Free Web NovelAfter the Masterpiece Discovery Team ended, the Soufflés erupted into celebration.
“Waaahhhh ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ waaah ㅠㅠ”
“I’m crying, seriously ㅠㅠ”
“I’m so proud of our kids...”
“also they’re so lovable”
“Why am I tearing up over this... It’s not even a first-place on music shows, but when Woo-joo spoke I got all choked up”
“Granny, Woo-joo has claimed Deok-soon!!!”
On the fan community, real-time reactions were being posted.
“Here’s a screenshot of the comments on an online news article!”
“Wow, our kids are trending kekekekeke”
“Today Jun-hyun’s Roman-style cloak meme.gif”
“I ran an expression analysis on Woo-joo’s ‘claimed Deok-soon’ face—happiness at 100 kekekeke”
“I’d get 100 if I tried right now”
The Soufflés were so thrilled that every time their phone screens went dark, they’d be met with their own grinning selfies.
And why wouldn’t they be?
“E-everyone’s all about New Black now! My goodness. I’m going to lie down here forever.”
Every news headline now had “New Black” in it, and the performance clip’s views were skyrocketing.
Alongside “New Black” topping the real-time search charts, keywords like “No Jae-hyun” and “In-saeng” (“Life”) proved the buzz.
Even those who hadn’t watched the broadcast were tuning in out of curiosity: “What’s up with that?”
And that feverish reaction carried over into real life.
“Hey, what was the red-haired one’s name? He looks so classy.”
“Ri-hyuk? He sings like a nightingale. His vocals are great. They said this would go online, right?”
“Do all idols sing this well?”
The Soufflés watching TV with their families felt dizzy.
‘What is this? I can’t adapt.’
Before, their families would just glance at the screen and mutter, “Oh, how cute,” but now they were naming each member.
Quietly fangirling at home, only to have Mom call out their ultimate bias’s name—that was surreal.
“Unbelievable.”
They didn’t know the exact ratings, but one thing was clear: the name “New Black” had lodged itself firmly in adults’ minds.
What had been flimsy recognition—like a sticky note fluttering on someone’s desk after Joo-se-han’s variety shows—now stuck like glue.
“Mom talked about New Black and asked, ‘Who’s your favorite singer again?’ I panicked and said ‘Jenmin’... what do I do?”
“My parents thought it was a live voting thing kekeke. They asked, ‘How many times do I press?’”
“Dad: ‘It’s not No Black. Why do you keep calling it No Black?’”
Reading through those posts, the Soufflés couldn’t help but smile.
But what made them happiest was something else.
“This is insane... these guys”
“I totally get why the PD of Masterpiece Discovery Team booked New Black kekeke”
“I watched it—wasn’t bad? New Black are the ones who got flamed at Begle before, right?”
“Maybe because expectations were low it seemed good? I liked it.”
“The reaction’s so hot whoa”
“I really watched with my eyes wide open”
“The BBQ guys must be so jealous. My folks were bragging when they saw New Black on TV”
“To be honest, that controversy back then was kinda ridiculous kekeke”
Communities that had once slammed New Black now did a complete 180, offering more favorable reviews than usual.
Of course, some still refused to accept it, but those fans were now taking heat from other fandoms without the Soufflés lifting a finger.
‘What a relief.’
It felt like having a painful tooth finally pulled.
Like chugging a soda so fast the bubbles ping through every blood vessel.
Just then, an unbelievable update pinged in.
“Check the Mango real-time chart right now!”
Those who clicked the link stared at the music-streaming site’s main page and froze.
‘What the...’
They blinked in disbelief.
The name New Black was lodged in the real-time chart rankings.
Everyone’s jaws dropped.
‘This is nuts.’
[2nd] New Black – “In-saeng (Life)” (PBS Challenge, Masterpiece Discovery Team)
It was a total jackpot.
“Does it look like I’ve signed everything? Anyone else?”
“Just a sec. Just a sec.”
“Pardon?”
“There’s more people to give them to. Hold on!”
The florist, waving his palm in surrender, dashed out the door.
“Don’t go anywhere! Stay right here!”
“Take your time! I can’t go anywhere right now.”
On Monday morning, I was having an impromptu fan meeting in a rice bowl restaurant.
“To... whom did you say? Your son?”
“My son, Seung-min.”
“Oh, Seung-min. How have you been? Starting middle school soon?”
I smiled at the delighted shop owner and glanced at the line of proprietors by my side.
Yesterday’s broadcast reaction had been so intense. I was about to grab breakfast and head out when the snack-bar owner spotted me and caused a commotion.
One person came for an autograph, then another, then someone else brought their friend.
It felt like a sugar cube dropped into an anthill.
“Hey, Hye-yeon! Come say hi. You remember Brother Woo-joo, right?”
“Hi.”
“Uh... hello...”
I took a photo with the mother and daughter from the gamjatang (pork-bone stew) restaurant.
I even agreed to a phone call so they could hear my voice for their families.
And most of all...
“Woo-joo, take a pic with me too.”
