While the girls were busy chatting, the boys had been mercilessly dragged away to help set up for the event.
The task?
Moving equipment, setting up tables, adjusting the tents, and unloading supplies from the transport vehicles.
For most of the guys, it was a backbreaking task, especially under the scorching sun.
But for Renji, it was nothing.
Unlike the other boys, who were huffing and puffing, wiping away sweat and taking frequent breaks, Renji was moving efficiently and effortlessly.
He lifted crates of bottled water without fumbling, stacked chairs neatly without wasting time, and carried multiple heavy boxes in one go while the others struggled with just one.
At first, the workers thought he was just another college student forced into manual labor. But after watching him for a while...
"Hey, kid, have you ever worked in logistics before?" One of the older staff members chuckled, seeing Renji handle the supplies like a pro.
Renji, who had just set down another crate, wiped a bit of sweat from his forehead and shook his head. "Nope."
The worker laughed. "Could've fooled me. You're faster than half our guys on a busy day."
The event director, a sharp-eyed man in his forties, also took notice. While the other boys were taking breaks and complaining, Renji moved steadily, without wasting energy.
When one of the tables almost collapsed due to an unsteady leg, Renji quickly fixed the latch, preventing an accident before it even happened.
When one of the workers was struggling to balance a stack of speakers, Renji stepped in, adjusting the weight distribution and making it easier to carry.
Everything about him was calm, controlled, and efficient—not a single wasted movement.
"Damn, this kid's solid," one of the staff muttered, nudging a colleague.
"Not just strong, but smart too. He knows how to lift without hurting himself. Most young guys mess up their backs trying to show off."
At some point, Renji caught a glimpse of the other boys—tired, complaining, taking constant breaks.
'Yeah, figures.'
"I am not special. They are just useless." He silently muttered, almost making the manager laugh, but held it in.
He wasn't doing this because he was particularly enthusiastic about manual labor, but rather because it was easier to just get it done than to drag it out.
And besides…
'Might as well treat this as light training.'
At the rate he was going, he wasn't even breaking a sweat yet.
Unbeknownst to him, his work ethic was starting to get noticed beyond just the workers.
A few of the staff members, impressed by his attitude, casually mentioned it while passing by the idol group as they helped organize some last-minute details.
"Man, if all college kids were like that Renji guy, we'd never have to hire extra labor."
"That calm one? Yeah, he's got a good head on his shoulders. Doesn't just rely on strength—he actually thinks before moving."
The idols, who had been enjoying the ocean breeze and chatting with the dorm girls, overheard the conversation.
One of the silver-haired idols, who had a sharp eye for details, raised an eyebrow. "Wait, Renji? Which one was that?"
Hoshino, who vaguely remembered him, blinks. "The one who didn't seem interested in talking earlier?"
The blonde idol grinned. "Oho~ so we have a hardworking guy among the group? That's rare."
Even Saya, who had been focused on the conversation with the dorm girls, adjusted her glasses slightly. "For the workers to bring him up in casual conversation... he must have made quite an impression."
The idols exchanged glances.
At first, Renji had just been another guy in the background.
But now, their curiosity was piqued.
The location they were staying at wasn't just a simple beach resort—it was a well-maintained facility designed to accommodate both vacationers and event teams.
The main dormitory was a long, two-story wooden structure, built in a blend of modern and traditional architecture. It had wide, open-air hallways, allowing the ocean breeze to pass through and cool the interiors. The walls were made of polished wood and bamboo, giving it a tropical yet elegant aesthetic.
From the dormitory entrance, a stone-paved path led toward the main outdoor bathhouse area.
The pathway was lined with short, decorative lanterns, which would glow with warm light once the sun set. Lush greenery, including palm trees and hibiscus bushes, bordered the trail, creating a scenic view while providing some privacy.
As Renji walked down this path, the distant sound of waves crashing onto the shore mixed with the rustling of leaves in the breeze. Occasionally, he could hear seagulls crying in the distance.
Unlike traditional indoor bathing areas, this place featured a semi-outdoor bathhouse overlooking the sea.
It was a large wooden structure with a thatched roof, supported by sturdy beams. The floor was made of polished stone, smooth and cool beneath the feet.
A small entrance area led into separate changing rooms for men and women. Each room had neatly arranged wooden lockers, woven straw baskets, and freshly folded towels stacked on wooden shelves.
Through a side entrance, the main bathing area opened up into a spacious stone pool filled with natural hot spring water, constantly flowing from a carved rock fountain at the edge. A thin layer of steam hovered over the water's surface, giving it an almost mystical charm.
From the bath, there was a direct view of the ocean, separated only by a bamboo fence that offered partial privacy while still letting bathers enjoy the breathtaking seascape.
A few smaller rinsing stations were set along the edge, each equipped with wooden stools, metal buckets, and showerheads mounted onto stone walls.
Renji stepped into the men's changing area, setting his bottle down before pulling out a fresh towel and a change of clothes.
He wasn't particularly exhausted, but the idea of soaking in warm water after lifting weights all morning seemed like a good way to unwind.
As he removed his shirt, the cool air brushed against his skin, highlighting the faint sheen of sweat that still clung to his toned muscles.
Unbeknownst to him…
While the workers had already taken notice of his physical capabilities—his broad shoulders, defined abs, and efficient movements—certain eyes from outside the bathhouse were about to take notice as well.