Chapter 49
Chapter 49
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 49
Chapter Title: Forest Fairies
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“Waaaaah!”
Haru, Seo Yoon-seul, Jung Eun-woo, Park Ji-ham, and Lee Ho-jun.
As the current top-ranking contestants were all gathered, their mere appearance was met with a tremendous response.
“I love you!”
“Look over here, just once!”
“You’re so handsome today!”
They waved happily at their fans.
“Please introduce yourselves first.”
“Hello. We are ‘Forest.’”
Wi Yeo-jun’s gaze shifted to their stage outfits.
They were wearing white see-through tops with slightly baggy black pants.
What was a bit unusual was the small leaf-shaped ornament in their hair and the fact that they were barefoot, not wearing any shoes.
“Is today’s concept nature, by any chance?”
“Something like that.”
Haru was reserved in his answer to Wi Yeo-jun’s question.
It seemed intended to pique curiosity.
“This is making me want to see the performance right away.”
“That’s a relief.”
Haru said with a playful smile directed at Wi Yeo-jun.
At that, another cheer erupted from the audience.
“I didn’t realize so many people were eager to see the stage. Shall we enjoy the next performance right away?”
“Yes!”
After Wi Yeo-jun left the stage, they took their positions in formation.
Jung Eun-woo and Lee Ho-jun stood with their arms outstretched, holding hands, while the other contestants gathered and sat beneath them.
They hadn’t done anything yet, but the audience’s anticipation was already at its peak.
Not only were the top-ranking contestants gathered, but the previous performance had also left a powerful impression.
*Chime.*
A sound, like a clear bell or a harp, echoed through the venue, marking the official start of the performance.
Those sitting below shook their heads to the beat.
Then, they grabbed Jung Eun-woo’s and Lee Ho-jun’s arms and rose to their feet.
*—Silent night*
The one who started was none other than Park Ji-ham.
He crossed his hands, swept them up his face, and clasped them above his head.
*—That soft leaf I held so tight*
Lee Ho-jun, who had the next part, took Park Ji-ham’s clasped hands and performed a pair choreography.
[This is that song, right? Lee Hyun’s ‘In the Forest’]
[Wow. I thought this song would really not suit a male idol cover, but I was wrong. It was my mistake.]
[The fact they even chose this song is insane.]
[They’ll release this later, right? Like un-aired footage. I mean, how can they just cut out the meeting where they decided to cover this song!]
*—The sound of waves approaching me*
As Haru came forward, the formation changed into a W shape.
*—Close your eyes and focus*
They raised their hands upwards, as if stacking something.
*—A bright moon*
*A shadow seen from below*
Then, they performed a domino-like choreography, waving to the right.
*—The sound of insects approaching me*
The formation changed once again.
This time, they stood in a diagonal line.
*—Embrace it all and let’s leave*
As the chorus began, they leaned their upper bodies to the left and lay on the floor as if collapsing.
The pose was reminiscent of the Little Mermaid.
They stretched out their hands, expressing a sense of yearning for something in the empty air.
From a distance, it also looked like bushes swaying in the wind.
[Wow. The concept isn’t just nature, it’s forest fairies, isn’t it?]
[This is beyond refreshing.]
[I’ve never seen a concept like this.]
[Who came up with this idea? Seo Yoon-seul, maybe? His ideas are surprisingly good.]
*—Together*
The sounds of various instruments blended, creating a magnificent feeling.
The song was reminiscent of a scene from a famous animated movie.
[Wow. This sounds like the OST for ‘Spirit of the Forest.’ I hope someone makes a fan music video. Waiting for a golden-handed fan.]
[Seriously, if I could edit, I would have made one myself.]
‘Spirit of the Forest’.
It was an animated film that had easily surpassed ten million viewers, capturing the hearts of not only children but adults as well.
Since it was a movie everyone loved, they were reaping the benefits of choosing the concept well.
[It’s a perfect fit.]
[Seriously. The concept, song, dance, hair, and makeup. Nothing is lacking, it’s perfect. I’ve never seen guys like this.]
[I wish they were a team.]
[Wow. If they were really a team, watching their stages would be so much fun. Since they plan well, their year-end performances or concerts would be different every time.]
Because the performance was so good, many people naturally started to see them as a single unit.
[Come to think of it, they’re all top-ranking members, so it’s not entirely impossible.]
[You’re right?]
Moreover, since the team was composed solely of top-ranking members, there was a certain degree of feasibility.
That fact made the fans’ hearts race.
[Why are you suddenly trying to exclude my favorite?]
