Chapter 344: Chapter 345:

As we stepped out of the car, a chorus of cheers erupted.

“Guys, look!”

“Hey! Hey, it’s New Black. Over there!”

“Oppa! Oppa!”

Amidst the cacophony of sounds, the crowd swelled, and the security guards wore expressions of consternation.

“Hello!”

I waved and nodded to the fans as I passed by.

It was the year-end music broadcast featuring artists who had done well over the year, and the crowd was larger than usual.

Banners like ‘Merry Christmas, our teens!’ and ‘We love you, meat goddesses!’ were scattered throughout.

Jung-hyun, wearing a Santa hat over his padded jacket, followed with a banner that read ‘Merry Christmas Soufflé!’

Entertainment reporters waiting at the entrance of the broadcasting station called out to us.

“Over here, please! This way!”

“Woojoo, could you take off those flower-shaped sunglasses?”

With a sheepish grin, I removed my sunglasses amidst my siblings’ laughter.

Rihyuk and the youngest, with a ‘told you so’ look, watched on.

The photo shoot took longer than usual, so we struck various poses.

The youngest, draped in a red cape, pretended to scold like Santa, while we posed like chastised elves.

Bijoo, with yarn tassels from his hat on his nose, beamed like Rudolph.

“Thank you!”

After greeting the reporters, we entered the PBS broadcasting station.

As the stares of the crowd faded, I glanced at my siblings and asked,

“Can I take it off now?”

“Hmm, there aren’t many eyes on us now. As New Black’s fashion director, I grant your request.”

“Thank you, youngest.”

With the youngest’s permission, I swiftly removed the green fairy cape I was wearing.

“Phew…”

Rihyuk sighed as I looked at my reflection in the lobby mirror and smiled contentedly.

A Rudolph headband.

The Christmas tree on my sweater, worn under my coat, twinkled brightly.

Each tree bulb was adorned with a faux gemstone.

“Clothes should indeed be flashy.”

“It feels like a twisted Christmas. Who else would wear a blue coat with a red sweater and green pants?”

“There’s a meaning behind it all.”

I explained to the youngest, who didn’t quite grasp it.

“The blue represents the color of our album. Inside, I’m wearing a red sweater. It may look cold, but the songs inside are warm.”

“And the green?”

“That… I just put it on.”

Proudly, I walked on as my siblings burst into laughter.

I hadn’t been able to dress as I wished due to the youngest fashionista’s nagging.

But this Christmas, I had won the right to dress as I desired with a wish coupon.

Rihyuk commented as I walked confidently,

“You could wear a sack and still get applause. Where do you find these clothes…”

“I did take inspiration from international fashion shows.”

“Which planet’s fashion shows? Planet Earth 4?”

Showing the siblings a famous designer’s fashion show on social media, they all looked horrified.

“It’s completely different. This one’s decent.”

“If that’s meat, then what you’re wearing is like poorly made mock meat.”

“The color combination is totally off, brother.”

To me, one color looked much like another, but the siblings criticized the subtle differences in tone.

Even the stylists walking with hangers shook their heads.

“Why are you like this, sisters?”

“No, it’s not that.”

I turned to the managers, who gave a thumbs up with moist eyes as if to say, ‘Yeah, you look cool.’

The reaction was unanimous.

It was somewhat sad. Grandma had said I looked pretty when I sent her a photo this morning.

“Just wear what I pick out and buy for you.”

“…”

“Do you know what happens when you dress in your own casual clothes?”

“I know. I remember.”

I recalled a photo taken by a soufflé.

Was it on the way to the music hall? It was a full shot with everything but my face blurred out.

Even Bijoo, who usually saved all my photos, found this one hard to accept and saved only my face.

It was the photo the siblings teased me about, calling it the ‘big rock face’ meme.

“…”

As I chuckled and walked down the corridor with the members,

Members of the boy group Iris, standing opposite, greeted us with bright smiles.

“Hello, seniors!”

“Hello.”

“Wow. You’re all dressed up for Christmas today. It suits you so well…”

Leader Red’s gaze lingered on me as he spoke.

“Oh wow.”

As my siblings and I clapped and laughed at his involuntary remark, he quickly recovered.

“You wear ‘wow’ so well!”

“It seems like even quick wit can’t heal the deep emotional wound I’ve just suffered.”

“Oops…”

“Just kidding. How have you been?”

