Chapter 212: Performance Presentation (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 212: Performance Presentation (2)
During the "MISSION" promotions, Spark wore every kind of suit imaginable.
Pilot uniforms, British gentleman-style suits, all-black ensembles, and even the flamboyant gold-embroidered suits with frilly lace that you often see on webnovel app splash pages (the fans called those "Ropan-style" outfits).
If it consisted of a shirt, a jacket, and slacks, we probably wore it. The only things that changed were the lengths of the hems and sleeves.
Thanks to that, Choi Je-ho and I...
≫ So what season is it supposed to be right now?
≫ The younger ones look like "Autumn Men"
≫ But the older ones are f*cking "Hot Summer." They're boiling.
...earned the title of "Idols Who Defy the Seasons." What an honor.
And for today, our final music show broadcast, the concept was none other than "Office Workers."
Personally, I was sick to death of it, but it was decided because of the rising popularity of In My Office—plus the fact that the members had never actually done a proper office worker concept before. There were also many opinions that we should give the final broadcast an "event" feel.
When I played the role of Do Yeong-hwan, I often wore grey suits to maintain a blurred presence, but since the color of this song is so intense, I ended up in a pitch-black suit set this time.
Back when we took our first profile photos, I said we’d switch to clip-on ties once we made a lot of money. Yet, even now, having surpassed the break-even point, Spark was still tying their ties manually. Apparently, it was necessary for individual styling adjustments. I do agree on the importance of delicate styling, though.
Having learned once, Jeong Seong-bin was now quite good at tying his tie. The black suit with fine pinstripes suited him well. It captured the vibe of the "Leader" from the music video perfectly.
Choi Je-ho decided to wear only a vest over a white shirt. I heard the stylists had a long discussion after he nearly ripped the shoulder seams of his jacket during a move where he raised his arms forcefully in the last broadcast.
"Je-ho doesn't need a jacket for once. His shoulders are as broad as the plains!"
The stylist patted Choi Je-ho’s shoulders, saying it would be a waste not to show them off. They even strapped a silver-shining watch onto his wrist. His styling was finished by perching a pair of glasses with thinner frames than the ones he usually wore onto his nose.
Park Ju-woo wore a warm-toned grey suit that complemented his slightly greyish eyes. Instead of a vest like Choi Je-ho and Jeong Seong-bin, he layered an ivory knit vest over his shirt to add a softer touch.
With his hair being white as well, Park Ju-woo left a unique impression, looking like a "Work Fairy" who had come to help out with office tasks.
"Why don't I have a vest or a jacket?"
"Cheong-hyeon, you need to focus everything on your face."
"Oh, stop it. My face has to work hard again today, I see."
Lee Cheong-hyeon maximized a casual atmosphere with just a white dress shirt and a navy tie.
They put a slight curl in his hair to create a narrative of "a handsome employee who ran his hands through his hair a couple of times to soothe a headache brought on by complex tasks." They strictly instructed him to sweep his hair back during the choreography, as long as it didn't smudge his makeup.
It was his usual joking self, but Lee Cheong-hyeon seemed a bit more excited than usual. It was likely because his friend was in the waiting room with him.
Lee Cheong-hyeon hovered around Kang Gi-yeon, who had just started his makeup, constantly giving orders to the stylist.
"Noona, put some heavy shading on Kang Gyeon’s face. Make it so only his jawline is visible!"
"Cheong-hyeon, Gi-yeon already has nothing but a jawline."
Well, that was inevitable. Kang Gi-yeon was the one who managed his diet most strictly in this team.
Kang Gi-yeon was eye-catching enough with just his teal hair. Even though coldness was already dripping from his face, they matched his tie and suit to a cool-toned palette, making the kid look like a Head of Department.
"You're making me dizzy, so just go away..."
Kang Gi-yeon spoke with only his lips moving, not daring to move his face much since he was in the middle of makeup.
Today, we had made sure to pack the Cheongsimwon and the emergency medicine Kang Gi-yeon had brought from the hospital. Preparation was perfect. Everyone had done their utmost.
Kang Gi-yeon’s hands repeatedly clenched and unclenched into fists. He took deep breaths every now and then.
My hand instinctively went to the employee ID hanging around my neck.
