Second Try Idol

Chapter 384: Red Rouge (3)

This music video made great use of lighting. The naturally brightened space smoothly indicated it was the highlight without a single firework.

In a vast and desolate field, Chronos danced with fierce determination. The synchronized dance led by Jin-Sung featured dancers moving as one with deliberate swagger and perfect choreography.

‘Where else can you find such perfect idols?’

No one but Chronos could pull this off! The lack of a storyline allowed the fans to fully appreciate the members' expressions and passion from start to finish.

This music video was the first project planned by Su-Hwan, who trusted Chronos' skills and talent more than anyone. It successfully showcased their choreography, showmanship, and the lyrics that conveyed Chronos's mindset.

Kim Go-Ri was impressed and thrilled with every aspect of "Red Rouge." Despite its intense nature, the music video made her feel emotional.

“Unnie, do you know what this is? It's like saying to the haters, 'We won't let you slide, so brace yourselves.' Something like that."

“Oh, the lyrics?"

“Yeah. Listen to the lyrics closely."

Though Kim Hyang-Su responded indifferently, Kim Go-Ri paid no mind and focused on the music video.

Look at the aggressive choreography and lyrics! How much had Chronos been through before and after the concert? They apologized and explained things that weren't their fault, yet they were still being criticized.

Especially Goh Yoo-Joon, who had been very down for a while, worried the fans immensely. But instead of being discouraged, they warned their critics through this album and made the Rings happier than ever.

With the final highlight, the "Red Rouge" music video ended. It was a six-minute video that focused more on the song and choreography than the storyline and left a very satisfying impression.

“By the way, what did Hyun-Woo and Yoo-Joon spoil earlier? There wasn't much of a story."

Kim Go-Ri shrugged. “...I’m not sure."

“Isn't it just something like punishing the haters?" Nôv(el)B\\jnn

When Kim Go-Ri mimicked Goh Yoo-Joon and pretended to slash Kim Hyang-Su, she chuckled and walked away.

“Maybe check BlueBird later. Other fans might interpret the music video or the spoilers."

***

Shortly after the release of “Red Rouge," the real-time trend on BlueBird became a playground for Rings.

'Red Rouge,' 'Insane choreography,' 'Meaning of the spoiler,' 'Explain, Suh Hyun-Woo!' 'Haters.' All the keywords were related to the recent Q-app livestream and "Red Rouge."

- Please explain why only Suh Hyun-Woo's greeting was different lol He is so adorable.

- LOL Hyun-Woo’s Chro... yes!!! << That was so cute!! He couldn’t even finish their chant 😂

- The expressions of the other members when Yoo-Joon and Hyun-Woo were spoiling were hilarious. They looked resigned and used to it AHAHA

Just before the release, the atmosphere was lively with posts being uploaded like crazy, but it quieted down right after the release of "Red Rouge."

-Chronos is so cheeky, beating me up and just leaving... (I’m basically saying they targeted my preference so well hehe)

The Rings on Kim Go-Ri's timeline just liked the newly posted content without much comment. This sudden silence wasn't surprising because this always happened when Chronos released a music video. The Rings would disappear for a while to watch and analyze the music videos, then come back with a powerful response.

Chronos' music videos were always so amazing and full of things to see that it was only natural for this to happen. Kim Go-Ri also didn't have the leisure to worry about the suddenly quiet timeline. She was too busy rewatching "Red Rouge," captivated by the visuals, choreography, and lyrics.

The only ones worrying about the quiet timeline were probably Goh Yoo-Joon, Suh Hyun-Woo, and Jin-Sung, who would secretly observe the fans' reactions.

How much time had passed? Suddenly, the timeline was dominated by powerful reactions and trending topics.

- The new song is great in many ways. It can be interpreted in various ways, and the tattoos, headbands, and red lipstick were insane choices.

- The team who made their photo album, god bless you! May you live long. Please work hard and keep up with your work. At this rate, you will end up becoming the gods of photo shoots...

