Free Web NovelThe day before the showcase.
We finished practice earlier than usual and arrived at the dorm by 8 p.m.
“Great job today, everyone!” we cheered, linking arms and bouncing around...
“If we keep bouncing here, won’t we bother the people downstairs?”
“Then ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don’t copy, read here) let’s just tiptoe.”
“Wow...!”
“Lower your voices too...”
“Waaaah↘”
We subdued our bouncing and our voices, and felt relieved.
We took showers, then toasted with barely sweet barley water and ice with our refreshed maknae.
We decided to sleep early.
Or so we thought.
The problem came after we’d all turned out the lights.
“...”
Our bodies refused the unfamiliar stillness.
Five night-owls lay under the covers with wide-open eyes.
“Hyung.”
Our rapper, who sleeps soundly anywhere, said,
“I can’t fall asleep.”
“You can’t sleep?”
“It’s weird for me too. Maybe I’m nervous. This being our second album, I’m excited and anxious.”
“...”
Can’t sleep and feeling jittery.
After that shocking confession, the boys all chimed in.
“But I feel like I can’t sleep either. I’m worried.”
“Me too. I have to do well tomorrow.”
“My heart’s pounding. I bragged to my classmates, and they keep texting that they’re looking forward to tomorrow’s song.”
I listened calmly to their worries and then laughed.
“Shall we practice a little more?”
So we all got up and gathered.
We chose the empty bottom bunk of the three bunk beds, lit a soft mini lamp powered by a battery pack, and took out the Q&A prep notes Seok-hwan hyung had given us.
The point was that June’s NewBlack and November’s NewBlack speak with vastly different weight now.
So we practiced Q&A.
Weird questions...
I worried. We’ve grown comfortable onstage, but media situations still felt awkward.
“Awkward?”
“Yeah.”
“...”
The boys laughed as if baffled.
I protested that I’d floundered at the last showcase Q&A too, so I was nervous again—but no one listened.
10:30 p.m.
The NewBlack members doing Q&A prep began to lie down, voices drooping, and soon all five were snoring in perfect formation like skewered rice cakes.
Meanwhile, fans couldn’t sleep.
They were buzzing over the midnight music video release.
“I’m so nervous...”
Everyone had a computer or phone at the ready, mindlessly refreshing.
– I’m working late again tonightㅠㅠ
– I’m in the lab... someone let me go home...
– [Breaking] 1 hour 30 minutes to go
As they chatted and waited for 12 a.m.—
– Huh..?
– What’s this? I refreshed and something weird popped up
– ??
– It says “story film”...?
At 11 p.m., unexpected news spread.
Lemon Ent’s account had uploaded a video with NewBlack as the thumbnail—but it wasn’t the MV.
“What is this...?”
Fans were baffled by the unannounced upload.
Across the nation and beyond the seas, fingers clicked and tapped screens.
An eight-minute video began.
A black screen bore the Lemon Entertainment logo and the director’s name.
The video opened with a familiar scene we’d seen once before: the fireworks in our music video.
Five boys stranded on a strange planet, wary of each other until they bonded and played together.
The fireworks segment played as the opening.
Bang—bang—
Colorful fireworks lit the night sky.
A sandy beach with waves lapping at the shore.
A campfire. The five members’ faces appeared on screen.
Each explosion painted their faces in red, then orange, then yellow, then green, then blue, then purple—before fading.
A close-up shifted back to Wang Ji-ho.
The focus sharpened on his handsome face as the background alternately brightened and darkened—showing days passing through sunrises and moons.
Simultaneously, Ji-ho’s hair color changed.
Like autumn leaves turning red, it shifted from brown to crimson—until it was perfectly scarlet.
The viewpoint changed.
Swoosh—
A hot sun beat down on white sands as waves rolled in.
Our disheveled selves appeared.
A once-blue jacket now grimy and stained, pants caked with sand.
We rummaged through a floating can for food or stared thirstily at the sea.
