Chapter 288: First Full Album (24)

In the conference room of SES Broadcasting Station, the atmosphere was professional yet anticipatory.

“We are looking forward to working together. Your role is pivotal," the scriptwriter said earnestly while setting the tone.

Su-Hwan responded confidently. “Don't worry. He is shy, but he excels in broadcasts."

“Of course, I’m not worried about that. We've specifically selected Hyun-Woo after closely following his previous broadcasts. I believe he will manage just fine on his own.”

The casting meeting for SES's new variety show

Newbie Crew

, in collaboration with the game

One Hours

, was drawing to a close. Ji-Hyuk was part of the cast as expected. The production team had entrusted me with a significant role as the 'Chief Engineer.' The responsibility was immense, and they had made this decision without seeking my consent.

Though I felt a bit overwhelmed considering the rest of the cast included several seasoned entertainment veterans with extensive reality show experience, I knew declining wasn't an option.

“I will do my best.”

As the conversation flowed around me, I found an opportunity to interject a personal concern to the director. “Umm, by the way, Director," I began, gaining the attention of all the people in the room. “Could I possibly use the playable character I previously had for the broadcast?" I asked cautiously.

The production team paused since they were a bit surprised by my request. "Ah?"

“I've played before some time ago, and I thought it might be better to use a familiar character," I explained. If it was still available and hadn't been removed from

One Hours

, it should still retain its levels and abilities.

The production team's faces lit up with approval, and they nodded enthusiastically. “You still have your old playable character? Then, by all means, use it! That's perfect for us."

“Really? Thank you so much.”

"If you need any power-ups or assistance, just let us know. We planned to provide those to the cast anyway," they offered, further accommodating my needs.

The enthusiasm in their response was palpable. It was a relief for them, too, because having something distinctive like a familiar playable character could enrich the content, especially when idols were involved, who might need extra elements to stand out.

Seeing this as an opportunity to both utilize a dormant character and enhance my presence on the show, I felt more at ease. In a setting surrounded by naturally entertaining personalities, leveraging my genuine passion and proficiency in

One Hours

seemed a strategically sound approach to ensure I could contribute with meaningful content without merely blending into the background.

“All right, that concludes our meeting. We will begin with individual sessions to get acquainted with the game. Group filming will start next month," the director said, detailing the upcoming schedule.

“Okay, sounds good."

“Having Ji-Hyuk will definitely make things smoother. We will also set up a group meeting before filming starts, so you can all get to know each other better.”

“Thank you!"

After we left the meeting and headed back in the car, Su-Hwan said in a low voice, “...Just wait a few more days."

He seemed to hint at something important.

“For what?"

“We are getting a computer for the dorm," he revealed, which was surprising since I thought it was meant for the company.

“...”

I paused, trying to make sense of what he said before exclaiming, “Hyung, did you actually buy a computer? With your own money? For real?"

Su-Hwan simply smiled, neither confirming nor denying it directly. “Joo-Han pitched in, too."

“Hyung, you didn’t have to go to such lengths..."

“You guys should be able to buy what you want once the settlements come through. They should be issued soon given your good performance," Su-Hwan mentioned, hinting at the financial successes we were anticipating.

It seemed Su-Hwan felt too embarrassed about the previous computer situation at YMM to let this opportunity pass without correction. “Sorry, the company is..." he began apologetically.

“Ah well, if we continue to improve, so will their treatment toward us."

“...”

I wondered why Su-Hwan had yet to start his own company. Typically, managers at the director level like Su-Hwan would leverage their extensive networks to launch their enterprises. Amidst these thoughts, time slipped by unnoticed as I gazed out the window, and we soon arrived at the practice studio.

***

In the backstage waiting room of UNET, the air buzzed with a mix of anxiety and anticipation right before our first music broadcast recording.

“Don't worry. You guys are guaranteed to take first place," declared Supervisor Kim with an unwavering confidence that left no room for doubt.

However, his bold proclamation only served to wrinkle Su-Hwan's brow in concern. “Supervisor, perhaps it would be wise to keep your voice down..." he ventured cautiously.

In response, Supervisor Kim's annoyance flared. “No one can hear us," he retorted sharply.

Su-Hwan observed the tension, exhaled deeply and gave a discreet nod to Manager Tae-Seong, who grasped the cue immediately and gently guided Supervisor Kim out of the room with a firm hand. “Let's step out for a cigarette, Supervisor."

“Oh, Tae-Seong, do you smoke too? I've never seen you smoking," Supervisor asked, surprised.

“I don't," Tae-Seong replied curtly.

“Then why the offer?"

“There's something I need to discuss with you. It's a new challenge for me," Tae-Seong explained with his voice devoid of emotion yet somehow conveying urgency.

