Chapter 260
Chapter 260
It was the last day of the year, and TeSTAR was in the middle of preparing for a live broadcast.
"They sure started early."
The office worker fansite master, who took photos of Park Moon-dae and Lee Se-jin, clicked her tongue as she watched the second half of the MBS Gayo Daejeon—the show they were appearing in—draw to a close.
It was funny enough that she was spending the moments right before the New Year resting in front of the TV after working overtime, but it was also ridiculous that a program scheduled to run past midnight had started before 9 PM.
And honestly, she didn't really need to be watching it this early.
TeSTAR wouldn't be coming on for a while.
‘I already commissioned someone for the upload data since I had to work late.’
So, her watching now was purely out of mild curiosity.
‘I’m a bit curious to see how Seon A-hyun’s collaboration turns out.’
Of course, it wasn't a question of his skill.
In fact, there had been some quiet chatter in a group chat with a few of Park Moon-dae’s other fansite masters. They were talking about the terrifying look Park Moon-dae had shown for a split second on the day he was an MC for SBC.
‘That almost never happens.’
Park Moon-dae was the type who refined himself remarkably well in front of the camera.
Granted, he wasn't quite on Lee Se-jin’s level—his gaze had turned cold a few times during things like the Summer Package—but that was practically his only flaw.
This time, it had been so brief that it didn't even spark a controversy, but the fansite masters, acting on a gut feeling, had analyzed the angles to figure out which artist was in the seating area at that exact moment.
And they had confirmed it.
Thus, they had already reached a conclusion very close to the truth: "A-hyun must have had a hard time while preparing for the collaboration stage."
Of course, they had deleted everything without mentioning specifics, fearing screenshots or the risk of it becoming a public issue, but the office worker had been there for that conversation.
‘Did Seon A-hyun’s mental state crumble?’
Having guessed the behind-the-scenes story, she wanted to check out the performance. She was curious to see if it would show.
She refreshed her social media account once and stared idly at the TV.
[Coming up!]
[Gayo Daejeon Special Stage]
[Winter Boys]
The special stage was scheduled for the end of Part 2.
It was a typical setup: gathering juniors to perform a makeshift stage to the songs of legendary first-generation K-pop seniors.
‘Still as tacky as ever.’
Thinking about how half of those first-generation seniors had been canceled due to drunk driving, she watched the TV with a cynical eye. She slightly regretted turning it on, watching members she didn't care about perform a song she didn't care about.
Soon, a synthesized accompaniment began. It was music arranged for a dance performance without vocals.
—Wee Oo Wee Oo
They must have spent some money; the LED effects on the screens and the floor, which looked like puddles of water, were actually quite decent.
‘Of course, the mood will die the moment they start dancing.’
Thinking there was no way a bunch of busy guys who practiced separately could pull off synchronized choreography, she expected the group shots to be a total mess.
However, the moment the choreography began.
—Oo-u Oo Oo-u Oo
She felt a surprising level of quality.
"Huh?"
Drawing on her years of K-pop experience, she immediately identified the reason.
‘It’s because the center is good.’
And the opening center was Seon A-hyun.
"Oh."
From the very start, the grace of his acrobatic movements, utilizing his long limbs, was on another level. Even though the camerawork was atrocious, Seon A-hyun’s movements created an optical illusion that made it seem like the shots were actually well-framed.
Perfect synchronization wasn't even necessary. Because the performer at the center was so overwhelmingly good, it made everyone else look like they were doing just as well.
No, wait.
"I take that back."
Four seconds later, she clicked her tongue as she saw the chaos in the corner, where people were getting up late from the floor or nearly tripping.
‘It’s a wreck.’
Year-end collaborations where busy people were thrown together for a one-time stage often ended up like this, but for some reason, it felt even more amateurish than usual.
It was because the contrast with Seon A-hyun when he was at the center was so extreme.
"Is Seon A-hyun the only one getting a free win?"
Wondering if this was just the gap in talent, the office worker watched the screen with interest. It seemed Seon A-hyun was the only one benefiting from the fact that the choreography was closer to formal dance than typical broadcast dancing.
She remembered hearing he had majored in ballet or modern dance; he must have studied it much longer and more seriously than the industry average.
Just then, a close-up of Seon A-hyun filled the screen.
As he placed one hand on the floor, the look in his eyes, shining from his beautiful face, was unexpectedly intense. She knew he was handsome, but this was a surprise.
‘I thought he wouldn't be able to show his full potential because he’d be intimidated.’
She revised her judgment. She had thought he was just a "filler" included because Lee Se-jin and Park Moon-dae were in the same group, but it seemed he had quite a bit of grit.
Without taking her eyes off the TV, she watched until Seon A-hyun’s dance performance reached its end.
And if you amplified this reaction to the extreme, it would be the reaction of the general public.
*
"A-hyun, that was amazing!"
"You were seriously cool."
"T-thank you. Thank you...!"
Seon A-hyun returned to the waiting room, his face flushed.
