Chapter 164
After that, I had a lengthy conversation with Ko Kyung-yoon about the methods to deal with Oh Hyun-jin and True.
It seemed that it wasn’t something that could be executed immediately.
It required a certain amount of time.
For both Ko Kyung-yoon and me.
In the process, I learned a few things.
Firstly, Ko Kyung-yoon didn’t know exactly what had happened to ‘On Raon’ underground.
When I explained some parts of the past based on what was written in the letter, Ko Kyung-yoon reacted with astonishment at Oh Hyun-jin’s audacity.
– He doesn’t seem to be afraid of the consequences later.
“Didn’t you already know everything when you brought it up?”
– While watching the last broadcast of Pick Your Heart, I guessed that something more than just a simple slump had happened between you and the True trainees. After all, I had practiced with you all for a while.
So, on the day of graduation, I called Oh Hyun-jin first and probed him about the past from a few years ago to get some concrete clues.
Seeing me come all the way just by looking at Oh Hyun-jin’s name in a text message convinced me further.
Secondly, even if I hadn’t made a deal with him, Ko Kyung-yoon had no intention of joining hands with Oh Hyun-jin.
Of course, with Ko Kyung-yoon, who spouted meaningless lies the moment he opened his mouth, it was hard to discern what to believe. So I took his words with a grain of salt.
“Are you saying you didn’t know about what happened to me until that broadcast?”
– It would be a lie to say I didn’t know at all.
Ko Kyung-yoon’s voice over the phone was as calm and composed as ever, making my heart feel cold and quiet.
– But if I had known it was that severe, I would have seriously advised you to quit being a trainee early.
His tone completely lacked any emotional empathy or concern for me.
But, to be honest, it was more comfortable for me that way.
Whether Ko Kyung-yoon did it knowingly or just lacked human feelings, I couldn’t tell.
Reading something from my long silence, Ko Kyung-yoon asked.
– Do you want me to apologize to you?
I spoke before I even thought about it.
“It’s not necessary.”
One thing was clear.
The person who should hear that apology was no longer here.
At the same time, I realized one more thing.
That was, I too would never receive the apology I deserved.
Well… I never expected an apology from those bastards anyway.
So, it was a rather meaningless realization.
– Well, thanks for deciding to help anyway.
“You don’t need to thank me.”
– Really?
“You won’t gain much from this anyway.”
It meant that while I would temporarily cooperate to get rid of Oh Hyun-jin and True, I wouldn’t give him anything, like the rookie award or whatever.
Let’s see if you can suffer through the hardships and miss out on the valuable rewards.
Nonetheless, Kyung-yoon, who couldn’t afford to wait leisurely for the next opportunity, would not back out from this.
– You’ve changed a lot.
Instead of saying anything else, Ko Kyung-yoon remarked in a peculiar tone and, after a few more words, ended the call.
Holding the warm phone, I stretched my body that had been curled up in the vocal practice room and thought blankly.
Maybe I shouldn’t have talked about this because it might just raise unnecessary suspicion?
“…”
But I didn’t want to hold back anymore.
Ah, I really.
Didn’t want to endure it any longer.
* * *
One day in February.
“Okay, let’s have a real meeting this time.”
We gathered in the meeting room again.
This time, everyone agreed to seriously discuss the next album.
“Excuse me, but I was serious last time too.”
Annoyed by the shameless attitude, I questioned.
“Yeah, you seemed really serious in the video.”
The video of the surprise birthday party we filmed last time was uploaded to our WeTube channel recently.
Anyone could see that I was the only one who had no idea what was happening, and it was captured vividly.
“You were annoyed because we were distracted last time, right?”
When Ban Yo-han mentioned that my displeasure was visible every time they talked nonsense (of course, all the awkward scenes were cut out during editing), Seo Moon-gyeol widened his eyes and asked, “Really?”
“It would be great if we could mix these two half and half…”
“What a horrible thing to say!”
Gyun Seong-ha slammed the table and immediately objected to Kang Ji-woo’s wistful remark.
“Moon-gyeol hyung is perfect just as he is!”
“Honestly, that’s not true.”
“I like Moon-gyeol hyung a lot too, but that’s a bit much.”
“…Agreed.”
After Ban Yo-han and I rebutted, Gyun Seong-ha pouted and admitted that Seo Moon-gyeol wasn’t that perfect.
“…”
Seo Moon-gyeol, who had been quietly sitting there, looked slightly hurt after being scolded for no reason.
“But I still like you the most among us.”
Though he wasn’t perfect, I comforted Seo Moon-gyeol, who was very kind, with meaningless words.
