Chapter 82
Chapter 82
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 82
Chapter Title: Burn It Up
-----------------------------------------------------------------
In the waiting room, the members of Creatin sat with tense expressions.
“Oh? You’re here earlier than I expected.”
“Yes. We only had a schedule this morning.”
After a brief exchange of greetings, we also changed into our stage outfits and had our makeup touched up.
This time, our outfits were white shirts and black jeans—a simple yet clean look.
If there was one standout feature, it was the glitter.
As if to depict constellations, glitter was applied from our faces down to our necks.
“If this doesn’t come off, you’ll have to use tape to peel it off.”
The mere thought of it sounded painful.
“Otherwise, there’s a chance the glitter will still be stuck on you a week later.”
“Even if I wash thoroughly?”
“Yes. That’s just the nature of glitter. Tape is your best bet.”
It seemed better to endure a little pain and use tape.
It would be a nuisance if glitter kept appearing out of nowhere.
“Alright, guys. Gather around. I’m taking a picture.”
Our manager called us over.
“I think the fans will love this.”
He said, snapping several photos.
“Came out great. Creatin, would you like to take one with them?”
“Is that okay?”
“It’s good to show that groups from the same agency get along. Plus, when we ask for votes later, posting a picture like this is a good idea. You all look friendly together.”
And so, we stood side-by-side with Creatin in the waiting room.
Creatin’s outfits were black, making us look like black and white Go stones.
“One, two.”
After a few more pictures were taken, we each began to rest before our stage.
“Yoon-seul.”
The manager called my name in a low voice.
“Yes?”
“Um, if you’re uncomfortable seeing Zero to the Boy and their manager, should I try to avoid overlapping schedules in the future? If it makes you uncomfortable, we can do that.”
I could feel that the manager was genuinely worried about me.
*Did I have a bad expression on my face earlier?*
“No, it’s okay.”
There was no need for that.
“Besides, we’re with a different agency now, so there’s nothing they can do to me. And it’s not like I’ll ever be alone.”
I gave the manager a smile to show him I was truly fine.
“Really?”
The manager tilted his head, looking unconvinced.
But since I said I was fine, he didn't press the matter further.
“Creatin, please get ready for your stage.”
“Yes.”
“Let’s go.”
After a final check, we left the waiting room.
Creatin was scheduled to perform second.
So, we could see Ten by X, the first act, taking their positions on stage.
“Well, well. It’s been a while.”
The PD approached us with a genial smile.
“Hello.”
“I’ve been enjoying RE-V’s promotions. Seeing you all do so well makes me feel proud.”
The PD’s voice was completely different from how it was during the filming of RED CUBE.
I couldn’t tell if it was because our status had changed since then, or if it was simply because the show was over.
All I knew was that his overly friendly demeanor was incredibly awkward.
*What is he up to?*
“Thank you.”
“We’re the ones who should be thankful. Thanks to the program’s success, I was able to get another show scheduled right away. I’m busy, and I love it.”
The PD said, looking at the studio with a pleased expression.
“Ah, but after this shoot is over, I’m planning to create a variety show, not a survival show this time…”
It seemed this was his real purpose all along.
Casting for a new program.
Since he had granted my request to recommend Creatin, he probably thought he could throw a pitch of his own.
*But that’s not going to happen.*
He had initially said that *Twisty Puzzle*, the show we were currently filming, wasn’t a survival show either, but I later heard that wasn't true once filming began.
It meant I couldn’t rule out the possibility that the PD was trying to deceive us now.
“Our manager handles all our scheduling, so I’m not really in a position to say anything.”
I couldn’t say no directly, so I spoke indirectly.
The PD’s gaze then shifted to our manager.
“It’s really not a survival show. It’s a variety show with games. The kind where we gather idols and have them play games.”
At the PD’s words, I saw Creatin’s shoulders flinch.
*He must have tricked them with the same line. There's no other reason for that reaction.*
“We’re very grateful for the offer, but we don’t have any plans for variety show appearances unless it’s during a promotion period. Please send us a proposal later. We’ll review it and get back to you.”
At our manager’s words, the PD walked away with a look of deep disappointment.
“That PD is really something else. Does he not want to rest? *Twisty Puzzle* isn’t even over yet, and he’s already planning a new program.”
