I Got Reincarnated As A Prodigal K-POP Superstar

(AN: There is a song in this chapter. Please do listen to it as you read along to help with the mood of the chapter.)

"Hyung! Hurry up! We don't have much time!" Jiwoo yelled as he carried a sack of rice towards our rented villa.

It's been days since we've been here and we're really challenged to the extreme by writers of the show. We passed most of the challenges as well but there were failed attempts. From dance challenges, to performance challenges. Even doing questions that would ask how well we know each other as a team. Of course, we nailed that part with ease. We've been together for the longest time that we practically know who's inside the house by the sound of their footsteps.

I know…

Weird, right?

Today, was our second to the last day of the show. One more day and we were final getting out of this island. Thank God!

For now, we just have to survive. Except, we actually have a current problem right now. While we were sound asleep last night, the crew thought it is was fun to take our food and supplies, and transfer it near the top of the mountain.

Why?

I don't even know anymore. I just want this to end.

The challenge was for us to bring down whatever we can back to the villa before the clock hits 11AM. It's now 10:30AM, and it takes about 15 minutes to climb up the mountain and go back down. I even lost count to how many times I went up this mountain. I probably memorize the road now. We could just buy supplies from the market but we spent all of our money yesterday for the challenges. So technically, we have no choice but to take this challenge.

"Ya! It's almost 11AM! Why are you guys still here? You better hurry up! There's a lot more stuff to carry!" Seiji-hyung was getting frustrated. He was the first to wake up this morning and found the mission card. It was around 9AM. He was just surprised that no one from the crew came to wake us up for make-up or whatsoever. So he decided to check outside only to find our stuff missing.

Zee was panting as he collapsed on the ground. "Hyung… I'm dying can't I take a break?"

Zhang sighed as he arrived. "At this point, we won't make it."

I pondered for a while. "There's still a lot left. We've already brought most of the important stuff. Rap unit, you're in charge with the cooking and dining utensils and materials. Vocal unit, carry as much major ingredients as you can. The performance unit will take care of the water bottles, snacks and other supplies needed for the challenges. Let's ditch the last remaining sack of rice since Matt-hyung already carried the other sack. We have one more day so we won't need that much. Let's go."

After agreeing with the plan, we quickly sprang into action. We got as much as we could before we headed back down to the mountain. I was becoming dizzier as I rushed towards the villa. Dominic saw my condition and asked me to rest for a while. I didn't argue with him since I know that doing so would lead to nothing. The bed was quite inviting as well so I changed into some new clothes before lying down on the bed.

When I woke up, the members were already cooking for our lunch. Jiwoo and Matt-hyung were not wearing any upper clothing since they were trying to dry off their clothes. We bought it after all with the money that we got from the crew. We didn't get to bring any clothes when we were taken to this island after all.

Dominic then turned to me as he patted the empty space beside him inviting me to sit beside him. "Oh JayB-ya. You're up. How are you feeling? Come here. Let me check your vitals."

I went over and sat beside him. He then began checking me if I was okay. He then smiled at me. "You're fine. You shouldn't have joined that challenge in the first place. You know you're condition."

It made me sigh. "I know. But I can't let you guys do all the work."

Zee chuckled as he was cleaning the shovels that we used in yesterday's challenge. "If something happens to you, THEN we'll have to do most of the work again. So you better rest up, hyung. We got this."

I smiled at him. "Thanks. If you guys don't mind it, then I'll do as I'm told."

Jeong Do and Jiwoo snapped their heads towards me as Jiwoo tried to get Jeong Do's attention. "Am I dreaming? I must be too tired that I'm hearing things."

Jeong Do then shook his head as he patted Jiwoo's shoulder. "Ya, Jiwoo-ya. I thought I heard it wrong too. I guess it wasn't a mistake then. I DID just hear JayB-ya agree. Gold might rain from the sky today since a miracle just happened. JayB-ya's not being stubborn today."

"Ya!" I yelled at them which made the rest of the members laugh.

