Sunlight. Pure sunlight that did not have to pass through a pane of glass to reach his skin.
"I want to bow down and worship nature right now," ridiculous words escaped Jun's mouth as he felt the sun's warmth on him.
"Look at the grass—it's so pretty. Each blade full of mystery and allure. Those thick branches and stems? Like works of art you only see in museums. The sky? Perpetually blue, endless, vast, symbolizing dreams and aspirations people reach for. And you know what, guys? This is just a glimpse of what nature has to offer!"
Jun spread his arms wide and closed his eyes, then opened them and scanned the surroundings in exaggerated slow motion.
For clarification, this boy did not get a cue card or a mission script, nor did he lose a bet forcing him to act like this. He was simply too excited to step outside the survival show venue after several weeks.
The youngest Inhabitant grinned at him. "Brother Jun, that sounds like good cringe lyrics for a song. But it gave me an idea. Shall we create a melody and choreo about nature?"
"Oh, what should the title be then?" Jun asked Seth, nodding. He didn't seem to mind that his spontaneous poetry had been called cringe.
"'Pandemic Effect on People Who Haven't Touched Grass for Ages?'" Daeho interjected. Jun burst into laughter and tried to kick the other boy's leg, which Daeho avoided deftly.
"Lyrics before the title, guys," Seth said.
"What's with this ridiculous conversation?" Xavi laughed, speaking in English as he watched his groupmates continue talking.
The staff chuckled, infected by the boys' bright, cheerful energy.
Jun ran ahead as they reached the end of the mini-forest path connected to the Greenhouse building. The rap team had permission to explore the outside as a reward. They could visit the nearby city center and check out the shops and buildings.
The pandemic had left many problems—not just health crises, grief, or population decline. It affected nearly every industry, caused countless business closures, and left many people without livelihoods. But the world was slowly returning to normal. Some establishments were back on track. Although strict social distancing and protocols remained, at least people were no longer confined to their homes. They could go outside—if they had the courage.
"Boys, don't forget your facemasks and face shields," a staff member reminded.
Cameras followed behind, alongside health staff and the production crew—vigilant eyes monitoring them.
Participants weren't allowed phones. Phone and internet access were exclusive to another group. However, Jun cleverly stuck close to one of the newer female staff.
"Sister, what are you browsing? Is that KAISER?"
The female assistant, Ji-yoo, startled, hid her phone instinctively. "You… you surprised me. Why are you here? Your team members are up ahead."
"Oh, it's okay. My boys are all old enough, haha. Surely, they won't get lost without me leading. Are you a KAISER fan too?" Jun smiled innocently, emphasizing the last word.
People bonded easily over shared hobbies. After checking no one else was nearby, the assistant nodded. Xavi and the others were in front, excitedly inspecting gadgets in the Techno zone.
Jun leaned closer. "I saw you checking out their latest fashion deals. Amazing, right? Many K-pop idols struggle to get deals with big European brands, but KAISER seems to manage it effortlessly."
"...It's KAISER, after all. In the current K-pop world, they're kings. The pride and soul of the company."
"Sister, who do you stan? I like Levi the most."
Jun's eyes twinkled. "I joined BOI to become a cool idol, and in my opinion, Levi is the coolest. He's the one I want to be like the most."
Even if this interaction ended up on broadcast, Jun had nothing to fear—he had only expressed admiration.
In the end, the assistant didn't reveal her favorite, perhaps out of shyness. But she no longer hid her screen when Jun glanced at it.
From her phone, he learned a few things. "Ooh, the views are high," he exclaimed. Pride shone in the assistant's eyes.
"It's thanks to you guys," she said.
'BOI is doing better than expected. Actually, much better than before.' The assistant intentionally let him see episode views on the official BOI WeTube account. He didn't need fancams or vote numbers—seeing his face in thumbnails, along with the comments and top-followed contestants, was enough.
'Right… and there's that upcoming program… Stairway to Glory.'
Ji-Yoo browsed not only BOI content but also other programs, especially those similar to theirs. Jun noticed the JBS logo for the upcoming survival show.
Jun joined his teammates but occasionally let his mind wander even while taking photos and exploring.
'During debut, ETM struggled to build a reputation outside the fandom because of new programs like this.'
BOI's success mattered little to sponsors—they had Nova Corporation backing. Yet Jun wondered: what if BOI had higher ratings?
ETM's success was largely due to visuals and the parent company's overwhelming promotion. BOI contestants had talent—they just lacked the confidence and aura that experience naturally brings. Jun was determined not to let them be seen as inferior again.
He closed his eyes, erasing thoughts of Stairway to Glory.
The team visited different areas that day, ending at a semi-deserted theme park. Far from its prime liveliness, it was still populated with young couples and families—a sight that reminded Jun of his family.
'Too bad we can't contact outsiders. Only Sujin's team can.'
His thoughts were interrupted as Xavi appeared in front of him, grinning widely. "Hey, leader. The production team paid for us to try some mildly challenging rides. I want to try that one."
Jun stepped back, amused. "Why tell me this? Want me to inform the staff?"
"Of course not!" Xavi said in English. "Join me!"
Jun glanced at the carousel. "Too childish for us."
Xavi wrinkled his nose. "You blind? I mean the one behind it."
Daeho wrapped his arms around Xavi's shoulders. "Oooh, that one looks fun!"
Seth approached cautiously. "Wait… Gyro Drop isn't exactly easy. Are you sure?"
Jun studied the tall tower, silent for a moment, then laughed. "Fine. Since we don't know when the next time is, we might as well try it! Let's go, boys."