Legendary Superstar

"Cut!"

After the final "cut" echoed across the studio, the red ON AIR sign dimmed and a collective cheer filled the whole room.

"Nice work!"

"Thank you!"

"Thank you, everyone!"

"It was a good shoot!"

"We had fun!"

"Congrats!"

"Nice one!"

The cast was in all smiles as they stretched their body slightly in their seats. The staff and they exchanged a few more thank yous and claps.

One of the crew members came over to collect the paddles with their faces on them, while another one offered bottled water and snacks for them to munch on.

Everyone looked relaxed now. They were casual and unguarded.

"Happy holidays, everyone!" the host also greeted them brightly as she walked toward them off-camera. She offered handshakes and exchanged some hugs with them.

The host was a middle-aged woman. She was a known host, but not a very popular one.

"You were all wonderful. Seriously, It's one of the best shoots we've had." She uttered with a warm smile on her face.

"Thank you, Sunbae!" Yura called out with a wave. She also smiled warmly and bowed her head slightly, in the other followed her.

"I really mean it," the host said, folding her cue cards neatly in her hands. "You've got great chemistry. It's not every day that the energy stays this bright all the way through."

"Thank you, Sunbae. We appreciated it." Minjae nodded his head slightly.

"That's because we're all secretly comedians, Sunbae." Jihoon chuckled, joking around to keep the atmosphere light.

The host laughed at it.

"I could tell! Jihoon-ssi, your reactions were priceless. I think our editors will have a good day editing the scenes."

"Thank you for taking care of us today. We had a lot of fun." Seojin smiled politely.

"It was our first time doing something like this together as a group. It was a good memory thanks to you, Sunbae." Haejin nodded in agreement.

"Definitely," Yura added, agreeing on it. "You made it really comfortable for all of us."

The host gave a modest wave of her hand, brushing off the compliments that were being given to her. Though on the inside, she was really genuinely touched by it.

"Yah, it's nothing. You're the ones who made it fun. Just keep this kind of energy going when the drama airs. I assure you that it's going to make a big difference."

"We'll do our best. Thank you for having us." Minjae bowed his head slightly.

"Of course, Minjae-ssi," the host said, her eyes lingering on him with a knowing warmth. Out of all of them, she was really impressed by Minjae.

"You were especially good today. You're a good center for the team."

"Thank you," Minjae gave a modest smile.

"Well then," the host clapped her hands gently. "I'll leave you all to your well-earned rest. I'm sure you've got other schedules lined up."

"I know, right, Sunbae. There are too many," Jihoon sighed dramatically, making the others laugh.

"Fighting, everyone," she said as she took a step back. "And again, happy holidays. Take care of yourselves, and I'll see you around next time."

"Thank you!"

"Happy holidays!"

"Bye, Sunbae-nim!"

She offered one last wave to them before turning to leave the studio, her assistant trailing behind her as the crew began cleaning up the set and packing up the equipment.

The cast stayed momentarily, having a short chat before they parted ways with one another.

"So, what are you guys doing for Christmas?" Yura turned to them. She tucked her hair behind her ear and looked at them with a curious gaze.

"I'm probably going home," Seojin answered Yura, her voice was soft with a hint of excitement in them.

"I haven't seen my parents and little brother in a while. They were already asking me every day when I would go home. So, I think it's time since they're just in Seoul too.""

"That sounds nice," Haejin replied with a nod. "I'll be spending it with my older brother. He's flying in from Busan. So, I guess it's time for me to see him after a few months."

Jihoon made an exaggerated sigh. "You guys are lucky. My parents are living abroad now, and it's too late to book a flight. So…" he shrugged dramatically. "Guess I'll be spending it alone this time."

"Same here," Yura said, giving a small smile, though her tone was tinged with disappointment. "My family's away in Suncheon and It will be a hassle if I travel that far since I also have some things to do. So it's just me, myself, and I."

Jihoon turned toward her with a sudden idea, his eyes lighting up.

