WebNovels

Chapter 22 - Chapter 3.5 - Free Ride

Vroom! With a sharp twist of the throttle, Iris launched the motorcycle out of the underground garage. We sped toward the multi-level highway, where cars zipped overhead and crowds of pedestrians bustled across the street below. Iris flicked a lever on the dashboard—and suddenly, the bike soared above the heads of the people without even needing a booster.

"God, that's insane!" I shouted, clinging on as Iris expertly weaved through alleyways and narrow streets. Before I could blink, we were already parked outside my apartment.

"That was lightning fast! You're not charging me for this, are you?" I teased.

"Nope~ Consider it payment for fucking up the meeting," Iris replied with a grin.

I glanced around, then leaned in. "Mind if I get your number? Just in case I need your hand."

"Go ahead," he said, raising all ten fingers. Holographic digits shimmered from his nails, displaying his contact info.

I quickly pulled out my ballphone and saved the number. "Thanks a ton."

"Catch you later." Vroom! The motorcycle vanished into the distance. I looked up at the towering building, its rooftop lush with greenery. A massive glass screen displayed an ad for Wolves Kiss's new album—featuring me and my four bandmates swinging baseball bats in sync.

I dialed my manager. "Mr. Bonsong, I've got a splitting headache. Mind if I head home and rest?"

"Sure, sure. Take some meds, alright? If you crash, I crash too," he chuckled.

I hung up and turned toward the apartment.

Meanwhile, a pink butterfly fluttered through Seokjin's sleeve and slipped into the fourth-floor window. Inside, K was chatting with fans in front of his computer.

"Everyone, please help me wish NOONA<3OPPA a happy birthday! Type HBD in the chat!" K said, eyes glued to the screen as he read messages with a smile.

Thump! Seokjin entered the room, shutting the door behind him, completely unaware his friend was livestreaming.

"Happy birthday to you~~ You're all so sweet~ Oh! It's getting late, so I'll log off now. Gotta run some errands, boohoo. If I get a break, I'll stream some games next time. Mwah!" The stream ended.

"Why do you even chat with fans like that? You're not a streamer; you're a freakin' idol," Seokjin muttered, squinting at him. Just then, the butterfly slipped through the air vent and into the room.

"Why buy handshake tickets when we can invite them for a private cam' meeting? Kidding. I like the streamer vibe—it's more personal, and I get to make people happy anytime," K said. As he stretched, the butterfly swooped down and accidentally merged with the bracelet on K's wrist.

"You remind me of my brother—singing, playing music, gaming," Seokjin said, as if recalling someone long forgotten. I raised an eyebrow. He'd never mentioned this to anyone in the group before.

"Really? You told me you grew up in an orphanage. What did your brother have that I don't?"

"…You're better looking… and your voice is amazing," he said with a warm smile.

I nodded. "Mhm! So if I were your brother, would you still talk behind my back like that?"

"What kind of question is that? You're not that idiot. Honestly, I had a brother ten years ago. But who cares where he ended up? I've moved on. Life's better alone."

I pressed my lips together, curious about what Seokjin really felt deep down.

"Why so bitter?" I asked, tossing a ball against the wall and catching it on the rebound.

"Ugh~ Don't dig too deep. It's been ten years. You know who paid for my education?"

I shook my head. "No clue~ But I guess I'll find out."

"Me. Just me." He pointed to himself slowly. "The lone wolf. White Seok Jin. Cool nickname, huh?"

"Booyah~ Cool. But you know what, man? You're not alone anymore. You've got us," I said.

The butterfly returned to Seokjin's chest, blending into the pattern on his tie.

"If I told you the truth… would you be mad?" I asked K.

"Spill it. We're family," he replied, like a big brother.

"If I get into D\8/, would you still like me?"

K burst out laughing. "Does it matter where you go or how far you are? What binds us is this…" He pointed to his heart.

"You're really not mad?" I asked again, just to be sure.

"Ah, please! We knew a week ago, little bro~ Manager Bonsong told us everything," he said, still smiling. "Besides, we're rooting for you to get that D\8/ spot. That's the ultimate win. Take that fucking spotlight."

"Wait—did you just call me?"

"Little bro! Or I can call you Lil'Squirt if you prefer. Hehe."

"Hmph, whatever." I shrugged and headed into my room to change, while my best friend sat there, smiling quietly.

-Chapter 3 Ends-

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