Producer with no Regrets - Chapter 385



Only Noblemtl

Episode 385

Yoo Yong-tae watched the Girls’ League’s live broadcast while eating a late dinner at home.

Since it was the end of the year, all the members gathered together and chatted. Usually, two or three members would do a broadcast together, so it was the first time in a while that all the members gathered together.

[Yes, the concert is finally over.]

Snow White waved at the screen with a tired smile.

Yoo Yong-tae smiled happily and took the spoon containing the bibimbap to his mouth.

[Did the people wave their hands too?]

Yoo Yong-tae immediately put down his spoon and waved his hand. Then, suddenly, a flash of insight came to him.

‘What am I doing alone… … .’

[Hehe, thank you. I was able to finish it safely thanks to the support of the people.]

Yoo Yong-tae’s Hyun-ta disappeared without a trace.

Living alone, he naturally spends a lot of time alone at home. He is tired from work, so even going out on the weekends feels like a big deal.

‘Is it because I’m getting older? I don’t even have the strength to go out drinking.’

And, being home alone makes me feel very lonely. The Girls’ League is what fills that lonely space.

Yoo Yong-tae keeps playing the Girls’ League video like background music in a cafe.

It was a great comfort to me mentally to be able to hear human voices without being muffled, as if I was living in the same house as my family.

[Really, ah… … .]

Joara trailed off, as if she had a lot of things piled up.

[It was great to meet people overseas, but performing twenty times in one month was really… … .]

[Isn’t the schedule really that tight?]

Rika nodded, agreeing.

[that’s right.]

[Araya.]

Jang Ha-yang wrapped his arm around Jo Ara’s shoulder. Jo Ara froze like a frog possessed by a snake.

[Let’s just talk about good things. Why are you doing this after finishing well?]

[Yes, yes.]

[Starting with me… … When I went to Rio de Janeiro, right? I was so surprised and it was so great.]

[When you first got off at the airport?]

Shin A-reum’s eyes began to shine as she recalled the events in Brazil.

It was clearly Jang Ha-yang’s time to speak, but Shin A-reum couldn’t contain her excitement and started talking about the Brazil incident.

[Actually, I’m not lying to you. I told you that thousands of people gathered at the airport.]

‘A few thousand people…?’

Yoo Yong-tae was well aware that Girls’ League had a strong overseas fandom.

But even so, it was hard to believe that thousands of people had gathered together in a country on the other side of the globe like Brazil.

[The Brazilian people kept calling our names and waving our hands, and wow… … .]

[There were more people than people in the concert hall?]

[Yes, really. We should have held the concert at the airport instead. That’s right. We went out through the back door of the airport. So. The people at the airport were panicking and taking us away. We couldn’t go out through the main door. But there were people at the back door too… ]

‘Is it real?’

Yoo Yong-tae opened his mouth at the unbelievable performance of the Girls’ League.

Now I even forgot to eat.

[Atashi (I) cried at the end!]

[Hey Rika, you cry at the end of every concert.]

[I cried a lot back then!]

The highlight of the Rio de Janeiro performance was ‘Purple Tulip’.

As the Girls’ League sang the highlight, hundreds of people in the standing area danced to the choreography of ‘Purple Tulip’.

It was a thrill that was hard to put into words to hear someone like that dance to the Girls’ League.

[Well, you had an encore at your first concert… … .]

Joara covered her mouth.

[Teacher, I can’t say this, right?]

[Huh, huh?]

[Isn’t this a spoiler?]

[Oh, really?]

Joara shook her head with a mischievous expression.

[If you’re curious, be sure to buy our concert DVD and watch it. You know what? Even the real people cry.]

Yoo Yong-tae had already attended the Seoul concert on the second day, but he heard about the events of the first day from Kim Maria and Kim Chae-hyun of ‘An Lonely Soviet Room’.

‘If I had been there, I would have been confident that I could sing along well.’

Thinking back on it, I still get angry.

I can’t believe I missed the historic first concert of the Girls’ League.

[And also… … I received enthusiastic support from the Brazilian people. So I went to Chile with high expectations… … ]

The concert hall was only two-thirds full.

The moment they first saw the empty 1/3, the Girls’ League members were frozen and couldn’t move properly.

Jang Ha-yang gently bent her waist.

