Second Try Idol

The deafening cheers and sea of waving lightsticks engulfed the venue. Meanwhile, I desperately tried to hold back my ragged breath by clamping my mouth shut.

- Leading the trends in South Korea. The KEW Awards Part two is beginning now, featuring the prestigious Singer of the Year award shortly.

As the announcement echoed through the venue and the lighting shone around the presenter's area, I finally released my pent-up breath into the switched-off microphone, allowing myself a moment of relief. It was all over... The performance we had diligently prepared for had come to an end, leaving behind a sense of pride, the fans’ resounding cheers, and a sharp pain in my back.

“Ugh...”

The moment I touched my lower back, my legs started to tremble. I bowed to the fans and directly went backstage. The pain was so intense it almost numbed my senses.

My fellow members in the far center stage were walking toward the staircase as well. Goh Yoo-Joon quickly descended the stairs to offer me some support as he was the closest to me. “Are you alright? Hey, you...”

“It’s okay,” I replied, trying to sound nonchalant as I leaned on him.

Yoo-Joon then sighed and helped me to a chair backstage. “Manager, Suh Hyun-Woo needs to return to the hospital. He almost flew off the stage earlier.”

Hearing Goh Yoo-Joon’s words, the manager approached with a spray can. “I knew you wouldn't listen. You are now restricted from all meetings and practices as promised.”

“...Okay.”

The staff around me quickly removed my mic and blow-dried my clothes. The manager prevented the stylist from fixing my makeup and then lifted my shirt to spray a cooling mist on my lower back.

“Hyun-Woo, you are done for today. The road manager is aware, so head to the hospital and then directly back to the dorm.”

“Uh... I could stay until the broadcast ends. The fans might wor—” Cut off by the manager's stern look, I sealed my lips and nodded obediently. “Okay.”

“The other members will go to the SES meeting after the award ceremony. How’s your back?”

“I can't really feel it. Just a dull ache.”

After that, the road manager approached me and said, “The car is waiting for you.”

Leaving me in the care of the road manager, Manager Su-Hwan and my fellow members exited backstage.

“Let’s go, Hyun-Woo. I will take you back to the hospital we visited earlier.” The new assistant manager, Hyuk-Soo, took my things and hesitated before offering his back.

“...What?”

I was bewildered and hesitated, so Hyuk-Soo stood up awkwardly and chuckled. “Senior Manager Su-Hwan said if you look unwell, I should just carry you. Can you walk?”

“I think a little support should be enough.” I felt somewhat embarrassed to be carried, especially with so many eyes on us.

Hyuk-Soo cheerfully agreed and offered his shoulder for support while carrying my bag with his other hand.

When I got into the car, I buckled up and watched Hyuk-Soo start the engine.

‘He said he is twenty-seven, right?’ Just recently, he had been nervously reporting everything to Su-Hwan, but now he seemed quite adept at taking care of me.

“Is your seatbelt on? Shall we head out?”

“Yes.”

The car started to move, but Hyuk-Soo kept glancing at me every now and then.

I turned my gaze awkwardly to the window. “Is Su-Hwan hyung upset?”

“Upset? Why would he be?” Hyuk-Soo’s voice was cheerful, seemingly oblivious to any issue.

“No, it’s just... he looked a bit angry earlier. I’m worried he might be upset because I overdid it and got injured even more.”

“Ah, no. Su-Hwan isn’t that scary. He was probably being stern on purpose, so you’d take it easy. He was really worried about you actually.”

“Ah.”

“Don’t worry. Su-Hwan is a caring person even if he doesn’t show it.” Hyuk-Soo spoke in a comforting tone, like a considerate older brother reassuring a younger sibling. While Su-Hwan had a more business-like demeanor, Hyuk-Soo felt like a friendly neighborhood hyung who was good at guiding a new employee.

“I get that you want to perform well, but please don’t push yourself until you are completely healed. Are you hungry?”

“No, I’m fine. Uh, can I do a Q-App live once I’m back at the dorm?”

“Yes, I will let them know you will be going live.”

We soon arrived at the hospital parking lot. Stepping out of the car was a harsh return to reality as the sharp agony resurfaced.

“Ah! Ugh!"

I leaned against the car door and struggled to catch my breath amid the throbbing pain. The realization hit me hard. ‘I can't walk like this.’

Despite it not being a leg injury, every move brought me an onslaught of pain. Manager Hyuk-Soo sensed my difficulty and discreetly stepped forward, offering his back for support.

I reluctantly accepted it, and we made our way to the hospital amidst surprised glances from some patients. But there was no choice. The pain was too much to bear.

***

After a stern lecture from the doctor and another round of physical therapy, Manager Hyuk-Soo shared with me that the fans were deeply concerned.

