Chapter 447
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 447
[Title: Adults around me saw the Song Camp and started asking...
One day, while peacefully watching TV, someone said:
"Hey, those THE DAWN guys... were they always that popular? It's my first time seeing them..."
"Haha! They probably just got a temporary boost from Song Camp... Who knows how long it'll last? They'll be forgotten in no time."
I couldn't hold it back.
"They started with only 100 copies in first-week sales..."
"What?"
I muttered...
"Entered the Top 100 in their first year...
Won the Discovery of the Year Award in their second year..."
Hey, stop it.
"A record-breaking 10 wins on music shows."
You know you can't stop once you get going!
"—Shining Star Season 1, Season 2, and 1st place in Song Camp!!"
Ding!
The moment I shouted, a Twitter notification went off.
Gulp. While the adults swallowed hard, I leisurely picked up my phone, checked the news, and smirked.
"...Ah, it seems they've entered the Billboard charts in their fourth year."
"What? Bill...board?"
"I suppose it was expected, really..."
I went and did it.
"This is THE DAWN."
Seeing their stupid faces gave me a thrill.
Ah...
For some reason, I feel strangely refreshed.
I have no regrets.
After all, I am a Noeul who cheers for their "flight".
└ Noeul is at it again ^^
└└ What is with this dead-calm comment LMAO
└└ LOL I'm clenching my teeth so hard at work right now, f*ck.
└ Ah, the Hanja in the post is so freaking (King) annoying LOL
└ This is killing me. If Jeong Da-jun sees this, he'll love it.
└└ I'm scared... so scared... I'm afraid my idol will actually copy this...]
[Title: THE DAWN has definitely changed my life.
I used to be a loser who got destroyed by my professor every time, just crying in the lab while doing experiments.
But ever since I became a Noeul for THE DAWN, who entered the Billboard Hot 100 in their fourth year, I’ve been trying to maintain my own dignity.
I punched the lab wall hard enough to make it crumble and asked myself:
"Who am I?"
I smirked and answered:
"A Noeul of the Billboard singers, THE DAWN."
Smiling like that actually makes me feel better.
I guess that's why they say the position makes the man.
I feel like I could even take on my professor now.
└ No, what is this now? LOL
└ Why is this fandom like this, seriously? F*ck LOL
└ Can't you guys just celebrate normally for once, you psychos? T_T
└ Student, delete this post quickly. If Kang Yi-chae sees this, he'll 100% copy it.]
[Guys, can't we just say "Congrats to THE DAWN on entering Billboard"?]
[I have never once seen a normal message like "Congrats on #79 on Billboard!!" on my timeline.]
[F*ck, now that you mention it, you're right LOL. This fandom is hilarious.]
As the news of their Billboard entry followed their final victory in Song Camp, a massive celebration erupted among the fans.
[Noeuls used to just pick their noses and report any attention-seekers who showed up...
It's hilarious how they put all their energy into celebrating a happy occasion.
└ They have no choice LOL
The Dawnies really became the next Black Call.
└└ WH must be having a literal party LOL. It's the golden age of boy groups.
└└ Just look at their stock price... LOL]
Lately, there wasn't a place in South Korea that didn't carry the scent of THE DAWN.
From advertisements for a new electric car ambitiously released by a domestic auto brand to models for major banks, and even CFs for the nation's most-used telecommunications provider.
In the case of the domestic car ad, they had been rushed in as replacements after a famous actor was caught in a controversy. Despite the rush, they hadn't just filmed group shots for the TV CF; they had also filmed individual versions for each member for Nutube. Among them, Seo Ho-yun's received the most explosive response.
【More comfortable, more secure.】
In a dark space, alone with the car, Seo Ho-yun leans against the vehicle and smiles.
【Trust me.】
When the individual member videos were uploaded to the car brand's official Nutube channel, the comments section exploded.
[Wow, he's truly beautiful...
