Chapter 178
Chapter 178
—
Mid-April.
The long-standing idol group Chronicle made a comeback with a new song.
And not just any comeback, but for their 20th anniversary.
Both the members of Chronicle and their fandom, Eternal, were enthusiastically engaging in this long-awaited activity with a fiery spirit, shouting, “We’re still active!”
Thanks to the consideration of a PD who had known them since their debut a century ago, the spacious and comfortable waiting room was bustling with visitors of all ages, genders, and professions.
“Maybe it’s because we didn’t do music show activities last year, but there are so many new teams that I’ve never seen before. It feels fresh.”
“Or maybe it’s just that you’ve forgotten the teams you’ve seen before, so they all feel new?”
“No way. I try to remember the names of all the junior teams I see at least once.”
“Just trying doesn’t mean it always works.”
“True.”
“Right? When have I ever been wrong about that…”
“Getting hit for talking nonsense, ××.”
With a string of curses unfit for broadcast, Kim Sung-young got hit, grabbing his stinging back and saying, “Lee Gi-joon, are you some kind of gangster thug?”
“Hyung, could you cut back on the swearing?”
Muk Hye-sung, who was sitting on the sofa, commented while watching the scene.
“Hye-sung, is that all you have to say when one member is cursing at another?”
“Yeah, because it’s not like it’s a new thing…”
Everyone in the room, including the staff, nodded in agreement with Muk Hye-sung’s words.
It was true that Kim Sung-young and Lee Gi-joon’s antics weren’t anything new.
“Wow, wow. He’s saying that because he’s not the one being cursed at right now.”
“Our Hye-sung doesn’t do anything to get cursed at.”
“Exactly. Muk Hye-sung is more likely to be the one doing the cursing.”
“Don’t talk nonsense.”
“See? If it was just me and him, he would definitely be swearing.”
“Stop talking nonsense.”
“If he does it one more time, he’ll curse here too.”
As if representing Muk Hye-sung’s ultimate patience, Lee Gi-joon generously showered Kim Sung-young with colorful insults once again.
“…Muk Hye-sung, why aren’t you telling him to stop this time?”
“Why wouldn’t I?”
In the midst of the commotion, the eldest and leader, Joo Yeon-ho, who was carefully selecting a selfie to upload on SNS, made a half-serious complaint.
“But really. The kids are so young. Maybe it’s time for us to retire.”
Hearing that, Kim Sung-young shot a glare at Joo Yeon-ho, who looked almost as young as Muk Hye-sung.
“Hyung! What do you mean retire! We’re going to keep going for another 20 years!”
“Well, that’s a bit much.”
“If anyone’s retiring, you do it alone.”
“Do the viewers need to see that?”
Just then, Chronicle’s manager interrupted the bustle to relay a message to the members.
“Hyungs, Team Orca would like to greet you briefly.”
“Orca?”
“Oh, our nephews!”
“Not just nephews, they’re our junior nephews, dummy.”
“Isn’t that the same thing?”
“They’re neither nephews nor junior nephews.”
“Don’t be so heartless. Honestly, after living together for 10 years and seeing each other for 20 years, shouldn’t we be considered family by now?”
“No, that’s why family is family.”
“What are you talking about?”
Their conversation continued endlessly, each reply following the last.
“…So, can I let them in?”
The manager, knowing that these men’s chatter would go on forever if left unchecked, firmly asked again.
“Wait a moment! I need to find my camera.”
Han Do-kyung, who ran the YouTube channel ‘Limitless Han Do,’ searched for the self-camera that was probably left somewhere among the luggage.
“Oh, stop filming already.”
Lee Gi-joon grumbled lightly, having seen Han Do-kyung filming extensively in the previous waiting room and during the pre-recording session for content to upload on YouTube for their long-awaited comeback.
“Wasn’t he filming a lot earlier too?”
“If you don’t film at times like this, when will you? The more you film, the more it benefits everyone. Eternal fans love it, I love it, and fans of other groups love it. Ah, found it.”
“If you’ve found it, can I really let them in now?”
“Yeah!”
The manager fully opened the slightly ajar waiting room door, letting in Team Orca, who had been waiting for permission.
“Hello!”
The Orca members, lined up to greet them, widened their eyes when they saw the self-camera in Han Do-kyung’s hands.
“Sorry, sorry. Do-kyung is filming a YouTube video right now.”
“He was looking for the camera to capture you guys coming in.”
To be honest, that wasn’t the only reason for the delay.
The other Chronicle members had implicitly agreed that only Han Do-kyung would lose face in front of their much younger juniors.
Of course, Orca, having heard all the inside talk through the slightly open door, pretended not to notice and smiled politely as befitting juniors.
“No, it’s okay.”
In this era of YouTube dominance, it had become common for even famous celebrities to open personal channels for various purposes.
However, it was the first time Orca had seen a celebrity YouTuber in person, and they found it fascinating.
“Oh, I subscribed to your channel, ‘Limitless Han Do’!”
