Chapter 30
Chapter 30
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: uly
Chapter: 30
Chapter Title: This Life is Space Star 30
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The first stage at the Music Cafe was, of course, Something.
At first, there had been some hesitation.
Shouldn't they rearrange it or remake it to perform something fresh?
That was the thought.
But Executive Director Jo Kyu-hwan had voiced his opposition.
"You can't assume audiences always crave novelty. Messing with a familiar stage on a whim can backfire."
Jang So-won sunbae agreed.
"We tried that with Sugarfish once. The crowd didn't like it much. A stage is a show, like a movie. If the audience has expectations, satisfy them first. Save the twists and surprises for later."
Following that advice, they prepared the Something stage exactly as they had done before.
From today, I'm gonna ride the something with you
Gonna catch you, who seems catchable yet slips away
Gonna close the gap between you and me
When the chorus hit, the audience sang along.
They had sung with fans at smaller events before, but having so many people join in like this felt surreal.
It was like goosebumps rippling across their entire bodies.
Even as the first stage ended and they moved to the talk segment with MC Ha Seung-ju, they couldn't shake off the lingering thrill.
-Great stage, right? Give them another round of applause.
The audience clapped at the MC's cue.
In the meantime, they took their seats on the prepared chairs.
With the TV screen as reference, Jang So-won sunbae sat farthest left, the members in between, and Woojoo closest to Ha Seung-ju.
They had to nail the talk segment.
They had done interviews, but this kind of talk was new.
Worried about slip-ups, Seok-hwan hyung had locked them in a room and drilled them until they wanted to puke, but the nerves remained.
The mic in his hand grew slick with cold sweat.
-First, could we get some self-introductions?
-Sure. Hello, I'm singer Jang So-won.
The crowd applauded.
Midway, a guy shouted, "Noona, I love you!" turning the audience into a sea of laughter.
It couldn't be their road manager hyung, right?
Jang So-won responded with an easygoing eye smile.
-I didn't know I had fans here too. Yes, hello. I'm Jang So-won, main vocal from that group you all know.
Sugarfish had been blacklisted from appearances after the drug scandal, treated like some Voldemort.
Applause rose from the seats.
It was encouragement for her, turning a dark past into a smile.
-It's been a while since we've seen you, Jang So-won.
-Yeah, it's been ages for a music show like this. I'm not usually the nervous type on stage, but today I was shaking bad.
-Really?
-Yeah, with a senior I respect here and all.
-If you say that, So-won, it weakens my resolve. I have to stick to the timing usually, but now I want to give you more airtime.
-Thank you so much, sunbaenim.
-See that, everyone? I'm a softie like this.
After the seasoned broadcasters bantered, the spotlight shifted to them.
-Introductions, please.
"Hello, I'm Woojoo, leader of New Black."
-I'm Bijoo, main dancer.
-I'm Jung-hyun, rapper.
-I'm Seo Ri-hyuk, main vocal.
-I'm Ji-ho, maknae and visual. Love you all.
The kid was supposed to introduce himself, not go full aegyo.
It could've come off as too much, but his maknae charm made it land naturally.
MC Ha Seung-ju smiled.
-What a unique bunch with their intros. But Ji-ho, I heard from the writers that the visual is Woojoo?
-Nuh-uh. It's me.
The audience burst into laughter at Ji-ho's reply.
-The maknae says so. What do you think, Woojoo?
"I think our maknae is the best-looking too."
-For real?
"Actually..."
He put on a hesitant face.
"I have to say it out here so he doesn't sulk back at the dorm."
-So you're saying you're not the visual?
"Yeah, that guy's self-proclaimed."
The audience laughed at his playful retort.
The reaction was solid.
He could toss one more.
Who to? Someone quick on the uptake.
Decision made fast.
"Honestly, I think Bijoo's the real visual. Doesn't hit you at first, but the more you look, the more aura he has."
Ha Seung-ju, catching his eye signal, smoothly steered the talk.
