Chapter 29
Chapter 29
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 29
Chapter Title: Our First Fan Signing (1)
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Fansigns.
Or fansas, as they were often shortened to—that was an event no idol group could do without.
They'd invite around a hundred fans to a decent-sized hall and sign albums face-to-face, one by one.
Fans loved it because they could see their favorite idol up close and have a one-on-one chat. It was the kind of event they considered a must-go if they could swing it.
Fansas were usually done by drawing winners from album buyers or partnering with a brand sponsoring an ad.
And ours was, naturally, the former.
From what I'd heard, certain stores handed out entry tickets to album buyers, then drew winners from those.
'Brings back memories of Seo Ji-hyun buying fifty Blue Black albums for their fansa and still not getting picked.'
Fansas were such a hit that fans would compete to buy albums just to enter. Super popular idols often had fans buying dozens and still striking out.
My roommate back then, Seo Ji-hyun, had bawled her eyes out hugging a pile of albums at home.
'Of course, ours won't be that intense.'
EverPlanet was a fresh debut with zero recognition.
Buying just a few albums should be enough to score a spot to see us.
'Still, these are the first fans coming to see us. Wonder if there's something we can do for them?'
They were seeking us out even though we had nothing to offer yet. We had to show some gratitude.
Taking that kind of time to come meet us wasn't easy.
Even if it wasn't anything grand, prepping a little gift might be nice.
Sitting on a chair in the waiting area, killing time before our music show performance, I drifted into thought.
That's when someone plopped down next to me. Park Su-rim.
He glanced at his phone and casually asked.
"Lee Jae. What're you thinking so hard about?"
"Just stuff. Got something on my mind."
"What? You? Spill. What's up?"
I met Park Su-rim's gaze as he stared at me with wide, curious eyes.
His round, friendly puppy-like face somehow inspired trust.
Maybe I should bounce ideas off him. He was the leader, after all.
"Hyung."
"Yeah, Lee Jae? What's eating you? Tell your hyung. I'll hear anything except what I can't."
He pounded his chest like he could be trusted with it all. Even if something popped into my head.
I chuckled and opened up.
"Nah, no memories resurfacing yet, unfortunately. Anyway, about our fansa this week."
"Yeah? What's up with the fansa? Problem?"
"No, nothing like that. Just... it's our first one, right? So maybe we could give the fans who come something small, like a gift... Since they're our debut fans and all."
"Ooh, nice idea."
Park Su-rim stroked his chin thoughtfully and nodded.
"Gifts, huh... What about some wrapped candies or chocolates?"
"That could work. Easy to prep, too."
"Right? Or handwritten letters? Those pack a real punch in sincerity."
Letters. That was it. I nodded.
Nothing beat a handwritten note from us for squeezing in heartfelt effort.
"Sounds good. What if every member writes one, and we hand them out? If there's room, bundle in some snacks like you mentioned."
"Perfect. That adds real meaning."
"Su-rim hyung, great call."
Good thing I'd talked to him.
Two heads really were better than one.
With the solution in hand, I stretched, feeling clear-headed.
Park Su-rim ruffled my hair wildly, beaming like a proud parent.
"Here I thought you were brooding over some deep issue, but you were scheming up something sweet on your own. Good job, Lee Jae."
"It ain't that clever."
"Anyway, let's round up the guys and chat. I'll call the ones in the van."
Park Su-rim phoned Lee Jae-oh to assemble everyone, and soon the members trickled into the waiting area.
"What's up?"
"What is it? Something urgent?"
"Su-rim hyung, why'd you call?"
They listened well enough when the leader spoke.
Park Su-rim looked up at the three who'd answered his summons.
"Tae-hee hyung's at school for a bit. Kwang-myeong?"
"Working in the van. Been at it for hours with headphones on, laying down beats."
"Yeah? Someone fetch him."
Go Eun-young shrugged helplessly and headed off.
"Guess the maknae's on errand duty again."
"Ooh, Eun-young, zap zap."
"More like zing zing."
Moments later, Kim Kwang-myeong shuffled in, looking wrecked from a stalled session, and Park Su-rim slid off his chair to sit on the mat-covered floor.
I casually parked myself next to him.
"Hey, guys. Sit down here."
"Something wrong?"
"What's this about?"
"Not urgent? I gotta work on my track."
"It's urgent. You all know we've got our first fansa this Wednesday, right? Obviously."
The members nodded like it was a given.
"But why?"
"Ha Jaehad an idea. Hand each fan a handwritten letter from one of us. It's our landmark first fansa, so it'd mean a lot as a thank-you. What do you think?"
"I'm in."
Lee Jae-oh jumped on board right away. Classic yes-man Lee Jae-oh.
"Wow, handwritten letters for the fans! Kinda romantic, huh? Count me in!"
