Chapter Text
His eyes squint towards the device in his hands, a video replaying the former installations of Idol Inc. Academy. Moondae's established that he is in fact, in a fictional world but he was pleased that he didn't manage to be unlucky in what kind of world atleast. Just imagining how he would fare in a world in the medieval setting or in a world with monsters and hunters, he felt like he had gotten off easy. But that was just an advantage for him, one that he's not willing to let go of.
Setting down the phone on a table, Moondae crossed his arm and slumped down on the chair. He was inside a coffee shop for the meantime, but he'll be going to the same noraebang in the next few hours.
Though the student's scores in the academy's evaluation were decides by a selected few of judges, it was mainly the audience who were responsible for everything else. It was one of the reasons why the show was successful after all, it was essentially in touch with the netizens and interactive with the fans.
That means that everything will be broadcasted, your every move and every reaction will be scrutinized by the Internet.
Moondae sighed, unfolding his arms and laying them on the table in front.
Disregarding that, he calls out for the status window and gazes at the holographic screen.
[Name: Park Moondae (Ryu Gunwoo)]
Level: 1
Title: N/AKnowledge - C+
Appearance - C+
Stamina - D
Charm - D(Reputation : 0%)
[Capture Target One - Cha Eugene : 0%]
[Capture Target Two - ??? : 0%]
[Capture Target Three - ??? : 0%]
[...]Characteristics - Infinite Potential, No Heartbreak
[!] Status Abnormality: 'Date or Die'
Remaining Points: 0
Moondae looked at it with surprise, noting the increase of his Appearance. He had gotten a haircut a few minutes ago but that was only because his hair had been bothering him a bit. But then again, he had been sleeping and eating well for the past few days to get rid of the melancholic atmosphere around him, though he won't look a gift horse in the mouth.
He knew what Infinite Potential had done, but not exactly what No Heartbreak meant.
Characteristics -
No Heartbreak
Full of perseverance and vigor, you won't surrender after a rejection!
Moondae's face slowly frosted, his eyes steadily darkening.
What kind of Characteristic was that. Looking at it closely, wasn't it just making him seem desperate?
He clicked his tongue and immediately left. Resuming back to watching the former installations of the show. Now that he thought about it, he felt like he was missing a vital point right now.
Moondae knew Cha Eugene, not exactly personally but because he had seen glimpses of him on social media in the time he had dipped his toes into dating simulators for the first time. Though he had played a bit of [REVIEW: Your Love Idol★!], he had never really finished it as his job and schooling became top priority.
In fact, he had only played until the second part of the last storyline — when the heroine had become unfavored by the netizens due to evil editing in the show, falling from her second ranking. Even then, the only reason he even knew of Cha Eugene's presence in the first place was because of Kim Raebin, the love interest whose route he decided to play first. Kim Raebin, who he was definitely sure that he was one of his capture targets.
The problem was, he didn't remember any of the other capture targets — If they were the same ones in the game. As said, he had played it in his college days, meaning that it was years ago. No matter how efficient he may seem, even he couldn't remember that far clearly.
Moondae had probably played all of their routes at some time but at that point, [REVIEW: Your Love Idol★!] had become an unimportant priority in the face of assignments, exams, job and rent. The game was a bit like a distant memory, remaining there but never being able to reach.
Cha Eugene was a noisy guy even when it wasn't in his own route, while Kim Raebin…
Moondae tried to recall what kind of person was this Kim Raebin.
He looked quite intimidating, so he must be the stone-hearted kind of love interest. A cold sneer on his face while looking at you like some kind of ant.
Pursuing such a guy, Moondae can't help but shiver.
Speaking of which, he wondered if he would encounter the heroine in the show. Though she was an admirable person, she would have to be an admirable foe instead if she did show up. Moondae wasn't one to get in such complicated situations, having to fight, but it was in his best interest for survival after all. The idea that he would have to participate in a squabble felt too demeaning however, it felt like child's play, arguing over a wanted toy.
In a way, he supposed it made sense.
"Here's your Dalgona Coffee and Bungeoppang, Enjoy~"
"Ah… Thank you."
Almost immediately, the scent of coffee soothed his wounded dignity. Moondae licked his lips that tasted of honeyed brew.
It was definitely better to be in a modern world, at least he has that consolation.
Sipping on his coffee quietly, he sat in silence as he watched an idol performance instead — he wasn't sulking, not one bit.