"I'm only saying this because there are no cameras, but wow, A-hyun was seriously the best~"
"Exactly! Hyung, you were the only one who did well! The others were bad—"
"Hey, that's a bit much."
Cha Yu-jin’s unfiltered comment was quickly suppressed. Seon A-hyun looked like he was about to break into a cold sweat.
In truth, the other guys had supposedly done well during practice. No matter how trash their personalities were, they were still experienced professionals.
The problem arose on-site.
"T-that's because the f-floor was a bit slippery..."
Because it was a live broadcast, there was a miscalculation in timing, and the water sprayed as an effect for the previous stage hadn't dried properly.
But because Seon A-hyun was the only one who moved normally, that would only sound like a loser's excuse.
"But Hyung, you didn't slip!"
"I-it's because I've p-practiced something like that before...!"
"As expected, your past experiences have accumulated to complete your current skills! I respect you!"
"T-th... yeah, thanks..."
Just like that.
‘Unlucky for them.’
Normally, they would have been criticized for a bit until the facts came out, and then public opinion would have shifted toward criticizing the broadcast station's poor working conditions.
But since things turned out like this, it looked like Seon A-hyun’s reputation would soar while the others were left behind.
Checking the current public opinion, it was trending exactly as expected.
‘Good.’
It was refreshing, and everything was fine. Everything was going smoothly.
Except for the fact that this waiting room wasn't private.
"We enjoyed the show too, A-hyun-ssi!"
"Y-yes! T-thank you..."
"We did something similar before... Ah, Shin-o, didn't you cover a Battle-A sunbaenim's stage here back then?"
"It wasn't me, it was Cheong-ryeo hyung. Hyung is our main dancer."
"Aha, that's right! Anyway, we did something similar, and it reminded me of that time."
"......"
VTIC was sharing this waiting room.
And they were persistently trying to join TeSTAR’s conversation.
‘How did it end up like this?’
Actually, I could guess why we were sharing a room.
Since VTIC was effectively the top of the industry right now, the staff would be hesitant to make them uncomfortable by pairing them with just any senior.
On the other hand, pairing them with a group that had too large a gap in status might make them feel slighted, so TeSTAR, who seemed to have a friendly relationship with them, was likely chosen as their roommates.
They had managed to call back guys who could have gone to New Year's programs in the US, so of course, the staff had to be mindful.
‘Damn it.’
I understood that much, but I wondered if these guys hadn't developed any social awareness during their nine years of activity, given how they kept trying to butt into the kids' fun.
‘Stop it.’
But they eventually dragged someone else into the conversation.
"Hyung, do you remember too? The year-end special stage!"
"Yeah."
Cheong-ryeo, who was getting his hair touched up by a stylist, curled the corners of his mouth.
"I've done a lot of them."
"......"
To think I have to ring in the New Year with this guy. I’d rather have been exiled to an outdoor stage.
"Guys, Se-jin is coming on."
"Whoa!!"
Just then, Ryu Cheong-woo, who was sitting on the sofa, called the others over.
On the smartphone screen Ryu Cheong-woo was holding... the Acting Awards, which were being held nearby, were being broadcast.
[Hello. I am An So-hyun.]
[Hello. I am TeSTAR’s Bae Se-jin.]
Bae Se-jin entered alongside the only member of 'Malang Dalkom' who had successfully transitioned into acting.
He looked a bit nervous, but dressed in a sharp suit, he definitely looked like an actor.
"Oh~ A suit."
"He barely had any time; he must have worked hard to get ready."
"Hyung is handsome!"
While comments about how they should wear suits for the next album were being whispered, Bae Se-jin calmly continued hosting on the screen.
[The two of us, both with experience as idols, are standing on the podium together. It must feel quite special to be here at the Acting Awards today. Se-jin-ssi!]
[Yes. Since it’s been a while, I feel like I need to do even better. Thank you so much for inviting me.]
"H-Hyung is really good...!"
"He is."
Bae Se-jin’s pronunciation was clear, and he didn't tremble.
[I started acting in dramas after my idol activities, but for Se-jin-ssi, it’s the opposite, right? How are you finding your idol activities?]
[Yes. I am currently active as a member of a group called TeSTAR. ...It is a very enjoyable and rewarding time. I’ve met many good people as well.]
"Oh..."
"I-is he talking about us?"
"...Probably."
On the small screen, Bae Se-jin gave a faint smile. A bashful, heartwarming atmosphere settled among the guys watching the screen.
"Oh, he sounds completely sincere."
"TeSTAR is so cool~"
No, you guys, just go back to your own seats.
I silently nudged Keun Se-jin, who had a strange expression on his face. He shrugged with an embarrassed look.
‘I guess time really is the answer.’
It seemed they had finally come to acknowledge each other. Though, seeing how they've been living lately, they seem like the worst possible roommates.
[The fields are different, but I will work hard to show a side of myself that I can be proud of in either one. Now, I will announce the category we are presenting today.]
