Chapter 26
Todays number one is Today! Congratulations!
He clapped mechanically. MC Joo Woosung handed over the trophy with a beaming smile. Todays gaze briefly met his, but he pretended not to notice.
Thank you!
We really didnt expect this.
With Today, whether they ranked first or not, they were busy looking and waving only at their fans and showed no interest in others.
They were so funny, and its like they really followed their own way, not caring about anyone else.
As they were about to leave the stage, Todays Yu Hyeok sent a deep, sarcastic gaze toward us.
It was a face that seemed to say, You guys cant get this, can you?
That kind of disdainful face.
The kids were used to that kind of contempt, but surprisingly, Kim Seonghyeon took the bait. Seong Jiwon quickly grabbed and pulled him away as he made an angry face.
Seonghyeon.
Let it go.
Kim Seonghyeon sighed and turned his head after looking at Seong Jiwon.
Thats right. Thats what they should do.
Even if its petty and dirty, they couldnt let it show while the cameras are rolling.
Today, Today!
The cheers of Todays fans could be heard, and a passing idol group grumbled.
Why do they like those guys? Their personalities are terrible.
When the cameras are rolling, they pretend to be nice, so who knows?
Their fans are really pitiful. They have such a bad reputation.
I suddenly looked up and met their eyes. The gossiping idols quickly shut their mouths and moved away.
What was that groups name again? While I made a mental note of the overheard conversation, I also nodded to the people around them with a face that pretended not to hear anything and got into the cramped van.
Guys, good job. Lets go to the dorm.
Yes.
The atmosphere was strangely subdued.
I texted the CEO about what I heard from Joo Woosung and put my phone away.
What should I do? I pondered while plugging in my earphones and listening to our song.
Insiders
I continued to worry about how to plan my strategy. When we arrived at the dorm, the manager carefully observed us before leaving. Then, Kang Ichae called out to me.
Hyung.
Hoyun-hyung!
Huh?
I looked at Kang Ichae with a bewildered gaze while absentmindedly tapping the dining table with my index finger. The other members eyes were all gathered on me.
Whats wrong?
What is it?
Are you that upset about not getting first place? Or did someone pick a fight?
What are you talking about all of a sudden?
Why do you look so fierce? It feels like a cold wind is blowing from you. Is this the Arctic?
Was I like that? No, I wasnt really angry, but
It seemed like I couldnt pay attention to others while concentrating.
No, its not that. I just had something to think about for a moment.
Really?
What did Joo Woosung say?
Why did they suddenly bring him up?
When I frowned at Kim Seonghyeons question, everyone sighed in relief.
I guess not. Thats good. We thought you were scolded because Joo Woosung called you.
Why, if it was true, would you scold him?
Its scary, but should we try?
Surprisingly, Seong Jiwon gave a quick response. I dismissed it as a joke and moved on.
So, whats going on? The manager was also carefully watching your reactions earlier.
The manager is sensitive; thats the issue.
Did you ever think you might be too tough?
I havent thought about it?
I, for one, was emotionally sensitive enough. Everyone looked concerned, even though I didnt know what my expression was.
Is that for real?
Its scary even if its an act and even scarier if its true.
Kim Seonghyeon scolded Jeong Dajun and Kang Ichae for whispering in front of the person in question. Then, he turned his gaze to me.
So, what is it? Did something happen?
Well, thats
I recently warned the members about three things to be cautious of.
I never expected the last words, trust me, to be used so soon.
We cant win first place even if we compete.
What? Who said that?
Its because the winner is already predetermined.
What?!
Jeong Dajun kicked the table and stood up, appalled.
Ah, these people are sly!
Are we just a screen?
How did you find out about that? Wait, who exactly are they?
Huh.
I tapped the table again.
Today.
A chilling silence followed. All the members faces hardened, and then they started cursing.
Those guys dont have talent, so they resort to anything.
Kang Ichae muttered coldly.
I already thought they were too lucky compared to their abilities. I thought their popularity rose because they were pushed into entertainment shows, but
I never expected them to be this blatant.
Kim Seonghyeons face twisted and seemed even more annoyed, perhaps because he had been pushed around by Yu Hyeok earlier. As everyone complained, Jeong Dajun asked a question.
Hyung, why are you so calm?! Arent you angry?
Hmm. Im not really angry.
Are you a pushover, hyung?!
?
Who was calling whom a pushover now?
