One Fine Day Part 2
AN: Please listen to the song that's going to be revealed in this Chapter. It'll help with the reading. Thanks!
___________
"Where the hell are we going to find a house to live in the middle of nowhere?!" Seiji-hyung yelled.
After the showrunners revealed to us that we were finally starting to film their show, they immediately gave us USD500 as our budget for the entire week. We were supposed to find a house that would fit us, buy food that we need and materials we might be needing for the next 5 days. Our "dream" vacation just turned into a nightmare. At this point, since The Fact Music Awards is right around the corner, I'd rather practice up on that routine than being here.
Jeong Do covered his ears. "Calm down, hyung. We're going to find one."
Dominic sighed. "How are we going to find a house that would fit the budget? I mean USD500 isn't enough to buy us anything, let alone put a roof over our heads."
Zee was still pretty much upset that the crew took our wallets and gadgets away from us. "How are we going to do this?"
They all halted their steps before they turned to face me. I looked at them and gave them a reassuring smile. "Don't worry guys. There's always a way. We're a collection of the most brilliant minds this world has ever seen. I'm sure we can figure something out."
"Let's start with our housing then. Since most of the budget can be adjusted after that." Jeong Do's reasoning was still perfect.
I nodded and thought hard to come up with a solution. "As far as I know, Cheongsando is a place where there are rest houses that are for rent. Since the hotels are definitely going to be very expensive, we'll cross them out. Thinking about it, the cheapest ones are either located along the beach side away from the market or the foot of the mountain a kilometer away from the flower fields. These areas can easily access things that we need too like food and other necessitates since it's near the harbor and market place. So I think we can start from there."
"That sounds like a plan. Zhang, JayB, Dominic and I will scout the mountain area." Jeong Do suggested.
Matt-hyung nodded. "Then the rest of us will handle the beach side."
"You guys do that. I'll canvas the food on the market and even scout some other ways where we can find other sources of food." Yo Chul-hyung suggested.
"Then I'll go with you on that. I have to make sure it's still within our diet list." Dominic suggested.
Zee then raised his hand. "I also want to see if there are materials we can use in the coming days."
"Then it's settled then. We'll meet up at the entrance of the harbor since that's the closest one among our destinations. We'll finalize everything once we're there." I said.
With that, we made our way to the mountain side with Zhang and Jeong Do while Seiji-hyung, Matt-hyung and Jiwoo went to scout along the beach side. Food and equipment duty went to Yo Chul-hyung, Zee and Dominic. It took us about 15 minutes to walk there. It was still pretty much transitioning to spring from winter so it was still relatively cold. Thankfully, we were at the southern part of South Korea so it was relatively warmer compared to Seoul.
We were now entering a small village along the foot of the mountain. Jeong Do and Zhang were now talking to some people asking if there were places that we could rent for the week. It was really easy talking to these people since two of my colleagues were really good looking. Some of the young women around were even blushing the moment they spoke to them. The camera crew also didn't help since they were following us around. Some locals, especially the younger generation, recognized us.
In the short time span that we had for this, we found some potential livable places that could house all 9 members. The challenge was to find a cheaper house that was for rent. The problem was, it couldn't house us all since the rooms were really small. Fortunately, we found two houses that fit the criteria and were not that expensive. After canvasing, we headed towards the harbor to meet up with the rest of the group.
The food and supplies team weren't back yet, but the beach-side group were already there and they seemed to be discussing something seriously. We then approached them as I asked, "What's up? Did you find any good places for us to stay?"
Matt-hyung deeply sighed. "There were only a few houses that could fit all nine of us. The prices weren't cheap either."
"Same on our side. We only found two houses, but it's quite a ways away." Jeong Do said.
Seiji-hyung nodded. "If it is then the beach-side might be convenient. But it'll be very cold at night and there might be sudden storms that might cause a possible problem too."
"The prices are no joke as well. It costs around USD300 to USD380." Jiwoo added.
Zhang then sighed. "Then the houses that we found were much cheaper since the one we found was both USD220 for the week."
