In This Life, The Greatest Star In The Universe

Munching away.

We stifled our laughter as we watched the teenagers voraciously devouring the bread.

“Wow, it’s melting. It’s so melty…”

“So sweet.”

“I wish life could always be this sweet.”

As they marveled at the sweetness of the bread among themselves, Jiho whispered in my ear.

“You look just like that when you eat beef soup.”

“Kid, you just don’t know the taste of beef soup yet.”

With that, I turned my attention back to the members of Teen Spirit.

They clutched the soufflé bread in their hands like children exploring the neighborhood with a 500-won coin, savoring each bite as the bread grew smaller.

“…”

And when the bread was all gone.

Bijoo asked with a smile to those looking down at their hands in dismay.

“Would you like one more each?”

“Yes!”

“Come here. I’ll give you more.”

“Thank you so much!”

They lined up, still casual, and politely started eating the soufflé bread again.

It was a curious sight to see again.

They used to be teenagers full of complaints about life, but now they seemed so… tame.

‘I’ve never seen them this gentle before.’

‘Like angels…’

Perhaps it was their white outfits, but they really looked like cheerful angels.

“Don’t get crumbs on my outfit. You’ll pay for it.”

“Don’t you get it on yourself.”

“Ah! Just shut up and eat! We’re getting this for free!”

Before even 30 seconds had passed, they were bickering among themselves again, and we smiled warmly.

Yeah. That’s Teen Spirit for you.

They had been exchanging rough words on the topic of the twelve zodiac animals, but now they turned their heads with mischievous faces.

Their grinning smiles were directed at us.

“We ate so well, thank you!”

They bowed politely and then left the waiting room, and we waved goodbye.

Rihyuk held his smartphone and said.

“Now there are only two groups left.”

“Which ones?”

“Scarlet and…”

The door burst open.

A hip-hop idol with heavy smoky makeup on her eyes burst in with a lively face.

“I have arrived!”

“Seniors are great, juniors are great, but what’s the best?”

“Peers!”

The nine-member idol group sent a knowing look, and we all laughed and sang along.

“Peers!”

“Wow!”

Fourteen people jumped and cheered like dolphins, and our staff put on noise-canceling headphones.

I laughed and hugged Hanjo lightly.

“Congratulations on your award last time.”

“Thanks.”

“I actually bought a small gift to celebrate. I was going to give it to you when we meet in Hong Kong, but…”

“But what?”

A sad memory seemed to pass over the faces of Hanjo and the Street Boys members.

LB wiped away tears and said.

“It was flagged as a restricted item for transport, so I couldn’t bring it…”

“Oh no.”

“They said it was a dangerous item for other passengers on board.”

“What did you prepare?”

“That’s a secret.”

The more he shook his head, refusing to tell, the more curious we became.

What on earth was he trying to bring?

The idols with their rough looks grumbled.

“Hey, since when do we look threatening? Right?”

“We’re even ambassadors for the police department!”

We burst into laughter at their complaints.

Anyway, it seemed like we had a brief chat with our debut peers.

The awards show was about to start, so we couldn’t talk for long, but it felt like there had been so many episodes in the meantime.

I exclaimed in amazement.

“So much has happened in such a short time.”

“…That may be true, but it’s strange to hear such stories from you guys.”

“What’s wrong with us?”

“You know there’s a separate section for scandals and incidents on that wiki about you, right?”

“…”

“Every time I check out of boredom, it’s been updated.”

At Hanjo’s words, the Street Boys nodded in agreement, and I turned my gaze away.

“Just eat the bread. Bread.”

“Eat the bread. Bread.”

I passed around the soufflé bread to change the subject and to silence them, and their faces brightened as they took it.

I said with a smile.

“I prepared mint chocolate especially for the Street Boys since you’re part of the mint chocolate fan club.”

“…?”

Their eyes stopped on me.

‘Wow!’ They were pleased until the other members pressed down on the persimmon tree seed like a cat using its paw.

I coughed awkwardly under their chilling gaze.

“Just kidding. Just kidding.”

“Hoo…”

A sigh of relief came from all around.

“Boss, don’t cross the line.”

In a flash, I was possessed by the spirit of mint chocolate. I almost started a rebellion.

“Why? I like mint chocolate.”

“Stay still, Tree. Unless you want to burn.”

Today, as always, I burst into laughter watching Mr. Tree burn like firewood.

“Let’s take a picture first!”

Before even tasting the soufflé bread, the Street Boys were snapping pictures of the food and taking selfies with us, bread in hand.

Then, after a brief tasting, they rose from their seats.