Congratulations on being born beautiful, Seo Ho-yun.]
[Does anyone plan on airing this on TV instead of just Nutube? Let's go ask them right now, fck fck f*ck, this is insane.]
[The group ad was nice because it was cheerful, but I love the individual ones because they show off each member's unique traits and personality T_T]
[I guess Ho-yun is okay with riding in cars now~!!! Haha. He used to look so uncomfortable in the past T_T I hope he never gets into an accident with his parents again!!
└ Reported. Bye.
└ LOL what a psycho... your life must be real empty.
└ Don't you know WH recently set up an artist report center? LOL]
Through glimpses of them on broadcasts, THE DAWN had already built an image of hardworking young idols. That image grew even stronger through Song Camp, and now every advertisement—the kind usually reserved only for the most famous and well-regarded celebrities—was being swept up by them.
People even said, "One 'THE DAWN' every three steps," because they could be seen everywhere.
[Honestly, it's more touching because they're self-made idols.
Seriously, these guys used to suffer in the summer because the practice room AC didn't work, and they had to bail out water when it leaked during the rain...
Kim Seong-hyeon was always fanning the kids and catching raindrops in bowls...
└ But the Daepasung days had their own kind of romance.
└└ LOL f*ck, if you said that three years ago, I would've thought you were being sarcastic, but I totally agree now LOL.
└└ LOL WH feels a bit suspicious though...]
[My underground idols... sob f*ck... when did they get this big...
I'm literally crying while opening a bottle of soju every day... I held back on writing sincere gushing posts because I didn't want to become a meme, but seriously sob. I'm so grateful and proud of the Dawnies.
└ I can smell the alcohol through the post LOL
└└ Let's go for a toast!!! MIRACULOUSLY REACHED!!!
└└ MIRACULOUSLY REACHED! THE FACT THAT I BECAME YOUR IDOL!!! THANK YOUUUUUUU!!!!]
Furthermore, rumors were circulating that Kim Seong-hyeon would appear as a part-timer on a lodging reality show, and Seong Ji-won would serve as a mentor on the upcoming girl group survival program Starlight.
Amidst the continuous stream of good news for THE DAWN's fandom, the release date for the movie Despicable Trial was announced.
[Whoa, they're releasing Despicable Trial in the third quarter.]
[WTF already?? Even if filming wrapped in April...]
[I heard they poured a ton of capital into it this time. The early screenings are already getting rave reviews.]
Just as the Noeuls' excitement was reaching its peak...
<What if your favorite idol was waiting for you on the street? #Ho-yun #THEDAWN (Facing My Bias)>
A post appeared on the official Facing My Bias Nutube channel with tags that no fan of THE DAWN could ignore.
It began with a scene of an exhausted office worker Noeul returning home after working overtime even on a Saturday.
[Unnie, I can hear you muttering to yourself as you walk from afar LOL]
["Ah, f*ck, is this even a human life?" << The editing didn't cut this out at all LOL]
On the side of the road where the Noeul was trudging along, the back of a man crouching down and petting a cat was captured. The screen showed the man's lips curling into a smirk as he watched the cat roll around on the ground, exposing its belly in delight.
Then, he slowly looked up.
【Hi.】
He approached the office worker Noeul and greeted her.
【Are you going home now?】
It was Seo Ho-yun.
After moving to a nice restaurant, Seo Ho-yun, who smiled and told the Noeul to speak comfortably, listened intently to her story and empathized with her. At the end, he offered wise advice and warm encouragement.
[You crazy bastard, was even the cat scripted? He's insane.
└ But Seo Ho-yun is actually really popular with animals LOL
└└ The world is turning Seo Ho-yun into an internet novel protagonist.]
[I can already imagine Kim Seong-hyeon watching this, getting so triggered, and sighing deep enough to collapse the ground.]