[We took it to mean that we were lacking. We will work harder in the future so that our music can be heard on the other side of the globe.]

‘No, isn’t it amazing that only 2/3 of the seats were filled for the Chile concert?’

Even if Brazil is a special case, isn’t South America a very unfamiliar continent anyway?

Anywhere in South America, filling more than half the venue would be a huge achievement.

The story shifted to North America.

[America was really surprising. Do you know how many people came to see our concert in America? Over 10,000.]

Yoo Yong-tae was surprised again.

They mobilized 10,000 people in the US? Isn’t that almost the same number as in Korea?

[We did 2 and 3 each in the East and West. The tickets sold out in a matter of minutes… … Oh, there’s an American over there. Hello! Did you see our concert?]

[Ara-chan’s pronunciation is terrible!]

[Well, you try.]

[Hello, Gombangwa!]

[That’s ridiculous. Anyway, I heard from people at the company. Our idols… … A quarter of the industry’s profits come from the US. It’s almost the same ratio as Korea.]

‘I see.’

Is it because it is the country with the largest music market in the world? Or are all idols similar to the Girls’ League?

Although Yoo Yong-tae didn’t know much, he was happy to hear about the Girls’ League’s success story.

So it seems that the Girls’ League has returned to Asia and circled the globe again. And so, all 20 concerts have come to a close.

Yoo Yong-tae listened to the Girls’ League’s live performance for almost two hours as if he was possessed.

‘My kids have grown this much.’

When I first heard about the overseas tour, I wondered what it was all about. However, the results seemed to be much better than I expected.

‘After two years, like this… … .’

The idol he had supported and cheered for since their debut had grown this much. Yoo Yong-tae felt a sense of satisfaction that he couldn’t express in words about that fact.

‘When I first debuted, I often showed an anxious appearance, as if I was being chased by something.’

The anxiety and trembling were similar to those of Yoo Yong-tae, a freshman in society.

Yoo Yong-tae was attracted to Shin A-reum’s looks and watched Project For You, and when Shin A-reum moved to Garo Entertainment, he started to become a fan of Girls’ League.

But once I got past the halfway point of fandom, rather than wondering ‘why’ I was fandom, I just wanted to cheer for the Girls’ League.

I was satisfied to see the Girls’ League consistently working hard, achieving results, and being happy while feeling anxious about the future.

As a fan, I felt very proud that I had contributed to their success. And I saw myself as part of that success.

If only children who look young and delicate could achieve success in such a difficult place.

‘me too…….’

In that way, Yoo Yong-tae gained courage from the Girls’ League.

‘Guys, I will watch over you and cheer you on forever… … .’

[This is some sad news, we’ve decided to take a month off from activities. It’s vacation.]

It was shocking news.

Are you not going to see the Girls’ League for a month?

[Atashi (I) will turn on live often!]

Rika came closer to the camera angle.

Yoo Yong-tae first cleared his chest.

it’s a shame.

‘It’s a shame, though.’

I understand.

Girls’ League has been running like a whirlwind for the past two years. Although they didn’t make a comeback this year, didn’t they perform a huge event in the form of a Japanese debut and concert?

[Next year, we will definitely make a comeback with an album and show you more active activities.]

As Baek Seol-ha bowed, the members also thanked the fans one by one. At that moment, Jang Ha-yang poked Baek Seol-ha in the side.

[huh?]

[Sister, that.]

[That? Oh, that! We’re going to upload a video on our official channel at midnight today, right? If you have time… … .]

“Sister.”

[Even if you don’t have time, check it out! Our… … That’s… … It might be a bit awkward to tell the fans, but… … .]

Snow White smiled shyly.

[I hope you watch the video that will be uploaded at midnight. It might seem like I’m being sarcastic… … but… … .]

[Sister, stop with the TMI.]

[Huh?! Oh, sorry. I ran out of time. Well, bye!]

Snow White waved her hand in greeting to Angle. Snow White’s hand, shaking wildly, filled the angle for more than 10 seconds.

“Uh, when are you turning it off… … ?”

The live ended with the laughter of the staff behind the camera.

Only then was Yoo Yong-tae able to clean up the traces of dinner on his desk.

‘You’re taking a month off. You take a break like this at least once a year.’

I fully understand that office workers also have seniority.

