#49
“Real variety show… that’s why you called, right?”
-…Yes, that’s right. How much of the explanation have you heard?
“Just… the show’s concept and schedule, whether I’m interested in appearing, and if I have a separate agency, stuff like that?”
He rolled over to the opposite side while waiting for Imun, who had gone silent. Was it because it was still early? His unusually calm voice was somehow concerning.
“Is it… causing you trouble because of me? I only expressed interest since they said your company would give the final approval.”
-Why do you want to appear on the show, hyung?
“Ah… umm…”
Faced with the unexpected question, he unintentionally fumbled with his words. Should I say it or not? After going through internal conflict while tearing at his pillowcase, he let out a short laugh. “Heh.”
“I just want to spend more time with you.”
The proposal from a certain writer, which would allow him to spend a long time with Imun without interfering with his schedule, and even go on a trip together, was attractive in many ways.
Even if it turned out to be a scam, it didn’t matter. It hadn’t even been half a day since he’d accepted the offer, yet the news had already reached Imun, suggesting the entertainment industry worked faster than he thought.
Why isn’t he responding again! He clearly lacked the skill that Imun had for saying embarrassing things so casually. While scratching his goosebump-covered arms and flailing about in embarrassment, Imun heaved a heavy sigh.
-Hyung… I’m a bit worried.
“What are you worried about?”
-I’m absolutely not trying to belittle your profession, but… it’s quite different from Twitch or YouTube. It’s not public broadcasting, but it’s a famous cable network, and also…
I thought he’d be happy about it. Slightly dejected by the completely unexpected reaction, he soon nodded silently.
As Imun expounded on the impact of TV appearances, he was clearly concerned for Hajun more than anyone. He must have the same worried expression now as when they met in Korea.
The unforgettable memory of that night naturally led to Imun’s bright smile. His smile, which kept invading Hajun’s mind at all hours, had become quite familiar by now. Finding himself smirking without realizing it, he cleared his throat.
“Don’t worry about me. I’ve already exposed my face enough as a streamer, and most importantly, I don’t live in Korea, right? Even if the show becomes popular, there won’t be many people here who would recognize me.”
-You weren’t… blackmailed into appearing, were you? How did the PD come to know about you in the first place?
“Blackmail? What are you talking about… They probably saw some story about us floating around online.”
He automatically thought of the interview broadcast that had been recorded when he was caught on his way to a fan signing. He wasn’t sure how the PD, whom he had mistaken for a staff member, had relayed his words, but the writer who contacted him through her introduction had an surprisingly humble attitude.
Was that interview really unpopular in the first place? The moment he recalled the unfiltered video letter he had rambled through out of exhaustion, he felt a chill run down his spine. That must absolutely never be revealed to the world, even if the sky were to fall.
Although it had been quite some time since the filming, judging by the viewers’ silence, it was either an obscure broadcast as expected or his segment had been edited out. No, it had to be.
Quickly shaking off the creepy hypothesis, Hajun awkwardly cleared his throat. It seemed he needed to comfort the gloomy Imun first.
“…Before, you asked me to come to Korea. So I was planning to visit once your activities ended soon. But thinking about it, even if I went, you’d be busy preparing for the next album and whatnot, so you probably couldn’t take a day or two off.”
-That’s true, but…
“But this seemed like perfect conditions, except for the broadcast filming part. It’s a trip others would pay to go on, but in this case, I even get paid and can hang out with you for several days. Ah, of course, the money isn’t important…”
His words, intended to subtly change the subject, gradually became more sincere. Before he knew it, he was desperately trying to persuade Imun.
Maybe I’m being too pushy. While it was truly a great opportunity, there was nothing to be done if Imun was reluctant. He calmed his excited voice and carefully probed Imun’s true feelings.
“It’s okay, if you really feel burdened, we can forget it. I’m disappointed, but… we don’t need to be together all day. I also like just seeing you briefly in the evenings like before. What should we do… should I decline the show?”
-No. If you’re okay with it… Yes, let’s do it. Let’s go on the trip together.
As soon as permission was granted, he kicked off his blanket vigorously. “Great! Let’s have a good time!” “Haha, are you that happy?” “Of course!” While making a commotion excitedly as he heard the laughter-tinged voice, Imun spoke up.
-I miss you, hyung. Can we video call?
“Huh? …No. I’m still in bed… This is normally sleeping time for everyone.”
-If it’s normally sleeping time, why aren’t you asleep, hyung?
His throat suddenly constricted at the unexpected attack. If he didn’t answer properly, Imun might discover that he kept his chat notifications on all the time.
