In This Life, The Greatest Star In The Universe

I pressed my face against the car window, gazing outside.

All that was visible were the closely attached outer walls of buildings.

“Can you see it?”

“No.”

My siblings shook their heads.

I tried twisting my head with my hand against the window, but the view was obstructed.

Quickly, I rolled down the window and we all poked our heads out one by one.

And then…

“Wow.”

It was an eight-story villa.

Exchanging awestruck ‘wows’ with my siblings, we soon clasped hands and erupted into cheers.

“Wowwwww!”

“Guys, a new house! It’s our new house!”

We immediately composed ourselves, but I couldn’t help embracing Rihyuk in sheer joy.

We huddled together, sharing our happiness, and I touched my flushed cheeks in disbelief.

“Wow. This is amazing. For real.”

“Manager, is this really our new place?”

At Bi Joo’s question, Seok Hwan nodded.

“We finalized the contract recently. This is your new home now.”

“Wow. It’s really true.”

“The CEO was generous. He said instead of moving every year, why not settle in a really nice place all at once.”

“CEO!”

We cheered for ‘God Kyuho’ towards the shining sun beyond the car window.

Seok Hwan added,

“The company thought, since you hardly ever leave the house, you might as well have a nice place to stay.”

“Wow!”

We ignored everything else, savoring our joy, while our team leader explained the new accommodations.

“It’s close to the company in Cheongdam-dong. Especially famous for its security, which is the biggest perk.”

“Really, it’s too good to be true.”

The mention of security resonated with us.

We still had traumatic memories from our first residence, where a pair of stalkers tried to break in on New Year’s Day.

The second place wasn’t much safer either.

Despite being a corridor-style building, it was still vulnerable to outsiders due to its apartment-like structure.

Compared to TNT or Teen Spirit, we had fewer stalker issues, but we weren’t immune.

Various incidents meant our managers had to be on constant standby.

Like finding delivery boxes torn open at our doorstep, invoices shredded to pieces.

Or the time a delivery man hid a stalker behind him, prompting a police visit.

Or when I went downstairs to recycle and was suddenly blinded by camera flashes.

Most recently…

“I got a call from the real estate agent.”

The lady who owned unit 1104 across from our place spoke with a worried look.

“You should be careful.”

“Why?”

“The agent said some foreign woman offered to pay five times the market price for your apartment.”

Though she declined, the threat lingered.

That’s why moving to a better, safer place felt so right.

“It’s really a relief.”

Rihyuk sighed with relief.

“Lately, it seems like the frequency of stalkers has been increasing, especially after the end of the year.”

“Right. These days, wherever we go, it feels like we’re being watched.”

The managers nodded in agreement.

“We were supposed to move later due to the current lease, but we expedited it because of these issues.”

“So, what about the old place?”

“It’ll be used for the road managers.”

Minki chimed in, forming a heart with his fingers.

“Thanks, guys. You got us a home.”

We all burst into laughter at his playful heart gesture.

After the briefing on the new residence’s location and details,

“Shall we go take a look?”

“Yes!”

The vehicle began to enter the villa’s grounds.

From the identity checks to the surrounding CCTV, it was clear the security was top-notch.

It felt like I had arrived at a car show, with luxury vehicles lined up neatly in the parking lot.

I could sense Minki’s driving become abruptly cautious as we reached the entrance of the building.

Sigh…

The last day of February.

Feeling the chilly winter air at lunchtime, I exchanged smiles with my younger brothers as we looked around.

Beep—

After swiping the keycard, we entered the lobby.

“Wow—!”

There was no fountain, but it certainly resembled the lobby of a hotel with one.

A lobby adorned with marble.

“How did you get here… oh?”

The security guard at the desk glanced at us, slightly squinting his eyes, and with a curious ‘oh?’ expression.

“Hello! We’re NewBlack, just moving in!”

“Ah, hello.”

He didn’t seem too surprised to see us, which was fitting for a place rumored to be home to many celebrities.

He smiled and showed us his phone.

“I enjoy listening to your song, ‘Winter Sleep.’”

“Thank you!”

When Ri Hyeok sang a short refrain as fan service, the security guard beamed with a pleased smile.

Then, he wrote something in the logbook.

It gave the impression of a well-secured place.

Bijoo whispered to me, tilting his head.

“It feels like we’re in a department store, hyung.”

“Right. If we go to the second floor, I bet we’ll find a store selling grandma’s clothes.”

“Exactly. And if we go to the basement, there’ll be a grocery section.”

While sharing such thoughts, we enthusiastically took selfies in the first-floor lobby, and Jiho quietly slipped away.