I exchanged pleasantries with him, smiling broadly.

I also warmly greeted others I met at the broadcasting station, including those I hadn’t seen at awards like MCA or KMA.

However, not everyone was pleased to see me.

“Eunsung.”

“…”

“Eunsung?”

As I walked towards the restroom, I encountered a junior soldier who pretended not to see me and quickened his pace.

It felt like watching a commoner averting his eyes in front of a madman.

“Eunsung?”

“…”

“Eunsung, where are you going?”

“Who are you? I’m Kevin!”

I couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction as I watched him flee after dropping a memorable quote.

After finishing the morning rehearsal.

“Junghyun hyung, Junghyun hyung.”

“Yes?”

“Please do that thing. The meme that clears your head.”

“Just a moment.”

Junghyun put on a stern face, then turned to me with a warm smile as if to clear the air.

I burst into laughter without realizing it.

Bijoo smiled at me.

“At least now that we’re changing into our stage costumes, it’ll be a little…”

“A little?”

“A little while before we go on stage, right? Wonseok hyung, when do we go up?”

The managers told us we’d be going up soon.

While stretching my neck and practicing, I looked at the waiting room and felt a sense of wonder.

Considering it was the year-end wrap-up, I didn’t expect to have a private room with so many senior singers and a dazzling lineup.

“Please come out for the interview recording!”

“Yes!”

At the FD’s call from behind the slightly opened door, we all stood up.

Upon arriving at the interview room, the male and female MCs and the production team greeted us warmly.

Teenspirit, usually sulking while waiting, greeted us with a nod.

“Hello.”

“Hello.”

Since the lineup was impressive, we were doing a joint interview instead of individual ones.

Both groups were dressed in colors reminiscent of Santa, Rudolph, and fairies, which really brought out the Christmas vibe.

The MCs also wore red hats with pom-poms.

“We’re starting the recording.”

Yeonhu of Teenspirit, who had been yawning, suddenly opened his eyes wide at the word ‘recording’ and beamed a bright smile.

Simultaneously, we all put on our broadcast faces.

While the two groups’ expressions averaged out, La Rose’s Jeon Yubin held the microphone with a bright smile.

“Welcome! Today, for our Christmas special, we have some very special guests!”

“Indeed, they’re known for their blockbuster visuals!”

Behind us, both our group and Teenspirit cheered.

“Woah!”

We all waved our hands energetically, and Teenspirit responded in kind, creating a great synergy.

“Now, let’s have your greetings!”

“On the count of three!”

“Merry Christmas! We are New Black!”

Teenspirit followed with a gentle smile, as if saying, ‘Fans, we’re here for you.’

Wild, the male MC, read from the cue card.

“Both groups are beloved for their unbelievable angelic visuals!”

“Yay!”

“In a poll conducted by Music On among the artists, both groups tied for first place in the male group beauty category.”

“First place! First place!”

During the embarrassingly flattering praise typical of music shows, we openly reveled in the moment.

MC Jeon Yubin asked.

“I’m curious about something. Among you all, who do you think is the visual standout?”

“Please point them out if you have one.”

“Oh, everyone has chosen Woojoo!”

Before I could point to Jiho, fingers were already pointing at me.

Unlike the members of Teenspirit, my younger brothers seemed to be pointing fingers, but it must be my imagination.

People laughed as my siblings playfully poked my cheeks.

“How do you feel about this, Woojoo?”

“It’s truly an honor. I’m very grateful to the voters who chose me. I promise not to let your vote go to waste and will continue to work hard without losing my initial resolve.”

I answered like a class president who had just won an election, prompting laughter from the MCs and Teenspirit.

After the interview, which included a Q&A about Christmas.

“Today, New Black has prepared a special performance, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct!”

“We’re so curious, could we get a sneak peek? Just for 10 seconds!”

“Here goes 10 seconds.”

As I snapped my fingers rhythmically for timing, my younger brothers sang the chorus of a carol.

“Wow! That’s really nice.”

“Thank you.”

We beamed brightly as we promoted.

“New Black will soon return with a special album themed around winter!”

“Today, we’ll be presenting a Christmas carol that will really bring out the winter atmosphere!”

The MCs reacted with wide eyes.

“We’re looking forward to the carol performance from New Black, who have been the music powerhouses of the year.”

“Thank you.”

I said to the camera.