-I see. Bijoo, your thoughts?
"No, I'm not."
Bijoo flashed a shy smile.
Some audience members stirred at the soft-featured pretty boy's grin.
His delicate voice carried through the mic across the hall.
"I think our team's main vocal Ri-hyuk is the best-looking."
-How about Ri-hyuk?
A subtle vibe was building.
Catching on, Ri-hyuk pointed at Jung-hyun.
"Our rapper's the visual."
-Shall we go to Jung-hyun then?
As expected, Jung-hyun pointed at him.
While they praised each other's looks, the maknae, naturally sidelined, pulled a pout.
The screen broadcast his betrayed expression live, drawing laughs.
Of course, it wasn't genuine.
Just show for the cameras.
If Ji-ho looked truly hurt, the viewer boards would've exploded.
-New Black has this sly charm.
Ha Seung-ju slipped in the praise, moving to the next topic.
Naturally, it was Something.
Time for co-composer Jang So-won sunbae and him to shine.
-I heard there's a special story behind Something's creation?
-Yes.
Jang So-won took the mic.
-There's this year-end evaluation event.
-Year-end evaluation?
-Idol trainees do monthly evaluations every month-end. To check progress...
-Like mock exams for students?
The MC's experience showed.
The audience let out knowing "Ah~"s.
-Ours and nearby companies do a joint year-end one.
-Like a showcase.
-Yes. That's where I first met New Black and Woojoo.
-As singer vs. trainee, not singer vs. singer?
-Exactly.
-What about New Black drew Jang So-won to collab?
So-won sunbae recounted the year-end evaluation.
Most trainees did electronic-heavy stages, but one team kicked off with trot.
That freshness grabbed eyes.
-Trot? Curious what that was like. A quick taste?
"I might not remember it perfectly, but I'll give it a shot."
He replied humbly, but the script had (New Black Performance) queued.
They had drilled it thoroughly.
Ji-ho, him, Ri-hyuk in a short trot medley drew brief applause.
-Wow, nailing the trot. I get what charmed Jang So-won.
"Like soda fizz. Then I learned their arranger wasn't a pro producer, but a member. That hooked me more."
-Really?
The MC feigned surprise, explaining to the crowd.
-As you know, arranging's harder than composing. Needs instrument knowledge and harmony concepts.
Eyes turned to him, "ooh"s rising.
Somehow embarrassing, though it wasn't that big a deal...
-That's when I started working with Woojoo. Feels like fate now.
-Given Something's success, yeah.
"Actually, Woojoo suggested the 'something' idea."
-Really?
As they shared composition tales, Ha Seung-ju's eyes lit with interest, glancing his way.
Like spotting something intriguing, making him flinch.
-From Jang So-won's story, Woojoo seems more central. How was co-composing for you?
"Sunbae is too kind, but this song starts and ends with her. I just lent a hand."
-Mutual uplifting. Humblest collab duo yet.
Laughter at Ha Seung-ju's quip.
While he and So-won sunbae discussed the song, they wove in member bits so New Black stayed relevant.
Like Bijoo suggesting moves for his part, Ri-hyuk on vocals.
Effects were so-so.
* * *
"Nice job."
The PD in the sub-control room said admiringly.
"Thought it'd be all nerves live, but solid for rookies."
"Not solid—good."
"Good reactions, takes talk well. Could intro to other PDs later."
Their camera focus: Seon Wooju.
"Good-looking and eloquent."
"Visual alone crushes most idols. Hit big, he'll snag fans."
"Fans aren't won by looks. Something about that self-mori... whatever trend."
"Otaku-puller award, PD-nim."
"Yeah, that."
"But his face appeals broadly."
Writers smiled proudly; PD chuckled wryly.
A writer admired screen Wooju.
"He's working hard."
"Rookies don't get Music Cafe easy. Gotta go all-in."
"True."
"Downside: leader feeds lines, but kids aren't keeping up great."