“Gunsan produced a superstar. From now on, it’ll be hard just to catch a glimpse of him.”
“Your song was so good yesterday. What’s No Jae-hyun like in person?”
The older folks were absolutely delighted. Seok-hwan hyung said “In-saeng” was getting a huge response from people in their forties and older—and it was true.
Even customers who looked too old to know any idols saw me and asked for photos: “Oh?”
“You were on Masterpiece Discovery Team yesterday, right?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Wow, you’re just like on TV. Your skin is amazing, too.”
Autographs, photos, autographs, autographs.
Customers, the florist, customers, the snack bar.
As I felt my mind spinning, Grandma Deok-soon—bowl in hand—shouted at everyone.
“Kids, let him eat!”
Kim Deok-soon pushed people aside as they tried to swarm me.
Even while escorting me out, the shop owners couldn’t take their eyes off me.
They were amazed that someone from their town made it on television. Unlike in Joo-se-han’s days, when they’d say, “Oh, he was on TV!” this time they treated me like a real celebrity.
Well, to them “singer” was just “what did he sing?” but since they’d seen me perform on terrestrial TV, it registered properly.
“Phew...”
I ate in a secluded corner.
“What’s all the fuss for? Nothing else to do but watch TV?”
“How is it? Isn’t it nice your grandson became famous?”
“Yeah, it’s great, kiddo.”
Grandma chuckled as she scooped sweet soy-braised beans. They tasted sweet.
“But I still don’t get it.”
She seemed both pleased and a bit overwhelmed.
“Your fans even came by the shop to help out. I don’t know how they knew.”
“I told them of course they could. We’ve run this place more than once.”
I forced a small laugh.
“Sorry for the hassle, Grandma.”
“Why apologize? It’s your work. The better you do, the better for us.”
“Oh, I’m touched.”
I winked and sent her a hand-heart.
“Next time I come, another fur coat, okay?”
“Okay.”
I laughed along at Grandma shyly making an “OK” sign with her finger.
After finishing our meal, I packed my things: the food Grandma prepared, blankets, pillows, even a mysterious talisman.
“Grandma, I’m heading out now.”
“Alright.”
A cold breeze greeted us outside. Grandma hesitated in the freezing morning air, so I hugged her tight.
“Grandma, I’ll be back soon.”
“...Alright.”
Grandma’s scolding whispered in my ear.
“Make sure you eat every meal. Before you go nuts making songs, take care of your body, or you won’t make any good music. If Bijoo runs to me saying, ‘Grandma, Oppa isn’t eating!’ I swear I’ll kill him. Got it?”
That rascal Bijoo—pouting, then breaking the hug—
“Got it. Grandma, I love—”
“Oh my, I’m cold. I’m going inside!”
“Even though—”
What the. She said her back hurt, but she took off in a flash.
I laughed as Grandma bolted back into the shop. I blew her a big heart from the doorway and turned toward Seoul.
“Hello, hyung.”
I climbed into Hyung Won-seok’s car at the terminal.
He looked at me and smiled.
“Rested well? You look great.”
“Really? Must be from hanging out with Grandma. I guess that’s /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ the Deok-soon effect.”
He chuckled.
“My parents live in the provinces. They actually called to say they enjoyed your performance.”
“Really? What did they say about us?”
“They said when you come back down, make sure to bring an autograph. They’ve become fans.”
I laughed hearing that my dad had already been a fan of No Jae-hyun.
Just then, I turned the radio dial. freewebnσvel.cѳm
“...American poet Robert Frost, in his poem ‘The Road Not Taken,’ compares life to a path in the woods. It reminds us how important choices are in life. Listeners, what choice will you make today?”
The DJ closed with:
“And now, to finish off, here’s the song that caused a huge stir yesterday: New Black’s ‘In-saeng.’ Have a happy day. This has been Jieun Chae.”
I realized the station was PBS.
Even on the same network, I didn’t expect yesterday’s contest song to hit the playlist so fast.
It was surreal to hear the intro I arranged on terrestrial radio.
“This is on here, huh.”
“Right?”
We both felt dazed.
“What did they say yesterday’s ratings were?”
“Average viewership was 17.1 percent.”
Wow.
“They’re having a wrap-up dinner at the entertainment division today. The PD joked you guys could come if you wanted. He was half serious, apparently.”
Even if we couldn’t go, it felt good knowing the production team was on our side.
Real-time chart: #3.
Contest clip views: #1.
Search trend: #1.
From analysis articles on the entertainment pages to our contest song on the radio—checking each thing one by one felt overwhelming when combined.
...Is this for real?
“....”
Lost in thought, I must’ve made an “OMG” face, because Won-seok laughed and drove on.
Through the window, the busy streets of Gangnam passed by: buses puffing white exhaust, streams of cars, pedestrians with earphones crossing at the lights.
The final chorus of “In-saeng” played on the radio.
Not everyone outside was listening, but if you expanded that nationwide, a lot of people were hearing our song.
And many would think, “Oh, that’s the song from yesterday.”
My thoughts widened and widened until my brain nearly froze.
“Wow...”
“What is it?”