“Leaving already?”

“Our performance is in the middle of the first part, so we’re going to practice our harmony again.”

“Ah…”

We gave them an awkward smile and cheered them on, knowing their stage was amidst the newcomers in the first half.

They left the waiting room with a smile.

I felt a strange emotion watching their retreating figures until the door closed.

“You guys feel the same way I do, right?”

“…It’s peculiar.”

We debuted only a week apart, but it seems like we’re standing in different places now.

We don’t talk about it, but there’s a subtle distance that feels regrettable.

The atmosphere is good, of course…

But when we talk, I can’t help but wonder if I’m unconsciously hurting their feelings.

I worry if my words sound boastful or hurtful.

Conversely, the Street Boys know we’re concerned about this and show us the same consideration.

“It’s a bit sad.”

My younger companions nodded in agreement at my words.

I hope the Street Boys do even better than they are now, and we began to prepare for our entrance.

“But the last one hasn’t arrived.”

“That’s odd.”

We were puzzled that the ones who reserved first hadn’t shown up when the door to the waiting room opened, and a face dusted with powder like a rice cake peeked in.

Her long braided hair seemed to match the color of the bread perfectly.

“Brothers!”

Daisy waved her hand with a ‘Hi’ and we nodded with a smile, then gestured to Jiho.

The youngest immediately handed over a large plastic package.

Daisy beamed with joy, slinging it over her back.

“Thanks! I’ll enjoy it with the sisters! See you later!”

Watching her run off like Santa Claus with the package on her back, I couldn’t help but smile.

That’s when we finished distributing the bread.

The stylist, who accompanied us to the KMA Awards for the first time, asked another staff member a question that made me laugh.

“…Is it normal to come here for food?”

At the Hong Kong World Arena.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, the 2015 K-Net Music Award…”

The introduction to the awards ceremony boomed through the venue in English, giving off an international vibe.

“Wowwww!”

In the darkness, countless light sticks moved.

Sitting in the singers’ section, we craned our necks to see how many ‘Dalbongs’—no, ‘Dalbongies’—there were.

“There are too many!”

“Indeed!”

We gave up immediately.

Wherever we turned our gaze, except for the stage, there was a Dalbongie.

They were shaking madly in the standing area and shining like crazy stars between the seats.

“Let’s introduce today’s lineup!”

“Enoti!”

Starting with Enoti, who won the New Artist award at this year’s Mango Chart Awards, singers’ logos and images appeared on the screen amid rising and falling cheers.

“New Black!”

We covered our mouths and exchanged words as the cheers exploded.

“Man, this is great. So happy.”

“I’m so happy.”

“Why are you so excited about this?”

Rihyuk spoke with a clear, cheerful voice, as if singing a little tune.

He seemed the most excited.

After the introductions of Teen Spirit and TNT, the award ceremony began in earnest.

“Th-thank you…!”

Starting with Enoti, who won the New Artist award, the actors attending as presenters called out the names of the singers.

“Asia Trend Award! Congratulations!”

“Favorite Artist Award!”

“The Next Asian Musician Award!”

Each time a name was called and someone stood up, we applauded with a ‘Wowww’.

But we tilted our heads among ourselves.

“What kind of award is that?”

“Is it a good one…?”

There were many awards whose significance we couldn’t grasp.

They all had unique names.

It felt like there could even be a Grand Artist or Great Artist Award.

The recipients also gave their acceptance speeches with a feeling of ‘Uh… thank you’.

There were awards given just to hand another trophy to TNT or Teen Spirit, and some seemed to be created just for the singers attending today, with a variety as diverse as a botanical guide.

As we watched the stage and the award ceremony.

“International Hot Star Award!”

“Congratulations! New Black!”

We all stood up for the mysterious award.

The younger ones looked at me, puzzled.

“How many?”

I quickly sketched the surrounding reaction and the fact that it was an award given in the first part, then mouthed ‘three’ to them.

My siblings cheered softly.

“Wow!”

“Whoa!”

Then, I bowed to the applauding singers around me and walked to receive the trophy.

As I took the trophy, inscribed with ‘International Hot Star Award,’ from the presenters and approached the microphone, something unexpected happened.

Bijoo accidentally bumped his forehead against the microphone with a ‘thunk!’

The clear and cheerful sound drew laughter from the audience.

It was because the standing mic was adjusted to the height of Cha Woo-hyun, who had given his acceptance speech just before us.

“I got this,” I said.

I stopped Jun-hyeon, who was about to adjust the mic, and did it myself. If he had tried, the mic would have surely snapped in two.

