Survive! Foolish Bottom!

 

Haeun was not sure how far he could go with words and actions as the protagonist of “Eu-Idol.” He was worried that even shrugging his shoulders might seem too cocky, but Seongjae’s expression didn’t change much. Despite waiting with bated breath, there was no sign of any words coming to mind as his face remained slightly furrowed.

 

‘Was he waiting for me to answer first?

’ Haeun cleared his throat and opened his mouth in the most polite tone possible.

 

“I just woke up, but couldn’t fall back asleep. The time for the pre-recording was also a bit uncertain.”

 

“Oh, I see.”

 

His acceptance was casual compared to the question. Thinking it was now his turn to explain, Haeun waited, but Seongjae didn’t say anything further. He seemed like a nonchalant brat in this situation. 

 

‘Did he just listen to my answer and bail?’

Haeun grumbled inwardly as he observed Seongjae’s expression.

 

It was getting late, and it was about time to head in. Seongjae would do his planned practice whether he stayed or not. Haeun couldn’t dance energetically with him watching. Even though Seongjae looked unfazed, Haeun couldn’t bear the awkwardness.

 

“Should I not come in?”

 

In the end, he asked asked straightforwardly. Seongjae responded immediately.

 

“Yah, give it a try.”

 

His response was so typical that it became a problem. Haeun frowned slightly, looking at Seongjae, who was casually gesturing towards the open space.

 

“What?”

 

Seongjae didn’t seem particularly interested in whether Haeun was frowning or not. He simply provided a firm explanation.

 

“Try dancing. This choreography.”

 

‘Did he even assign someone to take care of the choreography?’

 

Although the whole situation was absurd, openly showing such a sentiment could lead to another fight. Haeun rolled his eyes quietly. Seongjae, standing with his arms crossed, wore a look that seemed to ask, “What are you waiting for?” 

 

‘Who does he think he is, a judge on “Parody on Show me the money, a famous rap competition. or something?’

 

With his words stuck in his throat, Haeun looked at Seongjae with an awkward expression. Seongjae, who had been exerting some sort of pressure, let out a short sigh as if realizing something.

 

“Ah.”

 

If he was trying to tell him to stop now, it was welcome. Haeun’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. Seongjae softened his tone, sounding a bit more like a caring teacher, as he asked.

 

“Are you still in pain?”

 

It was a question that was far from what Hae. Thoughts like ‘Isn’t that a problem?’ and ‘Is that even a problem?’ crossed his mind at the same time. Saying he was in pain might prevent him from showing off in front of him, but Seongjae’s expression made him uneasy about it. It seemed like he might react aggressively if he admitted to being in pain.

 

Or perhaps he would pressure him to prove it. It was an unreasonable thought, but that was how Seongjae’s image was in Haeun’s mind. If he denied being in pain, he would undoubtedly insist on dancing again.

 

So, Haeun wisely decided to demonstrate the old saying that, “If you stay still, you will get even halfway.”

 

“……”

 

“I heard you fainted.”

 

“……”

 

“Why are you silent? Because you’re in pain?”

 

But the strategy of silence didn’t last long. Seongjae’s expression gradually turned into annoyance. Haeun responded at an appropriate moment, being mindful of the situation.

 

“…..No, I slept, so my body is fine now.”

 

It was an answer that clearly showed his reluctance. Seongjae’s expression softened at Haeun’s response, and he nodded casually.

 

“Alright. Then, dance.”

 

Truly, there was no other way to describe his arrogance but as blatant.

 

Meanwhile, Seongjae went so far as to extend unwarranted kindness. He personally played Stone Cherry’s latest song on his phone, saying it was needed for the dance. However, when Haeun hesitated and stood still even as the intro began, Seongjae’s strict teacher-like demeanor resumed.

 

“Why are you standing there blankly?”

 

“Oh, no, I just…”

 

Feeling his pride wounded, Ha-eun finally assumed his starting position with a sense of awkwardness. Seongjae nodded and paused the song, as if indicating a restart.

 

“Let’s go again. Get ready.”

 

The song restarted from the beginning. Haeun hesitantly began moving his fingertips.

 

Fortunately, Haeun’s dancing skills weren’t just a temporary effect. His body moved freely as if flowing water, once again reproducing perfect choreography on stage. Haeun was lost in the moment until the song ended, only then did he notice Seongjae’s presence in front of him.

