Chapter 224: The Boisterous Sports Day (5)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 224: The Boisterous Sports Day (5)
During an interview for the 1st Competition of Idol Dynasty Annals, Kim I-wol had said this:
“Doesn’t just watching a sports match make your heart race? I hope you can feel that same excitement through our performances!”
Won Chae-hee now realized exactly what Kim I-wol had meant back then.
Kim I-wol was right. Sports made a person’s endorphins explode!
“Kim I-wol, fighting!”
“Je-ho, I love you!”
The fan section was a cacophony of uncoordinated cheering. No one had the presence of mind to sync their chants. Seeing their boys in action, the Sparklers were on the verge of losing their minds.
Choi Je-ho, swatting away every shot attempt from the opposing team; Choi Je-ho, setting a screen for Kim I-wol when he received a pass and went for a layup; Kim I-wol and Choi Je-ho, jogging backward to their half for the backcourt transition; Kim I-wol, immediately shifting into an offensive stance right after sinking a picture-perfect shot…
It was agonizing. What was the point of being a fansite master if she couldn't capture these moments?
If the official broadcast uses terrible camerawork, I’m applying for a job there tomorrow, Won Chae-hee vowed firmly.
Choi Je-ho was one thing, but was Kim I-wol allowed to be that good at sports with a face like a refined young master who looked like he’d never seen a day of sunlight? Right, basketball is an indoor sport, she thought. Won Chae-hee’s mind raced with a thousand thoughts as she enjoyed the game. Or rather, it would be more accurate to say she was desperately trying to burn every single movement into her memory.
Fortunately, Team D’s bench was near where Won Chae-hee was sitting. Thanks to that, the Sparklers got a front-row seat to the Spark members dripping with sweat and wiping their faces with towels during every break and timeout.
“I could really use a beer,” Won Chae-hee muttered.
The person sitting next to her snapped their head toward her instantly.
Did they hear me? Do I look like a pathetic fan who’s enjoying the game too much instead of cheering?
As all sorts of worries crossed her mind, the neighbor’s cheeks turned a faint shade of pink.
“Me too…”
With that, her comrade turned back to the court. Are you watching, Idol Unity Sports Day? Next year, make some adult wristbands and sell some beer. It’s emotionally taxing to watch such a legendary match without alcohol.
The game grew more intense as time passed. The gym was filled with the rhythmic thud of the ball and the squeak of sneakers against the floor.
“Shoot from the outside! The outside!”
Team D’s captain shouted to Kim I-wol while rotating the ball. After finding his spot with a few dribbles, Kim I-wol sent the ball flying. With a crisp swish, the shot went in.
『I-wol is really pulling his weight as a shooter! Was he an athlete before?』
『His resume says his main position was center, but it seems he’s performing his role perfectly even in a different position.』
Beyond the commentators’ praise, Choi Je-ho could be seen slapping Kim I-wol on the back with a loud thud.
I-wol, you were right. Sports are about passion, youth, and vitality.
Settling for the fresh fruit juice the members had handed out—it was still cold since it had been given in a large tumbler; what an eco-friendly company—Won Chae-hee watched the beautiful, hard-fought victory.
And the Sparklers reached a point where they leaped from their seats as Choi Je-ho sprinted from one end of the court to the other right after a turnover, slamming home a dunk with three seconds left on the clock.
Fuck, Kim I-wol, what’s with that sun-like smile? Why are you smiling like that and enchanting everyone! What’s with that "cool guy" grin you’re trading with Choi Je-ho! And what the hell is with the "Oldest Line" suddenly putting their arms around each other when they’ve been maintaining a 100-meter distance ever since the ‘Center Emperor Choi Je-ho’ contact name was leaked!
Won Chae-hee’s camera, which she’d brought for the "commute home" shots, was practically weeping. It was a heated victory.
“Did something happen during your game, hyungs? We could hear the cheering all the way over where we were.”
Kang Gi-yeon, who had joined us after finishing his short-distance preliminaries, asked. Since we hadn't had a chance to change yet because of the second round, we answered while being fanned by Lee Cheong-hyeon.
“Nothing much. We just played with all our heart and soul.”
“Wow, the other team must have been terrified.”
The truth slipped out of Lee Cheong-hyeon’s mouth. That honest mouth of his, seriously.
“How’s your ankle, Gi-yeon? Is it okay?”
“Yes. The floor wasn't slippery, so it was fine.”
“That’s a relief.”
While we were exchanging a few words with Gi-yeon’s group, Jeong Seong-bin’s group joined us as well. Park Ju-woo’s face was as red as a tomato, likely from cheering so hard. A silver medal was hanging around Jeong Seong-bin’s neck.
+
[SYSTEM] ‘Non-stop Cheering Vocal Cords’ has been granted to ‘Jeong Seong-bin.’
▷ Effect: Strain on the vocal cords is reduced and vocal cord durability is enhanced specifically for ‘Jeong Seong-bin.’ (No expiration date, Permanent)
+
A glorious system notification popped up. It seemed rewards were distributed only after an event was completely finished.
Despite being the first in the team to earn a reward, Jeong Seong-bin couldn't lift his head.
“I’m sorry, hyung. The person who got first place was just too good…”
“What are you talking about? You brought our team its first medal. Should we give you a victory toss?”
Jeong Seong-bin recoiled in horror at the suggestion. It was a shame; a Spark-style victory toss would have let him breathe some pretty high-altitude air. I calculated the broadcast date in my head and asked.
“I guess I’ll have to see Seong-bin’s highlights on the main broadcast. The Idol Unity Sports Day main air date was on the day of the holiday, right?”
