Chapter 258
Chapter 258
“Everyone! Are you all having a heartwarming end to your year?”
“The musicians who set your hearts ablaze this year are preparing yet another spectacular stage for you.”
The two idols standing beside me were doing a decent job of hosting.
They haven't spent their years in the industry in vain.
I took my turn with the microphone.
“Then, shall we move on to the first stage of the Gayo Daejeon, featuring the artists who delighted us with their most brilliant activities this year?”
My lines felt exceptionally long, and I didn't think I was imagining it. Was this script-dumping based on seniority?
And who the hell was the one who put 'poke cheek' in the script?
I couldn't help it given my position, but did they really have to specify something like that in the script? I won't forget this deliberate act.
“SBC Gayo Daejeon starts now!”
Regardless, the cameras were rolling, and the three MCs flashed their professional smiles at the lens.
The moment the lights went out, we took light breaths or adjusted our expressions.
“Phew.”
“Good!”
The VTIC guy on the other side went out of his way to reach out and pat my back. A completely unnecessary display of seniority.
“Moondae-ssi, you did great!”
“Thank you.”
Young-rin, who was re-checking her script, gave a slight smile and added her piece.
“You’re as hardworking as ever.”
“Thank you.”
I bowed repeatedly. Since the gap in our career years was so vast, it was better to just be a 'gratitude bot' throughout the filming.
After all, there were fans holding lightsticks right below the platform where we stood.
Of course, I could see a few camera lenses as well.
They hid them well.
I caught the eyes of a few familiar people holding cameras, gave a slight smile, and then looked away. Since it was a live broadcast, calling that a 'leak' would be embarrassing.
After this stage, the theme of this broadcast will be announced...
I familiarized myself once more with the ridiculously long script that began with 'The hearts of everyone enjoying the festival.' It would be on the prompter, but I didn't want to risk stuttering.
But... isn't having three idols a bit of a gamble?
To be honest, this lineup was guaranteed to generate buzz, but if we were talking about stability, I felt it would have been better to have one announcer to anchor us.
I knew the calculation was that since this wasn't an awards ceremony like the Drama Awards or Entertainment Awards, people would be more forgiving. Still, I didn't want to give anyone a reason to nitpick.
And it seemed everyone else felt the same.
“Wow, this is nerve-wracking! I’ve only hosted our own content before, so I never expected to be doing something like this at the end of the year! I’ll work really hard, everyone.”
First, the guy with the most experience was boasting about his rookie-like ambition.
“Moondae-ssi, you’re still a rookie, so don’t be too nervous. If you get tongue-tied, just finish the sentence. I’ll pick it up from there.”
This one sounded like a professional MC. She had hosted so many events that she was practically a semi-pro.
“Thank you.”
I looked at Young-rin.
“Still, my goal is to make no mistakes. I’ll do my best.”
Young-rin smiled faintly. She looked exactly like a team leader proud of a new recruit.
“Alright then.”
“Whoo! Idols, fighting!”
It was a bit funny seeing the three of us huddle up with scripts in hand for a 'fighting' cheer, but I was satisfied knowing no one was planning to just phone it in.
“How was that special stage by the National Orchestra introducing this year’s musicians?”
“It was truly magnificent!”
“The dazzling movements felt like they were showing us a bright New Year, so I really enjoyed watching it.”
And throughout Part 1, the three of us didn't make a single mistake. Myself included.
Good.
[Commercial Break]
I confirmed that the mid-roll commercials had started as Part 1 ended and took a sip of water. Then, I saw familiar faces waving from the artist seats, which had been set up for reaction shots.
“Hyung, you’re so cool! That’s the way!”
I can’t hear a single thing you’re saying, you punks.
With the audio and the cheering from the stands being so loud, why bother trying to talk?
Regardless, I appreciated the support, so I waved back before flipping the cue card.
At this rate, I’ll at least hit the average.
I even covered for the VTIC guy when he almost got embarrassed by a self-praising script line, so I probably avoided being labeled as an incompetent, 'parachute' rookie idol.
I just hope the articles turn out well.
I shrugged and set the water down.
[30 seconds before Part 2]
Then, just as the first stage of Part 2 ended and the broadcast resumed...
“Moondae-ssi!”
Something completely unexpected and not in the script suddenly popped up.
VTIC’s Chae-yul thrust a large cupcake with a lit sparkler right in front of my face.
“…??”
What is this?
“I heard the news that it was Moondae-ssi’s birthday a few days ago!”
“Happy birthday, Moondae-ssi.”
And then, a staff member from below the camera slid up a party hat with puppy ears.
“…….”
I took it and put it on, feeling utterly bewildered.
