Debuting by Riding the Returnee’s Bus Chapter 22

“It’s definitely not a concussion.”

 

“Are you sure, Doctor? I knew it!”

 

“Yes. The basic tests don’t show any particular issues. However, fainting suddenly isn’t a good sign from your body. It could be simple overwork or extreme stress… but there’s nothing wrong with your head.”

 

“I see, I see.”

 

“Anyway, it’s best to rest for the time being. I don’t think there’s a need to prescribe any specific medication. Just monitor the situation, and if something similar happens again, you should go to a larger hospital for a more thorough check-up.”

 

“I’ll be fine after a day or two of rest, right?”

 

“Hahaha. Well, the more rest you get, the better…”

 

“See, PD Ahn-nim! Even the doctor says there’s no problem. I’m totally fine.”

 

Despite my words, PD Ahn still had a stiff, worried expression on her face.

 

‘Why did she even come to the hospital with me?’

 

Well, someone did need to act as my guardian. The current Lee Unha was a minor, and I hadn’t headed to the hospital directly from home. They probably couldn’t find any contact info for a guardian on my phone, so they felt someone had to stick with me. Plus, it was an accident that happened during filming, so they likely felt responsible…

 

‘I don’t even need to see it to know there must’ve been complete chaos.’

 

The fact that someone from the PD line, not just a random staff member, came along made it obvious. A trainee fainting during filming—they were likely worried about articles regarding overwork controversies or mistreatment from the moment we started the training camp.

 

They’d already heard at the ER that there was no problem and that I was just sleeping, but until I woke up, they probably couldn’t ignore the mounting anxiety. Anyone would react that way, but broadcasting people were especially sensitive to safety accidents.

 

To put it bluntly, if the victim hadn’t been Lee Unha, or if the Main PD in charge of this program hadn’t been such a trash-tier producer, I might have been forced to drop out of the show.

 

‘Since the Main PD here is the type to walk straight into hell for ratings….’

 

However, the PD Ahn in front of me felt very different from the Main PD. She had a cold impression, looking like the textbook definition of a competent professional, yet she seemed far more emotional than I’d expected. It felt that way especially because she looked like she was on the verge of tears.

 

“Are you really okay, Trainee Lee Unha?”

 

“Oh, come on. Just call me Unha casually, noona.”

 

“Huh? Ah… should I?”

 

“Yes! That’s more comfortable.”

 

“T-then, I’ll do that.”

 

“Okay.”

 

“But you’re really okay, right?”

 

“Yes. You heard the doctor. I told you there was no need to come all the way to the hospital for tests! I didn’t collapse because I’m sick; I think I was just tired. I stayed up all night practicing the day before, too….”

 

“Ahhh. I see.”

 

“By the way, noona.”

 

“Yes?”

 

“I won’t be forced to drop out or anything, right?”

 

After we left the hospital together, PD Ahn spoke as she took the steering wheel. Her face looked a bit more composed than before.

 

“Yeah. I don’t think it’ll go as far as dropping you out. The Main PD seems to want you to stay… actually, more than just wanting it, he said you must stay….”

 

“Ah, good!”

 

“Of course, if there were a health issue, you’d have to leave regardless, but if there’s no problem, you’ll likely continue. Personally, I think it might be better for you to stop here, though….”

 

“What?! Why?!”

 

“Because I’m worried, obviously. You might feel like it’s the end of the world if you don’t debut through this show, but it’s not. You’re talented and skilled, Unha. Even if it’s not here, you’ll definitely debut someday.”

 

“Ah.”

 

“It’s funny for me to say this, but there’s no guarantee this project group will be a hit anyway… health should be the top priority.”

 

“Oh, that’s not true. If I really had talent, I would’ve debuted with my previous agency.”

 

“Maybe those people just didn’t have an eye for talent. If I were a CEO of an agency, I would have debuted you no matter what….”

 

‘This person is suddenly being very forward.’

 

It seemed like she had blurted it out without thinking while focusing on driving. She looked momentarily startled by her own words.

 

“Thank you for saying that, noona.”

 

“N-no. It’s just my honest impression. Probably everyone else thinks so, too. Check the reactions after the first episode airs today. I’m not saying it just to make you feel better.”

 

PD Ahn seemed embarrassed. She looked like she regretted letting those words slip. Sensing the awkwardness, she hurriedly continued.

 

“And don’t worry too much about the upcoming stage. It looks like they’re going to air everything, from the moment you collapsed to the trip to the ER. The Main PD is determined to use it… so the viewers will understand.”

 

In other words, the station would do its best to shield me even if I messed up the performance. Naturally, it wasn’t very helpful news. This mission wasn’t one where eliminations would be decided by viewer voting anyway.

 

“Huh? So I’m not getting eliminated? Is there something like an elimination immunity pass?”

