Chapter 51
Woaaaaah!
The Dawn! The Dawn!
Seonghyeon!!
Seo Hoyun-!!
Thunderous cheers erupted from outside.
It seemed like a VCR was ying before The Dawns performance. Seong Jiwons voice could be heard from the interview.
[The Dawn was actually on the verge of disbanding. Our record sales werent good. We all thought we had no choice, that we should be grateful for what we achieved.]
Next was Jeong Dajun.
[I just trusted my hyungs and followed them! Is this what you call self-sacrifice? Ah, self-made? Well, anyway. Ichae-hyungposed the song, Seonghyeon-hyung created the choreography, Jiwon-hyung took charge of the vocals, and Hoyun-hyung led us!]
[Huh? Dajun said he just trusted us and followed? Haha, that kid. How did I feel? I just did it because it was fun. I enjoyed life with the members and the fans loved it.]
After Kang Ichae, Kim Seonghyeons interview yed. After much consideration and silence, Kim Seonghyeon gave a subtle smile.
[I feel like I owe a debt of gratitude to those who believed in me, one that I can never repay no matter what I do.]
The editing was well-done.
Woaaaaah!
Were moving!
A staff member yelled at the top of their lungs.
We nodded and stood in front of the wall that blocked the stage. When the VCR ended, the wall would split open and reveal the stage.
The Dawn!
The cheering grew louder, drowning out the sound of the VCR. The members standing next to me seemed a little tense, but their faces were flushed with excitement.
Thest VCR was of me.
[Seo Hoyun, tell us how you feel about thest performance.]
It was Kim Heeyeons voice.
Myughter echoed.
[Of course]
My voice resonated in the hall.
[I have to do well.]
Kim Seonghyeon looked back at me. He smirked.
<em>Lets do well.</em>
It was exactly like when Seong Jiwon had said that to me, and I couldnt help but smile.
Of course.
We prepared so much.
The stage opened. As we walked forward from the dark backstage, dazzling lights poured into our eyes.
An unbelievable sight unfolded before us as we adjusted to the blinding lights.
<em>Woaaaaah!</em>
Countless fans filled the audience seats, waving The Dawns slogans.
Seo Hoyun! Seo Hoyun!
The cheers erupted. Fans were ecstatic just seeing my face.
The effect of a 6% viewer rating was tremendous. Even I started to feel overwhelmed.
At the same time, the intro ended, and the beat of the songposed by Kang Ichae began.
The song was called Kismet.
It meant a destiny beyond human control.
<em>To be born as a star, there must be intense friction from the beginning.</em>
Wepared The Dawn to a star and applied our struggles up until now as a process to be born.
<em>What does that mean?</em>
<em>Our hardships were inevitable.</em>
In the end, it was our destiny to be stars.
[No, sir, there is nothing here.]
The sound of an astronautmunicating over a wireless device, apanied by static, began the song.
[Only little clouds of dust.]
With a pop, the sound cut off, and the camera zoomed in on us.
Lying in five different directions, we looked like stars. Seong Jiwon then raised his upper body and reached out his hand.
<em>In this vast universe, I met the miracle that is you.</em>
<em>Enchanted, I reach out my hand.</em>
<em>But Im too small.</em>
The background showed a huge neb expanding behind Seong Jiwon, who had a serene smile.
<em>But you told me,</em>
<em>That I can be a star.</em>
At the same time, everyone jumped up!
The songs tempo picked up. Unlike thest sentimental performance, this one had a funky rhythm.
Kim Seonghyeon walked forward.
<em>Lift my head up, open my eyes amidst the dust.</em>
As he was captured on camera, the fans screams grew louder.
Kyaaaaaaah!
Kim Seonghyeon! Kim Seonghyeon!
It was the entrance of Kim Seonghyeon, the greatest beneficiary and hero of this song.
It was truly an overwhelming response.
<em>Everyone warns me,</em>
<em>To be born, I must plunge into the storm.</em>
The image of Kim Seonghyeon on therge screen looked cool even to me.
All the sweat he had shed was for this stage.
<em>Its alright, Ive already decided, I want to meet you.</em>
<em>Its okay if I burn.</em>
<em>I know things gonna be alright.</em>
Kim Seonghyeon waved his hand and bowed his head. Kang Ichae suddenly appeared beside him, smiling mischievously as he rapped.
