Chapter 60
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 60
[Aaaaaaaah!]
[Kaaaaaaaaah!]
A short while after the music video was released, everyone on the timeline suddenly began to scream. The Noeuls who logged on late scrolled up in confusion until they spotted a link.
[Guys, I think this really is an 'Apocalypse' sequel series (Link)]
Clicking the link led to a specific post.
[Title: Ocean Train is definitely a Second Chance sequel.
Opinions are divided, but...
It’s so obvious it’s a sequel, lol.
First, look at the MV.
The concept for Ocean Train is the members of The Dawn boarding a train headed for the sea.
(Gif of Seo Ho-yun walking inside the train)
(Gifs of each member looking around)
But when they’re walking through the train, do you see the background distorting sometimes? Even though the train itself stays the same... I thought that was weird, so I looked closer.
(Zoomed-in shot of the train’s background)
If you zoom in, the paintings hanging in the train are all different. Each painting looks like a masterpiece, but they actually represent the cards Seo Ho-yun was flipping in 'Second Chance.' Seo Ho-yun’s card is especially notable; it was a Spade before, but it’s revealed in more detail this time.
(Comparison between Tarot cards and Trump cards)
To me, this looks like the ‘King of Swords.’ In Tarot, this card represents a logical but willful tyrant. It’s exactly like the Seo Ho-yun in 'Second Chance' who orchestrated the entire board.
On the other hand, Seong Ji-won’s painting is the King of Hearts holding a sword. The regression concept is still there.
Okay, you’ve followed me this far, right? You might be thinking, 'Wait, there’s no connection, they just threw that in lol. Why would guys who were shooting guns suddenly be on a sea train? lol.'
(Lol, damn, I was thinking the exact same thing.)
But I realized Daepasung is seriously insane, lol.
Since ancient times...
The ocean...
Has been a symbol of the subconscious...
(Subconscious_Drama1.jpg)
(Subconscious_Drama2.jpg)
(Subconscious_Movie.png)
(Scene from the Ocean Train MV where the train goes underwater)
This isn't the members' reality; it represents their individual subconscious... That’s why everyone’s background is different...
In other words, the setting of 'Second Chance' is reality, while 'Ocean Train' is their subconscious...
...So, what are they thinking about in their subconscious? I was curious, so I looked closely at the background.
English text flashes in the background for about 0.1 seconds.
I’ve summarized each person’s ideal:
Seo Ho-yun: In the end, my way.
Kang Yi-chae: If you can’t avoid it, enjoy it.
Kim Seong-hyeon: I want to protect everyone.
Seong Ji-won: It doesn’t matter how many times.
Jeong Da-jun: ??? (Doesn't appear)
(I can’t figure out Jeong Da-jun no matter how many times I watch... I think they did this on purpose, but what is up with him?)
But right now, everyone’s ideals are completely different, right? That’s why the train shakes violently whenever they all gather.
(Gif of the members meeting and the train sinking)
The fact that a massive torrent of water rushes in when all the members finally face each other means their ideals are clashing.
Haa... That’s why even when the train is sinking, no one cares and they just keep walking like it’s nothing.
Because they have their own convictions... Because they don’t have a shred of doubt...
(I’m seriously going to lose my mind over how Seong Ji-won faces a disaster so indifferently.)
As for the box Kim Seong-hyeon pulls out being empty, there are various interpretations, so I won’t comment on that.
In conclusion, everything in this MV is each member’s subconscious, and reality is still stuck in the post-apocalypse shown in 'Second Chance.'
A lot of people were annoyed, asking if they scrapped the previous album's concept just to be 'refreshing' for Ocean Train, so I put this together.
Guys, go watch the MV again...]
After that post was shared, theories and interpretations began to flood social media like a tidal wave.
[Holy shit, Daepasung is actually working.]
[Daepasung, come out here.
Come out so I can give you a bonus!!!!!!!!!!!!!]
[Planner, come out right now!!!!!!!!!!!!!]
And Lee Ji-hyeon, the one who had planned all these settings, shuddered as she got goosebumps from the accuracy of the interpretation.
Whether the fans were wailing in hindsight or not...
The live performance of Ocean Train was about to begin.
.
.
.
“U-U Bank! I’m your bank manager, Ju Woo-seong~! Early summer is just around the corner!”
Ju Woo-seong maintained eye contact with the camera, flashing his best business smile.
