Chapter 62

At the graduation event, people even from afar gradually closed the distance, like a swarm of bees drawn to the scent of honey. As time passed, the human wall grew thicker.

"Please step aside for a moment! There might be an accident, so please move back!"

Brother Manager shouted, taking on the role of a bodyguard. However, it was too much for him to handle the crowd while protecting the four of us.

It seemed like an accident could happen because of us. For safety reasons, we had to return to the car as if we were being chased.

"This is how kids get star-struck."

Oran evaluated the situation cynically, implying that despite being mere newcomers, they were being treated like top idols.

He wasn't entirely wrong. How could such a热烈的反应发生在刚出道的新人偶像身上？

"Maybe they mistook us for another idol?" But they called out our names accurately, so that didn't seem to be the case.

"Sometimes people get swayed. Like when a few people start running, others follow without knowing why," said Brother Seohun, and his words made sense.

If someone saw us and reacted as if they had met a superstar, wouldn't even those who weren't interested feel a sudden urge to go and see for themselves? If that someone had significant influence, the impact would be even greater.

"I wanted to walk into the auditorium confidently and give a bouquet!" Parkha stomped her feet in disappointment. If we had more time, we could have taken photos after the graduation ceremony ended and the area became quieter. But Brother Chorok had his graduation ceremony later, so we couldn't wait.

"Let's go. Brother Manager."

Ji-on got into the car, looking exhausted from the events at the graduation ceremony. Was the crowd overwhelming there too?

"I'm sorry I couldn't attend the graduation ceremony! There were too many people!"

"Why are you sorry? It's an event where you don't have to come to school anymore. It's a graduation ceremony."

"Sounds cold. Ji-on."

Ji-on seemed relieved that he didn't have to go back to school.

He doesn't place much importance on formal events. He has a free spirit.

"If you really want to celebrate, do it at Chorok's school."

"Still!"

Brother Manager probably wouldn't be treated badly at our school. A few strands of hair had fallen onto his forehead, disrupting his perfect all-back hairstyle, which was the first time I had seen him look disheveled.

"The road is congested, so try to get some rest."

I watched the slow-moving cars and closed my eyes.

When I opened them again, we were in front of our school's main gate.

Parkha scanned the surroundings like a spy in a movie, searching for targets like a sniper, ignoring Oran's skeptical gaze.

"Still no problem. Roger!"

After the graduation ceremony started, the streets and people were sparse. When we got out of the car with masks on, the situation was completely different.

As we walked to the auditorium where the graduation ceremony was being held, people glanced at us, but no one recognized us.

"This is another headache. Being completely ignored."

"Isn't it normal to feel a bit disappointed?" Oran's mood was sour. Parkha tried to take off her mask, saying she couldn't see properly. I understood their feelings, but this was more about the school's culture than recognition.

"There's no need to feel disappointed or upset. Our school is like this."

"Like this?"

"I've heard it's been this way for a long time. And the school is strict about entry control."

To attend a graduation ceremony, outsiders need to accompany a current student or apply to visit the school in advance.

"You won't have to worry about reporters or fans swarming you when you graduate, Hamwon."

"Maybe?"

At school, I'm just a student.

There are several famous people working here, but they are just teachers at school. I heard that a senior who is a well-known actor also had a relatively normal school life.

"There's an unspoken agreement to let students have a normal school life."

Of course, there isn't a complete lack of admiration for celebrities. But it's only noticeable at the beginning of the school year.

"It's polite to pretend not to recognize celebrities. It's an unwritten rule, even though it's not in the school rules."

"Aha! I've heard that some fans deliberately pretend not to recognize them out of consideration! That's it!"

"Something like that. Since this is a rule that students' families are familiar with, it's natural to see this kind of situation."

I don't know if our school is unique because I don't know about other schools.

However, there's no doubt that it's the best school for current artists who want a 'normal' school life.

"Here we are."

The auditorium was already filled with graduates and their families and friends. We went up to the seats on the second floor and sat down. When a sturdy adult and several masked boys appeared, everyone's attention was drawn to them, but they soon dispersed.

I immediately spotted Brother Chorok in the distance. His unique emerald hair stood out among the black heads.

"...The graduation ceremony is now concluded. We wish the graduates a bright future."

As soon as the teacher in charge announced the end of the graduation ceremony, cheers erupted from all directions.

Some students were giving the event meaning or feeling sad about parting with friends, but most seemed as relieved as Ji-on.

Brother Chorok, holding his diploma, quickly found us. His hair color made him stand out.

"Brother Chorok!"

Parkha shouted and waved her arms, then made her way through the crowd to reach Brother Chorok. She had to push through the crowd to get close to him.

It wasn't because he recognized us. There were many acquaintances trying to say goodbye to Brother Chorok, whom they might not see again.

He's the ultimate insider.

"Brother Chorok, congratulations on your graduation."

"Thanks."

Around Brother Chorok were the seniors I had lunch with. I greeted them and congratulated them on their graduation, and they suddenly handed me something.

"Give us your autograph. I already got one from Chorok, but I want one from you too."

The seniors handed me Teorra's debut album.

"Ah... I'll do it right away."