When isolation began to overwhelm us—
Snap—
A rustle arose from the forest behind.
Our tension melted when a young man with a green bracelet appeared.
We all breathed sighs of relief, then greeted him excitedly.
He brought a skiff.
Hope and happiness replaced despair and agony.
Once the boat was afloat, the blond member and the one in blue began to row.
The journey started smoothly.
Rumble—
Dark clouds rolled in, unleashing fierce wind and rain.
We rowed desperately, but waves engulfed us, capsizing the boat and revealing the calm sea beneath.
Underwater, tinted blue.
The green-braced youth swam with graceful strokes, rescuing each member.
The screen went dark for a moment.
Seagulls cried, and the image brightened again.
One by one, we awoke on the sand with disappointed expressions.
We’d washed up on an island again.
But this shore looked different from where we’d first landed.
We tilted our heads at the unfamiliar sight before us.
A door stood alone in the middle of the beach.
A literal door.
A bright-red door set in its frame, with rose patterns carved into it.
Ji-hoon’s red-haired figure clutched the doorknob with curiosity.
Before anyone could stop him, the door swung open.
A flash, and once again we awoke in an unfamiliar place.
A cityscape in stark black and white, like an old film.
It felt like the opening of the ‘Masquerade’ MV—and the story film ended there.
“...”
Spellbound, we snapped out of our trance at the reflection of ourselves on the black screen.
We were bewildered.
We’d been waiting for the music video, but instead we got a stunning short film.
“...”
Fans all felt the same at this surprise story film.
– What did we just watch..?
Soon chat windows exploded, and the video link spread across idol communities.
Reporters seized on the buzz.
– NewBlack surprises fans with pre-MV story film... ‘Cinematography praised’
– NewBlack story film a hot topic... “Music video tells a story”
– NewBlack ‘Masquerade’ MV captures both hype and fandom
While the NewBlack members slept deeply, anticipation for the comeback album soared.
4 a.m.
When I awoke, three things startled me.
“Wake up. Woo-ju.”
First, the fierce face of our new road manager, Do Won-seok, at my bedside.
Second, rubbing my eyes and blurting,
“...Oh, jeez. Why are you all here?”
“Why are you here, hyung...?”
We realized we’d all fallen asleep in a row on the bottom bunk.
And third—
“Huh... what the—?”
Out of habit, I opened the internet, and there was our name on the entertainment portal’s front page.
– Trending rookie NewBlack wows with ‘stunning cinematography’ before comeback...
As the Grand Carnival rolled down Cheongdam’s streets, we caught up on last night’s events.
The story film was a major hot topic in entertainment forums.
No wonder. When our management team and managers watched the story film and MV together yesterday afternoon, we all sat there agape.
“Wow, the reaction’s amazing.”
“Fans say the cinematography is gorgeous.”
The fan café was buzzing.
Most talk was about the visuals, since the MV itself focuses on choreography and cinematography, with story elements only hinted at.
Four members in suits and masks roam a city, and one in red rescues them after they lose their memories.
Keeping the narrative minimal for general viewers, the MV emphasizes dance—and most importantly, the song.
– sobs the chorus is so catchy... the choreography is beautiful and the song is amazing... I’m so happy
– I’m going to recommend this to everyone when the digital release drops
– Luckily it’s after CSAT. If it came out before, the addictiveness would’ve wrecked my studies
Praise for the song poured in.
It was gratifying.
From late August to November, we’d honed that song over and over. Today we unveiled it for the first time.
And the people whose opinions matter most—our Soufflés—loved it.
We all exchanged tired smiles.
We’d cleared the first hurdle.
Next came meeting industry insiders.
B-Square in Hannam-dong.
On the eve of NewBlack’s mini album showcase, reporters began to arrive.
As they took seats and opened laptops, familiar faces exchanged light banter.
“Busy day. I’m so swamped. After this I have to cover Serenity’s showcase too.”
