Chapter 141
Chapter 141
The boxes were distributed just as the music show pre-recording ended and the fans were heading out.
As a result, people ended up opening their boxes on their way home.
The light purple boxes, adorned with TeSTAR’s logo stickers, practically screamed their purpose.
‘I’m a reverse tribute!’
Naturally, the fans caught on instantly.
‘No wonder they didn't give out the broadcast photo cards when we entered...!’
The photo cards for those who attended the pre-recording were likely tucked inside these boxes.
The fans, who had already received things like cream bread, coffee, or simple snacks a few times before, opened the boxes with simple joy.
‘I hope there’s some popcorn chicken in here.’
‘It’s heavy... Is it a drink this time?’
However, what greeted them inside the box was a large, beautifully packaged 28-piece set of macarons.
“……!!”
“Whoa.”
Four rows of seven macarons each were lined up in a stunning display.
People in subways, buses, and cars gasped in shock.
Naturally, many of them had never had a reason to buy twenty-eight macarons all at once in their entire lives.
‘There were 300 of us, and they gave 28 to each person...?’
‘What in the world is happening?’
Some fans even wondered if there had been a mistake in the quantity.
And they weren't just any mass-produced macarons.
Upon closer inspection, the shells were decorated with icing in the shape of animal paw prints.
‘Crazy, there’s even a bird footprint!’
‘Is this tiny one a hamster? Is it a hamster?!’
There was even a deer hoof print.
The fans were stomping their feet and drumming on their seats, unable to control the corners of their mouths, yet they tried to carefully close the boxes.
‘Let’s just take a proof shot and keep it safe.’
‘I’m going to freeze these forever.’
But that wasn't all. Something was attached to the inside of the box cover.
There was another, smaller box.
‘No way.’
‘Another one?’
The fans peeled the box off and turned it over.
Its identity was revealed.
It was a well-packaged perfume from a luxury brand.
And it wasn't a sample size; it was a full 50ml bottle.
‘Oh my god.’
‘Wait.’
‘Is this some kind of lucky draw box? Did they really give this to everyone?’
Some people began to feel confused beyond their joy.
In the midst of that, something else fell out.
Thud.
An envelope that had been wedged between the boxes dropped.
The envelope... was quite thick.
At this point, some fans actually started to feel a bit scared.
‘Is there seriously more?’
‘Just how far did they go...?’
Swallowing hard, they opened the envelope to find a letter that looked like a copy of a handwritten note.
=========================
[To our beloved Loviewers♡]
: Thank you for coming to cheer us on for our final music show recording today.
Actually, we received our first settlement recently!
We thought about what would be good to give you, and we worked hard to prepare a gift that could serve as a memento of this promotion.
We had to rush to get this to you before the promotions ended... so we’d appreciate it if you could look kindly on any shortcomingsㅠㅠ♡
ps. We each chose a scent we liked for the perfume. One of the seven scents was included at random!
=========================
The letter ended with a doodle that said, ‘Loviewer, I love you.’
This part... looked like it was actually handwritten.
And inside the envelope, behind the letter, was a stack of printed photos.
They were photos of TeSTAR that looked like they were taken at their dorm.
That was why the envelope was so thick...!
‘Crazy!!’
‘These crazy guys...! These absolute madmen!!’
By this point, the majority of the fans who had attended the broadcast began screaming internally.
And social media began to explode.
-OMG OMG TeSTAR gave out 28 macarons, perfume, and photos AHHHHHH seriously guys, what group hasn't even hit their 1st anniversary and does a reverse tribute like this AHHHH (Photo)
“What??”
Park Moon-dae’s fansite master fell off her sofa.
It was because she couldn't accept the reality that a massive event had occurred at the final broadcast she missed because she was rushed to the ER with food poisoning in the middle of the night.
Her timeline, which she checked with trembling hands, was flooded with proof shots of the boxes.
“F*ck!!”
The fansite master slammed her head against the sofa.
It wasn't because she was upset about missing out on free macarons and perfume.
It was because the evidence of her idol’s love for the fans was right there, and she hadn't received it...!
She felt so wronged...!
‘I could have gone!’
She felt like she was going crazy because this happened on the one day she missed!
And she wasn't the only one feeling that way.
-F*ck, I’m so jealous my stomach hurts. I want to eat the strawberry macarons the boys gave out tooㅠㅠ
-Did they give this because it’s the last music show... Ah, seriously, my application got cut right at the finish line, I feel so empty.
-If they were going to give out 4 sets, they could have split them across the last week of shows, though of course it’s up to the boys... Sob sob I just want one hamster paw macaron...ㅠㅠ
Because it was so obvious how much effort had been put in, the atmosphere began to shift slightly from envy to a sense of deprivation.
This reverse tribute also became quite a hot topic on general entertainment communities.
Many people were interested because it looked expensive even at a glance.
=========================
[TeSTAR’s Popular Music reverse tribute that looks like it cost a fortune.jpg]
: (Photo) (Photo)
4 sets of macarons and brand-name perfume.
