Chapter 253
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 253
As was the case every year, the cue sheets for various year-end music festivals were leaked and spread across social media.
It had been a long time since terrestrial broadcasters stopped giving out awards, but fans remained as sensitive as ever regarding the performance order and time distribution for their artists.
[The Dawn is naturally included in every lineup now ㅠㅠㅠ I’m so proud and I love them so much]
[Whoa, their slot is actually near the end this time ㅠㅠㅠㅠ]
[Holy sh*t ㅠㅠ Our babies are basically top-tier now ㅠㅠㅠㅠ Their public recognition must have skyrocketed]
Among the leaks, the cue sheet for the QBS Music Festival scheduled for December 31st showed that The Dawn—who had always been placed in the earlier slots—had finally overtaken High Five to secure a later spot.
Since this was the result of pushing past the power of a major agency through sheer public recognition alone, the Noeuls who logged onto social media were cheering wildly in their hearts while their fingers flew across their keyboards.
[Damn, it’s just a year-end stage order, why am I like this... ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ But honestly, it feels so rewarding..]
[Wow.. Is it because Christmas Again and 2359 did so well?? ㅠㅠ What is this?? It’s my first time seeing them get pushed like this, I’m so fluttering right now ㅠㅠ]
[I guess they really did blow up through variety shows ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ This is crazy, I’m so excited]
However, the fact that the cue sheet had leaked also meant...
[Oh.......................
A collab......
The Dawn and....
High Five.........? (Rubs eyes..)]
It meant that the top-secret collaboration stage between The Dawn and High Five had finally come to light.
[Last year it was..... Lia Purple....
This year it’s..... High Five.........
I feel like a general invading enemy territory....]
[Wait ㅋㅋㅋㅋ Why?? I like it though ㅋㅋㅋㅋ Both groups are totally cute]
Amidst a mix of anticipation, anxiety, and nervousness, the last day of December arrived.
As the Music Festival began and the time for the collaboration stage drew near, The Dawn’s fans were overcome with worry.
[Honestly, I like both groups. Last time Ho-yun was on that variety show with Kang Yeon-hu, he seemed to take good care of him, and they seem to work hard as seniors and juniors.
But I’m seriously getting PTSD thinking about all the psychos from Shas 2 swarming back in..]
[It was a literal dumpster fire back then........... ㅋㅋㅋㅋ....]
[I like everyone, so I just hope it passes smoothly~
(Gif of someone nervously chewing on a paper cup)]
As Part 1 ended and Part 2 reached its midpoint, the curtain finally rose on the collaboration.
【Heart on Fire - At Dawn with High Five (The Dawn & H-Five)】
As if trying to appeal with a bit of cuteness, the names of the two groups were combined in the captions.
[Gasp, is this what I think it is?]
However, in stark contrast to the name, a wild and seductive melody with a beat that felt sophisticated despite being over twenty years old echoed through the speakers.
【Heart on Fire】
Blue and white lights flickered in time with the beat, alternating between darkness and brilliance to illuminate the stage spectacularly.
In the center sat the five members of High Five on chairs, with the members of The Dawn standing in perfect formation behind them.
[Holy f*ckkkk]
Though the specific details differed, they were all dressed in black latex pants, baggy white V-neck knits, and dark jackets, as if the outfits themselves were an embodiment of the song.
Upon seeing this, High Five fans went wild.
[Ah~~~~ This is the WH textbook right here~~~~~~!!!!!! Heart on Fire!!!!]
[I can’t believe I’m seeing Kang Yeon-hu dance to this before I die, I’m losing it]
Naturally, the Noeuls were just as hyped.
[The moment I suddenly feel grateful for a WH collab]
[Is this real? Is this real? Is this real? Am I actually seeing Seo Ho-yun do a chair dance right now? Is he insane? Is this real?]
[Sexy concepts always win ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ]
The song was incredibly famous, but more than anything, the lyrics were provocative and mature.
The first verse belonged to Kim Seong-hyeon.
He stepped forward, roughly wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.
【I’m falling deeper into you
I’ll take you anywhere
You, looking at me with those innocent eyes】
A sharp gaze that seemed to pierce through the screen and a slight smirk.
