Hard Mode Idol

“I can’t dance well. I just discovered it by chance while trying different things.”

It was only possible because of the efforts of my previous life, but now I can only explain it this way. And if it weren’t for the weekly mission, I wouldn’t have needed to modify the original choreography. It was a kind of trick to get a higher grade.

Putting some variation in the details instead of doing the exact same moves tends to result in a better grade. But if the changes are bad, it can drop drastically instead.

“For group choreography, matching the angles perfectly would look better, but if you think of it as Jin Haon’s solo dance, this version definitely suits you more. The relaxed vibe fits you well. It’s just a pity your skills are lacking.”

Of course, that would be the case. I don’t know who the choreographer is, but it’s the choreography for a hit song. It was undoubtedly devised by skilled people putting their heads together. However, there is a difference between group and individual choreography, and the dance that suits me is different too.

“They don’t look that different, is it really so dissimilar?”

Park Yoochan, who had been watching our exchange, asked this.

Baek Kanghyun nodded and began explaining what was different and how the vibe changes. Despite his monotonous tone, his sparkling eyes revealed his excitement. I thought this guy was taciturn, but he’s quite talkative when the subject is dancing.

Initially listening intently, Park Yoochan soon scrunched his face and surrendered with “Okay, I get it!” Extracting so much explanation from a single short move is the realm of talent. I could bet the fingernails I trimmed days ago that just listening increased my dancing stat’s experience points.

“Why are you here?”

Is today the day all the members gather? Seoho has appeared too. He was in his school uniform, carrying a bag. Did he come straight from school?

Then the last member, the brat…… What was his name again? I checked the main mission once more. Ah, right, Jung Ilhan. Maybe Jung Ilhan will show up too?

“Did your classes end early?”

Seoho glared at Park Yoochan before curtly replying.

“Today was the closing ceremony, so it ended quickly.”

“Ah, right. That’s right.”

Park Yoochan sighed and scratched his head. He must be feeling vexed about how to resolve this. He got confused between me and Seoho – no, Ilhan. He probably knows Seoho better.

“Why are you here?”

Seoho looked straight at me and asked. I sensed Park Yoochan glancing at me too. It’s better for me to just stay quiet.

If I’m the one who got rid of his favorite hyung, and now his other favorite hyung isn’t taking his side either, how heartbroken would this kid feel? Perhaps because he knows Seoho well, Park Yoochan fortunately remained composed.

“Vocal training isn’t until the afternoon, so I came to practice dancing in the morning. If you want to join, do it. We’re currently practicing ‘Whistle’.”

“Why are you suddenly practicing that song? Kanghyun hyung, does he want to do that one? Why are you all being so friendly?”

Seoho asked while looking at Baek Kanghyun. It seems Baek Kanghyun holds the authority in this practice room. Even though Park Yoochan is the leader, he naturally asked Kanghyun instead.

“Are you talking to me?”

Baek Kanghyun’s voice was low. Seoho flinched in surprise. Like a puppy that inadvertently sniffed a tiger’s poop while digging around.

This is a bit troublesome. With this atmosphere, it doesn’t seem like we’ll be able to practice properly. Hmm, should I slip away for now? It’s a bit early, but I should go eat lunch and rest.

“I’ll be going then, so do whatever you want now.”

“I told you I’m the hyung!”

“Alright, alright. Seoho hyung. Happy now? I’m leaving.”

“Where are you going!”

He’s trying to stop me again. He really needs to break this habit. I looked down at my arm that he had gripped tightly and tapped the back of my other hand against it. It seemed he had grabbed it unconsciously, as he looked surprised himself. The, he quickly let go of the hand that had seized me.

“I’m just going to eat. I’m hungry.”

“……Do you always exit situations by making people misunderstand like that?”

“Misunderstand what?”

“It seems like you’re trying to kick me out!”

Wasn’t I trying to get you to let me go? I didn’t know that. Seoho’s face was all twisted. He seemed frustrated, but also apologetic.

He doesn’t seem to know how to act himself. He’s being really apologetic just for provoking one status abnormality. But I already accepted his apology.

“Oh, then I should eat too.”

Park Yoochan chimed in that he would eat lunch as well. Then, after a moment’s hesitation, he asked Baek Kanghyun.

“Kanghyun, let’s eat together.”

“……Me?”

“Yeah. You too. Don’t you want to?”

Baek Kanghyun looked up at Park Yoochan with his signature inexpressive face. Unseen beads of sweat seemed to roll down Park Yoochan’s grinning forehead. Baek Kanghyun’s head minutely bobbed up and down as he silently observed.

“Let’s go.”

Park Yoochan’s face brightened. He really struggles with this. But whenever he asks for something, he’s surprisingly accommodating. How does he know his own members less than I do? Didn’t the former leader act as an intermediary and pass this kind of information to them?

“I’m coming too. To keep an eye on you trying to schmooze our hyungs!”

