Chapter 5: Of Mistake & Punishment Chapter 5 Theme Song: Punishment by Roh(Noh) Ji Hoon

 

 

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"Hey!"   "Yeah?" I looked up after arranging stuffs I brought here inside the tent, to find her sheepishly looking at me from outside the tent's entrance, smiling and cringing at the same time.   "I'm actually embarrassed to ask about this...but can you help to check if the rice I cook is edible? I mean...help check if they're cooked enough?"   The words she said brought amused laughter. "Oh, noona, you don't know to cook rice?" Of course, I just wanted to but she hung her head down in sheer cringing moment. "Well...not that...but...you know...we barely cook in dorm and...even my members said that...well..."   "No, no. Don't get me wrong. I was just joking. I'll check the rice for you, noona. I'm not really good at cooking either." I smiled at her, suddenly remembering her letter.   "You...don't have to call me noona, we're just what...one year apart? Maybe even less, right? Let's talk like friends, okay?"   Her smile is so sincere it just makes you smile along without thinking much of it. Honestly, I'm still feeling a bit awkward around her since we haven't talked much since the beginning of filming, especially in private without the others. It's nice to be around somebody that doesn't make you feel burdened for no reason. Sigh.   "Ah, but your letter...I'm sorry you got me as partner, since it sounded like you're hoping for an oppa. I'm... clearly not one. Hehe. Sorry."   "No, no...it's not that...I just...got used to use the word oppa, because I've always paired with oppa. Really...I don't mind that it's you."   Just the same polite beginning. Just the same polite beginning. Trying my best to not mess up, trying my best to show the best first impression. It's nice that with Hyejeong, I felt comfortable without those uneasy feelings that hauled over my mind in most of previous dates with other noonas, although still awkward to get close too fast without even getting some time to get to know each other better. But isn't that always happening in this show? Your heart never given the time to prepare. Once you're set to launch in a new relationship, your body, mind and heart should be there already.    Even now, I'm ready to be a charming boyfriend to Hyejeong. Because that's what I'm here for. Be the best, and beat the rest. Though I'm not sure if I want to work that hard to win Hyejeong's heart. It was already a mistake with Seungah noona.   "The rice looks about right." I beamed at her. "So, shall I help you with the cooking?"   "Coo...king? Uhm, no...I planned to just eat the rice with these canned side dishes I bought and kimchi. Is that....erm...bad?"    She looked totally embarrassed, but it was cute. At least she admits her lack of cooking skills.    "I guess it's safe to confirm that you didn't vote for the cooking mission then, am I right?"   She only giggled while confirming my suspicion. That was a relief. No, don't tell her what I just said.   "You'll be surprised." She wiggled her eyebrows and grinned cheekily.    "Can't you just tell me now? Please." I tugged at her arms with aegyo, slipping naturally into my role.   "Jaebum-ah, can not. We can only perform the mission starting from eight o'clock. Not earlier. Okay." She echoed the warning we received together with our mission confirmations. I could understand her not wanting to break any rules. I wouldn't want to, either. We are both rookies, trying and struggling to enter, be accepted and survive this scary entertainment Universe, where one mistake can break you forever.   "Let's cook together then, I can try cook a bit. Do you think we can catch any fish from the lake?"   She gave a dumbstruck look and we both laughed it off, starting to work on our meal. I don't feel burdened around her, but I hope I'm not giving her any hope either. Because no way I would choose her. Not after Sajangnim told me that JJ Project's future fate depend on me. At first, he just told me to do my best and have fun. And that's not hard. That's what I always do.   Then, during night time on first day of filming, he called again. That's when things started to change. He told me about the information he received of our filming. He heard that great interest are brewing for this show from the public, and said that this could be my big break, if I do it right. So he wanted me to do it right.        "If you can charm the crowd more than the other guys, I'll give you guys new album this year or latest by January 2013. If you can get the most popular girl there,...I'll give you solo project. If you fail to impress...don't blame me if you have to wait longer for JJ Project's album...one year...two years...who knows? After all, I gave you a chance, but you failed to outs