Today, U-U Bank featured Black Call’s Ju Woo-seong and White Cherry’s vocalist Han Chae-ri as special summer MCs.
In the audience visible behind the cameras, the inverted triangle lightsticks were particularly eye-catching. It seemed to be because it was The Dawn’s comeback day.
Suppressing a slight twitch in his eye, Ju Woo-seong met Han Chae-ri’s gaze and smiled brightly. Since the two of them often appeared together as special MCs, foreign fans on Nutube were pushing them as U-U Bank’s visual couple. Within the fandom, however, it was considered an absurd notion.
“Songs as refreshing as summer are pouring out. What do you think, Chae-ri?”
“Yes, Woo-seong! I feel like I could go anywhere as long as I have the wind and a sail!”
The White Cherry member displayed incredible professionalism as she smoothly delivered her lines. However, the underlying meaning was this:
‘Lower your eyes while I’m being nice.’
‘I don’t want to.’
The broadcasting station was a jungle today as well.
They were chatting amiably according to the script, but deep in Han Chae-ri’s eyes, the silent sentiment of ‘you piece of trash’ was clearly engraved.
‘Heh.’
Knowing this, but unable to do anything more since they had already broken up, Ju Woo-seong simply smiled even wider as if nothing were wrong.
As they finished the introduction and headed backstage to wait, Han Chae-ri kept her eyes fixed elsewhere and muttered as if talking to herself.
“Sometimes when I see how shameless you are, Woo-seong, wow, I’m genuinely impressed. You’re a real pro. A pro. Huh? Shameless?”
“Wasn’t that why you liked me?”
“…….”
Ignoring Han Chae-ri’s furious expression as she plopped down into one of the two chairs provided backstage, Ju Woo-seong also leaned back in his chair. Then, he turned his attention to The Dawn’s stage.
Dressed in light T-shirts and linen shirts to match the bright, cool summer concept, the members were checking their positions.
“…They’re candidates for first place today, right? That Seo Ho-yun guy. You’ve been hanging out with him lately?”
“Well… yeah.”
“The kids seem nice. Polite, too. I don’t know why they’re hanging around with someone like you, Ju Woo-seong.”
“Seo Ho-yun is nice?”
Ju Woo-seong shuddered, remembering his first meeting with Seo Ho-yun. No matter how he looked at it, Seo Ho-yun was not the 'nice' type. He was willing to bet all his earnings to date and his building in Seoul that he himself was more delicate and kind by comparison.
“That guy is something else.”
“Pardon?”
“He’s way worse than me.”
‘Does he mean he’s way more of a bastard?’
Han Chae-ri seemed lost in thought, but Ju Woo-seong had no intention of clearing up the misunderstanding. It would be a disaster if Seo Ho-yun found out.
‘He’s really strange.’
He had felt it from the beginning, but there was something about Seo Ho-yun. He wasn't like the typical people overflowing in the entertainment industry—those who enter the scene based on looks and a tiny bit of talent, then fill the gaps with hard work.
Seo Ho-yun acted like someone who already knew the entire process and was simply running toward a predetermined conclusion. That was why things had gone so well for him in the last six months.
‘But he’ll need actual skill to climb higher.’
Because his dancing is still lacking.
Seo Ho-yun, who was checking his in-ear monitors in front of the camera, took his position. The music swelled, and the camera followed him.
[The sun is shining on your back
Hurry and board this train]
“Oh~, this group is a live performance powerhouse.”
Han Chae-ri muttered, resting her chin on her hand. Although performing live over an AR track had become the norm, MR-removed videos and live vocal verification had become a mandatory rite of passage in the idol world. In the midst of that, the voices of The Dawn members soared through the backing track; anyone listening would have to admit they were good.
“They’d actually benefit from having their MR removed.”
“They’re good at singing.”
It wasn't a bad talent. They hit the beats and their pitch was accurate. They were much better than the guys who missed half the beats because they were too busy trying to act cool.
‘But the dancing…’
Ju Woo-seong groaned, recalling the Seo Ho-yun who used to move as awkwardly as a wooden doll in that dingy agency practice room.
Dancing doesn't improve easily. It required talent, sense, and blood-curdling effort. Having watched the final episode of Shining Star, Ju Woo-seong knew that Seo Ho-yun’s dancing hadn't changed much.
