Chapter 385: 5th Competition (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 385: 5th Competition (3)
Powerful and rhythmical drums, flashy guitar, a cheerful and bubbly keyboard, and a bass that held all these elements firmly together. "Speaker" was crafted solely from the things Park Ju-woo loved.
Lee Cheong-hyeon had taken a melody from a self-composed song he used to play in secret back in middle school whenever he grew tired of practicing competition pieces, and he had fleshed it out. By adding acoustic effects to the classical sections, a brand-new style of music was born.
The reason I had encouraged Lee Cheong-hyeon to start composing early was that he felt the finitude of time was a waste...
Back then, I was only focused on Spark’s immediate activities, so it was something I hadn't considered at all.
‘Hasn't it been less than two weeks since you started working on this? The quality is so high.’
‘Maybe it’s because it’s a song I’ve been playing over and over in my head.’
...I had overlooked the fact that certain types of creation can happen in parallel. Even while writing Spark’s promotional tracks, Lee Cheong-hyeon would pull out songs he’d made in the past and tinker with them whenever he was bored.
It was a song with a primal, easy-to-memorize hook—one he hadn't just reflected on for years, but had spent three years refining.
Every part was seamless yet intense. Not to mention the sheer magnetism of the intro.
Whether a singer or an instrumentalist, meeting a great song naturally sets one's passion ablaze. That was exactly the state Spark was in.
There had been many great songs suited for idols until now, and there would be many more in the future. However, everyone instinctively knew that as a song they could perform as a band, there would never be one more outstanding than "Speaker."
『Tangled people
Seething noise
Piercing through the gaps
A sharp, snapping sound』
Instead of the tone he usually matched with Jeong Seong-bin, Park Ju-woo’s vocals opened the song with a cold, powerful force, as if he were erecting a wall of steel.
His voice, which sounded like the plucking of an electric guitar, resembled his trainee days yet felt even more edged. Like a blade that had been cherished and sharpened for a long time.
『I’ll keep shouting until I’m heard
Pay attention, right now』
Fortunately, the resolution from last season—to go in with the mindset of winning no matter who we faced—held true through this year. Regardless of how well we actually did, we tried to keep our promise from this season: to give the fans as much joy as possible.
And more than anything else...
『I’m the one speaking
If you won’t listen
Speak louder
I have no choice but to play harder』
...We were having fun. We did a ton of things we usually never got to do and received so much support. We had an obligation to return this refreshing exhilaration to them.
‘Think of this day as a rock festival. Got it?’
The image an amateur band has of a "band" can be quite simple. Things like comfortable clothing that evokes a free spirit and the sight of someone completely immersed in their instrument.
Among the cast of Idol Dynasty Annals, no group could pull off this atmosphere better than Spark, who had obsessively delved into the concept of youth.
Under the bright lights, Jeong Seong-bin’s hair grew damp as he played the guitar. Even though he wasn't usually one to sweat much, he always ended up looking like that after focusing on playing while carrying a heavy guitar.
When I told him, "The rhythm guitar needs to support the lead guitar well," as part of the role distribution, he even developed a habit of biting his lips firmly while playing. Now, the fans whose bias was Jeong Seong-bin would be able to see that side of him too.
Kang Gi-yeon had to wear athletic tape throughout the practice period, but thanks to a proper balance of rest and practice, he was able to play the guitar excitedly today in perfect condition.
Who knew that guy’s joints would be weak everywhere, not just his ankles? I’ve already made an appointment for a nutritional supplement consultation as soon as Idol Dynasty Annals is over.
Lee Cheong-hyeon, who used to revert to a rigid posture whenever he played the keyboard, now moved naturally. The fact that his frame suited a suit perfectly remained unchanged, but he looked magnificent bathed in the blue lights. I only hoped the camera would properly capture his long, straight fingers moving so skillfully.
Choi Je-ho, who was likely standing—or rather, sitting—behind everyone for such a long duration for the first time in his life, also silently fulfilled his role.
‘If the drums miss a beat, the live performance is over. Keep your head in the game.’
‘You’re talking like I’ve actually missed a beat before?’
‘I’m making you do the drums because you haven't. Don't get smart with me.’
In truth, that guy is easy to see even if you tuck him away in the back. He’s tall and has broad shoulders. His X and Y axes were expanding endlessly.
But regardless of his physical stature, Choi Je-ho stood out wherever he was. Was it thanks to the sleeveless shirt, a drummer's essential? Despite keeping the beat with surgical precision, Choi Je-ho possessed the power to draw eyes without any grand performance.
『The pent-up feelings
In a state of yearning
Have come to me』
Park Ju-woo was literally flying. Standing at the very front, bathed in light, he looked like a star rising in the dark audience seating, or perhaps the protagonist of a coming-of-age band story.
For Park Ju-woo, it might have been a wait of several years, but the Sparklers had been waiting for this version of him since much longer ago.
The way he crushed the high notes with a voice as sharp as unrefined metal scraping against a concrete wall, and the way a fierce light swirled in his usually languid eyes.
A youth vocal pouring his heart out until the blue veins stood out on his white neck, gripping the mic stand tightly with both hands.