The manager spoke in a low voice, just loud enough for us to hear.
“I know. The moment I heard him say that, I froze without even realizing it.”
“Even if it’s not a survival show, I have no intention of sending you guys. In a way, survival programs are the cruelest. Ranking people like that is just… Well, it says everything that it’s a program directed by a producer who makes shows like that.”
The manager shuddered as if he had a negative view of survival programs in general.
“So don’t worry. There’s no need to put you on a variety show that might turn out to be a survival show. I’m never sending you guys on another survival show. Once is more than enough for that kind of experience.”
The manager’s firm words were a relief.
The first idol group’s performance was already in the first chorus.
*I missed a bit while talking to the PD.*
—HAPPY
A day that makes you smile for no reason
The first performance was “HAPPY” by the first-generation girl group, KMS.
It was a good song choice.
Especially for the opening act.
*But I wonder who the guest is.*
I had never heard of their agency, so I couldn’t guess who would appear as a special guest.
—Your smile makes me smile, too
The performance seemed to express the feelings they had when they stood on stage.
*They look happy.*
—A day when everything is beautiful
The people on stage looked truly happy.
As if being able to sing and dance was all that mattered.
It was the kind of performance that naturally brought a smile to the faces of those watching.
*If there had been an audience, they would all be smiling brightly.*
—It feels as if the whole world exists just for me
Before the second verse began, soap bubbles started to float up onto the stage.
It was a stage effect that matched the song perfectly.
“The stage might be slippery, so we should be careful.”
Creatin’s manager said, watching the stage.
Since it wasn’t a live performance with an audience, the stage would be cleaned before we went on, but with so many teams waiting, they probably wouldn’t be able to do a thorough job.
*It doesn’t hurt to be careful.*
“Okay.”
“Got it, hyung.”
We couldn’t risk getting injured and messing up the end of our promotions.
Just then, the lights on the main stage gradually dimmed, and a light shone on the side stage.
—HAPPY
A day that makes you smile for no reason
It was KMS, the original artists of the song.
*No way, how did they manage to cast them?*
KMS was not currently active.
After retiring, they were living as ordinary citizens, not celebrities.
And they had done so without revealing a single detail about their lives.
I couldn’t help but be shocked that they had been cast.
“Wow. I heard the CEO here used to be KMS’s road manager. They’re really showing their loyalty. The entertainment industry is all about connections, connections.”
Our manager’s muttered words explained everything.
*He was KMS's road manager? I never knew.*
This was likely to have a pretty big impact.
A star from the past, whose whereabouts had been unknown, was showing her face.
*And she’s a true veteran. It must have been a long time since she’s been on stage, yet she’s overflowing with confidence. A group people still miss after all this time is different for a reason.*
Watching them, I found myself hoping that someday, after time had passed, we too could become a group that could give someone such pleasant memories.
*And for some reason, I feel like we really can.*
As the chorus ended, KMS walked toward the main stage.
They then performed together.
—Gently tracing a smile
Along with the high note, fireworks went off, heightening the mood.
It felt like a festival.
—I’ll be there with you
And with that, the first performance ended.
“We enjoyed the performance.”
“Thank you. We’ll be cheering for you from the waiting room.”
The first team came down and offered us a few light words of encouragement.
“Hello.”
Following them, KMS also came off the stage.
“Maybe because you’re all my son’s age, but I hope you all do well.”
“That’s right. We’ll be cheering for all of you.”
“Fighting!”
On stage, they were incredible artists, but off stage, they had a friendly air about them.
“Thank you.”
I started to think that maybe we had been made to stand here long before the stage was set just to film this kind of interaction.
*If that’s the case, I should try to get us a bit more screen time.*
“How about we do our group cheer?”
Both RE-V and Creatin responded positively to my suggestion.
“Creatin, do you guys have a cheer you do before performing?”
At Haru’s question, Creatin shook their heads.
“Then for today, how about we use our cheer together? Is that okay with you?”
“We’d love that.”
“Alright then, on ‘one, two,’ we’ll shout ‘Burn it up!’”
“Okay.”
We all put our hands together in the center.
“One, two.”
“Burn it up!”
We shouted loudly, thrusting our hands high into the air.
It was time to get on stage.