The macarons are presumed to be handmade, customized with the members' signatures. The perfume isn't just one type; apparently, several different scents from the same brand are mixed in.
=========================
At first, the majority of reactions were about how lucky the fans were and how amazing TeSTAR was, but soon, people trying to analyze the situation appeared.
-This is definitely the company’s choice. The style of the reverse tribute suddenly changed... Seeing the brand, they probably filmed an ad.
└Oh, is that it? It looked weird because the contents were clearly excessive lol.
-In the first place, most reverse tributes are paid for by the company or split 50/50 from the settlement. But this is so over the top it feels a bit off lol. They should’ve made it less obvious.
-The price range isn't something a 2nd-year idol would prepare, right? Haha. Still, the fans must be happy, I’m jealousㅠ I want free macarons and perfume tooㅠ
-Oh, maybe they’re filming a perfume ad? It’s rare for idols to film perfume ads, so that’s interesting.
Whether sincere or malicious, it was a series of misunderstandings.
However, before public opinion could sink into a swamp of negativity, posts verifying the letters from the reverse tribute began to pour in.
-Our boys... I think they just went for it because they were excited about getting their first settlement... (Photo of letter)
The mention of the settlement and the detail about choosing the perfumes themselves.
The letter was as good as a confirmation that TeSTAR had prepared the reverse tribute personally.
Public opinion on general communities was settled at that point.
-Crazy, they said they bought it themselves with their settlement money.
-What, all the speculation was wrong lol ugh.
-It’s not an ad, it’s a cash flex. That’s real class lol. I’m jealous of their wealth.
-It’s hard to apply for TeSTAR’s broadcasts, right? I’m curious what they’ll give next promotion. If they give something even more expensive, I want to try going lol.
-Me too lol.
└Are you serious? ;; That’s crossing the line.
-They must have made a ton of money to spend it like this.
└They sold that many albums, it would be weirder if they didn't get paid lol.
└Who said they didn't?
└Eh, why are you madㅠ Just look at TeSTAR’s first-week sales and calm down♡ It’s 830,000 (Screenshot).
With a few trolls successfully fended off, TeSTAR left a decent impression with their heartwarming reverse tribute.
But the fans didn't stop there.
People finally started connecting it to the sightings of the members a few days ago.
-Crazy, was that dessert tour on Tuesday to pick these out? Guysㅠㅠㅠ
└Whoa.
└Whoa, I think that’s right?
└It’s just a guess, let’s refrain from talking like it’s a proven fact...
└I checked the macaron photos. For now, the ‘Signet Sweet’ on the packaging is indeed one of the shops from the Moon-dae sighting on Tuesday.... (Photo with the logo circled)
└AHHHHHHH!
-That food tour... wasn't a deviation during promotions... but preparation for the reverse tribute...?
The fans were overwhelmed by the shock because the story was excessively touching.
-Let’s not over-interpret. If it turns out not to be true, the psychos will use it to bash them again.
-Just the fact that they gave fans delicious things because they got their settlement is so cute and heartwarmingㅠㅠ
However, a review even popped up on the social media account of the shop that made the macarons.
-A review for Signet Sweet is up... (Link)
-The boys... wanted to put everything in for the last week of music shows, but they couldn't because it was already fully bookedㅠㅠ (Inheart screenshot)
-And they kept saying it was really delicious, so the owner felt very proud...
That was the final confirmation.
Faced with the overwhelming reality that everything was true, the fans completely dissolved into a puddle of emotion and nostalgia, flooding the internet with crying emojis…….
-I think they really rushed to prepare it as soon as they got paid. Ah, my fan heart is beating so fast it’s gonna explode……
-Even if other fan clubs try to recruit me, I’ll never leave. Seriously, why aren't you stanning the living genius idols TeSTAR?ㅠ
-Idols who... bought a ton of expensive food and even packed things they liked for the fans just because they got their first settlement... I’ll stay with you forever.
-It’s fine, now that I know the macaron shop, I can just order and eat them. Guys, the taste of a reverse tribute is thrilling...
The fans were high on pride, with no room left for feelings of deprivation.
They began to feel happy just posting fierce deductions about which perfume suited whose taste.
Furthermore, at this perfect timing, TeSTAR even released most of the photos from the reverse tribute on their social media.
-TeSTAR is truly legendary...
-I ordered the macarons and bought the perfume. Now if I just print the photos, I’ve basically received the reverse tribute too.
It was a joyful time for the reverse tribute.
I swiped the screen with my thumb.
“Hmm.”
The photos were uploaded well.
It was the result of acting on a similar principle as during the first fan signing event.
‘If more people feel left out than not, it’s worse than not doing it at all.’
It was only right that information and content were shared with everyone.
After checking the post once, I continued monitoring the reactions in the music show waiting room.
‘...The atmosphere is good.’
It was worth spending the whole afternoon preparing.
What would be the point of spending money if the recipients didn't even like the gift? That would be a waste.
Fortunately, it seemed I got my money’s worth.
‘Choosing seven different perfumes at random was also a good choice.’
Thanks to that, even though only three of us were spotted, it didn't feel awkward to give the gifts under TeSTAR’s name.