Bae Se-jin finished the rest of the presentation well and wrapped up with a closing comment like, "I hope to see you again if there's a good opportunity."
And a short while later, after cutting through the heavy traffic, Bae Se-jin arrived.
"...I'm back."
"Ooh!"
"Hyung, you were really cool!"
"You did great."
"Uh, ahem, thanks. ...But that was just a short script!"
"No, it was great! Thanks for talking about us!"
"...! N-no."
"It wasn't about us?"
"No... it was, but!"
A barrage of intense welcomes poured in. Bae Se-jin’s face turned beet red.
But that atmosphere didn't last long.
"Hello~ Your presentation was wonderful!"
"...Ah, yes. Thank you."
Bae Se-jin greeted the VTIC members who went out of their way to acknowledge him, but he cast them a suspicious glance and slowly retreated toward TeSTAR’s section of the waiting room.
I guess he hasn't forgotten the dogfight I had with Cheong-ryeo.
"Hyung. Change your clothes first."
"...Right!"
I spent some time with him in the corner of the waiting room.
And then, before it was even time for TeSTAR’s performance.
"Yes, everyone, are you enjoying the Gayo Daejeon, the final and most brilliant joy of the year?"
"It will be the New Year soon."
We were called out onto the massive main stage for the New Year's countdown.
On the way out, it was quite satisfying to intentionally greet the poor guys who had been K.O.'d by Seon A-hyun, but for a few of our members, something else was the problem.
"It's cold."
"Be quiet, Cha Yu-jin! Countless people watching the New Year will be seeing us, so we have to start joyfully!"
"You're not smiling either!"
"I'm going to smile now!"
"Stop it."
I grabbed the two who were about to bicker and made them put their arms around each other's shoulders.
On the stage crowded with all sorts of idols and singers, we took our places in front of an area where there seemed to be a good number of familiar lightsticks.
‘The fancams should at least turn out well.’
The production crew had designated spots, but the boundaries blurred anyway as people crowded in.
"Wow, the year is already over~"
"Y-yeah! It feels like it w-went by so fast..."
The guys around me exchanged quiet words so they wouldn't be picked up by the microphones. The countdown was about to begin.
"3!"
"2!"
"1!"
Confetti exploded, and the lights and sound reached a crescendo.
"Happy New Year!!"
Pop.
Clapping and caught among people shouting, the unfamiliar experience of welcoming a new year happened once again.
"TeSTAR is going to show us something again this year~"
"I hope it’s a year where we release great songs while staying healthy and out of trouble!"
Shoulder hugs and words of encouragement were exchanged roughly. As I waved toward the lightsticks that were also shaking wildly, they began to shake even more frantically.
‘Man, don't their arms hurt?’
Well, whatever. As long as they're happy.
Just then, arms draped over my shoulders.
"Moon-dae, good job! Let’s suffer less and just work hard from now on~"
"P-please take care of me...!"
"...Sure. Happy New Year."
I exchanged high fives and well-wishes with the members.
It felt a bit strange.
‘I actually made it to the New Year.’
There was a significant risk of dying in the middle of it, but I had somehow managed to get through it and was welcoming the New Year as an idol.
Around this time last year, I thought that might be the end.
"......Hmm."
It was actually quite pleasant.
"Happy New Year!"
The first stage of the New Year was very cold, noisy, energetic, and bright.
*
After the flashy New Year's countdown, the main stage was being quickly cleared for the next performance.
And TeSTAR was scheduled to wait right below.
Because we were the stage after next.
The problem was that when we split up briefly to go to the restroom after coming down from the stage, I ran into this guy again.
"I guess we'll be seeing each other again soon this year. Since there are award ceremonies all through January."
"I suppose so."
It was Cheong-ryeo.
If this bastard was just going to say something so obvious, he shouldn't be bothering someone who’s about to go on standby...
"Since our junior is releasing a new song on January 5th... you'll be performing the new song at the award ceremonies too, right? Hmm, that's a brave choice."
"......"
I stopped in my tracks.
‘A brave choice?’
That nuance... it sounded like TeSTAR would be at a disadvantage with the new song.
"Ah, don't tell me you don't know."
"......"
"You don't know. You don't have an informant. Right? That... will be your biggest problem going forward, junior."
Cheong-ryeo’s eyes glinted slightly. He spoke in a tone as if he were giving advice to a junior.
"Because you don't have connections."
"......"
"Hmm... consider this a New Year's gift and listen."
Cheong-ryeo smirked.
"Do you know that Young-rin-ssi is preparing for a comeback?"
"...I heard."
I recalled what I had heard in passing from Young-rin while preparing to be an MC last time.
Since she was currently the person with the best digital chart performance among all idols and former idol soloists, I had thought she would do well whenever she came out.
‘......Wait.’
Don't tell me...
Cheong-ryeo gave a bitter smile.
"You didn't know the timing. It’s a surprise digital single to celebrate the New Year."
"...!!"
"January 4th. So... it’s just one day apart from your group."
Oh, f*ck.