Yoo Yong-tae hoped that the Girls’ League would have time to recharge during the vacation and show a better side of themselves than before.

‘But what is the content of the video that will be uploaded at midnight that is like that?’

* * *

Kim Chae-hyun covered herself with a blanket and watched iTube. The latest video from the official Girls’ League channel was playing on the screen.

It was a whopping 20 minutes long.

The lights slowly turned on against the dark background of the room. Joara, sitting on a round stool, was revealed.

[Topic: This member’s agony and suffering]

[What is this? Who is this member?]

Shin A-reum’s face appeared on the screen facing Jo A-ra. Jo A-ra sighed as if she had seen a cockroach and scratched her cheek in embarrassment.

[Why should I know that he’s sick… … Haa, this is it? You’re trying to make us cry.]

[Do you cry when you think of A-reum?]

[Why me. Haa, um, um… … .]

Joara was thinking with her arms crossed. She was so worried that she even closed her eyes. She sat down with a gruff expression as if she had no other choice and began to tell her story.

[Well, I know you all know this. Shin A-reum can copy a dance that she’s seen once. Yes, she has a good eye. I can copy a dance no matter how difficult it is, but she’s like a machine.]

[But this isn’t necessarily a good thing. It means that they do movements that their bodies can’t do. For example, the body can only lean back about 30 degrees, but this person tries to do what he saw, so he goes further than that. Of course, he gets hurt.]

Joara let out a long, low sigh through her nose.

[When was it? It was during ‘Long Four’, there was a choreography where you stamp your feet on the floor and then jerk your knees. It puts a lot of strain on your joints… … All of our dances are like that. Anyway, when idols practice dancing, it’s repetition.]

Joara held up three fingers.

[Our practice stages are ‘hard’, ‘normal’, and ‘slow’. ‘Hard’ is when we do it like we’re on stage, but Shin Areum does almost all of her practices hard. She thinks she can use her joints for a thousand years. Well, that’s why… …and that’s how it all ended up happening.]

The moment Shin A-reum did that choreography, there was a ‘snap’ sound that everyone in the practice room could hear.

Not only the members, but also Shin A-reum, the person involved, was frozen in place and did not move while doing the choreography.

[He said his ligaments were damaged. Even now, he wraps his knees whenever he does something strenuous. Be careful… … .]

Jo Ara, who had taken an uncooperative attitude as if she had figured out the production team’s intentions as soon as she saw the question, was already about to cry, making her words seem meaningless.

[It was around the third week of the comeback, and she had to go on stage the next day. The company people said, ‘Areum can’t go on stage,’ but if she did as the hospital said, Shin Areum wouldn’t have been able to go on stage for over a week. No, she might have had to stop ‘Long For’ promotions altogether. It was a hiatus. It was a long-awaited comeback, but she ended it before she could even fill half of it. So do you know what she did?]

First, I went to the broadcasting station.

I tried practicing snowsnow, but it didn’t seem to work, so I went straight to the hospital.

I went to the hospital, got a painkiller shot, and then went on stage and did the rehearsal.

[Really crazy bitch… … .]

Soon, Joara covered her face with her palms and sobbed.

The lights went out, and Shin A-reum was sitting on the chair. The scene had changed.

Shin A-reum burst into loud laughter.

[Did Joara say that? Really? She cried? Yes? No, it’s not that surprising. She cries a lot and has weak prayers, unlike how she looks. I wonder why she keeps getting her teeth pressed so often. Yesterday, she was sleeping and screamed ‘Eww!’ … … .]

Shin A-reum brushed her hair with an embarrassed expression.

[When I first saw you, I was a bit nervous because you went too hard. Anyway… … When I hurt my knee? That happened while I was practicing… … At that moment, I prayed to God.]

Please no.

I hope you’re not seriously hurt.

If you move in this state, it won’t hurt.

It must have just been a noise.

are you okay.

are you okay…….

[Because I had to go on stage. As a result, it wasn’t okay at all. But when you get the shot, it really doesn’t hurt at all. Even when you feel like you’re going to die, your body moves as if it never hurts… … Yes.]

Shin Areum bowed her head.

[It’s sad, of course. When a person is sick, it’s the saddest. You think, ‘Do I have to go on stage like this… … ‘, but you have to go on stage. Because you’re an idol. Because you’re a professional.]

