I'M A GENIUS IDOL BUT MY PASSIVE IS SUNFISH: Chapter 67

 TL by Miru

I'm a Genius Idol but My Passive is Sunfish: Episode 67

<Hello! Cleopatra (S)>

: Expands your vocal range by five keys.

 

“Five keys?!”

As expected of an S-grade skill, it was incredible. Given the name Cleopatra, he had thought it would be something related to talent or appearance. Unexpectedly, it turned out to be a vocal skill.

‘But what does Cleopatra have to do with vocal range…?’

While it was best not to question the oddities of this shitty game, Baekya couldn't help but be skeptical of the game’s haphazard design.

 

<Concept Master (A)>

: Increases concept immersion by 1,000%

 

The name reminded him of a certain quest that had forced him to utter the word ‘owner.’ Just thinking about that day made him kick his blankets in embarrassment. Still, <Concept Master> was an invaluable skill for an idol. The only concern was the percentage.

‘It must be a typo with an extra zero, right…?’

Deciding to stay positive, Baekya moved on to the next skill.

 

<Rustic Dance (C)>

: Slightly awkward dance skills.

 

Baekya wondered if he should buy a lottery ticket today. He couldn't stop his lips from twitching in amusement. Though it was a “C” grade, it was still a step up from the "Comatose" skill.

‘Who cares if I’m a bit awkward!’

Baekya felt as emotional as when he first saw the S-grade skill, almost tearing up. Now, for the final skill.

 

<Spirit of a K-Pop Phantom(C)>

: Greatly increases understanding of fans. (Note: While active, you must surrender your body to the wandering ghost spirit of a K-Pop idol.)

 

This one sounded horrifying, so he decided to skip it.

“I’ve been reborn today.”

Taking a deep breath, Baekya moved on to the skill-equipping phase.

 

 

* * *

 

 

Lv.11 Baekya (Synchronizing) 

Appearance: A 

Vocal: S 

Dance: C 

Talent: A 

 

‘With this, I might become a genius idol in no time.’

Baekya couldn't stop grinning as he looked at his status window. Despite the significant flaw that was <Rustic Dance(C)>, the glow from <Hello! Cleopatra(S)> and <Concept Master(A)> blinded him to any objective assessment. Chung, seeing him, twirled his finger next to his temple with a frown.

"Baekya, have you gone crazy? You look weird."

"I'm not crazy!"

Baekya glared at Chung with narrowed eyes.

“You’re so easy to read, aren’t you?”

The sunfish's feelings were often written all over his face, and the members had noticed his improved mood since the joint stage practice the previous day.

“Did you have fun yesterday?”

“What are you talking about?”

“You seemed super excited, coming back grinning from ear to ear.”

Yuyeon pulled Baekya's hair playfully from behind. Annoyed, Baekya shook his head and leaned back in his seat.

“Go away. I'm going to sleep.”

“Do you like the members you met for the first time yesterday more than us?”

“What nonsense. There’s nothing to compare.”

This made Baekya suddenly think of Harang, making him feel a bit glum.

Normally, Yulmu would have chimed in, but he was fast asleep, making the car unusually quiet. He was the last one to return from the special stage practice, and as soon as he got into the car, he was out cold.

‘Just when I thought it’d be peaceful because he’s fast asleep.’

With Yulmu quiet, it was Yuyeon who wouldn’t leave him alone.

“Can you stop clinging to me?”

“Nope.”

"Agh! Why are you, mph!"

Yuyeon pulled Baekya back by wrapping his arm around his neck. The sunfish squirmed in protest, only to have Yuyeon cover his mouth and hush him.

“You're going to wake everyone up.”

“Whmmmff!”

Baekya glared, wondering how this was his fault, while his weak attempts to pull Yuyeon's arm away were ineffective.

“Are you two fighting back there?”

Namkyung checked the rearview mirror, noticing the commotion.

"You guys sure have energy. Everyone else is passed out, but the three youngest are still lively."

Freed from Yuyeon's grip, Baekya sulked and complained to Namkyung.

“I want to sleep too, but they keep bothering me!”

“Are you a snitch hamster now?”

“Yeah, he's a snitch.”

Chung and Yuyeon giggled as they teased Baekya.

"Leave the kid alone."

Namkyung sided with him, wearing a sympathetic expression. He chuckled at the slightly annoyed, frowning face and then, as if he had just remembered something, started to speak again.

“By the way, guys, it looks like you're moving.”

“Moving?”

Chung had been tickling Baekya’s ear with a rolled-up tissue. Baekya grabbed his hand and twisted it while looking forward at Namkyung.

“Aaah! Stop!”

“AIM is clearing out their dorms. They've been moving out one by one since last year. Now that Siyun is going to the military, the remaining two are leaving as well.”

With their growing popularity, the company decided to give DASE their old dorm.

“We're moving?”

