The S-Rank Paparazzi Reincarnates as an Idol Chapter 62

Chapter 62

 

“Heh. I’ve been thinking this for a while now, Siwoo-dongsaeng, but your love for Heartping bread is really something.”

“It’s a misunderstanding.”

“Out of all those things, didn’t you deliberately choose and grab the Heartping bread?”

“No… I was trying to grab the seaweed chips. The claw slipped, okay?”

I sincerely hoped my grievance would make it into the broadcast.

Unfortunately, unlike my wishes, the editing made me look like someone who was absolutely obsessed with Heartping bread.

‘Sigh… I worked so hard to get rid of that image.’

Anything becomes irritating when it’s overdone.

Even in the rapidly scrolling comments, there were quite a few negative opinions.

[The concept is too forced.]

[He’s taking the joke way too far.]

Still, it wasn’t all bad.

[Doesn’t it seem like an accident?]

[He’s cute though.]

[Consistent taste lol.]

There were plenty of fans willing to view things kindly.

I understood that the production team had created the chat window to make the broadcast more stimulating, but the resulting storm fell entirely upon the participants.

[Haven’t I said this before? Cha Siwoo feels way too artificial.]

[Great job desperately trying to get more screen time.]

[I can’t stand looking at him. Why does he keep showing up?]

[Cha Siwoo, get lost.]

‘The hate comments have definitely increased.’

With the number of trainees dwindling, the competition had become fiercer, leading to increasingly aggressive attempts to undermine one another.

The production staff probably intended to boost ratings by showing the trainees’ live reactions, but that short-sighted idea had one fatal flaw.

The hate comments appeared unfiltered.

‘Still, compared to before, these aren’t that spicy.’

As I reacted to the broadcast, hateful comments directed at other trainees appeared as well.

[Why does Kang Chan always look pissed off on camera?]

[Yoo Hoseung is shameless. Doesn’t he feel embarrassed about being in first place just because of his face?]

[Kim Sunyoo, if you’re already experienced, have some awareness, and quit. You’ve already debuted, so why are you here?]

Because of the constant stream of hate comments, a keyboard war eventually broke out in the chat.

[TV station idiots, are you not moderating this chat?]

[This is a mess. Kick out the haters!]

[Learn the difference between fans and haters.]

As increasingly sharp comments piled up, the screen changed.

After showing a preview of the flea market location, the ending music of Star Picking 5 began to play.

[Viewers, voting for the third ranking announcement ceremony of Star Picking 5 begins now. Through the week-long voting period, please continue to support and cheer for your favorite trainee so they can survive!]

With that provocative narration, Episode 9 finally came to an end.

By the time filming wrapped up, the live viewer count had exceeded one million.

Apparently satisfied with the ratings, the PD picked up the microphone with a pleased smile.

“Did everyone enjoy watching?”

“Yeees!”

‘No.’

“Please give a passionate cheer to show your love for the fans watching the live broadcast.”

“Woooooo!”

The trainees, who had just witnessed the raw and brutal comments in real time, desperately maintained their expressions and gave polished reactions out of habit.

“Then, to all the National Directors who watched the live broadcast, thank you very much. We ask for your continued support and participation in the voting. This concludes today’s live broadcast!”

‘They’re fanning the flames when the house is already on fire.’

Watching the chat scroll too quickly to follow, I enthusiastically waved toward the camera.

 

☆☆☆

 

By the time all filming had finished, it was already close to midnight.

Most of the trainees headed back to the dorms to prepare for tomorrow’s performance, but sleeping immediately felt like a luxury.

‘Tomorrow is the competition. I need to practice a little more and make everything perfect.’

Quickly making my way over, I opened the practice room door.

“…!”

An unexpected person was standing inside.

“When did you get here?”

‘I was sure I’d be the first one here.’

“Just now.”

It was Kang Chan, looking at me with his usual stoic expression.

‘That’s insanely fast.’

“Perfect. Since we’re both here, want to run through the choreography one more time together?”

Kang Chan simply nodded indifferently.

Compared to before, the choreography had improved a lot.

‘A true human victory.’

The guy could have easily found it annoying, yet he had patiently taught me the dance without a single complaint.

“You’re half a beat late.”

“Sorry. Let’s try again.”

“The movement flow is stiff in this section.”

“I’ll do better this time.”

“Okay.”

“…Huff… haa…”

After several hours of nonstop practice, we finally took a short break.

The practice room was filled only with rough breathing and heavy silence.

“Hey, Kang Chan. There’s something I’m curious about.”

Kang Chan, who had been crouched in a corner, slowly raised his head.

“What is it?”

“Why do you want to become an idol?”

“Because… I like dancing.”

“Ah.”

“Dance is my entire life.”

‘No wonder he’s so serious about it.’

“But couldn’t you dance without becoming an idol?”

That was true.

There were many careers involving dance.

Dancer, choreographer, instructor… the options were surprisingly broad.

“I want as many people as possible to see my dancing.”

“…!”

“I want to stand on stage for a long time, not behind someone else, but on a stage where people call my name.”

Kang Chan’s eyes were filled with longing for things he had yet to achieve.

‘I thought he was just a lunatic, but he’s a cool kind of lunatic.’

“Then why do you want to become an idol, Siwoo?”

‘Because I have to save my younger sibling.’

In my previous life and this one, my goal has always been the same.

