Chapter 70
This chapter is generously sponsored by mimimi.
Oh no! Player Jeong Dajun has fallen!
Although Jeong Dajuns location was far away, all the members became flustered and started running toward him. Dajun, who had just raised his head, locked eyes with me.
Jeong Dajun, stay still!
It would be a big issue if he was injured.
Not only would it affect future activities, but who would be responsible for Jeong Dajun if he had any aftereffects?
!
But as expected, it was Jeong Dajun.
Even though he clearly heard me, his eyes wavered as he glanced back and forth between the finish line and us, and he suddenly got up. Hes really good at answering but never listens when it matters.
Player Jeong Dajun! Hes up!
He picked up the fallen baton and started running again.
Oh! Player Jeong Dajun doesnt stop! Hes up and running again!
Is this the spirit of a pro?
Pro spirit, my foot!
Although he was temporarily overtaken after falling, he stubbornly maintained first place. After crossing the finish line, Jeong Dajun smiled brightly.
Hyungs!
The Dawn takes 1st place! The Dawn stumbled but didnt give up and won first place!
Jeong Dajun!!!
But I was angry.
In the noisy stadium, I yelled out loud. Almost everyone there must have heard it. But I didnt care.
I quickly walked over to the finish line, where Jeong Dajun was lying down, panting. He couldnt stand up yet and spoke with a flushed face.
Hyung! We got first!
I told you to stay still!
I knew I had a bad feeling. Jeong Dajun was startled and opened his eyes wide. I diverted my gaze and took off his sneaker from his twisted leg.
Ugh.
As expected, it was swollen and red. The color change indicated a certain injury.
Shit!
I knew something was off with his posture. He must have ignored the pain and just kept running. The other members who ran over looked at Jeong Dajun and sighed.
Where did the medical team go?
They were called just now.
Why arent they here yet?
I couldnt hide my irritation towards the broadcasting station. Jeong Dajun grabbed my arm in a hurry.
Hoyun-hyung! Theres no need for a medical team. Im fine.
Really, Im fine, hyung. I said I wanted to win.
Hearing that, my anger welled up inside me.
I had so many things I wanted to say. I told him to run slowly if it was slippery, that it was okay not to win, and to take it easy.
Well, uh.
I swallowed the words that almost came out of my mouth. Jeong Dajun smiled cautiously, even though he was in pain.
Ahaha, really, Im really fine.
Im not hurt enough to worry.
Jeong Dajun drooped his shoulders with a gloomy look. The medical team was still nowhere in sight, and when we walked over to them, they just glanced at him casually and threw a spray can at us.
It looks like its just a mild sprain. Just apply the spray and go.
Huh.
What did you say?
Not only me but Seong Jiwon and Kim Seonghyeon also looked displeased. Kang Ichae spoke sharply.
Youre saying he only needs the spray? He can barely walk!
Its fine. Its just the muscles that got hurt.
Ha.
Kim Seonghyeon sighed as if he couldnt believe it.
If someone is injured, you should come right away. Are you saying the treatment is over just by looking at him from afar? Then why are you even here?
Whoa, Seonghyeon-hyung.
Jeong Dajun quickly stopped Kim Seonghyeon. Then he pulled him back and whispered.
Im~ fine, really. Im okay, so please stop.
Kim Seonghyeons face reddened, but seeing Jeong Dajun, he turned away and closed his mouth.
Would it really be okay?
I knelt down and met Jeong Dajuns eyes.
Jeong Dajun.
Yes.
Lets go to the hospital.
But then, we wont be able to participate in the events ending.
I held back from saying anything that could prompt a response. If even the usually clueless Jeong Dajun could say such a thing, it was clear that we were all agitated. Yes, we were.
If we dont participate in the ending, well get criticized. For not staying until the end.
Slippery floors that causes injuries every year.
A mindset that praises someone for getting up after falling and calls it pro spirit.
A medical team that casually dismisses an injury and tells them to go.
Jeong Dajun, who had to endure all of this.
Everything boiled my blood.
You.
You dont have to worry about that.
I turned my back to Jeong Dajun.
Get on my back quickly.
Hyung, ah, Im seriously fine!
Forget it.
Ill take responsibility for everything, so just come with me.
As I gestured to Seong Jiwon, he helped Jeong Dajun climb on my back. Careful not to touch his ankle, I lifted Dajun up.
Ask the manager to prepare the car.
He already did, hyung.
Good job. Wheres the nearest hospital?
Im looking it up right now, just a moment.
The situation was louder and more chaotic than we had anticipated. People realized something was wrong when they saw someone being carried and heard the shouting. Dajun whispered nervously to me.
Hoyun-hyung, were making such a scene What if its nothing serious?
Then thatd be a relief.
Dajun fell silent at my words. At least he wasnt complaining noisily anymore.
Hoyun, Ill talk to the fans briefly.
Alright, I need your help with something.
Everyone was taking care of their tasks, and I was grateful. As I lifted Dajun up, Kim Heeyeon followed us.
Seo Hoyun!
Ah, PD.
Not this way. The nearest exit is over there. Follow me.
Yes.
Hurry up. Ill take care of the aftermath.
PD Kim Heeyeon led the way with a worried expression. She was a last-minute replacement and seemed apologetic as if it were her fault. I bowed my head in gratitude.
As we left the stadium and went to where the van was parked, the system automatically completed the quest.
[Victory is Mine quest completed
You have won 1st place in Victory is Mine events 3 times.
(1st place for group members is also recognized.)
You have succeeded and received 3,000 points.]
Usually, I would burst out at the system window, but now it remained quiet as if it was observing the situation.