 

“No… unfortunately, I don’t think that’s possible. Stage evaluations are a different matter. Honestly, even if we had something like an immunity pass, it’d only create another problem. People would accuse us of favoritism or discrimination toward certain trainees.”

 

“Ah….”

 

“That wouldn’t be good for you, either…. Of course, it might feel unfair to you since you lost so much practice time… but there’s nothing we can do about that part.”

 

“Well… it’s okay. I can just practice hard starting today.”

 

“By the way. It—it might be a bit silly to ask in this situation, but… how is the performance preparation going?”

 

“Hmm….”

 

“Is it still difficult?”

 

“No. It’s actually going surprisingly well.”

 

“Oh? Really? Didn’t your team say Mr. Wooyoung was going to do that? The Dark Mage thing!”

 

“Huh? How do you know that, PD-nim?”

 

“I—I obviously saw it while editing. The Main PD said he wanted to use the ambulance footage for the preview, so I ended up watching everything that happened before it too.”

 

“Ah, right! So it’s going in the teaser….”

 

“Yeah. Probably… but anyway, is it really going well? I remember everyone except you and Mr. Wooyoung being a bit uncooperative.”

 

“The hyungs are doing great. I’m the one who feels ashamed, actually. With everything that’s happened… I haven’t even been able to practice properly.”

 

“And even so, you’re saying it’ll be okay?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“How?”

 

“Ah… well… the dark mage. I’m the one who’s going to do it.”

 

Naturally, the conversation I had with Joo Wooyoung yesterday came to mind.

 

‘I think it would be better if you were the dark mage, Unha.’

 

‘Huh? N-No. You’re the one who should be the dark mage, hyung.’

 

‘No. I think this is for the best right now. So don’t come to practice today.’

 

Arguments over who should be the dark mage. It was a bit of a nerdy conversation, but there was no denying it was the most realistic and rational method. It was the only way for Lee Unha, who couldn’t participate in full practice due to current circumstances, to still stand on stage.

 

Of course, I had refused at first, but he acted as though there was no other option, so in the end, I had no choice but to agree. However, the existing problems hadn’t been solved. The trio had suddenly begun improving at an incredible pace, and Joo Wooyoung also seemed to have realized what the team’s core issue was, but as I’d said before, the fundamental problem remained unchanged.

 

And yet, despite that…. Strangely, I felt like the puzzle pieces were fitting together in a positive direction.

 

“Ah! So you finally decided on that!”

 

“Yes.”

 

“It’s a little disappointing that the narrative built around the class system is disappearing, but I honestly think it’ll work even better!”

 

“You think so?”

 

“Yes, yes. Honestly, if you asked me who fits a dark mage better, I’d say you over Mr. Wooyoung.Of course, Mr. Wooyoung fits the role well enough too, but I don’t think he’s really the dark mage type. It’s like he’s wearing clothes that don’t quite suit him, you know? But if you’re taking the role, then I don’t have to worry. And a dark mage barely moves anyway, so the physical burden will be much lighter both during practice and on the actual stage… it’ll be fine! Ah, I can’t wait. Oh, right. We’d actually already started preparing the stage costumes for this performance. It was a secret from all of you in the class groups, but the leader groups had been coordinating with the production staff separately to get their costumes fitted. That’s why the preparation period was longer. The dark mage costume turned out really well too. I seriously can’t wait to see what it’ll look like on you!”

 

‘What’s up with her? Her voice suddenly got so loud.’

 

She was speaking so fast I could barely keep up.

 

“You made the right choice. Whose idea was it? Yours again?”

 

“No. Wooyoung hyung came to me yesterday and said it would be better that way. I refused because I felt burdened, but after hearing his explanation, it seemed like the only way.”

 

“No, no. I’m telling you, you’ll be great! The whole dark mage concept is unique… of course, I don’t know how easily the general public will accept it, but if it’s edited well, people won’t be able to help looking forward to it. On top of that, the song matches it perfectly. I guarantee your team is going to absolutely destroy the stage this time. Once the performance is over, every online community is going to be talking about you guys. Ah… I’m already excited.”

 

‘What’s gotten into this noona?’

 

Maybe I was imagining it, but she seemed far too excited. Perhaps it was just my imagination, but it even felt like her driving was becoming rougher too.

 

“Noona! Noona! Watch the road! The road!”

 

“Ah!”

 

She slammed on the brakes so hard my body flew forward.

 

Screeeech!

 

“Ah… sorry, Unha. Are you hurt?”

 

“Yes, I’m fine.”

 

Her face was bright red with embarrassment. PD Ahn seemed to realize she had made a fool of herself. Seeing her biting her lip and driving in silence, she’d probably be kicking her blankets in embarrassment tonight. She was even stealing glances at me.

