Chapter 49
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 49
Chapter Title: Keyword Music Rose Special (2)
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“Hello.”
“Oh, hello.”
We exchanged brief greetings with Black Dice as they entered the studio.
I could see them putting on their mics and taking seats across from us.
I tried my best not to pay attention, but I couldn’t stop my eyes from drifting over to them.
*We have to sit face-to-face like this. How uncomfortable.*
As I straightened my clothes and adjusted my posture, my eyes met Hwang Tae-seok’s.
It was just for a split second, but a strange smile crept onto his lips as he looked at me.
I gave an awkward eye-smile and looked away.
*What’s he staring at?*
I forced down my irritation and managed my expression, but then I suddenly recalled what Hwang Tae-seok had said that day.
*I’ll show you what it means to get utterly crushed.*
The more I thought about it, the more ridiculous it seemed.
What kind of mental age was that—middle school? And how could anyone say something like that with a straight face?
*I’d die of embarrassment before I could.*
The other members seemed uncomfortable staring at Hwang Tae-seok too, keeping their eyes elsewhere as they chatted.
Cha Jae-hyun, who’d been checking on everyone, looked around at us and asked,
“Nervous?”
“Yeah, a little?”
“It’s fine. Just pretend you’re at home watching TV comfortably.”
I nodded and took a deep breath.
*Yeah. Let’s think of it that way. Nice and easy.*
That’s when the signal to start filming came. We all straightened up, waiting for the cameras to roll.
And then filming began.
“Hello, I’m Nana, MC of Keyword Music Show.”
“And I’m MC Seo-bin.”
“So! What stage will we see today based on our keyword? You’re all dying to know, right?”
The MCs delivered their lines in upbeat voices from the center seats.
“Seo-bin, care to explain today’s keyword?”
“Yes. Today’s keyword is the rose—the symbol of love and beauty! Isn’t it exciting to see what stage they’ve prepared around roses?”
The MCs turned to look at the guests seated in the guest area.
According to the script, we were up first for greetings.
*Ahem.*
I cleared my throat, getting ready.
“Yes, we’ve gathered some truly outstanding singers today. First up, the rising stars blowing up right now—Manwol’s Boys!”
“Two, three—‘I’ll be your shining moon.’ Hello, we are Manwol’s Boys.”
Led by Cha Jae-hyun’s greeting chant, we all greeted the camera energetically.
Watching us, the MCs bantered in high-pitched tones.
“They must be rookies, ‘cause those voices are no joke.”
“Full of spirit, right?”
Introductions continued from the guests. Applause filled the studio after each one.
Seeing these faces I’d only known from TV in person felt surreal.
*I’m really on Keyword Music.*
Once greetings wrapped up, the MC turned to us and Black Dice alternately.
“Manwol’s Boys and Black Dice—this is your first time on Keyword Music, right? How does it feel competing against labelmates, seniors and juniors?”
I’d figured this would come up.
*What do we even say to that?*
Cha Jae-hyun spoke first.
“I’m thrilled and happy to be on such a great show with our seniors.”
“Our Manwol’s Boys friends say they’re thrilled and happy. What do the Black Dice members think?”
Before the MC even finished, Ye Hyun-ha jumped in.
“You’re all tense right now, huh?”
“Yes.”
“It feels so weird, like looking at ourselves back when we were rookies.”
“Hahaha.”
“But I think you guys can do great. We’re rooting for you.”
Just when the vibe was getting all warm and fuzzy,
Hwang Tae-seok suddenly cut in.
“Our juniors.”
What now?
What’s he gonna say this time...
I was barely holding onto my smile when Hwang Tae-seok grinned and said,
“As your senior, let me teach you a thing or two this time.”
What the hell?
Even in front of the camera, I nearly scowled without thinking.
The MCs and guests reacted hotly to Hwang Tae-seok’s line.
“Ooooooh.”
“Black Dice seniors are offering to teach a lesson—what’ll our Manwol’s Boys do?”
I glanced at the members sidelong.
Their mouths were smiling, but their faces screamed they were cursing up a storm inside. Cha Jae-hyun was the only one managing his expression decently.
To keep the mood from souring, I forced an exaggerated laugh.
*Why’s he doing this? That jerk...*
Hwang Tae-seok had delivered it so wittily that outsiders might just see it as fun variety show banter.
But to us, it was straight-up insult.
*Annoying bastard.*
If we just laughed it off, we’d have to keep watching that smug face.
Hit back the same way? We could end up mocked online after airing as “Manwol’s Boys disrespecting their seniors.”
I racked my brain for a comeback and spoke up.