“Oh, really?”
“Of course. I’m an Eternal.”
Han Do-kyung felt his affection for his group’s junior nephew, who already seemed sweet as candy, grow even stronger.
Confirming the boosted goodwill, On Raon thought with a smile.
‘I’ve only watched a few of the most popular videos, but…’
Since I only said I subscribed, it’s not a lie, right?
“We wanted to greet you first if it’s alright.”
Kang Ji-woo, holding a signed ‘Lucid’ album, carefully spoke up.
“Come on, what’s with the formal greetings among family…”
“It’s better to accept it since they’d feel more uncomfortable not doing it.”
Due to Joo Yeon-ho’s kind and considerate words, Orca finally managed to greet them in front of Han Do-kyung’s camera.
“On and on ORCA!”
“Hello, we are Orca!”
“Come on in, come in.”
“Do you want some vitamins?”
Why was it that, after just a greeting, it felt like their energy was being drained?
Orca didn’t yet realize that this was the feeling most people who worked with them had experienced.
“I saw you once during the Idol Competition filming, right?”
Kim Sung-young, who had filmed the finals of the Idol Entertainment Competition together, smiled widely.
“Sung-young, don’t impose your shallow acquaintance on them and make the kids uncomfortable.”
“Gi-joon, what you’re doing is even more burdensome.”
“Guys, were you uncomfortable?”
“Just asking like that is the ultimate burden.”
Everyone burst into laughter at On Raon’s joke.
Especially Kim Sung-young, who rarely won in verbal exchanges with Lee Gi-joon, felt quite relieved.
“Anyway, it’s nice to see you on a music show like this.”
“It hasn’t been a year since you debuted yet, right? You debuted last winter, correct?”
“Yes, that’s right!”
“Wow, why do you sound so cute saying ‘that’s right’? The kids are all such babies.”
“Hyung, that really sounds like an old man, please stop.”
“Nowadays, the junior idols debuting are young, good-looking, great singers, and great dancers. They even speak foreign languages well. There’s nothing they can’t do.”
“I’ve heard you’re handsome countless times, but you look even better in person.”
“Exactly. I became a decent person slowly after debuting. I really can’t look at my old photos.”
“No, even back then, there were a lot of rumors about how handsome Do-kyung and I were before debuting.”
“Yeah, right. Han Do-kyung, you’re really something.”
“Please understand. These hyungs have become quite chatty lately…”
The manager, who had known the Chronicle members for a long time, finally stepped in to protect the dignified image of his respected hyungs.
Of course, the cool and stylish image of Chronicle that On Raon had thanks to Muk Hye-sung had long crumbled since their debut showcase when they received two contrasting wreaths.
‘No wonder someone with the nickname ‘Eternal20ki’ left a comment saying ‘Why is this familiar ear-shattering vibeㅠㅠㅠㅠ’ during a recent V-App session…’
“Oh, right. You’re doing a cover stage of our song today, right?”
Orca had been chosen by the PD to perform a medley of Chronicle’s hit songs in celebration of their 20th anniversary, considering the group’s recognition, Muk Hye-sung and On Raon’s relationship, their skills, and the buzz they generated.
“Yes, we’ve prepared diligently. We’ll be recording it a bit later.”
“Really? Want to try it here? I’ll check if there are any mistakes.”
Here? Right now?
On Raon’s wide eyes seemed to ask Han Do-kyung that very question.
While he wasn’t planning to refuse if Han Do-kyung was serious, Lee Gi-joon preemptively interrupted.
“Oh, you’re such a nagger. You’re the type juniors hate the most.”
“But during the broadcast, you shouldn’t perform better than us.”
Han Do-kyung, who missed the timing to say it was a joke, steadfastly continued, drawing another sharp comment from Lee Gi-joon.
“Not only are you a nagger, but you’re also downright malicious. Of course, these kids with healthy joints will give their all and do better than us. What nonsense are you talking about?”
Muk Hye-sung joined in.
“What are you going to check? You’re the worst at timing during concert practice among us.”
“But I’m good at it now!”
The Chronicle manager apologized on behalf of his celebrities’ not-so-glamorous behavior.
“Sorry about that…”
“No, it’s fine. You all seem very close. We want to have a long career like you seniors.”
What Kang Ji-woo just said was sincere.
However, having watched Chronicle’s antics from an outsider’s perspective, the Orca members resolved to pay more attention to Gwak Sang-hyun, who had recently become quite emaciated.
Gwak Sang-hyun, who suffered from dealing with the seemingly uncontrollable yet controllable Orca, would have shed tears of gratitude if he had known.
“By the way, do you guys have time on this day?”
“When?”
“Let’s see… Ah, May 26th or 27th.”
Kang Ji-woo tried to recall their schedule around that time and answered on behalf of the group.
“It would be best to check with our manager to be sure, but I think we’re available.”
“Then, would you like to come to our concert?”
They were invited to Chronicle’s 20th-anniversary concert.
