Chapter 584: Into the Rain (2)

I stood in the hallway in front of the MBS PD office.

After blocking Lee Joon-Soo and his boy group Extension from appearing in the show, the future where Lee Joon-Soo got into an accident disappeared.

However, one schedule entry still remained unchanged.

[Everyday V12.2]

[Date: January 21, 2021]

-3:00 p.m.: A 25-vehicle pile-up occurred near Yangjae IC on the Gyeongbu Expressway. (Note: Once-in-a-century winter rain.)

Before the regression, the media reported that the accident was likely caused by the driver dozing off at the time.

However, since the driver died instantly at the scene and the rainstorm that day was so severe, the police couldn't determine whether the direct cause was drowsy driving or skidding due to the rain. Even the bus's internal security camera had shut down, so the cause of the accident remained a matter of speculation.

After collecting my thoughts for a moment, I decided to pursue the most likely cause first. So I called Osan Best Transportation, the company that operates bus number 9999, once again. As expected, they said they couldn't reveal the driver's identity due to security policies.

After hanging up, I considered reporting it to the police next. However, I couldn't report something that hadn't happened yet.

Then I thought about following the vehicle by car and warning them myself, but I quickly realized that was impossible as well. If I approached a massive bus in the pouring rain, I could end up in an even bigger accident.

In the end, there was only one surefire method—It was to get on that bus and stop the horrific tragedy myself.

Bus number 9999 departed from the Osan terminal and took roughly one hour and ten to twenty minutes to reach Sadang Station. If there was traffic, it could take longer, but since it was the afternoon, traffic should be light. This meant that if I arrived at the terminal by 1:40 p.m. and picked a bus that would pass Yangjae IC at 3:00 p.m., I could sit right behind the driver's seat.

Buzz.

That's when a call came in from Lee Joon-Soo, whose schedule had just been canceled because of me.

[Caller ID: Lee Joon-Soo]

Since PD Park Yung-Min from MBS canceled the meeting, he was clearly trying to reschedule with me. Now that he couldn't appear on the MBS music program, he was probably thinking of having his group show up on Ha-Na's MeTube live instead.

Since the cancellation was due to me, I answered with a bit of guilt.

"Yes, hyung."

-

Hahaha

. The meeting with the MBS PD got canceled. Can we still meet like we planned earlier?

Since Park Yung-Min hadn't told him the real reason for the cancellation, Lee Joon-Soo thought it was just due to some other issue.

"Of course, hyung. Then let's meet at 11:30, same place-Suwon Original Wang Galbi."

-Okay~ See you then.

"Oh, and hyung, there's something I need to tell you."

-Hmm? What is it?

"I'm sorry, but the MBS cancellation happened because of our company."

-Because of your company? What do you mean by that?

I honestly explained the situation.

"'Unreachable Heart' is going to be broadcast this week to promote the drama

Hwaranjeon

. So... your segment got canceled. I'm really sorry."

I did it to save Lee Joon-Soo, but I couldn't tell him that.

Lee Joon-Soo went quiet for a moment. In the entertainment world, where popularity was everything, things like this happened all the time, but that didn't mean it didn't sting. Thankfully, with his easy going personality, Lee Joon-Soo didn't get too angry and composed himself.

-

Ahem

. I see. That's a shame, but what can you do? Just treat our boys to a big meat feast, okay? And give us a bit more airtime on Ha-Na Tube. You can do that, right?

Lee Joon-Soo sounded clearly disappointed and drained. I felt sorry, but there was nothing I could do right now.

"Of course I can do that. Oh, and for the song 'Unreachable Heart,' there's a male vocal part open, so I recommended Namgoong Hyuk, the leader of Extension. If you're okay with it, I'd like him to join. What do you think?"

-Huh? You want Hyuk?

"Yes. I feel really bad about your schedule being dropped. I know it might seem like I'm giving you the problem and the solution... but I genuinely think it'd be good for Hyuk to perform."

At that moment, Lee Joon-Soo burst out laughing.

-You really did feel bad, huh. Yoon-Ho, this kind of stuff happens when you're working, so don't beat yourself up too much. And actually, I'd love a stage like that. Let's use your fandom to give Hyuk some exposure.

The good thing about groups was that even if only one member gained popularity, it raised the entire group's profile. Lee Joon-Soo understood that very well.

"Let's do it! And since things turned out this way, I'll make sure to fully support your team from now on!"

-With backing from Star Jung the Fortuneteller, we won't even need ten PDs!

Haha

!

"Oh come on, hyung..."

-Then I'll see you at 11:30 in Suwon.

Relieved by Lee Joon-Soo's cheerful attitude, I hung up the phone.

