#58
A member with high recognition from a group that anyone would name without hesitation when asked about the most popular male idols. Though his tone was courteous, almost humble, considering who he was, it was certainly a request that couldn’t be easily refused.
The writer bowed her head, not daring to meet the eyes of the man whom even the director found intimidating.
‘The way Imun and Gangha look at each other is just so sweet. You know what I mean, right? Let’s draw a pretty picture. I’m counting on you!’
PD, what should I do in this situation?! Even to someone like her with limited on-set experience, the two of them in front of the food stall had been perfect. It was obvious that adding some editing and effects would make the ratings soar.
“As you know, I don’t have the authority… First… I’ll ask about it! Just a moment!”
“Of course. Sorry for the trouble.”
Imun, who had been watching the writer on the phone with the director, subtly shifted his gaze. Fortunately, Hajun resting on the bench looked quite bright. He secretly let out a sigh of relief and armed himself with a smile once again.
It was clearly an overreach for a cast member to comment on editing. But no matter what, he couldn’t let his tears be used as material for ratings.
He was prepared to exert pressure through his agency if the proposal was rejected when—
“Really, he said… that?”
The words from the writer who finished the call were not just surprising but bewildering. He carefully went over her proposal again, but only more detailed explanations came back.
“Yes, I understand. Oh, and one more thing…”
Since he was going to be used one way or another, he might as well gain as much benefit as possible. Imun smiled more deeply and suggested another option.
*
He sensed movement beside him as someone cleared away a water bottle. “You’re back?” Hajun welcomed Imun without taking his eyes off his phone, while Imun openly peeked at his screen.
“What are you looking at so intently?”
“Ah, I was just checking out our next destination. I really wanted to visit this place.”
“You didn’t go when you lived in Korea?”
“Back then… I was too busy going to PC bangs.”
As he turned his head with a chuckle, his brow furrowed involuntarily. Imun’s expression somehow didn’t look good. “What’s wrong? Did you hear something unpleasant?” He smiled casually as if it was nothing, naturally rubbing his own eyes.
“It seems to have subsided a lot since earlier, which is fortunate.”
“Really? Hmm, thanks to you.”
“Hyung, I… have something to tell you in advance…”
After starting, he kept moving his lips without continuing, looking like he was about to say something difficult. Hajun found himself tensing up, waiting for Imun to speak. Soon, as if he had firmed his resolve, Imun took a deep breath.
“When filming resumes, I might be overly physical with you. No, I will be. I wanted to apologize in advance.”
“What’s that supposed to mean… What do you mean by ‘overly physical’?”
“Well… like suddenly hugging you, or grabbing your hand, or staring into your eyes for no reason—that kind of thing.”
“…That’s not really different from what you normally do though?”
Imun blinked with wide eyes, silently. “…Me? When?” Even while shamelessly denying it, he was busy touching his eyes.
He did it without realizing?! Hajun snorted incredulously and listed all the embarrassing things Imun had done so far. As if only now realizing it after hearing Hajun’s words, Imun’s face gradually turned red.
“Ah, that… I see. I’m sorry… I’ll be more careful next time.”
“Why are you changing the subject? It’s not like… I hate it. So, why are you bringing this up?”
“Well… I just got a bit greedy. Fans really like the bromance elements. I’ll only do it within reasonable limits, so don’t worry too much. Though you may not know, believe it or not, I’m quite professional in this area.”
Shortly after debut, for about a year, it seemed Imun had formed a strategic pair with Rai. His voice revealed bubbling resentment as he confessed his past: wanting to punch Rai in the stomach every time he put an arm around his shoulders, and later, embracing Rai first because he couldn’t lose.
Being paired with another man as business—the idol world seemed more profound the more you learned about it. Understanding Imun’s indignation and anger, Hajun patted his back comfortingly.
“Back then, we were all sighing deeply, thinking, ‘Let’s get popular quickly. If we get popular, we won’t have to do this anymore,’ and we practiced with gritted teeth.”
“So that’s why you and Rai were often together?”
“What? You haven’t… watched any weird videos, have you? Videos that only edit our skinship scenes… You absolutely must not watch those!”
See, he’s holding hands again. Wondering if the cameras were already rolling, Hajun glanced at the production team, only to be struck by Imun’s urgent prompting in his ear.
“Quickly, hyung, answer me quickly!”
