Debuting by Riding the Returnee’s Bus Chapter 163

‘Was Kim Haejun always… this type of person?’

 

“…….”

 

‘His trigger is just different from everyone else’s?’

 

“…….”

 

‘Yes. My hunch is right. He’s different.’

 

The weak-hearted man I saw just moments ago was nowhere to be found. The Kim Haejun who had been trembling in the back of the van was now sitting perfectly still, without even blinking. Anyone could tell that the mere name TOP9 had flipped some kind of switch inside him.

 

‘You’re scary, Haejun hyung. Please relax your face.’

 

His expression looked even colder than when I’d first met him. He seemed a hundred times sharper than the cold Kim Haejun of those early days.

 

No, seriously? What’s with him?

 

I’d completely misunderstood Kim Haejun as a person.

 

Coddling him, telling him he can do it, shouting that we can make it together, and instilling courage to unite as one—that was the wrong solution for Kim Haejun. I thought it was the most appropriate method for him, as someone who acted like a sub-leader and embraced all the members… but seeing him now, I was wrong. I’d judged him solely by the face he showed the world and approached him far too superficially.

 

As absurd as it sounded, the thought struck me that the act of someone looking after and caring for him might actually be a huge burden to Kim Haejun. Everyone had something that set them off. No, driving force was probably a better way to describe it.

 

For example….

 

Take Kim Taeyeol, who caused trouble most recently. What moved Kim Taeyeol was trust. Knowing that he was trusted was what drove him to overcome his slump and personal issues to perform well in variety.

 

The other members were probably the same. Of course, I hadn’t observed them long enough to know what drove each of them individually.….

 

But I knew exactly what Joo Wooyoung’s drive was.

 

Joo Wooyoung’s drive was ‘Comrades’ and a ‘Sense of Duty’. He drew strength from fighting alongside his companions and from the responsibility of fulfilling the mission entrusted to him. That was what ultimately enabled him to save another world and the result said it all.

 

I didn’t know for certain, but Jegal Hwi must have had something similar. Everyone from another dimension surely had their own reason for fighting. Those who had seen the end of a world must have personal circumstances that forced them to keep moving.

 

Naturally, the [Wizard] must have had something as well. Although the real Haejun and the [Wizard] were fundamentally different people, assuming they shared the same basic disposition….

 

‘There must have been a reason he survived that dystopian apocalypse and arrived here right on the verge of victory….’

 

In all likelihood, the [Wizard]’s drive was likely something like anger or revenge.

 

“You can do it, right? Artist Kim Haejun. It’s the same as last time. Hmm? Let’s completely trample those [Kingdom] bastards.”

 

“…….”

 

“Aren’t you going to answer?! Huh?! Are you going to let them beat you?! Aren’t you resentful about the contract termination and the smear campaign?!”

 

“No….”

 

“Why is your voice so weak? Are you not confident? Huh?! I heard they’re coming out with self-produced tracks too… if you aren’t confident in beating them, then just—”

 

“No.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“I can do it… Director…”

 

Seeing Kim Haejun muttering that under his breath gave me conviction that my tentative conclusion was the right answer.

 

‘JH’s incident… he’s still holding it in his heart.’

 

Well, there was no way he could forget. He might have vowed to himself that he’d move forward, forget everything, and focus on his debut and reality… but he had only buried it for a moment. He would never, ever forget.

 

There was no need to even mention that I had to revise my next course of action. The answer key was practically laid out before me.

 

‘I have to provoke him.’

 

In this situation….

 

Provoking Kim Haejun was the answer.

 

I couldn’t think of any other way.

 

“…….”

“…….”

 

Right on cue, an interesting article caught my eye.

 

[Entertainment News] [10 minutes ago]

[[TOP9] Acting idol ‘Beta’ joins Jackflix 12-episode series [Zombie]. ‘I will work hard to not be a burden to the other actors. On set, I am Seo Dongkwon, not Beta’. Setting out with high expectations.]

 

The corners of my mouth curled all the way up to my ears.

 

***

 

Time passed.

 

Not so much time that it warranted such an expression, but it felt as if it had flown by. That was because Fantasia had gradually begun winding down its schedule. Compared to the days when we could barely get any sleep, things were much more relaxed now. Of course, relaxed was only relative.

 

<Fantasia> was still handling a mountain of schedules, including self-produced content from <The World>, video-call fansigns for fans, interviews, radio, variety shows, and NewTube appearances. It wasn’t just these external activities. Though it felt like ages since our debut, <Fantasia> never stopped practicing.

 

We had already rehearsed our performances hundreds of times, yet we continued repeating the same routines over and over, constantly polishing every detail to raise the quality. And that wasn’t all. No one really talked about it, but we also spent an enormous amount of time receiving treatments at dermatology clinics and similar places. Those sessions felt almost like breaks compared to everything else, but once they became part of your daily routine, they stopped feeling relaxing.

 

On top of that, there were constant requests from acquaintances asking us to record birthday videos or send congratulatory messages for someone they knew, so <Fantasia> was still living through busy days. Taking a break didn’t actually mean you got to rest.