【...Um, but Ho-yun, you're always so polite. You always use formal speech with everyone. On Pop-Pop and during lives too...】
[I was curious about that too LOL]
[This Noeul unnie is wise.]
【Just because. I want to be as considerate and respectful to Noeuls as much as they love me.】
The office worker Noeul nodded vigorously but looked slightly disappointed. At that, Seo Ho-yun lowered his gaze and fell silent as if hesitating.
[LOL as if he'd do it.]
[I understand wanting to see it, but this guy Seo Ho-yun is stubborn.]
[He'll never do it.]
Just as the silence felt like it was stretching a bit too long...
【...Which side do you like better, Noona?】
Being polite, or this? Seo Ho-yun whispered softly, meeting the office worker Noeul's eyes with a gentle smile.
【I'll match your preference.】
[F*CK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!]
[F*ck, the ultimate lack of ego.]
[This guy is ruthless.]
[You madman.]
[This guy Seo Ho-yun... he deserves to be on Billboard w
└ LOL f*ck LOL
└ Hey, don't acknowledge it in a place like this, you psychos T_T]
As the office worker Noeul let out a deep sigh and pressed her hand to her forehead, Seo Ho-yun laughed softly, asking if it was bad. Then, returning to his original tone, he continued to show interest and ask questions.
When did she start liking THE DAWN, what has she been up to lately, is work too hard—and then he naturally mixed in stories about their recent activities.
【It's a shame, but I have to go now.】
Seo Ho-yun, who had been chatting about trivial things unlike his usual self, furrowed his brows slightly and stood up lingeringly.
[Is this really the same guy who only replies to the members with consonants...]
[For real... is this really Seo-Ho-yun-kun?]
While the office worker Noeul returned her microphone and bowed to the staff before stepping out of the restaurant, Seo Ho-yun stayed by her side the whole time.
And though he couldn't take her all the way home, he walked her to the main road, saying he wanted to see her off.
【I've been more curious lately. About what the fans are doing, if they're eating well. If they had a hard day today, things like that. I won't know unless I meet them in person.】
Seo Ho-yun, who caught a taxi and opened the door for her, stared at the office worker Noeul with a faint smile.
【Thank you for loving me.】
Seo Ho-yun stood still until the receding taxi became a tiny dot and disappeared from sight.
[Wow, f*ck, she hit the jackpot...]
[I'm so insanely jealous...,,,...]
[Why is Seo Ho-yun so mellow lately??
It's not an act; he's just become more relaxed as a person.]
[Right, right, right. It's like he's become softer... he's kind to everyone.]
[Though he's gotten even harsher with the members, in a way...
└ LOL last week, as soon as Seo Ho-yun arrived, Jeong Da-jun bowed his head and shouted, "Boss!!! You've arrived!!!"
└└ LOL at that point, isn't Jeong Da-jun just making fun of Seo Ho-yun? LOL]
Just as everyone thought the Seo Ho-yun episode of Facing My Bias had ended, Min Ji-heon's face suddenly popped up.
[Oppa, why are you coming out from there...?]
[Wait, I heard Min Ji-heon is turning down all acting roles lately LOL. Is he at the level where he can appear as a guest on Seo Ho-yun's variety show? LOL]
[Wow, their friendship is amazing... He must really cherish his junior.]
Seeing Min Ji-heon running toward him, Seo Ho-yun's expression darkened instantly.
【O-oh, did you wait long...?】
[Cancel that.
Min Ji-heon just came to enjoy himself.]
【The skull mark appearing over Seo Ho-yun's head...!】
[Our rabbit is the same as ever.
He's only mellow toward Noeuls.]
[Look at Seo Ho-yun's face.
"What kind of Noeul will come? Heart-fluttering"
-> "Ah, f*ck."
└ Ah, this is killing me LOL]
[Mr. SHY, please explain the date photos with Mr. MJH ^^ Now that you're on Billboard, you must think the world is yours and you've lost your restraint, but keep it up. Eventually, even the universe will be yours. #TheDawn
└ Hey, delete this before it actually attracts trolls. Seo Ho-yun really is meeting someone abroad... T_T
└└ ??????? With who???
