The Second Chance of A Suicidal Idol

Ryeo Hyun (5)

Joon-woo's vision slowed out of exhaustion. Recording was set to start soon and he hadn't gotten much sleep thanks to Bo Jaesang's escape. His eye bags were visible and as he sat getting his makeup touched up.

"Joon-woo-ssi, look up a bit." The make-up artist instructed as she put what Joon-woo presumed was some cream concealer under his eyes. He followed suit.

"Y'know you're so easy to work with, one would think you were a girl in your past life..." The artist hummed as Joon-woo shut his eyes and let the small brush cover under his eyes. It was uncomfortable in a familiar way and the artist was spot on. Joon-woo was slightly sweaty.

"Really, you're better than Mi Yong-ssi at this– and he was an idol once already!" She continued to butter Joon-woo up innocently.

"Thank you Noona..." Joon-woo replied, uncomfortable.

When he turned his head yet again to her demands, he ended up getting a sight of Bo Jaesang, who was getting his make-up done next to Joon-woo. He too had visible eyebags and was in the process of getting them covered. He would be scolded every few seconds for opening his eyes. But most importantly, he seemed a little more at peace.

Ryeo Hyun was still nowhere in sight, nowhere near performing anyway. Bo Jaesang hadn't spoken on where he had gone last night or why, but Joon-woo figured it was to chase his other half. What Bo Jaesang had revealed, though, is that Ryeo Hyun's case was being discussed in the company and results were yet to come.

Though Jung Hyun-Ok and Mi Yong seemed to be as relieved as could be, Reggie and Joon-woo were a bit unsure. Ryeo Hyun was their team's leader, and while they had held on without him for one day of practice, they weren't sure on how many practices they could run.

Their whole team were adults, granted not completely grown, as Joon-woo was still a freshly 18 year-old boy. So they could run without a leader or even re-elect a new one, but even that came out wrong.

They weren't even sure Ryeo Hyun would return soon enough to perform with them for their stage, and they were in no condition to wait. The stages were all due in two days now and the stress was piling up. But a new leader? After Ryeo Hyun had done such a good job with them? The idea sent mutual shivers down the team's spine.

Would they have to practice and perform as four in a formation of five? Or would they have to adjust it to a four-person formation? The uncertainties rang heavy in their heads.

"Joon-woo-ssi? I've finished your make-up." The artist informed, knocking Joon-woo out of his thoughts.

Joon-woo flinched, "Oh– sorry." He hurried off the chair and began towards the door.

It was now time for small interviews.

–+–

Joon-woo peaked in his head in the practice room. The interviews had left his social battery beat, but he still had a full day ahead. They had asked the same stupid questions they did everytime. Who he had gotten close with, his favorite moment with his team, if he liked the song choice and the members, and more answers that only required vague answers. He shivered at how misused they would be in the fully edited episode.

In the practice room already was Reggie and Baek Du-Ho. The usual site of Reggie assisting Baek Du-Ho filled Joon-woo's gaze. They were both a bit sweaty and a certain part both Baek Du-Ho and Joon-woo had stumbled over played from a small speaker.

Joon-woo caught their attention almost immediately.

"Ah, good morning Joon-woo!" Reggie cheerfully called, wiping his sweat.

Baek Du-Ho sent a small wave. Joon-woo hesitantly replied suitably.

"Come here, come here! This part is also where you struggle..." Reggie spoke with a hand ushering Joon-woo to approach.