“That was seriously huge yesterday.”
“...A bit slow on the uptake, but yeah. Huge.”
He continued:
“But you haven’t even heard the half of it yet.”
“Huh?”
I looked at him, puzzled. Won-seok smiled.
“When we get to the office, the director will fill you in on what’s happened since last night.”
When we arrived at Lemon Entertainment, I got out just as our maknae was stepping out of a luxury car nearby.
His fresh face lit up with excitement.
“Woo-joo hyung~!”
“Ji-ho~!”
We hugged and spun around to celebrate, ducking away from the lurking sasaeng fans before entering the company.
We removed our masks and cheered again.
“Ji-ho~!”
“Woo-joo~!”
We clasped hands and made a fuss.
“Hey, we’re famous. We’re famous.”
“Hyung hyung, this is insane. Did you know my elementary school friends called me about this? And my dad’s business contacts all texted him—totally mind-blowing crazy amazing...”
“Same here; I spent ages signing autographs for Grandma’s friends.”
We laughed, recounting what had happened, when the elevator doors opened and our tall, beanie-clad friend Ri-hyuk walked in.
“What are you two doing at the entrance of the company?”
We dashed over.
“Ri-hyuk~!”
“Ri-hyuk~!”
“We’re famous! Let’s dance, the three of us!”
“Ugh, so embarrassing. I don’t do this.”
Ji-ho and I slumped in disappointment, and Ri-hyuk tapped out a couple of steps.
“Yay!”
He couldn’t help smiling at our excitement.
“Let’s go up. They said there’s something the company wants to tell us.”
“Sure. But first, let me ask you something.”
I pointed with my finger.
“How are we getting up there?”
“The elevator!”
“...I really don’t want to get involved.”
Back in trainee days, we would’ve insisted on stairs for fear of standing out, but now we reveled in our success.
Ri-hyuk tried to act aloof, but his face betrayed his excitement.
Ding.
The doors opened, and we piled into the cramped metal box, beaming as it climbed to the third floor.
“Oh, right.”
Trapped in the steel cage with no escape, I suddenly remembered something.
I rummaged through my bag.
“What’s that floral bag?”
“Grandma and I went shopping and I bought it. Cute, right?”
“...Great, another thing to store in the closet.”
“It’s precious because Grandma picked it.”
“Our maknae defused the situation by asking to go shopping with me sometime.”
Just then, the door opened, and I pulled out the object in question and handed it to Ri-hyuk.
“What’s this all of a sudden...?”
“You wrote me a letter.”
Ri-hyuk’s face went pale. He visibly flinched as if he’d erased the memory of pouring out his feelings onto paper.
I smiled and offered it. ƒгeewёbnovel.com
“Here, take it. Grandma and I wrote you a reply.”
“...What are you talking about? I don’t remember writing a letter.”
“Right. I wrote one too.”
Then Ji-ho, reaching into his inside pocket, produced a New Year’s greeting postcard reading “Happy Lunar New Year!” He offered it seriously.
“If you open it, there’s music.”
“Neaaaah!”
We two dayflies laughed as he vanished like the wind.
They sure can run fast.
We dashed ahead into the conference room—
“Neaaaah—!”
—only to have two figures burst back out, the door slamming behind them.
Bijoo reached out desperately.
“Ri-hyuk! Why won’t you take the letter hyung wrote? You’ll hurt him!”
“Get lost!”
Soon Jun-hyun chased him like a terminator.
“I got a text. I got a text!”
“Aaaah!”
Ji-ho and I collapsed on the floor laughing at the two chasing Ri-hyuk with such glee. Kim Jun-hyun really is something.
Eventually the two red-faced dayflies were apprehended and forced to accept the letters in my arms.
“...Shouldn’t have written it.”
In the corner of the conference room, Ri-hyuk spun in his chair to calm his embarrassment. I glanced at him and then resumed greeting the others.
“How was your vacation?”
“I was so happy, hyung. My mom got so excited she insisted we go to karaoke and play tambourine... Oh right, hyung, I made a tambourine choreography. Want to see?”
“My mom said, ‘He ate a bit of meat, but you told him to stop eating more,’ and I felt so wronged...”
Each sibling rattled off stories, from yesterday’s broadcast to our accomplishments.
As we held court in the conference room, talking a mile a minute, the door clicked open and two people entered.
Seok-hwan hyung and Deputy Manager Hong Seo-young.
“Hello!”
They seemed momentarily surprised by our overflowing energy, then smiled.
Seok-hwan clasped his hands and said:
“I’ve called you here because there are a few things to tell you. You probably don’t know yet what’s happened since yesterday’s broadcast.”
We nodded, eyes bright.
Just then, Seok-hwan remembered something and pulled a letter from his pocket.
“Ri-hyuk, I got your letter. You said to pretend you didn’t, but that’s not like me. Here’s my reply.”
“Oh, me too.”
Deputy Manager Hong produced a neatly folded letter from a folder and handed it over as well. They both offered the letters.
“....”
We covered our faces with our hands as someone’s ears lit up like bulbs, and laughter filled the room.