“We split our staff from the start: Serenity over there, NewBlack here.”
“If TNT joined, it’d be chaos.”
“Ha, everyone would go to TNT anyway. Why come here?”
Light laughter filled the room.
“TNT seems to be doing a comeback show with fans later. They say about 3,000 will attend.”
“Wow. Almost like a concert.”
“They’ll top the music charts tonight, no doubt.”
“How about the rookies? NewBlack and Serenity?”
Someone asked, and predictions flew.
“Serenity will do about the same as last time... NewBlack might do a bit higher. Their reality show buzz still hasn’t faded, and their fandom grew more than expected.”
Conversation turned to NewBlack’s mini album.
Watching the concept photos and MV on the big screen, someone marveled,
“You can really see the money here.”
“We wrote an article late last night because of that. Suddenly it blew up on MTube.”
“Totally. I think overseas fans will go nuts over that choreography.”
“But tell me—why did they invest so heavily in this?”
What if it flops?
Although unspoken, that thought hung in the air.
As a top rookie candidate at every awards show, NewBlack seemed this year’s brightest prospect.
But they weren’t the type to justify such a massive investment.
Which meant...
“They must believe the song really is that good.”
A voice from the back.
Entertainment IN’s reporter Oh So-hee looked at her laptop and answered,
“I heard from insiders. Executives decided the investment scale as soon as they heard the track.”
“Really?”
Eyebrows rose all around. ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com
“Is it that good?”
“I saw the MV yesterday, but I didn’t get it. A song rarely clicks on first listen.”
“Me neither. It’s just okay.”
“Right. Honestly, how many songs do you still remember after one listen? Here’s the thing...”
Just as someone began humming last night’s chorus to prove a point, the melody slipped out naturally.
He cocked his head.
“Weird. I only heard it in my sleep last night. Why is it so catchy?”
“Did you leave it on repeat?”
“No. Try it yourself. You’ll remember too.”
“Who remembers a song after one listen...?”
One by one, reporters hummed the chorus they’d heard last night.
The melody popped right out.
It was uncanny.
Not on repeat—just one or two listens, and it lingered until morning.
“...”
A strange silence.
Then one reporter who’d been humming spoke as if recalling something.
“Oh, wait—I remember. Earlier this year, something similar happened. I overheard a tune on the street, and it stuck...”
He nodded.
“That was probably during ‘Something.’”
As I’ve long felt, a press showcase is truly the ultimate business meeting.
When the MV plays or we perform or do a talk, only two sounds prevail:
The clatter of over a hundred keyboards and the click of cameras.
It’s literally a business meeting.
The stage is the only backdrop; it feels like pitching a product to purchasers with arms folded.
“Now we’ll begin the Q&A. Reporters, please raise your hands for questions.”
While the moderator spoke, Seok-hwan hyung sat below, nodding encouragement.
My brothers and I exchanged quiet looks: do it just like yesterday.
Questions flew immediately.
– This is Lee Jong-hak from Star Ten. First, about this choreography—working with an overseas choreographer...
– MediaQ’s Bae Yeon-jeong. To member Jung-hyun, in collaborating with rapper Hae-shon...
Unlike the last showcase, when questions centered on me, this time they were well distributed.
They asked Biju the meaning of the “B” in Clay Tyler’s SNS comment.
They asked Jung-hyun about anecdotes working with Hae-shon.
They asked Ri-hyuk if he could really hit those high notes while dancing, just as in the MV.
And questions about Ji-hoon, the album’s protagonist, poured in.
I was proud to see personal interest in my brothers, but also worried:
Could they handle it?
I always get nervous for events like this.
But...
“My work with Hae-shon sunbaenim was fun. I truly respect him as a musician, and I’d love to collaborate again.”
“Ah...the facial expression acting was tough, but thanks to the director’s detailed direction, I managed.”
They’d made giant strides.
Each brother delivered textbook answers into the mic.
