Free Web NovelWhen the whole nation was beginning to compete to get to the restaurant run by Jusehan and NewBlack:
‘This is unbelievable!’
Citizens living near Jungpyeong Rest Area were cheering.
‘We’ll arrive first.’
While others were coming from far away, local residents would leisurely arrive ahead of everyone.
Driving with that thought, those citizens suddenly found themselves baffled at the entrance.
“Hmm...?”
They blinked.
“Is this all people here to eat?”
“Can we even get in...? When did they all arrive like this?”
It would take every car on the nearby highway turning around to create such a line.
‘Am I late? I live nearby!’
Laughing at their own early start, they felt like they’d stumbled upon people camping on site.
Even those lucky locals who got in early were awed by the line before the restaurant.
‘The world is vast, and speedy people are everywhere....’
Amid production staff carrying TBC-logo cameras, what looked like hundreds stood there, excited.
All the while, more cars kept forcing their way in.
“Manager.”
“.......”
“The rest area is exploding with visitors right now.”
“Oh....”
At the staff member’s words, the Jungpyeong Rest Area manager stared blankly at the surging crowd.
It was like Haeundae during the holiday season.
‘How is this even possible...?’
The first thirty minutes had been calm, then vehicles began pouring in like crazy.
Rest area employees looked at each other in disbelief.
We asked them to save us, but Jusehan and NewBlack were burning down the rest area.
“Uh, let’s greet the guests first! You go direct traffic! You check the restrooms!”
Though bewildered, expectation gleamed on the employees’ faces.
‘We’re saved!’
Jungpyeong Rest Area—once lowest in sales in Chungcheong—is showing signs of revival.
‘The promotional effect will be immense...!’
Half right, half wrong thought.
Jungpyeong Rest Area’s name even trended on portal sites and hit the news.
“This is Jungpyeong Rest Area. Today, the popular program Dice Around the World and boy group NewBlack have begun business here....”
Public broadcast reporters even arrived with camera vans.
“Hello, MTube viewers! Miha here! Word of mouth about NewBulBaek was huge, so I came to taste it. I can’t really film inside right now....”
M-tube stars and bloggers were in full swing.
An irreplaceable promotional effect.
But the nicknames spreading online and on SNS differed from employees’ expectations.
[Live Hell-pyeong Rest Area]
(photo of the endlessly snaking line)
No questions, please ㅠㅠ
Countless posts titled “Live Hell-pyeong Rest Area Update” appeared online.
If the manager knew, tears would come.
As the crowd swelled,
“Wow....”
Citizens in line murmured, staring at the restaurant entrance.
“Waiting’s one thing, but the people cooking inside must be in hell.”
“Really.”
“If I were working in there, I’d cry.”
And indeed, that was the case.
“Sob...!”
“No way...!”
Our eyes—and the Jusehan cast’s—grew moist.
“Guys!”
“Sunbaenim!”
We all cried out and embraced in joy.
“Customers are pouring in!”
“Wow, our business is a hit...!”
Waves of customers kept coming, filling us with immense joy.
Ri Hyuk, taking orders at the register, counted the people in line and made a “3” with his fingers.
‘Three months...!’
That meant three months of unlimited pork supply.
“Are we going to Europe? Europe?”
“We’re finally going to Europe.”
Excitement spread among the Jusehan cast.
Though the sheer number of customers promised a challenging day, everyone was simply thrilled.
The bigger the hit on recording, the better.
“Wow, people really gathered in no time.”
“Right.”
In the first thirty minutes, customers were sparse—but then the line exploded.
I’d heard traffic nearby was nearly paralyzed.
“Welcome~!”
While Ri Hyuk and Teacher Woo Jaeyong greeted guests at the entrance, we hustled to prepare dishes.
“Junghyeon!”
“Yes!”
When Junghyeon neatly placed small side-dish plates on a tray,
Yeohyechan removed cutlets from the fryer, and Yeohyeon drizzled sauce.
Then Biju scooped portions of bulgogi.
“Order number 27!”
Jiho tapped in the number and the display board dinged.
Customers rose to collect their pork bulgogi set meals.
“Enjoy your meal!”
“Thank you! Could I have you sign my receipt...?”
“Of course!”
We provided occasional extras and services.
Though nonstop guests might seem overwhelming, work was surprisingly smooth.
With only one set menu, even beginners found it easy.
“Wooju, cutting the cutlets was a smart move.”
“Right?”
Thanks to Grandma’s tip, customers ate faster.
With bulgogi and cutlets, turnover was incredible—plates returned faster than we could cook.
That gave us enough breathing room to capture variety-show moments too.
“Hyung.”
Junghyeon pointed to a table.
“That person there said they’re ‘Souffle.’”
“Oh?”
“We overheard.”
We waved toward the table, and the startled fan hunched their shoulders.
“They’re Souffle?”
“Souffle is here?!”
We rushed over.
Surrounded by stares, the fan lowered their head in embarrassment. We smiled brightly and announced,
“Everyone! This is our fan, Souffle!”
