Chapter Text
Jang Kiseok watched as VTIC’s Cheongryeo strode out of the ‘waiting room’ the crew had put him in, nodding at him and the other cast members with a smile before approaching the table in the center of the room.
They were currently filming a travel variety show, featuring celebrities visiting scenic sites in Korea. Their guests for this episode were none other than VTIC.
Considering VTIC’s recent openness to participating in variety shows, Jang Kiseok wasn’t surprised that their esteemed and well-connected PD had managed to wrangle a guest appearance from one of the current top idol groups.
Apparently, VTIC was preparing for an upcoming comeback. He heard from the PD that this episode is due to be released sometime during their promotions.
This particular segment featured each cast member trying to complete a solo mission to earn the right to enjoy the local delicacies. Failure would mean getting only bento sets for lunch. To make it fair, cast members who have yet to do the mission get sequestered in ‘waiting rooms’.
The main cast had already had their turn and Jang Kiseok could see his fellows grinning in anticipation as Cheongryeo picked up the mission card on the table.
As previously instructed, Cheongryeo read the mission aloud, “Call the person that you last called and say ‘I want to hear your voice’. Talk to that person for two minutes. But if that person points out you are filming, you lose the challenge.”
As a frequent on variety shows, Jang Kiseok could tell that this segment was really aimed at VTIC, rather than any of them. For one, the group’s members were notorious for how private they were with their personal ties outside of the group. For another, he had overheard the crew grousing about how the PD had been struck with inspiration and changed this segment’s mission at the last minute.
From what Jang Kiseok knew of their PD, the man probably didn’t inform VTIC of the potential invasion into their privacy either. PD Kang’s policy was that if the guests protested, he could always edit the segment out later.
To his credit, Cheongryeo seemed unbothered, calmly taking out his phone and showing his most recent calls, which simply read: “Hoobae-nim”.
At that, an older cast member spoke up, “Hoobae-nim? Cheongryeo-ssi, isn’t the naming of your contacts too vague? Who is hoobae-nim?”
“Hoobae-nim is TeSTAR’s Park Moondae,” Cheongryeo answered with a smile.
The main cast was momentarily stunned into silence. Cheongryeo was calling a member of the rival group that was now neck-to-neck with VTIC for the title of top k-pop group?
Jang Kiseok couldn’t help but think: this segment will definitely trend the moment it gets released.
Before anyone could react with a joke, the call connected. Everyone perked up.
"..."
"Hoobae-nim.”
"Sunbae-nim."
A pause and then, "Is there something sunbae-nim wanted to talk about?"
"Why can't I just want to hear hoobae-nim's voice?"
Despite the cheesy line, the voice over the phone was unperturbed, "Is there something sunbae-nim would like me to say?"
"Nothing in particular."
"Then, is there something sunbae-nim would like to say?"
Jang Kiseok glanced at Cheongryeo. He was smiling, but his smile seemed different, more amused and less polished. For some reason, Jang Kiseok got the distinct feeling that the man was doing this on purpose to tease his junior.
Still, if he didn't get to the point now, wouldn’t Park Moondae just hang up? Even if they continued, this back-and-forth of polite nothingness was bad for variety.
Cheongryeo’s tone was unhurried as he dropped a bomb, "Well, I wanted to ask if hoobae-nim would be willing to join VTIC."
A long pause.
Jang Kiseok’s jaw nearly dropped. He took back his thoughts about this conversation being uninteresting. The main cast as well as the crew were all holding their breaths. The PD’s eyes were practically gleaming.
"Sunbae-nim knows my answer to that."
"Maybe hoobae-nim changed his mind?"
“I didn’t.”
“Would hoobae-nim be persuaded if I list some benefits?”
"Why now?”
"..."
“Hoobae-nim, you’re too cold. Now’s as good a time as any, isn’t it?”
"Sunbae-nim, are you filming a show right now?"
Gasps of shock resounded from the main cast. Jang Kiseok was still trying to follow the conversation that had suddenly gone from zero to a hundred.