"By the way, our families and friends might be worried since we haven't been contacting them for days now." Matt-hyung said as he chopped some firewood.

Our manager who was with the crew spoke, "Don't worry about it. We informed them that you will be filming a lot this week. We've also shown snippets of your trip here in your group's social media and VLIVE. In fact, you guys are trending right now on Twitter and other social media platforms."

"We are?! How can we trend when we're not even doing much?!" Zee asked in surprise.

Our manager laughed. "Well, on your second day, we released a trailer of you guys being 'kidnapped', and that blew out. Our company's sites and some fan sites even crashed because they were asking for an explanation."

"Really? Is the company okay now?" Jeong Do asked.

Our manager nodded. "Their fine. They had to release a statement that you boys are fine and you are just filming a new reality show which took the internet by storm. You are not just trending in Korea for days now, but you guys have been on the number 1 trending list worldwide for 3 days now."

My jaw fell when I heard this one. "Wosik-hyungnim… you're kidding, right?"

He shook his head as he chuckled. "No actually. In fact, because of you guys, according to google, the top 5 key words searches in the past two days was Alpha, JYP Entertainment, Twice, MIXNINE, and how to join JYP Entertainment."

Zee tried to open his mouth to speak but he was speechless. Jiwoo chuckled while watching him try to speak. He then spoke on his behalf. "How are things over at the company?"

"There will be a party once you get back. We're sending your sunbaes off early because we'll be busy for MIXNINE preparations, comebacks and other events." He responded.

"How are the girls?" Yo Chul-hyung finally spoke up.

Wosik-hyung smiled warmly. "I've been talking to them over the phone for the last few days. They are fine. Worried about you guys. But fine."

Zhang breathed out. "That's a relief."

"For now, you guys should focus on finishing the show." Ming Do-hyung said as the camera started rolling again.

________

"Ahhh… I think I'm done for the day." Seiji-hyung complained weakly as we arrive back to our villa from the last challenge of the day.

It was still 15 minutes passed 3PM and we were already done for the day. We were about to go through individual interviews for the show. I quickly headed for the bathroom and took a shower. I know the other guys would fight for it later on so I went ahead. After changing onto some fresh clothes, I went out to see the members talking with the director. The sign that indicated that the cameras were rolling was still on.

I went over to join them. "What's going on?"

"Ah! Great! You guys are all here. I'm going to announce something important. That was your challenge for the day." He said.

"That's good news indeed." Jeong Do said.

The director chuckled. "That's not even the good news."

Dominic then raised his brow. "What is it then?"

He smiled at us. "That was the last challenge for the entire show."

Zee was confused as he asked, "So we're going home?"

"No, not quite yet." The director answered.

"Riddles…" I muttered.

The director laughed as he heard me say that. "Right. I forgot how much you hate them. You pack up what you have because you're REAL vacation starts now!"

It took a while for us to the announcement to sink in so we didn't react on time. The director looked at us awkwardly. "Why are you guys not happy about it?"

"We're waiting for the part where you say that it's all a joke." Zhang answered back.

The rest of the crew laughed at his honesty. One of the writers for the show then answered him back. "We're serious. We're taking you to a real hotel to give you a proper meal. So you can also take the rest of the day and tomorrow off doing whatever you want. Once we get to the hotel, we'll be giving you your wallets and phones back."

Matt-hyung then stood up quickly. "Ya! What are you guys waiting for?! Let's go!"

As soon as it sunk in, we immediately rushed inside the house to pack our stuff as the crew filmed every shot of it. The house became really rowdy and messy from all the running and yelling. The others were looking for their stuff so it really took a while.

"Ya! Has anyone seen my toothbrush?!" Dominic yelled from the bathroom.

Jiwoo then shouted back. "Hyung! Forget your toothbrush! We'll get you a new one when we get to the hotel!"

"How could you say that?! We did challenges to get that toothbrush!" Dominic fired back.

Jeong Do smacked his head. "Ya! How can you be so sentimental over a toothbrush? Just pack your stuff and go. I can't stand to stay in this place any longer."