Wearing the expression he had inherited through special training from Seo Ho-yun, Kim Seong-hyeon dominated the stage.
[Wow..... Kim Seong-hyeon is so good, this is insane ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ]
[Seriously, when he’s on stage, he looks like a literal madman... so sexy....
To think a man like that is a housekeeping king who looks good in pink gloves
Suddenly I’m even more flustered, f*ck]
【I want to run away somewhere with you】
As the High Five members stood up, spun, and moved behind the chairs, Kang Yi-chae stood alone in the center. Then, he sat on a chair, sliding his right hand—adorned with The Dawn’s group ring—down his thigh.
【Don’t provoke me too much
I’ll want to give you everything
I ain’t going anywhere】
[Yi-chae, are you crazy?
Yi-chae, are you crazy?
Hey, are you really allowed to do this?]
[I was so shocked I just let out a scream like a dinosaur]
At his sheer flirtatiousness, screams like the cries of pterodactyls erupted.
【Can I eat you from
the bottom to the top?】
Next, Kang Yeon-hu took the following line, singing while lightly biting his lower lip, which triggered another wave of screams bordering on shrieks.
It was the sound of High Five’s fandom, High-ri.
Fans of other groups watching the Music Festival couldn't help but laugh.
[ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Ah, the reactions are seriously hilarious, the rivalry between these two groups is intense
The strong-willed Noeuls vs. the steadfast High-ris]
[The Dawn usually does spicy, high-stimulation stuff while High Five has a strong refreshing, youth-filled vibe, so I didn't think they'd match, but their stage harmony is surprisingly good ㅋㅋㅋㅋ]
If High Five expressed a refined sexiness by controlling their intensity, The Dawn exploded with a raw, wild masculinity.
【Can I kiss you from
the bottom to the top?】
The beat, which had been bouncing wildly in all directions, suddenly subsided as they entered the highlight.
When they were dividing the parts for Heart on Fire equally, this was the section where the person in charge was decided without any disagreement from either High Five or The Dawn.
【Don’t come closer so easily】
Seo Ho-yun, who had stepped out from the group as if pushing Seong Ji-won’s shoulder, looked down into the camera that was filming from a low angle.
【I’ll be your man
Then you can’t ever leave me】
In contrast to his burning gaze, the corners of Seo Ho-yun’s mouth curled up softly.
[You crazy bastard........]
[Woaah ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Look at the volume of the crowd spiking, seriously ㅋㅋㅋㅋ He really is a face genius ㅋㅋㅋㅋ
└ It’s not just his face, his aura is seriously insane ㅋㅋㅋ]
[ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Ah, everyone is suddenly swearing ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ]
[The definitive center..............
My man has become a crazy all-rounder......]
Boom, boom, boom. The intense melody returned, and the High Five members bowed their waists in unison. The Dawn members leaped over them.
Flames shot up from the effects machines at the front of the stage.
【Don’t provoke me too much
I’ll want to give you everything
I ain’t going anywhere】
Thanks to the perfect part distribution, the performance was incredibly harmonious, making the two groups with different personalities look like they had been one team from the start.
Kang Yeon-hu swept back his damp bangs as he sang the final line.
【You set my heart on fire】
[Wow.......]
[W-o-w, I’m literally clapping right now]
[This is insane, my babies ㅠㅠ sobs]
Everyone struck their ending poses while breathing heavily.
Soon the lights went out, and seeing the darkened stage, fans thought the collaboration was over.
【Heart on fire?】
But suddenly, with a pop! like a balloon bursting, a cute and bubbly VCR video began to play on the screen behind the stage.
[?????????]
At the same time, the fierce and rough beat was gone, replaced by a fast, addictive, and adorable tune.
【No, Love and Heart!】
It was a song by White Cherry that had been a massive hit four years ago.
'Love & Heart.'
It was a song about wanting to show only a pretty and cool side to win the heart of a crush, and it had once swept the nation with its cute point choreography and charming melody.
[Wait a minute]
Whether they had moved the chairs and taken off their jackets while the lights were out, High Five and The Dawn—now standing out in their white knits—split into their respective groups and waved their hands toward the center as if scattering confetti.
