translation by mourningmoor
“It’s chaos.”
Jaewon, who had been browsing the internet, clicked on an article.
“Roa, who underwent knee surgery for a torn meniscus a few years ago, was rushed to the hospital due to sudden knee pain and has now returned home after tests and treatment.”
After reading a part of the article, Jaewon tilted his head.
“Where do reporters even hear this stuff to write articles?”
At that, Roa, who was spreading jam on bread at the dining table, smiled faintly.
“The company’s PR team gives them the info. Otherwise, they’d just make things up.”
“Ah, right. That’s what the PR team does.”
Jaewon nodded and put down his tablet.
“I always thought they just made us sign photos and sold merch.”
Then he stared straight at me.
“What did the doctor say? Is Roa hyung really okay?”
He’s wearing a leg brace, so is he really okay?
Without responding, I plated a perfectly cooked omelet.
“Roa will be fine, so don’t worry. You should focus on going to school.”
“I’m not going to school today? It’s….”
Even as we talked, my hands were busy.
With the comeback approaching, I had to be extra careful with the members’ meals.
Omelet, fresh fruit juice, rye bread, bacon, cheese, nuts, and so on.
As I placed the prepared food on the table, I half-listened to Jaewon’s response and asked a question.
“Why aren’t you going to school? Once the comeback starts, you won’t be able to go, so you should attend properly while you can.”
“It’s Saturday?”
It’s Saturday?
I paused while putting down a cup.
I’ve been working day and night, losing track of time, so I’ve lost all sense of the days.
“Chani-hyung, you’ve been so busy lately that you’re completely out of it, huh?”
Jaewon teased.
“Today’s Saturday, and tomorrow’s the day of your 5th round performance. Get it together, seriously.”
The past week has been such a blur.
Between preparing for the broadcast, the comeback, and meeting Lim Jingyu the day before yesterday, I’ve been swamped. And yesterday, with Roa’s situation, it was even more chaotic.
When I looked at Roa, he smiled apologetically.
“Hyungnim, I’m really sorry for adding to your busyness yesterday.”
I pushed the fresh fruit juice toward him and gestured for him to drink it quickly.
“Tell Siu and Hanjoon hyung to come out and eat breakfast.”
“Yes.”
Jaewon jumped up from his seat and ran to the bathroom.
“Siu hyung, Hanjoon hyung. Let’s eat.”
This week, it’s their turn to clean the bathroom.
Since the beginning of the year, we’ve been assigning cleaning duties.
The company sends a cleaning lady once a week, but I think it’s right for us to handle the basics ourselves.
It’s good for discipline.
Thanks to that, the members’ waking times have become very consistent.
Hanjoon, who had just finished cleaning, came into the kitchen and plopped down on a chair.
“Hey, Leader. Check the toilet.”
After scolding them a bit during the last cleaning, it seems they went all out today.
“It’s so clean you could eat rice out of it.”
Still, that’s a bit of an exaggeration.
As I frowned, the youngest pretended to gag, covering his mouth with his hand.
“Ugh. Don’t say gross stuff at the breakfast table.”
“Hey, it’s just to say it’s really clean.”
“Ah, seriously, that’s so disgusting. Hanjoon hyung.”
“It’s clean, okay?”
As I watched the eldest and the youngest bickering, Siu approached. At first, he couldn’t even empty the trash properly, but now he’s gotten pretty good at cleaning.
I patted his back and said, “Good job,” and Siu sat down with a quiet smile.
“Ichan-ah. Are you ready for the competition?”
“Well, mostly?”
I’ve been a bit distracted with all the preparations, but I’m doing my part properly. That’s how I can quickly level up.
Watching everyone sit down to eat, I also took my seat.
Come to think of it, it’s already been over a year and a half since we started living like this.
Eating, sleeping, and sharing joys and sorrows with these guys.
We’ve been through a lot and have grown quite familiar with each other.
At this point, I started thinking about taking all of them to the 9th Circle without anyone falling behind. Let’s make it through safely together.
It felt like I was reaffirming my resolve every morning.
“Finish breakfast and be ready by 8.”
As I watched the members eat, I recited the schedule Gyuhyung sent me yesterday.
“We have morning exercise, then morning practice. At 3 PM, there’s a Halloween photoshoot, and at 8 PM, a magazine interview. After that, more practice. That’s it.”
Exercise, practice, photoshoot, interview, practice.
It seems simple, but it’s a tight schedule. As the comeback approaches, the schedule will only get tighter.
From now on, it’s a battle of stamina, so each member needs to manage themselves thoroughly. That’s why Roa looks so down.
“Roa, go to the hospital in the morning and join the photoshoot in the afternoon. You’ll be skipping practice for a while.”
At that, Roa hung his head.
“I’m sorry.”
“If you’re sorry, then focus on your treatment and come back quickly.”
I ruffled Roa’s hair, and Hanjoon followed suit.
Then Siu joined in.
“If you don’t come back soon, I might even surpass you. I’ll practice like crazy.”