"Me too, okay."
"Whoa, I've never even written one for Mom. Let's do it anyway."
The others nodded along quick.
These guys really did listen well...
Hard to believe these sweet types had pulled off those massive scandals.
With everyone on board, Park Su-rim grabbed six pens and some paper from the waiting area supplies and passed them out.
"No letter paper, so A4 sheets for now."
"Won't that look plain?"
"We can't write a hundred by hand anyway—we'll photocopy. Ask the company staff to fancy it up in Photoshop. It's great these days."
"Ah, got it."
Go Eun-young nodded in understanding and took what Park Su-rim offered.
Soon, everyone gripped pens and started scribbling letters to the fans.
My turn. How to kick it off?
After a moment's thought, I began writing carefully from the top.
[To. The Fans Attending EverPlanet's First Fansign
Hello, this is Lee Jae.
The current time is June 10th, 3:29 PM.
It's already been a week since our debut.
And in three days, we'll finally get to meet you all face-to-face at our first fansign.
I'm writing this, word by word, as I await that moment.
I once read in a book that a good start leads to a good end.
I'm thrilled our beginning is with you all.
I hope we can charge ahead wonderfully together, just like this awesome start.
We'll work hard. So you can always be proud to be our first fans.
Here's to EverPlanet going forward. Thank you. :)
- From Lee Jae.]
That should do. I handed my finished letter to Park Su-rim.
Meanwhile, Teddy, who'd been staring blankly at his paper instead of writing, raised his hand.
"Can I write mine in English?"
"Why? Korean too hard?"
"Yeah."
Fair enough. The kid still mixed up "zzarit-zzarit" and "pparit-pparit," so a full letter in Korean might be tough.
Guess I'd help. I nodded and tapped his paper.
"Teddy, write two then. One in English, one in Korean. English first. I'll help with the Korean."
"Okay. Thanks, Lee Jae."
The waiting area fell quiet again. Everyone focused on their letters, not a peep.
When Han Tae-hee finally showed up, his first words were, "What's going on? Why's it so quiet?" That said it all.
Once even latecomer Han Tae-hee had penned his, we contacted the company with our plan.
"Great idea. Have your manager drop off the letters, and we'll handle the rest."
"Thanks, Director Hwang."
Three days later, Wednesday.
We headed to the site of our first fansign.
Hearts full of our preparations.
* * *
ABC Mall, a shopping center in central Seoul.
Homma arrived at basement level 2, big bag on her back.
In the bustling pathway amid shoppers, she spotted a banner with EverPlanet's logo and photos at the center.
She headed toward the area lined with chairs, thinking.
'Public fansa after forever.'
Idol fansigns came in public and private flavors.
Private ones let only ticket winners enter the rented venue.
Public ones, like this, were held in open, busy spots so passersby could peek in.
'Figures for rookies.'
New groups with low name recognition preferred public over private.
It helped spread the word.
EverPlanet must've picked public for their first for that reason.
'Whatever.'
She was going either way.
She shrugged and joined the line.
Her turn came quick.
She showed her album and entry ticket to staff, got a number tag.
Early number. Before sitting in the front row, she greeted a familiar face.
"Hi."
"You made it?"
"Yeah. Dinner after?"
She exchanged quick hellos with her usual acquaintance and took her seat.
Then pulled a camera from the bag piled like luggage beside her.
'Gonna snag life-changing Ha Jaeshots today.'
The veteran homma steeled herself, lips curling up.
As start time neared, winning fans trickled in, filling seats.
A few toted big cameras like hers.
Right on time, the MC staff announced the start.
Members emerged from behind the stage, filing to the signing tables.
Cheers erupted at their entrance. Even stopped passersby in their tracks.
She raised her camera amid the roar and hammered the burst mode.
"Turn Around! Hello, we're EverPlanet!"
The members bowed with their greeting. She locked focus on Ha Jaeand fired away.
'Too cute, insane!'
Ha Jae-in a white blazer jacket and black shirt, matching the album concept—adorable overload.
She had to capture every second of this creature and share it. A burning sense of duty surged.
Then leader Park Su-rim grabbed the mic.
"Hello, fans. Leader Su-rim here. Thank you so much for joining our first fansign. Everyone had dinner?"
"Yes!"
"Ooh, sounds like you ate hearty. Great. Ready for us to start the signing?"
"Yes!"
Leader had chops.
I'd thought he handled the debut stage well despite it being first; he owned the vibe here too.
The eldest was her friend's fave, Han Tae-hee, so it clicked why Park Su-rim was leader.
Satisfied with the response, he grinned and nodded.
"Got it! Before we dive in, we've got a little something prepared for you all."
'A little event?'
Homma tilted her head.
Some game? Better saved for private fansas.
But Park Su-rim's next words blew past her expectations.