“Okay, I won’t watch! I didn’t even know such things existed.”
“You really won’t watch them? You must promise!” As if still not reassured, Imun anxiously pressed closer to him. Hajun stared at him indifferently and wriggled to shake off his hand. But as expected, he couldn’t overcome Imun’s grip strength.
I’ll sign up for PT classes first thing when I get to Japan. He didn’t even want to count how many times his pride had crumbled in front of Imun yesterday and today. Hajun inwardly wailed while pointlessly lashing out at Imun.
*
The M Tower, standing tall on the mountain, was clearly visible at the final filming location. He was so excited and happy to visit Seoul’s landmark, featured in every Korean travel program, with Imun.
Boarding the cable car heading to the observatory, he clung to the window. The sunset view—a mix of tall apartments, low houses, and lush forests—stirred the hearts of its viewers.
“It’s magnificent. It must be even prettier at night? I’m so looking forward to it.”
“Hyung, at times like this, it really shows that you’ve lived abroad for a long time.”
Imun was sitting far from the window with his arms crossed and head down. At first glance, he looked like someone lost in melancholic contemplation, but knowing his fear of heights, Hajun could only feel a twinge in his heart.
He completely gave up on enjoying the outside view and approached Imun. Just as he was examining Imun, who slightly raised his eyes, with a furrowed brow—
“What, what are you—”
“What is it?”
Imun’s hand suddenly touched his cheek. The series of actions—gently cupping his cheek and nonchalantly caressing his earlobe—made him momentarily forget everything he was about to say.
Imun’s gaze toward him was sweet and sticky, like looking at an adorable lover. Unable to accept the unusual situation, he froze like a stone before belatedly screaming.
“What is this, what is this?!”
“Huh? What do you mean? Your cheeks looked cold, so I’m warming them up for you. I’ve always done this, why are you suddenly acting like this?”
Imun slowly removed his fingertips as if regretful and quickly winked. Facing his playful signal, Hajun’s face unintentionally turned red.
So this is business! Despite Imun’s prior warning, he couldn’t help but lament that he only realized it now.
Glancing at him behaving so differently from usual, Hajun deliberately rubbed his nape. “Hyung, did you know you have a mole behind your ear?” “Oh, r-really?!” This time, he just awkwardly smiled while letting the mischievous hand fiddle with his ear.
The cable car soon arrived in front of the tower. Looking at the observatory soaring high into the sky, Hajun quickly moved his feet and pulled Imun along.
“Why are you so slow!” “Haha, where should we go first?” Imun casually put his arm around Hajun’s shoulder and secretly sent another signal behind the camera’s view. It seemed his bold acting would likely continue throughout the remaining schedule.
Even as he looked incredulous and glanced at the camera, Imun boldly pressed his body against him. Alright, if that’s what our Imun wants. If it could make his broadcast a success, he was willing to play along with a spirit of self-sacrifice.
Finishing his deliberation, Hajun displayed a bright smile and boldly wrapped his arm around Imun’s waist. Though it was nothing compared to what he had done, Imun was noticeably flustered.
“What, isn’t it better if I join in too?”
“You don’t have to force yourself…”
It seemed like the perfect timing to get revenge for all the one-sided suffering he’d endured from Imun so far. “I’ll help you, business.” As he whispered and pulled his waist even closer, Imun wriggled, trying to create distance. Seeing him lowering his eyes like a shy bride made Hajun feel like he was doing something terrible.
Grandmother, I don’t think I can show you the broadcast after all. After sending an undeliverable message to her, who would never have dreamed he would be in a pseudo-romance with a man, he smiled brightly.
*
They decided to hang a love lock, M Tower’s specialty. As soon as he heard the modifier “love,” he grimaced, and Imun suddenly began to sob, “Hyung, you said you loved me!”
“W-what?” “Hyung, has your heart changed now?” The lines that followed were no less dramatic than a melodrama. For a moment, he zoned out before hastily covering Imun’s mouth in shock. With the word “hyung” and a manly voice discussing love, the attention of those around them was gradually focusing on them.
“Hyung, don’t tell me you’ve already put a lock with someone else—”
“That’s enough!”
He whacked Imun’s back with genuine sincerity and roughly pushed him into the store.
Each chose the design they wanted and began writing messages with their backs to each other. “Hyung, are you done writing?” The way he peered over was clearly an attempt to peek at Hajun’s lock.
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
