Chapter 23

23

In front of the accommodation, the members were all gathered, and Jung Dajun and Kang Icha were playing excitedly. Beside them were the planning team's youngest member and the manager.

Wasn't his name Lee Jihyun?

He bowed his head slightly in greeting and approached the members.

"Hey, move."

Don't be a hindrance. The entrance was already narrow, and with two guys bustling around, it was impossible to pass. Kang Icha was startled.

"Hey, is that my spot?!"

"Sorry, sorry!"

"Hey, stop taking pictures and get out of the way!"

These guys... what's up with their mentality? Is this what they consider fun?

I was worried that their sudden popularity might be causing them to suffer from internet trolls, but it turned out to be a false alarm.

Their banter was already making the manager and the production team chuckle.

"Ouch!"

"Stop it, you guys."

While I was giving them a light punch, Kim Sung-hyun and Seong Jiwan appeared.

"What are you guys doing?"

"You must have done something to deserve it…."

Seong Jiwan, who was looking at us with a puzzled expression, and Kim Sung-hyun, who seemed to have a good grasp of the members.

I gave them a quick nod and looked at the sketchbook that the planning team's youngest member, Lee Jihyun, had hastily written.

[React as you enter the accommodation!]

Okay.

Everyone pulled their suitcases and had excited expressions. As they pressed the password they had just learned, Kang Icha played the BGM.

"Ta-da!"

"…Ta-da?"

"Indeed, what is the accommodation of The Dun like?"

'…Shocking.'

I naturally thought of the song from LaO House, but hearing the start sound of NetfOx, I felt a mix of familiarity and unfamiliarity.

Meanwhile, Kang Icha playfully opened the door, and the accommodation was visible inside.

Two rooms and one living room, a bit cramped, but a space where five people could live. With only one bathroom, it would be chaotic in the morning, but it was manageable.

Since they were filming behind-the-scenes, the important thing was the camera.

Where are they placed? I scanned the room with a hawk's eye. One on the teddy bear, one on the TV stand, two beside the sofa….

'They did a good job, better than I expected.'

I was about to give a proper reaction when Kang Icha dashed to the sofa. He struck a pose and delivered his line.

"Why are you doing that…? Do I look like a guy who has an accommodation?"

"Blinding…!"

"Totally fine?!"

'…?'

Seong Jiwan even entered the living room with a flustered face.

"Why are they so excited?"

"Eh, eh?"

When I looked at Kim Sung-hyun, he was in no position to talk. He was also looking around with a flushed face. A wave of sympathy washed over me.

'You guys… really didn't get good treatment from the company…'

Even I, known for being a ruthless PD, could see that the treatment of these rookie idols was truly severe. Maybe it was particularly bad for them.

I put my suitcase in the corner of the living room with a cold expression.

The planning team came in with cameras, focusing on filming Kang Icha.

The large room was for Jung Dajun, Seong Jiwan, and Kim Sung-hyun. The small room was for me and Kang Icha. When our eyes met, he chuckled nervously. I felt uneasy.

The planning team's youngest member, Lee Jihyun, gauged the situation and gently asked.

"Does everyone like the accommodation?"

"Yes!"

"That's good. Um… the cameras won't always be on, so don't worry. They'll only film when there's content, and the editing will be done by our company, so don't worry."

I'm worried.

"Today, we'll film you unpacking your suitcases, choosing roommates, and reacting to the music video. For the music video behind-the-scenes, just casually monitor it."

Lee Jihyun flipped through the sketchbook a few times. Everyone obediently answered and gathered around their suitcases.

'Filming the suitcases?'

What's so interesting about filming suitcases?

It might be fun for the fans. Fans are curious about what idols eat.

Still, I was worried that it wouldn't make for much content.

And exactly one minute later, my worries were shattered.

"Haha! Hyung, what's this?"

"Red ginseng set and ginseng juice…."

First up was Seong Jiwan. Half his suitcase was red ginseng. Seong Jiwan laughed sheepishly.

"What do you do if half your suitcase is a red ginseng set?"

"My grandmother packed it for me. She said to share it with everyone."

"My grandmother is really considerate…."

"Wow~ Icha hyung, that's too much~"

"No, that's not it."

Kang Icha, who was doing a turtledove impression, quickly made an excuse. I took the opportunity to ask Seong Jiwan.

"Can I have one?"

"Sure, of course."

Seong Jiwan handed me a bottle of ginseng juice, which I immediately opened and squeezed out carefully.

