Falling for the Omega Idol-Chapter 104: AT THE PORT

WITH a playful glint in his eyes, Haneul said, "I think you’re more adorable than handsome."

Lee Haru blinked in surprise at his response, clearly not expecting him to engage in playful banter. Yet, the unexpected interaction seemed to make him even more enthusiastic. Leaning in with a bright smile, he asked, "What’s your name, hyung? I’m Lee Haru, by the way. Just call me Haru—I don’t mind."

"I’m Kang Haneul." Haneul paused for a moment before adding with a playful lilt in his voice, "But why are you calling me ’hyung’? For all you know, I might be younger than you."

"No way! Didn’t you say I’m adorable, hyung? That means I have to be younger." Lee Haru suddenly pouted, crossing his arms. "Besides, you’re obviously taller than me, so you have to be older."

Haneul laughed softly, unable to hold it back. There was something undeniably endearing about how the other pouted so seriously while trying to justify his logic. His mix of earnestness and playful confidence was simply too amusing. Especially since Haneul could sense that Lee Haru wasn’t just putting on an act. If he had been, it would have likely irritated him instead.

In a way, he reminded Haneul of his younger sister. Maybe that’s why he felt oddly at ease with him. As if he was talking to Haeun. It made it natural for him to respond with the same teasing energy.

Haneul gave a small smile as he said, "Then, feel free to call me ’hyung.’"

Haru grinned, but then his expression shifted as if something had just occurred to him. "It’s so hard to talk like this. I might end up with a stiff neck," he said suddenly. "How about this—I’ll put your luggage on my seat and sit next to you instead?"

Haneul didn’t see any reason to refuse, so he gave a slight nod in agreement.

Haru’s face lit up instantly, and without wasting a second, he grabbed Haneul’s luggage and carefully placed it on his seat. Then, with a quick, almost eager motion, he slid into the seat next to Haneul, settling in comfortably.

As they started their conversation, the other eight contestants also began talking among themselves. The previously quiet van was now filled with scattered voices and lively chatter.

"By the way, hyung, were you a trainee before you joined this program?" Haru asked after a moment.

"No, I wasn’t," Haneul replied. "What about you?" freewebnσvel.cøm

"I used to be a trainee, but I left the company I was with earlier this year," Haru explained. "I was thinking about auditioning for another company, but then this survival program came along. I figured I’d take a chance and see if I can finally debut through this."

Haneul nodded, taking in Haru’s words. From what he said, it seemed likely that Haru’s reason for leaving his previous company was tied to not being able to debut. The way he emphasized debuting through the program hinted at that possibility. Of course, this was just Haneul’s interpretation—he could be completely wrong.

One thing was clear though, being an idol was undoubtedly Haru’s dream. But now, Haneul found himself wondering again—what could this energetic and lively kid have gone through during his three years after debuting that led him to retire?

It couldn’t have been just because of the scandals involving those three, could it? Or was it the hate he received during those three years that ultimately pushed him to retire? But looking at how confident and self-assured Haru seemed now, it was hard to imagine hate comments online breaking him down so easily. Surely, there had to be something more—a deeper reason behind his decision.

Haneul shook his head, reminding himself that this wasn’t something he needed to focus on right now. Besides, what had happened in his previous world wouldn’t necessarily play out the same way here. As evidence of the many changes that had already happened since he arrived in this world. It made more sense to focus on the present rather than worrying about a future that might not even happen.

With someone to talk to, the trip didn’t feel as long as it probably was. The constant chatter and exchange of stories made the ride more enjoyable, and before they knew it, they were already getting closer to their destination.

Haneul looked out of the window and saw the scenery slowly shifting. The bustling city streets were giving way to views of the coastline, with the faint outline of ships docked in the distance. The sky was a soft mix of blue and gray, and he could catch glimpses of the ocean sparkling under the light.

Yes, they were now nearing Incheon Port. He quickly noticed the rows of cargo containers and towering cranes, with seagulls occasionally gliding through the sky. He couldn’t help but feel that if he rolled down the window, a rush of salty sea air would greet him immediately.

"It’s the sea!" Haru exclaimed, his eyes lighting up as he caught sight of the view outside the window. But then, a puzzled look crossed his face. "Wait... what are we doing here?"

They were here to finally board The Argo. But, of course, Haneul couldn’t reveal that, so he simply shrugged and said, "I’m not sure. Maybe our next mission is happening here?"

Haru had a look as if thinking ’that makes sense’.

The van they were in entered the port and came to a stop at a parking lot. The female staff member sitting in the passenger seat stood up and turned to face them.

"Alright, let’s all step out in a single file. You don’t need to bring your luggage; we’ll take care of it. Just get out and follow me," she instructed.

The ten contestants quickly got into a line and stepped out of the van one by one, following the female staff member without hesitation. She led them across the parking lot and along a paved path until they arrived in front of a large warehouse.

The doors were wide open, and as they stepped inside, they saw the 30 other contestants who had left the hotel earlier, gathered in small groups and talking among themselves.