<em>You see, the nebe gather.</em>
<em>Dive into the storm, withstand the gravity,</em>
<em>These collisions are nothing.</em>
<em>After all, this is the path to you,</em>
<em>Birth of a star.</em>
Seong Jiwon started the chorus, touching his in-ear monitor. I added ad-libs as a double.
<em>A brilliant light bursts,</em>
<em>Dont miss it.</em>
<em>This is it (Well, I told you),</em>
<em>The moment a star is born.</em>
The reaction was good. At the same time, Jeong Dajun ran to the center, and the other four members spread out to the sides.
Dajuuun!!
<em>Im rushing to you</em>
<em>I want to proudly tell you</em>
<em>Because of you, I became a star.</em>
The audience seats under the stage vibrated beautifully. Fans were cheering and shaking our slogans.
As Jeong Dajun approached and pretended to turn the camera with his hand, the focus shifted to me.
The blue light shone brightly on me.
At a nce, it was too dazzling, but I thought it was like
The future of these pure, foolish guys.
<em></em><em>Dont panic, you just have to do one thing.</em>
This message is for the fans who believed in The Dawn through all the ups and downs.
<em>Hold on to me and follow,</em>
<em>You showed me the way.</em>
A very small reward we can give.
I want to show it someday as a bigger reward.
The shaking slogans vibrated like waves. My heart pumped wildly as if it would explode soon.
<em>Now, Ill be the guiding light for you.</em>
A smile crept up on my face. Another unforgettable scene was added to my life. As Seo Hoyun the idol, Ive been umting unfamiliar emotions and experiences.
Fireworks burst beautifully as we returned to the main stage.
<em>I will dance all night to please you</em>
<em>Until the heart of the star grows cold</em>
<em>I will sing all day only for you (only for you).</em>
Sweat poured down. There was no time to wipe sweat or rest. I brushed my hair back and focused till the end.
<em>Its alright, Ive already decided.</em>
Everyone was singing together when the camera focused on Seong Jiwon. As Jiwon walked briskly and yfully drew a star with his hand, cheers erupted naturally.
<em>Its okay if I burn till the end.</em>
The song was sprinting toward the end.
The crackling sound ofmunication came again.
<em>Wait, there is something going on.</em>
We stood tall, looking straight ahead, and stretched our arms out. Our neatly spread palms faced the swaying fans.
And the final protagonist was Kim Seonghyeon.
Seonghyeon looked straight ahead.
<em>Because you told me,</em>
Seonghyeon smiled brilliantly.
<em>That I can be a star.</em>
***
Good job, everyone!
Thank you, good job to you too!
Honestly, I dont remember much after that. People kept talking to us as we finished the stage and headed to the waiting room.
This is going to be the highest rating! The highest rating for the program!
Sunbae! You were so cool.
Lets do a quick interview after the stage! Itll be uploaded on YouTube!
It felt as if we were in a bustling market. Amid all the chaos, it was time for the announcement.
As we headed to the stage, bright lights shone on us. With a bright smile, Yu Jia announced the rankings one by one.
4<sup>th</sup> ce: Refined!
The Refined members walked out smiling as if they had expected it. Although they werent bad, they were buried among the strong stages.
3<sup>rd</sup> ce: Nightmare!
Nightmares Lee Hanseong screamed in surprise. Laughter burst out. He caused a scene, but he was so satisfied with the results that he bowed repeatedly. Eventually, he shed tears while giving his eptance speech.
I had a feeling that Nightmare would rise higher in the future. Yu Jia smiled brightly.
Now, only 1<sup>st</sup> and 2<sup>nd</sup> ces are left, right? Maz and The Dawn, who will get the ticket to <em>Shining Star</em> Season 2!
I made eye contact with Mazs vocalist. He gave a slightly bitter smile. However, his eyes showed approval.
There was the typical long wait for live voting results, for the advertisements and ratings, but everyone on stage knew the oue. And then, Yu Jia slowly picked up the microphone.
With 7,220 points this time.
It was an overwhelming score.
Total 13,420 points!
Even at this point, the fans minds were racing, and they were already screaming. I smiled brightly.
The Dawn!
Kyaaaah!
The Dawn takes 1<sup>st</sup> ce!
<em>Pop!</em>
Fireworks burst, and paper flowers fluttered down.
We expected it, but the members faces were still stered with a few pieces of paper flowers, with a disbelieving, dumb expressions.
<em>What fools.</em>
But I couldnt guarantee that my appearance differed from the rest of the members.
Uh, we.
Congrattions!
Congrattions!
<em>Ding!</em>
[Quest sess!