“Through our songs this winter, we’ll strive to become one of the three things that come to mind with winter, alongside roasted sweet potatoes and chestnuts!”

“That’s a wonderful ambition! We hope you achieve it.”

“Please look forward to it.”

As Jeon Yubin struggled to contain her laughter, we all smiled warmly.

“Roasted chestnuts, roasted sweet potatoes. We’ll work hard to stand alongside these two seniors!”

“So remember, staying tuned is the smart choice! You know, right?”

As we exchanged winks to signal the end, the microphone was passed to Teenspirit.

Teenspirit, who had been smiling like an angel, shyly said, “We’ve also prepared our title track performance. Please look forward to it!”

“We love you! Soul!” we cheered, clapping in admiration at their timid heart gestures.

Every time I saw them, they were impressive.

“If there’s ever a Korean branch for the Academy Awards, I must recommend these seniors,” I thought.

After shouting “Stay tuned!” together with Teenspirit, the camera turned off.

“Great work everyone!”

Teenspirit, with the politeness of a well-mannered delinquent, bowed to the MCs and staff, then began their transformation.

Their demure stance quickly changed to a cocky swagger, and their angelic expressions turned into the fierce brows of rebellious teens.

As the staff dispersed like the tide, Hwiyeon, the leader, approached us and offered Chupa Chups.

“You’ve worked hard.”

“Oh no, it’s the seniors who have worked hard.”

“Shall I peel it for you?”

“We can do it ourselves.”

The crinkling sound of unwrapping lollipops accompanied a brief exchange about the hardships of being professional idols.

“I’m totally out of it. These days, I feel like I’m going to die from the schedule.”

“I can relate. We’re also preparing for our comeback…”

“A comeback with that schedule? Wow, damn…”

The members of Teenspirit gave us a thumbs-up, their faces full of respect.

After a moment of empathetic conversation, one of the Teenspirit members, seemingly curious, asked a question as we were about to leave the interview room.

“Right.”

“Yes?”

“You mentioned earlier about revealing the carol on stage. That 10-second bit you sang.”

The member with a blank expression asked.

“I liked it so much, I want to download it. What’s the original song?”

“Original song?”

“You said it was a special stage. Isn’t it a cover of an original song?”

“Original song?”

“Huh? It’s not? It felt like an old carol I used to listen to, brought back memories…”

I didn’t expect such a fresh misunderstanding.

When I smiled and said, “It’s a song I composed,” the members of Teenspirit were taken aback.

“Ahem.”

As Jiho cleared his throat and the others looked on proudly, I saw a glint of greed in the eyes of those watching me.

Hwiyeon, who had been serious, placed a hand on my shoulder, still holding the Chupa Chups.

“Hey, bro.”

“Yes?”

“How much do you get paid?”

I burst out laughing at the tone that seemed to ask, “Will you pay by card or cash?”

It was the pre-recording for the Christmas special.

As NewBlack took the stage, the Soufflés in the audience erupted in cheers.

“Woooooah!”

“Hello, Soufflés! Merry Christmas today!”

NewBlack, dressed in a mix of red and white for the Christmas special, looked stunning.

‘They’re so beautiful…’

Perhaps it was the outfits, but their fair skin and red lips stood out more than usual today.

Rihyuk, wearing a red hat with a brim, looked especially pale, like a petulant snowman.

Uju, wrapped in a red cape like an ice cream commercial model, beamed brightly as he took the microphone.

“You know we’re performing our pre-released song today, right?”

“Yes!”

“We made this song to have fun with you all, so please give us your enthusiastic response!”

There were two performances by NewBlack today.

The first song to start was ‘Wind Flower,’ which had been consistently popular throughout the year.

The members sat on chairs, exchanging soft smiles and harmonizing with each other or singing to the fans.

‘It’s good…’

It was the usual ‘Wind Flower,’ but somehow, the outfits gave off a Christmas vibe.

And then, as the next song’s recording was about to begin…

‘They must have spent a bit at Lemon.’

The staff pushed a wheeled, movable set onto the stage.

With large red boxes and even a tree set, the stage was transformed into a Christmas scene in no time.

NewBlack returned to the stage, sat on the chairs, and waved to the Soufflés.

“Everyone! Merry Christmas!”

After the youngest’s cute shout, the recording officially began.

The tinkling of small bells as if a sleigh was passing by.

The playful rhythm and lively melody followed, as if water droplet fairies were bouncing around.