A picture of Jang Ha-yang appeared on the screen.

[Ah, it’s Unnie Hayang. Unnie Hayang’s pain, agony… … Huh? Oh, what are the rumors of discord? Well, there are some things that don’t match up with Unnie. In our videos, Jo Ara often says, “Unnie, control your jokes.” I just don’t understand Unnie Hayang’s code.]

anyway.

[Surprisingly, Hayang is very sensitive to the cold. Her hands are really cold if you touch them. Even in the winter, she shivers a lot even when wearing a padded jacket. We find it strange to watch. But… … We go on stage for award ceremonies in the winter, right? But our outfits… … ]

Shin Areum couldn’t hold it in and burst out laughing.

[It’s really thin. It’s thinner than something like a linen shirt that you wear in the summer. It’s thin, and here my stomach is slightly exposed, my wrists are thin, and here around my neck, around my collarbone, is exposed. Anyway, it’s cold. It’s really cold. Because I’m going on stage in a summer outfit in -10 degrees.]

Shin A-reum bit her lips hard.

Her voice was trembling.

[But, but Hayang unnie… … her lips are really turning blue… … she’s in the waiting area right? We… … .]

Jang Ha-yang, however, held on without showing any sign of it. When caught on camera, she even smiled brightly as if nothing had happened.

[With those clothes… … I kept gritting my teeth and shaking… … saying ‘It’s okay, I’m okay’… … . My feet were shaking even while dancing, so how could I be okay… … .]

Shin A-reum couldn’t hold it back and burst into tears.

The screen went black and Jang Ha-yang appeared. She smiled bitterly after hearing Shin A-reum’s story.

[I can’t show it. It’s the same pain that everyone is going through. All the idols there are upset. Arum too… … It’s not just me who’s having a hard time… … .]

Jang Ha-yang smiled warmly. Then she raised her slightly lowered gaze and looked at the camera.

[Actually, idols can’t help but have a hard time in each season. Since the clothes are open, you might think it’s comfortable in the summer, but it’s not like that when you stand on stage. You know how bugs gather near streetlights in the summer? And the lights on the stage where we perform are really bright. If you look closely at the stage, you’ll see bugs gathering as much as yellow dust in the spring. There are bug corpses spread out on the floor like a carpet. We have to dance and sing there.]

If there is choreography that involves sitting on the floor, lying down, crouching, or supporting yourself with your hands, it’s the worst.

And since you’re singing, it’s normal for you to end up swallowing a few bugs in your mouth.

[You can’t frown or make a surprised sound. The audience is laughing so happily downstage. So, we have to laugh too. Ahaha, if you eat some bugs, you’ll get used to it. If you think of them as nutritional supplements, your mind will feel a little better. It can’t be helped. Whether it’s winter or summer. I think there are hardships in any job. What’s important is whether the compensation outweighs the hardships.]

Jang Ha-yang smiled faintly when she heard the production team’s questions.

[Of course. Even if I have to dance on a hot plate, I’ll be an idol.]

A picture of Snow White appeared on the screen.

[My sister.]

Jang Ha-yang spoke without hesitation.

[You have very high standards for yourself. Everyone in the company says that Seol-ha sings well. But you yourself get depressed and say things like, ‘I’m not good enough,’ ‘Is this right?’ ‘It’s not right.’ At first, when I saw that, I thought, ‘Are you deceiving me?’, haha.]

Jang Ha-yang clasped both hands together and placed them on her knees.

[In some ways, it’s a blessing, and in some ways, it’s a curse. Your professional consciousness is high, so your performance reaches a considerable level, but personally, it must be very painful for you. You’re walking towards that distant star with no hope… … You’re constantly disappointed in yourself for not being able to run and having to walk.]

[I can’t understand. I can’t understand any of the members. That’s why I feel even more sorry. What kind of pain do you have that you’re suffering so much? It’s a path without clear standards, without anyone telling you, “This is enough.” If you go forward looking for your own satisfaction, it’s really lonely.]

Jang Ha-yang’s voice was suddenly filled with moisture.

