Chapter 27:
Chapter 27
How can I show the singing skills of our members?
How can I create that opportunity?
That was the problem I had to worry about as the leader of the team.
After appearing on the music show for three weeks, the feedback I summarized was roughly like this:
-The visuals are top-notch. They have their own personalities and could be actors.
-Why does only the main vocal sing?
-What are the rest of them doing? Cant they sing?
-Is this a group push?
It was a problem that started from an ambiguous situation.
The composition of Something was practically done by me and Jang So-won.
But when we went into recording, a problem occurred.
It was weird to deal with Something with one girl and several boys.
Thats why we unified the vocal and it was Ri-hyuk.
But then, when we decided to name it Jang So-won X Ri-hyuk Something, it was a bit subtle.
They all contributed.
To be honest, it was something that happened because I didnt know the song would do so well.
When the first music show appearance was confirmed, the two agencies were thinking of sending only Ri-hyuk.
But then they met with Jang So-wons strong opposition, saying I wont do it if you do that, and we ended up going together.
It was good in the end, but on the other hand, it left a question of Why do so many guys come out and just put in harmony and go back? Cant they sing?
It was a tricky situation.
Our kids can sing well.
The problem is that there is no chance to prove it.
I cant change the music show repertoire to show off their skills.
When I was lost in my own worries, the road manager Seo Min-ki glanced at me sitting in the passenger seat.
Are you tired?
No.
Was the interview hard?
The atmosphere was okay.
It was a solo schedule after the music show ended.
It was an interview with Jang So-won sunbae, the co-composer of Something, and there was nothing special.
There were a few awkward questions, but I guess I got used to the interview. I was less nervous than the first time. And even if a difficult question came up, Jang So-won sunbae supported me from the side.
So-won did that when she was in Sugarfish. She helped her juniors.
And the reporter was very responsive to whatever I said. I thought they would be harsh because Im a rookie, but they were very kind.
I think I know why.
What do you mean?
The reporter was a woman.
I made a face that I didnt understand, and Seo Minki chuckled as if it was enough.
Never mind, kid. I just asked because you looked tired. I wondered if it was because of the interview.
Thats not it.
I was about to talk about my recent worries about showing off New Blacks skills, and I looked at him.
He was someone I hadnt met for even a month.
I smiled as I looked at the passing trees.
I guess Im less tense.
You should be. Youre number one for three weeks in a row, so what.
But Im still a rookie. I have to be nervous.
I looked at his face and remembered something I had forgotten, and rummaged through my pocket.
Hyung, Jang So-won sunbae asked me to give you a gift today. She said its from her fan.
Really? Where is it?
Here.
Min-ki hyung blinked his eyes at my empty palm.
He had a what-is-this expression.
When I folded and unfolded my palm, a chocolate appeared.
Ta-da.
Hey, what was that?
Its magic.
You can do that too?
I learned it from watching Youtube a while ago. But I had nowhere to use it.
I learned magic by imitating the movements.
Honestly, except for dancing, I had nothing to use it for in my daily life, so I played with it as a hobby.
He smiled brightly as I handed him the chocolate.
It looked like his fatigue for the day melted away.
The site manager said you looked low on sugar because you were busy with the schedule these days, so he asked me to give you chocolate. Belgium? He said he got it from a friend who lives there.
Belgium? That must be Lisa.
Really?
Sugarfish Lisa, you know, the musical actress who quit and went to Belgium.
Right, Min-ki hyungs favorite was Sugarfish Lisa.
I laughed incredulously.
Dont you have to switch to Hwai Entertainment?
Hmm, maybe I should have.
Hey, where are you going? You have to keep working with us.
Min-ki hyung smiled at my playful retort and focused on driving.
The street lights flashed by as the car sped along.
10 p.m.
We were on our way to the company.
Cant you go straight to the dorm? You have a music show early tomorrow.
I have a meeting with Director Jo today.
At this hour?
Yes, were both busy, so this was the only day we could find.
The purpose was obviously to show off my skills that Ive been worrying about lately.
Maybe he would give me some answers to my questions.
Bzzz-
As I was lost in thought, my phone rang.
