Falling for the Omega Idol-Chapter 191: DID YOU KNOW?
HANEUL opened his cabin door and nearly jumped when he found Haru standing right outside, hand raised as if about to knock. The other also appeared startled, his whole body jolting in surprise.
Haru laughed awkwardly. "Good morning, hyung."
"Good morning to you too, Haru-yah," Haneul replied with a soft chuckle as he stepped out and shut the door behind him. "Do you need something?"
"No. I just want to walk with you to the dining hall in case that Choi Yujin guy tries to bother you again in the hallway," Haru answered with a protective expression.
Haneul almost laughed out loud at Haru’s words. When Haru had first heard about the incident at breakfast yesterday, his initial shock had quickly turned to anger. He kept saying he couldn’t believe such a thing could happen on an idol survival show. Haneul shared the same sentiment. The whole situation was genuinely unhinged. He wondered if it was because of the heightened hormones in this world that teenagers and young adults had trouble managing, or if it was just the naturally tense atmosphere of a high-stakes competition getting to people.
Either way, he hoped nothing like that would happen again. But with Mirae still around, more drama was almost certain to follow. Especially since the other seemed to view Haneul as some kind of rival.
"I doubt he will try anything today," he replied as they walked together. "It’s elimination day, after all."
Yes, after today’s breakfast, they were told to go to hair and makeup. Then after that, the elimination would happen. So, despite the drama that happened yesterday, Haneul was certain that most of the contestants would be too nervous and worried about today’s elimination that none of them would probably bring up what happened yesterday.
That was good, because he would rather not have people watching him while he ate. Which was exactly what had happened at lunch yesterday. It likely would have happened at dinner as well if he had not decided to just take his food and eat in the practice room. Actually, it was Taeyang who suggested they eat in the practice room. Yes, Taeyang was there. He had joined him and Haru for their regular dance and vocal practice. He was also the one who brought them food so Haneul would not have to go to the dining hall and face the other contestants.
Thinking about it, he couldn’t help the small smile that formed on his lips. Every one of Taeyang’s actions since their conversation at the beach had shown his sincerity. He knew it had only been two days, and that it was too soon to make any real judgments. Still, Haneul could not stop the warm, appreciative feeling that spread through him whenever he considered what the other had done.
Was it shallow of him to feel this way? Perhaps. But he couldn’t help how he felt. At this rate, he might come to a decision about Taeyang’s confession before the show even finished.
"But why did Choi Yujin even do that?" Haru asked, pulling Haneul out of his thoughts. "Robin hyung said it’s because he likes Seojun hyung. But what does that have to do with you?"
Haneul looked at Haru. Seeing the other’s genuinely puzzled expression, it was clear he truly did not understand why Choi Yujin had acted that way. That was probably to be expected. Haru was young and had likely spent all his free time in dance training. It made sense that he would have no experience with matters like this.
Well, to be perfectly honest, Haneul still wasn’t sure why he became Choi Yujin’s target of jealousy. The only reason he could think of was because of his face.
He shrugged and answered, "Honestly, I don’t get it either. But let’s not get stuck on it. We’ve got enough on our minds with the elimination today."
"That’s true," Haru agreed. Then he let out a groan. "Now I feel nervous again. I really hope we make it to the next round."
Haneul gave Haru’s shoulder a reassuring pat. "I hope so too."
***
After breakfast, which passed quietly just as Haneul had anticipated, the contestants were told to put on the sailor uniforms they had worn for the theme song recording. Once they had changed, they went directly to the lounge area where their hair and makeup would be done.
Their hair and makeup would be done in batches, organized according to the teams they had been in during the vocal mission.
So at that moment, Haneul found himself seated alongside Taeyang, Robin, Seongwoo, and Joonhyuk.
"Joonhyuk, try to relax a little," Robin said to Joonhyuk, who was fidgeting nervously in his seat.
"I can’t help it. Seriously, my heart feels like it’s about to burst out of my chest right now," Joonhyuk said, his legs bouncing up and down.
"M-me too," Seongwoo admitted. "My hands have been shaking since earlier."
Haneul took two caramel candies from his pocket and handed one each to Joonhyuk and Seongwoo. "Here, this might help you calm down."
The two accepted the candies from him with quiet gratitude. Joonhyuk took his with a quick, thankful nod while Seongwoo offered a small, appreciative smile before both began to unwrap the candies.
Haneul turned to Robin and Taeyang, holding out two more caramel candies. "Do you want one too?"
"Sure, why not?" Robin said, taking one candy and thanking him.
Taeyang also accepted the offered candy. "Thanks."
While the other three ate their candies, Taeyang simply stared at his. This was the same type of candy he had given Haneul on the bus ride to The Hwarang Seoul. It was also likely the first time he had recognized Haneul’s pheromone scent.
Although at that time, his mind probably refused to accept that what he thought he smelled was actually Haneul’s pheromones.
"What’s wrong?" Haneul asked when he noticed Taeyang simply staring at the candy.
Taeyang turned to him, a soft smile touching his lips. Then he leaned closer and whispered in a voice that only the two of them could hear. "Did you know? You actually smell like caramel."