"Yo! Did anyone see my hoodie?" Zhang asked.

Matt-hyung tossed Zhang's jacket over to him. "Got it for you."

"Thanks, hyung." He replied.

"Yo! My towel! Where's my towel?" Dominic was still frantically searching for his stuff.

Yo Chul-hyung grunted. "Seriously! I'm going to kick your ass! Just leave it and let's go!"

"The cars are here! Let's go now!" Zee yelled from the entrance of the house.

"But my towel…" Dominic pouted.

Matt-hyung then placed it over his head. "Here. Now go."

We quickly dashed towards our ride like little kids. Finally! It's going to be over! We're finally going home after tomorrow! I'm going to sleep the entire day tomorrow after I finish dealing with some company matters tonight. That's for sure.

_________

"We're finally home!" Zee yelled as soon as he got out of the car as people begin to stare at him while giggling.

We were in front of the JYP Entertainment building. Our so called "dream vacation" ended with us having the best rest day in our entire lives. The food was excellent even Yo Chul-hyung was surprised at how good it was. We spent our entire afternoon swimming in the pool and enjoying the Jacuzzi in the resort that we checked in. At night, we also shared what we learned about one another from the trip. Somehow, I got to understand why PD-nim said yes to this show. It was because my hiatus caused our team to sort of drift apart.

Though we did some challenges during our vacation in Hawaii, this was more personal and intimate because it was just us in that place. This was necessary before we start doing our comebacks again. Even during our comebacks, it felt like we were distant with each other. Now, we became closer than ever.

Now, we were back home and were about to send our sunbaes off. It's also a special time because the MIXNINE contestants were also invited to attend this party. So this was indeed a very big event. Though we were tired right now, it was definitely something to look forward to.

"Ya. Zee-ya… Quiet down. You're attracting way too much attention." Yo Chul-hyung warned.

Seiji-hyung sighed as he got off the car. "Do we REALLY have to come? I really want to sleep right now. I'm still too tired from the trip."

Matt-hyung patted his shoulder. "You can still catch some sleep while the rest of us change and have our make-up done first. How about it?"

Seiji-hyung nodded as he yawned. "Sounds good. Is it okay if I head inside first?"

I smiled at him as I slowly made my way to the building's lobby. "We'll wait for the vocal unit to arrive inside, but you can go ahead if you want."

He gave me a thumbs up before lightly patting my arm. "I'll go first."

He started heading to the dressing room as soon as we entered the building. Just then a couple of people started running towards us and even I was surprised.

A girl then jumped at Zee. "Oppa! I really missed you!"

Zee spun her around before stopping to plant a deep kiss on her lips. "I do too. You have no idea how much I wanted to steal a phone to contact you."

Yo Chul-hyung grimaced. "Get a room you two."

He was then silenced by a sudden back hug from Jeongyeon. "Babe…"

Yo Chul-hyung slowly turned around to see his girlfriend in tears. "Ya… I missed you too. I'm sorry we couldn't call you. You know how it is…"

She nodded slowly as she tried stopping herself from crying. "Alright. We should have a date later after the party. Just the two of us."

"Sounds good." Yo Chul-hyung replied with a smile.

Tzuyu and Jiwoo were just silently hugging on the side while Jiwoo allowed Tzuyu to cry on his shoulder. Tzuyu is really a strong and fierce girl. But in front of Jiwoo, she can become as weak as she wants because she knew that she could express herself fully when Jiwoo was around.

"Don't cry, baby." Jiwoo whispered to Tzuyu.

"I'm sorry. I couldn't help myself. I thought that something happened to you." Tzuyu said in between her sobs.

Jiwoo smiled as he pulled away from the hug to wipe her tears. "I'm here now. Don't cry… gosh… You're still pretty even when you cry."

Tzuyu lightly punched his stomach as she pouted. "You can still joke around at a time like this?"

"Who says I'm joking?" Jiwoo smirked.