In the corner of his eye, he sees a person with bright red hair nearby, coming closer to him. The brunette decided to dismiss him, the guy probably passing by his table.
Except that wasn't it, as Moondae stared at the figure right in front of him whose bright red hair shone even more underneath the cafe lightings. One of the first thing he's noticed was his big smile, a grin all the way up to his eyes. Moondae could almost see fireflies in that bright blue eyes of his—
Wait, were all young adults this handsome? What's gotten into him? For him to spew such bullcrap poetry all of a sudden.
Moondae's personally seen idols upfront before but never had he been entranced all that much, usually he just looks up to the ceiling and claims that the world above has favorites with a dead look in his face.
"Hello! Do you mind if I take this seat?"
"... No, do as you like." Park Moondae said lamely, feeling oddly star struck.
No, seriously. He whipped his head around the cafe and saw the plain people with almost blurred out faces— That can't be normal, right?
But this guy… he felt like he was facing the sun itself with how his whole being seemed to just shine. Moondae's forehead was immediately dripped with sweat, he felt like David going against Goliath all of a sudden.
"Woah! You watch Idols too?" The nosy guy leaned in closer, his eyes becoming wider as he took a glance at what he was watching.
Moondae almost wanted to question him with skeptical eyes, but it seemed like he was ignored as the other continued to talk.
"TrickShot by 2BYU is really amazing! Their choreography is too intense and complex for any normal person, but they have great control and precision to back it up~"
Though he was a busybody, he wasn't exactly wrong. TrickShot by 2BYU was one of the hardest choreographies in all of the KPOP Industry in this world. He had researched and tried to learn more about which idols were famous, infamous, or were just nugu groups in this fictional world.
But there was a problem with this song in general, so that must be why the other was testing him like this. Moondae's eyes narrowed, he can't just blindly trust the redhead's words or attempts at chats, who's to say that he wasn't just a NPC who was trying to get him to fail.
"It's true that they have great choreographies," Moondae said. "But because of that, their vocals suffered a lot too. It was even said that one of the members suffered an injury and was sent to the hospital because they performed it too many times."
"Ah..? " The other blinked, his smile frozen.
That's right, Moondae said with a bit of pride, I'll survive until the end of this show.
"I'll say that T1-Holic's Magic Chance was a better performance overall. Their vocals were stable every live performance and their stage presence overall owns up to their popularity."
By now, the bewildered expression wore off and in its place was a somewhat bright expression. Moondae's eyes immediately winced at the increasing luminosity of this strange fellow.
"Ah~ But still, T1-Holic might have some great songs but their foundation in dancing is still too weak. They engage with the crowd but too often they neglect dancing with each other! In fact, one I can mention that does both is MagnetiKs by P4.O.t, which has both engagement with the audience and has a great dynamic!"
Moondae leaned in closer, "MagnetiKs by P4.O.t is a great song but it didn't suit P4.O.t's concept. Its blatantly obvious that the song wasn't written with them in mind. B3ST's Tickets In Line!!! is perfectly compatible with B3ST's members, being able to both perfectly display the concept's freshness of summer and having great energy in both dance and in hyping up the crowd."
His almond colored eyes appeared as if they had fireworks in them. "They captured the essence of their concept well, but it's too overused. It's obvious they're getting bored of performing a refreshing image that it's affecting their dance!"
"FluffySweet's Sugar Heartbeat—"
"Great vocals and dance! But the rap is stiff and doesn't fit clearly with the rest of the song? How about EVEREAL's Metamorphosis 11?"
"The vocals are catchy but they're unsupported. Not to mention that each line given to the members is definitely unsuited for them so we aren't able to see the song's full potential. G-Cile's Red Kiss Shirt?"
The other leaned in until their foreheads touched, both their eyes fixed on eachother.
"The choreography was messy and simple. HONI's Honey Honey Pot?"
"The songwriting was clunky and the writer clearly had no prior experience. VTIC's Deep Blood?"
"Super cool!"
"So we're in agreement then."
Only then did Moondae realize what he was doing, he quickly broke it off before coughing in his hand. This exchange… it was nostalgic, reminding him of how he used to chat with random strangers on the comment section of the videos of Idols, discussing the Idol's skills and abilities.