It started lightly but ended with a seriously annoying conclusion.
***
In conclusion!
Dajun beamed brightly.
Im totally fine!
I reflexively wanted to slap the bragging Dajun on the forehead but held back.
Hold on. Hes a patient.
Theres no bone damage, but theres ligament damage.
Meh, its just a minor stretch.
Seong Jiwon quietly stuffed an apple in Dajuns mouth.
Dajun, just be quiet.
Yes.
The doctor said there was no bone damage, but Dajun would need a cast for about 2 weeks. He complained about the cast, but it was better than having aftereffects.
Hyung, Ive been getting lots of calls.
Ill answer them later.
Calls were coming in from everywhere. The CEO, our manager, Joo Woosung, and others Since getting injured, Dajun had been constantly checking them.
What did the CEO say?
He said to rest.
Actually, it was a lie. I tried to stay with Dajun, but Seong Jiwon gestured to me.
Hoyun, make the call and come back.
Alright, hyung. My heads spinning from all the ringing.
Understood.
With Seong Jiwon and Kang Ichae nearby, stepping away for a moment seemed alright. At least we knew the injury wasnt too severe.
I sighed, stood up, and went to the hallway to make a call, not to the CEO, but to PD Kim Heeyeon, who was at the scene.
Hello?
PD, its me.
Ah, Seo Hoyun. Wait a moment; were still cleaning up here.
Ill call back later, sorry.
Im more sorry. I always end up apologizing. Ill call you back.
Kim Heeyeon sounded deeply apologetic, even though it wasnt her fault. I hung up, feeling a sense of futility, and checked the message from Joo Woosung.
Woosung: Is Dajun okay?
Woosung: Everything went well here, the atmosphere is good good~
Woosung was probably trying to say not to worry, but I knew there would be more to it.
If we dont film the ending, well get criticized for not finishing the job.
I knew this would happen, and maybe enduring would have been the right thing. But seeing Dajun with his swollen ankle, looking down and only paying attention to others, I unknowingly got annoyed
Forget it. The water has already been spilled.
Thinking more about it wont change the outcome.
I ruffled my hair and was about to return to the room when I heard whispering from inside.
Hasnt Hoyun-hyung changed a bit lately?
?
Whats going on? Why were they talking about me all of a sudden?
Leaning against the wall next to the door, I raised my eyebrows as Kang Ichae initiated a discussion, and Seong Jiwon and Dajun agreed.
Yeah, hes been acting weird.
Right. I think so too.
Without any hesitation, I walked over and crossed my arms nonchalantly.
What did I do?
Huh?
Ah!
The three people inside the hospital room shrank back as they saw me. Seong Jiwon and Kang Ichae turned their heads to look at me and gave awkward smiles.
Well go get more vitamin drinks!
Hyung! Hyungs! What the, are you just leaving me behind?
Well be right back~!
Seong Jiwon and Kang Ichae quickly left without even looking back. They clearly looked like they were running away to avoid being caught gossiping. Only Jeong Dajun, who couldnt escape because he was lying down with a cast, looked upset.
Hyung.
I sighed and pulled up a chair to sit down.
Are you going to gossip about me now?
Hyung, weve been gossiping about you from the beginning!
Jeong Dajun exclaimed innocently. I raised my hand to scold him, but he quickly waved his hands in defense.
Just kidding, just kidding!
What can you expect from these guys? Seong Jiwon had left a fruit knife behind, so I picked it up and started peeling an apple. I was planning to let it go this time, but Jeong Dajuns pleased gaze made me uncomfortable.
Whats with that look?
Ahaha. We werent really gossiping about you. We were just saying that youve changed.
What has changed about me?
Well, its just it feels like youre putting the members before work now.
Even as he said it, he looked embarrassed and scratched his blushing cheek.
So, I was happy about it. Youre considering my thoughts too.
How much of a jerk had I been?
To be honest, if Jeong Dajun were just a stranger, I might have just ignored him.
But hes a member whos been working together and struggling with us for the past few months.
Its not that.
More than anything, Jeong Dajun was too young and reminded me of someone.
I closed my mouth as I couldnt find anything to say. Suddenly, Jeong Dajun cleared his throat and imitated me from earlier.
Get on my back quickly. Ill take responsibility for everything, so just come with me. Kyaah~, that moment was so touching, you know.
When did I say that?
No matter how hard I tried to remember, I never acted that cool. Moreover, it was an exaggerated version of the truth.
When did Jeong Dajun ever cause me to worry? But Jeong Dajun never had a habit of stopping at the first verse.
Isnt that a drama line? Im worried, Jeong Dajun.'
Jeong Dajun has been making up a script since earlier.
Hehehehe!
Eat your apple. Here, eat this apple.
Wow, is it a rabbit apple??
I shoved an apple into his chattering mouth, just like Seong Jiwon did earlier. When was lunch coming? He must be hungry.
Jeong Dajun seemed slightly anxious even as he made those silly jokes.
As expected, his casual remark was this.
Well probably get a lot of hate.
He must be prepared for the backlash.
I took a deep breath and patted Jeong Dajuns head. He couldnt be unjustly treated.
Your meal will come later. Make sure to eat well.
Instead of the hate?
Jeong Dajun asked, shaking his head.
Stupid.
Jeong Dajun had some hate to eat actually, theres a lot.
I couldnt block all the hate that Jeong Dajun would receive in this situation.
But we couldnt just take the hate while the guilty party was spared, could we?
I tapped the armrest of the hospital bed and narrowed my eyes.
Alright.
Shall we give it a try
Instead of the hate.
Im really good at stirring up mud.
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