My grandmother is really wise… I used to keep a box of this and drink it every morning during my PD days.

Seong Jiwan carefully repacked his suitcase.

Next up.

"Me!"

"Okay, Dajun, open it."

Jung Dajun forcefully unpacked his suitcase.

"…It's all snacks."

"Snacks are fine!"

"Let's just take them out."

Seong Jiwan was a gentleman. Next was Kang Icha.

"Ta-da! Games!"

Laptop, mouse, PlayStOion5, SwOitch…. All games.

Kim Sung-hyun immediately closed the suitcase.

"Throw them away."

"Huh, why!"

"Use that time to practice."

"Agreed."

"No, my babies…."

With Seong Jiwan joining in, Kang Icha hugged his suitcase protectively.

"Next, Ho-yoon."

"Okay."

I ignored them and opened my suitcase. It was so ordinary that it might not even make the cut in the edit.

But then silence fell.

"Hyung, what kind of clothes are these?"

"Why?"

"……."

The members, who had been quietly looking at my suitcase, whispered to each other.

"Did you see all the black? I thought it was a black hole. I should have realized from the fact that Hyung only wears black…."

"Exactly. He's always in shadow fashion from head to toe."

"Ho-yoon hyung, what kind of idol is that…."

Even Jung Dajun criticized me. I frowned. I don't remember ever being criticized for my fashion before.

"Why? Black is pretty."

"Next up! Sung-hyun hyung!"

My opinion was easily dismissed, and the last member, Kim Sung-hyun, sighed deeply and opened his suitcase. And he was… Doraemon.

"This is for Kang Icha and Jung Dajun. I thought they wouldn't pack clothes. Seong Jiwan, you get the massage machine."

"I wanted that!"

"Seo Ho-yoon, you get the vitamins."

For some reason, I got the most. Watching the endless stream of vitamins, I asked in confusion.

"Why vitamins for me?"

"Hyung, you fainted last time."

That was because of the system window.

"Right, Ho-yoon hyung is secretly frail."

"Exactly. Ho-yoon needs to take care of himself."

No, it's because of the system window.

But I couldn't say that. I'd just be treated like a lunatic.

After giving everyone what they needed, Kim Sung-hyun closed his suitcase with satisfaction.

I hope they edit it well.

We had already monitored the music video countless times, but sitting on the sofa in the accommodation made it feel different.

But the problem was these junior members.

"…Sorry."

"Taang!"

"Stop it, guys…."

Kang Icha and Jung Dajun were giggling, targeting Seong Jiwan. Seong Jiwan was lying on the sofa, looking like he was about to die. Since they were also in the video, and Seong Jiwan was the main character, it was easier to tease him.

"Hey, Icha, you were also amazing! Hollywood."

"Yeah. I got a casting offer but turned it down."

"…Icha, I sometimes envy your audacity."

"That's my charm."

Seong Jiwan's small counterattack didn't affect the mentally strong Kang Icha. Seong Jiwan was already clenching his fists.

Is he going to hit Kang Icha soon?

"Hyung, you shuffle cards really well."

"Hyung, are you a card shark?"

"Stop that…, are you cheating?"

"Haha!"

They went wild, laughing and playing along.

The behind-the-scenes footage came out as I suggested, like a human drama.

The rainbow-colored calligraphy font for [A Day in the Life of an Idol] was very satisfying.

[Today, Kim Sung-hyun goes to the practice room.

Q. What do you think about while practicing?

A. (Kim Sung-hyun) What do I think about? I just do it….]

The behind-the-scenes footage mixed with all sorts of internet memes.

The more seriously the members took it, the funnier it became. The highlight was when Juu-seong appeared.

[Juuseong: Hello~

Members: (stunned) Why is hyung here…?

Seo Ho-yoon: (calmly) Let's practice.]

"At that time, I was really surprised."

"He's an entertainer of entertainers."

Juuseong is just distracted by love.

I clicked my tongue and focused on the video. The behind-the-scenes footage was now leading into the music video.

[Today, The Dun is seriously filming. Suddenly, Icha stands up.

Kang Icha: Hyung! How tall is a monkey?!

Kim Sung-hyun: (giving up) About 121cm…?

Seo Ho-yoon: (hearing the answer) Monkey.]

"Creepy…."

"Hyung made him do it."

Since this reaction wouldn't be included, everyone laughed freely. The planning team looked quite satisfied.