Ri Hyeok tapped the elevator’s ‘up’ button.

“What’s going on? Why isn’t it coming down?”

“Indeed.”

The right one was under maintenance.

And the left elevator seemed to have no intention of descending from the sixth floor.

I turned to Junghyeon.

“Junghyeon, take a listen.”

“Just a moment.”

Junghyeon pressed his cheek against the elevator door.

During his eavesdropping, Ri Hyeok firmly grasped Junghyeon’s hem.

“Why are you holding onto that?”

“What if the door suddenly opens and we fall?”

“You’d fall with it.”

“Don’t worry. If I fall, I’ll make sure to grab onto your clothes.”

We all held onto Junghyeon’s hem, sharing a warm conversation.

Meanwhile, Junghyeon murmured, “Hmm?”

“They’re fighting.”

“Fighting?”

“Yes, it sounds like someone is shouting to hurry up.”

We pressed our ears against the elevator door.

The faint sound of shouting traveled from the sixth floor.

“Oh dear. Seems like a fight broke out.”

The managers also showed interest.

The security guard approached the peculiar sight of a five-member group clinging to the elevator wall.

“What’s the matter?”

“The elevator isn’t coming down from the sixth floor…”

“Oh, the sixth floor.”

The security guard reassured us with a warm smile.

“It will come down soon.”

“…?”

As we stood there puzzled, the elevator finally began to descend with a hum.

Roarrrrr!

Growl!

The sounds of a fight seemed to intensify.

Ding.

“The first floor,” announced the elevator, as the sounds of conflict abruptly ceased, and the doors opened in silence.

And at that moment…

“…?”

We locked eyes with a six-member idol group inside the elevator.

As the doors opened, the handsome young men greeted us with kind smiles.

The leader of Teen Spirit, Hwiyeon, opened his eyes wide in shock.

“Mom?”

Laughter erupted from us.

“What’s wrong?”

Yeonhu, who had been staring at the ground next to us, lifted his head and jumped in surprise.

“Ah, damn! Oops… I mean. Sorry for swearing, bro.”

“It’s okay. It’s been a while; it’s actually kind of nice to hear.”

“What brings you here?”

The kind smile that had filled his face faded, revealing his true expression.

After the Teen Spirit members and their managers greeted us with bows, saying ‘hello.’

The last to descend was the Teen Spirit manager, who had the serene air of an enlightened monk.

Hwiyeon asked,

“Wow, it’s really been a long time. How have you all been, brothers?”

“We just finished our tour in Japan and returned home.”

“Ah! That’s right. We saw that recently. You were totally wasted.”

“…”

The younger ones and the Teen Spirit members clapped and cackled with laughter.

I said with a smile,

“There’s a nicer word for it, senior. ‘Drunk.’”

“Ah. Right. I tend to curse a lot…”

While Hwiyeon was smacking his plump lips, saying ‘oh my,’ Yeonhu started speaking.

“It must be a joke. Damn it. Did you really win the leader’s position in a game of cards?”

“Hey. You should speak respectfully to your elder.”

“Oh my. I don’t care~ I don’t do hierarchy~”

“Fighting again? Oh my, here we go again. Always causing a scene.”

It was like a festival of neighborhood grandmas who loved to curse, a scene of chaos and destruction unfolding.

We smiled at the familiar, heartwarming sight.

This feeling, returning to the Korean entertainment industry, something I had missed. It wasn’t bad.

“Anyway, so this bird, I mean, Yeonhu left his power bank behind and said we need to bring it…”

“Speak properly. It’s a power bank given by the fans.”

“So what? It’s just a power bank. If you leave it behind, just borrow one.”

“It’s a gift from the fans!”

“No! I mean, it’s just a power bank!”

I raised my hands, creating a barrier between the arguing Teen Spirit members, and the chatter stopped.

Then I turned to Ri Hyeok.

“Sort this out.”

“It seems there’s a difference in perspective. How about we settle this with the precious power bank? It’s precious, but still just a power bank.”

“…Ah! That makes sense!”

The Teen Spirit members exclaimed in realization, ‘That’s so clear!’ in admiration.

Yeonhu said with a look of respect,

“You guys have a longer reach, don’t you? We’ve always admired that.”

“Right. Right.”

I’m just a GED holder…

“But how did we get on this topic?”

We pondered for a moment before giving up.

Anyway.

“Nice to see you, brothers!”

“We feel the same!”

With a cheer, we clapped hands, sharing in the joy.

For a while, members of similar ages exchanged updates on their lives.