‘He should be prepared to get criticized this time too. Well… not that he’d care.’
Having accurately grasped Seo Ho-yun’s "I don't give a damn" personality, Ju Woo-seong crossed his arms and watched the stage intently.
Whether he knew what Ju Woo-seong was thinking or not, Seo Ho-yun found his position at the right timing and began the choreography in earnest.
[The sea train cuts across the sun
Even if the waves crash over us
Tide gets high and low]
‘Wait…?’
As the song progressed, Ju Woo-seong’s eyes grew wider.
‘What is this?’
He’s good.
Seo Ho-yun.
That klutz!
Not only was he hitting the beats, but he could even do waves!
“Oh~, he can dance a bit too.”
That was the extent of Han Chae-ri’s impression, but Ju Woo-seong, who knew the old Seo Ho-yun, was shocked enough for his jaw to drop.
[The waves are pushing your back
Hurry and board this train]
“What? What is up with him?”
How is this possible? How did he improve this much in such a short time…?
“Whoa, what’s wrong with you? Sit down.”
Han Chae-ri pulled Ju Woo-seong back as he suddenly stood up and stepped forward to get a better view of the stage. In her heart, she wanted to let this trashy guy get caught on camera and scolded by the director, but she wasn't quite that cruel.
Completely unaware of Han Chae-ri’s complex feelings, Ju Woo-seong’s eyes continued to follow Seo Ho-yun.
Seo Ho-yun maintained eye contact with the camera throughout the performance.
And so, Seo Ho-yun…
Actually looked like a good dancer.
‘Is that even possible? You can’t achieve that with just practice.’
[You are my only answer
You are my key]
Woo-seong fell into deep thought.
‘…Did he have talent I just didn't see before?’
No.
Seo Ho-yun was just a diligent hard-worker who planned well and had a bit of help from the system.
* * *
“Wow, that was insane.”
“Good job, everyone. Good job.”
We were on our way back after finishing two pre-recordings. I was exhausted, but the young ones were still bouncing around with energy.
My mind was filled with thoughts of sucking down the red ginseng extract Seong Ji-won gave me back in the waiting room, but then I saw Ju Woo-seong striding toward us from a distance.
“Hey.”
“Hello.”
“Hello!”
Since Ju Woo-seong popping out of nowhere like a Pokémon had become a common occurrence, the members greeted him without any tension. Only Ju Woo-seong had a serious face.
And this guy started spouting fresh nonsense the moment we met today.
“Doping?”
“Excuse me?”
“Otherwise, how did you suddenly get so good at dancing?”
“…I really wonder what goes on in your head sometimes, Ju Woo-seong.”
Despite my sincere amazement, Ju Woo-seong only quirked an eyebrow, seemingly unwilling to let it go. I couldn't exactly tell him it was thanks to the Item Shop in the System Window…
‘Wait.’
Is that even crazier than saying I’m doping?
“Improving this much in such a short time… no matter how I think about it, it’s weird.”
“Oh, really?”
“It’s not just ‘oh, really’…”
I had become quite a good dancer.
Of course, I wasn't on the level of Kim Seong-hyeon or Ju Woo-seong… but at least I could move my waist and do a proper wave now.
Ju Woo-seong narrowed his eyes at me before letting out a long sigh.
“Hey, I’m seriously curious. How did that klutz turn into this?”
“Ho-yun practiced really hard.”
Seong Ji-won chimed in with a smile.
“Exactly. I’m telling you, he practiced almost twenty-four hours a day. I thought Ho-yun hyung was going to die.”
Nice. The other members noticed my predicament and each added a word to Ju Woo-seong. Ju Woo-seong, who was only sharp at times like this, rubbed his chin and muttered.
“…That’s not something that can be done with just practice.”
You talent-blessed monster…
“Is that all you wanted to say?”
I quickly changed the subject. Ju Woo-seong still looked suspicious, but he decided to let it go for now and played along.
“Well, the song was good. The stage looked pretty, too.”
“Thank you, sunbae-nim!”
Kim Seong-hyeon, who admired Ju Woo-seong, looked startled and bowed with a flushed face. Ju Woo-seong accepted the greeting somewhat awkwardly.
“Sometimes… I can’t believe Seong-hyeon and Seo Ho-yun are in the same group.”
“And what are you going to do about it if you can’t?”
“Good luck, Seong-hyeon!”