[No, wait ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ]
Through the gap walked Kang Yeon-hu, whose face was flushed despite his heavy makeup, and Seo Ho-yun, who was shamelessly winking at the camera.
【It’s because I’m too pretty
Everyone turns to look at me when I walk by】
Seo Ho-yun, who had even meticulously put on mittens, smiled brightly and drew a heart with his hands toward the camera.
【I guess it’s my fault】
[ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ]
[Ah, seriously, you lunatics ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ]
Then, he made a gesture of blowing a heart toward Kang Yeon-hu.
Beside him, Kang Yeon-hu, who was pretending to pat his face while holding a hand mirror, had the tips of his ears turn as red as flower petals.
When Kim Seong-hyeon’s expression as he danced nearby was caught briefly on camera, everyone watching burst into laughter.
[Ah, Kim Seong-hyeon ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ!!]
It was because his pity was so palpable.
[ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Ah f*ck, the way Kim Seong-hyeon looks at Kang Yeon-hu, it’s like he’s looking at a fellow victim, so much pity]
[Ah ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ Ah, isn’t this too funny? Ah ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ I can’t believe I’m crying while watching a collab]
[Being a leader is truly a heavy burden
└ Ah, don’t make me cry, I’m literally rolling on the floor crying right now]
【I get startled when I see scary things
I can’t even finish a whole bowl of rice
I can manage about half a glass of beer】
While the leaders were suffering, the maknaes of The Dawn and High Five were having the time of their lives.
【Look, a man like me isn’t easy at all
Do you think I’m joking?】
A two-shot was captured of Jeong Da-jun, who was smiling adorably while poking his cheek with his index finger, and Kang Yi-chae, who was pouting while leaning on his shoulder.
[Aaaack!! Aaaack!! Aaaaaack!!!]
[Oh my god ㅠㅠ I love the maknae line so much, I’m crying, what do I do?? ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ]
[Seriously.... That competitive streak to not lose to each other in cuteness
└ Kang Yi-chae is seriously unbelievable, that eye smile is crazy]
And as the camera circled to the back, High Five’s maknae line popped out to show off their charms.
【Don’t make me feel anxious
(I need you so bad)
Sometimes I even shed tears
(But I love you so much)】
[Whoa]
【I’m losing my control】
[Whoa;;;;;;;]
At the song’s climax, Seong Ji-won and Kang Yeon-hu stepped forward.
Even though they were singing in the original key, the high notes continued cleanly without any sign of strain. Their voices blended harmoniously without the slightest discord.
[Isn’t this insane????]
[Wow, Seong Ji-won is obviously our house’s high-note specialist, but Kang Yeon-hu is seriously crazy too, the combination is so clean]
[As a Noeul, would it be shameless of me to hope for a Kang Yeon-hu and Seong Ji-won duet?]
[My baby isn't losing at all even against a big agency... ㅠㅠㅠ sobs]
【Hmm, it’s because I’m too pretty】
The killing part repeated, and Seo Ho-yun tilted his head, turning toward Kang Yeon-hu.
【I don’t really know what love is】
It was choreography that hadn't been there before.
Kang Yeon-hu’s expression momentarily crumbled at the encroaching sense of dread.
But it was already too late to avoid it.
Seo Ho-yun took off his mittens and grabbed Kang Yeon-hu’s shoulders.
【But I think you could teach me】
Seo Ho-yun, who brushed back Yeon-hu's fallen bangs as if he were precious, cupped Kang Yeon-hu’s cheeks with both hands.
[ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Ah, look at Kang Yeon-hu’s face, he looks like he’s been victimized ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ]
[F*ck ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Ah, Seo Ho-yun really loves teasing him ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ]
Flustered, Kang Yeon-hu’s note wavered.
[An unexpected live vocal verification, f*ck ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ]
[I’m crying because this is so funny, ah ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ]
[And what’s with the lyrics? Why did they give them to Seo Ho-yun?
You know everything, you brat, you know.
Everyone knows this combination.
└ This is so f*cking funny ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ This stage is too much ㅠㅠ]
The formation changed, and Kim Seong-hyeon came to the center, looking at him pitifully with a lingering gaze.
Then, he instantly changed his expression, pointing at the camera and primly tucking his hair behind his ear.
