The Evil Member Returns! Episode 67
* * *
So, the night when the official midterm rankings were announced.
“Hey, hey. Aren’t you eating?”
“I’m late!”
“You coming home late...? What do you mean.”
“I said I’m not eating anyway! Unnie, eat alone!”
Kim Ji-eun, a part-timer at the Hanmaeum private practice room, had rushed into her room and was hurriedly pulling out her tablet.
“Boss. I, uh. I have my graduation film shoot the day after tomorrow! I don’t think I can come to work.”
“Ji-eun, didn’t you say you took a leave of absence from school? That’s why you’re working part-time here. And I thought you said you were a junior...”
“W-Well, um. Actually, film students start shooting their graduation projects a year in advance, during vacation, you know? Making a movie isn’t just something you can, you know, shoot on the fly!”
“...
Haah, fine. I guess I’ll step out for a bit.”
“Yes, yes! Thank you, boss! I’ll work even harder the day after tomorrow!”
“And after all that trouble just to take one day off! What’s up with Chun-yong’s ranking not being announced last week...! It’s all because of those damn rumors!”
Was it as Ju Cheol-yeong said? Did the
All throughout Episode 5, which aired last week, the trainees ranked 1st to 10th only appeared in brief personal interviews, but Kim Chun-yong was different.
- “Trainee Kim Chun-yong, who seems to have something troubling him...”
- “He sighed briefly, then disappeared from view.”
- “From the vocal room trainee Kim Chun-yong entered, no practice sounds were heard for a while...”
His complicated expressions throughout the broadcast, and the sight of him checking his phone during breaks, were all caught on camera.
That contrasted sharply with the splendid performance of ‘Crucial Boy’ by Kim Chun-yong at the start of Episode 6, catching the viewers’ attention even more.
In other words, it had gone viral.
[Looks like he's seeing the Mubb rumor?? Can't not see it because of the Outgram mission lol]
[His expression doesn't look great... Actually, it'd be weirder if it was good; his rank was rising nicely but because of that rumor he ended up at 8th]
[And they say it's all lies ㅋㅋ How can an idol trainee be named Kimchunyong < This is almost the first time seeing this person's expression looking like that]
[⎿Feels so bad for him... Is this how I get Chun-myung-deul too??]
Those scenes, aired when the rumor was already mostly quelled, lent support to the sympathetic public opinion, but...
Some were adding fuel to the fire with pointless comments like [Isn’t that because something really happened? ㅋㅋ].
“Something happened my ass, shit! They're sisters, sisters! His noona posted clarifications for everything! And Son Jae-ha even uploaded a verification video saying he practiced with him, what more do they want?”
Ji-eun clutched her head and let out a scream mixed with agony. Her older sister pounded on the door, telling her to ‘keep it down,’ but she couldn't care less.
If anything, when it comes to priorities, the real-time SNS posts from Neulbom Mir buzzing her phone with notifications were far more important.
[ㄴㅂ@Bombangbom Ah just announce it already, just thinking about Chun-yong suffering because of those ridiculous rumors pisses me off but they're dragging it out]
[ㄴㅂ@Bombangbom No, don't announce it, I'm sorry, seeing him at 8th I think I'll really cry]
[ㄴㅂ@Bombangbom Can't both Liu Wei and Chun-yong debut...? Having two dance members isn't bad, let's go with 7, no, 8 members]
“15 seconds, 42 seconds, 59 seconds... Whoa, shit. How can someone type so fast on a phone? Must spend a lot of time online.”
Kim Ji-eun glanced at her own locked account with 0 followers and 1 following, and couldn’t help but admire Neulbom Mir’s SNS speed.
Then, upon seeing Neulbom Mir’s post uploaded just 0 seconds ago, she couldn't help but let out a shriek.
[ㄴㅂ@Bombangbom sㅂ they're announcing it crazy]
“Ah, wait! I haven't even logged in yet!”
By the time she hurriedly accessed the live broadcast category of her OTT service, the timeline was already a sea of tears.
Of course, the protagonist of all those tears was entirely Neulbom Mir.
[ㄴㅂ@Bombangbom You worked the hardest, what are you saying ㅁㅊ Hey Kim Chun-yong there's a limit to humility]
[ㄴㅂ@Bombangbom Chun-yong is so composed but I'm the one in a sea of tears ㅆㅂ... If I had worked just a little harder, Chun-yong could have maintained 6th place ah]
“Ah, what. Is it really 8th...? Ah, so annoying. What about the mission score? The WeTube videos with Chun-yong had the highest views. How did they score it to end up like this?”
Amidst the mingling of Neulbom Mir’s screams on SNS and Kim Ji-eun’s screams in reality,
Kim Chun-yong in the slightly delayed tablet video was smiling brightly and calmly continuing his interview.