Ju Woo-seong shouted, pumping his fist. It was clearly a jab at me.
“I hope you guys get first place~.”
“Just words?”
“Huh?”
“You should vote.”
I smirked and tapped on my phone. It was a gesture saying, ‘Don’t just give me empty words, show some sincerity by casting a vote.’ Ju Woo-seong looked disgusted and grumbled.
“I wonder sometimes, too. Have you ever taken an MBTI test?”
“Yes. They said I’m normal.”
“You bastard…”
Ju Woo-seong grumbled that he’d send a vote later and walked away. I chuckled as I watched his retreating back.
‘First place… will be tough.’
Even for a special broadcast like today, this music show only put idols like Ju Woo-seong and Han Chae-ri as special MCs if they were top-tier—the hottest of the hot. And this was one of the big three networks.
My comment about voting was half-joke, half-expression of my desire for first place.
Sure enough, we went up for the final ending stage with high spirits, but we didn't get first place. Ju Woo-seong was handing over the trophy to the winner along with his congratulations.
I clapped and stepped down, turning my gaze toward the members.
I was worried they might be disappointed.
“Hey…”
But it was a needless worry. As soon as we returned to the waiting room, Kang Yi-chae was swaggering around, bickering with Jeong Da-jun.
“Back in the day, you know, every two steps I took, someone would come up and pick a fight, asking who this nobody was…”
“Grandpa, how many times are you going to tell that story?!”
“Ahem! That’s why I’m saying.”
‘Idiots…’
…Their mental state seemed excessively fine. Soon, Kang Yi-chae finished joking with Jeong Da-jun and sauntered over to stick by my side, changing the subject.
“Chef! I’d like to order kimchi stew for dinner tonight.”
“…Am I the one making it?”
“Hyung! We already did all the grocery shopping!”
Jeong Da-jun nodded his head vigorously.
‘Please care more about first place than kimchi stew…’
Seeing even Seong Ji-won chuckling beside them, it seemed they hadn't even imagined they could win first place. It was good that their mental strength had improved, but… I sighed and looked at the System Window.
[Quest in progress…
Take 1st place on The Dawn’s first music show!
Reward for success: 5,000 Points
Penalty for failure: If you don't get 1st place by the end of Ocean Train promotions, settlement fails ♡]
What’s with that heart at the end?
Don’t play around with money, okay?
“…Fine, let’s have kimchi stew.”
I packed my things and left the waiting room following the manager’s instructions. I was walking while cracking my stiff neck from side to side when I saw Ju Woo-seong in the distance, glancing over here even while receiving greetings from juniors.
When our eyes met, he pointed at his phone and mouthed something.
…‘Too bad. I voted’?
‘Wow… what a total pushover.’
I was genuinely impressed, 100% from the bottom of my heart. But since I didn't need a pushover’s concern, I turned to the members and asked.
“Who wants to decide on a first-place promise?”
“…Huh??”
Because getting first place on this music show wasn't part of my plan anyway.
* * *
“Today’s first-place candidates are The Dawn~!”
See? They give us a push as soon as we come here.
After a long period of endurance, the pre-recording and live broadcast stages were all over, leaving only the announcement of the winner.
It was an "empty house" win.
Unlike other shows, this program had a very beneficial system for rookies where only the singers who performed that day could be candidates for the top spot.
I bowed my head to the ballad singer who stood as the other candidate, someone who had recently been gaining a bit of popularity.
“Real-time voting is now closed!”
There was no way we’d lose the vote.
The MC smiled toward us and delivered the scripted line.
“Before the announcement, can we hear your first-place promises?”
“Uh… yes, yes!”
Kim Seong-hyeon took the microphone and found the camera with considerable ease now. But he was still a bit of a klutz.
“If, if we become candidates… no, I mean! If we win first place, we’ll do an encore stage where we swap parts for Ocean Train!”
“Ah~, swapping parts! I’m so looking forward to it~.”
It was one of the staple encore stage repertoires that fans loved.
Of course, it wasn't chosen randomly…
“How about swapping parts as a first-place promise?”
It was all calculated.
“Huh? Sure, okay. …But can we actually win first place?”
“Heol!! Ho-yun hyung’s part is mine!”
“Ah~, hyung. Come on.”
“…….”
Kim Seong-hyeon and Jeong Da-jun purely thought it was a good, fun idea and agreed, but Seong Ji-won gave a faint smile and Kang Yi-chae chuckled while looking at me.
