Chapter 317: Break (13)

- I realized again that I'm a sucker for visuals.

└ Seriously, that thumbnail totally drew me in.

- 1:37

- He's so talented, why do people keep saying he lacks skill?

- Yoon-Chan AWWWW Your facial expressions, dance moves, and singing are all top-notch ?? Your styling, the concept, your looks... Everything's just perfect... ??

- Facial expressions by: Hyun-Woo, Dance by: Jin-Sung, Singing techniques taught by: Yoo-Joon lol Each member's touch is so noticeable hahaha

└ That's true, but let's not forget Yoon-Chan was always a star~

└ Yeah, I'm aware.

- 00:08 That outfit, those expressions, and that backdrop are overwhelmingly stunning?? Totally love it...

- Seems like they've gone all out at YMM... Can you imagine how frustrated he must have felt to crank up the mic and upload a raw live video just to silence those baseless rumors about his skills... If only the haters would vanish...

The buzz was incredible. Chances were, if Yoon-Chan's video popped up thanks to the algorithm, the viewers were already fans of the entertainment world. People who had an interest in Chronos or clicked because Yoon-Chan’s thumbnail caught their eye started increasing the views, commenting, and sharing the video across various platforms.

The video was flawless and unquestionably didn’t have anything to do with any controversy.

- When you watch his usual live performances, he seems a bit shaky, but it looks like they've tweaked his voice for this upload.

- If you don't know that for sure, please shut up. The controversies were all staged. I am dead serious. The clip of his performance without edits is out there, and yet there are still such comments, smh

- But doesn't it seem like they did tweak the voice? It's evident at 00:31. He gets up from a lying position doing that dance without a single wobble?

Regardless of the unbelievable clip, there were always those looking to stir up drama.

‘

Ah, we’re used to this.’

I sighed and put down my phone. I looked at Yoon-Chan, who was deeply engrossed in playing “Rasputin” with Jin-Sung for the first time in ages. Yoon-Chan hadn’t checked the reactions since he uploaded his solo live video. Considering his tendency to take every comment to heart, staying away from feedback was probably for the best.

The other members were already filtering the positive feedback to Yoon-Chan. “Yoon-Chan, your live video is trending at number two. Reactions are amazing."

“Ah, really? That's a relief... Hyun-Woo hyung composed the song and helped so much. I was worried about how the viewers would react... Phew, I was really stressed."

“...How could the reactions possibly be bad?"

He was the type who could effortlessly chat while dancing to “Rasputin” if he was just a bit more physically and mentally relaxed like that. Yoon-Chan’s “Rasputin” game was improving day by day.

“Excuse me, would it be okay if I filmed a video of you two?"

“Uh? Yes, sure."

Beep— Rrrring—.

Tae-Seong approached Yoon-Chan and Jin-Sung and suddenly began filming. Huh? I felt like I’d seen this scene before.

“Why are you filming this?” I asked.

Goh Yoo-Joon tapped away on his phone and casually replied, “Su-Hwan asked for it. He said to capture any moment worth posting on

BlueBird

, whether it's photos or videos."

“Ah, got it."

I thought Su-Hwan was going to keep it for his personal collection, but it seemed he was trying to keep the Rings engaged during our lengthy break by increasing our presence on

BlueBird.

“By the way, are you playing games with Ji-Hyuk hyung again today? Count me in if you are."

“No, not today."

Our routine had been so disrupted by our schedules that any of us could nod off at any moment, as if we had narcolepsy[1]. I was debating whether to catch some more sleep.

Even though we were officially on a break, Yoon-Chan and I still had drama shoots and variety show appearances, not to mention I still had that ongoing collaboration with Reina. The company made this period more relaxed to work rather than a complete downtime. On days like today when we had nothing scheduled, sleep was precious.

Just then, I heard the front door open.

Joo-Han had returned from his family home, his arms laden with containers of side dishes which he set on the table.

“I’m back. ...’Rasputin’ again? Mom packed some side dishes, so shall we eat now?"

He immediately turned off ‘Rasputin,’ which had been on repeat for the fifth time.

“Ah!”

“What’s with that reaction? Hey, you are going to lose to Yoon-Chan no matter how many times you try. Just eat. Mom even packed us rice.”

“Oh, really? Wow, there is seaweed soup too!”

“Mom thought she’d faint watching us make seaweed soup on

Q-app.

So, no more making seaweed soup from now on.”

While Joo-Han had been at home, it seemed he had thought of a lot of things he wanted to tell us, so he unleashed a barrage of nagging.

“Hyun-Woo, were you trying to sleep again? Stop sleeping so much.”

“Huh?”

“You are not just sleeping out of tiredness. It's narcolepsy, I swear. Oh, and Yoo-Joon. I love that you are active on

BlueBird,

but you should mix in some of your own photos, not just ones of the other members."

“Ah, okay, hyung. I will upload one right away."

“Let’s skip Jin-Sung for now. Did you see Yoon-Chan’s video? It shot up to second place on the trending charts! You really nailed it."