Jaewon waved his hand to stop them.
“Ah, these hyungs. Seriously.”
Jaewon, who had been ruffling Roa’s hair, frowned.
“Roa hyung’s going to go bald at this rate. Why are you all so rough?”
Even though he usually teases Roa the most, it seems he’s really worried now that Roa’s hurt.
“If all your hair falls out, even if your leg heals, you won’t be able to perform. The lights… they’ll reflect. Shiny shiny.”
Eventually, everyone burst out laughing.
Something heavy settled in my chest.
It’s been years since I’ve been in a relationship where we can laugh at silly jokes like this. Feels like 300 years.
“Alright. Let’s stop before the lights start reflecting.”
Just then.
The doorbell rang, even though no one was expected.
The youngest’s eyes widened.
“Huh? Is it Gyuhyung hyung?”
“Why would Gyuhyung hyung ring the bell? It’s someone else.”
Siu, who was sitting near the entrance, jumped up and ran to the door.
Everyone tilted their heads as they watched.
7:10 AM.
Who would visit at this time besides someone from the company? Nervous glances were exchanged.
“Roa-ya.”
A moment later, Siu returned to the kitchen with an unfamiliar figure.
“Your father is here.”
Behind Siu, Hanjoon and Jaewon shot up from their seats. I also stood up slowly, keeping pace with the members.
“Hello.”
About a year ago, Roa’s parents visited the company.
They doted on Roa, the youngest of three siblings.
I remember them expressing their concern, saying they hadn’t heard from Roa in a while, so everyone’s expressions darkened.
“Ah, yes. Have you all been well?”
Roa’s father also didn’t look happy.
It seemed he had rushed over early in the morning after hearing about Roa’s knee injury.
But Roa didn’t even stand up, let alone make eye contact with his father.
“Roa, get up. Let’s go home.”
At his father’s words, Roa shook his head.
“I can’t leave the dorm without permission.”
“I called the CEO. I got permission, so get up.”
At the mention of permission, Roa’s face immediately looked like he was about to cry.
His father, looking at Roa with pity, spoke more firmly.
“If you stay here, you’ll keep wanting to practice. Let’s go home until you’re better.”
“I have other schedules too. There’s more to do besides practice.”
“You might end up needing another surgery at this rate.”
At the mention of another surgery, Roa’s face turned pale.
Jaewon, standing beside him, also looked shocked, his eyes wide.
Jaewon’s gaze lingered on me, as if seeking confirmation.
“Hyung. Did the doctor say he needs another surgery?”
We were told that if it gets worse, he might need another surgery. Of course, it’s not an immediate risk like Roa’s father said. It’s only a possibility if he overworks himself.
“Well….”
As I tried to speak, Roa grabbed my hand and shook his head.
“No. The doctor said it’s just a mild inflammation. If I take my medicine and follow the treatment, I’ll be fine.”
Roa’s voice was calm as he explained his condition.
It wasn’t a lie. But it wasn’t the whole truth either.
It’s not serious, but there’s inflammation at the surgery site. It’s not at a critical stage yet, so if he takes his medicine and follows the treatment, he should improve.
But they also added that the October 28th comeback would be too much.
Roa let out a long sigh and stood up.
“Hyungnim.”
Roa, who had been holding my hand, tightened his grip.
His fingertips were cold. He was clearly nervous.
“I’ll go with my dad for now. If I can make it to the afternoon schedule, I’ll join.”
I nodded, watching Roa try to stay composed.
“Alright. Don’t push yourself too hard.”
Tears welled up in Roa’s eyes as he bowed his head deeply.
“I’m sorry.”
“Why are you sorry? Did you get hurt on purpose?”
I ruffled his hair again.
“Go home and rest. I’ll come get you.”
Roa sniffled and wiped his tears with the back of his hand, nodding.
“You have to come get me.”
“I will.”
In the end, Roa left the dorm with his father.
For the first time in a year and a half, one of the five was absent.
Funny enough, a part of my chest felt empty.
* * *
That afternoon, a new notice appeared on Blade Entertainment’s website and Universe.
L.I.T’s 1st Full Album Carnival: Hee (喜), Ro (怒), Ae (哀), Rak (樂) Release Postponed. November 4, 20XX.
The release of L.I.T’s 1st full album Carnival: Hee (喜), Ro (怒), Ae (哀), Rak (樂), originally scheduled for October 28, 20XX, has been postponed by one week due to member Roa’s knee injury…
The Filaments were devastated, but they all understood.
Instead, the community was flooded with concern for Roa.
“Well, it’s not too bad, considering.”
I sighed and turned on the MR for tomorrow’s <Survival, Music Genius> performance. Now that this has happened, I need to deliver the best performance for the fans, so I thought I’d practice more.
Just then, a message arrived on my phone.
It was from Roa’s father.
Roa’s father:
Ichan, thank you. As you said, I’ll keep Roa at home for a week. I’m grateful that Roa has members who care for him like family. Thank you so much.