Chapter 9
When my number was called, my body trembled faintly.
Just thirty minutes ago, when I’d stood face-to-face with Cha Wook and Do Eun-seok, I hadn’t shaken this much. It was strange—now, I was even more nervous than back then.
Clutching my album tightly, I stepped onto the stage in order.
The first one to greet me was Martin. Having spent years abroad, his Korean was still a bit clumsy, but he was Nevereveragain’s resident cutie.
His fluffy, adorable blond hair suited him so perfectly that he reminded people of a giant poodle—hence his nickname, Japoo (Poodle + Martin).
“Hewwo! Name mo?” (Hello! What’s your name?)
“I’m Jeon Hae-bom.”
“Chonae-bom.”
“No, Jeon—Hae—Bom.”
“Ahhh, otay! Jonnae-bom!” (Alright! Super-bom!)
“…Yes, that’s right.”
Somehow, my name had taken on a strange emphasis, but I let it slide. He scribbled his signature across one side of my album and even wrote my name himself in his clumsy handwriting.
When I got it back, the message “Jonnae Thank you!” was scrawled cutely inside. I briefly wondered if this was intentional before giving up.
“Jonnae, Do you have a boyfriend?”
“…….”
What kind of question is this?
“Martin. Someone this pretty obviously has a boyfriend, right? Of course she does.”
Anthony, who’d gotten a brief break, stepped in to stop Martin. The two were the same age and known as best friends within Nevereveragain. Unlike Martin, Anthony was a native Korean and often had to rein in Martin whenever he crossed the line.
Once my time with Martin was up, I naturally moved to Anthony’s seat and answered his follow-up question.
“Nope. No boyfriend.”
“Aww, you’re lying. I can tell. Do you know what your tongue does when you lie?”
“Uhmm…?”
Anthony said gravely,
“It’s not the tongue.”
Then he burst into laughter, clutching his stomach. Martin giggled too, amused by Anthony’s own joke.
The audience erupted in delighted screams, praising their sunshine-like smiles—completely unaware of the bizarre conversation that had just taken place. I wasn’t laughing, but everyone else was happy.
Ah.
I almost hated myself for seriously considering the answer. I’d forgotten Anthony’s defining trait. Despite being the most intellectual-looking of the four, he was the undisputed king of high-level dad jokes.
He lived and breathed highbrow humor so much that fans later compiled a separate list of his (questionable) quotes.
Anthony frowned slightly when he saw the way Martin had scribbled my name in the album.
“Your name isn’t really ‘Super,’ right? How old are you?”
“Nineteen. Hae-bom.”
“Hmm, Miss Hae-bom. Thanks for coming to see us during such an important time in your life.”
Just as I was moved to tears at finally being called by my real name, my eyes met Cha Wook’s. I quickly looked back at Anthony.
“Don’t you have anything to ask me? No Post-it notes or anything?”
Though not the main vocalist, Anthony had a uniquely captivating tone. Remembering how he’d strained his voice from overworking in my past life, I offered some encouragement.
“I got through hard times listening to Nevereveragain’s songs. Please take care of your voice so you can keep singing for a long time.”
“Hmm. That’s it?”
Anthony blinked, then nodded.
“Anything else? Nothing you’re curious about?”
“Uh, last concert’s…”
“Have you decided on your career path?”
“I’m still thinking…”
“What’s your favorite song?”
“I really like the 1st album’s…”
“Any concepts you’d like us to try? Any you hated? What got you into us? Honestly, who’s your bias?”
“…….”
Let me speak!
If I don’t ask questions, he will. What kind of madness is this?
Bombarded by Anthony’s rapid-fire questions, I floundered until my allocated time ran out.
Without hesitation, I stood up and moved to the next seat—Cha Wook’s.
‘Sigh. Third time today.’
First, he’d been sharp and defensive, then polite and composed, and now, here he was as Idol Cha Wook.
Despite his earlier hysterics, seeing him like this—familiar yet different—made me oddly happy.
Would he recognize me as the staff member from earlier? Maybe he’d remember our encounter by the school trash bins…
“Hi, nice to meet you.”
But my worries were unfounded. His expression was perfectly neutral, as expected.
Of course he doesn’t remember.
This was the first time I’d faced Cha Wook without being chased by something. Maybe that’s why I felt strangely shy.
