoughts to myself and replied flatly.
“I’ll consider it a success if he doesn't break any equipment.”
“Ugh…….”
*
“I’m Jeong Da-jun, the new MC of U-U Bank!”
Contrary to the leader’s worries, Jeong Da-jun was working hard on his schedule without any major issues.
He had even perfectly executed the MC special performance he’d been preparing for days. Well, except for the part at the beginning where he accidentally bumped into a fluffy cloud prop, causing the set wall to wobble and nearly resulting in a broadcast accident.
“Jeong Da-jun-ssi, that stage just now felt like you were being tucked right into the clouds!”
“Like a fluffy cloud and sweet like cotton candy, I, Jeong Da-jun, as the new Manager of U-U Bank, will continue to provide soft and warm hosting from now on!”
“I’m already looking forward to it so much~!”
A heap of Kim Seong-hyeon’s patience, a generous amount of Seong Ji-won’s delicacy, a spoonful of Kang Yi-chae’s slyness, a pinch of Seo Ho-yun’s audacity, and a whole bucket of his own freshness!
Jeong Da-jun was even utilizing the strengths of his older members that he’d picked up over their shoulders. Although there was a bit of awkwardness since it was his first day, even that felt like a youthful charm.
As he smiled brightly and energetically read through even the most cringeworthy lines in the script, even his co-MC—a senior with a year of experience known for being picky—didn't hold back on the praise whenever the cameras were off.
“Oh, Jeong Da-jun-ssi. Your script delivery is no joke. You’re doing great~.”
“Ahaha, really?! Thank you! I’ll work even harder!”
Jeong Da-jun already knew all too well that being an idol was a profession largely judged by the image one projected.
So, he bowed politely to any prominent cast members and memorized his script repeatedly whenever he had a spare moment.
He clapped enthusiastically for the rookie group that took first place, and he even flashed a bright smile at TEW, with whom he hadn't had the best relationship during Shining Star Season 2.
“Wow, we made the right choice picking Jeong Da-jun as the MC.”
“Wahaha, I’m going to brag to my company that the PD said that~.”
When the PD started with, “Let’s keep working together!” he responded with, “From now on, the only emoticon I’ll use is ‘ㅠㅠ’!!” Seemingly pleased by such trivial flattery, the main PD laughed heartily and patted Jeong Da-jun on the shoulder before leaving.
“Thank you for your hard work!!”
After bowing ninety degrees, he headed toward the waiting room, remembering the road manager’s instructions. The manager had told him to wait there until he came to pick him up.
Sitting on the sofa, he pulled out his phone to find a string of messages from the members.
[Ho-yun Hyung: You doing okay?]
“Hmmmm.”
Reading the text at the top of the list, Jeong Da-jun rested his chin on his hand and stared at the words.
Ho-yun hyung has been… a bit suspicious lately.
The core of him was the same.
He was still as cynical as ever, spoke in short sentences, and often played mischievous pranks.
But somehow, he gave off an uncharacteristically mellow vibe.
It was the same during their recent variety show filming. Normally, Seo Ho-yun would have thrown out a teasing remark or a scolding, but instead, he just smiled and said he’d had fun too.
“…Ugh.”
Just thinking about it again gave him the creeps.
It’s probably nothing.
He shook his head to dispel the creeping anxiety and stood up abruptly.
Thinking he’d head to the restroom, he stepped out into the hallway and opened the door to the emergency stairs, only to hear someone’s voice on the phone.
“Ugh, so annoying, seriously.”
Before he could even take a step, he came face-to-face with TEW’s main vocal, Jeong Won-ha.
“They said they were going to give me the MC spot, but what the hell is so great about WH? I f*cking hate how he acts all high and mighty when he can’t do anything on his own and is just riding the coattails of his agency and his members. I’m out here breaking my neck bowing to everyone, and it’s pathetic seeing a guy who just nods his head because he’s got a little seniority….”
Blatant trash-talk poured out of Jeong Won-ha’s mouth. However, in the entertainment industry where there was never a quiet day, this wasn't exactly a new sight. Not wanting to get involved, Jeong Da-jun tried to quietly slip away.
“—I mean, exactly like this guy.”
At that moment, Jeong Won-ha’s hand grabbed Jeong Da-jun’s shoulder.
Startled, Da-jun quickly turned around. Jeong Won-ha, who had hung up the phone, tilted his head and looked down at him.
“Hey, aren't you going to say hello?”
“…Me?”
Jeong Won-ha answered with a jerk of his chin. Scratching his head for a moment, Jeong Da-jun did as requested. It wasn't exactly a difficult task.
