Falling for the Omega Idol

Chapter 238: EVIDENCE, JUST IN CASE

HAEUN had already watched the eighth episode multiple times by now. Thankfully, all the episodes were uploaded to Vnet’s official YouTube account, so she could go back and rewatch as much as she wanted. That worked out well for her. It meant she could double check certain moments, pick out the best clips of her brother, and edit them together to post online.

But that wasn’t the reason she was rewatching the episode right now. She was going through it again to collect all the moments where Jeon Hyunsik looked at Haneul strangely. At first, she had thought little of it. But as the episode went on, something started to feel off. She didn’t know if it was her Alpha instincts kicking in, but she got the sense that Jeon Hyunsik was looking at Haneul the way Alphas looked at Omegas when they were interested.

When she heard her parents make similar comments while watching, she knew she wasn’t just imagining things.

=====

"Why is that Alpha looking at our Haneul like... like that?"

Haeun heard her mother ask, her voice a mix of confusion and annoyance. The three of them were gathered in the living room again, watching the latest episode of Boys Odyssey. They had been enjoying it until the point when the show started introducing the contestants who would be on the same team as Haneul. Especially when that guy Jeon Hyunsik appeared on screen.

"Does he like Haneul?" her mother added, sounding even more annoyed now, like the idea itself was insulting.

Her father frowned. "This is why I was worried about him joining a program with Alphas. It was only a matter of time before some hooligan started showing interest."

A hooligan? Haeun turned back to the screen and nearly cringed. Right there on screen, Jeon Hyunsik was dancing, his movements overly suggestive, his eyes fixed on Haneul as he licked his lips. It gave her the creeps.

"I know it’s bound to happen. Our son is outstanding, so it couldn’t be helped. But seeing it on national television..." her mother paused, searching for the right word. "It’s uncomfortable."

Her father’s frown only deepened at that.

"Don’t worry, Dad, Mom," Haeun said, trying to ease their worry. "The show wouldn’t let anything happen to the Omegas. They wouldn’t risk that."

Otherwise, it would turn into a huge scandal, one that wouldn’t just hurt the show but the network behind it as well.

Her mother let out a sigh. "Still, it’s worrying. Let’s just hope this Alpha doesn’t try anything that could hurt your brother."

"Let him try," her father said in a firm voice. "I might just be a simple teacher, but if he lays a hand on our Haneul, he won’t get away with it."

Haeun glanced at her father, then back at the screen. If it came down to it, her father wouldn’t be the only one ready to go after that guy. The first person to step in would probably be that Alpha, Jung Taeyang.

Even at her age, Haeun could tell that Jung Taeyang probably had a thing for her brother. And no, it wasn’t because she’d fallen into some mass delusion with the rest of the Noeul fans. It was obvious in the way he only paid attention to Haneul. And she was sure it wasn’t just because Haneul was an Omega either. If that were the case, he wouldn’t have ignored Park Mirae completely. Which, by the way, was a point in Taeyang’s favor as far as Haeun was concerned.

Hopefully, if Haneul ever found himself in a situation where he needed help, Jung Taeyang would step in like some kind of knight in shining armor. She knew her brother was strong. But even strong people needed saving sometimes.

=====

Haeun kept watching the episode, keeping her attention on Haneul’s team. Every time Jeon Hyunsik appeared on screen and looked at Haneul in that strange way, she made a note of it. She was going to compile all those moments into one video. But she had no plans to post it on her account. Her account was for celebrating her brother, not for posting anything negative about the other contestants. This compilation was just for her own records. Evidence, in case she ever needed it.

She just hoped it wouldn’t come to that. Because if she ever had to post that evidence, it would mean Jeon Hyunsik had actually done something to her brother.

***

The ship was already buzzing with activity by early morning. Contestants moved through the hallways in groups, some heading to the costume fitting area while others waited their turn. Staff members carried racks of clothing and called out names. After the fittings, everyone made their way to the performance hall. The stage had been set up for the live show the following day, with lights, sound equipment, and a large screen behind it.

The contestants were scattered across the seats where the live audience would sit, watching as the crew ran through technical checks. Some leaned forward, whispering among themselves. Others sat back, eyes fixed on the stage. Dyna was there as well, standing near the front, giving brief instructions to the crew and occasionally glancing over at the contestants.

The first group called up for rehearsal was made up of the two teams performing [Crown the March]. The eight contestants rose from their seats and walked up to the stage.

Haneul’s eyes immediately zeroed in on Taeyang. He was wearing a fitted jacket in deep blue with silver accents that ran along the collar and cuffs. The pants were black and slim, and there was a small decorative chain hanging from his waist that caught the light when he moved. A pale blue cravat was tied loosely around his neck, completing the look. The entire outfit had a clean, slightly whimsical feel to it, like something pulled straight from a modern take on Alice in Wonderland.

As if sensing him staring, Taeyang turned his head and looked his way. Haneul couldn’t tell if it was just his imagination, but it looked like the other winked at him. Or did he only blink? Either way, his face still grew warm, and he felt his heart skipped a beat.