"Then we'll take that one. The supplies and food will cost around USD250. We've already canvased possible materials that might be used in the challenges." Yo Chul-hyung said as he and his team came to join us.
I nodded at them. "Then it's settled. We're taking the villa near the mountains. Yo Chul-hyung, take the rest of Matt-hyung's team so that they can help carry the stuff back to our place. Zhang will go with you so he can give you directions on the way back. Also, don't buy everything yet. Just buy enough food and supplies that'll last us for 3 days. It's good to keep a little of our money in case something might happen."
"What are you and Jeong Do-ya going to do?" Yo Chul-hyung asked.
I turned to him. "Us? We're going to try and haggle the price for the villa."
And with that, we went to our next set of tasks. It was going to be a long week, but having each other assured us that everything was going to be fine.
I think…
__________
"I wonder what Yuna-ya is doing right now?" Zee sighed as he poked the firewood below the pot.
We were now preparing to spend our first night in this house together. In the end, Jeong Do and I were able to haggle the price into USD180. They were convinced since we weren't even going to use much of the electricity since we didn't have our gadgets with us. We promised not to use the stove as well since there were a bunch of fire wood waiting to be chopped.
There were a lot of us so we decided to divide the tasks. Yo Chul-hyung was in charge of the general cooking so he monitors Zee and Seiji-hyung who were in charge in cooking the rice. He was also in charge of watching over Zhang and Dominic who were helping him in preparing the ingredients for cooking. Matt-hyung and Jiwoo were busy chopping some firewood. Jeong Do and I were in charge with the aftercare.
"Stop whining and keep checking the rice. If you burn it, I'll have your head." Yo Chul-hyung said.
"Then let's have a contest then. Let's see if who cooked better." He fired back.
Jeong Do rolled his eyes. "You're an idiot for picking a fight with Yo Chul-hyung when comes to cooking. Besides, how can you compare two dishes when the other one is rice?"
"Well, he's just making kimchi jigae which is just water with kimchi in it. So how can that be called a dish?" Zee questioned.
Jiwoo overheard and scoffed. "It's PARK YO CHUL-hyung we're talking about. It's NOT just water and kimchi to him. Am I right hyung?"
Yo Chul-hyung then turned to Jiwoo gave him a serious expression. "Zee-ya's right actually. It's just basically kimchi and water."
Our mouths fell wide open when he said that. How can he just nonchalantly say that? Wouldn't it be too bland if it's just those two ingredients? Then what're Zhang and Dominic preparing?
"Then… what are those two doing?" I asked as I pointed out Dominic and Zhang.
He then turned to them before facing me again. "Oh them? I'm letting them prepare tomorrow's meal. We can't eat heavily tonight since we need to sleep early. We're going to eat heartily tomorrow morning instead to prepare us for the challenges. So I'm letting them prepare the ingredients for tomorrow."
"Right. Okay. Jeong Do-ya and I will set the table up." I stood up and patted the dust off of me. We then focused on our individual tasks and ate. Yo Chul-hyung was also kind enough to make more than what should be made for the crew and the show runners. They were all touched since they knew that our budget was limited. But we didn't mind. They worked hard for us. It was the least we could do. Soon, the food was served and we immediately started devouring them all.
While we were eating and the cameras were off, one of the directors informed us that we should be talking about something while eating. He was right. We were so hungry that we were more focused on the food than the shooting itself.
Zee then smirked as he decided to start the conversation off as soon as the cameras started rolling. "JayB-hyung, so I heard that you're finally getting married?"
I coughed as soon as I heard that. "Really? You're going to start with that?"
Everyone else laughed while Dominic continued with the topic. "Well, it is one of the highlights for today. Social media practically exploded as soon as the news went public."
"I don't know how to take this actually. I'm quite nervous myself." I responded with a wry smile.
Matt-hyung then added more bowls of soup on the table. "There's nothing to be worried about. It's not like you're going to war or anything."
We burst out laughing at Matt-hyung's comment. Seiji-hyung then frowned at me. "But seriously though, you're the only one who isn't in a relationship among Alpha."
