Free Web Novel“It started with a post on a Japanese SNS.
@Omlete
(Video of Tokyo city with snow falling)
Here is Tokyo. It’s snowing like crazy!!
Snow is piling on my shoulders, and I feel like I’ve become living sushi
As snow suddenly began to fall over Tokyo Metropolis, ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) SNS posts about snow began to surge.
Keywords like “Tokyo snow” and “those meteorological agency guys” climbed into the real-time trends.
Photos and videos of swirling snowflakes were flooding every SNS feed.
“Will we be able to build a snowman this year? (^▽^)”
“Something tells me this is going to be epic snow”
“I love it. Snow like this right now”
“After a long time, we have a winter wonderland in Tokyo♪ #Tokyosnow”
“I normally think it’s inappropriate to talk politics, but seriously—what do the meteorological agency bureaucrats think taxes are for?”
“World’s best meteorological agency (laughs)”
It wasn’t enough snow for a heavy-snow warning, but it was snowing heavily enough to start piling on the roads by the next morning.
Immediately, Tokyo’s TV channels flashed weather bulletins.
[Contrary to the agency’s previous forecast, snowfall amounts are...]
Snowflakes floated down softly from the sky.
People at office windows or apartment balconies welcomed the dark sky’s gift of snow.
“It’s snowing...!”
“Later, shall we build a snowman or something?”
“Is this the first snowfall of the year?”
As each person gazed at the falling flakes, another topic was trending online after the news of snow spread.
@rank297
(Video of NewBlack’s Junhyun forecasting weather on MorningQ)
The moment I saw snow falling, this came to mind
An idol kid from Korea with insane intuition
It was footage of NewBlack’s Junhyun on the morning information program, confidently declaring, “It’s going to snow! Definitely!”
His childhood line about growing up in the countryside with keen sensitivity to the air was the highlight.
Since MorningQ had a large viewership, the clip spread across all of Japan in an instant.
“Hey, did you see this?”
“What is it?”
“One of NewBlack’s members predicted snow differently from the meteorological agency, and now Tokyo is absolutely buried in snow.”
“Whoa...”
High school students looking at their phones widened their eyes in surprise.
“Amazing.”
“I lived in the countryside too. Why don’t I have this ability?”
Colleagues at offices and restaurants were whispering about it.
Links to the MeTube video titled “Did you see this?” were flying through messengers.
At the same time, searches on Japanese sites skyrocketed.
“His intuition is incredible”
“How on earth can he predict something like that?”
“I was watching the morning show and they suddenly said it was going to snow, and it actually did!!”
“One Korean idol beats an entire meteorological agency lol”
“Honestly human brains are basically supercomputers. Maybe he’s that kind of guy”
“He’s an insanely popular idol in Korea, right? Koreans must love it—accurate weather forecasts”
And it was true.
Every time Junhyun said “It’s going to rain tomorrow” on Y-App Live, people grabbed their umbrellas.
When fans said, “Junhyun said it will rain tomorrow!” ordinary viewers heard it secondhand and thought, “Aha.”
His weather forecasts had become a recurring topic in Korea.
And now.
At this very moment, Junhyun’s forecast was trending in Korea too.
[Why Japanese SNS Is Going Crazy Right Now (feat. NewBlack)]
(Translated tweets from Japan)
“NQ—Junhyun from MorningQ said it would snow, and it actually did”
“By the way, the Japanese meteorological agency said it would be clear”
“lolololololololol”
“LOL this is real. I live in Japan and everyone’s talking about NewBlack online and offline”
“What is this lol Weather’s child” fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓
“For Japanese people, he’s literally a character from a manga”
“We need to hear the meteorological agency’s side too lol”
“No way lol What a marketing strategy lololol”
“Our bias nails weather forecasts!!”
“They say if you’re in the same area as Junhyun, you never get rained on”
“(Meanwhile everyone’s getting wet, the Supples in rain gear on the Mango Awards red carpet.jpg)”
“lolololol this is hilarious”
While watching Japanese reactions of “What is this, scary, amazing,”
Korean internet users dug up Junhyun’s past exploits.
[A Look Back at Last Year’s Meteorological Agency Sports Festival]
(Weather staff getting wet and smiling sadly.jpg)
The agency set the sports day for a clear day, but Junhyun said it would rain
100% win rate against the agency so far
“Meteorological agency staff: Junhyun, use your head^^”
“Why buy a supercomputer when one Junhyun will do”
“Supercomputer <<<< Kim Junhyun”
“But doesn’t that make Junhyun look even more powerful..?”
“They arranged it to rain on purpose, clueless Junhyun lololol”
“I’m reminded of that. A Supple studying abroad said his meteorology professor got interested after seeing Junhyun’s video”
“If Junhyun gets into weather derivatives, you could make a ton of money”
“No way, risky business won’t fly past Ri Hyuk”
While fans burst into laughter,
NewBlack’s goal of “building positive recognition in Japan” was also being achieved.
@thenewblack.official
(Photo.jpg of handsome men in black umbrellas smiling solemnly around their rapper)
Thank you so much for having us on NQ!