[I don’t remember exactly when it was, but one morning I woke up and my sister was crying. I was surprised and asked her why, and she said she had a dream. A dream where she couldn’t sing. When she woke up from the dream, she cried because she was happy. She said she was happy that she could do more. And then that night, she cried again, saying, ‘Why can’t I do this much?’]

Jang Ha-yang said while sobbing.

[Really, I want to know too. I want to comfort you, but I don’t understand, I can’t even keep up with you, so I can’t comfort you. That’s why I, I… ]

Jang Ha-yang laughed at himself.

[If I hadn’t been in the Girls’ League, would I have been able to become friends with such a wonderful person? I think about that… … . A person with shortcomings like me is lucky to be in the Girls’ League, so I can at least talk to someone like an older sister… … .]

The screen darkened, and Baek Seol-ha appeared instead of Jang Ha-yang. Baek Seol-ha had been crying from the moment she first appeared.

[Whitey… … .]

I think I heard what Jang Ha-yang said.

Snow White barely managed to calm down by wiping her eyes with a handkerchief.

[The standard is, I, haa… … .]

Baek Seol-ha swallowed her tears and barely managed to speak normally.

[Haha, I shouldn’t cry. My vocal cords are damaged. But I’m weak-willed, so I cry often… … Ahem, I get disappointed in myself a lot. Yeah, maybe it’s because my standards are high. Because the ideal I look up to is too high for me. As an idol, I want to be the best. If I had to limit it to one song… … ]

There was a teacher at the academy where Baek Seol-ha first learned singing professionally.

[I still can’t forget the first time I heard his song. The world really became bright, my heart was full, and I cried. That’s when I realized. Songs can make people so happy. I want to sing songs like that too. Songs that can touch people’s hearts… ]

To break down singing into extremely simple terms, it has the elements of individuality and technique.

[Individuality is something I have to keep finding while I’m working as an idol. However, skills are as good as the effort I put in… … No. With singing, it’s not that you go up as much as you put in, but that you go down as much as you put in. Effort isn’t a tool for rising, it’s a safety net. If you work hard, no matter how bad your condition is, there’s a floor. You raise that floor little by little. By raising it like that… … .]

Snow White stretched out her hand high. She stretched it out as far as she could and pointed to the ceiling.

[I’m finally getting there. Like a piano, I can produce as many notes as I want. There’s a level where I can maintain my role as a singer in any situation. That’s my foundation, an ability I absolutely must have, and I think reaching that level is a courtesy to my fans who listen to my songs. That’s the standard I aspire to… ]

Snow White bowed her head deeply.

[I will probably suffer forever. Sisyphus… … Am I, right? The one who rolls the stone forever… … Oh, am I? Yes, like Sisyphus… … .]

A picture of Rica appeared on the screen.

[Rika is… … energetic. It seems like she doesn’t have any worries, but she’s just hiding them. Uh, our company’s director often compares us to stars, right? Rika is like that too. He says, ‘Atashi (I) am the brightest star!’, but I don’t think she really thinks that way.]

Rika compares herself to the stars around her. And thinks. Her own light is truly worthless.

[I didn’t think Rika had any special talents. Rika composes. That’s why she worked so hard. Every day, she stares at her laptop. Actually, Rika isn’t interested in touching machines. It must have been hard for her to look at that complicated composition program for hours a day.]

Isn’t this even a part that isn’t revealed much in idol activities?

Rika has been doing it consistently for several years and has achieved her current level of skill.

[I felt… I don’t know if I can say this, but I felt bad for him.]

Rika was desperate to learn how to compose music.

Composing is not a visible skill, because it is not directly expressed in performance like dancing or singing.

Even if you try hard, you might not have any use for it while working as an idol.

Rika constantly honed that ability, even though it was painful.

[Rika, yes… … .]

Snow White shed another drop of tears that had barely stopped.

[It was a star that didn’t know it was shining. So it approached the sun, thinking that it would shine too… … It approached while suffering from the heat… … .]

Snow White wiped away her tears.

[In the past, I scolded Rika because I thought it was just not right. You know, that talented kid, who was holding on to a skill that she might or might not use in the future, and even struggling every day. I scolded her, saying, ‘You should practice singing or dancing more instead of messing with things like this.’ Do you know what Rika said back then?]

Baek Seol-ha said, rubbing his shoulder.

