Clink, clink. He tapped a spoon against a large sugar cube."Hm… I can't really explain it. Let's just say you're different. Special."
I arched a brow at that."Come on! If I'm blushing right now, don't be surprised. Anyway, how's life in the group? Haven't seen you on camera or posting stories much lately."
"It's fine. Not great, but fine. D8 still adores me."
"Plenty of fans ship you with the members, though," I teased.
He laughed. "Oh please. Most of it's just silly memes. No one took it seriously. Deep down, those idiots didn't even be believe that I liked men. And when they realized they were wrong, they couldn't handle it and cried like a babies. It's like someone who secretly hates pop but forces a smile when their mates blast rock."
"And you never thought of doing something about it? Like speaking out, campaigning, so you could get back in the group?"
"Pfft. Who cares? I don't need to beg for them rights to exist. You can be whoever you want, as long as it doesn't hurt you, it's nobody else's business. Besides, I still have that… well, let's just say I was born male. It doesn't change. So why should I care what some random idiots think? Haters gonna hate till the end of time. Leaving the group is like getting a brick off my chest rather than staying and listening to my mates tear each other apart."
"Listening to them spits is kind of entertaining, though. Haha~. But yeah, you sound like you've seen this industry from every angle."
"Of course. I was OPP4's wonderkid for five, six years. Now I'm a has-been no surprise there. Fans can be amazing… or unpredictable. Did you know I once put a used toothbrush up for sale? Two years ago. Nearly broke the internet."
"Yeah, and someone actually bid eighty-seven million won for that. I was following you around that time, loved your solo stuff."
"Hmm~ Are you cajoling me Mr. Woo? Careful, though. Them sasaengs are watching, especially if you get to sign with OPP4."
"Sasaengs? I've heard the word, but never knew exactly what it meant."
"Think of zombies-no, worse. They stalk you, pry into your life as if it's their satisfaction or sick fetish. The bigger you get, the more they want you." he warned me about those sick bastards roaming out there.
"The harder you fall, the more they satisfy, right?" I finished for him without missing a beat.
"Quick on the uptake, Woojin. Quick on the uptake." he chuckled.
Ring-ding-dong. My phone suddenly rang. I excused myself and picked it up.
"Seokjin, do you clog the toilet or something? What's taking so long?" Manager Bonsong's anxious voice came through the line.
"Yeah, I'll be up in a minute. Big cheese." I said before hanging up and turning back to Iris.
He leaned forward, his gaze sharpening as he asked the final question.
"So tell me, Mr. Woojin. What makes you desire..... to be an idol?"