"Normal for newbies. Camera fright hits hard."
Indeed, Wooju fed cues aptly.
Like mother bird and father bird with Jang So-won.
But first-timers occasionally stuttered.
-Uh...
Like now, one hesitated two seconds on surprise question.
Ha Seung-ju would ruthlessly pivot without looking back.
"Seung-ju's cold."
"Own your airtime. Radio accident if silence hits three seconds."
"He's the type to focus on good reactors."
Unlucky for off-days, but that's what made Music Cafe work.
"Odd, though, PD-nim?"
"What?"
"First time Seung-ju asked to extend a guest's time."
"Within limits. Five minutes. Issue?"
"No precedent. Other teams might gripe..."
PD pondered, then grinned.
"Any guest here to complain?"
"No."
"Broadcast discretion on airtime. And future content's buzzworthy. No problem. Backtalk?"
He added laughing.
"Ratings good, we're golden."
* * *
Talk on composition and trivia wrapped; two stages left.
-Now, mid-show stage time.
MC adjusted glasses, eyeing him.
Ready?
His nod, and Ha Seung-ju continued.
-Heard Woojoo has piano talent too.
"Ah, no."
He waved it off.
"Played since kid, just familiar. Skills lacking."
-Don't fall for it, folks.
Ha Seung-ju grinned mischievously at the crowd.
-I snuck in during rehearsal. Pianist-composer here, but at his age, no way that sensibility. Expect great things from Woojoo's piano.
Hype drew curious eyes.
Spotlight on him.
Casually, he walked to the grand piano.
Heart pounding.
Master actor Wang Ji-ho's relaxed face helped, but tremors persisted.
Stages were weird.
Get comfy, new jitters hit.
Passing members' chairs, they shot encouraging looks.
"Hoo..."
Shallow breath unseen, he sat.
Cold touch.
Seat chilled.
...
Audience hushed.
Eyes like starry night watched expectantly.
Absorbing heavy air, fingers moved.
* * *
Audience buzzed with anticipation.
'First time Seung-ju praised piano. How good?'
Eyes fixed.
Handsome idol at grand piano.
Arm on it, pale slender fingers visible up close.
Nervous, Wooju's throat bobbed twice.
Then, playing began.
Legendary jazz hit 'Route 66', piano-arranged.
Bright melody.
From first bar, they were hooked.
Likely 'cause Wooju immersed fully.
Unlike tense sit-down, he transformed on play. Fingers struck keys like notes flowed out.
Enchanted stares.
Face enjoying music.
Shoulders rose-fell naturally, knee on pedal light.
Fingers danced joyfully on white-black keys.
Not all cheer.
'Route 66' arrangement held subtle melancholy.
Like a gent singing lost love cheerily in rain.
Crowd sank in.
Those seeing Wooju as mere pretty idol shed bias, savoring the performance.
"Twice as good as rehearsal."
PD in sub-control beamed.
"Clip online'll pop."
"Live performers. Rehearsal they seemed terrified; now zero trace."
"Yeah. Crowd reaction?"
Sub-director checked screen.
"Smash hit."
"Knew it."
PD eyed piano-playing Wooju, muttering.
"Blood will tell."
Earlier chat with Seung-ju revealed Wooju's dad.
When Seung-ju pushed more airtime, PD frowned—what?—but dad's name clicked.
Ratings bait.
'Some might not know, but...'
Playing ended.
Camera caught applause as Wooju returned.
Ha Seung-ju smiled.
-Incredible. Self-arranged, right? Composer from start, musically gifted.
-Thank you.
Bowing Wooju got MC glancing cue card, shifting topic playfully.
-But innate talent? Effort matters, but art needs gift too?
"Ah, that."
Wooju smiled.
"From Dad, I think. Watched pianist father since young."
-Name?
"Seon Myung-ju..."
Gasps erupted across seats.
Seon Myung-ju.
Korea's top pianist, 15 years back.