Novel Full 86 Comforting The First
Zeth’s crying.
He’s really crying.
And all June could think of was his mission.
‘I succeeded, right? I made him cry,’ he said in his mind.
[Trainee Zeth did not cry because of you, host. He merely cried because of his struggles.]
June let out a sigh, causing Zeth to turn to him.
“You understand me, right?” he asked, still with teary eyes.
June wasn’t even paying attention!
Thinking this could be a way to finish another mission, June decided to sit down and listen to Zeth’s rants.
He sighed before reluctantly squeezing his shoulder. June didn’t know much about comforting another person. When Mei Ling’s favorite groups would disband, he’d usually just give her some of her favorite snacks.
June rummaged through his pocket and found the opened hardtacks in them. With an awkward cough, he placed it in Zeth’s hands, causing the talented boy to look up at him with wide eyes.
“How did you know that this is my favorite snack?” he asked, popping a piece into his mouth.
“Umm, you seem like the guy to like hardtacks,” June reasoned out.
Zeth chuckled and continued eating the snack. “You’re really a good person, brother. I thought your friends were joking because you always looked serious, but now I think I understand them.”
June felt awkward.
He wasn’t used to his attitude being complimented.
“So—uh, what’s on your mind?” June asked.
Zeth placed the hardtacks down and took a deep breath as he began to open up.
“Have you ever experienced being the at the top?” Zeth asked.
“No,” June bluntly said.
There was no doubt that he’s had a shitty life.
He had never experienced getting first place, so he couldn’t relate to what Zeth was saying.
“Do you want to?” Zeth suddenly asked.
June hummed. “No,” he honestly said. If June was given another chance to live his life, he’d pick a very mediocre one—something that wouldn’t entail a lot of responsibilities.
A life where you’re just…there. Not at the bottom, but not at the top.
“That’s a good choice, brother,” Zeth softly said. “You know, being the top-ranked trainee isn’t all great if you think about it,” Zeth admitted, his voice tinged with frustration.
June would much rather live a life at the top than the bottom, though.
In the end, it’s better to cry at a furnished mansion than a beat-up shed.
“Sure,” June said. “I’m sure it has its moments.”
Zeth sighed. “Everyone expects so much from me, and it’s like I’m constantly under a microscope. I’ve been training for years, and sometimes the pressure just feels suffocating.”
He continued, his voice gaining strength as he spoke, “I chose the song we’re performing because I wanted to prove that I’m more than just a good-looking rapper and dancer. I wanted a challenge, something that could showcase my versatility and hard-earned talent. But after everything that happened today, I feel like I’m letting everyone down.”
June listened intently, trying to understand the weight of Zeth’s words.
What this kid is feeling is definitely valid, but at the end of the day, it’s not like he has to be perfect.
However, looking at Zeth, it seemed like he still hadn’t internalized that fact.
This kid must have been honed in such a tough environment where he always had to be perfect. June knew of the cutthroat world of idols and trainees, but it’s different now that he’s experiencing it firsthand.
It’s definitely hard to lose yourself if your heart and mind are not in the right place.
“You don’t have to be perfect,” June said. “If you really think about it, nobody actually cares about you at all. We’re all too focused on ourselves to give a damn about other people.”
Zeth frowned. “I don’t understand,” he said. “People are quick to judge. I feel like I have to put on some kind of facade to always please them. That’s how my life has always been.”
June leaned against the cold railing, crossing his arms casually. He decided to relay it to Zeth in a way he’d understand. “You know, Zeth, life’s a bit like a dance routine. Not everyone gets it right on the first try. Sometimes, you stumble over your steps, miss a beat, or even fall flat on your face. But the trick is to keep moving, find your rhythm, and take those missteps as learning experiences, so you wouldn’t repeat them again.”
Zeth’s gaze met June’s melancholic feelings swirling in his eyes. “It’s easier said than done.”
June’s lips quirked into a smirk. “Oh, no doubt about that. But think about it – those ‘imperfections’ in your routine are what makes it unforgettable. They’re the moments that tell your story, the story of growth, and becoming the person you’re meant to be.”
June wanted to puke as he said those words. When did he become such a philanthropist?
Zeth’s smile wavered slightly, his voice soft. “I just… I don’t want to let anyone down.”
June’s gaze held a reassuring steadiness. “We all fear that, Zeth. You’re not special. Of course, it’s alright to feel down every once in a while. That’s normal. It’s just the wheel of life. However, if that happens, just remember to go back to your original intentions—why are you doing this in the first place?”
Zeth blinked, his eyes glistening with tears.
June chuckled. “Come on, man. Don’t cry. You’re making me look bad here.”
Cry.
Cry.
Fucking cry.
June internally rejoiced when tears fell from Zeth’s eyes. He patted Zeth’s back, trying to hold back his smile.
[Congratulations, host! You have fulfilled the mission: Evoke an emotional response. Make someone cry. Please pick an aspect to improve.]
‘How about charm? Or maybe rap?’
‘Let’s go for rap first since I don’t even know what charm does.’
‘Rap.’
[Wise choice! Rap +1. Current grade: D-]
[All skills are now on the D-tier. You have earned: a healing potion.]
June wanted to roll his eyes. This potion only unlocked right now? He doesn’t need it anymore.
Thankfully, Zeth only cried for a couple of minutes.
He sniffed and smiled—his signature golden-retriever smile that June hadn’t seen since the start of the second mission.
It seemed like Zeth was finally back to himself.
“I think we should head back to our rooms, brother,” Zeth said, his tone suddenly becoming friendlier—like he had become fonder of June. “We still have to think about the arrangement tomorrow. I still don’t have a clue on how to arrange the song.”
June groaned. “Don’t remind me…”
“Hey,” Zeth patted his shoulder. “Don’t get discouraged now. Take your own advice. Remember your original intentions,” he smiled.
June paused.
Wait…
Original intentions?
Hmm…
As the two of them walked back to their rooms, a loud monstrous sound broke the tranquil night.
Zeth laughed out loud and pointed at June’s stomach.
“I think you forgot to feed the hungry monster in your stomach.”
June froze, then he suddenly clutched onto his stomach.
It wasn’t the hungry monster; it was the fiery chip!
“Shit,” he muttered. “I gotta go,” he said, running to his room and going straight to the bathroom.
The chip felt painful coming in, and it sure as hell felt painful coming out.