To save my sibling.

And that goal would never change.

“Because there’s something I want to achieve.”

The moment I thought of my sibling, my voice trembled involuntarily.

“You sound desperate.”

“I am. More desperate than anyone. That’s why, no matter what I have to do, I’ll become an idol.”

Even if it meant destroying myself.

Countless thoughts seemed to pass through Kang Chan’s calm expression.

“I hope we can both achieve our dreams.”

“…!”

“To be honest, I think you’re a pretty good guy.”

“Me?”

“Yeah. You’ve shown me your mature side several times.”

‘Me…? When exactly?’

I was bewildered, but swallowed my words when I saw the sincerity in Kang Chan’s eyes.

“I think I’d be okay being on the same team as someone like you.”

Kang Chan, normally expressionless, awkwardly smiled with his ears turning bright red.

Something inside my chest quietly resonated.

‘That’s actually kind of touching.’

A warm feeling slowly spread from deep inside me toward my heart.

It was the strange satisfaction of being acknowledged as one person by another.

“I think you’re pretty cool too, Kang Chan.”

‘He’s good at dancing, and objectively speaking, he’s a decent person.’

The fact that he had a clear dream and was willing to bet everything on it was honestly admirable.

“Ahem!”

With both ears bright red, Kang Chan awkwardly ran a hand through the back of his hair.

“We might end up on the same team in the future anyway. How about we start speaking casually from now on?”

‘Unless something extraordinary happens, Kang Chan will definitely make the debut lineup.’

No trainee could match his dancing.

I boldly extended my hand.

Kang Chan looked at it before quietly placing his own over mine.

The moment our palms met, our body temperatures felt strangely similar.

“Sounds good.”

Those brief words carried a firm determination.

Somehow, on the day before the competition, Kang Chan and I, both the same age, finally started speaking informally to each other.

“Then should we keep practicing?”

“Yeah!”

My body was exhausted enough to collapse on the spot, but strangely, my determination burned hotter than ever.

 

☆☆☆

 

“I’m just going to add a little more highlighter so your eyes catch the camera better.”

“Okay.”

As the makeup artist lightly applied golden eyeshadow around my eyes, the reflection in the mirror seemed to shine more deeply.

‘Makeup skills are impressive every time I see them.’

The person reflected in the mirror felt strangely unfamiliar.

‘So this is what an appearance buff feels like.’

“I’ll apply the lipstick last.”

A soft rose-gold lipstick was gently brushed onto my lips.

The subtle yet luxurious color made me seem even more noble.

“Done! Trainee Cha Siwoo, what do you think?”

“Wow… Is that really me?”

“Feels different once you’ve had your makeup done, right?”

“Definitely. I look so refined. Thank you for always taking such good care of me.”

I immediately stood up and bowed ninety degrees.

The same makeup artist who had done my makeup every previous time had styled me again today.

“Haha. Trainee Cha Siwoo is always so polite. But this time, don’t ruin your makeup before the actual performance, okay?”

“Yes, I’ll remember that. If I mess it up again, I’ll walk around on my butt instead of my feet.”

“Pfft! What is that supposed to mean? Fine, I got it.”

After bowing another ninety degrees, the makeup artist smiled contentedly and walked toward Kang Chan.

‘This time, no matter what happens, I need to keep my makeup intact.’

“Trainee Cha Siwoo, if your makeup is done, let’s get you into your costume.”

“Yes!”

The outfit handed to me by the stylist was a pure white jacket covered with intricate gold embroidery.

After changing and standing before the mirror, the luxurious combination of white and gold immediately caught my eye.

Small golden shoulder pads decorated the shoulders, while a thin golden chain belt draped elegantly around the waist.

The slim-fit white pants made my legs appear longer and leaner.

“Royal Team’s outfit is absolutely gorgeous this time.”

“Thank you.”

“Once we add the accessories, it’ll be perfect.”

The stylist stepped closer.

“I’ll attach the bracelet and cape chain here.”

The cool touch of metal brushed lightly against my wrist.

A thin golden bracelet wrapped around my arm, while the golden chain ornament flowing down the back of the cape was carefully arranged.

“When you move, the slight swaying will make the light catch beautifully.”

The accessories felt as though they would make me shine even brighter on stage today.

“Thank you!”

“Of course. I’m looking forward to your performance.”

‘I guess all the preparations are finished now?’

Looking around, I saw the team members getting touch-ups or adjusting their outfits.

‘Wait. Why does it feel like one person is missing?’

A familiar wave of PTSD hit me, making my heart drop.

‘No way…’

Suppressing my anxiety, I walked over to Kang Chan, who was getting his makeup done.

“Chan.”

“Yeah?”

“Have you seen Hoseung?”

“When you went to change clothes earlier, he said he was going to get a drink from the vending machine.”

“Oh, really?”

‘Whew… thank goodness.’

Relief escaped me automatically.

“Hmm? But that’s strange.”

“What’s strange?”

“Now that I think about it, it’s been quite a while, hasn’t it? Wasn’t the vending machine just down the hallway?”

The unexpected words hit my chest like a heavy stone.

My body reacted before my mind could.

My legs were already sprinting toward the door.

“Wait! What’s wrong?”

I heard Kang Chan calling after me, but I had no time to answer.

My instincts screamed that I needed to run.

‘Shit. Nothing happened to him, right?’