“Ah, he probably had it so damn hard but he's smiling... I guess I'm the one crying in your place...”
Kim Ji-eun’s sudden surge of fangirling was a bonus.
- “Yes, continuing on, trainee Kim Chun-yong, you received 8th place in this midterm ranking announcement. Could we hear a brief comment?”
- “Ah, yes. First of all, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the fans who supported me... You really worked so hard. And, since it's not over yet, I want to do my best until the very end!”
“Ah, crazy, Chun-yong is pretending he's not, but he still looks disappointed! Ah, ah! Please! Just let me turn back time once! I would have voted harder!”
Kim Ji-eun, who only realized the importance of voting after seeing Neulbom Mir's vote encouragement, belatedly clutched her head in panic.
[Neulbom Mir @NBML__0000
Everyone! You must vote (*´⌓`*) From the midterm rankings, the phenomenon of concentrating votes on popular members starts, so we have to work hard to defend the ranking to have at least a little less burden during the live vote ヾ( ·`⌓´·)ﾉﾞ]
On her public account, she spoke politely using cute emoticons, but on her private account with only known people, she was different.
[ㄴㅂ@Bombangbom Ah please just vote... Is Chun-yong not doing well right now? No he's not ㅋㅋㅋ Just watching someone who's doing well and not voting means they ultimately won't debut]
[ㄴㅂ@Bombangbom They say with skills like that he'll debut somehow anyway, ㅆㅂ when do you think another debut chance will come? I'm already dying of frustration that Chun-yong got cut from Queens (a.k.a that bastard), let's debut him now, please...]
That Kim Chun-yong, who was so wonderful even just watching from beyond the screen, might not debut?
If he doesn't debut through
“If, if this wasn't the midterm ranking, but the final ranking... Chun-yong would be...”
These were words too cruel for her, who had only ever watched idols who had already debuted, gained enough popularity, and were well-established.
- “Oh, very spirited? It makes even me feel reassured! That's right. There are still two performances left, aren't there? The 4th round competition and the live broadcast! It's not a short time, so a rebound is definitely possible. I'll be rooting for you too.”
- “Haha, thank you. I'll really work hard. ...Really. Since there are fans who are always watching.”
“...
I'll work hard too, Chun-yong. I'll make sure you debut. Even if I have to increase my part-time hours, somehow!”
Kim Ji-eun hugged her tablet tightly to her chest and spoke with a resolute voice.
Kim Chun-yong’s signature, stuck on the back of that tablet, had become her irreplaceable treasure before she knew it.
After pouring out all her emotions, she roughly rubbed her crumpled face smooth and focused on the broadcast again.
The comment from the 7th-place trainee had ended, and now the faces of the trainees within the debut cutoff were being shown on camera one by one.
And among them was Liu Wei, who already had a '4th Place Confirmed!' label attached.
“Ah, Neulbom-nim does like Liu Wei, but... I’m a bit...”
If there are fans who enjoy the relationships and chemistry formed when their pick interacts with other trainees, there are also fans who have absolutely no interest in anyone but their own pick.
If Neulbom Mir is the former, then Kim Ji-eun is the latter.
“I know you like him, but Liu Wei feels a bit... suspicious to me. Just, just a feeling. And on top of that, his position overlaps with Chun-yong’s... Eh, whatever.”
As she muttered with slightly complicated feelings, the sight of Choi Ga-on approaching Liu Wei appeared on screen.
- “Trainee Liu Wei! Congratulations on making the debut cutoff. Would you like to say a word to the fans who supported and voted for Trainee Liu Wei?”
- “Thank you. I will become a Liu Wei who works harder.”
- “I-Is that all? You can say more!”
- “...
I will repay you with better results.”
[ㄴㅂ@Bombangbom Sigh Liu Wei did so damn well today including the Crucial Boy stage so his rank will probably rise even more in the live show...]
[ㄴㅂ@Bombangbom Liu Wei is good, he's good but still I think Chun-yong has to debut no can't both of them debut?]
[ㄴㅂ@Bombangbom Honestly? The Crucial Boy stage was better with Chun-yong, I went and saw it with my own eyes and it was like that for real no arguments accepted]
And as expected, perhaps due to a delay on her tablet, Neulbom Mir’s post struck first.
“...
What's with him.”
But whatever fuss Neulbom Mir was making, Kim Ji-eun’s eyes, focused on the immediate screen, narrowed.
It wasn't that Liu Wei speaking his comments was strange.
It wasn't much different from usual, and it was easily understandable as 'he was pressured by the ranking announcement setting.'