『I’ll keep shouting until I’m heard
Pay attention to me』
As the music reached its highlight, I could feel everyone becoming one with the song. A smile began to creep onto Jeong Seong-bin’s face, and Kang Gi-yeon laughed as he made eye contact with Lee Cheong-hyeon. Choi Je-ho, while drumming wildly, would occasionally glance at the members.
『I’m telling you
If you’re going to look away...』
My fingers felt infinitely light. It was as if the time I spent pounding them until they were numb had never happened.
In the middle of an ensemble practice, Park Ju-woo had once asked if it was okay to be this happy. He said every day felt like a dream.
‘That’s what a sense of unity is like. Once you feel it, it’s hard to escape.’
The beads of sweat rolling down Park Ju-woo’s jawline and the bracelet shaking on his wrist vividly revealed his emotions.
As we reached the end of the song, I found myself remembering what Park Ju-woo had said in response to my answer.
That he never, ever forgets a promise.
『I’ll keep shouting until it reaches you
Accept it all
Everything I’m saying』
...So, this song was essentially a single story that Park Ju-woo was sending to everyone.
When the song ended, a wave of cheers slowly rolled in like a tide from afar.
The sound of crashing applause soaked the ground beneath my feet. I couldn't move a single step until the water dried.
『You showed a tremendous spirit of challenge in your final stage. Spark, how do you feel?』
Yur asked on the screen. Baek Hae-won turned up the volume on the TV. She hadn't noticed while listening to the loud band music, but now that the interview had started, the other people's voices sounded as tiny as ants.
"Winning... Spark is definitely going to win this..."
No survival stage she had watched over the years had provided this much catharsis.
Above all, "Band Park" had arrived. If this wasn't a winning performance, what would be?
She had secured all the cell phones in the family, but it wasn't enough. Baek Hae-won requested help from all her friends. Guys, please just cast one vote for Spark. I’ll give you 100 won tomorrow...
When her mom asked if she was voting without even watching the stage, Baek Hae-won had waited until the song ended out of a sense of conscience. By the time her mom said, "They're good," Baek Hae-won had already finished voting using her own phone and those of her mom and dad.
Even her mom, a total member of the general public, acknowledged them. She said Spark was good!
The dating rumors forced out by another agency to stir up trouble, the drug crimes spread by outsiders making a fuss amongst themselves, and the gatekeeping by senior groups—none of it could shake Spark in the end. Their flawless perfection and the satisfied expressions on the members' faces proved it.
『I believe a great opportunity was gratefully given to us at a timing when everyone’s hearts were aligned.』
Kim I-wol answered with a refreshed face. Compared to the younger members who showed signs of nervousness, Kim I-wol looked relatively calm.
However, he couldn't hide his flushed cheeks and the corners of his mouth that were creeping upward. It seemed our boy had thoroughly enjoyed an absolutely killer live performance.
『Je-ho, Seong-bin, and Gi-yeon, I heard you only started learning your instruments this year?』
『Yes. Ju-woo often mentioned how much he wanted to form a band with the members... and now it’s become a reality.』
Park Ju-woo grinned upon hearing Choi Je-ho’s words. Baek Hae-won thought of an acquaintance who particularly loved Park Ju-woo’s languid, mature, "ice-sexy" moments.
She logged onto social media, and sure enough...
≫ Park Ju-woo just now
≫ Ju-woo-ya
≫ Kill me
≫ What is up with Ju-woo’s visuals? I’m sorry for saying white hair was your personal color all this time. Our Ju-woo’s personal color is Rock and Roll White. Noona is sorry. Our Ju-woo, please be in a band forever.
≫ PLEASE put a band stage in the concert.
└ Are they having a concert????
└ I’m suing if they don’t.
It was total chaos. Out of sheer loyalty, Baek Hae-won hit the "Like" button on all of her acquaintance's posts.
『Today is the finale of "Idol Dynasty Annals." What’s the first thing you want to do when it’s over?』
There were many questions even though it wasn't time for the ranking announcement yet. Behind the MCs and Spark, black silhouettes could be seen moving busily.
It was for stage maintenance. Even better, Baek Hae-won thought as she leaned back against the sofa happily.
Then, Baek Hae-won noticed Baek Hae-in watching the TV with an unreadable expression.
Just ten minutes ago, he had snapped at her, saying he’d handle his own texts when she asked him to cast a precious vote for his friend. Despite not knowing any group other than Spark, he had stubbornly taken a seat at the edge of the sofa, wondering where he was going to cast his vote.
She didn't know if Baek Hae-in had been staring as intently as she had while "Band Spark" was performing. At the very least, the current Baek Hae-in didn't take his eyes off the screen.
Looking back at the TV, a close-up of Kim I-wol was being shown.
『We’re leaving with unforgettable, wonderful memories. I hope the fans also had fun watching our stage.』
Watching Kim I-wol share his thoughts on participating, Baek Hae-in stood up from his seat.
Baek Hae-in’s hand, which had been fiddling with his mouth, soon moved to the tip of his nose. The bridge of his nose was red.
"Are you crying?"
Baek Hae-won asked. Instead of answering, Baek Hae-in unlocked his phone and handed it to her.
From the kitchen, his mom asked if his classmate had already appeared. Baek Hae-in nodded.
"They looked like they were having fun."
Leaving a brief viewing review for his mom, who remembered her son’s classmate, Baek Hae-in quietly went into his room.