Second Try Idol-Chapter 112: Replacement (1)

The moment I heard the term “Wasabi Dumplings,” my mind started whirring. This was a race to find a new member, and I was the second contestant.

As the manager had given me a signal to make my own decision, it became apparent that despite the race being named “Find a Regular Member,” they might not be seriously considering using the participants as regular members. Hence, it seemed like I could just participate as a popular guest for the audience’s entertainment. So, was the “Avoid the Wasabi Dumplings!” just for a fun game where my participation didn’t carry much weight?

Caught in a moment of confusion, I glanced at Yoo Il-Seok, who responded with his characteristic smile, nodding in understanding as he offered reassurance. “Haha! Hyun-Woo seems quite flustered right now. Is this your first time on such a show? Don't worry, we've all felt the same way before."

“Yes? Yeah...."

Of course, I was baffled. I mean, who wouldn't be confused when faced with the prospect of consuming wasabi just before going live on a show? I eyed the dumplings on the table. Noticing my determined expression, the members of Flying Man couldn't help but amuse themselves by teasing me or carrying on with their banter.

“So! Will you take the challenge, Hyun-Woo?"

“The odds are fifty-fifty anyway. Give it a try."

“Right. Hey, finding a dumpling with wasabi could indeed add an extra layer of challenge,” remarked one of the cast members, subtly nudging the conversation toward my involvement in the game. As a newcomer, I found myself unable to refuse and inevitably had to participate. Meanwhile, my fellow Chronos members watched me with worried expressions, perhaps sensing my unease.

“But if I eat one with wasabi and don't show it, do I pass?"

Hearing my question, Woo-Seok and Dada nodded, feeling impressed. “This guy knows how to be in variety shows."

“If you can endure it, then that's a pass. Isn't that right, hyung?"

“Absolutely. If Hyun-Woo eats a wasabi dumpling and pretends to be calm, we will acknowledge it."

I wasn’t actually curious about that. With the odds at fifty-fifty, I simply posed this question for entertainment purposes. After all, I had no intention of eating wasabi before a live show. If it was unavoidable, then so be it. I would just show them a solid reaction and produce some good footage for Producer Han Bu-Joon.

“Now, Hyun-Woo! The time has come for you to choose a dumpling and stake your right to decline our invitation."

“Yes."

“Choose wisely."

“You have a live performance, so just eat a little," Joo-Han whispered urgently as I reached for a dumpling. I felt his presence behind me but remained composed, turning back to reassure him with a smile before calmly selecting one of the indistinguishable dumplings.

“Are you ready, Hyun-Woo?"

“Yes!" Without hesitation, I popped the dumpling into my mouth.

“Huh? Did you just put the whole thing in your mouth?" The astonished voices around me, especially Joo-Han's gasp, echoed in the air. Then, as soon as I bit down, the unmistakably strong aroma of wasabi hit me. 'Damn it, luck isn't on my side,' I thought ruefully.

“...Heup!"

Before the wasabi dumpling's intensity could fully reveal itself, I covered my mouth and started to tear up, prompting the Flying Man cast to react swiftly.

“Is Hyun-Woo crying?"

“Director Han! This isn't a joke. We're really going to get scolded!"

“Are you okay?"

I shook my head to the side with my mouth firmly closed.

“Is Hyun-Woo crying?" Goh Yoo-Joon asked worriedly.

‘No, I'm not crying. I haven't even chewed properly.’ As I gestured for tissue paper, Woo-Seok quickly handed me some, understanding the need to maintain composure and avoid appearing careless on the variety show.

The tissue now held the intact, unchewed dumpling. Only the pungent taste remained in my mouth.

‘But wait, why are my tears falling?’

“Ugh...."

- Hyun-Woo failed!

“Oh no! Hyun-Woo, looks like you have to join Flying Man!"

“Hyun-Woo's participation is confirmed!"

I only held it in my mouth for a moment, and it wasn't too spicy. However, the wasabi smell immediately irritated my nose. freewe(b)novel

As tears fell from my eyes, the Chronos members rushed over in alarm.

“Hyun-Woo."

Joo-Han kept muttering “oh no” as he wiped away my tears.

“Do you want some water, hyung? Are you okay?"

“Is Hyun-Woo really not okay?"

“Yoon-Chan, there's a water dispenser down the right hallway, can you get some water?"

“It's okay. Really, it's okay," I said. My eyes felt hot, but there was no real harm.

“You guys really do care for each other. They're looking after Hyun-Woo well." Dada commented.

Director Han Bu-Joon saw that I had somewhat calmed down, so he spoke.

- Since Hyun-Woo has failed the mission, he cannot refuse if Flying Man extends an invitation. Shall we move on to the next location?

“Hyun-Woo, we will come back to see you after meeting the next guest!"

“Anyway, good work, Hyun-Woo! It seems like every time we meet Chronos, we end up feeling sorry!"

“We apologize for introducing you to such a show for your first broadcast. I mean it!"

“No, it's okay. Thank you, seniors!"

It was indeed a brief appearance, but perhaps that was fortunate, given the number of guests this episode had. As soon as the game ended, they promptly wrapped up the filming and left the waiting room.

“Here, drink some water. Water."

“How spicy was it, hyung?"

