Second Try Idol

"Great work everyone!"

As soon as the filming wrapped up, those who had been on edge due to clashing personalities and heightened sensitivities seemed eager to end on a high note. They quickly shifted into a mode defined by laughter and camaraderie. I found myself swept up in the sudden warmth, smiling broadly and naturally drifting into the after-party scene.

"Hey, are you good with your drinks?"

"Hyun-Woo, you've just turned eighteen, right? It's prime time to start drinking. How about you pour it out for everyone?"

"Ah, sure."

Even if I wasn't good at drinking, it wasn't something to admit openly at such gatherings. I used to make bomb shots before when I worked as a trainer, so I knew how to mix them. The real challenge was always drinking them.

Ji-Hyuk noticed my hesitation and sidled up to me. "Hyun-Woo, you are quite lightweight, right?"

"Yeah, I can’t tolerate alcohol that well."

"You don’t seem just lightweight. I heard you are famously bad at handling alcohol. Don’t worry, you can skip drinking."

Ji-Hyuk swept my glass away with a protective flair as if to make it obvious that I wouldn’t drink much.

"Didn’t you mention something about a concert-related schedule today?" he asked.

"Oh? Can't handle your liquor, Hyun-Woo? Ah, then don't drink. Especially not with your schedule."

"Were you keeping quiet because you were worried about what others would think? Come on, we are not those old-school types who push drinks onto those who can't handle them."

Ji-Hyuk had a knack for turning down things he disliked without souring the mood. It was an art in itself. He hinted broadly that I couldn't drink and prompted everyone else to tell me not to worry about it quickly.

"Thanks, I've got a schedule later."

"We can always have a drink some other time, maybe on another show."

"Isn’t this Chronos' first concert? And High Tension is already touring internationally, aren’t they?"

"That’s amazing. If only I were as good-looking, I might have tried being an idol myself."

"Hyung, do you think anyone can become an idol? Nowadays, idols are more than just pretty faces. They have to sing well and dance well to survive. Isn’t that right, Ji-Hyuk?"

"Is that so?"

The dinner progressed in a light, enjoyable atmosphere. It was a stark contrast to the tense gaming sessions.

As the evening went on, a few folks began to show signs of tipsiness, signaling it was nearly time to leave.

"Do you still listen to Reina's songs, hyung?"

"I will always listen to Reina’s music. She always releases just the kind of tracks I love. Why do you ask?"

"Did you know Reina recently produced a new song?"

It was a strange place to hear this news. I tried to look casual by focusing intently on my food while eavesdropping on their conversation.

"Of course, I’m Reina's number one fan. How could I not know? I haven’t listened to it yet, though. Is it good?"

"It’s fantastic. The singer’s voice is great, and the song itself is pure Reina, so of course it’s excellent. I was actually about to recommend it."

"That good, huh?"

"Yeah, the emotional depth in the singer’s voice is crazy! It’s like Reina created a male version of herself."

"I think this Eden guy isn’t really a newcomer. He seems too polished."

"It's fascinating how singers can sing with such a magnitude. I got chills listening to it."

"And the song is getting great responses too, topping charts on music sites. But that’s expected, given it's a Reina production."

"No one knows that guy’s face. Everyone says even his voice is handsome."

Their unknowing praises about me were oddly flattering. I took a sip of my soda and sneaked a glance at Tae-Seong, who was deeply engrossed in the conversation. 𝐑Àɴộ𝐛ΕṢ

"Eden is not a rookie, you know?" Ji-Hyuk said.

How did he know that? I quickly turned to look at him. Ji-Hyuk was talking to On Jeong-Woo.

"The director who worked on our last track is part of Reina's team. I asked, and they confirmed he wasn’t a newcomer. They didn’t say who he is, though."

It was alarming how quickly secrets could spread. Who could be leaking them?

"Ha…"

"What's wrong, Hyun-Woo? Is grilling too hard? Should I take over?"

"No, no, I’m just full. You can keep talking."

It seemed Ji-Hyuk still didn't know that I was actually Eden. I pretended to lose interest in the conversation and focused on flipping the pork belly.

"But I, uh… Hmm." Ji-Hyuk paused as if trying to remember something. "Eden's voice sounds so familiar. I just can't place my finger on who it might be."

The unease was intolerable, and I couldn't keep listening. I put down the tongs and made eye contact with Tae-Seong. He caught my gaze, paused, put down his water glass, and stood up.

"Excuse me. We’re so sorry, but I think it's time we head out. The company called, saying they need us back."

Tae-Seong's acting was as poor as mine, but nobody else seemed to notice it was an act since he normally spoke in a monotone manner.

"Really? Great job today, Tae-Seong and Hyun-Woo."

"No worries. Thanks for having us."

"You’re always so polite. I will catch you on another broadcast. Take care!"

We left the dinner and went straight to the practice studio. Aside from Yoon-Chan, who was still on set, the rest of the team were drenched in sweat and greeted me warmly.

***

"Hyun-Woo, you just got here, but I’m really sorry. I just can’t move my legs anymore."

"Me neither."

"Same here..."

The members' declarations of exhaustion were clear. Jin-Sung pouted in disappointment. "But Hyun-Woo hyung just got here?"

It seemed Jin-Sung still wasn’t satisfied with our practice time, but it was too late. The members had all collapsed onto the floor.