Ah, it was just Goh Yoo-Joon and I who got an earful. We quietly nodded in agreement and went about unpacking the side dishes and placing them into the refrigerator in an orderly fashion.

“Why don't you say anything to me? Is there really nothing you want to tell me? Is this actually happening?" Jin-Sung was unfazed by the scolding and clung to Joo-Han. When Jin-Sung's prohibition on bulking up was lifted, he celebrated by playfully headbutting Joo-Han, who momentarily pretended to be knocked away before happily returning to the scene.

Joo-Han offhandedly complimented Jin-Sung as he warmed up some seaweed soup. “That's right, you have been doing wonderfully. Have you guys seen him dance to ‘Rasputin?’ He’s got some moves."

Su-Hwan, who returned with Joo-Han, observed the interaction and chimed in with a note of formality that contrasted with the relaxed atmosphere. “Enjoy the meal. There’s something I need to discuss with you afterward."

“..."

We didn’t mean to embarrass Su-Hwan, but his serious tone and stern expression were so out of place that no one responded right away.

“Please, give me a moment of your time."

“Yeah, sure." Joo-Han quickly replied, his face betraying how he really felt. Then, unbeknownst to Su-Hwan and Joo-Han, all eyes stealthily turned to me.

‘What, why?'

I mouthed, puzzled. Their eyebrows twitched in response, and their gazes were laden with a silent question.

'Do you know what this is all about?'

They seemed to think that I was aware of the situation since I was the sub-leader. I just shrugged nonchalantly.

I wasn’t entirely sure, but of course, I had a hunch about what Su-Hwan wanted to discuss. It was likely about the upcoming concert or whether he would continue as our manager. Given that Manager Tae-Seong’s workload had been increasing, rumors had been circulating that Su-Hwan might soon complete the handover process and leave.

“Everyone, bring your plates."

The once lively members grew quiet, and the silence was almost palpable. It was hard to believe these were the same people who had been animatedly discussing Joo-Han's return and their performance of "Rasputin" just moments earlier.

Now, only sporadic praises like 'It’s delicious' broke the silence, and no topics strayed from the meals Joo-Han's mother had prepared. Everyone seemed unsure and anxious about what was happening, but it was clear they all suspected Su-Hwan was about to broach a serious topic.

As the meal ended under the pretense of peace and the table was cleared, Su-Hwan finally broke the silence. “I've been reflecting on a recent incident among the members, and as your manager, I feel like I should take responsibility for it." He was referring to a recent conflict that had heightened tensions within the group.

“Ah, hyung. You shouldn’t feel responsible for that!"

“Right, it was all my fault..."

The youngest members seemed nervous almost as if they had already heard rumors of Su-Hwan's departure. Jin-Sung and Yoon-Chan were already crafting expressions of concern as they defensively discussed Su-Hwan's responsibilities.

“...Su-Hwan hyung, you are not quitting, are you?" Goh Yoo-Joon asked, his face tense with worry, yet striving to maintain a calm demeanor.

Only Joo-Han, Tae-Seong, and I remained silent, watching the situation unfold.

Su-Hwan heard everyone out and then responded. “...I will discuss that matter later. First, I want to address my responsibilities."

“Responsibilities! What responsibilities..." Jin-Sung clung to Su-Hwan, his hands gripping Su-Hwan's as if hanging on every word.

Su-Hwan ignored Jin-Sung’s dramatic plea and continued, “In a few days, Hyun-Woo has a scheduled recording session with Reina, but after that, how about we all go on a three-day retreat to a remote area?"

“...Huh." This unexpected suggestion caught everyone off guard. A retreat? Just us? Out of the blue?

Because the room fell silent, Su-Hwan added, “I remember from ‘Chronos History’ that you guys went to a lodge. Everyone seemed to have their moments of honesty. Let's take this chance to unwind and go together, all of us, managers included."

“Ohhhh... sure! Absolutely! Let’s go!"

“When we are at the lodge, you should speak casually like Joo-Han hyung, too."

The members exaggerated their agreement a bit more than usual. They were not only looking forward to the trip but also relieved to hear something far more welcome than the rumor of Su-Hwan quitting.

Su-Hwan nonchalantly nodded and continued, “And I will continue to be Chronos' manager moving forward."

“...Wow."

“Yes!!!! Yes!!!! Yes!!!!" Goh Yoo-Joon jumped up while clenching his fists in the air to express his joy. The youngest members almost hung from Su-Hwan’s shoulders, whining playfully.

“You should have told us earlier! We were so worried...."

“What would we do if you really left, worrying together with Yoon-Chan hyung and...."

𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

“It wasn’t possible. Anyway." Su-Hwan was slightly embarrassed by the members' excessive reactions, and continued as if nothing was amiss. However, his ears turned red. “After we return, there will be a meeting about Chronos’ next schedule. There is a big announcement coming. To give you a heads-up, it's about your concert."

This was the most crucial piece of information.

1. A chronic sleep disorder characterized by overwhelming daytime drowsiness and sudden attacks of sleep. ☜