Despite losing the challenge, Cheongryeo's smile softened.
"Why does hoobae-nim think so?"
"Sunbae-nim is usually more prepared. And more direct.”
Cheongryeo laughed, clearly amused, "Hoobae-nim is quick as always."
One of the main cast interjected, "Moondae-ssi, Cheongryeo-nim just lost the challenge because of you!"
“My apologies, sunbae-nim. Good luck on the rest of your filming.”
“Thank you, hoobae-nim.”
Cheongryeo hung up the phone and the main cast immediately burst into questions and comments.
“Wow, Cheongryeo-ssi! Moondae-ssi seems to know you quite well!”
“Cheongryeo-ssi, do you two always speak so politely to each other?”
“Now I understand why Park Moondae-ssi is saved as hoobae-nim, haha!”
Through it all, Cheongryeo only smiled and nodded.
Jang Kiseok, sensing an opportunity for drama, asked, “Cheongryeo-ssi, do you really want Moondae-ssi to join VTIC?”
Hearing that, Cheongryeo chuckled, “Well, I’m sure we can all agree hoobae-nim’s vocal talent is very admirable. I’ll steal him away if I could.”
A playful, inoffensive answer that was neither here nor there. As expected for an experienced idol.
After some more chatter and reactions, the next person to carry out the mission entered the room.
Unlike Cheongryeo’s calm demeanor, Chaeyul practically bounded into the room. Visibly excited, he finished reading out the instructions quickly and swiped out his phone. His last call was actually “shinoh” but his second last call was… “moondae-ssi”.
There was a moment of silence before bursts of laughter erupted from two of the cast members. Jang Kiseok held back a grin. This was getting more and more interesting.
Chaeyul only glanced around in confusion.
Choosing his words carefully, Jang Kiseok spoke up, “In that case, PD-nim, should we use the third last call instead?”
The PD’s expression was like a shark that had smelled blood in the water. Jang Kiseok already knew what the answer would be. This was prime variety material, after all. To top it off, judging from the PD’s expression, it was all unplanned.
“No, it’s alright. Chaeyul-ssi, you may proceed with your call,” PD Kang answered quickly.
Unsure, Chaeyul looked towards the VTIC leader but Cheongryeo only nodded. Chaeyul then resumed his enthusiasm and called Park Moondae. The call didn’t take long to be picked up.
“Chaeyul sunbae-nim.”
The calm voice was heard once again on set.
“Moondae-ssi, you promised you would speak casually with me!”
“I— I guess I’m not used to it yet. Chaeyul hyungnim.”
“Ah it’s alright! I’m glad to hear your voice, I wanted to hear your voice!”
“Is there something hyungnim wanted to talk to me about?”
“Uhh… not really? Oh! I wanted to ask how have things been? I heard TeSTAR’s preparing for your concerts.”
“Yes, preparations have been going smoothly. We’ll be releasing teasers soon.”
“I’ll look forward to it, I really enjoyed your last one! Moondae-ssi, any plans for guest stars? What do you think if we performed together?”
“We currently don’t have plans for guests. But I’ll let you know if we change our plans.”
“Oh okay!”
“…”
“Uhh, Moondae-ssi, what are you doing right now?”
“I’m resting in my dorm. What about Chaeyul hyungnim?”
“I… Oh, I’m taking a break too!”
“Chaeyul hyungnim, are you filming a show right now?”
“!!! How did you know?”
“Hyungnim is usually more talkative.”
“Oh…”
“And sunbae-nim already called me just now.”
Bursts of laughter rang out on the set. Jang Kiseok couldn’t help but laugh this time round too. It seemed that Park Moondae, despite his stoicism, had a dry sense of humour.
Chaeyul turned to cast a betrayed look at his leader and the rest of the cast, all of whom had eyes filled with mirth.
To be fair, they did set the poor guy up for failure, but it was great entertainment.
“Have fun for the rest of your filming, hyungnim.”
