Idol of the Heavenly One - Chapter 76.1
It wasn’t in the news. The rumors only blew up on the SNS where fans interacted the most. At first, the agency didn’t respond, thinking it was ridiculous.
Because the subject of the rumor was.
― 700-million subscriber mukbang YouTuber K dating YEARZ’s Soonbok.
└ Wait, 700-million YouTuber K is a guy, right? lol
└ Haha, did someone get the name wrong? Isn’t it 600-million YouTuber L?
└ No no, it’s 700-million YouTuber K.
└ Huh? YEARZ is a boy group too.
└ That’s why lol, they’re both guys.
It was Lee Soonbok and the YouTuber who had made “Flame” a public favorite.
Since both were men, the agency ignored the rumor even if they knew about it. The members didn’t know either. So how did it suddenly explode as a dating rumor?
― (Photo) Our apartment parking lot. Doesn’t look like just friendship lol.
Someone anonymously posted a photo on SNS showing the YouTuber and Soonbok hugging in the parking lot. The YouTuber’s face was clear, but Soonbok’s presumed figure was shown from behind, so the face wasn’t visible. However, anyone familiar with the members or fans could instantly recognize it as Soonbok.
His height, build, and usual clothes all matched. It was definitely Soonbok.
And the rumor wasn’t triggered by that photo alone. A short video followed in which the YouTuber gently brushed Soonbok’s face and even made a motion like a quick kiss. They got into a car together and stayed out of sight for a long time, according to the post.
Even the YouTuber’s previous stories on SNS became topics. Posts like “Every day is happy” or “Exciting these days” left little doubt. If the YouTuber were a woman, it would have already made headlines. But since both were men, the story didn’t appear in news outlets. In Korea’s still conservative society, that was fortunate, perhaps.
Soonbok was summoned by the agency and returned to the dorm after a long time.
“ISUNE, you know the rule about no dating until the third year.”
“…Yes.”
“If you get caught again, you’re out.”
The director who came along addressed the gathered members. It probably applied to all of you too. I unconsciously looked at Baek Jae-heon. He saw me doing the same, and we quietly met eyes.
Soonbok’s phone was confiscated. He could only use it under manager supervision for activities communicating with fans.
“I’m sorry, everyone.”
After the manager and director left the dorm, Soonbok sat on the living room sofa and apologized to the members. I expected him to be tearful, but he was calm. Go Hee-min and Kwon Ji-hak sat beside him, patting his shoulder and reassuring him. Baek Jae-heon and I, since it wasn’t our matter directly, simply stood nearby.
“I told you dating isn’t allowed.”
But Joo I-rip was different. With a sharp expression and crossed arms, he spoke harshly to Soonbok.
“Don’t you know you could hurt the team? Are you thinking at all?”
“….”
“Never do anything that causes trouble again. If you act like this and they say you’ll be kicked out, I’ll actively back that decision.”
“….”
“Think of others too. Don’t just think about yourself.”
I was taken aback. I expected Joo I-rip to just warn Soonbok, but he pressed hard. Flustered, I waved my hands to hold him back.
“Calm down first.”
I guided Joo I-rip into the room while soothing him. He had probably expected to continue scolding Soonbok, but surprisingly, he went along quietly.
“You’re too harsh.”
“I know.”
Joo I-rip answered casually as he perched on his bed. I crossed my arms, looking down at him.
“You know Soonbok. He wouldn’t act without thinking.”
“I know.”
“Do someone you know act like that?”
“I said he’s like a hyung.”
Even though I had never treated him like an older brother, Joo I-rip kept insisting on it. I chuckled and sat beside him.
“Ha, alright then.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