"Yoon-Chan will be here soon. Let’s start again when he arrives."

"Just give us a little break, please..."

How intense had their practice been? After changing into practice clothes, even Jin-Sung finally succumbed and lay down between Joo-Han and Goh Yoo-Joon to cool off.

"Huh?" I walked over to the members and took a good look around the studio. Something felt different today, and then I noticed how the cameras were set up everywhere. "What's with the cameras?"

"Don't you remember from the last meeting? We are filming practice scenes for the concert footage."

"Oh, that’s today. Haha."

I was suddenly reminded of filming Chronos History. Back then, cameras had been installed all over the dorm and practice room, making everyone nervously awkward in everything they did.

Those recordings were so embarrassing now that we couldn’t even bear to watch them. I had gotten somewhat used to the cameras now, but it still felt a bit off.

"I feel like any time not spent practicing is a waste these days," Jin-Sung commented.

"That’s because we have a concert coming up," Goh Yoo-Joon replied.

I walked closer to the members. Joo-Han got up and sighed deeply. "Should we have a discussion for Jin-Sung’s sake instead of resting?"

"What discussion?"

"About the concert setlist. Let's go!"

Joo-Han struggled to his feet and brought over his phone.

"The company and I have decided on the order for the other songs, but..."

Joo-Han showed us the screen of his phone. The setlist was jotted down messily, with one part in particular looking very scrambled.

"I’m not sure whether to include this or not. The staff are undecided too."

I took the phone from Joo-Han. Goh Yoo-Joon and Jin-Sung came closer to look at the screen with me.

"We are debating whether to include ‘Woof Woof Meow Meow’ in the concert or not."

"Eh."

"Huh?"

"What do you mean?"

Our reaction was one of collective dismay, but Joo-Han just laughed. "Just kidding."

However, judging by his expression, the song might actually be included.

"Ah, ‘Woof Woof Meow Meow’ might make it into the set."

"What’s wrong, hyung? I actually find that song kind of cute."

It seemed the other members felt the same.

"To be exact, we need to decide whether to perform it as a single song or as part of a medley. There's ‘Rasputin,’ ‘Red Riding Hood Cha Cha’ and the song you guys came up with, ‘Kang Joo-Han.’"

"A medley sounds good, doesn’t it? It’s our first concert, so we should unravel all the memories we’ve built up with the Rings."

We were casually throwing ideas back and forth about what to do.

"Ah, right. Goh Yoo-Joon, teach me some dialects. You used to speak some, right—"

Flick!

"…Huh?"

The fluorescent lights in the practice room flickered momentarily before returning to normal.

Everyone instinctively looked up at the lights.

"What's with that? Time to change the lights?"

"Oh yeah, I heard they’re switching the practice room lights to LED soon."

The flickering happened a few more times, but honestly, who really cared if a fluorescent light flickers?

"Should we be moving this meeting to the office? It’s going to be a nightmare to edit if the light keeps blinking like this." Goh Yoo-Joon said as he nodded toward the camera setup with a hint of frustration.

The room was littered with cameras, more than seemed necessary just for filming a practice session. When I first walked in, I couldn’t help but notice how excessively they were placed all around the company building.

Blink, blink, blink-

Just as we were getting back into our conversation, the fluorescent lights above started flickering again, having become so distracting to the point of annoyance. Joo-Han was clearly irritated, and he grabbed his phone from my hand.

"I will talk to Su-Hwan hyung. If we’re going to continue filming, we might need to move to a different practice room."

"Hyung!!! Ji—Jin-Sung!"

The practice room door slammed open and Yoon-Chan dashed toward us, his voice filled with urgency. This was definitely something quite uncharacteristic of him.

"Yeah…?" The suddenness and his frantic expression froze everyone in place, mouths open, no greetings exchanged.

Even then, the lights continued their relentless flicker, rapid and almost artificially timed. "Hyung, this is serious!" he exclaimed, his voice becoming higher in pitch.

"What? Why? What's going on?"

The tension in the room spiked with all eyes on Yoon-Chan as he nervously peered outside, then quickly shut and locked the practice room door behind him.

"Outside! Guys, look outside!" Yoon-Chan shouted while pointing towards the practice room door. We all rushed and pressed against the glass wall of the practice room, eyes scanning the scene unfolding outside.

"What the heck is that…?"

Through the glass, the sight was almost cinematic. There were about twenty figures in full tactical gear securing the building's entrance with padlocks and pacing the hallway.

"What in the world?" I muttered under my breath. My mind was racing because of the confusion.

In that bewildering moment, all our phones rang in unison, breaking the heavy silence.

[Chronos' First Concert - First Content: True Escape!]

- You are now portrayed as powerful villains threatening the nation. Evade the special forces that have come to capture you and find the keys to escape the building!

- Objects useful for your abilities are hidden around the building.

- Your first clue is in the box located in the corner of the practice room's changing area.

※All members must work together.

※For the sake of visuals, no practice outfits! Please dress nicely in your personal clothes.^^

- If you manage to escape, there will be gifts waiting for the Rings!

"Gosh, seriously?"

"They could have given us a heads-up before doing something like this! But it does sound like it could be a blast."

It finally made sense why there were cameras practically everywhere. This was all part of a UTube series designed by the company to ramp up excitement among the Rings before the actual concert.

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