Schmooze? I’m not some femme fatale, am I? Or maybe I am? Come to think of it, I have been schmoozing quite a bit. I got dance coaching from Baek Kanghyun, and cleared the misunderstanding with Park Yoochan to raise his fondness level. If Seoho finds out, he’ll probably have a meltdown? It must be his berserk button, so I better keep my mouth shut.

“I’ll be eating alone, so don’t worry about it.”

“What?”

“Huh?”

“Why!”

Park Yoochan exclaimed in surprise, to which I let out a dumbfounded sound, and Seoho shouted loudly.

“You’re coming with us! I said I’d keep an eye on you! Where are you trying to run off to? Eat with us!”

Seoho growled. He claims to dislike me, but he’s really peculiar.

“Alright, stop yelling.”

“What? Oh. Okay. As long as you understand.”

The four of us ended up going to the basement cafeteria together. It was 11:40 AM, a bit early, but it was quite crowded. When I chose Korean food, Seoho followed me to “keep an eye on me”, and Park Yoochan trailed behind him. After some deliberation, Baek Kanghyun also ended up choosing Korean food.

Eating together with the members.

It was something I had wanted to experience in my previous life, but bizarrely, I’m doing it today.

Up until we gathered together again, it was understandable. But we lacked any common topics of friendly conversation, and our relationships weren’t that close either, resulting in an oddly silent mealtime. I was fine, but I wonder if the others felt uncomfortable.

Seoho seemed determined to play his role as watchdog, aggressively shoveling food into his mouth while glaring at me. He looked quite exhausted. So I deliberately ate slowly and leisurely on purpose. Keep getting more tired. The more you fuss and squirm when provoked, the cuter you seem.

“Seoho.”

“What?”

“Jinsu lives in unit 1201, right?”

“Yeah. Why?”

That’s my dorm room. Why has he been asking about my room since earlier?

“No reason. I just need to confirm something.”

He ended the conversation despite my curiosity. When Seoho showed interest by asking “What is it?”, he brushed it off as “I was just suddenly curious.” For a moment, Seoho seemed disappointed, but when our eyes met again, he resumed diligently watching me. A busy little guy.

Regardless, I focused solely on my plate. And the result was unbelievable. It’s strange. I really did eat slowly and leisurely, so why did I finish my meal at the same time as Seoho? Didn’t he scarf it down frantically? Park Yoochan had only eaten half his portion. Hiding my bafflement, I set down my spoon.

“You’re already done?”

Park Yoochan asked, looking at my empty plate with apparent surprise.

“Yes. I ate a bit slower today……”

“You call that eating slowly? Are you a human vacuum? Did you swallow a beggar?”

Seoho seized the opportunity to interject. I gazed at his sparkling clean plate. My intention was to let him know his earlier comment was like spitting in my face. Look at your spotless plate.

It seems his small mind is equipped with at least some perception, as he seemed to catch my implication.

“What! I just ate quickly, while you ate slowly!”

“Are you a kid? Nitpicking over something like this?”

“I’m a year older than you, you know? If I’m a kid, then you’re a toddler!”

“I’m saying your nitpicking is childish. Study a bit if your comprehension is lacking.”

“Geez, you really. I’m the hyung here!”

“You keep saying that whenever you’re out of comebacks. Hyung hyung. Seoho hyung. Seoho hyung~ Are you satisfied now?”

“So annoying!”

He reacted exactly as i expected when provoked, his every reaction rich and delicious. It’s entertaining that he immediately loses any battle of wits due to his lack of brains. And it’s comfortable for me not having to think up clever words to tease with. Mocking him is fun. I stood up, chuckling merrily.

“Where are you going again!”

“I finished eating, so I’m going to sleep. Are you going to watch me sleep too? Or do you want to sleep with me? Are you scared of sleeping alone? Seoho hyung~ Shall I tuck you in?”

“Get lost!”

Even if he tells me not to go, I plan to leave. This is a good stopping point. As fun as it is to tease him, it’s a waste of time.

“Enjoy your meals, hyungs. I’ll go ahead.”

“Oh, mmm.”

The only response came from Park Yoochan. Seoho grumbled about why he should respond. Upon hearing this, Park Yoochan solemnly suggested to Seoho that they talk after finishing their meal. I just hope he doesn’t provoke any rashes.

Well, he probably has a good grasp of Seoho’s personality, so he’ll handle it. Park Yoochan seems logical and capable of thinking, so I’ll trust him.

On my way back after clearing my tray, I ran into the vocal coach. Beaming brightly, I greeted him and waved, saying I’d see him a little later. I should hurry back to my nest, take a nap, and prepare to work hard in the afternoon training session!

I wonder how many times the vocal room will be free today.

As I was thinking this, the elevator stopped on the 2nd floor, and the doors opened. There stood the brat.

All the members assembled.

A passing thought had actually materialized.