We couldn’t become known on the internet as ‘the idol who showcased swordsmanship at the award ceremony,’ could we?

“Hello, I’m Uju from New Black,” I began, representing our group with a brief comment.

Is this a big deal? Or a small one?

I found myself wrapped in the same dilemma as the other group leaders who had spoken before me.

“Thank you so much for this wonderful award,” I said with a smile towards the camera.

“The International Hot Star Award. We’re truly honored to receive such recognition despite our shortcomings. We promise to live up to its name and aim even higher.”

As I glanced at Bijoo, who was rubbing his forehead, a wave of pleasant laughter swept through the audience again.

“We will rise higher. Thank you!”

I bowed deeply to the resounding applause and returned to my seat.

Handing the trophy to a staff member, I received encouraging smiles from other singers who had won similar awards.

Rihyuk asked me as I wiped the sweat from my forehead, “Need water?”

“Yes.”

“Don’t just hold it, drink.”

I quenched my thirst and then watched the rest of the ceremony.

We cheered ‘Wow!’ while watching Street Boys’ performance and mimicked their key dance moves.

Our reactions to the joint stage of the rookie groups were so enthusiastic that the cameras kept focusing on us.

Each time, our initially small cheers suddenly grew louder.

“Wow!”

“…”

This wasn’t right.

Thinking it was a response to their highlight, the expressions of the rookies on the joint stage brightened considerably.

“Oops…”

Sometimes, the cheers were louder for our faces on the screen than for the performances, so we decided to restrain ourselves for some stages.

And so, the award ceremony continued smoothly.

“Best Girl Group Dance! Scarlet!”

“Best Band Award! Jo Yuri Band!”

Singers who had shone in various fields throughout the year came up one by one to receive their awards, with TNT and Teen Spirit also claiming their fair share.

And we, too, won several awards in the second half.

“Best Music Video Award! Congratulations to New Black’s ‘Nine!’”

“Best Songwriter Award! Congratulations to Uju of New Black!”

I received the award for songwriter, perhaps because of ‘Wind Flower,’ which was considered the number one song of the year.

Our cyberpunk-themed ‘Nine’ also had the honor of winning the music video award.

As the second half was drawing to a close,

“New Black, please stand by.”

“Yes.”

We rose from our seats, following the staff’s lead.

Exchanging nods with fellow singers as if to say ‘fighting,’ we took a deep breath with our younger members and descended the stairs.

Amidst the bustling crowd of numerous staff members, we put on our mic packs.

Stretching out fully,

“Guys, relax and be comfortable.”

Our managers patted our shoulders, easing our nerves with smiles.

While receiving makeup touch-ups, I adjusted the volume on my mic pack at my waist.

After making sure everyone’s packs were set correctly, we all reached out our hands together.

“Don’t be nervous just because it’s a big stage after a long time.”

“Just like we always do!”

“On the count of three, shout!”

“One, two, three!”

“Bang bang!” With our cheer, we headed towards the backstage.

During this time, Jiho, Bijoo, and I held the props handed to us by our managers.

While the behind-the-scenes camera from the first half of the awards streamed on K-Net and online,

A subtitle box stretched out at the bottom of the screen.

[New Black’s performance will start shortly!]

The subtitle twinkled as if to tell viewers to stay tuned or look forward to it.

Fans watching the TV broadcast posted their comments on the community forum’s hot board.

-Today’s real-time cam, full shots, and all sorts of awards…

-I wish the K-Net cameramen would zoom out to an aerial view every time they enter their home security code

-Oh, looks like New Black’s performance is coming up soon, haha

-Waiting for Nine’s dance breakn/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

-I’m a fan of another group, but I like their performances… I know all the songs

-It’s amazing, they’re performing two songs, and it’s Wind Flower and Nine

-Even one of those would have been a hit, but both are their own songs

-My dad passed by to get water and was surprised to see New Black on TV, asking why they were there, haha. Dad… they’re idols…

-It seems like the older generation doesn’t quite recognize New Black as idols

-Yeah, my parents just call them ‘the kids who sing’

-But wasn’t this place a New Black bashing fest until recently? Why the change in atmosphere?

While everyone on the forum expressed anticipation for the two performances,

The reaction at the venue was even hotter.

“Wow!”

Amidst the cheers of the soufflés, the local K-pop fans in the audience gazed at the darkened stage with faces full of curiosity.

‘It’s time for NewBlack’s performance…’

I knew they were a group that had risen rapidly in Korea recently.

Every time I searched for Korea’s famous broadcasts, clips of NewBlack’s appearances would pop up.

