Chapter 194: Joy (31)

I was pretty sure they'd just brush it off as a joke, so I gave a quick retort. We didn't hesitate with our answers, and that prompted chuckles from both the audience and Senior Halo alike.

- So, why do you two always beef?

“It's not like we are constantly at each other's throats, but, hmm… Why do you think that is, Jin-Wook?"

Jin-Wook let out a sigh before replying, “I try to do my best, but it seems like the smallest things can set things off."

“Ah, hyung. Gosh. Everyone, take a look at this.” I picked up a bottle of water from beneath the chair and said, “If you want to give someone water, this is how you should do it."

I gently handed the water bottle to Jin-Wook. He then glanced down, hesitated for a moment, and took the bottle from my hand.

“No, you are not supposed to take it, hyung.”

“You are the one who gave it to me."

“I was just pretending to offer it."

- Yes, folks. This is how they fight.

Senior Halo's commentary once again sent waves of laughter through the audience. I retrieved the water bottle from Jin-Wook and said, “You know, Jin-Wook, sometimes you just need to pass it to me gently.

I stood up, locked eyes with Jin-Wook, and mockingly tossed the water bottle onto his lap without a hint of a smile. “This is how you should give it. It's no wonder we are always at loggerheads."

The fans, who seemed to understand Jin-Wook's personality even better than I did, nodded in agreement. This set Senior Halo off into another fit of laughter.

- It seems the fans are agreeing with you, Hyun-Woo. Jin-Wook, would you care to defend yourself?

Kim Jin-Wook nodded and explained, “It's not constant bickering. If he would just tone down the complaints, we'd hardly have any issues. But it seems like he's always got a frown ready for anything I say. Maybe everything I do just rubs him the wrong way."

“Come on, what nonsense is that? Who else would put up with you if not me?"

The atmosphere was charged for a playful showdown. As if we were in a rap battle, we traded jabs back and forth, and it was much to the amusement of the onlookers. Halo simply observed the exchange and then posed a question.

- Why are you two even friends in the first place?

A wave of laughter filled with understanding swept through the audience. With a half-hearted tone, I admitted, “Despite everything, he's got a good heart."

“Yes, I am very nice."

- I still can't wrap my head around your friendship. Honestly, how many times have you two butted heads today?

At Senior Halo's probing, I confessed, “Actually, this is the first spat today."

“Yes," Jin-Wook concurred, but Halo looked unconvinced.

- That doesn't seem quite right. Could we have the manager come out for a moment? If you'd rather not, I can come to you.

When Jin-Wook's manager hesitated to step forward, Halo took the initiative and headed backstage to ask directly.

- Manager, can you shed some light on how many times these two have clashed today?

Kim Jin-Wook and I fixed our gazes on his manager, who candidly admitted despite a flush of embarrassment. “They've been at it nonstop. By my count, at least three times..."

- Three times already? That's quite something. Thanks for the insight.

Halo couldn't help but smirk at the awkward stares from Kim Jin-Wook and me. He then chided us gently, like a teacher would.

- You two.

“Yes?"

“Yes.”

- It's heartwarming to see you both getting along so well.

“Really?"

- You are a pair of truly charming young souls. I look forward to cheering on the rich tapestry of your friendship.

The mischief-maker Halo cleverly spun our squabbles into a narrative of camaraderie and neatly tied up the conversation.

- Well, it's about time we bid farewell to Hyun-Woo.

“Oh..."

The audience's collective sigh of disappointment echoed through the room and prompted me to express my gratitude once more. “I'm truly thankful for the opportunity to be here every time."

- Next time, all of Chronos should join us. It seems like you are always here as special guests.

“Oh, absolutely. Just give us a call, and we will be here in a heartbeat."

- Really? Isn't it about time for Chronos to make a comeback?

“Ah! Yes, you are spot on. We just released our music video the day before yesterday."

- Since we have the pleasure of your company today, why not seize the moment to plug your new track? The stage is yours.

“Thank you! After a brief rest, we are back with our second mini-album

The Dawn of Youth

, featuring the lead single ‘Joy.’ It's a vibrant and touching tune that encapsulates the thrill of youth and those once-in-a-lifetime memories. We'd be thrilled if you could give it a go. Thanks a ton!”

- Wow, impressive.

Halo couldn't help but applaud, clearly impressed by the pitch.

- You've got that memorized, right?

"Haha!"

- Well, we are grateful you could make it today. I've given your new song a go myself, and I must say, it's quite the hit. I'm sure everyone here would love it too. And now, it's time to bid farewell to Hyun-Woo. Thank you for joining us.

“Thank you so much!" I rose from my chair, offered another bow, and proceeded backstage.