“Ah, thank you Moondae-ssi!” Chaeyul replied, cheeks flushing red.
With that, Chaeyul ended the call and one of the main cast immediately exclaimed, “Chaeyul-ssi, don’t be mad, it was just too good a coincidence to pass up!”
Still bright red, Chaeyul burst out, “Moondae-ssi knew all along? That’s so embarrassing!”
Laughing, the main cast patted Chaeyul pityingly on the back when he returned. Chaeyul then sidled up to Cheongryeo and grumbled, “Hyung, why didn’t you warn me?”
Cheongryeo shrugged, “You still had a chance. Hoobae-nim’s not the type to assume you’ll also be filming a show just because I was filming one.”
“Oooh.. Cheongryeo-ssi’s got a point. Looks like Moondae-ssi knows Chaeyul-ssi well too!”
Jang Kiseok glanced at Chaeyul, who was now fanning himself with his hands. To be honest, he was a bit surprised at how embarrassed Chaeyul was, the VTIC member he thought would be most at ease and open in a variety show.
However, he also didn’t miss how Chaeyul, despite his exuberant behaviour, had been quite careful with his words during his call. The idol hadn’t revealed anything of much substance that could be used for unfavorable editing. Leti really trained them well, didn’t they?
That was, if one excluded the fact that both Cheongryeo and Chaeyul seemed fixated on collaborating with Park Moondae. Are they trying to lay the groundwork for an upcoming collaboration?
After the good-natured ribbing died down, the next VTIC member entered the room.
Shinoh marched into the room, determination in his eyes.
“Looks like someone’s fired up!” A main cast member called out playfully.
Having recovered from the embarrassment, Chaeyul spoke up, “That’s cause Shinoh’s a foodie!“
Shinoh nodded in agreement, “The local delicacies look delicious.”
Like the others, he finished reading the mission aloud and took out his phone. The moment he flashed his phone at the camera, silence descended once again on set.
In order of recency, Shinoh’s contacts were: “Mum”, “Chaeyul” and “Moondae Hoobae”.
This time though, everyone managed to hold back their laughter. Chaeyul’s eyes widened in shock, while Cheongryeo remained as calm as always.
At this point, if Jang Kiseok hadn’t known that this was a segment the PD had changed at the last minute, he would have suspected that this was all planned.
Not noticing the atmosphere, Shinoh proceeded to call his mum. The call rang. And rang. And rang.
But no one picked up.
Jang Kiseok exchanged a glance with the PD, whose eyes were shining, and opened his mouth, “Shinoh-ssi, how about you try Park Moondae-ssi?”
Shinoh nodded and started calling.
Chaeyul started to say something but the cast member beside him quickly covered his mouth. When Chaeyul turned in disbelief, the man just grinned and shook his head.
Around them, the rest of the main cast were having a hard time stifling their laughter, with the occasional snicker being heard.
Shinoh, ever the least sensitive among the VTIC members, didn’t notice.
However, the moment the call connected, the set fell silent.
“Shinoh sunbae-nim?”
The voice was still calm, but now had a hint of wariness.
“Moondae hoobae-nim, I wanted to ask you about something.”
“Sure, sunbae-nim.”
“Do you have the recipe for the pajeon you made last time? I want to try making it too.”
“…”
“I don’t usually follow a recipe, but I’ll try to recall and send later. Shinoh sunbae-nim could have just texted though.”
“Ah it’s because I wanted to hear Moondae hoobae-nim’s voice too. I also had another favour.”
“Yes, sunbae-nim?”
“Could you… could you tell me again the channel you found with the cute meerkat videos? I forgot the channel’s name…”
“Oh. I don’t really remember. I’ll check and get back to sunbae-nim.”
“I… Another thing! Do you want to come over sometime? I’ve learnt a couple of new recipes and it’ll be nice if you could taste them and give me some feedback?”
“Sure. But you’re busy with VTIC’s comeback right? Let me know when you’re free and I’ll check if I’m available.”
“Okay.”