[Whatever I do with my time, it’s my own mind, he said. That’s when Rika was so serious, uh… . . ]

Snow White stopped talking as if recalling a past moment. Then she felt goosebumps and shiver all over her body.

[That, the Japanese debut showcase? It was the first time I saw it except then. I was really surprised, and since I was the leader, I scolded Rika for having a habit of talking. She was usually a nice girl who listened to what I said, but she stuck out her lips and ignored everything. Rika was sincere.]

The star, alone, did not know its own brilliance. So it approached the hot sun.

And eventually, it became the sun.

Snow White smiled proudly with tears in her eyes.

[It’s a shame about Rika, but it was my fault back then. I almost missed out on the god of Kawaii Bass. It’s a shame, and I’m proud, and I’m proud of her. … … Yes, yes? You want me to say ‘I love Rika’? Oh, and the other members all did it too?]

Snow White drew a heart with her arms.

[I love you Rika! Yes? Kiss, kiss too?]

Snow White closed her eyes and stuck out her lips.

[Lee, I love you Rika! Bye!]

The screen darkened and Rika appeared. She was smiling brightly.

[I miss the passion I had when I was young… … .]

Rika clapped her hands together loudly.

[That’s what Atashi (me) used to be like! And I learned one thing back then! If you truly want something, don’t listen to what others say! The members and the company staff all told me, ‘Rika, you’re fine the way you are’! But I’m smart, so I knew! If I continued like this, there was no future for me!]

Rika called the members’ names one by one.

[That’s right. Everyone is shining like this! It’s just not clear enough for me! I can see it, so I can’t just listen to what others say and do nothing! Hehe, of course it feels good when other people acknowledge me. However, my own acknowledgement is just as important as other people’s acknowledgement!]

Rika rubbed her palms as if choosing what to say.

[There was a story that the person who recruited me told me a long time ago. It was when I was trying to do this and that and got sick. He said, ‘Rika, you’re happy now.’ I felt it. It’s not like he said it’s okay to be me. The reason I can hear that is because I’m trying. I felt that.]

Rika laughed heartily.

[So even if others say it’s perfect, I’ll keep running! For a brighter future! What do you think, my professionalism!]

The production crew’s small applause filled the sound. Rika puffed out her chest with excitement.

[Because I’m an idol! Because I became an idol!]

Rika made a gesture of tying her hairband tightly and smiled faintly.

[Atashi (I), I will become an idol!]

A picture of Jo Ara appeared in front of her as she smiled playfully.

[Ara-chan! You’re so cool, you’re so pretty!]

Rika blew several kisses to Joara’s photo.

[Hey, but Ara-chan, since Atashi (Je) is by your side, you won’t be in any pain, right? It’s the human drug Ishikawa Rika! Oh, can’t I use the word drug? Oh, it’s the human drug Ishikawa Rika!]

Of course, forgetting the pain with drugs is only temporary.

[Ah, can I start by saying that Ara-chan is amazing! Ara-chan really loves to dance! She’s good at dancing! Do you know what Ara-chan does on her days off? She dances! When I look at Ara-chan’s body, I’m like, wow, really, man, how can this be, this is what happens when a human reaches the limit of a certain physical field!]

Even Jo Ara suffers from muscle pain during her comeback period.

[Did you know that dancing is surprisingly very, very hard? Especially, Girls’ League dances are rumored to be hard in the idol world! Of course, I made up the rumor! That’s why there’s never a time when my muscles aren’t sore when I’m preparing for a comeback. Ara-chan is no exception! But Ara-chan moves without hesitation even when we’re groaning from muscle pain!]

Saying, ‘Wow, this is so stimulating!’, he shows off his stronger side for no reason.

[This is a secret, but I think Ara-chan likes things that are a little painful… … It’s a real secret! Even though she keeps saying it hurts, when she has muscle pain, she asks me to step on that part! Even while she’s crying, she asks me to keep stepping on it! Ara-chan is so slutty! Oh, was that TMI?]

Rika continued her story with a smile.

[Ara-chan dances even when she comes to work! She dances even at her dorm! She dances even on her days off! Her work and hobby are both dancing! So, there’s no floor.]

Suddenly, Rika’s eyes furrowed.