“…I’m… the type to wake up early, that’s all.”
-It’s four in the morning, though?
“…Today’s game was particularly fun… I was so absorbed that I just now got into bed.”
-Haha, I see. Alright. I’m about to arrive at the shop now. Go to sleep quickly, hyung.
Imun said his goodbyes as if about to hang up. “We could talk more.” After hearing the firm refusal that sleeping early would make tomorrow easier, he couldn’t hold Imun back any longer. Ending the bittersweet call, he buried his face in his pillow.
A trip with Imun! Just thinking about it made his heart pound. It seemed unlikely that he would be able to fall asleep easily, but as Imun suggested, it was probably better to at least try. He closed his eyes while imagining running around with Imun until dawn.
***
A black van was driving down a dark road. A soft fluorescent interior light was on above Imun and Saha, who were sitting in the back seat. Unlike the two members who were drowsy with sleep, Imun glanced at Saha who had been browsing the web diligently since dawn.
“Yes, hyung. Sleep well. I’ll call you again later.”
As soon as he ended the call with Hajun, Saha lowered his phone and raised his head. His sparkling eyes suggested he had been waiting for the call to end.
“Now you’re not hiding your calls anymore, hyung.”
“We’re in a car… I can’t exactly go anywhere.”
“You could wait until we reach the shop. Do you enjoy talking to Hajun hyung that much?”
Without denying it, Imun smacked Saha on the head. “Aack! You hit the same spot as yesterday, you did that on purpose!” After exaggerating his pain, Saha suddenly changed his demeanor and laughed mischievously.
“Hmm, why are you lying to Hajun hyung? We’re still far from arriving.”
“Park Saha.”
“Tsk. Did I say something wrong?”
Signaling him to stop with a look, Imun opened his phone’s album. As he flipped through the selfies Hajun had sent, Saha grumbled, “Here we go again,” as if disgusted.
“So Hajun hyung is going to appear on the show?”
“Well, for now. Is this… a good thing?”
“Of course it’s good! Getting to film and hang out with your friend. It’s the best of both worlds!”
“Killing two birds with one stone! Ah, or is it something about ditches and crayfish?” Lost in sudden contemplation, Imun mumbled to himself as Saha smiled at him and turned his gaze out the window.
A trip with hyung. Just imagining it made his heart flutter so much it was almost painful. But he was equally worried about public attention focusing unnecessarily on Hajun. He unconsciously frowned, then smoothed his expression when he noticed Saha’s gaze.
“You guys should get some sleep too. I’ll wake you when we arrive,” their manager said. Immediately, Imun reclined his seat and turned his back to Saha. “What, hyung, are you really going to sleep?” Even as Saha shouted in disbelief, he also reclined his seat. Soon after, the manager turned off all the lights in the car.
In the sudden darkness, Imun slowly opened his eyes that he had closed.
First it was movies, then games. He had always been suspicious of how Hajun responded immediately even in the dead of night, but it was hard to find concrete evidence. All he could do was try to avoid contacting him at dawn, which was frustrating, but today he finally seemed to have uncovered the truth.
Despite repeatedly asking him to turn off notifications, Hajun clearly hadn’t listened. Judging by the speed of his replies, there was a high probability he was sleeping with his phone not just on vibrate but on sound mode every night.
I should continue to avoid dawn contacts. He didn’t want to wake Hajun from his sleep just for his messages. Nevertheless, the fact that Hajun prioritized him over sleep was quite satisfying.
‘Can’t we talk a little longer? We barely got to talk yesterday…’
Placing a hand on his chest as he recalled the pleading voice, his heart, which had been pounding since their call, still hadn’t calmed down.
Although he had experienced similar symptoms occasionally before, they seemed particularly intense recently. Just a few days ago, he had squeezed out non-existent time for a health check-up out of concern. Fortunately, there were no medical abnormalities.
What is wrong with me? As he tried to grasp the cause of this inexplicable physical phenomenon, Imun suddenly froze.
“That can’t be it.”
It was an absurd hypothesis. He snorted lightly and closed his eyes.
***
His grandmother had left the house since morning, saying she had a gathering to attend. To have a simple lunch, he poured milk into a bowl and sprinkled cereal in it.
He’ll be here soon. It seemed he needed to quickly eat and clean the living room once more. He felt increasingly anxious at the thought of welcoming a guest. While glancing at the clock and hurriedly using his spoon, the phone rang.
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
“That can’t be.” YES CAN BE!!! HEUHEUEHEUEHEUEHE