“Great job out there!"

“Thanks, you too!"

After relinquishing the microphone to the crew, I made my way to the dressing room.

“How's Jin-Sung doing?"

“He is staying till the end. You can head back to the dorm since Hyuk-Soo's with him."

“Then, straight to the dorm... Or, maybe I could stay a bit longer?"

𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

“Really? Oh, of course, that's fine."

Despite my personal dislike toward Kim Jin-Wook, his music undoubtedly had a certain appeal. Since I had the chance to witness his live performances on a music talk show, it would be foolish for me to pass it up.

I lingered in the dressing room to savor Kim Jin-Wook's performance a few more times before heading back to the dorm. After the recording, Jin-Sung met up with Kim Jin-Wook and returned late at night, his eyes alight with an unusual fervor.

***

Today was crammed with a tighter schedule than usual. From morning until afternoon, we were busy filming for

Graduating

, and then from afternoon into the wee hours, we had the pre-recording for

Music Case

.

Luckily, the rehearsals weren't as grueling as before, so I was feeling relatively fresh albeit a bit sleepy.

“...Hey, wake up."

“...Mhm."

“You will end up spending the entire day asleep in this state."

Goh Yoo-Joon blinked his sleepy eyes wide open and retorted, “I'm in the car right now. I will stay awake in school."

It was the first time reuniting with friends since our comeback. Though we had kept in touch after the showcase, this face-to-face meeting felt long overdue.

“We've arrived."

As usual, I was the last to arrive, so I made my way to the classroom. The corridors were silent, but the voices grew louder as I neared the classroom.

“Man, these guys are always so noisy. Right, Hyun-Woo?"

“Seems like it, Yoo-Joon."

The moment Goh Yoo-Joon heard our friends, he seemed to regain his energy and rushed to fling open the classroom door. The moment he did so, the classroom erupted with playful shouts. “Look who it is! Isn't that Chronos?"

I slowly entered the classroom, closed the door behind me, and settled into my seat. Moments later, a flurry of paper was thrust in my direction, and the faces of my classmates beamed back at me with mischievous grins.

“Chronos's very own Hyun-Woo, could we trouble you for an autograph?"

“Oh, come on, guys."

“Chronos! God of time!"

“I said stop, hahaha."

Their youthful antics and cheeky smiles were endearing. I playfully snatched the papers, scribbled my signature, and handed them back, watching them make a show of their newfound treasures.

Just then, a voice rang out. “Is there anyone who hasn't seen the ‘Joy’ music video yet?!"

“Me!"

“Here too!"

“Let's play it right here!"

The students who hadn't seen our music video eagerly connected the computer to the TV and started the video.

“Seems like they are more energetic than usual, doesn't it?" Goh Yoo-Joon mused aloud.

I gave a nod in agreement. “They are definitely more hyped up today."

It was probably because they had stumbled upon fresh material to rib us about. After all, the sheer delight of watching a buddy cringe at their own image on TV was a universal pleasure. It was something I had come to understand all too well after witnessing the relentless teasing endured by the Allure during their debut.

“Let's crank it up!"

“Ah, knock it off, will you?" Goh Yoo-Joon tried to interject. Despite his attempts to dissuade them, the music video rolled on. I just let out a sigh and shielded my face with my hands, leaving only my eyes free to covertly watch the scene unfold.

At that moment, Kun-Ho entered the classroom and stopped at the sight. A sly grin spread across his face after a brief moment of contemplation. He then casually took a seat at one of the student desks near the podium, joining in on the MV viewing session.

It was homeroom time, and here we were, subjected to an impromptu viewing of our own music video, much to our chagrin.

“Eh? There’s a music video too?" asked Joon-Hwan.

“You didn't know? I've seen it already," replied Hee-Su.

“I had no clue. I thought it was just a showcase." Filled with a sense of wonder, Joon-Hwan started to watch with earnest interest.

“I even looked up the meaning of the plot," Hee-Su said. He evidently kept abreast of our work and was ready to offer insights whenever Joon-Hwan seemed puzzled by the story.

The first verse was light-hearted and upbeat. Each time Goh Yoo-Joon and I appeared, either in acting shots or dance sequences, the room erupted into exuberant cheers for us. But as the tone shifted from the breezy first verse to the much-anticipated second verse, the atmosphere in the room changed all of a sudden. This was the part where the narrative deepened, a part lauded on platforms like

BlueBird

and

UTube

for its compelling storyline.

The students' reactions mirrored those found online. The playful teasing subsided and gave way to a roomful of captivated viewers. I gradually lowered my hands from my face and took in the sight of my friends, who were now thoroughly engrossed in the unfolding drama on screen.