[My boy is in 4th place.]
[If this doesn't work out after all this, my guy will be the only one blamed later on.]
Fans cheering for the 4th place contestant began to voice their criticism one by one.
It was understandable, because if public opinion solidified this way, their idol would become the target of all the blame and criticism later.
[Ugh, this is so annoying. If the stage quality suddenly drops or they don't seem in sync, it's obvious they'll blame my guy. Do I have to watch this?]
There was just as much negative public opinion.
[Having the top-rankers form a team just doesn’t seem right. Don't you think it's a bit cruel? The team votes are ultimately converted into individual votes, after all.]
As the top contestants were all gathered, it was clear they would sweep up the votes.
That’s why the fans of the mid- and low-ranking contestants couldn’t help but be dissatisfied.
[Then you guys should just vote harder. You think we got our votes by slacking off?]
The fandoms were never on particularly good terms, but since this was the final gateway to debut, everyone was more on edge than usual.
Because of that, the live chat was escalating into a fight.
[Seriously. Everyone, please stop typing. Why are you ruining my happy moment like this? Let’s all just ignore the trolls.]
[Please don't give those people attention. They just act up more if you do.]
*—One day*
*You suddenly appeared*
*A single shadow that resembles you*
Jung Eun-woo began to perform a rap that sounded like he was murmuring.
Since the original was a solo song by a girl group member, it didn't have a rap part at all, but it seemed they had intentionally added one.
*—That face I missed*
*Let’s leave together for the beautiful sea*
*I who drew you*
*Commemorating that bright day*
Despite adding a section that wasn't in the original, it didn't feel out of place at all.
In fact, it felt like it made the song richer.
[I wonder if he wrote this himself.]
[They really brought a top-tier performance.]
[It’s not just the concept that’s good, their skills are amazing too, so there’s no competition. I guess there's a reason they're in the top ranks.]
*—Perhaps we are meant*
*To leave this masterless forest*
As Jung Eun-woo’s part ended, the stage lighting changed.
When Haru moved to the center, the lights shifted to a warm, yellow glow.
Haru, who had come to the very front, began to move, waving his arms as if creating some kind of shape.
The other members were split to either side of the stage, waiting on one knee.
*Chime.*
Along with a clear, harp-like sound, soap bubbles floated up as a stage effect.
It created a strangely mystical atmosphere.
*—UMM*
A clear-voiced hum played in the background.
Haru showed off his fluid dance lines to the beat.
[Haru’s control over his movements is insane. It drives you crazy.]
[Why hasn't he made it big until now?]
[Seriously, if they had sent him to a dance survival show or something, he wouldn't have been buried in obscurity. How incompetent was his agency?]
Haru approached the other members, who were down on one knee, and tapped them with his finger.
It was a small movement, like popping a soap bubble, but those Haru touched began to move in sequence.
The blocking naturally shifted again.
They were standing in a diagonal zigzag formation, with Seo Yoon-seul positioned at the very end.
*—WE WOO*
As Seo Yoon-seul belted out a high note, the other members parted to the sides like the sea splitting, leaving him in the spotlight.
*—Connected as one*
As soon as the high-note ad-lib finished, Seo Yoon-seul effortlessly handled another part composed of considerably high notes.
*—In the memories of that time*
As if receiving a baton, Park Ji-ham immediately performed his high-note part.
[It feels like Park Ji-ham’s skills actually improved after recovering from his vocal cord nodules. His old performance videos don't have this vibe at all.]
[Did you see So-jeong’s expression just now? I was so surprised. I've never seen her make a face like that.]
Those watching the live broadcast couldn't help but be surprised.
It was because So-jeong, one of the judges, was watching the stage with a very pleased expression.
[It’s hard to get used to seeing someone who was always stern, angry, and scolding look like that. I get it, because everyone is doing so well today, but still...]
*—I won’t let go of your hand*
The sound of an electric guitar swelled, and the second dance break began.
This time, all the members danced in sync.
They did a domino wave and then stamped their feet, changing formation once again.
After a continuously calm performance, they unleashed a powerful choreography near the end, as if to expend all their remaining energy.
[Didn’t they say they choreographed this themselves? This is amazing.]
[The choreo is so intense, you can really see their control. How is there not a single weak dancer? There’s no member to hide in the back.]
*—Following the butterfly’s flutter*
The contestants closed their eyes, their hands forming a butterfly shape over their chests.
“Waaaaaaah!”
“I love you!”
“Let’s debut!”
The performance concluded amidst the fans’ fervent cheers.