At one time, a necklace like this—just a single card in a plastic case—felt so heavy.
Now, it felt so light I couldn't even tell if I was wearing it. I didn't know if it was because I’d cleared out my boss, because I’d been recognized by the company, because I was saying everything I wanted to say despite acting the part of a junior employee, or because I’d helped Jo Yong-han pass on.
I just felt unburdened. Vaguely.
And I had a colleague I wanted to share this feeling with.
The stylist touched up Kang Gi-yeon’s bangs one last time, saying they needed to check it just once more. I watched him from behind and spoke up.
"Gi-yeon."
"Yes?"
"Do you think Princess Soda will really end up with Prince Menol?"
Kang Gi-yeon opened his closed eyes. "Absurd" was written all over his forehead.
However, a fan can never ignore it when their interest becomes the topic of conversation.
"...I don't know. Doesn't Menol seem a bit like a two-timer? Personally, I don't think he's lead male material."
"I'm not the only one who thought so, then? I felt like Menol would end up with U-ron."
"I think so too."
"But is that allowed? Menol is already engaged to the Princess."
"Anything is possible in the face of love."
Despite having a face that looked like it knew nothing of love, Kang Gi-yeon preached the power of love quite well. His clenched fists had relaxed at some point.
"Guys, let's start moving!"
At the manager's words, the members stood up in unison. Kang Gi-yeon also rose from his chair.
In the hallway leading to the stage, I asked Kang Gi-yeon.
"Who do you want the Princess to end up with?"
Kang Gi-yeon pondered my question seriously.
From a distance, the music and cheers from the previous stage could be heard. As the iron doors opened, the surroundings instantly turned dark. Hot air enveloped our bodies.
The lights from the set shone over Kang Gi-yeon’s face.
"Wouldn't Blanche be better? Even though everyone says he's definitely the second lead."
He gave a faint smile.
"I suppose a knight might be better than those airheaded princes."
"It fits the 'MISSION' concept well, too."
"Are you a monster created by your idol persona?"
"I'm only following your lead, Hyung."
Kang Gi-yeon checked if his employee ID was facing forward and if his shirt was properly tucked.
Then, he looked at me and said.
"Hyung."
"Yeah?"
"Don't make a mistake."
Look at this guy.
I couldn't help but burst into laughter at him trying to get the upper hand.
"I'll try my best."
"Yes. Show me with the results."
The song that had been playing ended. I heard the shout, "Spark, going up!"
"Let's go."
I gave his back a small pat. Kang Gi-yeon headed toward the temporary stairs without hesitation. Like the morning sun rising, the lights blazed from beyond the steps.
The downside of public broadcasts is that you can't hold up slogans.
Baek Hae-won wanted to wave a paper slogan that said, "F*cking congrats on your return, Kang Gi-yeon," but she held it back with all her might. She had worked so hard to get into this pre-recording; she couldn't risk getting kicked out without seeing the boys' faces.
Only after watching one stage from a group she was seeing for the first time today did Spark’s turn finally come.
At the same time, tall silhouettes appeared in the distance.
"Waaaaah!"
"Guys!"
Screams erupted from all directions. If you thought of Spark, you thought of their real-life visuals, and if you thought of real-life visuals, you thought of Spark. Those seeing Spark in person for the first time were amazed, and those who had seen them many times were equally amazed by their faces.
Baek Hae-won was used to such reactions from those around her. Even though she was screaming herself. Her soul, which had been dozing off after rushing to the pre-recording in the dead of night, snapped awake.
The office worker concept is insane.
A parade of well-fitted suits unfolded before her eyes. How was it that they looked even more dashing than they did in the office from the drama?
In the midst of it, Baek Hae-won immediately found Kim I-wol, Spark’s expert in acting like an office worker.
That haughty, arrogant-looking face, the confident black suit, and even the black dress shoes.
Our Mr. Do Yeong-hwan got promoted. Tears blurred her vision.
On the other hand, there were people who were actually shedding tears. They were Kang Gi-yeon’s fans, who had been anxious after their favorite member halted activities right after the comeback.
These people started crying for real as soon as Kang Gi-yeon appeared with a bright smile. At the simple words of thanks for just showing up, Kang Gi-yeon’s eyes seemed to redden slightly.