‘As expected, starting as a group rather than individuals prevents potential conflict.’
I didn't particularly care about paying for it.
‘I don't have anywhere else to spend money anyway.’
I have no family or acquaintances, so what does it matter?
It’s not like I’m in a situation where I urgently need living expenses or a house, and since the settlement was so large, it was almost funny to complain about this much.
So, from the beginning, I intended to pay the bill myself and put it under the group’s name. The company wanted that too.
But a variable occurred.
As soon as he heard it, Ryu Cheong-woo objected.
-Moon-dae, you can't do that.
-Pardon?
-You’re the one who gave up your break time to pick these out and buy them. Then it should go out as a gift from you.
-No. I’m fine with that. The members technically helped choose the items.
-Even if you’re fine with it, Moon-dae, the fans won't be.
-…!
-It’s a lie for someone who didn't contribute anything to put their name on a gift. How sad would the fans be if they found out the truth?
-…….
-And even if the fans don't know, we won't feel right about it. Right?
-Yes!
-Th-that’s right!
-Wow, Hyung, you really have a way with words….
Ryu Cheong-woo settled it firmly.
-At the very least, we have to share the cost.
…So, with the enthusiastic support of the members, we ended up just splitting everything equally.
I’m grateful, but I wonder if there was really a need to go this far.
‘It’s not even because he’s worried about the fallout if word gets out, but because “it’s not right, so we can't do it”…….’
Hmm, come to think of it, when people talked about my personality, I saw some trolls saying I showed signs of not being loved.
‘That was a total low blow.’
But separately, I think a guy like Ryu Cheong-woo might be what they mean by ‘showing signs of being well-raised.’
‘Should I say he has no chips on his shoulder?’
The type with good resilience who doesn't stray into side paths.
Just then, the man in question spoke to me.
“Checking the reaction to the gifts?”
“Yes.”
“I saw it too, the fans really like them. Actually, since you did everything, I feel sorry... and thankful.”
“Well... I was just going to pay for it.”
“What are you talking about when you did all the preparation by yourself!”
Ryu Cheong-woo lightly tapped my shoulder as if joking.
“Still, let’s do everything together from the preparation next time. You don't have to try to handle everything alone. We move as a team, so you should make good use of your teammates.”
“…I suppose so.”
It was a topic I might have considered if my teammates weren't all at least six years younger than me.
Ryu Cheong-woo gave a bright smile, patted my back once, and walked past.
I rubbed the back of my neck.
‘Well... the kids are cooperative.’
In the end, we even carried out the final stages of the fan gifts together, beyond just splitting the cost.
That made for a better picture. We each chose a perfume, and we discussed the macaron designs together.
I can't deny that the result of collaborating with these guys sitting over there getting their makeup touched up was quite good….
“As expected, there’s a lack of clues about who prefers which scent. I think it would be better to leave hints on social media and such…….”
“I want more macarons.”
“Is your desire for macarons more important than this agenda?”
“Yeah.”
“I-I’ll order some on the way back…….”
“Let’s stop giving them to Yu-jin~ The kid’s gonna start rolling around.”
“No! I’m cool!”
They sure have a lot to say while brushes are on their faces.
I feel like a fool for being momentarily moved.
…Actually, I’ve already handled the other gifts by myself anyway.
…That’s right. There are ‘other gifts.’
While buying Seon A-hyun’s birthday present at the department store, I also picked up some light gifts for the company’s working staff.
‘If I feed them things like this one by one, they’ll pay a bit more attention when trouble breaks out.’
It’s not difficult, so isn't it good to do it in advance while I’m at it?
Of course, it’s nothing grand. Just some high-end indoor slippers that would be useful in the office.
But it’ll be better than food.
‘For these people, giving food only lasts for that moment.’
Unless I’m going to keep supplying it, it’s a bad move.
It was better to give something they could keep using in their work environment. That way, the effect would last a bit longer.
‘It was a good expenditure in the right place.’
I thought about the remaining balance in my account.
Then... I also thought about the last withdrawal.
‘…I also did some, donating.’
I put it into a children’s welfare foundation anonymously.
…Since I used the insurance money ‘Park Moon-dae’ received from his parents, I felt like I should at least do that much.
That was the end of my spending from this settlement.
‘Life is truly unpredictable.’
I massaged the back of my neck and put down my smartphone.
Just then, I heard a voice calling.
“Guys, get ready for standby!”
The live broadcast of the final music show of this promotion was waiting.
“TeSTAR, going up!”
“Yeah~”
The stage was, as always, quite fun.
…And I don't know about other situations, but up here, having these younger guys around was quite reassuring.
‘…It’s a decent team.’
Ryu Cheong-woo’s words were lingering in my head.
I shook off the unnecessary sentiment and came down from the stage.
And just as I was about to think of the next schedule, I locked eyes with the manager who came running toward us.
‘What is it?’
The manager raised both hands and shouted.
“Guys! I heard you made it onto the Billboard charts!”
“……??”
“…?”
“Pardon?”
Our stats aren't high enough for that, so what kind of nonsense is he talking about…?