“I saw you were on the phone. I’m sorry. Hello.”
“Right, it’s been a while. Must be nice, Jeong Da-jun-ssi? Getting lucky enough to land the U-U Bank MC spot.”
As The Dawn’s name became more widely known, the intensity of the jealousy and envy directed at them grew stronger by the day. At the same time, because he seemed like the easiest target, most of the provocations were aimed at him.
So, at some point, Jeong Da-jun had become able to decipher the hidden meanings behind the nitpicking.
“Now that I think about it, you didn't really do anything, but you happened to join a small agency, rode the bus well, got the title of competition winner, and finally transformed into an idol from a major entertainment company.”
Meaning: I’m jealous that you achieved a miracle.
“So, are you still being a nuisance to your hyungs?”
Meaning: I’m jealous that you have such capable hyungs supporting you.
“I don’t know about the other members, but I don’t think Jeong Da-jun-ssi is at the level to be an MC….”
Meaning: I’m just jealous because you took my spot.
Faced with a continuous stream of utterly useless nonsense, Jeong Da-jun began singing the national anthem in his head.
“Until the East Sea’s waters and Mt. Baekdu are dry and worn away…”
Even after solemnly singing from the first to the fourth verse and then reciting the Icarus version of Connected, the venting session disguised as a lesson in etiquette showed no signs of ending.
When is this going to be over….
In truth, Jeong Da-jun had always found Jeong Won-ha unsettling. He remembered how, right before a performance on Shining Star Season 2, he’d fallen for Jeong Won-ha’s provocation and completely blanked on an entire line of lyrics.
He’d never told the members, but every time they ran into each other at a broadcasting station after that, Jeong Won-ha would always mock or ignore him.
Pretending to touch his ear, he picked at it and decided that when he got back, he should lay out today’s events clearly for his hyungs.
But it’s probably better to leave out the part about Jeong Won-ha, right? It’ll just make them worry….
Even if he told them, Seong Ji-won would probably see through his expression and realize he wasn't too hurt, then affectionately pat his head for enduring it well. Kim Seong-hyeon would hover around, worrying if he was okay, and Kang Yi-chae would be curious about how he responded.
And Seo Ho-yun….
“…….”
…Would he give that chilling smile that made one’s knees knock?
Whenever something got on his nerves, Seo Ho-yun would twitch one side of his mouth upward.
Reaching that thought, Jeong Da-jun’s eyes suddenly flashed. He looked like someone who had just thought of something fun.
Wait, could this be……?
Is Seo Ho-yun sensitive to provocations? = YES.
Does Seo Ho-yun like raising hell? = YES.
Does Jeong Da-jun want Seo Ho-yun to return to his usual self? = YES.
“…W-what? What’s with that look?”
Is Jeong Won-ha a good sacrificial lamb for this situation? = YES? NO?
Sensing something strange, Jeong Won-ha narrowed his eyes and looked at Jeong Da-jun suspiciously.
He’d caught him right after he was talking behind his back, so it didn't seem like he was recording or anything.
Furthermore, while it was quiet for now, once people started moving in earnest, there would definitely be those using the emergency stairs since elevator capacity was limited.
“…But, Sunbae-nim.”
Seizing the opportunity, Jeong Da-jun spoke up slowly.
“I didn't mean to overhear… but what you said on the phone just now is bothering me a bit. Did you want to be the MC, but couldn't because of me?”
“……W-what?”
The corner of Jeong Da-jun’s mouth quirked up, looking quite similar to a certain someone’s smile.
“Hmm, then how about appealing to the PD directly?! Tell him that Jeong Won-ha is the true talent for U-U Bank, that there can be no cloud fluffier or cotton candy sweeter than you! Something like that… Hehe.”
“Are you crazy?!”
Right on cue, the emergency exit door swung open. In an instant, a few music show staff members and rookie idols passing through the hallway heard Jeong Won-ha’s voice.
As Jeong Won-ha reached out his arm again, Jeong Da-jun deliberately shrank back excessively and ducked behind the back of a horrified staff member.
“Jeong Da-jun… ssi, how can you speak so recklessly to a senior?”
“Jeong Won-ha-ssi, what are you doing?! Were you just shouting?”
“Hey, do you know what this guy just said? Look at him pretending to be innocent.”
“I get it, I get it, so just calm down for now!”
Jeong Won-ha’s face turned beet red as he pounded his chest in frustration.
Jeong Da-jun, the one who had actually caused this situation, was feeling a bit dazed.
Oh…….
He falls for provocations way too easily…….