The Trashy PD Has To Survive as an Idol - Chapter 171

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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171

Wooooow!

A single greeting sent screams echoing through the entire Live Hall.
The pressure that had been crushing my chest eased slightly at the thought that I had somehow managed to see this through to the end.

“It’s been three months—long if you think about it, short if you don’t.”

At the same time, my eyes caught the fans staring at me with tear-streaked faces, waving their inverted triangle light sticks and signs.

“And at the end of it all, we’ve achieved first place. It’s all thanks to Noeul. I’m sorry for putting you through so much worry these past months.”

Many people watching beyond the screen would be wondering what I’d say next, tears streaming down my face.
But unfortunately, my eyes remained completely dry.
I listed the names of those I was obligated to thank one by one, offered my gratitude, then hesitated for a moment before speaking again.

“I’m also grateful to my members. I was quite stubborn, but they believed in me and followed along without complaint.”

When I glanced to the side, Jung Da-jun burst into tears again just as he’d finally composed himself, covering his face with both hands. I smiled at the sight of him.

“I’d also like to express my gratitude to my family.”

This was the moment everyone was waiting for me to say something.

“I miss you always.”

I delivered the prepared words and slowly lowered the hand holding the microphone. Then I gently patted Kim Sung-hyun on the back, whose eyes had turned red.
As I watched Kim Sung-hyun step forward and began to retreat, Sung Ji-won pulled me into an embrace from beside me. I felt warmth and moisture on my shoulder.

“…Ho-yoon.”

He called my name but couldn’t say anything else, only sniffling. I comforted Sung Ji-won while waiting for Kim Sung-hyun’s remarks.
Since I’d delivered the usual comment Kim Sung-hyun typically gave, I thought he’d share his thoughts on achieving first place.

“There’s so much I’d like to say, but Seo Ho-yoon has already covered it all.”

Yet Kim Sung-hyun let slip something unexpected, then paused to catch his breath.

“Just as Noeul has always been by our side.”

The guy who had been bowing his head as if his throat were tight lifted his face again, and now tears glistened on his cheeks as a smile bloomed across them.
Our leader was,

“We five will always be together too. Thank you.”

He’s truly a good guy.

.
.
.

“Thank you for your hard work!”
“Congratulations, The Dun!”
“Wow, that was truly moving. Congratulations!”

As we descended from the stage, the staff members bustling about backstage offered their words of praise one by one.
All the members bowed their heads repeatedly as we passed them.
Just then, the Assistant Director approached us with the brightest expression I’d seen from him yet, perhaps because the program had wrapped successfully without incident.

“Will you be attending the after-party?”
“Ah, well, the members probably will….”

I glanced back, and the members who had been following close behind until moments ago had stopped some distance away.
It seemed they’d been caught up by members and staff from other groups.

“I’m a bit tired, so I’ll pass.”
“Ah, I see. It’s a shame—the atmosphere really picks up when Seo Ho-yoon is there.”

The Assistant Director seemed slightly disappointed that he wouldn’t get to see my drinking skills, but didn’t push further. Instead, he added something about “if the opportunity comes up next time,” then made a sharp clicking sound with his mouth and made a snapping gesture with his wrist as if breaking a drinking glass, before quickly disappearing.
After watching his retreating figure for a moment, I was about to call the members who were still being held up by others when I spotted the mentors gathered in a cluster at the end of the hallway.

‘Wow….’

Lim Hyun-sung, Joo Woo-sung, Ha Seo-yeon, and Han Chae-ri.
And Chae Jung-woo was there too.

“Oh!”

I’d tried to slip away, thinking it would be annoying if I caught their attention, but an ominous exclamation reached me from behind.

“Hey, Seo Ho-yoon.”

I turned slowly, and Lim Hyun-sung approached with a bright smile.

“Your pride’s still intact, huh? Congrats on first place, you bastard.”
“Right. That’s all thanks to you, Composer.”
“Wow, look at you being all slick.”