"Hey! Why don't we spend it together? If we're both going to be alone, we might as well make it less depressing. Also it will cost less to buy some food."

"You know what? That actually sounds nice." Yura blinked in surprise, then slowly smiled. "For the first time, you're actually smart."

"Hey! I'm always smart!" Jihoon uttered out loud as if he was defending himself. Though quickly, he calmed down and smiled.

"Let's do it, then." Jihoon was already energized by the thought. "We'll call it the lonely's Christmas party."

"That's so stupid, Jihoon." Yura rolled her eyes and shook her head.

Seojin and Haejin chuckled at the name, and Jihoon turned toward Minjae, nudging him gently on the shoulder.

"What about you, hyung? Do you have any plans for holiday?"

"Hmm…"

Minjae hesitated slightly. He didn't know what to answer. Still, he sighed and brushed off a small dirt on his arms before answering.

"I don't know yet," he admitted quietly. "I'll probably just stay in. I don't really… have family to go home to."

Everyone became silent at what Minjae answered. They momentarily forgot that Minjae had no family, so the answer was already known even without asking.

Jihoon almost felt bad about it. He scratched the back of his head and smiled unsurely.

"Oh right, Hyung!" Jihoon quickly uttered out loud as if trying to save the atmosphere that he ruined with his question. "Then you're coming with us."

"What?" Minjae frowned slightly, looking surprised. He hadn't really thought about that and he already accepted the fact that he'd spend the night alone.

Truth to be told, he was just thinking of eating, then sleeping afterward.

"You heard him, Oppa," Yura said gently. "We won't let you spend it alone."

"Yes, yes. There's no chance we're letting Minjae hyung go around by himself on Christmas. You're officially invited, okay?" Jihoon nodded eagerly, even raising a hand as if he wouldn't hear any answer aside from yes.

Minjae blinked, clearly caught off guard. He stared at them for a long second, before his lips slowly curved into a smile. He shrugged his shoulders, thinking this was better than being alone.

"Hmm… Alright then" he said softly. "Thank you."

Yura turned her head against Jihoon with a small smile of satisfaction. "

Looks like our Christmas just got a little brighter, Jihoon-ssi."

"Yes, Noona. Don't worry. This is gonna be the best Christmas ever." Jihoon beamed out loud, even tapping on his shoulders, confident of it.

In his mind, he was already thinking of a few things to do. He was excited, since it would be his first time spending Christmas with friends and not his family.

And so, he was determined to make it really unforgettable.

"You guys are ridiculous." Haejin laughed under his breath.

"I know right," Seojin added, standing up with a smile, "but it's nice since spending Christmas alone is depressing."

Jihoon gasped dramatically, placing a hand over his heart like he just received a genius revelation.

"I know, right?" he exclaimed, his eyes already gleaming with uncontained excitement.

"Oh! Should we buy matching t-shirts? No—wait— how aboutmatching pajamas! And we can decorate my apartment! I'll get a little tree, some lights, maybe even a snowman. We should also bake cookies! Do any of you know how to bake? No? Doesn't matter, we'll figure it out!"

Jihoon clapped his hands together like a kid planning a school festival.

"This is going to be legendary!"

Yura stared at him, blinking slowly before shaking her head in disbelief.

"You're seriously thinking about that already?" she muttered, though her lips were twitching with amusement.

Minjae also tilted his head and looked at Jihoon with the same look as Yura.

"You're already this far ahead?"

"Hey, I'm just being prepared!" Jihoon defended himself as he crossed his arms proudly. This Christmas would be the best, okay? This best Jihoon promises that."

The four looked at each other as Jihoon made a pose. They shook their in disbelief. One by one, they decided to walk awa slowly, finding Jihoon unbelievable.

Jihoon was to struck in his own world, that he didn't realize that the 4 others were starting to walk away from him.

As soon as he saw that they were no longer around, he frowned and looked around.

"Hey! Where are you going? Wait for me!"