"Wow! Hyung must be very knowledgeable to boldly state those claims!" The guy smiled earnestly, but it didn't seem like he was refuting him but only commenting on it.
"I'm used to it." Moondae said simply, still feeling a bit befuddled on how he had lost his cool and talked with a random stranger.
Simply enough, the other's eyes had sparkled a lot, looking at him in a new light at that piece of information. "Ahh, you remind me a lot of my friend! He's passionate about these kinds of stuff too!"
Somehow, Moondae feels as if that friend was also an impossibly handsome man. The thought brings nothing but agitation inside.
"He must be very lucky then. " — to have a friend who's willing to talk his ear off. This friend of his must have his days filled with not silence but chatter.
"Hmm, what does hyung mean?" Somehow, his stature changed from at ease to concentration. The laugh lines slowly vanishing from his sharp face.
"Well… it's nice to have your days brightened up, right?" Moondae eyes him carefully, "You seem like the type to be a good influence on others lives."
Ah, his true thoughts slipped out. Maybe being within this guy's proximity was starting to tire him out. If you were underneath the sun, wouldn't you eventually sweat too much and pass out?
A silence descends upon the two of them despite the bustling noises inside the cafe. What's left is the steam of ready-made coffee and newly baked goods drifting across the other tables.
Suddenly, the redhead chuckled heartily. Moondae looked at him in shock, did the guy really go crazy?
"Really sweet~ You're too kind."
In the end, as Moondae finished his coffee and goods, he left swiftly afterwards. He noticed that the other didn't exactly give him a number to call, nor did he also introduce himself.
Well, he was sure it didn't matter regardless. Soon, Moondae entered the noraebang parlor.
Idol Inc. Academy.
Though it was true that their last installation had been met with harsh criticism due to many controversies and conspiracies surrounding it. The latest installation, the one where the game was set at, was surprisingly met with non judgemental gazes once more and more episodes had aired.
A crazy program that had built itself a reputation of being the one to debut massively hated or loved groups. The first of all to open an actual school and broadcasted it live, all while mixing stocks with Idol's.
It's a great pathway to actually meeting the capture targets— No, the only way to interact with them.
Though the problem is that their applications are closed, and for someone like him who has no company or any connections to the industry. Its a must that he needs to be recruited, so…
There was a theory surrounding a crazy writer in a thread when talking about [REVIEW! Your Love Idol★!]. Trying to fill out unfinished plot holes and to build out more world building. For a fanbase that had absolutely hated the previous game, they sure had obsessed over [R:YLI★!] a bit too much. How scary.
"I've been listening to you from the outside, your singing was impressive." The suspicious woman said, her glasses glinting in the dark. "Student, may I ask for your name? "
She handed out a card, one that looked quite polished. "Ryu Seorin", and before he knew it, a circular meter appeared on top of the woman's head, appearing holographic. The text inside being [5%]. It was shaded in red as well.
[Name: Ryu Seorin]
Knowledge - S+
Appearance - C
Stamina - D
Charm - A-Characteristics - Won't You Be My Muse?
LIKE METER — [5%] / [100%]
Moondae flinched at the sudden movement in front of him. He was a bit confused, he had talked to other people before this but none had ever shown up with a "like meter" before. Was it because this woman was part of the show? Crazy…
LIKE METER — [3%] / [100%]
[ DECREASE! ]
"Student? What's wrong? " Underneath the woman's supposed concern was a hint of irritation. One that Moondae took note of, he had been so distracted that he had forgotten what to say for a moment.
"Ah… I'm sorry, I'm just so shocked."
He quickly grabbed the card, though trying to mask it as somewhat hesitant. His face doubtful, but accepted nonetheless. The woman nodded, not hiding her pleased glow.
"My name is Park Moondae." The brunette said quietly before being immediately overpowered by Ryu Seorin's quick advertisement.
"You have a unique name, handsome looks, and an impressive skill in singing. I really think that Student has what it takes to be a star. Our program is really good at nurturing people into their full potential!"
LIKE METER — [4%] / [100%]
[ INCREASE! ]
She was exaggerating, praising his everything in order to entice him into joining despite probably only intending to use him as cannon fodder. Moondae was fine with that, he wouldn't need to debut anyway. He just needs to lay low amongst the trainees, build up enough relationships then leave once he was eliminated. It only gave him one year anyways.
And he supposed the theory was somewhat true. It worked in his advantage after all.