“…”
“Shinoh sunbae-nim?”
“Yes?”
“Shinoh sunbae-nim’s filming a show right now, right?”
Shinoh’s jaw dropped, “Wha—“
Taking pity on the flustered Shinoh, Jang Kiseok called out, “Cheongryeo-ssi and Chaeyul-ssi called Moondae-ssi as well.”
“Apologies, Shinoh sunbae-nim.” The voice across the phone had a hint of amusement.
“Was there anything else that gave Shinoh-ssi away, Moondae-ssi?” One of the other cast members asked.
“Shinoh sunbae-nim usually calls to talk about his hobbies instead of asking for favours.”
“Oh? And what is that?” Another cast member joined in, curious.
“I’m afraid it’s not my place to tell.”
Expectant eyes turned to Shinoh but Shinoh only shook his head, beet red.
Just as Jang Kiseok was about to say something to stop the situation from getting awkward, Park Moondae spoke up once more, “All the best for the rest of filming, Shinoh sunbae-nim. But I have a favour too.”
Shinoh perked up, asking quickly, “What is it Moondae-ssi?”
“Please stop Judan sunbae-nim from calling me as well.”
The whole cast burst out in laughter once again. With a few cast members telling Park Moondae “not to worry”, the call ended.
Having observed three phone calls, Jang Kiseok couldn’t help but notice that although Park Moondae kept to a polite tone with the VTIC members, his attitude varied.
With Cheongryeo, Park Moondae was guarded, but sharp and direct. It was like there was more that was left unsaid than what was actually said. But with Chaeyul, Park Moondae became more accommodating and was even a bit teasing.
And with Shinoh, Park Moondae could even be called gentle? He was clearly going easy on the man and trying to let him pass the challenge.
Park Moondae’s subtle changes in attitude seemed to be perfectly tailored for handling each member’s disposition.
Was it strange that a rival group’s idol was so familiar with the VTIC members that he knew exactly how to deal with each of them?
When Judan walked in, everyone was expectant. Without much ado, Judan finished reading the mission card and took out his phone to show everyone.
The most recent call was “Park Moondae” and the second was “Leader Hyung”.
Jang Kiseok was no longer surprised and the rest of the cast had had much practice holding back their laughter by now. No one bothered to check with the PD if Judan should call someone else.
Shinoh took a step forwards but was held back by Chaeyul, who had now completely defected to the other side.
Glancing around at the weirdly silent atmosphere, Judan announced, “I will now call Park Moondae hoobae-nim.”
Receiving an eager nod from the PD, he proceeded to call.
“Judan sunbae-nim.” The now familiar voice rang out once more. Taking a deep breath, Judan began.
“Moondae-ssi. As TeSTAR’s holding a concert soon, could you send more tickets this time? Only Cheongryeo hyung and Chaeyul hyung went last time. Shinoh hyung didn’t say anything but I think he wanted to go too. I want to see Moondae-ssi sing live too. I want to hear Moondae-ssi’s voice. Two tickets isn’t enough because Cheongryeo hyung and Chaeyul hyung would still want to go—“
“Sunbae-nim, wait a mo—“
Paying no attention to Park Moondae’s polite attempt to stop his tirade, Judan continued, “But if that’s difficult and Moondae-ssi invites other people, I would understand.”
“I would be willing to—“
“How about Moondae-ssi invite us as performance guests? Moondae-ssi is good with concepts and we’ll be able to put up a good and harmonious performance.”
At this point, Judan finally stopped to take a deep breath. Taking the opportunity, Park Moondae immediately cut in, “I’m honoured that Judan sunbae-nim thinks so highly of us. But sunbae-nim, you are fil—“
Before Park Moondae could even finish the word, Judan had recovered his breath and continued bulldozing forward, effectively covering up what Park Moondae was saying.
“But don’t feel pressured. If performing together is difficult, we should go on another variety show together.”