 

Seongjae had a vague expression, making it difficult to distinguish whether he was pleased or displeased. As the moments passed with Haeun, his expression became even more strange.

 

Looking at his slightly contorted face, Haeun initially thought he might be disappointed. But soon, he changed his mind, thinking it would be unfair if that were the case. From Haeun’s perspective, it was a flawless performance.

 

Deciding that if he had any issues, he should voice them out, an alert popped up.

 

『Seongjae’s likability has increased by 3!』

 

Huh. The frustration he felt imagining Seongjae saying he was disappointed now felt awkward. Was that ambiguous expression actually an expression of increased likability? It was strange, but the fact that his likability had increased didn’t feel too bad.

 

After all, with Seongjae being characterized as a hardworking yet bad-tempered individual, it seemed that the more he improved his stats, the more his likability would increase. It appeared that he had noticed his maximum-level dance stat.

 

Haeun rolled his eyes. likability had to be increased anyway. To see the last ending, he needed to maintain a certain level of friendship with the target characters. While increasing it too much could lead to an unexpected romantic development, a slight increase could still end as friendship without crossing any love lines.

 

Above all… Haeun already knew that if her likability decreased drastically, it would lead to an unfortunate event. Remembering the pitiful sight of himself collapsing in Il-hyun’s arms, Haeun shivered.

 

Anyway, Seongjae’s reaction was decent enough, confirming that dancing wouldn’t be a problem for her to become a successful idol. It was a sufficient situation to boost Haeun’s mood. Haeun asked, his confidence rising.

 

“Are you satisfied now?”

 

Seongjae just turned his gaze away without saying anything, when asked with a lot of energy.

 

‘Acting like he knows my likability just increased. What a fussy dude.’ 

 

Haeun thought to himself, unaware of his own joy. Instead, Seongjae handed him a sealed bottle of water without a word. He even played the song and provided water, the service was excellent.

 

This was said in English.

 

Ha-eun said, accepting the bottle despite not being particularly thirsty after just dancing once. But he took a sip, finding that surprisingly refreshing.

 

“Yah.”

 

Seongjae called out again as he watched Haeun drink. Haeun turned to him, his lips slightly parted in curiosity.

 

“Eung?” 

 

He responded after closing the bottle, noticing Seongjae’s expression subtly changing. He couldn’t understand why he kept making these odd expressions instead of just speaking.

 

“What is it? Tell me.”

 

Seongjae’s forehead creased slightly more. Haeun racked his brain, trying to find a reason for his behavior.

 

‘Ah. Is it because of my tone?’

Haeun realized. A nonchalant attitude wasn’t very idol-like. He knew he should change it, but after living his whole life like this, it wasn’t an easy fix. As he was pondering, he heard another alert from the system.

 

『Seongjae’s likability has decreased by 2 ㅠㅠ』

 

‘Ha.’

 

Asking a simple question shouldn’t result in a decrease in likability. Haeun couldn’t understand why Lee Seongjae’s likability was dropping with such a minor interaction.

 

“What’s up with you?” 

 

Seongjae finally asked after a long silence, but his question still left Haeun puzzled. Haeun shrugged his shoulders, looking perplexed.

 

『Seongjae’s likability has decreased by 1 ㅠㅠ』

 

Ah, was this gesture considered inappropriate? Haeun discreetly adjusted his posture and timidly changed his response. 

 

“What kind of question…?”

 

Whether it was the change in tone or not, this time Seongjae responded directly.

 

“It’s strange.”

 

“What is strange?”

 

“……The dancing.”

 

“The dancing? Was it strange?”

 

Finally, Seongjae’s mouth opened decisively after dragging it out like that. 

 

“No. You did well. It’s just… it’s strange when you do something well.”

 

Was it really necessary to drag it out like that just to say that? Haeun felt a mixture of perplexity and annoyance, but outwardly, he responded calmly.

 

“Is it strange when I do something well?”

 

The fact that Park Haeun, a seasoned veteran of the game who had already conquered all endings, could outperform a novice idol in his first playthrough was expected. After all, achieving the last ending required perfect stats in everything. 

 

However, Haeun outwardly did her best to look pitiful. The idol Park Ha always seemed a bit pitiful, so he figured this might evoke some sympathy. But Seongjae’s expression remained cold.

 

“It’s strange,” he said firmly.

 

“……”

 

He was needlessly adamant.

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