It really did snow!!
Could it be that our boy is truly a weather genius..?
If you want a detailed forecast, visit htttp://www.metube.com/Qtp.. [Read more]
The Japanese post even included the MeTube link.
Wearing suits like meteorologists, NewBlack’s rapper predicted the weather in a calm voice.
“Fuuuuuu~!”
“Waaaah!”
Big brothers blowing air like sun and traveler winds to the maknae created the background vibe.
It seemed like an impromptu video filmed after the morning show.
Lemon Entertainment was truly rowing with the tide.
“So cute!!”
“I saw you on NQ today and totally became a fan. Can I keep supporting you?”
“Hambagu snow? Is it like huge flakes like hamburger steak?”
“I want more weather content like this”
“I’m a high schooler energized by NewBlack’s video! Thank you!”
“You’ve stolen my heart. Marry me”
“Idol skills over 9000.. If there were a Nobel Idol Prize, you’d win”
Positive comments dominated the MeTube comment section too.
At the same time, the Japanese-related content on NewBlack World’s account saw a sudden spike in views.
Maeda Shin’s “I’m getting divorced! Definitely!” video was rediscovered too.
“Response is pretty decent.”
Hong Seoyoung, NewBlack’s PR manager on the TF team, glanced at the tablet PC to get a sense of the mood.
“Until now, we only had high awareness in Japan. They talked about us on TV often, but there wasn’t a clear image. It’s like everyone in Korea knows Hailey Blue’s name but has no idea what she looks like.”
“That’s right.”
TF team staff around the hotel room table nodded.
Many Koreans know Hollywood stars by name but have no strong image of them. Even if scandals tarnish their image locally, foreigners don’t always know.
NewBlack was in the same boat.
“Of course, the local TV program did cover us negatively, but there’s also a surprisingly positive side to it.”
Seoyoung showed Japanese reactions as she agreed with TF team lead Yoon Seokhwan’s point.
“We aimed to leave them with at least a somewhat favorable image.”
“Exactly.”
“Even though it’s a major morning show, one appearance wouldn’t usually stir all of Japan. But...”
Her gaze drifted back to the TV.
The lunchtime life info program in Japan was already airing NewBlack’s clips.
Junhyun, smiling warmly, saying “It’s going to snow~!”
“As you can see, Junhyun stole the show...”
“...”
A brief silence followed.
Another TF team member smiled proudly and said,
“Well, have our boys ever missed a prediction?”
“That’s true.”
Seokhwan said.
“Anyway, this broadcast was a success. It became a big issue thanks to Junhyun, and I think we’ve managed to make a generally positive first impression.”
“We overachieved.”
Warm laughter spread through the TF team.
Outside it was snowing, but in their Japanese activities, a warm breeze was blowing thanks to their artists.
They moved on to the next agenda.
“We’ve received appearance requests from other networks. What should we do? They want us on other famous morning info shows...”
“And I think more magazines want interviews; scheduling is tight...”
“And a pianist named Genji Hashimoto has contacted us again.”
At that mention, Yoon Seokhwan’s eyes narrowed.
“Again?”
“Yes. He wants to meet just once, chat briefly, and take photos.”
“Refuse him.”
“Understood.”
Since their first visit to Japan, that pianist had stuck to them like glue.
“He claims to be a rival of Wooju’s father or something.”
He still lived off that “rival” image.
Apparently he planned to boost his promising pianist son’s name by associating with Wooju.
It wasn’t worth a second thought.
“Next time, refuse outright. Beating around the bush won’t work on those people.”
“Yes, sir.”
“And...”
He tapped his pen thoughtfully.
‘It can’t be...’
He hoped it wouldn’t come to that, but one never knows.
“How are the boys’ schedules now?”
“We’re doing a magazine shoot and interviews, then shortly after we have a fan signing event with Japanese fans.”
“A public signing this time?”
“Yes.”
“We’re giving a great first impression to the Japanese public.”
He emphasized to the staff member delivering the message,
“Make sure strange people can’t approach them. Keep an eye on that Hashimoto fellow.”
“Yes, I’ll tell Director Seo.”
“Good. Then...”
They moved on immediately.
Due to the sudden weather, they had to check variables from café operations to concert logistics.
Merchandise sales, event schedules—there was no shortage of things to manage.
Yoon Seokhwan, coordinating everything rapidly, finally took a break, removed his glasses, and looked around.
One staff member, holding a coffee, approached the window.
“The view here is amazing, isn’t it?”
“It really is.”
“You can see the city at a glance.”
Under the snowy, hazy sky, Tokyo Tower twinkled in the distance, the surrounding buildings and scenery spread out below in a breathtaking hotel suite view.
Seokhwan smiled in satisfaction.
Like their artists, he felt elevated above the clouds.
‘It’s wonderful.’
The sweet room view that NewBlack’s members had arranged for the TF team was truly spectacular.
With the concert approaching, their Tokyo schedule moved quickly.
As soon as the morning show ended, they did interviews with magazines.
“Say cheese! Perfect! Ah~! Great!”
