Chapter 152: End-of-Year Stage (22)

*Warning: There's a flurry of fan reactions coming up. If it's not your cup of tea, feel free to skip this bit as it is not related to the main context.

“Hyung, I will just move this a bit."

“Sure."

Drrrrr-

The couch—

cough

, my temporary bed slid smoothly to the right, guided by the collective effort of my fellow members. With his muscles flexing impressively, Lee Jin-Sung pushed the couch aside, while Joo-Han and Yoon-Chan replaced it with a single bed. They strategized the room layout on the fly.

"Yoon-Chan's bed is all set, but where do we put Jin-Sung's? Right next to it?"

“

Ugh

, no! Give me some breathing room. I don't want it to feel like we are bunking together."

Joo-Han just shrugged casually and went back to grab Jin-Sung's bed. The scraping noise of furniture moving made me feel about the neighbors below, but I just watched, amused by their teamwork.

“This should feel a bit more like home now."

The largest room was shared by Jin-Sung and Yoon-Chan, but it carried a lingering scent of tobacco reminiscent of a discreetly used diffuser. With our move-out date fast approaching and minimal interest from us in interior decorations, the decision to relocate their beds to the living room was swiftly made.

“Time to put the couch back where it was, Hyun-Woo hyung."

“Alright… Oh, I will just get up."

As Yoon-Chan nudged the couch slightly, I tried to stand up. However, Jin-Sung, who was in the midst of a Febreze spree, rushed over in alarm to gently ease me back down. “Don't even think about getting up! Manager hyung said that you have to stay put all day."

Well… I could walk, but the concern was touching.

After a few days of rest, the ache had eased enough for me to move around quite normally. However, I was still on the receiving end of some serious babying from the group.

Caught off guard by Jin-Sung's swift intervention, I found myself back on the couch and watched as they effortlessly rearranged the furniture, setting up a cozy nook in front of the bed.

“We will use the other room as a storage space for now. The smell is only getting stronger, almost enough to make one think we've secretly smoked."

“That's why I always air out my clothes in the living room before heading out. Trying to shake off the scent."

Joo-Han glanced over at me after a brief exchange with Jin-Sung. “Hyun-Woo, you should start getting ready. The manager hyung and the stylist noonas will be here any minute now."

“Will do."

Today was all about selecting songs and the first rehearsal with Elisia. With the cameras rolling, even my casual attire needed a touch of glam, so I had to wear minimal makeup and needed a quick hair fix.

As I slowly got up, the trio, who were previously lounging on the bed and couch, reached out instinctively. They only relaxed and lowered their hands when they saw me standing steady.

“I will go change and hang out in my room till Goh Yoo-Joon is done showering."

“Okay, rest up."

I went back to my room, swapped my outfits, and then picked up Goh Yoo-Joon's laptop that was resting on his bed. It was only now that I felt mentally prepared to dive into the flood of comments on our last KEW Awards show.

I booted up the laptop and started scouring through the feedback on

UTube

and

BlueBird,

curious and a bit apprehensive about what I'd find.

***

eujjo lovyaei · 10 minutes ago

Everyone!!! The first one to appear with platinum blonde hair is Chronos's Suh Hyun-Woo. He's our gem <3

Likes 23 Dislikes 0 Reply

This heartfelt comment was among the first to pop up on

UTube

, right after the dance performance featuring Suh Hyun-Woo and Lee Jin-Sung went live. The outpouring of affection and pride from fans for their favorite idol and group member was palpable, especially praising Suh Hyun-Woo for holding his own on his debut special stage alongside seniors from other groups.

Saesol · 2 minutes ago

Ugh, can someone remove that fucking veil covering Suh Hyun-Woo's face... I'm tempted to rip it off...

Likes 3 Dislikes 0 Reply 2

└ Totally agree. I'd burn that thing if I could… It adds mystery but come on, we need to see that face!

└ Ah. Not a fan but I have to agree…

Kim Boo-Dong · 3 minutes ago

Who's this guy with the striking platinum hair? I'm not usually one to follow male idols, but his expressions are just captivating. First time laying eyes on him, and I'm impressed.