A clear voice sang a refreshing song.

Merry Christmasn/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Waiting for this day

I’ve been flipping through the calendar

A warm smile spread across the face of the main vocalist holding the microphone.

The other members gently moved their heads side to side, smiling or nodding while resting their hands on their knees.

The lead vocalist, wearing a Rudolph headband, took the microphone with a twinkle in his eye.

What makes me so happy

Isn’t the softly falling snow

Or the carols echoing in the streets

But holding your hands

As Rihyuk added harmony to the end, Uju put down the microphone, and Junghyun picked it up.

The rapper punched the air with a warm smile.

What shall we do?

A snowball fight sounds fun

So does sledding

Or having a warm cup of coffee

Shall we have a chat?

The sub-vocalist and the main dancer exchanged glances as they traded verses of the song.

This Christmas,

Let’s get to know each other better,

Until the falling white snow

Covers this path.

As the main vocalist gripped the microphone, the members of New Black rose smoothly from their seats.

I wish every season in the world

Could be our time together.

Look,

Our season lies beneath the snow.

Those who remembered the fan song “Starlight” smiled.

The lyrics expressing gratitude for being together and inviting joyous play continued.

In the chorus, singing ‘Ride the sleigh – ta-ta- ta-ta,’ the singers looked at each other and harmonized or smiled towards the camera.

Their expressions were so joyful that even the onlookers felt uplifted.

Even those hearing it for the first time nodded along to the catchy melody.

“Truly, Made in Universe.”

“The carol stage is really nice…”

“He’s the real deal, a song sculptor, Sun Woojoo.”

As the members sang the lively carol until the end of the performance, the audience sent cheers and support.

The Soufflés who left the recording studio were abuzz with excitement.

“Wow. Amazing.”

“Didn’t they say this pre-release was made into a fan song? The quality is amazing.”

“Doesn’t it have that classic carol feel?”

The Soufflés marveled at the melody that was both trendy and classically haunting.

As they wished the track would be released soon,

“Ride the sleigh – ta-ta ta-ta-”

“Ta ta-ta ta-ta-”

The camera directors flipping through the next recording cue sheet stopped humming.

They looked at each other, narrowing their eyes.

“…Huh?”

For some reason, the song was stuck in their heads.

At the same time,

Those watching New Black’s pre-recorded performance on the hallway TV were agape.

They were rookies who had stepped out of the partitioned waiting room for a breath of fresh air.

“Wow. Insane.”

“Did you see that harmony in the middle? I wouldn’t dare. Really.”

“Junghyun senior, isn’t he cool? I want to be friends.”

They exclaimed in admiration at New Black’s visuals and live performance.

“The carol is really good. What’s the original song?”

“Isn’t it American? It seems like a fan song, but they probably modified the lyrics for the fans.”

“We should do that too.”

These rookies had prepared to cover famous songs like ‘White Christmas’ for today’s Christmas special stage.

“There was such a good song.”

They realized they had discovered a hidden gem and thought they should check the title when it appeared with subtitles on the main stage later.

Other singers watching the pre-recording in the waiting room had similar reactions.

“They’re good…”

“Manager bro, how old did you say they are? Huh. Are there high schoolers? I’m getting old.”

“The song is really good, who does it belong to?”

When everyone else showed warm smiles, thinking it was a well-arranged original song,

“…Oh dear.”

There were those who recognized it as a self-composed song by Universe.

The eight-member group that had taken over the largest waiting room in today’s music broadcast smiled warmly.

“They must have worked hard on it.”

“When arranging the song for the end-of-month evaluation, it was really grinding. That one note being off all day…”

“You know it’s his work when you hear it. The screams sound like surround sound.”

The youngest, Seok Jihon, said.

“It must be tough working with him.”

“Tough? More like deadly.”

“Ugh, just the thought is horrifying. Hey.”

As they exchanged such conversations, the fingers of the TNT members, who were checking their colleagues’ reactions, fidgeted on their phones.

And a minute later.

Zzzing.

Han Taehyun blinked as he picked up the phone that vibrated with a ‘Hey, bro.’

“Speakerphone? Why?”

As he switched to speakerphone, the voice of Sun Woojoo resonated from it.

-Excuse me, seniors.

“Yes?”

-If you’re going to ask for songs individually like this, you might as well start a group chat. All together…

They burst into embarrassed laughter at the sigh-filled voice.