CHAPTER 32: ARTHUR’S SECRET

Right after the top 60 results were announced, the internet again erupted in a storm of discussion.

Andy, who was casually browsing the web, couldn’t help but see it too. It wasn’t like he was intentionally keeping an eye on someone or anything—but for some reason, his phone seemed to have a mind of its own.

He looked at the photo of Joshua maintaining his calm demeanor, then finally pressed save.

That made him suddenly recall the few pictures he had taken the other day.

Andy narrowed his eyes slightly, then sighed. "...Well, leaving them there won’t do any good anyway."

So, he conveniently created an account and uploaded them.

[Andy]: Photos.

After that, he didn’t bother looking at it again. Checking the time, he grabbed his things and headed out for his part-time job.

At that moment, the live broadcast had also come to an end. The trainees outside the top 60 began returning to their dorms to pack up and leave.

Some hugged each other in comfort and encouragement.

These trainees might step away from showbiz altogether or continue training while waiting for new opportunities. Some could even become internet celebrities, building up their own reputations.

No matter what, everyone would eventually find their own path and future.

"Joshua!"

Joshua was returning to the dorm when a loud voice called out his name. He froze slightly, feeling the glances directed his way—Leonard really did have a knack for standing out, whether he meant to or not.

Leonard soon reached him, his shadow falling over Joshua as he lowered his gaze and said softly, "I have something to tell you."

Before Joshua could respond, Leonard grabbed his wrist and pulled him toward the small grove nearby.

Joshua: "...I can walk on my own."

Leonard acted as if he hadn’t heard.

Meanwhile, Nine was silently grinding his teeth. Damn it, if anyone snapped a picture of that, the Foby-fans would go absolutely wild—screaming about how Foby is real and spreading dating rumors about Leonard and Joshua. Just the thought made him fume!

Then, all of a sudden, Leonard stopped walking, causing Joshua—who hadn’t expected it—to bump into his back.

Joshua stepped back, only to feel Leonard’s grip on his hand tighten abruptly. The next instant, Joshua was pulled forward, his face pressing right into Leonard’s chest.

Nine shouted: [What the hell was that?! That’s definitely perverted!]

"Joshua, I’m sorry..." Leonard suddenly said, his tone uneasy and heavy with guilt.

Joshua waved his hand, his voice muffled against Leonard’s chest, sounding hoarse. "Let me go first."

Only then did Leonard release him, though his hands still gripped Joshua’s shoulders tightly, as if afraid that he would slip away at any moment.

Joshua’s entire face was flushed from being pressed against Leonard. The faint scent of laundry detergent on Leonard’s clothes lingered around his nose.

He wrinkled his nose slightly and spoke softly, "What are you apologizing for? It’s fine, really."

Leonard frowned, a hint of irritation flashing across his face before he finally raised his voice:

"I’m apologizing for looking down on you—for underestimating your effort. You push yourself so hard you don’t even know what pain is anymore. You’re an idiot... but I admit I was wrong. You don’t need anyone by your side to shine. I’m sorry."

With that, he turned and strode away, leaving Joshua standing there, watching his tall figure bathed in sunlight—red hair blazing like fire.

[He’s got split personalities or what? One moment this, one moment that,] Nine grumbled loudly. [And did you hear that? He straight-up admitted he looked down on you from the start! Just look at him—you can tell he’s not some cute puppy type, just a faker in front of the fans!]

Joshua recalled the scene of Leonard walking in that morning and said softly, "He doesn’t need to pretend."

"Crack!"

Suddenly, a sound like a dry branch snapping broke the silence. Joshua immediately turned around, only to see Arthur stepping out awkwardly from behind a large bush. He gave an embarrassed smile.

"Sorry, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop on your conversation with Leonard. I just happened to be on a call here and didn’t have time to leave..."

Arthur had only been looking for a quiet spot to answer his phone, nothing more.

He stuffed one hand in his pocket while waving the other to shoo away a few butterflies fluttering around him, even trying to land on him.

Joshua couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight. "You look like someone out of a fairy tale."

After all, princesses in fairy tales were always loved by animals.

