TMMIB!

2

Hmm, I wonder if this is what it feels like when you’re caught in a downpour in the middle of winter.

Shivering as if I were drenched.

“No one’s there, there’s no one? But just now, I distinctly heard voices…”

“No. The reason you thought of that right now, Mr. Rex, is probably because you’re too intoxicated. Maybe if you have any medicine… it’s likely related to auditory hallucinations.”

The police officer stood up from his seat and patted my shoulder.

“For now, sober up a bit, and then call your lawyer. Let’s talk again from there.”

That’s how I found myself alone in the interrogation room.

I couldn’t easily get my mind back on track. This shouldn’t be happening.

In an attempt to clear my head, I leaned back in the chair and started to spin around in circles. Transparent droplets trickled down from my eyes.

– Do you regret it?

“Ah, again…,”

I was hearing voices again, as if I still had more energy to drink. Since I’d already heard it, I might as well respond.

I continued to spin the chair around and answered in a dazed voice,

“Of course, I regret it.”

– What do you regret?

“Well, there are too many things…”

I folded my fingers one by one, pondering over the things I regretted.

Vomiting on stage after drinking, storming out in anger during a TV show conversation about my family.

Not explaining the sudden dating rumors. Being rude to the fans.

…And then, selfishly not leaving the group.

I yelled at the members who took care of me, asking them “Are you really my family?”

Not rejecting when the manager tempted me to make some drinking buddies, because things were hard.

What else was there?

“…Ah.”

I wiped my face with a sniffle and folded my fingers once more. I almost forgot the most dreadful thing. It’s a bit strange coming from a guy who can’t survive without alcohol, but, well, alcohol isn’t good after all. It messes with your head.

A chuckling voice echoed in response to my words.

– Wow, there are so many. So, among them, what do you regret the most?

“…”

I stopped spinning the chair and sat still. My vision spun, and my tears seemed to move in slow motion through the air.

Damn it.

I forced my unmoving lips open and finally managed to say,

“…that I survived alone like this.”

In response to my sob-like answer, the auditory hallucination whispered gently.

– If you could undo all of that, would you do it?

As the words finished, a blue window suddenly appeared before my eyes.

“Now I’m even seeing hallucinations…”

Has my brain melted from all the drinking? Have I been drinking too much all this time?

Either way, I focused my eyes with all my might to read the characters displayed in the window.

[Welcome!

Star Sirius Headquarters is delighted to sign a contract with you for your career as an idol.

The terms of the contract between Star Sirius and Kim Chunyong are as follows:

Star Sirius (hereinafter referred to as “A”) will provide  Kim Chunyong (hereinafter referred to as ‘Party B’) with various conveniences necessary to become the greatest idol in K-pop history.
Party B, using the conveniences provided by Party A, will become the greatest idol in K-pop history from the time they returned to the past until their enlistment.
If Party B fails to fulfill the terms of the contract in clause 2, Party A may legitimately return Party B to the original timeline.

If you agree to the contract, please press ‘Next.’ Next▷]

Is this a dream?

“…What is all of this?”

I muttered absentmindedly, staring at the blue window.

Then, as if urging me slightly, something in my head spoke once more.

– You can start from the beginning. Of course, you’ll have to fulfill all the contract conditions. What will you do?

All the things I did when I was a malicious member, my irreparable mistakes.

I can pretend none of that happened, and start from the beginning.

“Haha.”

What are you asking?

What am I supposed to do? How can I possibly do that?

I clenched my teeth and growled.

“Crazy, even selling your soul!”

The voice that echoed in my mind giggled. It was as chilling as a devil’s, and as euphoric as an angel’s.

– Haha, you don’t need to sell your soul. Instead, make a contract. Press ‘Next.’

Even in crazy situations, my determination remained the same as always.

To start over. If only I could undo everything.

If only I could erase my mistakes.

I’ll do anything, really.

After fumbling several times, I eventually punched the ‘Next’ button.

In my mind, someone clapped with joy, resonating with a satisfying cheer.

– I knew you’d do that! Congratulations on the contract. Now, I’ll give you the choice. When do you want to go back?

I wanted to respond to the voice, but words wouldn’t come out.

My body had frozen. It was one of the side effects of drinking alcohol and taking panic medication, along with being stiff and sleeping for three days straight.

– Oh, it seems like you’re about to faint, huh? This is awkward.

I made an effort to grasp my departing consciousness, but my vision was already turning white, but there was a faint flashing of red, blue, and yellow.

Thunk!

My strength left me entirely, and my hand, which I had been trying to lift, fell.

I need to regain my senses. I need to wake up…

The voice let out a clicking sound before speaking.

– I was especially generous. This is a rare case, so make sure to thank me later.

After, I woke up again.

With that voice as the last thing I heard, I lost consciousness completely.