Supervisor Kim was perhaps flattered by the request for advice. He allowed a small, pleased smile to bloom on his face as they left the room together.

“...Impressive," Joo-Han murmured under his breath. A light chuckle escaped his lips as he observed the two men. The newly appointed Manager Tae-Seong seemed to have rapidly built a strong rapport with Su-Hwan as their actions seamlessly coordinated.

Meanwhile, Goh Yoo-Joon laughed heartily across the room and gave a thumbs-up to the manager.

“You are done, Hyun-Woo. Take care so you won’t ruin your hair."

“Okay. Thank you.”

“Wait, I need to take a picture of your makeup.”

Despite the still noisy atmosphere of the waiting room, the makeup artist who was diligently applying makeup took a quick picture of my face and then headed toward Jin-Sung, who was dozing off.

“Someone come and fix Jin-Sung's makeup, please."

I looked at myself in the mirror and turned my head back and forth. Only my outfit had changed. The makeup was complete with the jewels under my eyes. It looked exactly like when I was shooting the music video.

I received a lot of elaborate accessories and makeup compared to other members, so my face felt incredibly heavy today. For example, there were sparkles attached strand by strand to my black hair, jewels under my eyes, and earrings so heavy they felt like they could kill my ears.

Yes, “Phantom Spirit” was particularly challenging.

I complained about the extra makeup being distracting while dancing, but the stylist firmly told me to endure it. Since this was the first broadcast, the intensity of the accessories was understandable. Moreover, I was not the only one uncomfortable with today's outfit.

“Does it keep getting into your mouth when you dance? I kept having to spit it out."

“Yeah. I almost died trying to hold back my laughter hearing you spit through the in-ear monitors."

“Pfft." I burst into unintentional laughter at the conversation between Goh Yoo-Joon and Jin-Sung in front of the behind-the-scenes camera.

Goh Yoo-Joon wore a face chain made of thread today. During rehearsal, it kept getting into his mouth as he danced with it on, making us clench our jaws to suppress our laughter as the sound of 'ptui!' repeatedly came through the in-ear monitors.

Knock knock.

“Chronos, time to move!"

“Okay!"

The members, who had been sitting comfortably in their seats, abruptly stood up. Since this wasn’t a live broadcast, everyone was less nervous. Instead of tension, our faces still radiated smiles.

Rather than feeling unease about the first music show, we seemed excited about meeting the Rings. Upon receiving microphones and listening to brief instructions backstage, we could hear the murmurs of the waiting Rings.

Soon, we would present our first proper performance in front of the Rings.

“Everyone, gather around." Joo-Han gathered all the members together. “We are not letting our guard down just because we've done a rehearsal in front of the Rings, are we?"

Jin-Sung had relaxed a bit too much after the rehearsal, so he stealthily tensed up upon hearing Joo-Han's words.

“The performance we are about to do will be broadcast. It's the first proper stage for the Rings to see. Let's do it like usual without any mistakes."

“Okay!"

“Yoo-Joon, be careful so your face chain does not get into your mouth. Hyun-Woo, be mindful of his outfit and accessories. And Jin-Sung, you felt your timing was off in the intro, so I trust you will adjust to it properly. Yoon-Chan, make sure you don't look too strained, okay?"

Joo-Han pointed out specific precautions to each member, then placed his hand over Yoon-Chan's.

“Let’s—!"

“—nail this!”

Our voices seemed to reach outside the stage to the Rings as cheers were already sounding. The production staff opened the blackout curtains.

“Chronos is entering!"

We went up on stage one by one while waving our hands.

“Everyone, have you been waiting long?"

“Good morning!"

𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

“We've changed our outfits, Rings!"

As the members spoke, the audience responded with cheers. Indeed, it had still been early morning just until the rehearsal, but now it had turned into morning. The fans who had come at dawn to watch the rehearsal had to be tired, but they still showed the same energy as if they just got here. I couldn't be more grateful than I was.

“Aren't you tired? You woke up very early today." Joo-Han asked.

Shouts of 'No!!!!' were heard. I smiled broadly at the near-cheering response and spun around in place with my arms spread wide. Perhaps it was the outfit or the jewels plastered on my face, but I felt many eyes on me.

I spun around once more for the fans to see the outfit.

“Look at Suh Hyun-Woo being playful. Oh, wow." Goh Yoo-Joon grimaced and spun around just like I did, then spat out the silver thread chain that had gotten into his mouth.

After laughing and engaging in conversations for a while, the director's very tired and listless voice came through the speakers.

“Chronos, we are starting the recording."

We exchanged glances with the Rings and positioned ourselves. The cheers quickly subsided once again. The sudden silence made me nervous.

Soon, the intro of “Phantom Spirit” played.