“Where to?”

“…You mobster hamster.”

Even Yuyeon stopped teasing Baekya, now curious, and leaned closer to Namkyung.

“Sky Castle.”

The name sounded familiar, bringing back memories of a failed gacha draw attempt.

 

<Sky Castle(C)> - Special 

: You will move to a new place.

 

The skill had vanished without any effect as soon as he had pressed it. The name of the skill was <Sky Castle.>

“They said everything should be cleared out by early January, so we can move in around mid-January. I’ll let you know the details once they're finalized.”

Namkyung advised them to start packing little by little since the move was confirmed. Yuyeon and Chung, with enthusiasm, responded affirmatively in unison.

“And Baekya.”

“Yes?”

“The balcony railing will be fixed today. But it’s cold, so try not to go out there unless necessary.”

Why the sudden mention of the balcony? But since he had no reason to go out there except for gacha spins, Baekya nodded obediently.

“Okay.”

“If anything is troubling you, let us know.”

The sunfish, sensing something odd about everyone urging him to share his troubles recently, glanced suspiciously at the rearview mirror. Namkyung met his gaze calmly, revealing nothing.

“Sure, but right now, my only trouble is these guys.”

Baekya pointed at Chung and Yuyeon.

“Right… just try to get along.”

DASE arrived at the company. They had been reporting to the office daily. Despite it being a weekday, many fans were gathered outside the company.

“This is going to be a problem.”

Recognizing DASE’s car, some fans ran towards them, causing Namkyung to slow down.

“What the? Where are we?”

Minsung, just waking up, looked around groggily.

“We’re here. Get yourselves together.”

Baekya, who hadn't slept a wink, got ready to get out while looking after the leader. With help from Namkyung and the security team, DASE safely entered the building. However, Yulmu’s face seemed troubled.

“...What's wrong? Why do you look like that?”

Looking severely shocked, Yulmu appeared half out of his mind. Shortly after, he finally spoke in a serious tone.

“Someone touched my butt.”

“Oh dear.”

Jihan sighed briefly, while Chung found it amusing and patted Yulmu’s back, laughing. Namkyung grabbed and shoved Chung aside towards Minsung and patted Yulmu’s shoulder in a comforting manner.

“It’s okay, it’s okay.”

No matter how careful Namkyung was, there were limits in crowded places.

“I know it must feel disgusting, but what can we do? All your seniors went through the same thing.”

“...the same thing?”

“I’m sorry, Yulmu.”

Namkyung apologized again, promising to be more vigilant next time, and Yulmu quickly relaxed his expression. After patting Yulmu’s shoulder once more, Namkyung informed them of today’s schedule.

First was the recording for AIM X DASE’s <VIVA Remake Project> with the JAMA filming team. Additionally, they had the recording for DASE’s official fan club announcement video.

“Since the filming team isn’t here yet, let’s shoot the fan club video first.”

He explained that the sooner they finished, the better for them, and the members eagerly agreed.

“Let’s do it now!”

“Let’s shoot!”

In the elevator heading to the office, Chung enthusiastically suggested they start right away, with Yuyeon eagerly agreeing.

“Should we?”

Minsung, not expecting Baekya to join in the commotion, looked at the sunfish with a betrayed face.

“Why are you like this too?”

I just got excited…

Baekya quietly lowered his head and slipped behind Jihan.

Han Jihan, SOS…!

 

 

* * *

 

 

===========================

[DASE_Official]

Hello, Night~ Did you watch the video uploaded today? Finally, DASE has an official fan club name (excited). Like Day&Night, let's stick together! We are a set~

We miss you all so much! We're currently working hard on preparing for the year-end award show stages :) Please look forward to seeing our awesome performances!

(Practice room group photo.jpg)

===========================

 

“Hyung! ID is really amazing.”

Blond Three approached Baekya, who was drinking water in front of the water dispenser.

The Winter Song team of S Station was taking turns using the company practice rooms. After practising at Harang's and Blond One and Two's buildings, it was now Baekya's turn. The company had been considerate enough to give them the largest practice room.

‘I guess this is what you’d call “wag the dog.”’

Ironically, the actual trainees from ID had been chased to other rooms while the outsiders were prioritized.

“Practice rooms are pretty similar everywhere.”

“Wow~ The standards must be different in big companies.”

From their first meeting, Blond Three had been making nuanced remarks dividing them into different leagues, making Baekya cautious about speaking. Every time Baekya said something, Blond Three would pick at it.

“Practicing in a place like this wouldn’t make it tiring at all.”

“...Geumsam-nim, didn't you just say you were going to die from exhaustion a moment ago?”

“Me?”

Yes, you.

As Baekya nodded slightly, staring intently, Blond Three feigned ignorance and hurried to the bathroom.

“Haa...”

Every time Baekya met with this special stage team, it felt like he got headaches he had never felt before.