In This Life, The Greatest Star In The Universe

Their faces were the same, of course. Yet somehow their cheeks looked plump, like hamsters hiding sunflower seeds.

“What did you guys eat on the way back?”

“No, nothing.”

Junghyun’s pupils trembled. Just as I was about to ask again—expecting him to admit, “We did eat”—our seniors stepped forward.

“We really just came straight back.”

“That’s right.”

“We didn’t eat anything.”

TeenSpirit spoke through glossy, meat-greased lips. Taehyun, Hanbin, and Jihoon stood beside them, staring off into space and chuckling hollowly.

Ri Hyuk squinted his eyes.

“But it seems like you did eat something. I calculated the time—it couldn’t possibly take this long. Even Gyeonwoo-sunbaenim got back quickly.”

Lee Gyeonwoo, happily eating tonkatsu nearby, froze mid-chopsticks under their accusing gazes.

Faced with our continued interrogation, the ten idols finally confessed.

“We planned to shop quickly and return... but the sampling counter lady told us to try some samgyeopsal before leaving.”

“Really? You only had samgyeopsal?”

“And frozen dumplings...”

As we stared blankly, Junghyun trailed off.

“Tonktasu and the new seasoned galbi, and donggeurangttaeng...”

“You completely raided the sampling counter.”

“They invited us to eat this and that, so we couldn’t refuse.”

Jiho snorted.

“So you’re saying that while we were greeting guests, you guys went off and had a blast at the sampler?”

“Uh... yeah...”

“We’re disappointed, hyung.”

“Sorry.”

Junghyun rummaged in his bag.

“I felt bad about being so late, so I bought this.”

“...!”

He pulled out ice cream. Our angry faces instantly melted.

“That’s okay. When you’re shopping you sometimes stop at the sampler.”

“Exactly.”

“Aww, Junghyun must’ve had a tough time.”

Veteran actor Woo Jaeyong, watching nearby, sighed, “Ice treasure...”—in envy. Junghyun beamed.

“I bought one for everyone else, too.”

“Oh...!”

One by one, TeenSpirit and TNT passed ice creams to the Jusehan cast and crew. Their expressions brightened. We were exhausted by the crowds, but sweet ice cream seemed to melt our fatigue away.

“Ah, this is nice...”

Biju spooned vanilla ice cream drizzled with strawberry syrup into Junghyun’s mouth, then happily devoured the apple sherbet at the bottom himself. I tasted some chocolate ice cream, and the sweet aroma felt like it dissolved every worldly worry.

“Huh?”

Junghyun exchanged a grateful glance with Taehyun, who raised an eyebrow in affirmation. So Taehyun had been the one to suggest ice cream.

Refreshed and enjoying the warm atmosphere, Apron-wearing Junghyun looked up at us.

“Our guests have really increased, haven’t they?”

“Yeah, they’re not leaving. They keep refilling and eating.”

The space wasn’t huge, but it had become crowded—especially after ten more people joined.

“Wow...”

“Hello!”

Street Boys, spotting TNT and TeenSpirit, blinked wide and greeted awkwardly. Hanjo and LB’s eyes darted uneasily toward us.

‘So those other idols were the guests...?’

‘Apparently.’

We smiled and nodded. Watching the awkward three-way reunion, then...

“Hellooo~!”

...watching the four-way reunion, Ye Heechan—who’d been organizing the ingredients—said,

“It’s like an Idollympics.”

“No show could prepare a lineup like this...”

Muttering to himself, Song Jinwoo overheard Oh Hyungseok ask,

“So all those people are your friends?”

“TNT and Kevin-nim are Wooju-hyung’s friends. TeenSpirit seniors are our neighbors. Street Boys are our friends.”

“In any case, they all come when you call? Even without telling them it’s Jusehan.”

“Yeah, I guess so.”

The Jusehan cast looked at us with fresh astonishment. Ye Hyeoyeon asked,

“What do you guys even do in the music industry...?”

Everyone laughed. Oh Hyungseok pointed at the production team.

“Look at Jaeyoung and Taejun’s faces—they look like they got birthday presents.”

Behind the cameras, PDs and writers were fangirling hard.

“I’d be this happy too. What other show could create a scene like this?”

We admitted it: we hadn’t expected everyone to show up, but it made for a truly unique picture.

“Sunbaenim, we met you at the network before, and now again...”

“Yes.”

Street Boys and TeenSpirit trembled as they made eye contact. Their expressions seemed to read,

‘Their tone is so rough.’

‘They look terrifying....’

Meanwhile, TNT savored tonkatsu and bul-back as if in slow motion. A combination rarely seen outside year-end music show endings was chatting right in front of us.

“This feels so strange.”

Said the maknae.

“It’s like watching my own friends meet—feel proud when they bond.”

“True.”

“It’s... heartwarming.”

But unlike the juniors, I couldn’t feel warm. The extroverts who’d seemed awkward only moments ago were already bonding. As Lee Gyeonwoo quietly excused himself to wash dishes, LB cheerfully asked,

“So do you live downstairs?”

