Malicious idol member.
While it can also refer to a member whose leave would benefit the group more, the term "malicious member" has a broader meaning in the modern idol industry.
A member who constantly lingers around the group, subtly agitates the fans, and inconviniencing the other hardworking members.
Sensationalists publish hit pieces about them, yet it's difficult to make them leave.
Literally a deadweight, nuisance, malicious member.
That's me, Kim Chunyong.
Written with the characters of spring (春) and dragon (龍), my name means symbolizes the spring dragon.
I liked this name, given by my late grandmother, and above all, I like the pronounciation of "Chunyong".
It rolls off the tongue well. "Chunyong", how good is that?
But people didn't call me by my real name.
"Mr. Rex, Mr. Rex!"
Rex, the name my agency's CEO gave me. It's a childish, somewhat basic stage name. Like "T-Rex" without the "T".
The name "Chunyong" was too outdated for an idol, or whatever. It's cute, but I didn't get why they picked such a plain replacement.
Since they're old men, did the word "dragon" remind them of a dinosaur?
Anyway, they added "trash" to it.
That's what the public called me, "Trash-Rex".
"Mr. Rex, you need to come to your senses. You'll have to call a lawyer, or go through an inspection."
I slowly blinked and muttered to the police officer glaring at me.
"My… my name is Kim Chunyong…"
At the police station, they should use my real name, right?
"Anyhow! Does that matter now? Ugh, this is driving me crazy…"
I turned my head away from the officer roughly shaking his head.
Is it because of the terrible hangover?
Or was it because of the alcohol I drowned myself in to forget?
I don't know why, but I could clearly hear people chattering.
"Did you hear? The person inside is Rex from Arrows."
"What? That piece of trash?"
"Yeah, they said he was lying on the streets when they made an emergency arrest? He says he only drank, but judging from his current condition… isn't he pretty weak?"
"Huh… it's not that surprising. I heard the Chinese member of Arrows even ran back to China. Wouldn't the team really fall at this point?"
"The other members look pitiful. At least that Chinese member was decent. The hell is this trash?"
"He's a malicious member alright. Pfft, that's the first time I've heard that."
"Yeah, he's infamous. The malicious member Rex! But… well, as far as I know, it wasn't like this at first."
Suddenly, my heart started pounding anxiously.
It was always like this whenever I heard 'that story'.
"Rex, you know. With his family…"
Stop, stop.
"After receiving the Rookie of the Year award, he went on a family trip…"
Didn't I tell you to stop? Why won't you listen to me?
"They all died in a car accident, and he's the only one who survived."
BANG!
"Shut up!"
Only after I slammed the desk did the voices quiet down. The officer watching me looked stunned. I hadn't meant to startle him.
I hurriedly made an excuse.
"Oh, uhm, those- those people outside were… Talking about my family…"
"Ah…"
The officer's eyes were filled with pity. He sighed loudly enough for me to hear, drummed his fingers on the desk, and spoke.
"Look, Mr. Rex, there's no one outside right now."
Huh, I wonder if this is what it feels like to be caught in a downpour in the middle of winter.
My whole body trembled like an aspen leaf.
"No one… really…? No, I heard voices just now…"
"No. The reason you remembered is because you were too drunk. Had you been taking any medication… it must be a hallucination related to that."
The officer stood up and patted my shoulder.
"First, sober up and call your lawyer. Then we can talk again."
And so, I was alone in the interrogation room.
My mind was not returning easily. That wasn't right.
I leaned back in my chair and began spinning around to regain my senses. Tears streamed down my eyes.
- Do you regret it?
"Oh, shit… here we go again…"
I must still be drunk, to be hallucinating like this again. But since I'd already heard it, why not just answer?
I still swiveled around in my chair as I answered densely.
"Of course I regret it."
- What do you regret?
"Well… there's too many…"
I folded my fingers one by one and went over the things I regretted.
I got drunk and threw up on stage, and I got so angry that I stormed out during a variety show because of talks about my family.
I didn't even address the dating rumors that arose in a fit of anger. I was rude to my fans.
…and then not withdrawing from the group due to my greed.
I didn't refuse my manager's temptation to make drinking buddies since things were rough.
What else was there?
"...Ah."
I rubbed my face and folded my fingers again.
I'd suggested a trip to Cebu with my family who had never been abroad before.
…I almost forgot.
The most horrible thing. It's a bit odd coming from a guy who can't live without alcohol, but alcohol is definitely bad for you. It makes you stupid.
The voice that laughed at my words asked again.
- Wow, that's a lot. So, which one do you regret the most?
"..."
I stopped spinning the chair. My vision spun, my tears seemed to be streaming down in slow motion.
Shit.
I forced my lips open and barely managed to spit out some words.
"...That I survived alone."
To my sobbing reply, the hallucination whispered softly.
- If you could take it all back, would you?
As soon as it finished speaking, a blue window appeared before my eyes.
"Now I'm even seeing things…"
Is my brain really melting because of the alcohol? Because I've been drinking too much?
Anyway, I strained my eyes to read the letters on the window.
[Nice to meet you!
Headquarters, Star Sirius is very pleased to sign an idol contract with you.
The terms of your contract with us are as follows:
1. Star Sirius (and hereinafter referred to as "Party A") provides Kim Chunyong (hereinafter referred to as "Party B") with various conveniences necessary to become the best idol in K-pop history.
2. By making the most out of the convenience provided by Party A, Party B becomes the best idol in K-pop history before enlistment.
3. If Party B fails to perform the clause 2, Party A may legitimately return Party B to its original time zone.
If you agree to the terms and conditions, please click 'Next'. Next▷]
Is this a dream?
"What does this all mean?"
I stared blankly at the blue window, muttering.
Then, as if urging me, the thing in my head spoke again.
- You can start over. Of course, you'll have to fulfill all the terms of the contract. What are you going to do?
…the things I did as a malicious member, my irreversible mistakes.
I could erase all of that and start over.
"Ha… ha ha…"
Why are you asking such a thing?
What should I do? What should I do?
I gritted my teeth and growled.
"Insane… even selling my soul…!"
The voice in my head chuckled. One moment it's creepy like a demon, then ecstatic like an angel.
- Haha, I don't need your soul. Let's make a contract instead. Press 'Next'.
Even when I was not in my right mind, my mindset was the same as always.
If only I could start over again. If only I could turn everything back.
If only I could make my mistakes disappear.
I'll do anything, really.
I messed up a few times and just punched the 'Next' button.
The sound of someone clapping in joy rang loudly in my head.
- I knew it! Congratulations on signing the contract. Now, I'll give you a choice. When do you want to go back?
I wanted to respond, but no words came out.
My body had become stiff and I'd slept for 3 days straight. It was one of the side effects of drinking alcohol and taking panic disorder medication.
- Oh, you're about to faint? This is going to be difficult.
I tried to hold onto my fading consciousness, but my vision was already turning white, with flashes of red, blue, and yellow.
Thump-
All the strength drained from my body, and the hand I was trying to lift fell down.
I need to come to my senses. My senses…
The voice clicked its tongue.
- I' m doing you a special favor. This kind of thing isn't common, so be sure to thank me later.
After hearing that, I completely lost consciousness.