Chaeyoung and the rest of the members of twice then walked over to me. Chaeyoung then tried to look over my shoulder. "Isn't Shen-oppa here?"

"Their car broke down and is still on the way." I explained.

Sana then called Matt-hyung over as she whispered. "Lisa-ya is in your dressing room. You shouldn't keep her waiting."

"Oh really? I'll go ahead then." Matt-hyung then jogged towards our dressing room.

Mina then remembered something as he called out to Matt-hyung. "Matt-oppa! She wanted to surprise you so act surprise when you enter the room!"

"Got it!" Matt-hyung answered without turning back.

"Sorry we're late." Dominic's voice rang as he entered the lobby.

Mina ran towards him to give him hug. "You're finally here…"

"Woah! I'm here now. Did you miss me that much?" Dominic chuckled as he tried to keep his balance from Mina's tackle.

"Not really." Mina shyly answered.

"Really?" Dominic pouted.

Sana rolled her eyes. "Oh please. She wouldn't stop talking about you the entire week. She would sometimes just blabber stuff that we don't understand like, 'He would love to eat kimbap right about now' or 'Sushi was one of his favorites'."

"YA! Sana-ya!" Mina tried to cover her mouth but Sana quickly escaped.

Jeong Do then caught Sana from behind. "How about me? Did you talk a lot about me too?"

Sana then slowly turned around to give him a peck on the lips. "Does that answer your question?"

I sighed as I shook my head. "Alright. I'll give you guys some time to catch up. Anyway, the party's still at 6PM and it's still 2PM. Just be sure to head to the dressing room in an hour."

"JayB-ya…" Jeong Do called out.

I turned to look at them. They were looking at me with a hint of concern in their eyes. "What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Dominic sighed. "He'll have his love life soon. Jeong Do-ya. Let him be for now."

I chuckled. "That's what you guys are worried about? Seriously?"

Zhang walked over to me and whispered. "If ever your wife doesn't turn out to be her, just love your wife unconditionally. Okay?"

"I plan to. I'm going now." I said with a smile as I patted Zhang's back before making my way to the dressing room.

I've already made my decision yesterday. If it turns out that SHE won't get picked to be my wife. Then I'll let go of her and love my wife unconditionally.

_________

"Wow! You look amazing!" My eyes went wide when I saw Momo enter the room. She was wearing a silver c.o.c.ktail dress that made her look like a diamond among the rest of the crowd.

The party already started a while ago. During the preparation, some of us were able to take turns in napping. I, on the other hand, went directly to the recording studio to finalize some of the mixes because I needed to submit them today to PD-nim for evaluation. After an hour in the recording studio, my members came to fetch me and had to drag me back to the dressing room to prepare.

Now we were here in the party trying to enjoy ourselves. The rest of the members are out engaging in various conversations among the rest of the people in the party, while I was near the entrance observing everyone who came. It was because I was waiting for Taecyeon-hyung to arrive. While waiting I was happily drinking a glass of champagne when the dancing goddess entered the room.

Momo and I are really similar in many ways. She loves to eat, I do too. We both are main dancers as well. Even before in the previous world, it was really fun being with her. And in this world, she's even prettier. Believe me when I say that.

"Really?" She blushed as she shyly tucked her hair.

I chuckled. "Really. I'm serious. You're really pretty, Momo-ya."

She bit her lower lips as she tried to hide her smile. "Thank you, oppa."

"Where are the rest of your members?" I asked.

She then snapped out of her daze and smiled at me. "Oh they're outside talking to some of our sunbaes."

"Oh I see. So you went ahead?" I asked as I wanted to continue conversing with her.

She smiled wryly. "I was getting hungry so I went ahead."

Typical Momo. I noticed a waiter passing by with food on his tray so I stopped him and placed it on the table in front of us. "Here. Have some."

She bowed deeply while thanking me. I saw a waiter carrying a tray of champagne glasses so I took two glasses from him and placed it on the table. "Help yourself. Don't be shy now."