“Yes.”

“How is it? Do you like it?”

“It’s really fun to visit—except when Wooju-hyung comes into my room...”

“Why?”

“To show me some arranged track.”

“He’s been like that forever.”

Eun interjected,

“Since trainee days, actually. A long, grand history.”

With childhood classmates, military juniors, neighbors, and close friends all together, a dreadful scene was unfolding.

“Really?”

“Hahaha!”

As they bonded by gossiping over each other’s quirks while eating, my expression turned cold. My only reliable allies were...

“Really? I want to hear too.”

“Wait—are you talking trash about me? I can do this well. Just give me a chance.”

“Episodes from Wooju-hyung’s army days...”

Soon the juniors crowded around to join in the conversation. I smiled, narrowing my eyes at the chattering like sparrows on a telephone pole, then quietly served rice.

But...

“Huh?”

From a distant table, diners chatting over their food turned to us and burst into laughter.

Inside the restaurant, as more guests streamed in, most celebrity diners experienced the same shift.

‘Jusehan invited us...!’

At first, it was excitement. The news was that Jusehan was doing a food-service special and recruiting taste-test guests.

‘I really have to perform well.’

They were already famous but being on Jusehan meant nationwide publicity. Some had even rehearsed banter in the car with their managers.

Then, entering in that excited frame of mind...

“Hello~!”

“Oh, NewBlack...”

They gave up on trying to be funny. With the core seven Jusehan members plus five seasoned variety stars, what could they do here?

‘Let’s just eat and react.’

By the time they settled into resigned warmth, diners looking around the restaurant blinked in surprise.

‘What is this lineup?’

Guests who’d normally be treated like VIPs were just eating like regular customers—and the most astonishing scene was yet to come.

“Sis—come sit with us.”

“Hey... what’s happening? Why are TNT and TeenSpirit together? Wait—isn’t that Street Boys?”

In the entertainment world, fandom hierarchies are strict. TNT was still seen as a top group by the public; NewBlack was a national idol; TeenSpirit had the largest fandom; and Street Boys were on the rise.

“Why... are they all here together?”

“I heard NewBlack invited their acquaintances.”

“So they really are friends?”

“They look really friendly. Amazing.”

“Right?”

In the kitchen, NewBlack cooked while idols chatted in front of them. TeenSpirit shone most brightly.

‘I didn’t know they were this gentle....’

Though they’d come across kindly on TV, seeing them smile so radiantly was a first.

As the celebrities marveled, someone said,

“You know what this scene reminds me of?”

“Hm?”

“The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci.”

“...!”

They looked it up online and burst into laughter.

TNT, TeenSpirit, and Street Boys—once clustered at one table—had quickly bonded. From initial awkwardness, they found common ground and animatedly chatted. TeenSpirit, beaming, cried out,

“One more bowl, please!”

“Me too!”

“Our grocery shopping must’ve helped us digest.”

Watching them request refills, Ri Hyuk’s cheeks trembled.

“Um... how long will you stay? Aren’t you going home?”

“Yes!”

They answered brazenly, laughing, and Ri Hyuk looked at me. Moments ago they’d been pleading for me to keep teasing them, and now they wore pleading cat faces.

“Do something.”

What could I do? I shrugged and told the guests,

“You really should go home.”

“I don’t want to...!”

“This might sound harsh, but you’re the worst customers—eating unlimited refills.”

“But that’s the point.”

LB from Street Boys said,

“Because of this, we’ll be better at handling real restaurant customers later.”

“That’s right!”

TeenSpirit applauded in agreement. The more composed Jusehan members giggled, and the idols offered to train them. Eun giggled and held out his phone.

“Excuse me, there’s a phone in my food. What are you going to do about it?”

“Oh? Really?”

I smiled warmly.

“I’m so sorry. I’ll cook you a fresh dish. It must’ve fallen in during prep. Will you give it back?”

“Um... but this is the phone I got after hitting No. 1...”

As Eun dramatically cried over his phone, everyone laughed. I quirked an eyebrow to see if any other challengers remained—everyone laughed and looked away.

Meanwhile, I scanned the crew and extras, and gave a knowing glance. Time was up.

‘We’d better move.’

I sent a look to my military and trainee juniors; they confirmed receipt instantly.

“Oh—new guests are here! Hello~ Shall we move tables?”

“Let’s move and chat.”

Eun and Taehyun—both with variety experience—split the idols into two groups and led them into the crowd.

“Welcome!”

New guests filled the counter tables as we hurried to resume cooking. We saw idols mixing with other celebrities. Biju smiled at me, as if to say Well done.

‘Perfect timing.’

I nodded. It was good that friends were bonding, but in this situation we had to make sure all celebrities felt included. If these few stayed center stage the whole time, viewers might complain later. From my variety show experience, balance is everything.

“They bonded so fast.”

“They did.”

Following the maknae’s gaze, we saw idols chatting with random celebrities all around. It felt good.