No, give me a heads-up beforehand, you broadcasting people. What is this on a live show...?
—Smile!
There was no need to write that on the sketchbook. My lips were already stretched into a wide smile regardless of my feelings.
“Haha, thank you.”
—Blow out the candle!
They were really doing the most.
I smiled brightly and blew out the sparkler. Then I pulled the puppy ears.
To think they’d make me do 'aegyo' for the whole nation while MCing a year-end program in a suit...
“Thank you.”
I could see some guys in the artist seats doubling over with laughter. Just wait until we get back to the dorm.
...Wait.
Come to think of it, the opening script for Part 2 was...
“The next stage is a song related to a beautiful birthday!”
“It’s a song that shined this past summer, right?”
I barely maintained my composure as I delivered the final line.
“‘Birthday Boy’ by the 17-year veteran band, Grey Cable. We invite you to this special live performance.”
So this whole production was for that?
Is this what it means to be an idol MC—losing your dignity just to introduce the next song?
My mind felt dizzy at the realization that the duties of an idol continued even in a year-end program, not just on regular music shows.
...And this trend continued until the very end.
*
Park Moondae is so cute!!
Park Moondae’s fansite master, who was holding her camera below the broadcasting booth, felt like she was going to burst into tears of joy.
It was so worth securing a spot near here after hearing a rumor from an insider that Moondae would be an MC for the year-end show!
This is it! This is what I live for!
It had been so long since she’d seen Park Moondae in person, and she loved it...
Park Moondae was wearing a black dress shirt under a clean navy suit, a look perfectly suited for an MC that complemented his neatly styled hair.
But because he was the youngest among the MCs, they had him in a white ribbon tie, and that was just... so cute!
Especially when he received the cupcake!
Whether it was a surprise segment or not, Park Moondae’s flustered expression was so obvious that it made him even cuter.
There’s cream on his nose...
As soon as she noticed it, Park Moondae wiped it off and the staff cleaned it up, but the fansite master had already captured the shot.
Hahaha...! Hahaha!
Completely exhilarated by her first offline shoot in a long time, the fansite master let out an internal mad laugh as she frantically collected photos. You’re the preview!
The fatigue that had accumulated after the accident—through the extremely depressing times, the rollercoaster-like madness, and the worry-filled atmosphere of the immediate post-accident activities—all vanished.
She felt refreshed and delighted.
I’m really looking forward to this comeback.
The feeling of everything returning to its proper place was wonderful. The fansite master grinned and adjusted her mask.
Moondae’s condition looks great, too!
She loved how, whenever the members waved at Park Moondae from the artist seats, he would sneakily wave back when the camera light wasn't on.
Moreover, Park Moondae had clearly managed to find the fans' camera lenses even in the midst of all that. He had made eye contact with her camera, too!
Let’s be an idol forever...
Park Moondae was undoubtedly the final destination of her K-pop life. That was just how it was.
Switching fandoms? Not a chance.
The bitter memories of drinking and vowing never to trust an idol again after seeing her previous idol end up on the social affairs page had turned to dust through this series of crazy events.
A short while later, Part 3.
They’re up soon! The cue sheet was right.
Park Moondae strode off and disappeared behind the MC booth. She also confirmed TeSTAR moving from the artist seats.
Since year-end programs don't usually give out official fancams...!
The fansite master gripped her camera with a sense of duty.
It was a supremely rewarding time.
It was... so good.
And on her way home. She left the SBC Sangam Hall feeling thoroughly satisfied.
She didn't feel tired. Or rather, her adrenaline was pumping so hard that she couldn't feel it; she’d probably be exhausted once she got home.
Regardless, Park Moondae’s fansite master was incredibly happy.
“The stage was seriously so good.”
TeSTAR’s skills hadn't declined at all.
They hadn't even adjusted the difficulty or removed a single part of the choreography.
No, it actually felt like they’ve become even more skilled!
There wasn't a single trace of the car accident to be found.
Even Park Moondae, who had stumbled slightly during the group concert right after being discharged from the hospital, was flying around today.
She could feel through the camera lens and in person that he was fully armed and burning with a competitive spirit.
Of course, the composition of the stage itself was great. The performance using shooting in 'Spring Out' was flashy and grand, fitting for the end of the year.
The fansite master guessed it would definitely become a hot topic on the internet.
Now... just this part!
She excitedly got into a taxi, connected her camera to her laptop, and checked some of the videos she had filmed. She really wanted to savor a few impressive scenes again!
It was while she was fast-forwarding through the video.
Huh?
Park Moondae was heading back up to the MC booth after finishing the stage.
Underneath Park Moondae’s black hair... she saw a light-colored strand.
A shiver ran down her spine.
“A wig...!”