"Ya! Are you saying that you're in a relationship, hyung?" Jiwoo yelled.
"Did you just talk down on me? And don't bother asking, it's not time to tell you yet." He rolled his eyes.
Yo Chul-hyung then took a bite off the kimchi before he spoke, "But Seiji-hyung has a point though. We just want you to be happy JayB-ya."
"What do you mean? I AM already happy. I have you guys." I responded.
Zee then scoffed. "You were walking in the food district on New Year's Eve… ALONE… you call that happy?"
"YA! Zee-ya! I WAS happy! I even found you guys there and had fun!" I retaliated.
He rolled his eyes. "Yeah, right! If we wouldn't have been there, then would you still have fun? I don't think so!"
"You went to the food district that night alone? You could have called us." Dominic turned to me and frowned.
I sighed. "You guys were busy with your dates that night. I couldn't just barge in and ruin it. Besides, I had some songs to mix."
Matt-hyung nodded. "Yeah, the songs really came out well thanks to you. All we need to do now is to finish the rest of the choreography."
Zhang then sighed before he joked. "We would have done so if we weren't kidnapped and dragged out in this island."
Dominic then went over to Zee and tapped his shoulder as the rest of us laughed. "Pinch me. I think I'm dreaming. Did Zhang-ie just give a joke?"
"I thought I was the only one." Zee added which made us laugh even more.
"Anyway, whatever you decide JayB-ya, we will support you." Yo Chul-hyung said.
Just then, one of the crew members gave us a card with our mission in it. It was our first mission tonight as a team. It was an open forum. We already had an open forum back in Hawaii during our company vacation. The difference is that it was directed towards other groups or towards the company, and not our own members. So this was something that we might need. But is it really okay to have it on our first night?
"So the rules are simple. Someone will stand on the veranda and will tell either or both of these things: 'What he is grateful for' or 'what he is sorry for'. The person who gets to speak will choose the next person that'll follow him." I read out what the card says.
Yo Chul-hyung groaned as he complained towards the crew. "Eyy... Why do you guys want us to be emotional?"
The rest of the members laughed at him. He was known to be really strong on the outside but he was indeed a softy on the inside. Zhang on the other hand looks cold outside but he's just thinking about so many things at the same time. That's just how he is.
"Who wants to go first?" I asked since the night was getting colder and I wanted to end the shoot badly.
Jiwoo raised his hands. "Can I go first?"
"Oooh! The maknae wants to go first!" Dominic teased.
Jiwoo ignored him and went straight for the veranda. He then smiled at us before he started speaking. "I'm really thankful for a lot of things. I'm thankful for you guys. But most especially. I want to thank Seiji-hyung."
"Me?" Seiji-hyung asked pointing to himself.
Jiwoo nodded. "That's right."
"Why?" Seiji-hyung asked.
Jiwoo smiled at him. "It's because even though you're the eldest of the group, you never made me feel like I was the youngest. You never made me feel like I was kid. You treated me like an adult. The way you corrected me most of the time, and even when it comes to decisions that matter, you always hear me out. So thank you, hyung."
Seiji-hyung became a little bit teary eyed because of that. Jiwoo then turned to me. "JayB-hyung, I'm sorry for everything. I wish I could have been more helpful towards you. I wish there was more I could do."
He started tearing up before I went over and gave him a hug. He must have kept it all inside him. I assured him that it was okay and he needed to move on from that. The rest of the members slowly followed suit. So far, this was the best challenge that I've ever encountered. It reminded us that there were a lot of things to be grateful for. Both big and small. We just failed to see it because of the constant routinary tasks and as well as our busy schedules. We failed to appreciate each other more often than this. And that's why this moment was something that we would really cherish for the rest of our lives.
Soon, only 3 members were left. Dominic, Zee and I were the only ones left. The rest of the members agreed to themselves that they would call me last. These guys are clearly doing it on purpose.
Sure…
Let the leader do his final speech.