-A-Yo. Souffle man~
The cheerful laughter of the youngest came from the other side of the phone.
-Did the interview go well?
It went well.
The martial arts moves that I had watched on YouTube when I was bored came out automatically.
Slipping.
It was a boxing technique that involved swaying the upper body from side to side to dodge the opponents attacks.
But that wasnt enough for my adrenaline-fueled body. I grabbed the opponents arm and threw him like a judo player.
Ugh!
Ugh?
Hey, hey! Turn on the lights! Lights!
Why?
Hey! Wang Jiho! Turn on the lights if I tell you to!
Are, are you okay, boss?
Along with the familiar voices, the hallway lights turned on with a bang.
And then, my vision blurred.
A middle-aged man with a bald head and a gentle face was groaning on the floor, clutching his waist.
Manager Yoon Seok-hwan was in the same state.
Director Jo Gyuwhan was stuck to the wall like a magnet from a chicken shop, looking shocked.
And then.
What is this?
The New Black kids, wearing bewildered expressions.
The guys with straw hats were holding a cake, standing awkwardly as they watched the scene unfold.
They were so surprised that their eyes were wide open like rabbits.
What was going on?
I was just as confused.
No.
What was this situation without any warning?
I looked for the culprit who had sent me downstairs on an errand.
Wang Ji-ho, where are you?
Yes?
Explain whats going on.
Only after I helped the two men up, I was able to hear the details.
I didnt need to hear the explanation.
The kids were holding a cream cake.
On top of it, it said Congratulations on 3 weeks in a row at number one!.
Surprise party.
It was a plan to throw a surprise celebration for the 3-week streak of number one on the music show.
I frowned and asked.
Who came up with this plan?
The boss did.
Oh, great plan.
It was a bit chaotic, but luckily no one was hurt.
After the songs and congratulations were exchanged, the adults handed us the late-night snacks they had ordered in advance and left.
I felt a pang of sadness as I saw Manager Yoon Seok-hwan and the boss walking away, arm in arm.
As the kids were wiping off the cream on my face, someone handed me a tissue.
Here you go.
Thanks.
Ri-hyuk asked me.
Why do you look so flustered?
I was surprised.
We should be the ones surprised. The boss almost smelled the incense behind the folding screen.
Someone grabbed me from behind all of a sudden
Ri-hyuks expression was like a personification of tsk tsk as he saw me scratching my head, feeling embarrassed.
Anyway, I was surprised. They said they were celebrating for me.
Why do you think?
Our main vocal said sarcastically.
Since you composed the song, they wanted to thank you with a celebration
Really? Were you grateful to me?
Do I have to say it out loud?
You have to say it, not be grumpy. Since you brought it up, let me hear it. Come on, say thank you.
Tha
As he was about to say it, Ri-hyuk picked up a convenience store bag that had fallen on the floor.
I bought some sweet potato chips. Ill enjoy them.
Hey.
He ran away with the bag of sweet potato chips.
I couldnt help but laugh at his ridiculousness.
Bi-ju came over and smiled as if it was a curious thing.
Ri-hyuk is a bit clumsy at expressing his emotions.
That guys personality is really weird.
Still, the more I look at him, the more kind he seems.
Bi-ju said to me with a smile.
Hurry up, hyung. Theres a lot of bossam and jokbal. The CEO said not to worry about the amount and bought a lot for us today.
I saw Jung-hyun and Ji-ho setting up the bossam and jokbal set on the newspaper on the practice room floor.
It was a perfect combination with kimchi and bibim noodles.
Bi-ju hyung, can I eat now?
Not yet. We have to eat together.
Wow, hyung is totally a communist!
Bi-ju smiled at me as if to tell me to hurry up.
Uh, Bi-ju
Yes?
I dont think I can eat with you guys. I have a meeting soon
I had to change my words when I saw his expression turn gloomy.
Maybe its better to eat a little and go?
Good thinking, hyung.
His bright smile returned.
As I was led by Bi-jus hand, I thought to myself.
Something is weird about everyone.
One who cant be satisfied unless he does everything with everyone, one who cant sleep outside unless he takes off his shoes, one who has trouble expressing his emotions.
And the youngest one is sigh.
Im the only normal one in this group.