It was a day in February, when the bitter wind was still sharp. The Dawn’s preparations for their full album were steadily underway. “Ughhh... someone kill me...” “...This is exhausting...” The more effort and sweat they put in, the better the outside reaction would surely be. That truth was obvious, and so, even while groaning in pain, The Dawn spent every day buried in practice. The variety shows they had appeared on had all gone well, and the IRIX collaboration had wrapped up successfully. Now riding on that momentum, The Dawn decided to stake everything on this full album. ‘At this rate, we’ve gathered enough energy for a big first-week sales impact.’ From the title track to the B-sides, everything had turned out fantastic. From this point on, it was nothing but endless practice and a little bit of luck. Just as they were thinking everything was going smoothly— 《Breaking News! Joo Woosung’s Comeback Showcase...》 《Writing New History for Male Idol Solos... Joo Woosung, “I’m Still Far From Finished”》 《Solo? No Problem—“A New Leap Forward”》 Joo Woosung had made a comeback. “Wow, that’s insane...” “He’s so good it feels like he’s just AI at this point.” “That’s not even human level.” They had heard vague rumors he was preparing a solo, but no one expected it to drop at this timing. After checking the showcase date, they sat down together during a practice break, eating cup noodles while searching for the stage video. The intro began, and even before the first line of lyrics, Seo Hoyun felt a pang in his stomach. “Good thing our comeback didn’t overlap with his.” “Hey! Aren’t you gonna add ‘sunbaenim’ to that?” He ignored Kim Sunghyun’s ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) jab. He thought maybe, since it was solo, they could compete—but the moment he saw the first-day sales count, that thought evaporated. 【The distance between you and me is just a single breath Can I stare your eyes】 Already at the showcase stage, Joo Woosung was beyond human. The album concept was themed around mythology, and among the flamboyantly dressed backup dancers, Joo Woosung alone shone brilliantly, clad simply in a fitted white turtleneck and tight white slacks, his physique outlined clearly. 【I just want to act simple in front of you Can I hold you tight】 The song wasn’t even particularly mainstream, but as if declaring, I am Joo Woosung of Black Call, it perfectly proved his popularity and talent. Watching alongside them, Sung Jiwon spoke with pure admiration. “Sunbaenim really sings so well.” “Right? Right?! Honestly, when Woosung-hyung is standing next to Hoyun-hyung, he just feels like some friendly neighborhood hyung... but seeing this, he’s like a Hollywood star.” “He even participated in writing the lyrics!” Eyes sparkling with excitement, Kim Sunghyun added on to Jung Dajun’s comment. Maximizing his appeal and finally showing the vocal ability that had often been overshadowed by Chae Jungwoo during group promotions, people were going wild over Joo Woosung. “He’s reaaally cool...” And The Dawn were no exception. Jung Dajun, entranced by Joo Woosung’s performance, grew so absorbed he even forgot to breathe. When the four-minute video ended and they skimmed through the reactions, Seo Hoyun felt his stomach churn even more. [Crazy, I just watched with my jaw dropped] [When Black Call rehearses, idols waiting backstage all rush out to watch... and apparently half of them only come to see Joo Woosung LOOOOLLLL guess that’s actually true] [Seeing a genius keep growing is insane. He’s amazing. And under the stage he’s just a softieㅠ] Honestly, the stage was excellent. Since it was a solo release, of course it sold less than a full Black Call album—but even so, if The Dawn went up against it now, they’d be doomed. ‘Thinking about it makes me pissed.’ Sure, Joo Woosung was the most popular male idol in Korea, but to think they couldn’t even win against him alone. Just like the article headline said, he really was writing history for male idol solos. Hiding his irritation, Seo Hoyun rubbed his face roughly as Sung Jiwon, fired up, asked the others, “Should we practice more?!” “Nope, I’m going back to the dorm.” The one who’d recently been turning into a practice machine, staying late every night, was now the first to refuse. Sung Jiwon’s expression drooped slightly. But Seo Hoyun had another reason he needed to go back. “Thank you for your hard work~.” “Seriously, someone should lock the company doors at night. I worry you’ll all ruin your health practicing too hard.” They quickly wrapped up practice for the day. On the ride back to the dorm, the newly assigned road manager muttered that The Dawn trained like a debut team every day, sounding half sympathetic, half exasperated. Dragging his tired body, Seo Hoyun showered and came out to find Sung Jiwon already sprawled on the bed, setting his alarm with sluggish movements. “What time do we need to wake up tomorrow?” “Tomorrow we can wake up late. Set it for around ten.” “You’re not lying down yet?” Seo Hoyun also set his alarm on his phone and lay down. Soon, only the sound of Sung Jiwon’s deep, steady breathing filled the room. ‘Joo Woosung said he’s going to appear on Racing Me.’ A variety show not only popular in Korea but across Greater China, famous for its endless, inventive missions that never let viewers grow bored. Especially well-known was its occasional mission where invited guests had to call in a close friend to join. That mission hadn’t appeared since last summer—perfect timing for its return. And if Joo Woosung was appearing, no PD in their right mind would waste such an opportunity. And for Woosung, the only people he could call were either Chae Jungwoo or... himself. As Seo Hoyun’s body sank into fatigue, his phone suddenly buzzed. Checking the time: 5 AM. Careful not to wake Sung Jiwon, he slipped out to the kitchen and set water boiling in the kettle. ‘The call should come soon.’ Sipping coffee to stay awake, he waited. Sure enough, his phone lit up with an incoming call. Seeing the caller, Seo Hoyun’s lips curled. He downed the Americano in one gulp, switched to his business tone, and answered. [Ah... sorry. I think I called the wrong number.] The line disconnected. Annoyance flared for a moment, but he calmed himself. The moment the ringtone had gone off, it was already decided he’d be going. He slipped on Kang Ichae’s hoodie lying on the sofa, pulled on his shoes—then the phone rang again. “You said you called the wrong number?” [...So it really was Seo Hoyun.] Woosung’s voice sounded heavier than usual, laced with background noise. [I’m filming a variety show right now, no time to explain. The reason I called—] It was obviously an on-the-spot casting. No need to hear more. An opportunity had to be grabbed. When Seo Hoyun explained, their manager came to pick him up even at dawn, saying time didn’t matter when you’re filming a public broadcast variety show alongside a top star. He hadn’t been to the salon and looked scruffy, but arriving at the filming site, he was greeted by Joo Woosung, glowing as if haloed. Racing Me’s “invite a friend” missions often began with immediate challenges as soon as the guest and their friend met. So before sunrise, Seo Hoyun was dragged to the beach, rolling in mudflats, playing word chain games with staff, pulling octopus, doing group jump rope. “Seo Hoyun-ssi, are you a variety genius?” “Wow~!! Seo Hoyun-ssi, that’s amazing! How did you catch that octopus?” “Wait! How are you so good at word chain?!” “Seo Hoyun-ssi, why are you good at physical games too??” Without lifting a finger, Joo Woosung let Seo Hoyun handle everything while he just cheered from the sidelines. By the time the morning shoot wrapped up, Woosung had practically ridden the “Seo Hoyun bus.” “Okay, morning missions all cleared! Thanks to Seo Hoyun-ssi and Joo Woosung-ssi, we got plenty of footage! We’ll continue after lunch.” The grueling pace had gone faster than expected, and even the staff, smiling brightly, greeted Hoyun warmly as they passed, relieved at the thought of an early wrap. “Seriously... damn... you’re insane...” Woosung muttered, half dazed. “You ignore my calls all the time, but never miss something .” Follow current novᴇls on 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩✶𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚✶𝕟𝕖𝕥 “When did I ever ignore your calls?” “The PD said this was the first time in Racing Me history someone accepted casting before he even explained the mission.” Smiling brightly, Seo Hoyun replied, “If it’s Woosung-hyung calling, of course I’d run anywhere.” “Hyung? Hyeoong?? Excuse me, Seo Hoyun-ssi. Sorry, but I only have a younger sister.” I only have a younger brother too, bastard. Glancing aside, Hoyun saw their manager busy talking with the PD. Lowering his voice, he asked what he’d been curious about. He had been expecting it, but honestly, it could have gone either way—there was also Chae Jungwoo. “The PD said since I’m solo this time, having another Black Call member wouldn’t feel fresh. And Jungwoo’s too busy these days. Fans might complain, but... you’re always a hit on variety shows.” Joo Woosung scratched the back of his neck, embarrassed, as if fishing out excuses. Then he added, softer, “...I dunno. Lately it feels awkward seeing the members. I’ve been thinking a lot. Kinda regret some times when I wasn’t myself.” At least you realize it? The staff started moving toward a famous local restaurant nearby. Just as Seo Hoyun was about to suggest leaving too, Woosung mumbled, “Should’ve treated them better.” “The members. The fans. All of them.” The shadow of his long lashes trembled slightly. For some reason, Hoyun suddenly saw himself overlapping with him. After all, he too had moments he regretted with fans. And he remembered Woosung’s face when Black Call returned with Kings, looking out at the fans. “You’re doing well enough.” The words slipped out before he realized. “You’re not distracted. You’re doing well.” Seeing such an overflowing talent sometimes made him bitter, but Woosung’s stages had never failed to impress. Hoyun turned his gaze away, feeling awkward. “Honestly, I thought you were crazy when I saw your solo stage.” Which meant: Woosung was working hard, too. Woosung blinked a few times, then let out a hollow laugh before suddenly saying seriously, “Hey. Stop speaking informally to me.” Chuckling, Hoyun naturally steered the conversation elsewhere. “So, what’s this afternoon mission? You said there are two main ones—one is the friend casting, what’s the other?” Whatever it was, it would end up in his palm anyway. He asked lightly, but the answer was unexpected. “Yeah. Experiencing life as a variety show PD.” ...Sometimes it really felt like the universe was playing a hidden camera prank on him.