“Yeah. Je-ho hyung, do you want to see the mirror too?”
“No.”
At Choi Je-ho’s refusal, Lee Cheong-hyeon fell back into his own world with the mirror. When I whispered in his ear, “Don’t you think you should check your appearance at least once?” Choi Je-ho finally borrowed the mirror to check his face.
“Oh, hyung. How’s my lip color? I reapplied that ‘Cool & Shower Ash Deep Pink 032’ you mentioned earlier.”
“It’s blended so I can’t really tell. Try wearing it on its own later. It does look better than before, though.”
“Really? This isn't easy. Maybe we should all get a group personal color test later.”
“I don’t need a test to know. You’re all obviously Northern Winter Blizzard Cool Tones.”
“Is that even a thing…?”
Park Ju-woo asked in a tiny voice, unable to keep up with our professional conversation. Of course not, Ju-woo. Where would such a thing exist? You’re turning twenty next year; you can’t be falling for stuff like this.
While we were chatting away, Jeong Seong-bin was busy trying to tie his outer jacket around Kang Gi-yeon’s neck like a cape.
“Hold still… Hmm, you look cute like this!”
“Cute?”
“It matches the slogan, so it looks good on you.”
“…….”
Kang Gi-yeon looked even more adorable, like Little Red Riding Hood from a fairy tale. Though, because of the color of the tracksuit and the slogan, he looked more like a dark-caped crusader burning with revolutionary spirit.
Kang Gi-yeon wasn't cold-hearted enough to untie the leader’s gesture of warmth. His shoulders just slumped a little.
After that, Spark continued to roam all over the gymnasium.
I went from archery to table tennis to dribbling a basketball, while the other members hopped from one event to another, frequently delivering snacks and drinks to the fans. I could say with certainty that, after the camera directors, we were the busiest people in this gym.
By the time I returned from winning a bronze medal in men’s doubles table tennis—partnered with a senior in his third year—the Sparklers looked like they had turned into snowmen.
“Guys, we’re full.”
“I brought cooler bags just in case. If you’re full, don’t force yourselves to eat; just take the desserts with you. The expiration dates are written on the bottom of the packages!”
This was all because Choi Je-ho had insisted on ordering 1.5 servings per person, saying, “It’s better to give too much than not enough.”
If it were just the meals, that would be one thing. But since he matched the snacks, desserts, and even the linner (late lunch/early dinner) to 1.5 servings, we had basically become a restaurant that pushed quantity over everything else.
Thanks to the combination of Jeong Seong-bin, who knew everything about idol merch, and Kang Gi-yeon, who understood fan needs to their very depths, the pile of goods was also mountain-high.
It started out with a picnic vibe, but now the Sparklers looked like people who lived in this gymnasium.
“We have so much luggage too…”
“I’ll make sure you get large reusable bags when you leave. The handles aren't made of string, so your hands won't hurt when you carry them.”
I replied with a smile. Seeing those guys blowing things out of proportion, I had prepared everything in advance. I was so proud of myself.
However, the fans’ expressions had turned even more transcendental. Somehow, they looked like a mix of joy and exhaustion.
What should I do? They say for a Sparkler who feels lethargic and lacks energy, nothing works better than a handsome Spark member.
I quickly checked the time. Then, I looked at the various entrances of the gym one by one. I saw a billiards table being brought in through the opposite entrance.
Perfect!
Sparklers, thank you for waiting.
The greatest visual show on earth is about to begin.
‘They have billiards this time too.’
Lee Cheong-hyeon had said while looking at the event list provided by the Idol Unity Sports Day staff.
‘Are there many idols who can play billiards?’
‘There might be.’
At my words, Choi Je-ho, who was reclining on the sofa, took the list from Lee Cheong-hyeon and scanned it. Then he handed the paper back.
‘I think something like bowling would be more popular, though.’
‘But Gi-yeon, if we did that, wouldn't the production staff have to reset the pins every time someone hits a strike?’
Everyone bit their lips at Jeong Seong-bin’s remark. Making them reset bowling pins in a place where hundreds of people were gathered? If I were a staff member, I’d work the morning and desert by the afternoon.
‘Does anyone know how to play?’
Choi Je-ho asked as he sat up. Most shook their heads. Surprisingly, Park Ju-woo raised his hand, saying he’d played a few times with his uncle. Even then, it was just pool.
‘For now, we should send someone who can learn the rules quickly. Even if we don’t aim for the top rankings, we need to know the rules.’
Starting with Jeong Seong-bin’s comment, the guys began offering their opinions one by one. They said billiards was all about physical proportions according to their search results; they argued about who among us lacked physical proportions (and that such a member should go to a training camp instead of the sports day); Cheong-hyeon asked if that was directed at him… and so on.
I watched them quietly. And I thought.
Would the fans really be happy if we were just exercising every minute and every second?
Of course, looking at our faces would be fun. I’d make sure of that.
But was it really right to show them the same, not-at-all-pretty tracksuits for hours on end?
The conclusion I reached after much deliberation was this:
‘At least one person needs to put on an event.’
Regrettably, I was often cited as the brains of Spark, but if I had to pick the truly smartest person in Spark, it would undoubtedly be Lee Cheong-hyeon. And billiards was a game of wits.
There seemed to be no better way to show off his growing height than billiards. A man holding a cue stick, moving around the table at 180cm tall. It made for quite a picture, didn't it?
‘Cheong-hyeon.’
‘Yeah?’
‘You’re not doing anything else besides futsal and the relay race, right?’
Lee Cheong-hyeon nodded at my question. ‘That’s right.’
‘Do you want to learn how to play billiards?’