 

PD Ahn seemed worried about looking like a weirdo, but honestly, she didn’t seem weird to me. In fact, it made me feel good.

 

‘A fan… she’s a fan, isn’t she?’

 

Whether she was a fan of Joo Wooyoung, Lee Unha, or both, I was deeply moved. The fact that someone liked me was both bewildering and happy. And to think it was a PD in charge of this program—even if she was a junior, having someone on my side was incredibly reassuring.

 

After some time had passed and I sensed the mood, I cautiously opened my mouth. In the silent car, my small voice drifted out.

 

“Um, noona.”

 

“Uh… eh? Yes.”

 

“I hope I’m not mistaken….”

 

“Uh… w-what?”

 

“Would you like… an autograph?”

 

Immediately, a voice even smaller than mine replied.

 

“Y—yeah… thanks.”

 

“Oh, it’s nothing! Of course I’ll give you one!”

 

“But, b—by any chance….”

 

“……”

 

“Could I also ask for a photo?”

 

“Yes, of course.”

 

Seeing the corners of her mouth turn up, I knew I wasn’t mistaken. I looked out the window with a professional smile, watching the scenery pass by. Thanks to her, my thoughts felt organized, and naturally, my mind turned to today’s schedule. I remembered what she had said earlier.

 

‘That’s right.’

 

“…….”

 

‘Today is the first broadcast.’

 

The premiere of the eventful Idol Classism had finally arrived.

 

***

 

“What! PD Ahn? You said we’d all watch the first episode together?!”

 

“I’m sorry! Something came up at home!”

 

“Huh?”

 

“I’m really sorry! Truly sorry!”

 

“Wait, what really happened? What is it? PD Ahn!”

 

I hurriedly escaped the set before I could be caught.

 

‘The premiere should be watched alone at home with a beer. What the hell is this nonsense about watching it together?’

 

I quickly sat in the car and grabbed the wheel. Only after pulling out onto the road before anyone could catch me did I finally begin to relax. As the speed increased, I caught myself glancing at the passenger seat.

 

‘Unha was sitting right there today.’

 

Why was I grinning like an idiot?

 

‘He really was sitting there this afternoon.’

 

Thinking about it again made the corners of my mouth twitch upward. I had made a fool of myself by rambling in excitement… but he had smiled and asked if I wanted an autograph. How could I not cherish such a lovely boy?

 

We even took a photo together. It was a bit shameless as a staff member, but there was no way to refuse Lee Unha when he offered first. I could only nod helplessly.

 

When I first heard he had fainted, I was filled with a thousand worries…. It truly felt like a blessing in disguise, and I felt like I was walking on air. But on the other hand, I had to be careful.

 

“But haven’t I gotten a little too close? Getting too excited isn’t a good thing.”

 

It wasn’t because I was a staff member of Idol Classism. It wasn’t because my creepy fan ego was trying to crawl out. It was because I knew that, above all else, maintaining a proper distance was the most important thing when being a fan.

 

Especially in my situation, maintaining that distance was vital. Of course it’d be wonderful to become close to the person you admired, and it’d make you incredibly happy, but ironically, getting too close never led to anything good.—not for me and not for Lee Unha.

 

It was right to remain just one of many fans. Trying to become a special fan was something I should avoid at all costs—I nodded to myself.

 

‘Right. Let’s not get too close next time. Today couldn’t be helped because of the circumstances. B-But… taking a few extra pictures separately should be okay, right?

 

Lost in thought, I soon arrived home. I parked and ran inside.

 

“What? Noona, why are you home so early?”

 

The first thing I saw was my sibling, whom I’d rather not see at all.

 

“It’s the first broadcast today, so I’m watching it at home. But Ahn Kyeongnam, what are you doing in the living room? Not playing games in your room as usual?”

 

“Well, I heard it’s a show you worked on. I wanted to see it. It’s called Idol Classism, right?”

 

“Since when were you interested in what I do? And you’re watching a boy group survival show?”

 

“No, just… it keeps popping up on my shorts lately.”

 

“Who? Lee Unha?”

 

“Yeah. The kids in my class are doing challenges with it all day long. And since you worked on the show, I figured I’d at least watch the first episode.”

 

“Don’t talk nonsense and just watch quietly, then.”

 

“Obviously. But noona, should we order chicken?”

 

Were we finally on the same wavelength after all this time? The moment I nodded, my brother flashed a huge grin. He probably just said that because he wanted chicken, but I didn’t care. Normally, I would have yelled at him about the state of the house and told him to go back to our parents’ place, but I wasn’t in the mood to be angry, even if I tried.

 

There was no other reason. Just seeing the captions fill the screen made me feel good.

 

[Idol Classism]

 

“Get noona a beer from the fridge! Kyeongnam!”

 

It was the moment I had been waiting for.