‘Sharp bastards…’
“If I win first place, I will sing while doing a handstand!”
The ballad singer announced his promise next. The MC smiled brightly and held up the microphone.
“Yes! We’ve heard the promises from each candidate. Now, shall we find out who will have the honor of taking first place on this week’s Lucky Music? First, the digital scores!”
The digital and physical album scores were slightly higher for the ballad singer at 4,500 points. However, we led in the next category, video scores, with 2,000 points. Finally, the deciding factor: the real-time text voting scores.
[The Dawn]
2,430 points
I calculated quickly. The moment a smile touched my lips, a bang! echoed through the air.
“Today’s winner is… The Dawn!!”
‘Oh~.’
Glittering paper confetti rained down on the members. Simultaneously, a quest completion message popped up.
[Quest Completed
Congratulations on your first music show win!
5,000 Points have been awarded.]
Thanks.
What were the viewership ratings for Shining Star again?
Besides, this was an empty house win; it was obvious.
Since it wasn't one of the big three networks and it had the great system of only allowing performing artists to be candidates—earning it the nickname "the gateway for rookies"—I had expected a win on this show. I turned toward the members with my usual expression, but it seemed the others weren't the same.
“That…”
They stood with their heads bowed, motionless for a long time.
“…….”
“Th-thank you. Everyone. …Ugh.”
‘Look at them.’
I brushed the colorful paper scraps from my hair while waiting for the speech with a calm expression, but no one could pick up the microphone. Not even Kim Seong-hyeon, who was supposed to give the speech.
‘……Oh boy.’
Kim Seong-hyeon repeated the motion of lifting and lowering his head several times, merely fiddling with the microphone, unable to open his mouth. The best he could do was grit his teeth and sob to hold back the tears.
Seong Ji-won’s eyes were like open faucets, and Jeong Da-jun was flat-out wailing.
‘……Man.’
The only ones left standing were Kang Yi-chae and me. Our eyes met.
‘Hey, you want to do it?’
‘Nope, you first, hyung.’
Quickly taking the microphone, I started with the CEO—whom I wasn't particularly grateful to—as idols often do.
“Thank you to the CEO of Daepasung, the planning team, the stylists, and our managers. Also, thank you to composer Blue Tiger and Director Jeong for making such a cool music video.”
Only a very small portion of the people I just mentioned were people I was actually grateful to. I only listed them because everyone else usually does.
It’s a universal truth that the main point of a sentence should be at the very end, and the people I really want to thank are the ones I’m about to mention.
“Thank you to our families who are always by our side. And thank you to our members who worked so hard.”
After saying that, I took a deep breath.
“Finally, our Noeul.”
A roar of cheers erupted. Seeing how much they loved being called just once made me feel good in spite of myself. I bowed my head.
Well… whatever the case.
“Thank you so much. We will continue to show you our best.”
A win was a win.
Kang Yi-chae took the microphone and waved with a bright smile.
“Noeul, I love you!”
“Thank you!”
“Thank you~!”
The members who had been sobbing finally came to their senses and bowed to those around them. I walked over to Jeong Da-jun, who was still crying a storm, and put my arm around his shoulder, squeezing both his cheeks with my other hand.
“You crying?”
“Hyung, that hurts! Waaaaah...”
“Get it together, you brat.”
Some might look at them and think they’ve got it easy, winning first place so soon after their debut. They might call us calculating, or say we’re just riding the coattails of a survival show... but I just smiled.
I didn’t want to ruin the mood by dwelling on thoughts like that.
Seong Ji-won walked over and ruffled Jeong Da-jun’s hair. Tears he hadn't managed to wipe away were still streaming down his face, his eyes reflecting a whirlwind of emotions. Even so, he gave me a beaming smile.
“Ho-yun, we... we actually won.”
It was a triumph achieved in just six months for me, but for Seong Ji-won, it was a light he hadn't seen in a very long time.
I decided not to ruin his moment. For the sake of these guys who had sacrificed years of their youth to an uncertain future...
“First place... for real.”
For once, I decided to congratulate them sincerely, without any ulterior motives or calculations.
Seong Ji-won hurriedly wiped the tears from his cheeks, his hands trembling.
“Yeah,” I said, smiling back at him. “You did good, Ji-won.”