As I looked incredulous, Jeong Dajun stepped back nervously.
There was actually one reason why I wasnt angry. Sensing it, Seong Jiwon asked me.
You have something up your sleeve.
I do.
Right now, theres an astonishing scenario unfolding as the members are agitated. Seong Jiwon smiled bitterly.
What is it, by any chance? Are you giving up? Saying its okay not to be number one?
Of course not.
So, whats the plan?
Well, Ive finished thinking. I weighed a few factors and understood their cons. I spoke with confidence.
We have to get first place.
The living room fell into an even more profound silence than when Today had been mentioned as an insider earlier.
Hyung, did you not hear the conversation until now? What are you talking about when you were the one who told us about the inside information?
Hoyun, even the agency is involved right now, and its difficult. This isnt something we can handle with our abilities. This kind of thing happens all the time in the entertainment industry.
I know. I was aware. It wasnt the first time a schedule was pushed back because of that. There was even an instance when another PD snatched away a project I had worked on for a year. At that time, I drank at least five bottles of soju out of frustration.
But could it be because Ive experienced many delays like that?
We can make it to the top.
I was not very familiar with that world.
Upon hearing my words, the members faces brightened again. It seemed my image was established here.
Crazy. That wasnt bad, either.
But theres a condition.
What is it?
Do you remember what I said before? I mentioned three precautions.
Kang Ichaes eyes sparkled. Everyone had a you cant be serious look.
Youre not going to bring up dating here, are you? Trust us, okay?
Yes. No matter what happens, you must trust us. Even if we commit a crime, trust us. If we say the sun is the moon, still trust us.
Are you joking right now?
Im not joking.
A lot will happen in the future. At that time, no matter what I do, you must trust me. Dont trust what others say.
It was a statement that warranted comments like what nonsense is this? and did he eat something wrong?
Yet, everyone didnt outright dismiss it due to my track record so far.
To make it big, I would boldly make any deal.
Everyone might be trembling with fear, but still.
Kim Seonghyeon cautiously asked.
Whats the reason for saying that?
Isnt it because you have something in mind that youre saying that?
It was an utterly different attitude from when I first met him, and he said not to ruin the atmosphere and leave. I slowly looked around at the members.
I wont choose the means and methods.
They were people who were once thought to be hopeless. But look at them now. Theyve become quite capable. Star quality can be created.
Ill do whatever it takes to make us successful.
There might be times when your feelings get hurt but you need to trust me anyway, even if it hurts.
I spoke honestly. If I dont gain the members trust now, the foundation of all my planned schemes will collapse. I waited calmly for the outcome.
What are you talking about?
Of course, they only imagined situations that could be dismissed with a simple laugh.
Suddenly, Jeong Dajun got up and, with a fumbling motion, took a red ginseng drink from Seong Jiwons carrier and drank it.
What is it?
I just felt a sudden lack of energy Its hard to deal with Hoyun always acting crazy like that. I just dont want to think about it.
Yeah, me too. Me too.
Kang Ichae chuckled. When I raised one eyebrow, Seong Jiwon cautiously spoke.
Hoyun, I dont know about the others, but Ive trusted you for quite a while now. I knew you had a bad personality from the beginning.
Thats right, Ive already had quite a few heartfelt moments with you. Especially when you first mentioned your parents, I thought, Is there really someone like this?'
Honestly Seo Hoyun has a really disgusting personality.
These guys?
Kang Ichae chimed in with the ongoing conversation.
Lets see how it goes. To be honest, I enjoy working with you. We head in completely unexpected directions sometimes.
Kang Ichae never said he trusted me until the end. But this was enough. The rest could be filled in slowly over time. Kang Ichae grinned.
Lets do it, us. Trusting Hoyun, lets oust the designated successor and take first place.
Its decided.
***
Time flew by quickly, and it was already time for the plan.
Despite knowing the rigged set-up, the CEO laughed heartily and said, Be satisfied with second place. Even the gentle manager seemed to grind his teeth angrily at the thoughtless remark, but I remained calm.
Because
There! Your position is wrong right now!
Ah! Seriously, this is a matter of centimeters!
Adjust it again!
Seong Jiwons switch turned on again.
Following Seong Jiwon was damn hard, and I didnt even think about the annoying words from the CEO or Yu Hyeok.
As I collapsed in the corner, Kang Ichae sat down with a thud.