Likes 6 Dislikes 0 Replies 8

Gorigogori · 4 minutes ago

Oh, Hyun-Woo... This grandma here is just mesmerized by your graceful dance moves... How does the main vocalist manage to dance so brilliantly? Hyun-Woo, my heart... This is the first time I've been so enchanted by an idol...

Safety First · 15 minutes ago

What an incredible combo is this? They are clearly a powerhouse when it comes to dance, but this mix is just exquisite... Personally, the stage presence crown goes to Chronos's Suh Hyun-Woo, and for dance skills, it's Yoo Jeon-Hwa all the way.

Likes 20 Dislikes 2 Replies 18

└ Agreed. With Yoo Jeon-Hwa's background in dance, it's no wonder he stands out...

└ How come no one's talking about Rain? He is phenomenal too.

└ I've seen Suh Hyun-Woo on

UTube

even before this. He dances like he's been in the game for ages, not at all like a newbie.

While the spotlight was largely on Suh Hyun-Woo, the comments section buzzed with praise for all members involved in the first part of the performance, as well as Lee Jin-Sung and the team that took on the second dance part.

Of course, there were some critiques and comments about perceived favoritism, especially about the rookie group Chronos receiving a lot of attention. However, the performance was overwhelmingly well-received. The dynamic and powerful dance of the second part, coupled with the mystical and elegant moves of the first, created a show-stopping combination that was bound to draw acclaim.

Following the performance, the news about Suh Hyun-Woo's injury spread through

BlueBird

and various news portals, drawing concern from fans.

YM Why Not Fan Meetings @kding_hw · 1 minute ago

Heard Hyun-Woo was almost down on the stage, is he alright? I'm praying it's not a serious injury... It should not be that…

Replies 2 RT 331 Likes 22

Sparkling Eyes Yoon-Chan @UNCAN · 2 minutes ago

According to Rings at the venue, here's the scoop:

Hyun-Woo took a tumble or got hurt on stage > the other members noticed, Joo-Han and Yoo-Joon had a grave chat, and then Yoo-Joon dashed off somewhere > Yoo-Joon returned to the audience, but no sign of Hyun-Woo yet… aaaaah, I hope it's nothing serious.

Replies 0 RT 466 Likes 55

Lovely Krong @ahimdulda · 2 minutes ago

Confirmed Hyun-Woo's has been taken to the hospital. Thank goodness the manager isn't as clueless as the previous one Oh, Hyun-Woo 😢 It's admirable how hard you are pushing yourself, but please, take care of yourself!!! Your well-being is our priority. YM, ensure Suh Hyun-Woo gets lots of rest... Even if he insists on performing, make him take a break...

Replies 0 RT 2 Likes 73

Chronos Info Bot @cHroNoSTMI · 2 minutes ago

Hyun-Woo made it back to the artist seat before part two kicked off! He even flashed a big okay sign to the Rings! Still uncertain if he will hit the stage.

Replies 0 RT 551 Likes 832

Chronos Info Bot @cHroNoSTMI · 1 minute ago

(Artists huddled around a concerned-looking Suh Hyun-Woo.jpg)

Our beloved Hyun-Woo♥ Seems he's not in a serious injury, but it's hard to gauge from here.

Replies 0 RT 579 Likes 755

After the news of Suh Hyun-Woo's incident, Rings couldn't focus on anything but his well-being, their enjoyment marred by worry. Despite the initial dismay, everyone hoped for his swift recovery, setting aside their disappointment for his absence on stage.

Yet, as Chronos's stage commenced, Suh Hyun-Woo appeared like magic, unscathed and ready to dazzle, crafting a legendary performance that would later be hailed as an iconic debut stage.

Haru Era · 2 minutes ago

Is this even live? What a standout performance from the get-go...

Nunuri · 4 minutes ago

Seriously!!! How can you not fall in love with them aaaaah!

Too Many · 1 minute ago

Someone, please explain the ending… The part where Hyun-Woo and Yoo-Joon disappear!

