Falling for the Omega Idol-Chapter 151: THE FIRST EPISODE (II)

"ISN’T that the Hwarang Seoul?" Hyunwoo said as the cameras showed more of the hotel’s grand interior.

Eunji studied the screen more carefully. "You’re right. It really is the Hwarang Seoul."

The two of them had stayed at that very hotel once, back when they attended a teachers’ conference. Being one of the most expensive hotels in the country, the experience had stuck with them all these years later—the crystal chandeliers, the marble floors, the way even the elevator buttons felt luxurious under your fingers.

"You mean the Hwarang Seoul?" Haeun asked, eyes widening slightly. "That super expensive hotel?"

Hyunwoo nodded. "Yes. There’s no doubt about it."

Haeun let out a low whistle. She couldn’t imagine just how much the budget was for this survival program. Especially since it seemed like the contestants and the staff were the only ones there at the hotel while filming this. Could it be that the production team actually reserved the whole place? If that was so, then their budget was definitely enormous.

After showing the lobby, the scene cut to a massive ballroom. Contestants began filing into rows of seats facing a large stage. Between shots of the seating arrangements, short interview clips played—but Haeun barely paid attention since none featured her brother or even Robin.

The screen suddenly went black. For a second, Haeun worried their connection was broken—but then music started playing, and a video of dancers performing to an unfamiliar song appeared. She didn’t recognize the track, but knowing idol survival shows, this must be the theme song.

The camera cut to the contestants watching the video, their reactions all over the place. Some nudged the guys beside them, grinning as they pointed at the screen like kids seeing something cool for the first time. Others bounced slightly in their seats to the beat, even though they clearly didn’t know the song yet. A few just looked around wide-eyed at everyone else’s reactions, caught between confusion and secondhand excitement.

Haeun could understand why some contestants were getting hyped. The song was catchy and upbeat—the kind that got stuck in your head after just one listen. She didn’t know much about music trends, but even she could tell this had potential to blow up if pushed right.

Once the song finished and the lights brightened again, Lily of Noir Roses walked out to stand at the center of the stage.

"Oh, she’s that famous idol, right?" Hyunwoo remarked, eyeing the young woman on stage. "From that girl group with ’rose’ in the name."

Eunji arched an eyebrow at her husband. "Since when do you follow girl groups?"

Hyunwoo cleared his throat. "Well, with our son wanting to be an idol, I figured I should learn about the industry."

Eunji just shook her head with a quiet laugh.

The moment Lily introduced herself, the room erupted—way louder than during the theme song. Some contestants actually jumped to their feet, others widened their eyes in disbelief. A few even grabbed the guys next to them, shaking them in disbelief that Lily was really standing there.

Which made perfect sense. If Haeun hadn’t been told Lily was the host beforehand, she’d be just as shocked as they were.

Once the excitement over Lily died down, she introduced the mentors who’d be helping the contestants. Haeun got another surprise—except for the performance director, the other three were all pretty famous. Yoon Jihoon most of all. The guy was practically the current king of trot in Korea. Women aged forty and above absolutely adored him.

As evidence, Haeun heard her mother exclaim: "Oh my, Jihoon-nim is part of the show too?"

There was definitely a girlish lilt to her voice this time. Then came her father’s not-so-subtle snort—his usual reaction whenever her mother mentioned Yoon Jihoon.

Haeun just shook her head and focused on the show.

After the mentors arrived, Lily welcomed all the contestants to Boys Odyssey, the name of the program. Then, she made a very shocking announcement. The contestants would have to perform the theme song titled [Sailing to the Stars] in two days. Their performance would be ranked, and then, those who didn’t make it to the top 60 would be eliminated.

"There’s an elimination this soon?" Eunji murmured, shocked. "Will Haneul be okay?"

"I’m certain he will," Hyunwoo reassured her, his usual calm tone edged with quiet confidence.

Haeun wasn’t so sure. She had total faith in her brother’s singing, but his dancing was... not great. She’d watched him practice with Robin before—Haneul’s moves were passable at best, especially next to Robin’s polished skills. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if they had weeks to prepare. But two days? Maybe less? To learn both the song’s lyrics and choreography? For the first time, a thread of worry curled in her stomach.

After that, the scene shifted to contestants going to their assigned rooms in the hotel. Every room was shared—no single rooms in sight—but you’d never guess it from how lavish they looked. Twin beds with plush mattresses and thick comforters, sleek wooden desks side by side, even the shared bathrooms had walk-in showers with glass doors. It definitely shouted luxury at its finest.

The show cut between scenes of anxious contestants stressing over the first elimination and snippets of their personal interviews. But so far, in all that footage, Haneul hadn’t appeared once.

Haeun checked the wall clock. The show had maybe 30 minutes left, possibly fewer after this endless ad break, and her brother still hadn’t appeared. Was he seriously not going to be in the first episode at all?

Could it be because he was wearing glasses? She seriously didn’t know what magic her brother used, but those glasses made him almost forgettable. Was it because of that?

The commercials finally ended, cutting to a shot of a contestant from behind opening a door. As it swung wide, the camera zoomed in sharply on the guy’s face.

"This young man is very handsome," Eunji remarked.

Haeun had to agree. His honey-brown hair was perfectly styled, drawing attention to his sharp jawline and high cheekbones. Flawless skin seemed to glow under the lights, making his dark, warm eyes stand out even more. When he smiled—bright and genuine—it showed off straight white teeth that looked almost unreal.

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