It wasn't the first time I received an autograph request, but it was the first time an acquaintance, not a family member or someone close, asked for my autograph. I took the album, feeling a bit flustered.

【TEORRA 1st Single Album】

Brother Chorok's autograph was already there. I signed it with the signature I had practiced and passed it to the seniors one by one.

"Thanks. Can I tell my friends that I know Teorra Hamwon?"

"Sure."

If the seniors, who were kind to a stranger who suddenly attached to their friend, were okay with it, I had no problem with it. If I could be a source of pride, that was fine.

"Work hard. We'll support you from afar."

"Thank you, seniors."

Even though I suddenly attached myself to them, they treated me like a close younger sibling, which I appreciated.

"I'll let you know how I'm doing through Brother Chorok."

The seniors are going to college, and we are going to be idols, but our connection won't be severed. I'll add their contact information to my phone when I get one.

The seniors stepped aside, telling the members to congratulate Brother Chorok.

"Chorok, congratulations on your graduation. You're still very popular."

"Congratulations! Our leader senior!"

"Congratulations."

"Congratulations! Chorok."

"Thanks. And Ji-on, congratulations on your graduation. I'm sorry I couldn't come."

"It's fine, no big deal."

He handed me a large bouquet of frigia, yellow roses, and baby's breath, which matched his green hair.

At first glance, the overall color scheme looked plant-like. Was that an impolite thought? I don't think so.

People kept coming to greet Brother Chorok. We moved to the side and let them take photos and greet him.

After a while, we finally got to talk to Brother Chorok again.

"Let's take a photo! A photo is all that remains!"

Parkha, Teorra's official photographer, looked for a suitable background to take photos.

We ended up taking one photo in front of the graduation ceremony banner and another in front of the floral arrangements. There's a reason graduation photos all look the same.

The background wasn't great, but Parkha was satisfied, saying the photos turned out well. They'll probably end up on social media.

But didn't Brother Chorok's family come? Even if we weren't close, it's his graduation ceremony. Is it because his father is a famous actor?

I was curious but didn't ask Brother Chorok, worried about touching a sensitive topic. But the perceptive Brother Chorok spoke first.

"I told them not to come."

"...Why?"

Wouldn't it have been okay for his mother or younger sister to come? Since Brother Chorok isn't going to college, this was his last graduation ceremony.

"Actually, I did call my mother to tell her I was graduating."

Telling your family about your graduation means you want them to come, right? But he told them not to come? How did that happen?

"She couldn't give a definite answer. I had a feeling. I knew what my father would say. He was on the phone, and he said one thing."

"What did he say?"

"He said he never had a son like me."

I was at a loss for how to react. I knew his relationship with his father wasn't good, but it was worse than I thought.

"I got angry and told him not to come to my graduation ceremony if he wasn't going to be there."

If I had more social experience, I might have been able to give some advice in this situation.

Would my words sound insincere if I, who comes from a harmonious family, tried to say something? I was cautious and ended up saying nothing.

"Your father was too harsh, but you also reacted too emotionally."

"...I know."

Brother Chorok is a reliable leader. But in moments like these, I realize he's only twenty. Brother Seohun suddenly seemed more mature, despite being only a year older.

"Um... I heard that Mr. Nam, the actor, puts a lot of weight on his words. So I think you should focus on the word 'reckless' he used."

Did he use the word 'reckless' to describe you for a reason?

"Huh?"

Did Brother Chorok recall something from Brother Seohun's comment? He let out a sigh.

"...Is it because I debuted as an idol without telling anyone?"

That's right. Chorok didn't tell his family about his debut, wanting to surprise them on TV.

Considering how much his father opposed his dream of being an idol, how shocked must he have been to see his son on TV? The shock probably turned into anger quickly.

"Is that it?"

"Yeah. I thought he might want to teach me a lesson... Is this really the reason?"

Brother Chorok furrowed his brows, deep in thought. Was he trying to figure out if this was the real reason?

"You're having a pride battle with your father. That's childish."

Oh... To Oran, who doesn't have parents, Brother Chorok might have seemed like a spoiled brat.

"Sorry."

"Why are you apologizing? Are you trying to brag about having parents in front of me? My situation and your family are separate."

Since he didn't mean to be sarcastic, there was no problem. Despite Oran's reassurance, Brother Chorok still looked apologetic.

"I lack sensitivity."

"Should I nag you to do better while your parents are alive?"

"Still..."

"It's fine. I don't care. A lot of time has passed, so it doesn't bother me anymore. In fact, this overreaction is more uncomfortable."

Brother Chorok said he understood and would handle his personal issues himself. He admitted to reacting immaturely and planned to have a serious conversation.

He declared that he would pay for the dinner to make up for the awkward atmosphere.

As we left the reservation-only restaurant, Brother Chorok hesitated to take out his credit card.

I knew why. I remembered that the card was in his father's name.

The waiter, sensing his hesitation, swiped the card on the terminal. The payment went through smoothly.

"...Why?"

Brother Chorok stared at the returned credit card, lost in thought.

The fact that the credit card wasn't canceled...

I smiled, silently cheering for Brother Chorok.