└└ I live abroad ♡
└└ Fck, seriously, please LOL. You scared the sht out of me LOL]
While the Noeuls were buzzing over the intense ten-second teaser, new articles about THE DAWN were being posted on various portal sites.
<THE DAWN heads to the US... Min Ji-heon follows the next day, "WH Stars Out in Full Force">
<Black Call and THE DAWN to appear at the Music TV Awards (MTA)... Will Black Call win Song of the Year?>
<WH's Stars Shining Globally, THE DAWN nominated for K-Pop category at US 'MTA'>
* * *
'Ah, my head.'
I arrived at JFK Airport in New York early in the morning, and after a simple immigration check, I took a deep breath. Even after passing through the gate and facing the fans, the headache strangely wouldn't go away.
'Stress?'
The maknae, walking a bit ahead of me, seemed completely thrilled by the unfamiliar scenery and atmosphere. Unfortunately, we had to participate in the Music TV Awards Live immediately today, so there was no time to look around.
The other members, excluding Jeong Da-jun, were all quiet, perhaps nervous about the big award ceremony. However, while I knew Lee Yul was naturally calm, Kang Yi-chae's silence was a bit concerning.
"Please move this way!"
Without even a chance to stop by the hotel, we arrived at the venue and had to go through several rehearsals right away. Afterward, we changed into our outfits in the caravan trailer waiting room, prepared for interviews, and headed to the van.
The car came to a stop in front of the Music TV Awards Live red carpet, and as soon as the door opened, a barrage of flashes erupted.
Jeong Da-jun's eyes, wide with wonder at the sight of famous artists passing by no matter where he turned, showed no signs of shrinking.
After responding to a few interview requests, THE DAWN was finally able to enter the waiting room.
As I sat back in my chair and closed my eyes, I felt a bit of sweat trickling down my spine.
"—Song of the Year..., at the ceremony—Black Call seniors are..."
"……."
"If the senior—comes, he'll greet you..."
Even the sound from earlier...
"……Seo Ho-yun?"
"Ah, yeah."
As time passed, the tinnitus became more frequent.
'The system said it wasn't a penalty.'
In fact, the bastard seemed to have no idea what was going on.
I shrugged my shoulders dismissively at Kim Seong-hyeon, who was looking at me worriedly. He scanned the waiting room for a moment before asking.
"…Where's Kang Yi-chae?"
"He said he was feeling stifled and was going to step out for a bit!"
The answer came from Jeong Da-jun.
Kang Yi-chae, who had looked moody ever since we arrived in the US, had completely shut his mouth, wearing only a sleek smile after encountering those who were blatantly acting greedy for crumbs from NerdyFreak.
"Still, we're abroad; wouldn't it be better to stick together? He might get lost."
"Eh, he'll be fine. He said this is where he used to live."
Even the relatively quiet conversation was bothersome enough that my body felt off. Wanting to ask the system window about this situation again in a place where no one was around, I left the waiting room and walked down the hallway.
'Ah, this is really sh*tty.'
If it were just tinnitus and a headache, I would've just dealt with it, but I kept hearing hallucinations.
As if someone was calling me...
"Ugh……."
Eeeeeeeee—.
Along with a chilling ringing in my ears, a pain like being gouged by an ice pick hit my head.
I clenched my jaw tight, leaning against the wall and staring only at the floor.
…—Hey!!
"—Hey."
The moment I thought the floor was getting too close, someone's hand caught and held me. As I slowly lifted my eyes, wheat-colored hair was draped right in front of my nose.
"What's with that face?"
Beyond that was Ju Woo-seong's face, which I hadn't seen in quite a while. His well-defined eyebrows twitched toward me as if he were displeased.
"Are you sick?"