"Good job! You have a music show filming early tomorrow, so get some rest."

While greeting the manager and the planning team, I met the eyes of the planning team's youngest member. I naturally smiled, and Lee Jihyun flinched.

"Jihyun."

"Y-Yes, Ho-yoon."

"Thanks. Thanks to your good planning, our performance was great."

Lee Jihyun scratched the back of his head, looking confused. He was probably thinking, 'Why this guy?'

"No, no. Everyone worked so well, it was very rewarding for me."

But why am I with Jihyun?

Of course, I'm laying the groundwork.

A shining planner, especially for competition programs, is crucial.

Lee Jihyun cautiously answered, despite the sudden trust.

"Can I ask for some advice on planning later?"

"…Yes?"

"You know this stuff well, Jihyun."

"…Sure."

Lee Jihyun clenched his fist.

I waited. Promotion? Bonus? Will he ask for more? I'm not in a position to grant it, but I'm prepared to speak to the CEO or team leader.

"Can I tell you all my ideas?!"

'…'

"…Sure."

The response was a half-beat late. Maybe I'm too realistic.

"Yay! Thank you! It's so exciting to see my ideas in 3D, no, 4D! Actually, I have an idea for a sequel to the apocalypse, and it goes like this…."

"Ah, I'm a bit busy right now."

I quickly cut him off. I don't want to listen to his otaku ideas all day. Lee Jihyun looked disappointed, said goodbye, and left with an excited face. …Well, that's good.

This is enough for now.

I turned around.

"Ah, it's tiring, so tiring."

"Shall we eat some pork belly?"

"Let's practice."

"Practice freak…."

"Let's practice."

"…Okay, I understand."

This is my responsibility.

Muttering, 'Is this the life of an idol?' I left Kang Icha, who was still complaining, and saw that practice freak Seong Jiwan was already getting ready to practice in his training gear. I wanted to see Seong Jiwan's stats, the best balanced among us.

'Seong Jiwan stats.'

[Viewing Seong Jiwan's stats.]

[Song: A0, Dance: A-, Variety: C-, ???: ???

??: ??

Charisma: B-]

Wow, what are Seong Jiwan's stats? A0 in singing? What does A- in dancing mean?

I knew he was good, but seeing it confirmed is shocking. His trainee experience really paid off.

Variety and charisma will naturally improve with more exposure on TV.

"Hey, you were born to be an idol."

"Huh? What do you mean? That's you, Ho-yoon."

'Wow, even with humility…'

Seong Jiwan frowned and smiled. I'll push Seong Jiwan as the main character. I gestured.

"Seong Jiwan, come here for a moment. You guys too."

"Huh? Oh, okay."

There was something I needed to tell them. Kim Sung-hyun, who was organizing his suitcase, stopped and sat in the living room.

"What is it, hyung?"

"Are the cameras off?"

"Yeah, they're all gone."

"Good."

"What is it? Why are you setting the mood like this? It's scary."

This is important. I remembered warning them on the first day when we entered the practice room.

They all remembered that day clearly, swallowing hard. I slowly looked at each member and said.

"We got a variety show offer."

They all dropped their jaws.

"Really?"

"Hyung, if you're lying, it's not funny."

"Can't you trust me?"

Their faces were filled with distrust.

"I'm hurt…."

"…Let's get to the point."

Pretending to be hurt didn't work on the members. Even Seong Jiwan looked at me skeptically.

"We got an offer for a competition program. The CEO said it's a cable show where we compete with other idol groups for first place."

"Really? For us?"

They all widened their eyes. Then Jung Dajun started fidgeting. After I explained in detail, some were excited, and some looked worried.

Kim Sung-hyun thought for a moment and said.

"We might end up worse if we go in unprepared."

"True, the negative publicity can be severe. Many idols have ruined their image on similar shows, and some groups even disbanded…."

"It's not a matter of just being happy. It's either a big hit or a big flop. Either way, we'll be burning on the internet."

Kang Icha shrugged. Hearing this, everyone looked even more gloomy.

Since we haven't had many successes, it's natural for them to think negatively.

What should I do?

Maybe a shock therapy like last time?

"Um…."

While I was thinking about what to say, Seong Jiwan suddenly turned his head.

"Ho-yoon, what do you think?"

Seong Jiwan's cautious question made the members' eyes focus on me.

"Of course…."

The answer is already decided.

"If they want us to, we should."

In times like this, we need to jump into the fire.