【A man like me isn’t easy at all
Do you think I’m joking?】
The song ended, and the large group of ten gathered together to strike the final pose once more.
The members of The Dawn and High Five, standing all jumbled together, leaned on each other’s shoulders or blew hearts to the fans.
【Love and Heart!】
The show moved on to the next stage with the MCs' introductions, but communities and social media were flooded with talk of the collaboration.
[Grown-ass men... Hmph.. How scandalous.....
Scan... dalous...?
It’s short for 'Scandalously in love with these men.'
I love you guys.
└ ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ]
[My password is 0131 now.
Use it well.
Even though I only have enough money for tteokbokki...]
[Today, I... made another savings deposit.
The reason is that I wanted to marry Kim Seong-hyeon.
10,000 KRW: Kim Seong-hyeon, marry me.
10,000 KRW: You’re sexy, let’s divorce.
10,000 KRW: No, wait, let’s marry after all.
10,000 KRW: Cry for me once, then divorce.
└ ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Doesn’t the bank clerk get creeped out by you?
└└ I’m doing it through the app lol
└└ ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Ah f*ck, that’s so funny]
Just moments ago, there had been quite a few posts expressing skepticism or worry about the joint performance of the two idols, but now only warmth remained.
[Ha.... Suddenly I want to support their friendship, f*ck ㅠㅠ I didn't feel this way even when watching Seo Ho-yun and Kang Yeon-hu’s variety show, but this stage was totally my style ㅠㅠ]
[I heard this collab was just the broadcaster abusing its power anyway..??
I’m just so happy because the kids seemed to harmonize so well ㅠㅠ The parts were perfectly even too ㅋㅋ
└ Oh, really??????
└└ But don't they choose the songs themselves? ㅋㅋㅋ Anyway, they're so f*cking cute]
[What’s the point of us.. fighting among ourselves?
Our babies are asking us to teach them about love.. ^^
Let’s all live happily~ ^^
└ They’re so sly. The fans suddenly calmed down after just one stage.
└└ ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ 300,000% satisfied]
The performance by The Dawn and High Five ended in success.
It was already the case, but through this stage, another layer was added to their image as idols who would do anything for their fans.
.
.
.
Waaaaaaaah—
Amidst thunderous cheers, The Dawn and High Five stepped off the stage.
“Seo Ho-yun-ssi!”
As they passed through the backstage toward the waiting rooms, still sweeping back hair drenched in sweat from the excitement of the stage, Kang Yeon-hu caught him.
“Senior Kang Yeon-hu, what is it?”
In the noisy hallway, Yeon-hu checked his surroundings and lowered his voice.
“No, it’s nothing, I just thought the reaction seemed good.”
“Ah, right.”
Ah, right?
“Well, I don’t know if people will fight over who got a better reaction or who had more comments, but in the end, that also proves our recognition.”
“…So this is the end?”
“Why? Were you expecting something more?”
Expecting?
Expeeeecting?
At the sight of Seo Ho-yun playfully curling up the corners of his mouth, Kang Yeon-hu was momentarily speechless.
“Then why did you act like you were plotting something, like there was something more?”
He had spent several nights unable to sleep out of anxiety because he couldn't tell what Seo Ho-yun was thinking.
Seo Ho-yun had already told him he thought too much, so there was no way he didn't know about this.
“Why did you send such unsettling texts?”
It would have been nice if he had explained from the start. Why hide something that wasn't even a secret?
Seo Ho-yun shrugged and spoke nonchalantly.
“Just to relieve some stress.”
“…….”
“I like watching people squirm.”
At the completely unexpected answer, Kang Yeon-hu couldn't say a word.
“You…….”
Soon, Kang Yeon-hu’s body trembled slightly, and his face contorted.
“You... you f*cking crazy... lunatic...”
“Mmm, that feels good.”
It was the first time he had been cursed at by Kang Yeon-hu.
Though even that, the man couldn't even spit out properly while trembling.
Seo Ho-yun smiled refreshingly and gave Kang Yeon-hu a polite greeting.
“Have a happy end of the year.”
And having thoroughly satisfied himself by teasing the innocent man, Seo Ho-yun hummed a tune and walked away with a light step.
It was a good end to the year.