Falling for the Omega Idol-Chapter 145: UNEXPECTED FIGURE

HANEUL was just about to ask if Seojun was here to practice as well, when he saw Haru walking just behind the other. And he immediately understood that the two must have come together. Why, though? Maybe they’d run into each other on the way here, and one thing led to another until Seojun decided to tag along?

Haneul opened his mouth to ask, but Haru suddenly darted forward, cutting him off.

"Hyung, is your team okay?" Haru asked, his face pinched with worry. "I wanted to ask you or Robin-hyung earlier, but I didn’t see either of you at lunch. I did spot Taeyang-nim, but..." He trailed off, rubbing his neck. "He’s kind of intimidating. I couldn’t work up the nerve to talk to him."

Hearing Haru call Taeyang in such a formal way, Haneul believed that the other must be really intimidated. Well, it’s not like he couldn’t understand him. Taeyang could really have that effect. If not for Haneul’s initial star-struck admiration, he probably would’ve found Taeyang intimidating too.

"I feel the same way as Haru," Seojun added. "Not about Taeyang, but about what happened with your team." His voice held the same concern as he asked, "Are you guys really okay?"

Ah, so that’s why the two were together. Because of how smooth their group’s practice was, he almost forgot how one of their team member being disqualified might appear to the other teams. Since this was inherently a competition, some of them were probably glad that this could cause trouble to a team considered as strong competition. But Haneul was glad that at least there were still people who would genuinely worry about them. Like these two.

A warm smile tugged at his lips. "We’re fine, really."

The two kept studying his face, their expressions doubtful—like they thought he was just saying that to ease their worries. Haneul shook his head slightly. Maybe he should explain the whole Lee Minjae situation properly. But he really didn’t want to. He’d never liked discussing other people’s hardships to others, like it’s some kind of entertainment.

After what happened, Lee Minjae’s chance to debut in this program was over. And according to what Park Seongwoo had told them, this was already the other’s second failed attempt to debut. Haneul didn’t want to rub salt in the wound by gossiping about his misfortune.

Haneul gave them a reassuring smile. "I promise, there’s really nothing to worry about."

Haru scratched his cheek, still looking hesitant. "Okay... if you say so."

Seojun stared at Haneul as if studying his every expression, then he gave a firm nod. "Seriously though, if you or Robin need anything, just tell us."

"Thank you," Haneul said, and then promptly changed the topic. "So, Seojun hyung, do you want to practice with me and Haru?"

And just like that, an additional person joined them for practice.

***

The next day, practice went as smoothly as it had yesterday. By six in the evening, their group headed to the dining hall for dinner. Most teams were still practicing, so only a handful of contestants were around—something Haneul was grateful for. He’d eaten breakfast here earlier and had endured too many uncomfortable stares. With Lee Minjae’s disqualification still fresh, he figured it would take at least two more days before the others lost interest. At least Taeyang had volunteered to get their lunch boxes again today, sparing them more unwanted attention.

After dinner, Haneul planned to practice his dancing. Robin had decided to tag along this time and practice with him. But both of them wanted to call their families first. Now they walked together toward the phone booths, leaving the dining hall behind.

"So, how was your practice with Haru last night?" Robin asked as they walked.

"It went fine," Haneul said. "I don’t think my dancing skill would just magically improve, but I can feel that I’m improving. Albeit small."

Robin bumped their shoulders together lightly. "Well, isn’t there a proverb that goes like ’A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’?" His voice softened. "I’m sure even if you’re taking a small step now, you’ll eventually reach your destination."

"I really hope so," Haneul said, smiling. "Oh, Seojun hyung joined us last night too. He seemed worried about our team, so when he heard Haru was practicing with me, he came along."

Haneul didn’t hear a response, so he turned to look at Robin—only to find the other wearing that familiar expression. You know the one where he was looking at him meaningfully. That look that said he had something on his mind, but couldn’t quite bring himself to say it out loud.

"What is it?" Haneul asked.

"Nothing," Robin shrugged.

"That’s definitely not ’nothing’," Haneul pressed.

Robin just grinned and gave Haneul’s cheek a light pinch. "Just thinking how sweet it is that Seojun came to check on you."

Haneul blinked. Why did that simple statement feel loaded with some hidden meaning?

Little did Haneul know, a certain Alpha had been walking behind them the whole time - close enough to catch every word of their conversation.

***

Talking with his family always brought Haneul to a good mood. This time, he talked mainly with Haeun. His little sister bombarded him with endless questions about how he was doing. Her excitement crackled through the line, so vivid he could almost see her bouncing on their living room couch. That image made him chuckle.

The call ended with her declaring she’d make her entire class vote for him once the voting opened. Her voice bursting with the absolute confidence only a little sister could have.

Haneul stepped out of the phone booth just as Robin finished his call. They started walking back to the practice room together, talking as they went.

Haneul pushed open the practice room door, but froze halfway through the motion when he spotted the figure already standing inside.

"Haneul, why did you stop?" Robin asked. He glanced past him into the practice room and let out a quiet oh at the sight of the figure standing there. "Taeyang, why are you here? Did you forget something?"

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