You have won 1<sup>st</sup> ce in <em>Shining Star</em>.
Congrattions!
All abilities are increased by 50 each.
A hidden attribute is acquired.
Would you like to check the hidden attribute?]
<em>No, I should enjoy this moment now.</em>
Kyaaaah!
The cheers of the fans continued endlessly. Tears streamed down the faces of the fans waving their slogans wildly under the stage. I wish they wouldnt cry.
Yu Jia was caught up in the excitement of the scene and continued enthusiastically.
The Dawn will have the chance to participate in <em>Shining Star</em> Season 2!
<em>Finally</em>
Someone suddenly bumped into me as I looked around to pass thement to Kim Seonghyeon.
Hyung!
It was Jeong Dajun.
Hyung! Were 1<sup>st</sup> ce!
At the same time, Kang Ichae jumped on me. Seong Jiwon and Kim Seonghyeon followed suit. It felt like being crushed.
1<sup>st</sup> ce! We really made it to 1<sup>st</sup> ce!
Hoyuuun!!
Even though I didnt say anything, my hair was tousled, and my body was being pushed and pressed in every direction.
I managed to fend them off and opened my mouth.
I told you it would happen.
Hyung, you really know that I believed in you, right?!
Ugh fine. Kim Seonghyeon, leader, take the microphone quickly.
Ah, umm. Uh-uh.
I calmed down the ecstatic Kim Seonghyeon, who was hugging me and bouncing all over the ce, and handed him the microphone I received from Yu Jia.
Uh, um I sincerely thank all the fans who voted for us. It was truly, truly unexpected
I looked at the hard-working Kim Seonghyeon.
The fans were still crying and waving their hands. I couldnt help but smile again.
First of all, I want to thank ourpany and our members who worked so hard. Seong Jiwon, Kang Ichae, Jeong Dajun. And Seo Hoyun.
Kim Seonghyeon hesitated and emphasized each word with force.
Really, Im really grateful.
Despite being incoherent, Kim Seonghyeons calm demeanor showed his concern for the fans and his determination not to cry.
Just as someone said
As a member of The Dawn, I am truly happy to stand here. I will continue to work hard.
Thank you!
He truly seemed like a hero.
***
The final rating for <em>Shining Star</em> was 7%!
Wo!
What was the highest rating during the show?
It was during The Dawns performance! No, it was during the announcement of the first ce!
It was 7.6% during the first-ce announcement!
Kim Heeyeon never cried.
Kim Heeyeon, although she always had been, wasnt interested in titles like star PD or fame. She just felt relieved and thrilled about the changed ending.
I know her well, and Im 100% sure shes happier about getting rid of Today than the show doing well.
Seo Hoyun! You genius idol! Congrattions on getting first ce!
Ah, its all thanks to you, PD.
Dont thank me! Thank Seo Hoyuns face!
Aww! PD! Youre so annoying!
Wahaha! Did you see that, you guys! It serves you right, it serves you right!
Kim Heeyeon was a bit drunk andughed loudly. I quietly passed her off to a staff member next to her.
I swiftly abandoned Kim Heeyeon and headed towards The Dawns table, only to be caught by another troublemaker.
Guys, its my fault! Im the sinner!
Why are you all like this?
This time it was the manager.
Who got the manager drunk?
They called for another round.
Just run away with the van! Ill never stop you, even if you do it ten times!
What do we do about this?
Leave him be. Hes drunk.
Seong Jiwon drank and muttered. Hopefully, someone will take care of it.
I replied to the texts from Joo Woosung, Lim Hyeonsu, and Seo Hojin as the staffs frantic screams reached me.
Reward! Reward vacation!
Today, well treat ourselves to vodka!
Kyaaa! Lets go to the fourth round!
Seeing people wanting to go to the second, third, and fourth rounds after breaking 7% in ratings made me sick.
Lets slip away while Jeong Dajun is still here.
What about the manager?
Should we leave him? He seems to be having fun.
Yeah, hes worked hard, so he should enjoy himself tonight.
Kang Ichae yfully hit Jeong Dajun, who was still drinking soda, and gestured to leave.
Jeong Dajun was still underage, so he sipped soda with his eyes half-closed but looked happy nheless.
He was always friendly and kind, quickly bing close with others, and through thispetition, he seemed to have be particrly close with Nightmare.
Dajun! Lets go!
Hyung, you did great too!
The Dawn, you all worked so hard!
We greeted everyone and stepped outside. The night air was cold and refreshing.