After the performance was uploaded to the KEW official channel, those unaware of the situation, regardless of their interest, marveled and enjoyed the performance video. However, there was a fan-cam video titled “Suh Hyun-Woo's Injury” on an obscure channel. It was a compilation of moments that showed him in pain, seemingly not uploaded by a fan.

Hyun-Woo is No Joke · 3 minutes ago

😢 Hyun-Woo... Did you endure all that pain? Admirable, but please don't overdo it!

Fanatic Fan · 4 minutes ago

Is this person insane? Do they find pleasure in seeing an idol in pain? Why would they even upload this? Such a psycho...

Jumunwoo · 5 minutes ago

Fact - He was walking and dancing just fine... Why show pain on stage in front of everyone when he could've done it backstage? lol That's it.

└ oo 1 minute ago

Videos like this are uploaded just to attract fucking idiots like you... Humanity is truly lost by your ridiculous comment.

The tension among the worried fans and the gleeful detractors continued even after the performance ended. The concern for Suh Hyun-Woo only slightly subsided after he had gone live on Q-app to explain the situation properly.

[In the Middle of Editing] Kim Go-Ri[1] @kimgori · Just now

(Members hugging Suh Hyun-Woo during Q-app broadcast.gif)

You've been through a lot today. While watching the broadcast, you were all I could see, and I am truly proud and impressed. I love Chronos for always being close-knit and lively. Congratulations on the rookie award!

P.S. Thank you, Hyun-Woo, for being honest about where it hurts.

#Chronos #Officialchronos

#KEWAwards

The Rings were only able to relax and revisit the members' performance videos after watching the Q-app session. This KEW Awards would be remembered for its fair share of drama and challenges for Chronos and their fans.

***

We were in the heart of MN Entertainment's sleek meeting room, the home base of the group Renewal. The atmosphere buzzed with a blend of anticipation and creativity.

Unlike Chronos’s practice space that was apart from the main building of the company, Renewal's was conveniently located within, which allowed for seamless transitions between discussions and rehearsals. This accessibility made it the perfect spot for our collaboration with senior Elisia.

“I've brought along a few tracks I thought could work," Elisia began, her fingers gliding over her laptop to cue up a melodic duet. Her choice reflected the depth of talent in Renewal, where she shone as the main vocalist. She then selected a piece filled with high notes and rich harmonies.

“It's a pop song. Is it familiar to you?" she asked.

“Yes, absolutely. It's 'BOO THANG' by Wellick!" I replied, earning an impressed nudge from Goh Yoo-Joon beside me.

Elisia's smile widened and nodded in agreement. “Indeed. It's a personal favorite of mine... I was curious about your thoughts. If you have any suggestions..."

“We did have a song in mind, but we felt embracing your choice would be... more fitting. Shall we listen to it...?" I suggested respectfully.

“Certainly!" She spun the laptop our way with a swift gesture to share her song selection.

“Haha, thanks a ton!" My gratitude was as bright as the morning sun as I dove into the search for the track. The moment felt pivotal, but it was actually a huge problem.

“...”

𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

“...”

The ensuing silence hung heavy in the air, punctuated only by the rhythmic tapping of keys and the occasional click of the mouse. This awkwardness caused me to nervously bite my lip. The film crew capturing our exchange seemed to sense the atmosphere, their expressions mirroring the charged silence.

Prior research had given me a glimpse into Elisia's persona and unveiled her reserved nature, which definitely resonated with my own. The dynamic between us, both being the most introverted in our respective groups, made these quiet stretches of conversation almost inevitable. Even Goh Yoo-Joon, who was stuck between us, couldn’t speak a word.

In fact, I had not even made eye contact with Elisia since my arrival.

“The track we've chosen is 'Twisty' by Ae-Seo & Hoon." I broke the silence by pressing the spacebar, and the song started to play.

Elisia's eyes lit up with recognition and nodded in approval. “It is a splendid choice. It's a gem among indie band tracks, known to true music fans."

“Thanks to Joo-Han's eclectic taste, we are quite versed in a range of musical genres. Haha," I shared, lightening the mood.

“Shall we proceed with 'Twisty' then...?"