 

Take Kim Haejun, for example. Right after posting his apology on social media, he met fans during a video call fan sign event with a fierce determination in his eyes, then immediately he locked himself in the studio.

 

The other members were also preparing for individual activities. Kim Taeyeol was getting ready to join a fixed variety show, while everyone else struggled to find the kind of work that suited them best.

 

I wasn’t trying to brag, but among all of us, the busiest person by far was Lee Unha. In fact, this transition period felt even busier for me. It was the same now. After reading the scripts over and over and over again, I was sitting across from Director Gu.

 

Naturally, it was to decide on the project I would take on during our hiatus.

 

“Director Gu… I’d like to do [Zombie].”

 

“Are you certain that’s your final decision after careful consideration?”

 

“Yes. I’ve thought it through. I’ll do [Zombie].”

 

“Personally, I would like to recommend [Mist] more… as you know, in [Zombie], well….”

 

“No. I like [Zombie]. Regardless of which other actors join, I’m doing [Zombie].”

 

“…….”

“…….”

 

Director Gu nodded quietly. He looked a bit surprised. I wondered if he had been pushing [Mist] because I could receive more attention there compared to [Zombie], which had many characters. He continued speaking very cautiously, as if he really wanted me to pick [Mist].

 

“May I ask why?”

 

“Just because. I like the script more. And… you said we’re going global. Don’t you think [Zombie] will work better than [Mist]? Thrillers tend to rely a lot on cultural context—the directing style, the atmosphere, things like that. What scares audiences in Asia might not have the same impact elsewhere. Compared to that… zombie blockbusters feel relatively universal. They’re especially popular in the West.”

 

It was just some nonsense I babbled without knowing anything. I only chose [Zombie] because that Beta guy from [TOP9] was in it.

 

But Director Gu seemed to have listened quite seriously. After thinking for a long moment, he nodded.

 

“I see.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Then, may I set the contract schedule?”

 

“Yes. You can sign it immediately.”

 

“And….”

 

“Yes.”

 

“May I proceed with the promotion exactly as we discussed before?”

 

“Yes. Please do.”

 

“Understood. Then I will see to it. Mr. Unha, thank you for making this decision. You’ve worked hard.”

 

“No, I should be the one thanking you. I’m grateful for the opportunity. I’m getting a high guarantee thanks to you.”

 

Every word of it was sincere. Honestly, at first, I felt all of this was a chore and a useless waste of time, but at this point, I felt like there was no better way. Immediately after agonizing over what to do about Kim Haejun, I thought it would be best to link up with [TOP9] somehow, and a perfect opportunity had arrived.

 

Since Kim Haejun still projected JH onto Lee Unha…. Telling him I was entering the same project would definitely make him look out for me. The method was simple: I just had to subtly cry and confess that I was being bullied by Beta.

 

I didn’t know exactly how he would react, but wouldn’t it be like pouring gasoline on Kim Haejun’s engine?

 

Just as I offered a satisfied smile, Director Gu spoke again. It was a somewhat bewildering piece of news—no, a completely unexpected one.

 

“And… the articles should have gone out just now.”

 

“?”

 

“…….”

 

“?”

 

“…….”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“Take a look.”

 

“Al-already?”

 

‘What? Why so fast?’

 

“Seriously? But… we haven’t even signed the contract yet… and the articles are already out?”

 

‘What? Why is an article out before the contract seal… no… how does an article drop before the signing? Did… did the production company release it?’

 

[Entertainment News] [1 hour ago]

[<Fantasia>’s True Acting Idol Lee Unha confirmed for Jackflix 12-part series [Zombie]! His appearance fee… enough to make your jaw drop!]

 

‘What the….’

 

[Star Issue Channel] [1 hour ago]

[Director Choi Donghoon: ‘I’m glad Lee Unha of <Fantasia> is joining [Zombie]. I won’t think of him as a rookie actor.’]

 

‘No, wait… you should think of me as a rookie. What is this director talking about?’

 

[Monthly Movie] [30 minutes ago]

[Actor Byeon Yongseok: ‘I am happy to be part of Lee Unha’s first project. I will do my best as if it’s my final performance.’]

 

‘What’s up with this grandfather now? Didn’t this ahjussi say he had another schedule? Why did he suddenly join [Zombie]?’

 

[Goryeo Ilbo] [30 minutes ago]

[Actress Yoo Aran: ‘I’m jealous of Byeon sunbaenim. I’d like to work with Actor Lee Unha someday.’]

 

‘Who’s this now? Who are you?’

 

[Entertainment News] [10 minutes ago]

[Actress Yoo Aran officially joins Jackflix 12-part drama [Zombie]! ‘I will stake my entire acting career to deliver a great performance.’]

 

‘Wait, didn’t she just say she wanted to work with me ‘someday’? Why did she join in just 20 minutes?’

 

Something… something is happening.

 

Something was occurring with such urgency that it was hard to grasp.