This time, Kang Ji-woo, who always craved affection from everyone except Ban Yo-han, noticeably sulked.
“Think carefully, maknae.”
“Think about what?”
“Me or Moon-gyeol.”
“What?”
Gyun Seong-ha looked at Kang Ji-woo with disdain as he nonsensically compared himself and Moon-gyeol.
“This is like asking who you like better, mom or dad…”
Ignoring the blatant criticism, Kang Ji-woo continued.
“Let’s make it clear. Who does the maknae like the most among us four?”
“Why are you dragging me into this? I’m not interested in such things.”
“Then let’s put Seong-ha in fourth place for now…”
“Still, that’s a bit too much!”
“Then you join in too.”
“…On Raon, didn’t I tank for you yesterday?”
Such an easy guy to handle…
“Let’s not fight, guys. On Raon, I don’t want to fight with the others over this, so just say I’m fourth.”
When Ban Yo-han said this with a smile, Kang Ji-woo snorted.
“What’s the point of saying you’re fourth? Even if you don’t, you’re already fourth to the maknae.”
“Take off your ring and follow me to the roof, Kang Ji-woo.”
“Idiot, the roof of this building is locked.”
“…You guys don’t really care about who I like more, you just want an excuse to go out, right?”
“No, that’s not it.”
“Look me in the eyes and say that.”
I had a strong premonition from the start that this meeting was going to be a disaster.
* * *
Fortunately, since they were members who could get things done when necessary, the meeting, though chaotic at first, proceeded well afterward.
Everyone was determined to win the rookie award, and they had thoroughly researched the materials they had prepared. Ban Yo-han, who was called the group project bus driver since high school, was moved to applause.
By the way, Ban Yo-han was similarly moved when we prepared for the fan signing event last time.
Anyway, Director Ju Yeol-eum, a perfectionist, reviewed the results of the meeting that Ban Yo-han neatly organized and said he would consider our proposal positively. So, our work was practically done.
Not long after, the grand Korean holiday, Seol, was just around the corner.
During this time, we spent our time doing magazine photoshoots or practicing songs by our agency seniors to upload cover videos on WeTube.
It hadn’t been long since we got a break last time, but since there were no schedules planned during the holiday, the members, except me, whose home was in the US, decided to visit their families.
The company had the decency to reject the unfortunate schedules that came in on the holiday.
The problem was that Kang Ji-woo kept trying to take me, who was going to stay alone in the dorm, to his house.
“You seem to be forgetting something.”
“?”
“I’m American, and Americans don’t usually celebrate Seol.”
“!”
“Telling me to celebrate Seol is like telling a Christian to celebrate Buddha’s birthday!”
When I denied my soul’s nationality and spouted some weird logic, the members widened their eyes as if they had just realized I was American.
I felt a bit guilty, living like a Korean more than anyone else and then acting like this now.
But if I didn’t say it this way, Kang Ji-woo would really take me to his house, so I had no choice.
“But even if you don’t have a religion, you get days off on Buddha’s birthday and Christmas, don’t you?”
“That’s not the point right now.”
“Then think of it as a rare chance to experience a Korean holiday as a foreigner and come to my house!”
This guy, really.
“Just go by yourself.”
“But my sister said she really wants to see you in person, and she’d die if I don’t bring you!”
“Then let her die…”
“Our maknae seems a bit cold to this hyung lately. Am I mistaken? Right?”
Ban Yo-han chuckled as he watched Kang Ji-woo shake my shoulders dramatically.
“That’s because ever since Kang Ji-woo was beaten by Moon-gyeol hyung for first place, he’s been feeding him side dishes as revenge. Those tasteless things.”
“That’s not personal revenge, it’s a necessary choice for our maknae’s stomach health since he fills up on snacks these days without gaining weight or breaking out…!”
“Yeah, keep making excuses. You’re still second.”
“Shut up, you last place.”
But the next day when everyone was supposed to leave for their homes.
“You fastened your seatbelt, right?”
Holding a carry-on with only some clothes and toiletries, I got into the car with Kang Ji-woo.
I shouldn’t have answered the call from Kang Ji-woo’s family last night.
Their smooth-talking skills managed to persuade me somehow.
“Gosh, this is such a nuisance…”
Realizing suddenly, I tried to unfasten my seatbelt and get out of the car, but Kang Ji-woo grabbed me.
“It’s not a nuisance. My parents love kids who eat well and look good.”
“But still…”
“You said you wanted to try the food at our restaurant. The real deal is the holiday food. Sir, please drive off quickly!”
The taxi started moving, and with no way to get out of a moving car, I rested my forehead against the window.
‘Is this really okay…’