I remembered the scent of dirt from the playground where we’d played as kids.
In my mind, I superimposed the image of a small, flour-pale boy over Cha Wook’s face now. Even though I had no right to pity him, memories of my past life—where I’d rooted for him despite everything—flooded back, making my chest ache.
“I’ve been a fan since your debut.”
Even if it was a cliché line he’d probably heard a thousand times today, it was my truth.
“Oh, really?”
“…….”
Oh no. Did our conversation in the waiting room have zero effect?
Just as my heart began to sink, he continued.
“Thank you.”
I stared at him, stunned.
“Back when we debuted, we were lacking in so many ways… It’s a little embarrassing to hear you’ve been a fan since then. Not that we’re perfect now either. Haha.”
As much as I hated to doubt him, I couldn’t believe my ears.
Everyone. Do you hear this? Our Wook has changed!
His response—a far cry from his usual “Oh, really?”—overwhelmed me with emotion.
All that effort paid off! Jeon Hae-bom!
Lost in the moment, I didn’t realize my mouth had fallen open until it was too late. I quickly shut it and handed him my album with what I hoped was a dignified expression.
“So your name’s Hae-bom?”
Cha Wook asked casually as he signed.
“Yes.”
“That’s unique. Not a common name. Actually, I have a friend who…”
Just as I leaned in to listen—
BANG!
The chair beside us screeched as it was violently shoved aside.
“Eun-seok, I love you! Marry me!”
Fan No. 66 suddenly leaped onto the table and threw her arms around Do Eun-seok.
“You can’t do this!”
Security guards swarmed in to pry her off. She clung stubbornly to Eun-seok’s neck, refusing to let go, but the commotion was quickly subdued.
“Ah, yes. We apologize for the brief disruption. Bevers, please remember to maintain a respectful distance for the smooth running of the event…”
The host smoothly calmed the heated atmosphere, and the signing resumed.
I glanced at Eun-seok.
True to his reputation for being unflappable, he didn’t seem fazed at all. Strangely, his calm reaction surprised me more than the fan’s sudden assault.
Eun-seok acted as if nothing had happened, offering a faint smile to concerned fans.
But I couldn’t bring myself to enjoy the event anymore.
‘…I thought it was the terror attack.’
My heart, which had plummeted thinking the peanut incident had been recreated, was still pounding.
I’d been careless. Why had I assumed it would only happen near the end?
‘I shouldn’t be sitting here like this.’
The most critical event was still pending, and here I was, leisurely getting autographs.
All I’d done was drop a vague warning about food.
Without knowing who would come, what they’d look like, or how they’d threaten him.
I’d told myself I’d done all I could with just that one hint and washed my hands of it.
But there was a more certain way.
My eyes gleamed as I spotted the bodyguards standing like shadows behind the members.
I’ll guard him myself!
“Where was I? Ah, right, my friend’s name is also… Huh? Excuse me.”
While the host was distracted, I pretended to have a stomachache and slipped off the stage, my eyes locked onto the security guards escorting the fan away.
Behind me, I faintly heard Cha Wook’s voice.
“…Once again, for the smooth running of the event, please keep your phones on silent and maintain a respectful distance from the artists.”
“…….”
The fan who’d attacked Eun-seok was led away by security, passing through the audience. A girl watching them with disinterest pressed her phone close to her face.
Tap tap. Tap tap.
[Is Do Eun-seok’s allergy severe?]
[Posted by: pureless
Straight to the point. I heard it’s bad, but how bad? Like, can’t breathe? Could he die?]
Tap. Tap. Tap.
The girl stared at her screen for a long time before starting to bite her nails. After a while, the person beside her snapped.
“Hey. Stop shaking your leg. It’s shaking my seat too.”
“…….”
But the girl ignored them, eyes glued to her phone.
Ding.
Ding. Ding.
At the notification sound, she eagerly buried her nose in her phone.
[Comments]
Why do you wanna know?
└ 22222
└ OP: Just curious, why the attitude?
└ This an attitude? You’re the one being weirdly defensive lol
└ Wait, Eun-seok has an allergy?? ㅠㅠ
“Answer the damn question, you f—!”
The girl suddenly cursed, then went back to biting her nails.
Ding.
“…….”
[Comment]
Death is rare, but anaphylactic shock is possible. Plenty of people have died from it.
The girl’s lips curled in satisfaction.