“Applause!” ƒreewebηoveℓ.com
“They say this person runs an idol fan page—”
At our maknae’s shout, laughter broke out.
While friends at the same table laughed, I asked shy Souffle,
“May I ask your nickname...?”
“It’s... Ri Hyuk-ie Nae Geo.”
“Ri Hyuk-ie Nae Geo! Welcome!”
“Hee....”
“Ri Hyuk-ie hyung! This fan’s nickname is Ri Hyuk-ie Nae Geo!”
Blushing, the fan fanned themselves. Ri Hyuk at the register shyly drew a heart in the air.
His ears reddened.
Seeing both shy, everyone around burst into laughter.
‘Keep going.’
Meanwhile, the Jusehan cast in the kitchen sent us glances urging us to capture more footage.
We told Ri Hyuk-ie Nae Geo,
“We don’t have anything special planned... but as our first visitor nicknamed Souffle....”
“We’ll give you some merchandise!”
Guests around envied loudly.
“Merch? They give merch?”
“Wow... should I claim I’m a fan too?”
We pulled small ring boxes from our bags. Amid “oohs” from the crowd, one box flipped open.
“A light-up jewel ring!”
“Hahaha!”
It was the CEO’s design—one of our cult-favorite items.
Ri Hyuk-ie Nae Geo’s face turned completely red.
“...Do I have to wear this?”
“If you’re shy, we’ll put it on you.”
We slipped the glowing ring on their finger. Shy yet delighted, our fan beamed.
A man at the next table raised his hand.
“I’m Souffle too!”
“Oh.”
We asked,
“0619?”
“Huh?”
“Don’t you know? If not, you’re not Souffle~”
Jiho laughed triumphantly.
After that, many tried to claim Souffle status—none were genuine, unfortunately.
Still, our recognition soared, and every table greeted us warmly.
“I’m a real fan!”
“Thank you so much.”
“Lately I watch your drama, too, Kim Wooju~”
Some mentioned my sitcom and Biju’s appearance on I Move. Young guests knew Jiho’s role in Shin-i.
“Awesome! You play Shin-i?”
“Yes!”
Jiho recited Shin-i’s catchphrase.
click click
Guests startled at the ping-pong sound laughed.
While serving fans, we greeted various guests.
“Hello~”
“.......”
“Hi there?”
When we waved at a baby intently sucking their finger, the mother said,
“They were startled by all the handsome uncles.”
“Really?”
We beamed like sunflowers, covering our faces with both hands, and the baby giggled.
It was heartwarming.
The father, pleased, played peekaboo with us.
“.......”
No reaction from the baby.
The father’s wounded look drew laughter from nearby tables.
Later, chatting with a mother celebrating her child’s birthday caused more laughter.
“It’s your birthday?”
“Yes—sixth grade, class three!”
When Jiho asked what that meant, our maknae quickly said,
“I’m first grade, class nine!”
Everyone laughed.
The mother, pausing in surprise, blinked and said,
“Oh... that’s nice.”
“Hyung, did I mess up?”
“No.”
I decided to explain later.
Through conversations with guests, we gained insights.
“Ma’am, where did you buy that floral dress?”
“My daughter bought it for me. The brand is....”
We learned a good floral brand.
As I logged it mentally, Biju placed a hand on my shoulder and smiled.
“Hyung.”
We waved off our teasing younger members.
“It’s not because of that. I want to buy it for my grandmother.”
“Then why did you ask about men’s clothing...?”
“Hmm hmm~”
Humming happily, I returned to the kitchen.
“Let’s baton-pass!”
“Good job~”
This time, the Jusehan cast left the kitchen to exchange holiday greetings with guests.
As the national-variety stars appeared, everyone welcomed them.
We and the cast prepared dishes and rang the bell. Immediately, guest number 147 collected their tray.
“Oh, that looks delicious!”
“Enjoy your meal.”
“When will this launch be available?”
We laughed. It was a recurring question.
“Why, are you selling bread and bulgogi now?”
“No, we’re not.”
Though discussed at company level, it wasn’t planned.
So when we politely answered no, the guest winked knowingly.
“Oh, can’t say. I understand.”
“No, really, it’s not happening.”
“I’ll definitely buy it when you do.”
They hadn’t been listening at all.
We exchanged warm glances as they left laughing.
‘Looks like bulgogi launch might be next.’
‘Another line on the résumé, nice.’
Happy to go with the flow, we smiled—when Biju, checking fryer oil, said,
“Today feels really great. It truly feels like Chuseok.”
“Right. We don’t have to be funny; we’re just recording normally, which is so relaxing.”
“Exactly.”
Having captured plenty for day two, we felt at ease and happy. A recording where we only have to work.
Then Biju hesitated and said,
“...But I feel bad for the guests still waiting.”
It was unavoidable.
Ingredients were running out sooner than expected. We’d arranged extra stock, but it still wouldn’t serve everyone.
“Shall we do an event later?”
“That could work.”
Chatting with my teammates, we kept moving busily.
A light heart.