The whole cast’s mouths were gaping in shock and Jang Kiseok wanted to take back whatever he thought about Leti training their idols well. They clearly missed one. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed that Cheongryeo’s smile had brightened. Somehow, Jang Kiseok didn’t think that was a good sign.
“I forgot to ask. How is Moondae-ssi doing? As you know, VTIC is busy preparing for our comeback. If you have time, could you do Cheongryeo hyung a favour and drop by to see Kongi? Other than hyung, Kongi likes you best. I expect Chaeyul hyung has been bothering you less. But I’m sure he misses you so it would be good if you reply more. Are you helping Shinoh hyung with his hobby? I saw that he started collecting—“
Judan was cut off as Shinoh leapt forward and covered his mouth, cheeks red. The truth was when Judan began talking about the members, Jang Kiseok had seen Cheongryeo lean over and whisper something in Shinoh’s ear while subtly covering his own clip-on mic.
Silence fell. Over the line, Park Moondae didn’t speak either. Everyone stared at the phone in Judan’s hand, holding their breaths, wondering how Park Moondae will respond. But Park Moondae only asked, “Judan sunbae-nim? Are you there?”
Shinoh released Judan and serious expression unchanged, Judan replied, “I am. I’m doing well too. I have a few webnovels and games I would like to introduce. I think you’ll find them interesting, given your exper—”
The PD gave a signal that the two minutes was up, and Judan immediately stopped, despite being in the middle of a sentence.
Sensing that it was over, Park Moondae said, “Judan sunbae-nim is very determined. Was the mission to converse for two minutes without the other party pointing out that you’re filming?”
“Yes. But there was one other condition, something we had to say, would Moondae-ssi want to guess?”
“…”
“Did sunbae-nim have to say: I want to hear your voice?”
“Yes. As expected, the hyungs had already called Moondae-ssi before me.”
“And Judan sunbae-nim implemented this strategy, knowing I probably already knew the situation.”
“Yes. That was part of it. I wasn’t sure the hyungs had the same mission and I didn’t know if they were successful. Regardless, this is the safest strategy. Even if Moondae-ssi hadn’t known, Moondae-ssi would probably guess I was filming before the time was up.”
“Judan sunbae-nim is very impressive.”
It was only at this point that the main cast recovered from their stupor. Crowding around Judan, comments were flying around.
“Wooow. As expected of a vocalist, Judan-ssi’s lung capacity is no joke!”
“Holding up the entire conversation by yourself, is Judan-ssi usually so talkative?”
“It was like Judan-ssi was composing a letter!”
To all that, Judan only responded, “Moondae-ssi was accommodating.”
At that, Park Moondae piped up, “It was no trouble. Hope the rest of filming goes well. But please no more calls.”
The cast laughed and Judan hung up. Jang Kiseok couldn’t hold himself back from asking, “So all of VTIC ended up calling Park Moondae-ssi. Did you all have a group call recently?”
There. Jang Kiseok had provided the perfect lead-in for VTIC to introduce an upcoming collaboration with Park Moondae or TeSTAR. If that was what they actually intended.
However, that didn’t seem to be the case.
Chaeyul smiled excitedly and was about to answer when Judan replied, “No, we didn’t. I believe the hyungs called Moondae-ssi individually—“
Before Judan could say more, Cheongryeo cut in smoothly, “Hoobae-nim is a close friend. We keep in contact.“
Finally realizing he may have said too much, Judan closed his mouth.
“Ah yes! The closeness of VTIC and TeSTAR is well-known,” another cast member jumped in and wrapped up the topic neatly.
Lunch was brought out and filming continued. In the end, Judan shared out his portions of the local delicacies with the other members, but carefully avoided any eye contact with Cheongryeo.
Jang Kiseok suppressed a chuckle at the sight. It’s always the quiet ones, isn’t it? VTIC’s youngest member was like a runaway train that neither his leader nor Park Moondae had been able to catch.
Regardless, that information overload definitely benefited the show, judging from how the PD’s practically vibrating out of his skin as he chattered away with his editing team.
It really was a stroke of genius after all.