"Sparklers, could you cheer just a little bit louder than usual for us today?"
Jeong Seong-bin asked cautiously. The fans shouted, "Of course!"
"You don't have to do that if it's because of me..."
"It's not because of you, it's because it's the last broadcast. Right, Seong-bin Hyung?"
Lee Cheong-hyeon livened up the atmosphere with his characteristic playfulness. At the same time, seeing him with his arm around Kang Gi-yeon’s shoulder looked so friendly and nice.
It felt like they had barely exchanged a few words, but it was already time for the rehearsal. Baek Hae-won and the fans held their breath.
At that moment, under the blue lights, the conversation between the members could be heard faintly.
"Fighting."
"Let's do well."
The voices were so quiet it was hard to tell who said what. But the content was so intimate and warm that it made Baek Hae-won’s heart flutter, even though she had overheard it unintentionally.
The opening of "MISSION" is handled by Kang Gi-yeon.
For a while, that role had been passed to other members, but finally, the part had returned to its rightful owner.
Kang Gi-yeon’s voice cleared away the darkness of the stage.
I want the last person
Standing by your side
To be me
Kang Gi-yeon’s deep teal hair shone coldly under the lights.
As if piercing through, Kang Gi-yeon looked down into the camera and sang in a low, reciting tone.
I hope it's me
What followed was "that" part of Kim I-wol’s that Baek Hae-won loved the most.
Unlike the music video or the first stage, the buttons fastened to the very top of his neck, the tightly drawn tie, and the fully buttoned jacket stimulated something in the dark corners of the heart.
I wait with bated breath
For the moment
You call for me
Blue lights settled over Kim I-wol’s fair, pale skin. The shadow falling beneath the bridge of his nose made his contoured face look even more three-dimensional.
As Kim I-wol smoothly moved along the path, Park Ju-woo, who had been waiting for his turn behind him, appeared.
A dreamy falsetto, hiding his usual sharp tone, flowed out.
From the moment I open my eyes
I follow your movements
With my gaze until I fall asleep
Forever
Feeling as if she were walking through a fog, Baek Hae-won stared at Park Ju-woo as he turned away.
When all the members turned their backs to the camera, Lee Cheong-hyeon appeared effortlessly from the end of the formation.
I'll escort you
All the way to the stage
I'll match your pace
And wait for you
Jeong Seong-bin took Lee Cheong-hyeon’s hand as if leading him. Their fingers intertwined with strength.
Until that promised time
Only
For you
Simultaneously, Kim I-wol returned to the center.
It was time for that specific smile, the number one contributor to the surge in views for Kim I-wol’s fancams.
The goal is only one
To remain by your side
That is all
Behind Kim I-wol, who smiled brightly in time with "That is all," a magnificent session of music resounded.
As it became their part, Choi Je-ho and Kang Gi-yeon pressed their backs together. The back and shoulder muscles of the two men meshed naturally.
My admiration
Whatever path you walk
Becomes my path
March on with a smile
And Park Ju-woo’s high note, which would open the start of that march.
I want the highlight
To shine only on you
I want the whole world
To be placed in your hands
A voice as vivid as a highlight and as solid as if it could fill one's palm filled the stage.
Taking over from him, Kim I-wol sang.
This overwhelming feeling
Is more than enough
As a reward
Jeong Seong-bin smiled and performed the choreography of gesturing for silence. His lips curved into a faint arc.
I'll stay
Backstage
Until you come
With a joyful heart
Beneath Jeong Seong-bin’s vocals, Lee Cheong-hyeon’s harmony was layered low. The ending, which gave off a mysterious feeling, filled the stage.
Hiding my traces, quietly
Behind your back
In the closest place
Confetti fluttered. Perhaps it was because the lighting was in the blue spectrum, but the shimmering confetti sparkled like stars. Through the confetti, the silhouettes of the six members were visible.
This sight. This sight of the six of them standing together for the final formation was what she had missed all along.
If it weren't for the fact that it was the last broadcast, she would have told them to throw away all that "trash" confetti instead of letting it cover the boys' faces. Even Baek Hae-won, watching the stage, felt like she might burst into tears for no reason.