In my opinion, Jiwon is insane.
Yeah, hes definitely possessed. In my opinion, a dead trainee has possessed him in the practice room.
He wasnt like this for the past year Its true that hes famous for being a practice bug.
Everyone secretly gathered and gossiped about Seong Jiwon. Even Kim Seonghyeon joined in.
Was Seong Jiwon famous?
Yeah, didnt you know? He used to be a big rookie and part of a debut group, so he had some recognition. Most of our small group of fans were here because of Jiwon.
Thats where Today is, right?
Yeah. D.go is the agency.
Kim Seonghyeon quietly answered.
He must have had a lot of pressure. He slipped from the debut group there, unfortunately.
Aha.
He used to practice half-heartedly, like a dead person. But after he joined us, his eyes flipped. He brought oil barrels to the burning house, not just fanning the flames.
Kang Ichae emptied a bottle of water and as he said that to them.
Did Seong Jiwon hesitate with Yu Hyeok of Today for that reason?
No, why did he fail in the first place?
It went without saying that Seong Jiwon was the most skilled and well-balanced guy in The Dawn.
Well, it turned out well, anyway.
At Seong Jiwons reply, Kang Ichae seemed surprised. It appeared he had heard our conversation. He walked over and fanned himself.
I didnt want to debut with the Today members, either.
Even after winning first place now? Doesnt your stomach hurt?
Id rather have a stomachache here than suffocate and die there.
Seong Jiwon answered firmly. There must have been a serious issue, which Ill have to ask about later.
Jiwon!
Yeah, yeah?
Jeong Dajun, who I thought had fainted, suddenly stood up.
Are you saying loyalty is more important than popularity?
Huh? Does that mean that?
Please make sure to include that in your autobiography later.
Do idols usually write autobiographies?
Seong Jiwon was confused and got caught up in Jeong Dajuns nonsense.
In the meantime, my cell phone rang. When I checked it, Kang Ichae suddenly lifted his head.
Is it the composer, hyung?
No, its not.
Darn, too bad.
Kang Ichae clicked his tongue. Lately, hes been acting strangely. Like an outsider, he looked disinterested in everything but would flip out whenever Lim Hyeonsu was mentioned.
You cant possibly be.
Huh?
Well, no.
Surely Surely, he did like Lim Hyeonsu?
As I glanced at him, Kang Ichae let out a hollow laugh.
Hyung, what kind of filthy thoughts are you having?
Ah, sorry.
I never thought that, but your thinking is really narrow-minded.
I said Im sorry.
Kang Ichae went on about how the composer was in a different realm and almost like a religion to him. I half-listened and checked the message.
Joo Woosung: Hey
It was Joo Woosung.
Joo Woosung: I checked what we talked about last time. I even know what the first mission is, lol
Joo Woosung: Curious? Huh? If you say Joo Woosung-sunbae is the best, I respect and thank him, Ill tell you
Wow.
I carefully typed a message.
Me: Best.
Best.
Me: R.s.
Respect.
Me: T.y.
Thank you.[1]
Joo Woosung: Im really ^^
Joo Woosung: Sometimes I think, am I a fool for treating you well even after being treated like this ^^
Not a fool, but a real fool.
Joo Woosung told me, grumbling. I slowly checked the detailed mission he had written.
Lately, Ive been receiving a lot of help from Joo Woosung.
Joo Woosung: And I checked the producer too.
Me: Who is it?
Joo Woosung: It seems that many PDs have been replaced as D.go started to interfere The final PD seems to be this person.
I knew most of the broadcasting station PDs. I imagined the names that flashed through my mind. If its a person in charge of such a competition program, it wouldnt be far from expectations.
As I casually read the message, my heart dropped.
Joo Woosung: Its PD Kim Heeyeon.
Hyung?
I lost my words for a moment. Kang Ichae, who was still talking about Lim Hyeonsus great points, tilted his head.
Hyung, whats wrong?
Ha
I pressed my eyes hard and then collapsed on the floor.
Ichae.
What?
Life isnt easy.
Kim Heeyeon cool, smart, famous as the crazy woman of this area at the cable broadcasting station, and also
Its not easy.
My ex-girlfriend.
[1] Joo Woosung wanted Seo Hoyun to use three words: best (), respect (), and (thank you). Seo Hoyun replied with , , and . Theyre the first initial consonants of the three words in Korean, like a shorthand.
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