[Ara-chan, as an idol, you make mistakes during performances, right? There’s no way to fix that. Since dancing is her hobby, she suffers while spending time on her hobby. When she dances, she remembers her mistakes and it’s painful, hurtful, and painful, but since she can only dance, she continues to suffer. That’s what I want to do… … .]

There is no way.

What would you say to a person for whom dancing is his life?

I can’t tell you not to dance.

[If you look at it directly, it’s shining. Ara-chan shines brighter than anyone else! She burns herself to shine! It’s dazzling. It’s so dazzling, but it also makes you sad when you look at it. That’s why Ara-chan is endlessly happy when she’s happy, and endlessly sad when she’s sad. And the way she dances even when she’s sad is just so… ]

Rika smiled while shedding tears. She cheered towards Joara in that state.

[Ara-chan, you’re so cool! I think I’m going to fall in love with you! No, I’m already in love with you! You have to marry me!]

Rika stopped cheering exaggeratedly and spoke in despair.

[Actually, not just Ara-chan, but everyone else shines so much. How could I not feel anxious when I have these people next to me… … ]

The screen went black, revealing all the members. They all had red, swollen eyes.

[Well, I see you all cried a lot? Shin A-reum, you can cry too.]

[Ahaha, there was a time when Arami cried like a baby in front of us… … .]

[Sister, why are you saying that! Crying is nothing to brag about!]

[Maa (what), I’m not at all surprised that the teacher cried! Staff members, the teacher cried the most, right? No, it’s okay if you don’t answer! I already know!]

[… … Sob.]

Snow White almost cried after seeing the members’ lively appearance. The members were flustered and tried to comfort their leader.

[Yes, the leader is sobbing, so Atashi (I) will speak on his behalf!]

Rika waved at the camera.

[We’ll take a month off!]

Then Joara spoke.

[I’ll show you a better side when I come back.]

Jang Ha-yang laughed.

[Ahaha, you’ll wait, right?]

Shin Areum said while patting Baek Seol-ha on the back.

[I know you’ll be very lonely since you’ll be gone for a whole month. We’re also people… … .]

[Hey Shin A-reum, why are you saying that?]

[What? Did I say something wrong?]

[We have to show only our perfect appearances, right? We’re not people, we’re idols.]

[Yeah, don’t rest.]

[You’re not going to rest? You’re going to go to the studio every day and practice dancing?]

[Yes, please.]

Shin Areum woke up Baek Seol-ha and turned her body towards the camera.

Baek Seol-ha sniffled and wiped away her tears. And then she turned to the camera and the fans.

He smiled at Kim Chae-hyun.

[Everyone, thank you so much for the past two years. Thanks to you, I have received an abundance of happiness. Please take care of me next year too. Thank you, really. Thank you for giving us so much love, for loving our members… … .]

Everyone held hands and bowed their waists.

[Let’s meet again next year, in better health.]

The video has ended.

Kim Chae-hyun was crying while covering herself with a blanket.

“The Soviets did a great job… … .”

Have a good rest.

Let’s meet again next year, in good health.

* * *

Snow White can’t rest.

She sighed as she thought of the members resting at their dorms or at their parents’ house.

“Oh, Seol-ha, are you taking a breather? You said you would do it.”

“That’s right… … .”

Seongpil lightly patted her shoulder to comfort her, and then walked into the broadcasting station with her.

“Let’s go, ‘The Unknown Singer’ first meeting.”

“yes.”

At the beginning of the year, broadcasting stations are busy with the production and planning of various special programs. It feels like the peak season of the industry.

Everyone passing by in the hallway was running around as if they were the busiest.

Baekseol looked at those people as if they were curious. Then Seongpil said indifferently.

“Seolha, I thought about your stage name.”

“Really? What is it?”

Baekseol was glad that Seongpil had even thought of a stage name for her. She waited anxiously for Seongpil to speak.

“How about ‘a cute genius who also sings well’?”

“The emphasis is on cuteness, not on singing!”

“no?”

“I don’t like it, I would never do something like that!”

“That kind of thing… … .”

“Ah, ah, I’m sorry, I’m sorry… … .”

“Then what are you going to do?”

“I won’t do it!”

At that moment, Seongpil felt someone tapping his back. He looked back, slightly startled.

Naturally, Snow White also looked back.

The fist slowly extended.

“Yes, Tomodachi (friend).”

It was Erica.