Dominic was making his way on the Veranda and I could see that he was already about to cry from all the things he heard tonight. As he stood there, his eyes were completely watery. He then smiled as his lips were shaking. "There's a lot to be thankful for, and most of you already said it. Every member that stood here probably said this, but nonetheless, I would still say it again and again if I have to. I'm grateful for ya'll. Really… I couldn't imagine myself doing all these things with anyone else. You guys are awesome, and I know that you know that, but I want the rest of the world to know how awesome you guys are."
He started crying while trying to speak. I became teary eyed as well as I watch him struggle to speak. He cleared his throat and started speaking. "Woo-ya… I know that you've been doubling on your strength training since our debut. No one else saw that but I did. Our routines are getting harder so you're pushing yourself harder. I want you to know that you don't need to do that. You're already great at what you do."
Jiwoo started sobbing as soon as he heard that. Dominic then smiled at Zee. "Zee, I think I know what you're going to say later on. So I won't go ahead of you. I just wanted to let you know that whatever you're thinking, it wasn't you're fault. None of it was."
Zee tried to hide his tears by smiling. He gave Dominic a thumbs up. Dominic then continued. "Zhang-ah… I've never seen you this happy throughout our time together. You were always silent and always so calculative. And you're right when you said earlier that this was one of the best decisions you've made as a musician. I could see it every time you put in the effort to practice every day. You never missed out on the warm-ups. You always give it your all even though we already know how good you are at singing. We love you Zhang-ie."
He then smiled at Jeong Do. "My man, my roommate. Thank you for always telling me what's wrong with me even if it hurts. I know how busy you are the moment you arrive at the dorm. I know how much you missed doing what you love doing. Solving puzzles and mysteries, yet you always make time for us friends. You treat us as if we aren't members but family. So thank you for taking care of us until now, Jeong Do-ya."
Dominic continued his speech for Yo Chul-hyung. "Hyung, you are the kindest and most caring person I know. If it wasn't for your cold demeanor, you would be like Matt-hyung."
He then pretended to grimace. "No thanks."
"Ya!" Matt-hyung lightly punched his arm as we all laughed at his reaction.
Dominic then continued. "I saw you do a lot of little things for us throughout the years and we never really got to thank you because we know how you hate mushy stuff. You were the one who cooked food for us in the dorm when one of us gets sick. You also made sure that we get to be covered by our blankets when we slept on the floor in the practice room or in the recording studio. You always made sure that no one would talk behind our backs. And because of that, I want to thank you, hyung."
"Shut up." Yo Chul-hyung said as he wiped a tear off his eye.
Dominic chuckled before he went to look at Matt-hyung. "Oh man, there's so much to say about you. Protector of our group, mother-like figure of the group, made sure that the rest of the members are doing well, the first to cry when someone is sick or is not feeling well… I mean… you have a big heart, Matt-hyung. You always put the members' well-being above yours. The members know that. Now, I just want the world to know that."
Dominic then opened his arms as he laughed at Seiji-hyung. "Seiji-hyung! The one who always laughs of at my jokes… most of the time…"
We laughed at what he just said. Seiji-hyung on the other hand was trying his best not to cry. Dominic smiled at him. "Hyung, when… JayB-ya left on hiatus. You always questioned yourself if you were really qualified to be the leader. And to be honest, you did. In the year that you became the temporary leader, I felt like JayB-ya never left. You did really great, hyung. So stop beating yourself up. I was really torn apart when I heard you cry in your room almost every night after our schedules. It really hurt. I wish you would see that you are also not just an amazing idol but an amazing person as well."
Seiji-hyung couldn't bear it anymore as he bowed his head to hide his face from the cameras. We could hear him sobbing. Dominic didn't wait too long as he turned to me. "JayB-ya… I saved the best for last."
"I noticed." I joked.
He chuckled. "JayB-ya… thank you for being a great friend. No words in any language known to mankind could ever express how grateful I am to you."
"Wow. That was deep." Zhang said in a straight face which made everyone laugh and cry at the same time.
But my attention was still focused on Dominic. "I don't know why, but more than being thankful, I'm more apologetic towards you."
