Falling for the Omega Idol

THE group spent their time exploring the colorful alleys, stopping to take photos and film their reactions. Robin and Joonhyuk did most of the talking for the camera, pointing out interesting murals and joking around. Seongwoo was quieter, but he still chimed in now and then with a shy comment or observation.

Taeyang barely spoke to the camera, but he wasn't ignoring anyone—he just seemed more focused on taking in the sights, studying the art and architecture with quiet interest. Haneul balanced between both; he'd chat with the camera when something caught his attention, but he also wandered off occasionally to examine details up close. Despite their different approaches, it was clear they were all enjoying themselves, laughing and moving together as a group.

Soojin, the staff member accompanying them, carried her own camera too, but not for personal use. She was also filming the group's activities. What ultimately made it into the show would depend on her uncle's decisions. Yes, that's right. PD Song Kyungho was her uncle. She was working as a production assistant on the show as part of her internship. While the job title sounded impressive, in reality she was essentially just a glorified gofer for the production team.

Not that she was complaining. Plenty of people would kill to be in her position right now. Those who knew about her connection to PD Song assumed she'd gotten the internship through nepotism, but nothing could be further from the truth. Her uncle had never lifted a finger to help her. Soojin landing this job on Boys Odyssey was pure coincidence.

She'd gone through all the proper channels and hiring processes to get here. In fact, she'd secured the position before her uncle even became the show's PD. So how could she have gotten the job because of him? Thankfully, most staff members had enough sense to recognize that. So far, she hadn't run into any real issues over it.

Anyway, Soojin was glad she got assigned to this group. Her one-pick was here. She glanced at the Omega with the big glasses. Haneul was her favorite, but not because she was an Alpha and he fit some ideal Omega image, or even because he was unusually pretty. No, it was his voice. She loved his vocal tone. Soft but powerful, with a duality that made every note sound perfect.

If she were forming an idol group, Haneul would absolutely be her main vocal. The only change she might make would be placing him in an all-Omega group rather than mixing him with Alphas. It wasn't about looking down on him. She just knew how risky it could be for unmated Alphas and Omegas to be constantly together.

Soojin knew her thinking was a little old-fashioned, especially with how much medicine had improved. But accidents could still happen. Just look at what happened to the former member of this group. An Alpha who went into rut because he forgot his suppressants. Situations like that could still happen, especially after the show ends and they're no longer in this controlled environment.

Lost in thought, she didn't realize she was still staring at Haneul until she noticed Taeyang watching her. But it wasn't just a simple look, he was practically glaring. Then he stepped forward, deliberately blocking her view so she could no longer see Haneul.

Soojin raised her brow, unsure whether to be amused or annoyed.

This kid. Don't tell me...?

***

After exploring Gamcheon Culture Village, they decided to take a bus to BIFF Square. They considered taxis, but the app showed the bus would only take about 15 minutes. Now, the six of them stood at the Toseong Station bus stop, waiting for their ride.

As they waited, people kept glancing their way a little too often. At first, they figured it was just because they stood out. Maybe their looks or the cameras made them noticeable. But when some started snapping photos, it dawned on them that these people probably recognized them from the show.

"Didn't Boys Odyssey only have an episode out?" Robin asked in confusion. "Would people really recognize us from just one episode?"

Or maybe they had someone who left a strong impression on the public. Haneul glanced at Taeyang. Most of the cameras were aimed at him. He didn't feel jealous because it made sense. Even when Taeyang wasn't trying to be charming on camera, he still drew attention. That was what people called 'star power'. And now that he was a dominant Alpha, that pull seemed even stronger.

"There are already two episodes out," Soojin told them. "The show would release two episodes every week."

The five of them looked surprised at her words. Right, the staff hadn't mentioned the two-episodes-per-week schedule before. But Soojin didn't panic. Her uncle had already given them permission to share this much with the contestants.

Haneul was caught off guard by the news. He never imagined the Boys Odyssey in this world would air two episodes a week. It wasn't something he'd even considered. With how little time he got to talk to his family each day, he wasn't about to spend it asking about the show's schedule. He'd rather ask them how their day was and how they had been.

"Two episodes means more screen time for everyone, right?" Joonhyuk asked. "That's a good thing then."

Seongwoo looked like he just realized that was true and nodded excitedly. Robin laughed a little and agreed too.

Just then, the bus finally arrived.

Since Taeyang stood closest to the bus door, Soojin told him to board first. Haneul caught the brief flicker of discomfort on Taeyang's face before it smoothed over. Then Taeyang stepped onto the bus. Haneul, suddenly concerned, hurried after him.

Haneul watched as Taeyang walked straight past the fare box at the front of the bus, moving down the aisle without a second glance. He remembered that uneasy look from earlier that briefly crossed Taeyang's face. And suddenly, it made sense.

Taeyang clearly had no idea how to ride a bus! This might as well be his first time.