“I never realized it before, but this really feels like Chuseok.”

“Me too.”

I normally don’t notice holidays, but seeing all these entertainers, actors, and singers gathered felt like a real holiday feast. Someone even offered songpyeon brought from home to share. As they say, on-site fun translates to broadcast fun—viewers would love this atmosphere.

And while all that happened, time flew—and soon the day’s recording neared its /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ end.

“Yes...”

Ye Hyeoyeon whispered hoarsely.

“Roll the dice...”

“Dice...”

At the wrap-up, we all wore exhausted expressions as we shouted the Jusehan cheer. Oh Hyungseok asked,

“How did you all find today?”

“I feel like we practiced properly for once. I’m confident we’d do well in a real restaurant setting.”

“I agree.”

“Positively, dealing with various guests helped us grow.”

Eun chimed in, “We really helped them!” and everyone nodded in agreement. Oh Hyungseok smiled.

“All right, you can leave now... we got enough footage.”

“Wooo!”

Dozens of guests protested.

“You said there’d be a raffle!”

“Raffle~!”

“Oh, right.”

We decided to raffle off packaged sets of leftover New-bul-back and tonkatsu for viewers to buy and cook at home. Everyone’s eyes glowed, eager to win. Holding the cue card, Oh Hyungseok passed the stage to me.

“All right! To raffle the New-bul-back and old-fashioned tonkatsu sets, we’ll play a consonant quiz!”

“Waaaa!”

“Don’t forget to post your reviews on social media after eating~”

He picked the first prompt.

“From the left, please give a word matching the keyword. Silence over three seconds = automatic elimination. Understood?”

“Yes!”

“First consonants: ㅈㄴ.”

I pointed, and the celebrities shouted:

“Jine!”

“Jangnam!”

“Jangnan!”

Then it was TeenSpirit’s turn. The ten teens clenched their fists and strained their faces, but despite being six people rather than one, they struggled.

“ㅈ...!”

Members moaned “jeu, jeu” while clutching their heads. We bit our lips to suppress laughter at their tortured expressions.

“Eliminated.”

“No...”

I smiled at TeenSpirit’s pleading looks.

“We have our first elimination. Next prompt!”

“Yes!”

Now it was Eun’s group’s turn.

“Three letters.” 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

“Wait—why?”

“Here’s a hint: Among the possible words is ‘how to torment someone.’ ㄱㅈㄹ.”

“ㄱ...!”

Eun let out a gasp and covered his mouth. Everyone burst into laughter, apparently thinking the same word. TeenSpirit cheered at the hint.

“Eliminated. The hint word was ‘tickling.’”

They immediately soured. Eun protested,

“That’s cheating!”

“All right, shall we continue? One competitor fewer now.”

As the audience’s chilly stares fell on him, Eun slumped aside. Praising Oh Hyungseok’s hosting, we relished the sweet revenge on troublesome guests.

One by one, eliminations continued.

“Hyung, trust me!”

“Our friendship will shine now...!”

I laughed at their earnest faces.

“ㅂㅂㅂ.”

“...!”

TNT bowed sadly at elimination; Ri Hyuk murmured bibimbap, random luck.

When it came to Street Boys:

“We forfeit.”

“Forfeit!”

They withdrew voluntarily.

Only Lee Gyeonwoo—quietly strong—and variety MC Park Munsu remained. We awarded them the prizes, then closed with a teaser for the upcoming rest-stop food court special.

“See you at the highway rest stop!”

“Roll the dice! Jusehan dice!”

We rolled to determine the next mission and wrapped.

“Great job!”

“Thanks for your hard work!”

Amid rapid farewells, the shoot ended but the hustle didn’t.

“I’ll help clean up!”

“Thanks.”

Though I wondered when we’d ever finish, everyone pitched in and we cleared out quickly. Then came photo time.

“I’m really a fan!”

“Thank you. Today was so much fun.”

“May I get an autograph? My niece’s a huge fan.”

We snapped pictures for social media and exchanged contacts with those we’d only known casually. Then we shared light hugs with the Jusehan cast.

“You all worked hard today.”

“Thank you.”

“I’m heading out. You head in too.”

“Okay!”

Exchanging that bittersweet look only people who’ve shared a tough day know, we waved goodbye. As the restaurant emptied, we prepared to leave.

“Huh? Everyone’s still here.”

“What—why aren’t you going?”

In a corner, the idol members waved at us, saying, “We’re still here~” Taehyun grinned.

“We figured, since we rarely meet, we’d chat with you and take selfies.”

He nodded toward Hwiyon and said,

“Hwiyon came up with a fun idea.”

“What idea?”

“Well, today’s Chuseok.”

“Actually it’s tomorrow.”

“You’re really bad with dates.”

“Didn’t learn math?”

Hwiyon ground her teeth.

“Anyway, it’s the holiday—how about doing a live broadcast together to send Chuseok greetings to fans? We might need company approval...”

She asked us, eyes shining with curiosity,

“How about a quick live stream together?”