I’m not sure exactly when, but after going through the end-of-year performances, we started to see each other more as equals than as seniors and juniors.

It was quite comfortable.

As Jiho was laughing and chatting with the Teen Spirit members, leader Hwiyeon whispered,

“Never tell the younger ones to speak informally. Brother. You really need to remember this.”

“…”

“It’s like unleashing hell. Really.”

It felt like Maeda-sensei’s ‘You’re getting divorced! Definitely!’ – ‘Hell is unleashed! Definitely!’

Quietly watching the hierarchy of Teen Spirit turn into a battleground, I patted Hwiyeon’s shoulder in consolation.

Then the topic of moving came up.

“Wow. So now we’re neighbors. Let’s get along well, brothers.”

“Yes. We’re in apartment 701.”

“If you ever come to visit and some weirdos ring the doorbell, don’t avoid it.”

“Don’t worry. Feel free to come over anytime.”

As we exchanged these words, the Teen Spirit members hesitated, then asked.

“Um… Brother Woojoo.”

“Yes?”

“You don’t happen to compose music at home, do you?”

“Oh, I do. A lot, actually.”

“…!”

The members of Teen Spirit, who were about to suggest hanging out, began to falter in their speech.

I wonder how I’ve become such a topic of conversation in the music industry.

The younger members covered their mouths, giggling, while Teen Spirit averted their gaze.

“Guys, it’s time to head out.”

“Yes! We’re off, brothers!”

Jiho waved his hand to the younger line of Teen Spirit, as if they had been friends forever.

“Take care! Our friends!”

“Friends!”

I laughed at the sight of the younger line raising their fists in response.

After Teen Spirit disappeared with a bow to the security guard, saying, “Thank you for your hard work!”

“…Oh.”

Minki blinked rapidly, shaking his head.

“What just passed by?”

“Teen Spirit.”

“It sounds like the name of a typhoon when you say it like that.”

Ah, I imagined a voice announcing the approach of Typhoon Teen Spirit number 7, and we all laughed.

Then, we got on the elevator and asked.

“How about it, hyung? Don’t you ever want to experience being with other idols besides us?”

“Not at all. I really like you guys.”

“We like you too, hyung.”

We exchanged such conversations as we got onto the elevator.

Standing in front of room 701.

Was it because Teen Spirit, notorious for their serious fan issues, lived here?

A sense of trust in security was growing.

Beep—

The electronic lock disengaged with a soft chime.

We clasped our hands together and sang the BGM of Love House.

“La la la la~ La la la la~”

We entered with an imaginary bright filter over us.

And at that moment.

Everyone except Seokhwan, who had been here before, screamed.

“Wowwwww!”

“This is crazy! This place is insane!”

“Hey, your dorm is like a palace.”

The ceiling was incredibly high.

Bright sunlight poured through the living room’s full-length glass windows.

A large TV and sofa set adorned the living room.

“Wowwwww!”

Junghyun dove onto the sofa, and we piled on top of him like a sandwich.

“Amazing! This is huge!”

The youngest member shouted excitedly, and we all joined in the noisy clamor.

And then.

“Uh…?”

Junghyun, buried at the bottom, chuckled and blinked.

We asked.

“Why? What’s up?”

“Look there. I think we’re on the second floor.”

“…!”

When we turned our heads, we saw the tall ceiling and the loft railing.

Chills ran down our spine.

“Amazing…”

It was then that the spiral staircase caught our eye.

Overwhelmed by the house, we were momentarily speechless, just like when I visited Director Jo Gyuhwan’s house early last year.

Sandwiched between my brothers, we could only look around and exclaim in awe.

Seokhwan said.

“You might get hurt. Get up and follow me. I’ll show you around inside.”

“Yes!”

That’s when we started the house tour with the TF team leader.

“First, this is the kitchen.”

“Kitchen!”

“The cooking utensils at the accommodation were all worn out, so I bought most of them new. I’ve also stocked up on some simple snacks.”

Soon, we cheered at the sight of various ingredients in the fridge and the cabinet full of ramen packets.

I’ll definitely have to cook some later.

“When you had dinner with the CEO in Busan, Bijoo, you mentioned you were interested in baking these days, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“The CEO told me, so I bought the equipment.”

“Wow…”

Bijoo’s eyes glistened as she looked at the oven and other appliances filling the kitchen.

Her expression was such that she seemed ready to burst into tears at any moment, so we comforted her with gentle pats.

Soon, Bijoo, who had grabbed a pancake flipper as a souvenir, followed us with the determination of someone about to burst into tears.