I shook my head. “I didn't chew it because we will have a live performance soon. I just felt the wasabi. Still, it was spicy enough to make me tear up."

“Hyun-Woo, your throat might be severely affected. But In-Hyun hyung, did you know that they would make him eat wasabi? This could seriously impact our performance," exclaimed Joo-Han. He seemed quite angry.

The manager hesitated, clearly flustered. He explained, “Ah, I knew... but they were supposed to come after the stage was over. Then I received a call saying the schedule had been moved up."

“We only heard that Hyun-Woo was filming for Flying Man. No one told us any details about this."

“...Wait. You knew about the wasabi too?" Goh Yoo-Joon also frowned.

“This really isn't right. Hyung, what would happen if Hyun-Woo had to perform live right after eating wasabi?"

“I made a big mistake this time. I'm sorry."

Joo-Han replaced the cold water I was holding with lukewarm water. “Even if you didn't eat it, seeing you tear up earlier got me worried. Drink plenty of water."

Everyone was being cautious with their words, but it was evident the manager had made a mistake. He had been scolded a few times by Mr. Seong about the schedule before this.

“It's fine now." I tried to calm down the pissed Joo-Han and soothed my throat. As the tumult of Flying Man and the dumplings settled in the waiting room, a stage staff member peeked through the door.

“Chronos, it's time to move!" With that cue, the tension swirled again, and we adjusted our outfits as we moved backstage.

“You all know the atmosphere is different from ‘Parade,’ which focused heavily on group dance, right? Keep a relaxed expression and smile while walking. There's a lot of interaction with the camera, but don't forget to engage with the audience too."

“Okay!"

Joo-Han looked over and then extended his hand. We then placed our hands one by one on top of Joo-Han's.

“Let’s!"

“Let's give it all out!"

***

- We are not going anywhere! On such a hot day, staying home is the best! Turn on the air conditioning and lie in bed! Ahh...

While the MCs were speaking, we headed onto the stage and took our respective positions. As we appeared, the fans' cheers resounded through the air. I just waved lightly to them and tried to compose myself, determined not to make any mistakes. As the camera entered the stage, it focused on Lee Jin-Sung sitting on a chair.

- Yi-Jee seems confused right now! But once you hear their song, you will understand what I mean! freewebnove(l).com

- Who are they?

- It's Chronos performing ‘Blue Room Party!’

As the MCs concluded their introduction, the fans' cheers grew even louder, and the music of “Blue Room Party” started to fill the air. Lee Jin-Sung locked eyes with the camera and started the first verse on the cool set, surrounded by the soft blue lighting, which was the vibe you'd expect to see on social media.

*

The stage exuded a sense of liberation and relaxation, with both the song and the members echoing this laid-back vibe. Despite my frustration due to the unexpected wasabi dumpling, I took comfort in the fact that my voice remained steady.

This performance offered more chances to connect with the audience through meaningful eye contact than during previous “Parade” shows, and everyone's expressive engagement with the camera had notably evolved. Hence, we wrapped up the performance flawlessly, setting the stage for the announcement of the first-place winner. The competition was fierce, pitting us against a solo artist fresh from a comeback. However, given that the competitor had just made a comeback and that “Blue Room Party” was dominating the music charts, the announcement came as no surprise.

“The first place goes to Chronos! Congratulations!"

Chronos celebrated the monumental achievement of clinching the top spot on our debut stage for “Blue Room Party”, a stark contrast to the five-week journey that “Parade” took to secure its first victory. This was a milestone for us.

“Congrats, hyung!" Goh Yoo-Joon immediately patted Joo-Han's shoulder. In a show of respect and camaraderie, we handed the trophy and bouquet to Joo-Han.

“Yoo-Joon, you contributed to the lyrics as well. Share your thoughts." I gently prompted Goh Yoo-Joon to join Joo-Han at the center. Both of them were initially bashful, but they quickly adapted and interacted with the audience.

“Thank you so much. We poured our hearts into ‘Blue Room Party,’ aiming to present a more laid-back and enjoyable performance with the comeback. We are overjoyed that so many have embraced and cherished our ‘Blue Room Party.’ Thank you."

Goh Yoo-Joon received the microphone from Joo-Han and said, “A heartfelt thanks to everyone at YMM, Manager In-Hyun hyung, our stylists, and above all, our cherished fans."

“Kyaaaaa!”

“We love you so much!” The crowd erupted with cheers and congratulations. So, Park Yoon-Chan and I waved at the Rings standing at the back.

“We're profoundly grateful for your unwavering support and love for each song. We love you!"

- Once again, congratulations to Chronos. Music Case will return at the same time next week. Thank you!

As the encore of “Blue Room Party” filled the air, the hosts and guests gradually exited the stage.

“Congratulations."

“Well done."

“Thank you! Seniors!" We bowed deeply to the seniors leaving the stage and then turned our gaze to the audience, who were enthusiastically celebrating our first victory with “Blue Room Party.”

“Thank you!" Goh Yoo-Joon lifted Jin-Sung, who had been watching from backstage, into the spotlight. Amidst escalating cheers, we joyously danced the encore of the song to a close.

After that, there was one remaining item on today's agenda. The long-anticipated guest appearance on Senior Reina's radio show.

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