“I want a look like ‘I was reborn in another world as the strongest knight commander?’ Please!”
They did a couple of takes shouting “joayo~!” in Korean for photographers.
They also did interviews with editors from famous magazines.
Overall the atmosphere was not just positive but they were treated like very honored guests.
“It really pays off to be successful at home. They’re treating us so well now that they know how popular we are in Korea.”
“That’s right.”
“Wasn’t it the same in the U.S. for us?”
We gazed at Tokyo’s hazy sky and waved.
“Thank you, Supples!”
“We’re doing okay~?”
For some reason the clouds looked like giant bread loaves.
Dark clouds shooting red beams of light, chuckling “kufufufufu.”
It felt like receiving blessings from a demon king’s castle, strangely pleasant.
“I feel proud.”
Junhyun and we smiled in satisfaction.
We had never expected such attention; that morning show appearance had garnered huge interest.
Every outlet we interviewed asked the same question.
– We also want to ask about the weather. You predicted snow on MorningQ today.
Editors from major magazines asked, and even in an entertainment interview with a comic wearing a blonde wig calling himself Roriko, they asked the same.
It seemed to be a massive topic online and offline.
“Hellooo~ We are NewBlack!!!”
On the way to the fan signing, the maknae rolled down the vehicle window and waved to surrounding cars.
But it didn’t last long.
“Ufufufufu—!”
Snowflakes hit the maknae’s face, and everyone burst out laughing.
“But... it looked like the flakes were so weak.”
“Speeding vehicle, dumbass.”
Ri Hyuk closed the book titled How to Win Favor with a scoff.
“The faster the car, the faster the opposing snow flies. It’s the same as not jumping out of a moving car.”
“Oh, I see.”
The maknae grinned.
“But hyung.”
“Yeah?”
“Why are you reading How to Win Favor? You’re going to fail anyway.”
“What are you talking about? I’m a likable person.”
At that moment, the vehicle’s interior temperature dropped by three degrees.
We all fell silent coldly.
Even Biju stared quietly into the distance. Ri Hyuk added,
“Normal people like me.”
Managers and we clapped and laughed.
We watched Ri Hyuk continue reading How to Win Favor with amusement, then looked ahead at the building approaching.
Our final schedule of the day.
The venue for the Japanese fan signing.
A few hours later.
A vehicle stopped outside the fan signing hall.
“Get the camera ready.”
“Yes!”
As the cameraman set up equipment, two men in coats stepped out of another car.
One was middle-aged, the other an early-twenties youth.
The producer, smoking a cigarette, approached.
“Welcome, sir.”
“It snowed a lot, so I’m late.”
“It’s chaos because of the snow. NewBlack members said it would snow, and now everyone is talking about it, aren’t they?”
At the producer’s words, the middle-aged man, Genji Hashimoto, nodded and looked at his son.
“Are you ready?”
“Yes, Father.”
“Just greet them politely.”
Though NewBlack didn’t want to meet, Hashimoto paid it no mind.
‘They won’t grant permission anyway.’
Last time and the time before, asking for permission got him nowhere.
So he devised an extraordinary plan.
Bring a camera crew and meet them directly. Then edit and broadcast it on TV.
The producer grinned.
“The title will be great: <Genji Hashimoto Meets the Son of a Purist?!> Should get some ratings.”
Hashimoto nodded.
‘This will be huge.’
He pictured it in his mind.
When the fan signing ends, he’d surprise NewBlack as they exited. Embarrassed but on camera, they’d have to smile.
He’d exchange pleasantries, introduce his son Kenta, and create a good atmosphere.
His plan was seamless.
“They said the signing ends soon. We should get ready.”
“Let’s start.”
As they got the camera ready,
“Hmm...?”
Hashimoto blinked.
He’d heard the signing would end soon...
But the fans exiting the hall showed no sign of thinning. They multiplied like amoebas.
“Uh, excuse me... oh no!”
Crew relaxing at the entrance were suddenly swept aside.
An assistant director trying to slip in was catapulted back. The crowd expanded instantaneously.
He felt like a speck on a giant balloon that a giant was blowing on.
“Father!”
“Kenta!”
As father and son faced an unwanted separation,
Hashimoto miraculously broke free and spotted the cameraman, breathing in relief.
“Ar-are you filming?”
“Yes!”
“We’re coming out now!”
The signing hall doors opened and waaaah—! fans surged out.
Among the throng, the men spotted the handsome youths smiling brightly from afar.
Reaching out amid the pressing crowd as NewBlack members waved to fans,
‘Greet them, greet them...!’
Hashimoto, barely pushing through with the cameraman, suddenly saw open space ahead.
NewBlack members were climbing into the vehicle.
Hashimoto rushed forward and reached out.
“Um, I am...!”
And then.
Like magic, the last member to board turned his head.
“What is it you wanted?”
“I...!”
“Oh!”
The handsome youth looking at Hashimoto widened his eyes and nodded.
‘Yes, I am...!’
Just then.
The main dancer smiled kindly and clapped hands.
“You’re one of our fans!”
...Huh?