“Inside the kitchen, there’s… Ah, first of all, this house has three bathrooms.”

“Wow…”

“We’ll look at that separately. For now, one of the rooms on the first floor is what Junghyun has been longing for.”

Junghyun spoke with an excited voice for the first time in a while.

“A garden?”

“It’s a gym.”

“Ah. Yes.”

Our deflated expressions made Seokhwan look at us in disbelief.

“Why are you all disappointed together? Logically, there’s no way we could have a garden here.”

“Well… I thought a fancy house could have one.”

“Anyway, this is an indoor gym that not only Junghyun but all of you can use.”

The spacious room, covered with soundproof mats, was filled with exercise equipment.

Junghyun, who had been fiddling with the barbells and plates, smiled and said, “This is really nice.”

“And this here is a storage room for supplies, cleaning tools…”

“Oh! Oh! Oh!”

“Right. Let’s leave Rihyuk to explore. We’ll go ahead.”

While someone was distracted, we looked at the two rooms on the first floor.

The interior was decorated in pastel yellow tones.

It looked like a room that mothers would love.

“This is Bijoo’s room, and the one across is Junghyun’s.”

“Oh. It’s quite stark.”

We nodded our heads at the spacious room, which had no special furniture arrangement.

After finishing the tour of the first floor and climbing the stairs to the second floor, Jiho clung to Seokhwan.

“Did you finish arranging and decorating the rooms?”

“Yes.”

“What if we want to change something?”

“You won’t want to change anything once you see it.”

“…?”

“Choose the room you want to use.”

Soon after, Rihyuk, Jiho, and I looked around the three individual rooms and immediately chose our own.

The location was exactly where I wanted it to be.

And the design was the clean interior I had always wanted.

“How did you know?”

As we wondered about the secret, Seokhwan explained the mystery.

“Director Cho decided.”

“…?”

“He lived with you last year and learned from the experience… I mean, he had the experience.”

“Ah.”

It seemed that Director Cho Kyu-hwan’s keen intuition, along with his experience living with us last year, made the arrangement easy.

Seokhwan asked.

“Isn’t it great?”

“It’s amazing! There’s even a computer. I can do everything I struggled with on my gaming laptop!”

“Moderate your gaming.”

“Yes. I shouldn’t have said anything…”

“And the room over there on the second floor will be used as Woojoo’s studio and Rihyuk’s vocal practice room.”

“Wow!”

There was a mini studio with fully installed soundproof walls.

It had space for composing music and practicing vocals. As I looked around the equipment, I asked.

“Who installed all this? It’s done so well.”

“The A&R team and the producing team came over the weekend.”

“They must have worked desperately.”

“Coming to the office even on weekends isn’t always good. They said to make sure to tell you that sometimes working from home is better.”

I nodded with a smile.

After completing the tour of our new house and marveling at our rooms, Seokhwan asked, “So, how do we go about moving?”

“Moving?”

“Well, I’ve taken care of the furniture and built-ins, but you still have clothes and items in drawers. You’ll want to take care of your personal belongings. If there’s anything specific you want to pack…”

“No, there’s nothing.”

All five of us shook our heads simultaneously.

The Math Ghost smiled warmly. “You don’t want to go back to the old place, do you?”

Silence.

“If you want to live here, start now. It’s fine by me.”

“Really, we can?”

“Well, it doesn’t matter… Let’s go back to the dorm. No matter how nice a house is, it can’t beat our apartment. I miss home. The smell of that place. Didn’t I urge you to remember that?”

“I’m sorry. I’ve realized this new house is the best.”

Seokhwan laughed and said, “Do as you please.”

After deciding to visit later in the afternoon to pack only the important personal items, someone shouted, “Let’s make ramen! Ramyeon!”

“Ramen! Ramen!”

We rushed into the kitchen, equipped with an induction cooker, and hurriedly started making ramen with Bijoo.

After the managers said they’d be back from the first floor shortly, we flapped the ramen soup packets and surveyed the spacious living room.

“It’s nice.”

“It’s really nice.”

As a child, whenever I followed my grandmother to model houses, I always dreamed of living in such a place.

Though it’s not a house I share with my grandmother, the feeling of being in such a safe and wonderful home, and with great people, made me feel like I was on cloud nine.

“By the way, what was the Wi-Fi password the Teen Spirit folks gave us earlier?”

“Just a moment.”

I found the Teen Spirit dorm Wi-Fi on my phone, labeled “Why are you using this?”

It quickly came to me.

“JONNA.”

We all entered the password and burst into laughter, feeling the camaraderie.

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!