Should we take a taxi?
Lets do that.
As we headed towards the main road to hail a taxi without much thought, I caught Kim Seonghyeons eye. He looked hesitant, reminding me of what I thought earlier.
I asked for some time.
Ill walk to sober up. The dorm isnt that far from here.
Uh, me too.
Hyung, lets walk together!
As I subtly spoke, Jeong Dajuns eyes lit up. He was half-asleep and grumbling about wanting to go home, but at times like this, he became clingy.
<em>How do I get rid of him?</em>
I didnt have to worry for long. Quick-witted Seong Jiwon and Kang Ichae grabbed the maknaes nape with gentle smiles.
Young children should go home and sleep early~.
Right, right?
Whats going on, hyungs?
Lets go, Im tired~.
They dragged Jeong Dajun into the taxi. Seong Jiwon poked his head out of the window.
See youter! Donte back toote.
Yes.
Good work today.
You too.
Really.
As Seong Jiwonughed and closed the window, the taxi quickly disappeared. Kim Seonghyeon and I were left on the empty road.
Shall we go?
Yes.
Walking in silence, I felt a bit regretful.
We had just finished an amazing performance a few hours ago, so there was a certain emptiness, but
Its cold.
It was freezing.
How much of an honest conversation do we need to have to endure this?
Damn, should we have just taken a taxi and returned to our dorm?
As the alcohol wore off and we sobered up a bit, the coldness hit us. Kim Seonghyeon rubbed his hands together and looked around, spotting a pojangmacha[1]. Our eyes met.
<em>Lets go in.</em>
<em>Lets go in quickly.</em>
I gestured to Kim Seonghyeon, and we quickly went into the pojangmacha. There werent many people since it was early morning.
Most of them were drunk, and the older owner didnt seem to recognize us, so it felt like we couldfortably chat.
Do you want some fish cakes?
Tteokbokki too.
Then Ill also have some sundae.
Soju too?
Deal.
We quickly agreed and sat down to order.
Soon, the soju came out first, and I poured it into a ss. I downed the alcohol in one shot and said to Kim Seonghyeon.
Good work.
Yeah You too.
Kim Seonghyeon fidgeted and cautiously called me.
Hoyun
What? Thats disgusting.
You can say whatever you want never mind.
I immediately felt goosebumps on my arm. Seeing Kim Seonghyeon like this was not something I could get used to.
When Kim Seonghyeon failed to set the mood, he red at me and sighed deeply.
Thats what Im saying.
Kim Seonghyeon downed his soju.
I met Jeonggyu yesterday, and we talked for a bit.
Ah, Kim Seonghyeons friend.
He said he wasing back to Korea urgently, so I guess he really did.
How how did you get Jeonggyus number? He said he cut off all ties with Korea.
Ha You wouldnt know what I went through
I remembered that dark history and drank the soju. Kim Seonghyeon tilted his head.
So, did you talk things out?
Yes, well, it ended well, thanks to you. We cleared up the misunderstanding and expressed gratitude to each other.
Kim Seonghyeon sighed and poked the freshly served tteokbokki with his chopsticks, mumbling.
<em>Hes not drunk enough yet.</em>
Do you want to drink?
Yes.
Then we should get more drunk to talk morefortably.
I poured more soju for him. Without saying a word, we continued drinking, and Kim Seonghyeon got more talkative as he got drunker.
Actually, it was really tough back then. I kept thinking I had done something wrong and the activities I had prepared myself for didnt go well either.
Ah, I see.
Because of that, I was really impatient. Thats also why I was initially so harsh to you.
Is that so?
I thought that being harsh was a natural reaction from Kim Seonghyeon.
<em>Backed into a corner.</em>
I didnt even realize I was clicking my tongue, and Kim Seonghyeon wiped his eyes. Before I knew it, the guy who had put me down more than anyone else had let down all his barriers.
Im so sorry for back then.
And Im really grateful that you cared so much.
I sighed for a moment.
<em>He really deserved to be called a hero.</em>
The person who knows how to bring themselves down is the bravest of all.
Having lost my words, I silently chewed on a fish cake, but as soon as I saw the next scene, I couldnt help but spit out what I was eating.
Im really a jerk.
Kim Seonghyeon shed tears.
Im really, really sorry. You had to suffer because of me.
Its, its okay.
What the hell? How am I supposed to fix this situation?
Im not someone who gets flustered when someone cries, but since he was always so stoic, its incredibly bizarre. In front of a faucet with gushing water, I picked up words as best I could and spat them out.
