Falling for the Omega Idol Chapter 174: ARRIVING AT JEJU ISLAND

BEFORE lunch, The Argo finally docked at Jeju’s main cruise terminal. The massive ship pulled alongside the modern pier, its white hull towering over the dock’s concrete walkways. Rows of sturdy bollards and thick ropes secured it in place.

The sea here was calm, its blue surface broken only by small waves rocking the occasional passing ferry. Further out, the water stretched smooth under the midday sun. The port itself stood clean and orderly, with staff in bright vests directing operations. In the distance, industrial cranes and cargo ships marked the comrcial port area, fishing boats were docked even farther down the coast, well out of view.

The air slled faintly of salt, with none of the fishy scents or diesel fus that hung around working harbors.

Many contestants gathered on the deck, taking in the view of Jeju Island. They knew they wouldn’t be allowed to go ashore, but the sight still made them restless with excitent. Based on what happened in Busan, where they’d gotten a day off after completing the vocal mission, they figured another break might co, eventually. That is, if they managed to pass the next elimination round first.

That’s what’s on Haneul’s mind as he looked up front. He was excited that they were on Jeju. This was his first ti here, which was not surprising, considering how he hadn’t really gone anywhere else but Seoul for the next 10 years after the accident. It’s hard to go and have a vacation when one didn’t have the money or the ti for it.

There was also a touch of bittersweetness as he looked at the island ahead. Their family had planned to co here for sumr vacation that year, but then the accident happened. It would have been the first ti his parents took him and his sister to Jeju. But it never ca to be.

He drew in a deep breath and pushed away the sadness. He had already stopped that accident from happening. His family was still alive and safe. And one day, they would have that trip together. He’d make sure of it.

"Wow, I can’t believe we’re actually in Jeju!" Haru exclaid from beside him, snapping Haneul out of his thoughts.

He turned to see the other boy pouting slightly.

"And I can’t believe we’re stuck up here instead of getting to explore," Haru added, his tone mixing wonder with disappointnt.

"Don’t worry, Haru. If we make it through the next elimination, we’ll definitely get to explore the island. Just like we did back in Busan," Robin reassured him.

A worried frown appeared on Haru’s face. "That’s the problem," he said quietly. "I’m not sure I can make it through."

"Hey, why the sudden doubt?" Robin asked, his eyebrows lifting slightly.

Haru let out a tired sigh. "Did you even watch my performance? I was... not really good, you know?"

Haneul frowned when he heard that and turned fully toward the other. "Haru-yah, you did good. You hit all the right notes, your voice was steady, and you put real emotion into the song. That’s exactly what good ans to . So stop selling yourself short."

And he ant every word. This wasn’t empty comfort because Haru had genuinely delivered a solid performance. While others might have shown more technical flair, Haru’s performance had been clean, emotionally connected, and perfectly adequate for the mission’s requirents. He hadn’t stood out in a bad way at all, which in a competition this brutal, was an achievent in itself.

"He’s right, you know?" Robin agreed. "If you say you did badly, then you’re basically saying all the ti Haneul spent coaching you was wasted."

"No, that’s not—" Haru started to protest, but then he noticed Robin’s playful smile and realized the other was just teasing him. Still, he understood the point Robin was making. He offered a small, helpless smile. "You’re right. I shouldn’t have said that. Sorry, Haneul hyung."

Haneul smiled gently. "No need to apologize. Just don’t doubt yourself so much when you’re clearly very talented."

And with the next mission clearly being a dance centric one, Haru would have every chance to shine even brighter.

Haru felt genuinely touched. In that mont, Haneul didn’t just feel like a fellow contestant, he felt like a real older brother. The kind who supports you not out of obligation, but because he truly sees and believes in you.

"But hey, Haru, did you get taller?" Robin asked suddenly.

Haru turned to Robin, his earlier worries completely forgotten at the comnt. "Do I really look taller, hyung?"

"Yeah," Robin said, tilting his head as he looked between them. "You’re almost as tall as Haneul now."

Hearing that, Haru turned to face Haneul directly, his eyes widening slightly as he realized their eyes were now perfectly level. He really had grown taller!

"Haneul hyung! I’m taller!" Haru exclaid, his voice bright with surprise and a touch of pride as he straightened up to emphasize the difference.

Haneul chuckled at the other’s excitent. This was likely the beginning of Haru’s major growth spurt.

"Yes, I can see that," Haneul said with a smile. "Maybe you’re hitting another growth phase?"

Haru was filled with joy hearing that. Although he didn’t show it, being short when he was a dominant Alpha had always been a source of inferiority for him. So, the thought that he could have a growth spurt was like a hidden wish finally coming true.

Robin ruffled Haru’s hair playfully. "Save your celebration for when you’re as tall as ."

Haru dodged away and stuck out his tongue. "Don’t be such a killjoy."

Just then, a familiar voice called out, "Hey, guys!"

All three turned toward the sound and saw Seojun walking toward them with a casual wave. And they greeted him back.

"So, this is where you are," Seojun said as he approached, his eyes shifting across the group before settling on Haneul.

Robin raised an eyebrow. "Most of the contestants are up here on the deck, you know?"

Seojun scratched his cheek awkwardly. "I know. I’ve been up here for a while too, but—"

"Seojun-ah!" a voice called out suddenly, cutting off whatever Seojun had been about to say.