There was no way Lim Hyun-sung didn’t know how I’d managed to claim first place when it was so obvious, yet he didn’t mention it.
But I could easily imagine what everyone would be whispering about behind my back.
That Seo Ho-yoon had sold out his own family secrets just to grab first place.

‘Well, I won’t deny it.’

It was the truth, after all.

“That final track was incredible. Seriously, absurdly good.”
“…And who do we have to thank for that?”
“Puhaha.”

Watching Lim Hyun-sung laugh cheerfully, I folded my arms.

“Why don’t you go see Kang Yi-chae? He’d probably love that.”
“Hmm. Nah, forget it. I’ll do it later.”

Lim Hyun-sung waved his hand dismissively, then glanced toward where Kang Yi-chae stood and clicked his tongue softly. Kang Yi-chae was radiating a sharp, cold atmosphere, completely indifferent to those around him.
I felt a strange prickling at the back of my neck and decided it was best to ignore it for now.

“You coming to the after-party?”
“No. I’m planning to head out alone first.”

All the winning team members were supposed to attend the afterparty, though it was difficult for everyone to make it. However, the very person who had orchestrated this narrative couldn’t very well show up at the dinner venue laughing and demonstrating drinking prowess.
The company, my manager, and I were all in agreement this time.
Without needing to explain the circumstances in detail, Lim Hyun-sung picked up on the situation immediately.

“…Alright then. Once things settle down, let’s grab a meal together. My treat.”
“Of course, of course. I’ll make sure to treat you properly.”
“You’re seriously lacking in manners, but your nerve is absolutely unmatched.”

I tore my gaze away from Lim Hyun-sung, who was shaking her head with an exasperated expression, and glanced around. That’s when my eyes met Joo Woo-sung’s. Simultaneously, he began striding toward me.

“Seo Ho-yoon.”

I thought things were becoming increasingly bothersome, but there was nowhere to escape.
Joo Woo-sung, who had approached me, looked exhausted for some reason.

“Uh….”

He opened his mouth, then awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck.

“…Congratulations on first place.”
“Well, yes. Thanks to you, senior.”
“Hey!! You just said it was because of me.”

At Lim Hyun-sung’s interjection, Joo Woo-sung’s eyes narrowed and he let out a hollow laugh.

“What do you expect from him, noona? This guy’s a master of empty words.”

After disparaging me like that, he just stood there with his lips pouted out. So I decided to strike first.

“Senior, I’m grateful for everything you’ve done.”
“…Huh?”
“I’ve really received a lot of help from you.”

Back when I first saw Joo Woo-sung on television and targeted him, I never could have imagined that we’d stay in contact like this or that he’d help me so much.
Actually, I still don’t fully understand it even now.
The fact that someone I blackmailed would help the blackmailer without any compensation.
I smiled sheepishly at Joo Woo-sung, who had been rendered speechless by surprise.

“And I believe you’ll continue to help me in the future? I still have a long way to go.”
“….”

I expected him to curse or at least laugh, but Joo Woo-sung merely wore an ambiguous expression.
The moment my eyebrows twitched at that subtle atmosphere, Lim Hyun-sung grabbed Joo Woo-sung by the nape of his neck.

“Hey, that’s enough, that’s enough. This guy’s not just fine—he’s healthier than me. Woo-sung, let’s go to the after-party and wet our throats.”
“…Ugh, I don’t want to.”
“Come on, let’s go blow off some steam~!!”

Lim Hyun-sung dragged along the reluctant Joo Woo-sung and neatly collected Chae Jung-woo as well, then disappeared with a giggle.
I shrugged my shoulders once and approached the members.

“What are you all doing?”

The members, who had been conversing with various people just moments before, huddled together and whispered among themselves.
The moment I squeezed in, Jung Da-jun clung to me like glue.
Out of habit, I stroked that head, and the youngest, rolling his eyes, spouted nonsense.

“…Ho-yoon, can’t I skip the after-party too?”
“No.”
“…I don’t want to.”
“Just go and come back.”

Even the highest-tier celebrities would draw unwanted attention if they skipped such gatherings without reason.
Much less The Dun—they’d instantly become the subject of gossip for being rude.