Arthur laughed softly at that.

Then, Joshua suddenly asked, "Arthur... you don’t want to become an idol, do you?"

Arthur looked up in surprise, not expecting Joshua to say something like that.

Sorry—Joshua hadn’t meant it as an accusation, more like a test. But he didn’t plan to return it since he had already spoken.

He tilted slightly and said softly, "I didn’t mean anything by it. It’s just... You seem conflicted."

Joshua pressed his lips together, searching for the right words to express his thoughts. But before he could continue, Arthur said, "You guessed right."

Joshua’s eyes widened in surprise, meeting Arthur’s gaze head-on.

Arthur lowered his eyes, the corners of his lips still curved faintly upward, yet sorrow flickered unmistakably in those deep black eyes. He smiled faintly at Joshua.

"You’d never understand, Joshua. Since I was a child, I’ve never lived a life of my own. It’s as if a path had already been laid out for me—a plan set in motion from the moment I was born. And I... I’ve never had a choice but to follow it."

Joshua parted his lips in astonishment. He hadn’t expected that someone like Arthur would turn out to be a rebel at heart.

Then Arthur suddenly chuckled, as if brushing the matter off. "It sounds ridiculous. Maybe I’m just hitting my rebellious phase late. My life’s probably far easier than most people’s, but I can’t help searching for freedom. Meaningless, right?"

"No, it’s not," Joshua said.

Arthur froze slightly, his eyes locking on Joshua’s face, as if waiting for what would come next.

Joshua continued thoughtfully, "Everyone has their own struggles." Then he smiled faintly. "I just hope that the path you choose is something you want—not just a fleeting emotion. Either way, I hope you find your freedom someday."

Arthur’s gaze lingered on the dimple on Joshua’s right cheek. It dazzled him—the way that smile did, and those brilliant blue eyes that sparkled like the sea...

By the time Arthur returned to his senses, Joshua was already gone, leaving him alone in the quiet grove.

For some reason, dark clouds suddenly gathered overhead, casting shadows through the trees, dimming Arthur’s face in the gloom.

Ring, ring, ring!

The sharp chime of a phone broke the eerie stillness.

"Sob... sob... Arthur, come home, please. I’m sorry—I shouldn’t have threatened you. Come home, will you? You’re the only one capable of taking control of everything..." a woman’s tearful voice pleaded over the line.

Arthur was silent for a moment, then suddenly laughed. "Of course, Mother."

After all, that was the result he had already foreseen.

He drew his hand from his pocket. Resting quietly in his palm was a butterfly with delicate blue wings. The powder on its wings shimmered faintly in the light as other butterflies fluttered closer.

"A story I made up in three seconds was enough to make you sympathize... how foolish." Arthur’s voice was calm and gentle, even melodic.

He looked down at the butterfly’s blue wings—and thought of Joshua’s eyes, that exact shade of ocean blue. Then, with an indifferent motion, he released his hand. The butterfly fell silently to the ground.

He had found something more beautiful—those eyes.

He wanted them.

As his footsteps faded into the distance, the butterflies gathered around the fallen one, their wings trembling softly, as if mourning.

"What? You’re saying you want to withdraw from Shining Path? Arthur, you need to think this through carefully—right now you’re in the top three! You’re guaranteed to debut, or at least get scouted by a top-tier company!"

The director was utterly panicked the moment he heard Arthur wanted to quit the show.

First of all, Arthur’s vocals were genuinely outstanding, and on top of that, his face alone drew in fans even when he barely showed any expression.

"If there’s something you’re unhappy about, you can tell us... How about this—I’ll make sure you get a guaranteed debut spot no matter what, okay?" the director said earnestly, trying to persuade him.

But Arthur didn’t seem particularly concerned. He smiled faintly and said in a calm voice, "I’m merely informing you, Director."

With that, he turned and walked away. Outside, a group of bodyguards who had been waiting for some time immediately stepped forward when they saw him, bowing respectfully. "Everything has been prepared, sir. Please, this way."

The director could only stare, mouth agape, as he watched the scene unfold.