"You don't have to apologize to anything, Domi-ya." I smiled at him.
He shook his head. "I just wanted you to know that. I've caused trouble for you countless of times and you NEVER turned to me and said 'I told you so'. Instead, you looked at me as if it never happened. You gave me a reward when I deserve punishment. JayB-ya, you are one of the most gracious people I know. You put this team first over your own health several times. You put other people's happiness over yours. And it hurts to see you this way. I think it's about time that you find your own happiness… even if it's not with HER. Don't you think so?"
I smiled at him as he ended his speech and went over to us. We gave him a hug as Zee went over to the veranda to give his speech. "We've said enough thanks tonight. And the rest of the members have already said what I wanted to say. So I'll apologize instead."
His eyes slowly became watery. He tried to speak but it was as if his words were caught in his throat because of the sadness. After a while, he was able to compose himself and said. "Last year, I joined Show Me the Money. You guys know that I didn't make it that far. I messed up and…"
He couldn't continue speaking since he was already covering himself from all the crying. He then said in between his sobs. "I feel like… I shamed our group… I feel like I embarrassed us like that…"
"Ya… I told you earlier that none of us think that way." Dominic said.
I smiled at him. "I saw you and you were really good. You don't have to think about what happened. You're an amazing rapper no matter what anyone says."
"Yeah. Don't worry about it." Yo Chul-hyung added.
He cheered up a little as he went down the veranda. But he was still pretty much crying. The rest of the members comforted Zee as I slowly made my way to the veranda by the director's instructions.
I smiled at them. "Like everyone else, I wanted to thank you guys. Thank you for hearing out my selfish request from the start. Thank you for bearing this selfish man's requests, demands and even for bearing with my personality. Thank you because even though I lacked so much as a leader and as a friend, you guys still stood by me."
They all turned to me and were trying their best to hold back their tears. I also tried to hide mine. "We've been through a lot, haven't we?"
They all tried to avoid looking me in the eye. A lot of memories came rushing in my mind. At the gathering years ago when we started seeing what each of us could do, our years as a trainee, thinking that we were going to debut on Show Me Your Case, surviving Project Alpha and finally debuting, and the things that happened up to now.
I gave them the warmest smile I could give. "So many thing had happened, but one thing is for sure." My lips were shaking as I was trying so hard not to cry. "I'm glad that you guys were with me all this time."
"I'm sorry for failing you guys as your leader." I told them as tears streamed down my face and as I bowed deeply towards them.
They all stood up and approached me on the veranda and gave me a hug. As the group hug was being done, I didn't realize that we were all in tears now. This made me feel like I didn't fail them at all. In fact, they made me like if ever I did fail, they would be right there to pick me up and help me stand again.
We broke from the hug and Zee pulled one of his jokes. "I never thought that we could look this ugly."
"I hope the fans would forgive us." Dominic added which made us laugh even more.
"With that… I wanted us to sing a song. You see… in the latest album, there was a song that I wrote for the fans. But in actuality, I wrote it while thinking of you guys." I admitted.
Dominic grimaced at the thought. "It's not 'Don't Wanna Cry' is it?"
The rest of the members laughed as I did too. He always knows where to put the punchline when it's needed. I smiled at him as I got the guitar from one of the crew members and played a tune. It was a very famous song by SEVENTEEN in the previous world, and because of that, I know that this song will also be remembered in this world.
They realized what the song was and stared at me with wide eyes. Some of them became teary eyed again. As soon as the last note of intro was played, I was about to sing when Jiwoo stopped me and smiled as he started singing his part to our song, or should I say, SEVENTEEN's song called "Campfire".
[You and me
Should we sit in a circle and look at each other?]
Matt-hyung then went over to put his arm over Jiwoo to give him a side hug as he sung his part.
[All the memories upon the flowery path
With you whom the weather resemble
All of them are written in letters
Given and read it out to each other]
Yo Chul-hyung gave a slight push to Seiji-hyung as he started rapping his part.
[All the hidden thoughts we have in the future
We'll be able to see it through
We recognize each other's look now]
Seiji-hyung smiled as he retaliated with a light shove of his own and began rapping his parts as well.