Because the majority reaction of Liu Wei’s core fans was something like [Oh no LiuLiu seems nervous ㅠㅠ Our ice prince is so cute, good job, he froze up himself], there was nothing more to add.
However, Kim Ji-eun was someone who had, along with her friend, recognized the star quality of the returned malicious member Kim Chun-yong early on.
“Is something up? He seems kind of stiff. Doesn't seem like it's because of nerves...”
Her radar, mysteriously adept at catching vibes, had detected Liu Wei, who was just a very, very tiny bit different from usual.
“...
Told him to say a bit more. What does that make our Chun-yong, then. You're in the debut cutoff, you're in the debut cutoff! If you're going to give comments like that, spit out the debut slot! Let Chun-yong debut!”
...
Of course, her surging emotions were just a little bit short of being on the mark.
But her eyes were accurate.
Because the number of people who noticed Liu Wei’s expression, that he couldn't be entirely happy, wasn't even five in this world, including her.
* * *
Same time.
Just as expected, at the trainee canned-food facility, the trainees' viewing of Episode 6 was in full swing.
Today's live-watch members were the roommates of each dorm room.
Meaning, naturally, international roommates had gathered in one room.
“...I'm 13th, but I won't give up. I'll work even harder going forward. It's a rank that can be overturned. Logan, just wait. I might debut instead of you!”
“Jesus, Ryota. It's good that you're working hard, but I need to debut too! Can't we think about doing it together?”
“Then there are too many people we'd have to push aside! At least Logan is nice, so I can hope for you to yield!”
“Huh... Why are you leaving out Chun-yong hyung?”
“Well, of course, because Aniki Chun-yong is too scary to ask him to yield, ow!”
“Dude, don't overreact.”
Ignoring Ryota’s whining, 'What do you mean overreact! That swing could've killed three mosquitoes!', I ruffled his hair and rested my chin on my hand.
Because the important part was starting now.
There were no special changes in the midterm ranking announcement itself.
I was 8th, Liu Wei was 4th.
And my Arrowz members and Logan shared 1st through 6th places, with other trainees struggling.
It would be accurate to say the broadcast pattern wasn’t much different from before, but outside the camera, a changed part definitely existed.
“You did something funny, Liu Wei. I benefited a little.”
“…….”
“You check articles diligently from now on too.”
‘Because I'm going to show you something fun as well.’
The conversation I had with Liu Wei right before filming the midterm ranking announcement, after telling Ji Hwa-seong to watch carefully.
Half of that was a bluff.
“As I told Hwa-seong before, in a game of wits, Bluffing is essential. Even if you have a high card, you have to act like you have two pairs, and even if you have a full house, you have to fold depending on the situation.”
“What does that mean?”
“It’s mean, I’m saying I have a straight flush! Everyone, give me your snacks!”
“He’s a fraud!”
Maybe I should say I applied a little of what Logan said while playing cards with the international roommates in our dorm.
When I mentioned the article, Liu Wei clearly seemed uncomfortable.
Witnessing Hwa-seong’s words after seeing that, and his appearance on the 6th episode broadcast, also proves it.
You’ve got something you’re guilty about, is what I’m saying.
I subtly turned my head towards Gao Yan, who was sitting with unusually solemn, dignified, and serious posture, intently staring at the screen.
In Gao Yan’s large, deep eyes, Liu Wei’s figure was clearly reflected.
Liu Wei’s guilty corner.
The fiancée who is like a time bomb.
I chose to move with Gao Yan to reveal that person’s existence.
Honestly, even if it's urgent, there's a part of me that wonders if this is right, but...
[Gao Yan @GaoYaen_TT
(Picture) (Picture)
Gao Yan doing vocal practice. Perfect.
Perfect, Gao Yan.
Gao Yan, debut.]
[⎿Wow if this isn't a concept it's even more terrifying, it means it's 'real']
[⎿If it was a concept since birth then that's just who the person is yep Gao Yan is just that kind of person...]
[Gao Yan has the aura of a general]
[Gao Yan @GaoYaen_TT
It is Gao Yan bringing today's challenge. If you consistently follow the challenge, do not forget that your face will shine like Gao Yan's, your singing skills will suddenly rise, and you will become a rap god.
Gao Yan of perfection, Gao Yan of Hong Kong.
Those who have the same Chinese character as Gao Yan in their name, leave a comment!]
Seeing this level of aggro, it was clear my choice wasn't wrong.
“Chun-yong hyung.”
Suddenly Gao Yan called me, and shielding it from the camera with his body, he pointed a finger at his phone.
And a shape forming with his mouth.
After reading it one by one, I soon let out an “Ah,” a sound of dawning realization.
‘Looks like I found it!’
...
See.
I said it wasn't wrong.