These new missions were just adding up to June's frustrations.
Posting a selfie?
That would just get him murdered on the streets. He was already being murdered online by Zeth's dedicated fans, the Phoenix's trainees' enthusiastic fangirls, casual viewers, and people who just love to hate on others.
And kick someone out of the show? At this point, he'll be the one kicked out if nothing changes.
June sighed in frustration as he raked his hands through his hair, leaving it a mess.
And just then, he received another text.
'Pay your rent this month!' the monster texted.
Great, the landlady has the same perfect timing as Fu.
***
June leaned against the counter of the convenience store, absentmindedly scanning the shelves while his thoughts swirled in a whirlwind of frustration. The flickering fluorescent lights cast a pale glow over the rows of snacks and drinks, creating an eerie ambiance. Thankfully, Mr. Chang gave him another opportunity to work at his store while June was on a break.
However, June felt like he wasn't on a break at all. Last night's accusations hung heavy on his mind.
Accused of bullying those two hooligans?
June couldn't believe it. He clenched his jaw, the muscles in his arms tensing. He grabbed a pack of instant noodles from the shelf and tossed it into his basket with a little more force than necessary.
June's thoughts were abruptly interrupted when the bell above the entrance chimed, announcing a new arrival. He looked up nonchalantly as he saw a familiar face walking into the store.
Hana.
The girl whose money he returned and the same girl on the soju bottle.
"Hey," she exclaimed, her eyes brightening when she saw the familiar worker.
June sighed quietly and went behind the counter. "What do you want?" he asked in a rough voice, still feeling frustrated with what was happening.
Hana chuckled, amused. Ever since she met the blunt worker in the convenience store, she went almost every week in hopes of meeting him again.
She didn't know what drew her into such a cold person, but it just felt refreshing not to be perceived as a famous celebrity.
Fame sometimes gets tiring, you know?
"Are you a student or something?" Hana asked, obviously intrigued. "You only work here from time to time."
June sighed. Only his eyes were seen, so the annoyance wasn't as evident in his face.
"Something like that," June responded. Then, he impatiently tapped his fingers on the counter.
"Are you buying anything?"
He couldn't believe he was turning into that part-timer in the convenience store near Azure, but he couldn't help it.
He really wasn't in the mood.
Hana smiled and grabbed a pack of gum. "Just this," she said.
June quickly rang the item and gave it to Hana.
"Are you working here tomorrow?" Hana asked, leaning against the counter.
"No," June deadpanned.
Hana smiled. "Got it. See you tomorrow!" she exclaimed as she left the convenience store.
June sighed and shook his head. Is he a people magnet or something? Why are people so adamant about meeting him when he's done nothing but push them away?
And speaking of people he didn't want to see, Jisung, C-Jay, Jangmoon, and Akira entered the store with concerned looks on their faces.
"Big Brother!" Jangmoon screamed, jumping up the counter to hug June and inspect his features. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?" he dramatically asked. June clicked his tongue and pushed him away.
"I didn't get into an accident," June said. Although, that would honestly be better.
Akira sat on the counter while Jisung stood next to him. C-Jay proceeded to snack on a discarded bag of chips while Jangmoon kept clinging to him.
"I'm starting to believe that June is a black cat in his past life. You're lucky and unlucky all at the same time," Akira chuckled.
C-Jay nodded. "Tell me about it. He always gets himself into shitty situations, but he somehow gets through them in the end. I'm sure you'll get through this one too. It's not like you really trained at Phoenix, right?" C-Jay chuckled.
"True," Jangmoon chimed.
However, June remained silent, causing the four to look at him with inquiry.
"Wait," Akira awkwardly chuckled. "Don't tell me—"
"I did," June said, looking into their eyes. "I trained at Phoenix."
"What?" they exclaimed.
"How many years?" C-Jay asked.
"Seven," June responded, causing their eyes to bulge out of their sockets.
"Holy shit," Akira cursed. "Then, are you part of the ancient trainees that C-Jay was talking about?"
June shrugged.
"How could you be so nonchalant about this?" C-Jay asked, leaning over the counter to shake June's body. "Then, are you saying you're the fourth trainee in my story? The one that was kicked out because of the bullying scandal?"
"Then, that also means that what Alex and Hyunwoo are saying is all true?" Jangmoon asked. "Their chances of debuting were halted because of you? Did you do something when you trained at Phoenix? Or maybe it's all just a big misunderstanding?"
Jisung bit his lip in anxiousness while the others urged him to respond.
That was the point. June would be able to prove that he isn't a bully if he knew what truly happened. However, the truth was...
"I don't know."
The other four were stunned to silence. Jangmoon took a step back, seemingly wary of June's presence. The other's expressions weren't any different—they all looked suspicious of June.
June sighed in frustration. "Look," he started. "I don't know what truly happened. I can't fully refute what Alex and Hyunwoo said because I genuinely don't know. But one thing's certain—those two aren't good people. I'm not asking you to believe me or anything like that, but I think you can judge my character. You guys tell me if I'm really capable of doing something like that."
His friends didn't speak for a while, then Jangmoon slowly scooted over to him, capturing him into a warm hug.
"Sorry, big brother," Jangmoon said. "I just got scared. But now that I think about it, I don't think you're capable of doing any of that."
"Yeah," Jisung quickly nodded. "You're a good person, brother. You're right when you said that Alex and Hyunwoo were not good people. I met them once before Rising Stars, and they were laughing at a disabled trainee, telling him he wouldn't debut because of his disability."
Akira frowned. "And they have the audacity to accuse someone else of bullying?" he scoffed. "Don't worry, June. We're with you. We'll help you prove your innocence."
June sighed. "Thanks," he muttered, not expecting their support.
"Of course," C-Jay said, patting his back. "Who else would have your back, brother? We're with you until the end. Before the airing of the sixth episode, let's all prove your innocence!" he exclaimed.
"Let's name it: Mission Fluffernutter: Busting the Nutty Case of June's Innocence."