[It is only awkwardness when I'm in front of you
Then time comes when I lock my eyes with you
This day even the moon looks close]
The chorus came and Dominic sung his part while pinching Zhang's cheek and running away afterwards.
[And the night sky that illuminates
Our singing voice
Our laughter sounds]
Zhang tried to run after Dominic while perfectly singing his part.
[One, two sparks of the campfire
Which our memory can be seen in
They're shining brighter]
I almost laughed watching them while tried to sing my part next.
[Even when today passes by
It's okay if you don't forget this song that we made]
Jeong Do then smiled as he placed a pinch of ash powder on Dominic's face while singing his part.
[You who are beside me
And I who is beside you
This is our campfire that we made for each other]
Matt-hyung started clapping his hands as he sung while the rest of the members followed suit.
[You are to me and I am to you
What exactly were we so thankful for?]
Jiwoo then jumped behind Matt-hyung as he was now being given a piggy back ride.
[Can't let go the hand we hold
And the eyes locking on each other, only smile
So time keeps passing quickly
Hearts already wanting more]
Zee cleared his throat before starting his rap.
[More quick witted than me
Hearts don't even know but time still flies by
It is not easy for you and me to reach this point
We come here by believing in each other along the way]
Yo Chul-hyung gave a high five to Zee as he begun rapping before pointing at my guitar.
[Since precious times will pass by right away
I wanna hold you tight cause we're still together
The acoustic guitar in my hand and those flying fire sparks in front of us
They leave us in train made of our past story and memory]
Zhang then sung the chorus again as he placed his arm around Zee and Yo Chul-hyung.
[The night sky that illuminates
Our singing voice
Our laughter sounds]
Dominic then chuckled as tried piggy backing Jiwoo while singing his part. The rest of us laughed at how hard he was trying.
[One, two sparks of the campfire
Which our memory can be seen in
They're shining brighter]
I then smiled at them while tears streamed down my eyes. We've made it this far as a team, no… as a family. We can still continue doing this together for many more years.
[Let's not be chased by time and forget
How precious it is, how thankful we are
So even when tomorrow morning the moonlight is already gone
Our hearts will not be that way.]
I stopped playing the guitar as Jeong Do sang his part in acapella. The rest of us clapped along while laughing it off.
[When you're tired and exhausted
I'll make it bright for you
Just try to laugh brightly]
Zhang leaned his head over Jeong Do's shoulders as he sung.
[And to be each other's strength
Let's sing together even when the night passes by]
Dominic then sung his part as I continued playing the guitar for the climax.
[When you're tired and exhausted
I'll make it bright for you
Don't let go of my hand]
I then sung the last part of the song as they gather behind me while giving me a hug.
[You who are beside me
And I who are beside you
This is our campfire that light up each other]
With that… our first night ended with a roller coaster of emotions. But one thing was for sure. This night only brought Alpha closer together.
__________
AN:
I'm happy that you guys are enjoying this book. Please do continue to do the following, it would REALLY mean a lot:
1. Write a review
2. Rate the chapter
3. Leave a comment
4. Vote for this novel
People are already joining our discord. I hope that you guys can join us too. Here are the benefits of being part of the discord channel.
1. Alpha's Managers
- Exclusive for people who are part of the top 10 in Power Stone Voting
- Gets to have a paragraph lottery. Meaning they get sneak peeks with for the upcoming chapter with the paragraphs that they choose. On weekends I will reveal the first few paragraphs for the chapter.
2. Alpha's Hair and make-up stylists
- Exclusive for people who have constantly commented on at least 9 chapters of this novel.
- I will reveal 3 random paragraphs in the upcoming chapter a day before the chapter is released.
3. The Pack (General Group Chat)
- Discussions and chats from other fellow readers happen here
- I will be revealing the title for the upcoming chapter here. Also, I will be mentioning the first and last person who spoke in this chapter.
So what are you waiting for?
Join our discord server.
https://discord.gg/YeP4E9p