"Thank you…" Moondae didn't bother trying to act happy, it would be good if it didn't seem like he wasn't aiming for this situation as they tend to skip those who intentionally pursue it.
The woman continued, "And, excuse me for asking. How old are you?"
"I'm twenty years old."
"That's perfect! I think you would really do well in our program—. Hm, would you like to take a test video today if you have time?"
Suddenly flustered, Moondae asked dumbfounded.
"...What?"
"Yes. Please contact your parents. They would surely be happy if you told them that their son had been admitted to a program and would be visiting a broadcasting station."
"...I don't have parents."
Characteristics -
Won't You Be My Muse? [ ACTIVATED! ]
When activated, you'll get inspired and be motivated to create.
– +99% Experience Gain
– Unlimited Use
Once Moondae said that, it felt like the aura around the woman changed. A small light that sprung up in her eyes before covering up an almost hungry smile.
It seemed to serve as good entertainment material for Ryu Seorin.
The writer quickly hid her gleeful expression and spoke more softly, "Oh my… I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that."
"But, you can just take a look inside the broadcasting station. It's a once in a lifetime experience~"
Should he accept now?
Probably.
"Ah, sure…"
[Name: Park Moondae (Ryu Gunwoo)]
Level: 2
Title: N/A
Vocal - B-
Dance -
Visual - C+
Talent -
Characteristics - Infinite Potential, No Heartbreak[!] Status Abnormality: 'Date or Die'
Remaining Points: 0
Park Moondae did intend to get recruited like that but for it to be so fast was unexpected. It was a good thing he had increased his levels in Vocals by the time that recruiter came.
He had ten days to prepare for the Academy Individual Evaluation. Shameless people that they are, that production crew…
As the academy was about Idol-like skills, he'll have to choose between Dance, Vocals, and Rap to focus on. He also had to choose his songs carefully, not wanting to take the risk of being laid back about it.
Moondae might have wanted to lay low amongst the other students in the School. But he didn't want to not give it his all in the evaluation, just in case.
In choosing a song, he needs one that can showcase his range of vocal abilities while also being able to appeal to the judges— or in this case, the proctors? Regardless, a song that is not too outdated, has a massive appeal yet not too popular, great lyrics that have a wide variety of vocabulary, a bit of english lyrics as well, a catchy melody, and clean lyrics.
Moondae looked at his checklist full of red marks and checks, suppressing a sigh. At that point, maybe he should just produce a new song. That wouldn't be such a bad idea…. If he didn't only have ten days, added with the fact the barely knew how to write lyrics, assuming that the system wouldn't help.
Damn producers.
And as for Visuals…
Moondae supposes he'll have to skip that part, knowing that his Visuals were indeed a lost cause.
Now, for the Dance. Moondae, who laid on the couch with a pen in hand and a notebook in the other, pursed his lips in a straight line.
Yes, that could work…
-
Park Moondae might not have remembered all of the game from having played so many otome games that even the controversial [REVIEW: Your Love Idol★!] couldn't be the only one to grab his attention but he did play most parts of it, having remembered brief memories of his gameplay.
It was hectic, the requirement for a successful individual evaluation being a C+ in both Vocals and Dance. An important aspect that contributed to your gameplay was definitely time management inside the game, having to balance school, training, and relationships at the start.
It was a bit nerve-wracking seeing as his Dance was embarrassing to see. He would just really hope that his plan would work through.
Moondae stopped thinking so deeply for now, choosing to observe his surroundings instead. The sun proceeded to give a nice beam, the light slightly getting into his eyes that he had to wince and cover with his hands. He sat on the bleachers intended for all seventy-seven contestants, students they would call it, observing some of the kids that didn't sit down on the bleachers and were instead playing on the grass or talking with their other friends whom they applied with.
Behind the bleachers was an elegant piece of architecture with stairs leading up towards a platform. On that platform held a building that no doubt looked impressive. It gave him a bit of a nostalgic feeling despite his college not looking anything close to that.
At this age… it was a bit embarrassing to be an idol, wasn't it?
"Excuse me, hello! " A kid who looked to be in middle school greeted him, being the person right behind him. Moondae tilted his head slightly in acknowledgement.
Once more, the same screen that appeared for "Ryu Seorin" appeared for "Choi Wongil" as well.