After finishing today’s recording, the next schedule was comeback preparations.
“Let’s sell those dishes with all we’ve got.”
“Fighting!”
Jusehan’s lunch service was effectively their last schedule this month, so we resolved to give our best.
Outside the restaurant, Jusehan’s assistant director hesitantly appeared, and sighs arose from the line.
“Ha....”
As expected.
“Announcement! Ingredients are running low...”
“Aaaah!”
“At this rate, those at the back probably won’t get food.”
We could continue waiting, but those at the back had little hope.
Yet no one left the line.
‘You never know.’
Maybe luck would let someone order.
‘I just want to eat one...’
‘Do these broadcasters even calculate properly?’
Regret was palpable.
“Can’t someone buy ingredients now? I heard from the celebrities’ reviews that they’d refill with extras.”
“I hope someone brings more ingredients now.”
Fans facing the parking-lot-long line jokingly asked incoming cars, “Bringing ingredients?”
As they wallowed in sorrow, a scream came from the entrance.
“Waah...!”
Those in line screamed too.
“Hello, we’re NewBlack~!”
NewBlack, dressed as servers, walked out.
Each time they passed, people’s eyes widened and hands flew to mouths.
It was nothing like anyone expected.
‘Why do they look so approachable...?’
Online reviews said they seemed friendly in person—but seeing them, that didn’t feel true.
Their faces were tiny, skin flawless, exuding elegant grace.
“They’re handsome!”
At someone’s remark, the NewBlack members laughed.
“.......”
In an instant, they felt familiar.
As people watched the perfect visuals in stunned silence or recorded videos, the group stopped where they could overlook the parking lot.
Production rushed over with a mic, and NewBlack’s voices boomed through the speakers ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) and amps.
– Ah ah, mic test. One two three –
Wooju looked over the crowd and called,
– Hello! Everyone! –
“Woooah!”
– It’s the holiday season. How are you spending it? –
The leader of NewBlack greeted Chuseok.
– You’ve heard, but stock is limited, so we apologize to those here... –
Some disappointment showed, but seeing NewBlack’s faces eased people’s spirits.
‘Well, it’ll launch eventually.’
That belief softened hearts.
At that moment, Biju, smiling kindly, took the mic.
– To those who came all this way and might be disappointed, how about we sing a few songs...? What do you think? – free𝑤ebnovel.com
From the long line stretching into the parking lot rose screams of delight.
NewBlack beamed at the fervent response.
– Do you like the idea? –
“Yessss!”
– Are you ready? –
“Yessss!”
Smiles spread softly among the crowd.
‘It’ll launch eventually.’
Grateful that NewBlack would perform, many felt rewarded.
Though the kitchen work looked grueling, NewBlack wore radiant smiles that lifted everyone’s mood.
Judging by sound quality and crew setup, this performance was improvised—no prior planning.
‘Watching a NewBlack concert here is worth it.’
Thinking we might go home disappointed, this made the wait feel worthwhile.
– First song: that piece by our composer, “Attention.” –
“Woooah!”
– Yes, Attention! –
The track boomed through the amps, transforming the scene into a concert.
Attention—still in the daily top five—grooved funky rhythms. NewBlack bounced with mics, urging “up up,” and spectators jumped too.
Jiho winked as he sang the first line.
‘Amazing....’
Impromptu fans filmed videos of NewBlack’s live show.
They followed with Fireworks, Nine, Wind Flower, and more—each NewBlack hit that once topped monthly charts—heating up the autumn air.
It was a live showcase proving their vocal prowess from Top Hit Unit.
– Now, everyone! –
As NewBlack sang the chorus of Wind Flower—voted last year’s best song—they smiled at each other.
The audience clapped and sang along.
After six songs, NewBlack panted.
“Encore! Encore!”
– Encore...? Oh dear... –
Their real reactions cracked up the crowd.
Meanwhile, cars waiting to enter the parking lot opened windows and cheered, and diners clustered to watch.
Looking around at the roused fans, the members said,
– We can’t not do an encore in this vibe. Encore? –
– Let’s go~! –
The audience responded with cheers and applause.
Though we’d missed NewBulBaek tasting, we felt satisfied having seen NewBlack live.
– Hmm? –
Junghyeon pointed at something.
– Look over there. –
Everyone turned.
‘Huh...?’
A refrigerated truck marked with a distribution logo was entering the parking lot.
NewBlack blinked, and cheers rose among citizens.
‘Is that meat? Have ingredients arrived?!’
All eyes focused on the truck.
Junghyeon’s expression—he’s known for bad acting—told us this wasn’t prearranged.
As people speculated about the truck’s cargo, the driver climbed down.
“Unloading!”
At that moment,
“......!”
With a flutter, the banner on the vehicle unfurled.
The sun caught the man’s forehead in the photo on the banner, making it gleam.
[My beloved children! Serve without shortage~!]
As waves of provisions descended from the truck, cheers erupted.
When people looked back, they burst into laughter.
“......CEO?”
There stood NewBlack wearing expressions as if the world had collapsed.