“You know what they say.”
All eyes turned to me.
“Even a three-year-old has something to teach you. We may be new to this, but...”
I trailed off, glancing at the MCs. They picked it up smoothly.
“Oh, so Black Dice has things to learn from Manwol’s Boys too?”
“Wahaha! Things are heating up!”
Perfect.
This should be fine even after airing—no backlash.
On TV, it’d just look like cute junior sass.
That’s when I spotted Hwang Tae-seok across from me, smirking with one corner of his mouth lifted.
Seeing that made me scoff in disbelief.
*I don’t know what his deal is, but I’ll just ignore him.*
Sure, Hwang Tae-seok was a stressor, but one punk like that wouldn’t break my mental game.
*So please, just stop trying with these cheap provocations.*
I fixed my gaze on the MCs, deciding to tune Hwang Tae-seok out completely.
“Now! Time to draw the highly anticipated performance order!”
The MC set a box down on the table.
So that box has papers with the guests’ names...
*Please, not first. Anything but first.*
I clasped my hands and prayed.
First slot has less impact than last, and you won’t score well.
“Alright, let’s draw!”
The MC reached into the hole in the box. She eyed us excitedly.
“Who will take the first slot?”
She unfolded the paper and announced,
“For the Keyword Music Rose Special, the first performer is...!”
I was praying it wouldn’t be us when
The MC shouted,
“Big Monster!”
Big Monster in the guest seats stood with disappointed faces.
“Aw, first up.”
“Why not? Better to take the hits early, right?”
“We’ll rock the stage!”
After their greeting, Big Monster headed out of the studio.
Now we could watch their performance on the studio monitors.
*Wonder what they prepared.*
Big Monster—a three-member male vocal group.
*They’re strong on high notes, so probably some ultra-highs toward the end.*
Soon, Big Monster appeared on the monitor screen.
“Oh, they’re starting.”
Applause erupted from the audience as Big Monster took the stage.
“Woooo!”
Keyword Music ranks based on audience votes.
The audience is split into ‘Teens Panel,’ ‘20s Panel,’ ‘30s Panel,’ ‘40s Panel,’
And after all performances, they vote for their favorite.
The top vote-getter wins Keyword Music.
*Tense.*
Big Monster’s stage began soon after—as expected, pure vocals.
The intro hit, and murmurs rose from the guest area.
“Huh?”
“That song!”
Yoo Jung-hoon’s [Red Rose].
The one Cha Jae-hyun had suggested at the last planning meeting.
Big Monster stood at standing mics on the monitor.
Lights came up one by one as the song started.
*They rearranged it super dramatically.*
Cheers rang out from the guests watching Big Monster.
“Oh.”
“That voice has insane pull.”
“I could listen forever.”
Amid the praise, Big Monster’s stage ended.
“Next up.”
The MC pulled another paper from the box and showed it to the camera.
“Cherry Boom!”
“That’s us?”
“Whoa, nervous. We’re going!”
“Fighting!”
Cherry Boom stood and headed to the stage.
Cherry Boom—a two-member female duo, famous for witty, hilarious stages.
*You just feel happier watching them.*
Their performance started.
“Hm?”
Unexpected song choice.
FFF703’s [My Life’s Final Confession]. I knew it as a famous proposal song...
“Whoa!”
“Awesome.”
Cherry Boom members appeared on stage with fake mustaches.
Then the other emerged in a white dress.
Facing each other, they sang in perfect sync.
“They’re acting so well!”
“Don’t they look like a real couple?”
The stage seemed lighthearted, but the immersion was intense.
*Pop!*
It ended with a huge bouquet of roses thrust forward.
“Woooo.”
“Touching ending.”
“Like watching a beautiful movie.”
I glanced sideways—Song Yu-bin was there with a stiff smile.
I whispered softly,
“You okay?”
“...Yeah.”
“Don’t worry. We practiced hard. Just show what we worked for.”
Other teams’ stages flew by in a blur.
Reacting to performances, answering MC questions—time vanished.
Before we knew it, only our two teams were left.
*Unbelievable.*
What trick of fate was this?
Manwol’s Boys and Black Dice—still waiting to perform.
A sudden wave of unease hit. According to Eun Hae-sol last time, their stage was no joke.
Back-to-back, and ours would look compared...
*Ah, damn it.*
The MC reached for the box.
“Between Black Dice and Manwol’s Boys, who’ll go first?”
She dipped her hand in, glancing between us.
Tension thick, the paper in her hand slowly unfolded.
She looked right at me.
“Result’s out!”
I swallowed dryly.
“The team performing first is...!”