Were doing great right now. Thats enough.
I ruined the atmosphere and you guys had to get badmouthed because of me
Its alright. There wouldve been plenty of trials for me, even if it wasnt you. Ive been doing well but then, bam, knocked down. Getting badmouthed and failing, but then things suddenly go smoothly. Right?
Is that so?
You never know what will happen, so you just do it. And youve done more than enough. More than anyone else. So, stop crying Hey, what are you going to do if you keep crying?
<em>Ding!</em>
[Is he just saying anything because hes feeling embarrassed?]
Quiet down.
I quickly grabbed a tissue and turned my head away.
Boss! Two more bottles of soju, please!
Oh my, are you guys okay?
Yes, were fine!
And then we both got wasted.
Damn, I tried to calm him down by toasting with him and drinking together, but now Im drunk too.
Im actually quite a good dancer, right??
Yeah! Youre not bad! Youve improved a lot, really.
As much as Joo Woosung?
Dont cross the line.
No way. Youre not really drunk, are you?
As soon as Joo Woosung was mentioned, Kim Seonghyeons face changed quickly.
Ugh, seriously.
Just as the atmosphere was getting morefortable, Kim Seonghyeon suddenly dropped his head and rested it on the table, mumbling that he could keep going. But by then, the alcohol had filled my throat, and I wasnt in my right mind either.
Do you want more fish cake?
Im full
Hey, eat it, eat it. You need to eat something hot. Youre not in your right mind because youre drunk.
Youre not in your right mind either, Seo Hoyun.
Haha, really?
When Iughed lightly, Kim Seonghyeon made a face.
Its strange.
What is?
Youre too simr to that hyung.
Kim Seonghyeon, who still hadnt lifted his head from the table, suddenly muttered.
When I see you I sometimes think of him.
He was probably just talking nonsense because he was drunk.
I was holding two fish cake skewers in both hands, alternating between them and considering whether to open another bottle of soju.
Kim Seonghyeon continued talking, whether I was listening or not.
Back then, after dropping out I was exhausted, and, on my way home, I stopped by a street food stall.
Mm.
At that moment, I was thinking about what to order when tears suddenly filled my eyes. My life was so pitiful.
But a stranger standing beside me suddenly handed me 5,000 won and bought me fish cake. He even scooped up some broth for me.
<em>Ding!</em>
[Some <em>memories</em> are unlocked.]
I suddenly remembered the scene as if the noise had cleared away.
Boss, can I have more broth, please?
I almost dropped the half-eaten fish cake I was holding.
A memory of a cold day passed by.
A high school student in a uniform crying with a blurry face came to mind.
That hyung stayed with me until I stopped crying. So, I forced myself to eat the fish cake while crying.
He was about to leave after paying, so I grabbed him. I wanted to at least say thank you.
I remembered the words the teary-eyed high school student said.
Thank you.
But he didnt say anything, just looked at me and said this.
I got goosebumps.
I looked at Kim Seonghyeons face. The blurry impression gradually matched.
[Some memories are unlocked.]
Fighting.
Fighting.
It wasnt much, but that phrase saved me then. I was able to continue. I made it this far and started to believe in myself more. Im happy, but am I stupid?
I put down the skewer I was eating on the table.
I cant remember the face very well.
With that, Kim Seonghyeon finally passed out.
Considering that his head was still down and he wasnt moving, he seemed to be asleep.
<em>Ding!</em>
[You have gained Kim Seonghyeonsplete trust.
Infamy points decrease.
You have heard all of Kim Seonghyeons past.
Privacy is unlocked.]
I opened a new bottle of soju and poured it all down in one go.
Frowning at the hot and sharp sensation that went down my throat, I looked down at the sleeping Kim Seonghyeon. There was a status window hovering above him.
[Kim Seonghyeon, The Dawns leader and main dancer]
Seonghyeon.
I put my hand on my forehead and thought about it all for a while. No matter how I thought about it, the conclusion was the same.
I think that hyung was me.
I let out a bitterugh.
<em>Ding!</em>
[Note: In the past, yer Seo Hoyun helped him, and he has continued his idol life ever since.
Once again, with Seo Hoyuns help, Kim Seonghyeon has risen and gained the strength to move forward, oveing his painful past.
Main scenario 15%pleted!
Proceeding to the next main chapter.]
Now I get it
Why I ended up in this damn game.
[1] Pojangmacha is a small street food tent in South Korea<hr>
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