“Would that be alright? But what about 'BOO THANG' that you suggested...?"

“Oh, no, 'Twisty' is..." Elisia seemed hesitant, appearing almost reluctant to assert her preference. She seemed ready to compromise for the sake of harmony.

Goh Yoo-Joon noticed the delicate balance and gracefully accepted her suggestion. “Much appreciated!"

“Then, shall we move to practice...?" Elisia asked.

I couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret, not just for us but also for Renewal’s fans, who cherished Elisia's choice. Understanding her personality all too well, I pondered over a solution that might honor both sides. She would definitely regret not pushing her choice later.

As we were on the brink of concluding our discussion, I spoke up. “What if we incorporate both songs?"

“Excuse me?"

“Twisty' with me and 'BOO THANG' with Yoo-Joon. Perhaps we could blend the verses, creating a harmonious medley...?"

Our initial plan was to perform one song, with the verses divided between me and Goh Yoo-Joon.

“Also, Yoo-Joon's voice would truly do justice to the song," I remarked.

Given the freedom to choose the song, it was then that our eyes truly met for the first time. Elisia had a soft smile and nodded in gratitude, seeming open to the idea. "I'd love for us to go in that direction."

She relaxed back into her seat, abandoning the notion of standing, fully engaged in the moment. “Would it be okay if we take care of the arrangement? We will ensure it complements the subsequent piece."

“Thank you, Senior Elisia!"

“I'm the one who should be thanking you. Let's settle on the transitions and head to practice."

We lingered a while longer in the meeting room to vocalize the lyrics and fine-tune the arrangement. Our collaboration blossomed into a symphony of ideas.

“Cut! Let's take a break! We will resume with the practice scene," the Director announced, but our discussion flowed unabated. The initial awkwardness gave way to a lively exchange about the music and the performance.

***

The stage was set for a unique collaboration between girl group and boy group members, prompting a crucial decision. Would we opt for a straightforward performance, simply standing and singing to each other in strict business mode? Or would we include some gestures in the performance?

While some might not prefer such a stage, considering there was a musical-style performance up next and Goh Yoo-Joon would be escorting Elisia, opting for the latter idea seemed like it would elicit a much better response.

“We will sing facing each other, and toward the end of the chorus, I will approach Hyun-Woo. Then, Hyun-Woo will extend his hand as if to take mine," Elisia planned.

“Okay!" I agreed.

Then, Goh Yoo-Joon chimed in as he stood on the opposite side of Elisia. “In that case, I will playfully intervene when Senior Elisia tries to take Hyun-Woo's hand."

As Yoo-Joon spoke with a teasing tone, Elisia responded with a smile and a nod instead of uttering a word. The idea was to create a scene just exciting enough without overdoing it. Excessive touch might backfire, so we decided that the moment Elisia and I were about to hold hands, Yoo-Joon would step in and lead Elisia to the main stage.

The Renewal team's trainer had been observing us for a while. Then, he approached with a chuckle. “It's great that you are planning this, but you can't perform without making eye contact like now!"

“Excuse me?" I questioned, bewildered.

“I've been watching you two. If you guys are going to sing a duet, you need to exchange glances. You are of the same age, so relax a bit and look at each other! Start practicing now, Elisia and Hyun-Woo. It seems only Yoo-Joon is making eye contact and talking."

‘How do we overcome this awkwardness?’

Elisia and I were genuinely trying, and the conversation was flowing, wasn't it? Fans might notice right away that this wasn't about romantic feelings. We were just shy around each other.

“Hyun-Woo is particularly shy, but don't worry. He is fine once he starts singing. Every group has at least one member like this, don't they?" Yoo-Joon covered for me as the director seemed intent on forcing eye contact. As the filming was being set up, we concluded our discussion about the sensitive issue of the hand-holding gesture.

“Let's start filming again! Feel free to practice as you like! Slate!" announced the director.

Taking the microphone handed to us by the director, we went to the center of the practice room. We were ready to roll!

1. ‘Go-ri’ means ‘Ring’ in Korean. This is referring to one of the Rings. ☜