[Name: Choi Wongil]
Vocal - B+
Dance - D
Visual - B-
Talent - C+Characteristics - Spider's Web (B+)
LIKE METER — [2%] / [100%]
"Did you perhaps apply by yourself?" Choi Wongil asked mildly, his smile lightly creating a cute crease on his eyes. His hands that were interlocked fidgeted slightly as soon as they met eye contact.
"Yes." How outgoing, this kid. Going out of your way to greet even strangers in an unknown place, Moondae mused.
"Woah! Me too! Oh, may I ask how old you are?"
"...Twenty" Moondae said.
His lips immediately twitched to the side, his age having been decreased by nine years. He didn't exactly know whether he was still twenty-nine but in heart or if he was now a fresh age of twenty.
"Ah~ do you have an agency?"
"None."
LIKE METER — [1%] / [100%]
[ DECREASE! ]
LIKE METER — [2%] / [100%]
[ INCREASE! ]
"Ah, right! Then, which company were you originally from—?"
Haah, Moondae suppressed an irritated frown. He definitely knew what type of person this middle school brat was.
"No, none at all."
"Oh… I see…"
LIKE METER — [0%] / [100%]
[ DECREASE! ]
LIKE METER — [-15%] / [100%]
[ DECREASE! ]
Immediately, the brat had lost his faint smile. Instead, he eyed him with a condescending look before rushing to speak with another person.
He can't believe that even a middle schooler was this vicious.
Wait.
Hold on, wasn't one of the love interest somewhat like that?
A face of duality that they wore. An unsuspecting person who surprisingly has a sweet side as well. He, who was blunt but could tell you a hundred compliments. The Internet term for it being a…
Tsundere.
Moondae covered his face with his hands. Well, that answered the question of whether Choi Wongil was a middle schooler or not and the answer was a loud no. Still, he already had a negative like meter just by sitting here and doing nothing, wasn't that just depressing?
As if to console him, a new window opened up right in front of him. It's contents are unlike any other that Moondae has experienced.
Chapter One — Two Lover's Bound To Meet
The soft winds blow across the field of Idol Inc. Academy, beautiful flowers blooming as your journey begins.
Are you ready to embark on your adventure to find your true soulmate? With bounty comes scarcity, and with prosperity comes with hardships.
REWARDS :
— Item Roulette 1X
— Passive Roulette 1X
— [+2%] of a random capture target's love meter
— Thousand won
[YES] [NO]
Almost immediately, the overwhelmingly sweet scent wafted towards the air around him, somehow originating from the holographic screen. Moondae, who was facing the screen itself, received the brunt of its sudden attack, leaving him feeling slightly dizzy.
"Right, what am I supposed to do with a thousand won…" Moondae criticized underneath his breath, calling them cheapskates in his heart.
"Well…"
His hand hovered over the button hesitantly before firmly pushing it with a renewed determination. Well, his own version of determination which was just the desire to survive.
Immediately, the world surrounding him erupted in a pink tint, casting a rose-colored light on everyone and everything. It looked like an opening cutscene from a dating simulator — which it probably was, he would bet the reward money that this whole scenario was probably from [R:YLI★!].
[ Welcome, PROTAGONIST PARK MOONDAE. ]
[ Let your love battery fill up to a 100%! ]
…Protagonist Park Moondae—?
Wait, hold on. Doesn't that mean…
Was he the protagonist himself?
He had thought that he would have had to fight the actual heroine for the right to chase her love interests but apparently not…
A hand landed on his shoulder, making him quickly turn around. A bewildered expression still on his face from the revelation just now. He didn't exactly want to talk to another person now but–
Hm? Wasn't that the busybody he met in the cafe?
Immediately, a screen popped up in front of him, just as Ryu Seorin and Choi Wongil.
Huh.
[Name: Cha Eugene]
Vocal - C+ (B+)
Rap - B
Dance - A+ (S+)
Visual - A (S)
Talent - A+ (EX)Characteristics - Black Hole (A)
LOVE METER — [8%] / [100%]
Immediately, he noticed the heart shape instead of the circular shape that it was supposed to be.
Cha Eugene…?
"Yo!"
Formerly a random busybody from the cafe, now apparently Cha Eugene, appears before him. A shine in his hair that was probably soaked in a crap ton of products, twinkling eyes and a toothy grin too.
Was it appropriate to curse out loud right now? Because he really wants to right now. In fact…
F—!