The black hair, whether it was spray or a wig, was fake.
Park Moondae... had escaped black hair again!
Crazy! He has dyed hair for this album!
This was a separate issue from her preference for black-haired Park Moondae!
What color is it? What color? If I color-correct the lighting, will the color show?
The fansite master couldn't remember the last time she felt this excited and intrigued. It had been far too long since she’d felt this kind of joy.
“Haah...”
The fansite master briefly worried if she could hold back the spoilers until January as she came up with happy theories about the comeback.
Meanwhile, the video she had finished capturing started playing again.
Park Moondae had successfully returned to the MC booth while checking the cue sheet.
But looking at it again, his expression... was a bit strange.
“Uh-oh.”
In an instant, she felt her imagination evaporate.
The fansite master immediately zoomed in on Park Moondae’s upper body.
“…….”
Based on the angle, it looked like he was watching TeSTAR return to the artist seats, but for a moment, his expression was... fierce?
His eyebrows were twitching.
What is it?
The fansite master felt a chill and replayed it a few more times, but since she was only filming Park Moondae, she couldn't tell exactly what he was looking at.
And his professional poker face had returned very quickly.
“Hmm.”
I must be imagining it.
It was a sickness to act like this over an expression that lasted only a few seconds. The fansite master tried to shrug it off and moved on to the next video.
But it wasn't an imagination.
*
“Good job, everyone~”
“Moondae, you were a really good MC.”
“Thank you.”
“Hyung, the puppy ears birthday present... Ow!”
“Stop it.”
The long live broadcast was over.
As soon as I joined the group, we moved to the car. We were planning to go straight to the practice room to sync up for another hour or two before heading home.
The MCing was fine.
The stage quality was as good as we’d prepared, so there was nothing weighing on my mind.
Except for one thing I hadn't expected.
“A-Are you okay? Your throat?”
“…I’m fine.”
“That’s a relief...!”
This guy. Seon A-hyun.
When I looked at the artist seats while returning after the stage earlier, I definitely saw a few guys greeting Seon A-hyun excessively.
They look like the guys preparing for the collaboration stage.
That much was fine.
The problem was that afterward, Seon A-hyun avoided their gaze and lowered his head. As if he were intimidated.
“…….”
I had a bad feeling about this.
I grabbed the back of the neck of one of the guys getting out of the car as we arrived at the practice room.
“Hey.”
“Uh? Moondae, what’s up?”
It was Keun Se-jin.
I had seen this guy subtly cutting off the people who were greeting Seon A-hyun when we were entering earlier.
I think he noticed too.
I lowered my voice to make sure the guys walking ahead of us couldn't hear.
Then I got straight to the point.
“You saw... Seon A-hyun at the artist seats, didn't you?”
“…Hmm.”
Keun Se-jin seemed to understand immediately what I meant.
“That.”
“Yeah, did you see anything? They looked like the guys he’s doing the collab with.”
He shrugged.
“It’s obvious. They must have been picking at A-hyun.”
“…!”
“A-hyun is a nice kid, you know? He’s not the type to be... well, crafty, so they’re trying to push him around.”
Keun Se-jin raised an eyebrow.
“You know how it is. They probably smirked and said things like, ‘Wow~ A-hyun-ssi gets so much screen time. I’m jealous~ I guess you don’t even need to practice much, right?’”
“…….”
He was so good at being a smart-aleck that I almost wanted to smack his mouth.
However, Keun Se-jin’s tone quickly turned serious.
“Besides, do you think only one or two people were trying to act close to him? A-hyun is shy, so they probably gossiped about him being discriminatory and acting like he’s on a different level because of it.”
“……Sigh.”
“You get it, right?”
“Yeah.”
Their hierarchy games are absolute trash. Maybe it’s because they’re around the same age, but these bastards are no different from how they were during Idol Inc.
I thought they’d be crawling because we’re successful.
I had forgotten the human nature where people act out even more when someone more successful than them seems like an easy target.
Moreover, since they had gathered guys with some name value in their respective groups, it seemed they were trying even harder to win.
I should hear more about this.
I decided to check on Seon A-hyun’s condition before entering the practice room.
But just as I was about to move...
“Wait.”
“…!”
I was stopped.
Turning my head, I saw Keun Se-jin, who had grabbed my shoulder, shaking his head.
“Oops, Park Moondae, you aren't planning to blab about this to A-hyun, are you? You can’t do that~”
“Why not?”
“Hey, a person has pride.”
Keun Se-jin gave a bitter smile.
“If it were you, could you stand a friend your age finding out about this situation? Wouldn't you hate it even more because you’re close?”
“…!”
“Let A-hyun handle it himself. That’s the right way.”