Chapter 114
<Tripod Rentals Available at the Counter>
Kim Jieun, a part-timer at Hanmaeum’s personal practice rooms, quickly stuck the printed sign to each practice room before rushing back to the counter.
‘Phew, I almost missed it because I was dragging my feet, not wanting to do it.’
On her laptop, the broadcast of her subscribed OTT service was playing.
A few months ago, Kim Chunyong, an idol trainee who had brightened her dull days, caught her eye.
“I’m going to be on a survival show soon. It’s called Targeting Star…”
Kim Jieun had never forgotten those words he mentioned in passing, and every week, she and her friend Minji religiously tuned in to watch the broadcast.
No, it wasn’t just about keeping up with the show.
Kim Jieun was, after all, the first official fan of the returning notorious idol, Kim Chunyong, as recognized by her fanbase.
– “In the next main performance, I’d like to surprise the audience!”
‘Chunyongaaah!’
She silently screamed while watching Kim Chunyong give an interview with a bright expression. After taking a few deep breaths, she opened another internet tab and logged into SNS.
With Targeting Star’s 4th episode airing now, the third competition’s live audience was also happening in Sangam.
As someone who had been a casual idol fan, this was the closest Jieun had come to true fan activity.
‘What am I even doing right now?! How can I call myself a fan after this?!’
Minji, who had even made her a SNS account, would yell at her for simply searching things like [Kim Chunyong], [Targeting Star Kim Chunyong], and [Trainee Kim Chunyong’s Birthday].
“You just didn’t know, that’s all! You don’t have to download a new app for that.”
Recalling all the scolding and pestering she had gone through from Minji, Jieun rubbed her cheeks before cautiously entering the search bar of the SNS Minji had set up for her.
‘So, the person Minji told me to follow was….’
[늘봄미르 @NBML__0000 Always #Chunyong ♡]
“Found it!”
Upon entering the account of NBML, a well-known fan and photographer of Kim Chunyong, Jieun was greeted by several posts about the third competition.
[늘봄미르 @NBML__0000]
(Photos) (Photos)
Chunyong heading to the competition today♡ I handed over a letter and some gifts!
[늘봄미르 @NBML__0000]
(Photos) (Photos)
Chunyong’s outfit today was a shirt with a harness, squeal (heart eyes)
[늘봄미르 @NBML__0000]
I’ll be going in the studio soon, so I might not post for a while ㅠㅠ I’ll make sure to watch him well♡♡
“Ugh, she’s not posting photos right away, and she’s not really talking about the competition either….”
Unaware that live audience members signed confidentiality agreements and that leaked stage photos on SNS usually came from secret accounts of certain photographers, Jieun grumbled as she scrolled down the timeline.
“Huh?”
Then, something caught her eye.
[DoMiSolHa @DOYUNAs2 NBML, you’re going to today’s live show too?! Amazing ㅠㅠ]
[⎿Yeah, I got lucky with the ticket! I even snapped a few of Son on the way in, but I don’t think I can post them here…]
[⎿Ugh, I really, really want to see them… (crying) (crying)]
[⎿DM me!]
It was a conversation between DoMiSolHa, a famous fan of Son Jae Ha, and NBML.
‘What the… Are they sharing things secretly?’
Jieun’s eyes lit up as she started to piece it together.
Most of Kim Chunyong’s pictures were uploaded by notable fans like NBML, and even those were often taken down due to reports.
‘But if they’re only sharing with each other, I want to see too!’
Jieun decided to take a bold step—something that Minji would’ve called her crazy for doing.
She messaged NBML directly.
[YongYongGuri: Hello, haha]
[YongYongGuri: I love the photos you post, they’re amazing!]
[YongYongGuri: If it’s not too much to ask…]
[YongYongGuri: Could I also see more pictures of Chunyong?]
She sent the DM to NBML.
‘If they say no, it’s fine. But if they say yes, I win. Why not give it a shot?’
Even though NBML had just posted about entering the venue, surprisingly, they read Jieun’s message right away.
After five minutes of waiting, the notification popped up: ‘NBML is typing a reply….’
[NBML: Hello, YongYongGuri haha]
[NBML: Hmm, I’ve only been posting Targeting Star pictures on my private account haha]
[YongYongGuri: Wow, I’d love to see that private account too]
[YongYongGuri: Is there any chance?]
[NBML: Haha;;]
[NBML: I only accept friends or dedicated Chunyong fans for my private account ㅠㅠ]
For experienced SNS users, it was a clear rejection.
‘I’m a Chunyong fan too! Is it because I haven’t posted anything?’
However, Jieun wasn’t discouraged.
She interpreted NBML’s response as a challenge to prove her loyalty as a fan.
‘I can’t just start posting random things now, that won’t make me look like a real fan. So, what should I do…?’
Suddenly, Jieun remembered something she always kept safely tucked behind her tablet, neatly laminated.
“Aha!”
[YongYongGuri: Haha, I’m also a big fan of Chunyong]
[YongYongGuri: Just in case you doubt me ㅠㅠ I even have this!]
[YongYongGuri: (Photo)]
“Will this do…?”
As if in response to Kim Jieun’s hope…
[NBML: ㅇ눔f what]
[NBML: ??????]
NBML sent a reply filled with typos and question marks. he response Jieun had been waiting for soon followed.
[NBML: @Bombangbom]
[NBML: Please make sure to lock your account! ㅎㅎ;;]
[YongYongGuri: What do you mean by lock?]
[NBML: Oh, I mean make your account private. You can do it in the settings. ㅎㅎ]
[NBML: But by the way, where did you get that?]
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