Then I made a reservation at Suwon Original Wang Galbi for 11:30 and headed straight to the parking lot.

***

Suwon Original Wang Galbi was a huge building that could fit about 500 people and had a roof that looked like traditional hanok tiles[1].

I was guided by a staff member to the reserved VIP Room No. 4. It was a room with a giant glass window overlooking the parking lot.

Sitting by the window in Room 4, I turned to look outside. The top of the building was shaped like hanok tiles, and rain was cascading down the grooves. With the torrential rain, the pouring water looked like a waterfall.

"It's raining way too much..."

Besides the accident I had to prevent, there would probably be many other accidents happening across the country.

Creak.

Just then, the door opened, and Lee Joon-Soo walked in with his five-member boy group, Extension.

"Hey, Yoon-Ho. Sorry we're late."

"Being just one minute late isn't even late. Come, have a seat over here."

I guided Lee Joon-Soo to the seat of honor. He tried to wave it off, saying it was fine, but I insisted and made him sit there.

Then Lee Joon-Soo smiled and called out to Extension. "Guys, come greet Mr. Jung."

At that moment, Extension lined up and bowed 90 degrees with a shy idol-style greeting. "We're Extension, aiming to reach beyond Korea and out into the world!"

All five bowed in unison with their chant. Receiving this greeting from the boys who had to halt their careers after the accident before the regression, I was overwhelmed with emotion.

For a moment, I forgot to respond and just stared at the members of Extension:

Namgoong Hyuk, the 20-year-old leader, was a well-rounded idol who handled both lead vocals and songwriting. The 19-year-old Han Ji-Sung was in charge of dance and rap. Lee Tae-Myung and Park Ahn-Joong, both 18, were sub-vocalists. The youngest, 17-year-old Jo Jae-Moon, handled the group's entertainment appearances.

Since Lee Joon-Soo had always emphasized fundamentals, all of them were quite skilled in singing and dancing.

Even before the regression, they were kind-hearted boys who gathered every year on Lee Joon-Soo's memorial day. I was glad to be able to help such kids.

I finally spoke with a bright expression. "Great to meet you. You must be hungry, so let's eat first."

As the boys slowly lifted their heads, Lee Joon-Soo chuckled and added, "Mr. Jung is treating today, so eat up."

Right then, Namgoong Hyuk spoke up on behalf of the group. "Thank you, Mr. Jung Yoon-Ho!"

"Thank you for the meal!"

Creak.

The door opened and a server came in.

"Shall I light the grill?"

"Yes, please do. And we'd like the best cuts of meat. Let's start with five portions of plain ribs and five of marinated. We'll order more after that."

"Would you like beer or any drinks?"

"No, we're good."

After the server left and closed the door, I sent the audio file of 'Unreachable Heart,' the special performance track, to Lee Joon-Soo.

Ding!

After receiving the file, Lee Joon-Soo asked, "Is this the song?"

"Yes. In the middle of the first verse and the entire second verse, those parts are for Hyuk."

Lee Joon-Soo handed the file over to Namgoong Hyuk, who was sitting across from him. "Hyuk, make sure you've mastered this song by tonight. If we're lucky, you might even sing it live on Kang Ha-Na's MeTube later. You'll definitely be performing it on the music show this weekend."

"Yes, sir."

Namgoong Hyuk immediately pulled out his earphones and started listening to the track with his eyes closed. At that moment, the members of Extension all fell silent and held their breath. Even though it was a solo stage for their leader, they hoped it would shine.

Namgoong Hyuk opened his eyes after being absorbed in the song. "Wow... this song is seriously good."

"That's a relief. And if you can fully make it your own, you'll be able to perform with Yeon-Woo and Sae-Ri in the future too."

Namgoong Hyuk looked even more determined. "Yes, Mr. Jung! I'll practice like my life depends on it."

Just then, the door opened again and two charcoal grills were brought in. Soon, various side dishes and meat were served. Seeing the beautifully marbled beef with white streaks blooming like flowers, the boys began to salivate.

"Alright, let's eat first."

Even Namgoong Hyuk couldn't resist the beef and took off his earphones.

Sssss!

Juices from the meat dripped onto the charcoal grill as it cooked. As the juices hit the coals, white smoke rose into the air. The savory smell hit our noses and made our mouths water.

Sssss~

Gulp.

As the meat sizzled and turned golden brown, everyone's fingers twitched, holding their chopsticks in anticipation.

The server flipped the meat and grilled the other side. When juices pooled on the uncooked side of the beef, the server began pushing the meat to one side of the grill.

Once a small three-tier tower of beef was built, the server finally spoke. "You can eat now."