I returned to the dorm with a heavy heart, took a thorough shower, and flopped onto the couch in the living room. It was the middle of the night now, so the KEW Awards should have concluded, and the other members were probably on their way to the SES Broadcasting meeting.

“Are you planning to do the live cam from here?" Manager Hyuk-Soo asked, balancing a phone stand and a portable light in his hands.

I nodded with great effort. “Yes."

Responding to my nod, he efficiently set up the equipment and sat opposite me. “Whenever you are ready... But if you'd rather rest and do it tomorrow, that is totally fine. You must be tired and not feeling well."

“No, I need to do it now." I pushed myself up despite the pain. The fans must have witnessed my collapse on stage, and I had to reassure them, as well as find some peace for myself.

“Okay." With an encouraging nod, Manager Hyuk-Soo fiddled with the phone on the stand. “I will lend you my phone, so check the chat with this. I am going to turn it on now. What should we write for the title of the live?"

“Um, whatever you think is best."

“Alright, leave it to me."

He then handed me his phone and signaled the start. “We are going live... now."

The phone vibrated with the notification:

[CHRONOS] I'm okay!

The live stream started. I monitored the chat and viewer counts on Hyuk-Soo's phone.

“Let's wait a bit before we say hi."

- ??????????????

- OMG??? Suh Hyun-Woo's solo live???

-?????????????? Are you okay?

- Woah, I'm shocked

-?????????? Hyun-Woo, are you okay?

On the screen, my no-make-up face and casual hoodie attire surfaced, making me feel a bit self-conscious. I tried to ignore my own image and focused on the chat instead.

“Hello, everyone. It’s Suh Hyun-Woo here."

- ?????????? What's going on?

- I thought it was just a live stream after the show, but Suh Hyun-Woo is doing a solo broadcast??? Crazy ??????????

- ?????????? Are you okay? We are worried... ??????????

I couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt upon seeing the chat. I just pressed my lips together, holding back an emotional surge, and smiled a bit. “Why is everyone crying? I’m okay, really. I turned on the live cam just to reassure you. I am not severely injured."

As more people joined, the chat started to flood with messages, creating an almost tearful atmosphere. I quickly moved past the weepy messages and changed the topic.

“This is my first time having a live solo in this app, so I’m pretty nervous. What do you think about our performance? We practiced really hard to show it to you."

- Ah... my heart...

- ?????????? We’re so proud of you

- Are you okay?

- <3 Hyun-Woo!!!

- It was truly amazing

- Did you go to the hospital?

- You were incredible ???????? Love you, Suh Hyun-Woo...

- Wait, is this a solo live? Just noticed ???????? Hyun-Woo...

- Are you really okay?

- Where are the other members?

“I’m glad to hear you like it."

The impact of my injury seemed to overshadow any attempts to switch topics, but it was okay as long as everyone enjoyed it.

“I went to the hospital, and the doctor said it’s just a muscle strain. I just need some rest. Oh yes, the others are off to a meeting for our next stage..."

As I replied, the chat kept moving rapidly. I watched the messages for a while and then spoke cautiously. “I'm sorry for worrying you all. I guess I overdid it in my eagerness. I hoped to give you a day filled with nothing but joy, but I ended up showing a less-than-perfect stage because of my injury."

The thought had been weighing heavily on me. Had I not gotten hurt, it would have been perfect.

- Why are you apologizing? ?????? You were amazing...

- ?????? Don't be sorry... You did great, oppa ????

- It’s okay~ A rookie falling on stage is no big deal ??

- ???

- ?????????? It was like a gift to us!

“I’m relieved to hear the performance was well-received. As you can see, I’m really fine now, so please don’t worry anymore.”

I refrained from mentioning my injury further, not wanting the live stream to become too somber. I avoided dwelling on the weeping chats and looked for other questions.

“Since I’m on live now, why not keep going until the others join in? Any burning questions or things you’ve been curious about?” I raised my voice, hoping to shift the mood.

Chronos hadn’t had many opportunities to go live on Q-App, so I figured the fans would have a lot to say. This was our first proper communication since the gaming broadcast with Goh Yoo-Joon. I hoped to ease the fans’ minds a bit by chatting with them, and the chat exploded with responses.

As I quickly scanned through the myriad of messages, one in particular caught my attention.

- Is the content from the KEW Awards a spoiler for the next album? I'd love to hear Suh Hyun-Woo’s personal thoughts!

And another question, probably from Goh Yoo-Joon:

[CHRONOS] Hyung, can you do some aegyo[1] for your fans?

1. A Korean term referring to a cute display of affection, often expressed through a playful, childlike demeanor and gestures. ??. ☜

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