“Jung Da-jun.”

Knowing this, Kim Sung-hyun sighed and peeled off Jung Da-jun’s arms that were wrapped tightly around me.

“Grown-up Jung Da-jun, let’s go.”
“Ugh….”

Jung Da-jun still moved reluctantly, casting lingering glances in my direction.

“Ho-yoon, be careful on your way.”
“Yeah.”
“We’ll be back soon.”

Sung Ji-won pushed the youngest member’s drooping shoulders and waved his hand.
Even then, Kang Yi-chae said nothing.
As he turned back at the Manager’s call, an uneasy feeling lingered in his chest.
But soon his thoughts shifted to how to erase the sympathetic public sentiment and what he could do to transform his image.

“I’ll head back first. Thank you so much.”
“Really, you worked so hard! Seo Ho-yoon, you were amazing!”
“Yes, thank you for your hard work.”

I maintained my smile as I headed toward the van.
Since we were heading straight to the dormitory anyway, I hadn’t even changed clothes.
The Manager was attending the after-party with the other members, so I was with the Road Manager instead.

“You were truly amazing today!”
“Haha, you worked hard too. Drive safely.”

I greeted him as I stepped out of the car at the dormitory.

….

After entering the passcode on the door lock and opening the entrance door, I saw the living room enveloped in silence.

…Hmm.

I carefully removed my outfit and hung it on the rack, finished showering, then wandered aimlessly before sprawling across the sofa and turning on the television.
After flipping through a few channels, I turned off the TV and picked up my phone.

Buzz.

I intended to check today’s reactions.
The moment I turned on my phone, missed calls and unread messages and texts poured in frantically.
The name recorded most frequently was Seo Ho-jin.

[Seo Ho-jin]

I lay back on the bed, roughly running one hand through my damp hair. I skimmed through the messages first, checked the texts, and then saw the conversation with Seo Ho-jin, suddenly realizing something.

[Seo Ho-jin: Happy New Year]
[Me: Yeah]

Even on New Year’s Day.

[Seo Ho-jin: Brother]
[Seo Ho-jin: Happy birthday]
[Me: Thanks]

…Even on my birthday.

“…Yeah.”

Ever since becoming an idol, my contact with my younger brother had always followed the same pattern—Seo Ho-jin would reach out first, and I’d respond with brief replies much later. At least on his birthday, I had the excuse of meeting him in person, so I hadn’t texted.

‘Have I really been like that…?’

I hesitated before sending a message.

[Me: Hey]

A call came through immediately, as if he’d been waiting. I declined it and, my eyes blurring with exhaustion, typed out another message.

[Me: Brother, I’m tired]

But no reply came for a long time.
I stared at my phone intently, thinking I might as well get some sleep, when my phone vibrated.

[Seo Ho-jin: Just pick up the call]

“Idiot….”

I thought I understood why.

[Me: Let’s meet tomorrow]
[Me: I’ll even bring a big bouquet]

I added a line in jest, trying to keep it light.
If he actually expected it, I could laugh and tease him about it.
I had no schedule tomorrow anyway, and I wanted to see for myself that Seo Ho-jin was doing okay.

‘This should be enough to make everything right.’

My nerves, which had been wound tight with tension lately, finally loosened, and sleep crashed over me like a wave.

‘All I need to do now is manage the aftermath.’

I’d taken some risks, but the outcome wasn’t terrible.
Getting criticized was inevitable in the entertainment industry.
Through this incident, I’d become an idol with a story, a useful asset that could be leveraged again and again—whether for variety shows or anything else.
After all, the public always gravitates toward whoever appears most frequently in front of the camera—.
Just as that thought crossed my mind, my eyelids grew unbearably heavy. My eyes drifted shut, and I slipped into sleep.

“…Gasp!”

I jolted upright with a ragged breath.

“Huff, hah….”

With trembling hands, I fumbled to touch my shoulders and arms. Cold sweat streamed down my back.

“Damn….”

My left arm had gone numb.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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