"Oppa, can I tell you something?" She suddenly frowned as she became serious.

I was confused because she was frowning a lot. "Sure. What's up?"

She slowly rubbed her arm as if she was shy. "About what I said that day in the hospital… I'm sorry. You've been ignoring me and my members these past few weeks, and when you guys suddenly went to film the reality show, I've been thinking a lot about it. I think you must have been disappointed with us."

My eyes widened in surprise. "No! It's not that! Really! It's okay. In fact, if you didn't say those things, I wouldn't have come to my senses."

"So… you're not mad at us? Or… me?" She asked with a pout.

I chuckled. "Of course not! Why would I be? You guys have been great!"

"Then why were you ignoring us?" She looked down towards her hands as she asked that.

I suddenly remembered the reason why I was doing so and blushed. I turned to look away from her. "I was just… shy…" I then slowly turned towards her. "Because…"

"What are you guys talking about?" Jihyo went towards the table with the rest of the members of Twice.

I became fl.u.s.tered and stood up immediately when I saw them. "Ah! Nothing! Why don't you guys join us? My members will be here shortly. And oh! You guys look stunning by the way."

"Thanks!" Mina said as they all sat down.

That was a close call. But at least… I finally cleared things with her. Finally, we're okay now.

The volume of the music suddenly turned down as a voice boomed from the stage. "Ah… ah… testing… Good evening everyone! How are you doing tonight?"

We then responded with various answers as PD-nim chuckled. "I'm glad that you are all having fun tonight. So the party will go on until later, so please, help yourselves with some good food and enjoy the rest of the night."

We applauded and thought that he was about to end his speech. "But before we continue may I call on JayB-ssi here on stage?"

I slowly made my way to the stage as PD-nim continued with his speech. "So earlier today, I've announced that the MIXNINE contestants will be looking for mentors among their sunbaes today since we've officially started MIXNINE this morning. But we also are sending our beloved artists off. This isn't 'goodbye' but it's more like 'see you again soon'. That's why I asked JayB-ssi to write a surprise song for his sunbae. This will also be a sneak peek for his upcoming solo album this year."

The crowd gave their applause as one of the managers handed me an acoustic guitar. I then approached the mic and smiled at the crowd. "Actually, PD-nim didn't ask me to write a song. He suddenly told me a few minutes ago to come up with a song about saying 'goodbye' to the person you love. I haven't even really thought about it yet. As you know, people have been asking if I could REALLY write a song on the spot. Well, we'll just have to find out."

The crowd laughed before they started applause again. I gave the guitar a good strum to test out the volume and adjusted it a little before I turned to the crowd again. "This is actually for my sunbaes and for my mystery girl which most of you are probably curious about."

The crowd erupted into cheers as they themselves were excited as well. I tried to find her among the crowd. And there she was. Sitting on our table with her beautiful dress and with a smile on her face. she's the most beautiful person in the world to me right now.

But this song is about goodbyes…

"This song is called 'Severely'. I hope you enjoy it." I said as I started strumming the guitar.

This was a famous song from the previous world. It's not necessarily from this year, but it was still one of the most highly recognized songs from FT Island. And I wanted it to make its debut in this world.

My eyes were fixed on her even if she didn't know that I was looking at her intently right now. I smiled briefly before feeling the emotions of the song as I sang.

[Letting you go without any expression, as if it's nothing

I practiced doing that every day but it's still awkward]

The crowd's happy faces became emotional as they continued to listen to the song. Her mouth even fell when she heard the first few lines of the song.

[I also practiced how to secretly cry while smiling but

I feel like my trembling voice will give it away quickly]

I went away from the mic to clear my throat, I, myself, was getting emotional but I quickly composed myself to sing the next few lines.

[Loving is probably hundreds and thousands of times more difficult than breaking up

But I'm a fool that can't live without you - what do you want me to do?]

What am I supposed to do without you? I want to be near you, yet I'm afraid of hurting you like I did before. I want to you to be mine, but I'm afraid that I won't be enough. I want US to happen and be there for each other forever, but I'm afraid that even in this world, forever isn't for us.