Including their famous songs ‘Wind Flower’ and ‘Nine,’ along with ‘Thousand Dreams,’ which also frequently aired on TV.

‘I’m curious.’

It was the first time for everyone to see their actual performance live, and we were all filled with curiosity and anticipation.

The stage lights bathed in a soft yellow glow.

The first to ascend the stage were dancers in billowing costumes that fluttered like the sky.

As the prelude to ‘Flower Dance’ played, the dancers moved gracefully in unison.

As the prelude ended, the dancers flowed off to the left and right sides of the stage like the receding tide.

“Oh…”

Three members stood on the stage, catching my eye.

In order, Uju, Jiho, and Bijoo.

With the background music arranged like ‘Flower Dance,’ their hands moved, and cheers erupted.

It was because of the blindfolds the three members wore.

“Wow!”

The sub-vocalist in a black leather jacket and a red blindfold showcased a smooth wave in place.

The wave started at the fingertips, bounced gently at the waist, and seemed to flow down to the toes.

While the blonde member performed a solo dance, NewBlack’s dance line smoothly circled and wrapped around him.

The soufflés in the venue opened their eyes wide at the sight of the stage.

‘Wow…’

The main dancer with red hair, wearing a navy-blue shirt.

He moved quickly, extending his fingertips elegantly towards the center member.

The thick lips visible beneath the red blindfold drew a provocative smile, captured on the big screen.

And next to him, the lead dancer exhibited the same movements.

The difference was…

‘The power…’

It felt like a clean line drawn with a single brushstroke, devoid of any superfluous detail.

As if power was emanating from that spot.

Alongside the elegant movements of the main dancer, the leader drew attention with his pulsating power.

After the intro, where the sub-vocalist drew focus with his facial expressions and solo dance, the three became one.

“Wow!”

As the last note of ‘Flower Dance’ echoed, the previously darkened stage lit up, and five members gathered.

During the performance of ‘Wind Flower,’ comments flooded the internet.

-“Lol, I thought only the main dancer was good, but they’re all amazing.”

-“Seems like they’re all above average.”

-“My kids are good at baking and performing on stage. 😭😭😭😭”

-“Bijoo, what was I doing not stanning you before? 😭😭😭😭😭”

-“The intro sound is great… It feels like I’d ascend to heaven if I heard it live.”

-“If Kyuho is smart, he’ll release the arranged version of the songs next month.”

-“But seeing the performance, Uju is unexpected, right? Isn’t he part of NewBlack’s vocal line??”

-“He’s the lead vocal and lead dancer.”

-“They have the best in each category, but Uju is well-rounded, so he usually centers the performance.”

While this was happening, the five members harmonized ‘Wind Flower’ on stage.

The main vocalist ended the song beautifully and lowered his microphone, his face bathed in the warm yellow light and zoomed in on the big screen.

When all the lights and the big screen went dark…

-Take your breath

The VCR and narration with printed letters began to overlay the screen.

The fluorescent letters flickered on the screen like glow-in-the-dark paint.

Immediately after, dancers wearing masks on their mouths lined up like expressionless robots.

“Wow—!”

Two men in all-black suits appeared.

The prelude, eerily similar to ‘Nine’s melody but arranged to evoke tension, played as the two men stood back to back, holding microphones.

Soon, the main rapper and leader exchanged deep raps as they moved to the center of the stage.

-“Oh…? They’re good.”

-“Daegil is scarily good at his main job.”

-“It’s fascinating, lol. The rap really sticks in your ears.”

-“They’re good, but I feel a bit confused right now…”

-“222 Me too.”

The rap was catchy to the ear, but for those who didn’t know much about NewBlack’s performance roles, it was disconcerting.

They had seen performances before, but never paid close attention to them as top-tier artists.

‘What’s he doing?’

Even during the intro choreography, he drew attention alongside the main dancer.

Not to mention singing the chorus in ‘Wind Flower.’

I knew he rapped, but I didn’t realize he did it with such significance.

-“Guys, let me ask something. Is Uju part of the vocal line, dance line, or rap line?”

-“All three.”

-“???”

-“You’ll know if you see it, lol.”

As the brief explanation added to the confusion…

Two men stood in the center of the stage, bathed in greenish lighting like neon rays.

After Jung-hyun finished his rap…

Uju lightly tossed the microphone, spinning it in the air, caught it, and winked at the camera.

-It’s Nine Nine Nine

Amidst the roaring cheers, the prelude to ‘Nine’ began to play.

Centered around them, NewBlack’s members started to ascend onto the stage from three lifts.