- I’m really serious about Chronos' concept play as much as YMM. I’m so happy. Their tattoos inspire me to draw again (I haven’t drawn since kindergarten lol) Tattoo team vs. non-tattoo team.

- Focusing solely on choreography was a genius move.

- Yes, YMM filming with angles optimized for choreography made the members look like they were flying. Even if only the broadcast focus cams are released, the reaction will be insane.

- Showing only the choreography clearly highlighted the members' improved facial expressions and showmanship post-concert. They were always good, but now they are even better.

Chronos was trending. A bit more time passed.

“Has anyone checked the Rings' reactions?"

After checking the music video, the members who had focused on practice began checking their phones to see the fans' reactions. The first to pick up his phone and check BlueBird was Goh Yoo-Joon, who laughed at what he found.

There was a long list of real-time trending keywords, and they were all related to Chronos. As he scrolled, he noticed the hashtag '#Fans_Swept_By_Chronos,' a homage to the "Red Rouge" lyrics 'No one will be swept by you.'

“Hey, Suh Hyun-Woo. Look at this."

Goh Yoo-Joon clicked on the hashtag and showed it to Suh Hyun-Woo. The hashtag was used in posts capturing or making memes of the members' favorite moments from "Red Rouge."

Just before practice, they had been worried about the Rings' reactions since the music video had just been released. But seeing the reactions, it was clear that the fans were very satisfied.

Suh Hyun-Woo checked the Rings' reactions on his phone, quickly turned it off, and got up. “Let's practice now."

“Okay!"

“...Already?"

The only one who eagerly got up at Suh Hyun-Woo's decision was Jin-Sung. They had been practicing for seven hours straight, hadn't properly checked the Rings' reactions, and were extremely exhausted. A break was very much needed.

But Suh Hyun-Woo shook his head and pulled leader Kang Joo-Han up. “Hyung, get up. We don't have time to rest. Comeback is just around the corner."

They had made several mistakes in the choreography for "Red Rouge." The music video shoot had taken longer because of these mistakes. The choreography was complex and visually impressive, requiring both the members and the dancers to perform flawlessly.

With the comeback imminent and frequent mistakes, there was no time for rest.

“Yeah, let's practice. Ugh, my legs."

Kang Joo-Han was visibly exhausted, but used Suh Hyun-Woo's hand for support and stood up, pulling up Goh Yoo-Joon and Park Yoon-Chan as well.

With two days left until the comeback, they needed to ensure there were no mistakes on stage to live up to the "amazing choreography" showcased in the music video.

***

A few more preview clips of Chronos from the recent Pick We Up Two shoot were released. With the broadcast date approaching, there were frequent ads on TV related to our appearance on Pick We Up Two. It felt satisfying to see how much the show had grown, and thanks to being alumni, we received generous promotion from UNET for this comeback.

Today was the recording day for the first music show performance of "Red Rouge." We were heading to UNET for their generous push.

“Can I start the car now?"

“Yes. Tae-Seong, can you help with our bags?"

“Sure."

“...Ugh. Hyung... I’m awake now."

Early in the morning, Tae-Seong had one hand full of the stylists' bags and me slung over his shoulder. I struggled to wake up properly, often getting scolded by Su-Hwan. However, Tae-Seong was even tougher.

Su-Hwan would scold me with words, but Tae-Seong would just carry the members who didn't wake up on time. And I was the one he carried the most.

“I’m awake. Put me down, hyung."

“Ah, okay."

Tae-Seong finally put me down only after we reached the parking lot. The Rings were already used to seeing managers carrying sleeping members from the dorm to the car. Su-Hwan's nickname among the fans was 'Photo Album,' but Tae-Seong's was 'Chronos Bodyguard.'

'Why am I thinking about manager nicknames when I am this sleepy?'

Practicing until dawn until the last possible day had me constantly battling drowsiness. However, as we got closer to the broadcast station, the drowsiness slowly faded. The Rings' voices welcoming us and the stylists starting to organize our outfits signaled that it was time to get ready.

Today was the first performance of "Red Rouge" and "Ario 愛."