[Severely, I guess I loved you too severely

I don't even breathe and I look around for you

I don't know when I'll be able to stop

Severely, I guess I loved you too severely

I think letting you go is more severe than dying]

The first thing that I did when I woke up in this world was not to know more about this world, but rather to look for you. With each passing year, I felt like I was losing hope. But then I found you, yet now that I'm here, I'm too terrified to love you. Am I even allowed to love you?

[No matter how much it hurts, every day I practiced

Trying to get used to spending a day as if it's nothing]

The truth is, I've been trying to drown myself with work just to forget you. Just to forget that I still love you. Even in this world, I can't seem to let go of you. But the question is, do you feel the same way about me too?

[I don't think I can forget you anyway

Even if I'm sick with an incurable disease

I'm a fool that can't live without you – what do you want me to do?]

Because for me? I will still choose to love you in ANY world.

[Severely, I guess I loved you too severely

I don't even breathe and I look around for you

I don't know when I'll be able to stop

Severely, I guess I loved you too severely

I think letting you go is more severe than dying]

It's too bad that I'm just someone who's just passing by for you.

[If this was how it's going to be, I shouldn't have loved

When will I forget you?]

I have to move on from you. It's the only way for me to be happy. That's what my mind is rationally telling me, but even the thought of it pains me. My heart tells me to love you still. Am I a fool then?

[Foolishly, I guess I loved you foolishly

Because of you, I can't even dream of another love

I'm a fool that only knows you - what do you want me to do?]

For now, until the fates decide to allow us love one another, in this world, or any other world, I HAVE to let you go. It's not just for me, but for the person who will choose to love me.

[Severely, I guess we broke up severely

What's so hard about saying goodbye that I can't even open my lips and am hesitating?

Severely, I guess we broke up severely

You remain deeper than a scar in my heart so I can't erase you]

As I finished the song, I stepped out of the spot light to avoid the people from seeing a tear escaping my eye. I bowed deeply to wipe it off. "Thank you everyone."

I quickly went off the stage and handed the guitar to a stage manager as the crowd erupted in applause and cheers. Before anyone could stop me I went deep into the hallway and slowly sat on the ground while leaning on the wall.

Finally…

I can all let it out…

I buried my face on my arms and let it all out. Ten years… that's how long I've kept this… Ten long years. I can finally let it all out.

"JayB-ya…" A voice called out to me.

I slowly turned to see who it was and when I did I quickly wiped away my tears. "Ah? Suzy-noona, Ji-Eun-noona… what are you guys doing here?"

IU-noona turned to Suzy-noona first before she smiled sad smile. "You immediately went out of the banquet hall. We just wanted to see if you're okay."

I gave them the best smile I could muster. "I'm great! Don't worry about me. I was just… sad that you guys will be retiring."

IU-noona slapped my arm as she pouted. "You're still a bad liar, JayB-ya."

"Ah! Can you go easy on me?" I asked as I rubbed my arm from the pain.

Suzy-noon smiled as IU-noona patted my shoulder. "You finally let your true feelings out in the open. Didn't you? Don't worry. We'll pretend that we didn't see you here. But you have to let it all out, JayB-ya."

As soon as IU-noona said that, I finally couldn't help but let my tears out. For once, the great and calm business prodigy, Kim Jinbo, became vulnerable and cried like a helpless kid. Suzy-noona slowly patted my head. "There, there. Let it all out."

Soon, I was finally able to come down as they continued to comfort me. Suzy-noona then slowly stood up as she and IU-noona helped me in getting up as well. Without warning, she suddenly slapped my back really hard. "So… you finally came up with the answer to my question."

I was still wincing from the pain but I chuckled as she tried to change the topic. "Yeah... I did."

IU-noona chuckled. "It's about time. I'm wishing you happy marriage, JayB-ya."

I gave them a warm smile. "Thank you, noona."

________

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