LET'S MANIFEST THAT
Since Haneul and Robin had already finished their audition, they decided to leave.
Haneul must say that the way the production staff handled this public audition was very practical. The efficiency was evident in the well-arranged performances, the provision of sound sources for those who needed them, and the decision not to make all participants stay until the end of the audition.
Although it would probably have been better if they just properly scheduled who would be performing during the morning and afternoon. That way, there would be no need for everyone to go here so early. But just as he said to Robin, the shot of all the participants together might be used in the first episode of the survival program.
In any case, the way the production staff handled the first day of the audition was pretty okay. Especially if one should compare it other public auditions where everyone had to stay until the end.
As he and Robin were walking towards the parking lot, Haneul could feel the gaze of some participants who were also walking on the way in the same direction. He pulled up the mask his wearing, as if it could somehow alleviate the intensity of their gaze.
He knew that he should get used to this kind of attention. The sooner he did, the better. It's not like he could continue wearing a mask during the survival program. Wearing a mask while others confidently showed off their appearance would only provide fodder for trolls and antis.
Even though he knew that, it's still hard for him to put it into action.
In his original world, he might have received some compliments on his appearance here and there. But in the latter years, the only kinds of gazes he received were either full of pity or disgust.
Those gazes left a profound impact on him, the kind he would never forget.
Facing sudden gazes filled with admiration, envy, and sometimes even lust was difficult for him to adjust to.
Haneul let out a deep sigh. He had told himself that he would no longer complain about the 'black magic' Yeomra had put on him, but when faced with situations related to his appearance that made him uncomfortable, his first reaction was still to complain.
"What's wrong, Haneul? Are you worried about the audition?" Robin suddenly asked, probably noticing him sighing.
Haneul shook his head. "No, just thinking about some things."
"I also don't think you have to worry about passing the audition. After hearing you sing, there's no doubt that you will pass. I'm actually more concerned about my own chances," Robin said, his mood noticeably deflated compared to before. "With you performing right after me, I'm afraid the judges might completely overlook my performance."
Robin's tone and expression were filled with worry when he said that, but there was no hint of blame toward Haneul. Instead, he seemed frustrated with himself for not delivering a performance strong enough to stand out.
This once again demonstrated Robin's good character. In a situation where they were technically competing against each other, it would have been normal for Robin to show some dissatisfaction towards Haneul. Instead, he was more critical of himself.
"Hyung, your performance was very memorable as well. Have you forgotten how much the judges smiled while watching you? While I did well for myself, it doesn't mean it overshadowed what you did. I believe that you will definitely pass the audition."
Haneul didn't just say that to comfort Robin; he truly believed Robin would pass the audition. Not only because Robin was originally part of Boys Odyssey in Haneul's original world, but also because his performance was truly outstanding.
Robin smiled at that. "Thank you, Haneul. It would be great if that would be the case. Then the two of us could participate in the survival program together."
"I have a very strong feeling that we will," Haneul said with conviction, which only made Robin laughed.
"Let's manifest that," Robin said, pumping up his fist as if making a determined statement.
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Taeyang pressed his temple as he got up from bed. The constant vibration of his phone awakened him. If it was normal, he wouldn't be affected by such. But because his rut cycle was just around the corner, he was sensitive to everything. It was already a miracle that he managed the audition earlier without any problems.
This damn secondary gender.
He picked up his phone that was on the bedside table and answered irritably, "What is it?"
There was silence on the other end of the phone before a woman's familiar voice echoed;
- Is that how you talk to your mother?
If before, once he heard this voice, he would try to placate the other. But now, only a sneer came out of his mouth. "What do you want?"
Although he truly wanted to hang up the phone and avoid hearing her voice, he still showed her basic courtesy for being the one who gave birth to him.
- What's going on with you? Why did I hear that you're suddenly participating in some pointless audition? Didn't we already agree that you would go abroad to get your business degree?
"No, all that happened was you giving orders. As usual," Taeyang said, barely keeping his voice down. "If you have a problem with what I'm doing, talk to the old man. He gave me permission to join this 'pointless audition'. So, if you want to go against him, feel free to do so."
After saying that, he quickly pressed the end call button and proceeded to block her number. He should have done that sooner. No, he should have cut her out of his life entirely.
But everything had been so hectic this past month that he didn't have time to deal with his so-called 'mother'. His only focus was the future of his music career. To achieve success, a lot of changes had to be made. He was just glad that no irreparable damage had happened yet.
Taeyang fell back on the bed and closed his eyes.
This time, for sure...