At that moment, as if they had been waiting all along, everyone dipped the beef into the onion soy sauce in front of them and popped it into their mouths in one bite. As the tender beef melted in their mouths, everyone's face lit up with happiness.

I too began eating the grilled beef after watching them. The rich flavor of the plain ribs was so good that I momentarily forgot about the accident I had to stop.

A while later after devouring a whopping 20 servings of ribs with each serving being 450 grams, we all rubbed our full stomachs and stood up.

I paid the bill with my personal card and made plans with Lee Joon-Soo.

"I'll see you at our company later."

"Sure. I'll be at Hoop by 9:30."

"Yes, hyung-nim."

After saying goodbye, mentioning I had another schedule, I drove toward Osan. Maybe it was the beef sitting heavy in my stomach, but an unshakable confidence started welling up inside me on the way.

Beef really was magnificent.

***

Driving slowly through the pouring rain, I arrived at the bus depot for route 9999 in Osan.

It was 1:10 p.m. I parked in a paid lot about 50 meters away, got out with an umbrella, and walked toward the depot.

At the departure point, four 9999 buses were parked. But the real issue was that the departure intervals were only ten minutes apart with 1:30, 1:40, 1:50, 2:00. If I wasn't careful, I could end up boarding the wrong bus, which made me anxious.

That's when I noticed a sign that read "Driver Waiting Room" a little off to the side from the buses. It was a large prefabricated building with several small windows. Through the windows, I could see a few drivers inside. Under the eaves of the waiting room roof, there was a wooden bench and a coffee vending machine, both sheltered from the rain.

'

I should probably ask inside.

'

Rather than worry on my own, it would be better to ask one of the drivers. As I reached the front of the waiting room, a driver with gray hair came out. The name tag on his chest read Chae Moon-Dong, and he was rummaging through his pocket for change to buy coffee.

Without hesitation, I bought two cups of coffee with my own money.

"Sir, please have this."

"Oh... you really didn't have to. Thank you."

Chae Moon-Dong smiled kindly as he accepted the coffee.

Slurp.

After taking a sip of my own coffee, I casually asked what I was wondering. "Excuse me, if I board a bus at a certain time, which one would pass Yangjae IC around 3 p.m?"

When I asked about the time the bus would pass Yangjae IC on the Gyeongbu Expressway, not the final stop at Sadang Station, Chae Moon-Dong looked puzzled for a moment.

But he quickly answered my question. "Since it's raining more than usual, if you take the 1:40 bus, it should pass Yangjae IC around 3 p.m. That bus over there with plate number 7942 is the 1:40 departure for route 9999, so that's the one you should take."

Thanks to Chae Moon-Dong, I now knew which bus would pass the accident site at 3 p.m.

Just then, the door to the driver waiting room opened, and another driver appeared holding a black umbrella. He looked to be in his forties and wore a name tag that read Ahn Jun-Moo.

He spoke with a lively voice. "I'll just have a quick coffee before heading out."

"Oh, just a moment. I've got coins."

I bought another cup of coffee and smiled. I needed to build rapport with the drivers if I hoped to prevent the accident later.

"Thank you.

Hahaha

."

But even as I shared coffee with them, unease began to creep in.

'Is this the right person?

'

From my experience, fate never changed this easily, so doubt began to cloud my mind. There was no reason to doubt a veteran like Chae Moon-Dong with 20 years of driving experience, yet something felt off. My planner's schedule entry hadn't changed, and I kept recalling the news mentioning the driver had been exhausted.

Just then, Ahn Jun-Moo finished his coffee and opened his umbrella.

Fwop.

"If you're boarding, shall we head out together?"

His cheerful and kind voice sounded reassuring, almost as if he were telling me that bus 7942 was the right choice.

Everything pointed to that bus, so I should've boarded it. However, my memories kept pulling me back. In the end, I clenched my jaw and made a decision.

"

Ah

... a friend of mine is supposed to meet me, but they haven't arrived yet. I'm sorry, I'll have to take the next one."

Ahn Jun-Moo looked a bit disappointed. "I see. Well, it can't be helped then."

Ahn Jun-Moo opened his umbrella and walked toward his bus. After finishing a quick vehicle inspection, Ahn Jun-Moo closed the door and slowly started moving the bus.

Vroooom~

The massive 9999 bus splashed through the pooled rainwater as it rolled out of the depot. I watched the back of the departing bus and began praying that choosing the next one was the right decision.

There were only ten minutes left until the 1:50 departure. Suppressing the pounding in my chest, I waited for the next driver to appear.

But then, a loud noise erupted from inside the driver waiting room.

And in that instant, I realized exactly which bus I should've boarded.

1.

Hanok

☜