They gave reporters ready-to-headline soundbites.
It was touching.
Like a kangaroo mother watching her joeys play.
But pride was short-lived.
I was the busiest, fielding album questions.
Someone asked about the reality-show production process, another if I really dreamed the melody—each bomb-like question I had to unpack.
Indeed, weird questions came far more frequently now that we’re famous.
– TNT’s member health issues delayed their comeback, so yours coincides. How do you feel about that?
Translation: I want to craft a spicy headline linking you to TNT. Spill something.
I answered with a gentle smile:
“It’s an honor to share a stage with the great seniors we’ve always admired.”
Translation: Not a chance.
Questions and shields clashed like spear and parry.
– Your MV and online reaction are great. What chart position are you aiming for?
Translation: No matter what rank you give, I’ll find a way to spin it.
“Rather than a specific rank, our goal is to give our all on every stage. If we had to pick one, we want to be number one in our Soufflés’ hearts.”
Translation: We don’t care about sales.
Reporters chuckled, and the questioner sat back.
Once they got no sensational bait, they moved on to genuine album questions.
And—though I still don’t know why—my brothers looked at me with proud smiles, just as I had looked at them earlier.
[Today’s showcase broadcast was hilariously saved by the rookie group leader deftly ignoring questions]
Reporter: During Joo Se-han’s time, a two-shot with actor Lee Gun-woo is trending late. People say you’re handsome, not overshadowed even beside him. Thoughts?
Woo-ju: Lee Gun-woo sunbaenim shines from his face.
Reporter: Um, my question was...
Woo-ju: He’s ridiculously handsome.
Reporter: ...
Woo-ju: Super ridiculously handsome.
Reporter: (sits down)
(Excerpt)
People found it funny how you ignored a question and posted screenshots lol
– Invincible shield lol
– The members’ eye sparkle is so cute lol
– Reporters tried a few times then gave up, lol
– Wow, so solid
– Incredible handling... want to bring him when I request a refund at a department store
– Why so low-key lol
– With a face like that, the department store would refund just to be near him
After the showcase, we went straight to the company.
Officially to prep for tomorrow’s K-Net music show, but we couldn’t focus on practice.
“Great job, everyone.”
Managers brought sushi to the lounge as we’d wished, but we barely noticed.
“Ri-hyuk.”
“What?”
“Why are you refreshing twice a second?”
“I’m only tapping once; my hand shakes so it registers twice.”
He raised a trembling hand.
We all were shaking.
Biju dropped sushi with his chopsticks, and our maknae even wore plastic gloves to eat.
“Why are you all shaking so much?”
I asked as I downed my pre-meal red ginseng shots—and spilled ginseng down my chin when my hands trembled.
The boys burst out laughing.
“Must be the cold.”
“...The lounge is 27 °C, hyung.”
“Ahem, shall we check the charts?”
It was 6:55 p.m.
We all half-ate sushi, eyes glued to the laptop screen.
At 7 p.m., the real-time charts would update.
“The PR team says we’ll chart in. The vibe’s great...”
“No. We can’t be complacent.”
“Right. Since when are we a popular group?”
“What rank matters? We just have to keep working hard...”
“Ri-hyuk. Stop refreshing so frantically.”
As Biju plopped sushi into Ri-hyuk’s chopsticks, I watched our maknae devour his fish in silence.
“Jung-hyun, what do you think? Will our song do well?”
“Hmm.”
He stroked his chin, making the maknae jump.
“Wait a sec. Jung-hyun hyung—‘hunch’ is a forbidden word.”
“Hmm.”
After pondering, Jung-hyun answered,
“I don’t know.”
“You don’t know?”
“No. I really don’t know.”
We’d expected him to say “I have a good feeling,” but instead he admitted he was clueless.
We looked at each other, stunned that our resident hunch-man was stumped.
Then the maknae suddenly exclaimed,
“It’s 7 o’clock!”
At his shout, we all swarmed the laptops.
