Chapter 399: Red Rouge (18)

The promotional period for "Red Rouge" was already halfway through. This time, everything was going smoothly and steadily. Thanks to Tae-Seong prioritizing our condition when planning the schedule, we weren't feeling tired and were enjoying each day to the fullest. Except for today, things would continue like this.

"It's better to cover your hair this time. If they see your hair color, they will get the hint of this comeback’s concept or vibe."

"What should I bring then? A black velvet cover might look nice."

"Velvet is pretty. But today is the day we reveal your identity, so it won't work. If your face is exposed and you are drenched in sweat, it won't look good."

"Oh! That's true!"

As the stylists worked on my hair in the dorm, I gazed out the window in a daze until I felt a hand on my shoulder.

"What are you up to?" Goh Yoo-Joon asked.

"Just sitting here. Can’t you see I’m not doing anything?"

"Hmm. Suh Hyun-Woo looks totally down. Right, noonas? Doesn’t he look upset?"

The stylists glanced at my face, shrugged, and raised their eyebrows. "I’m not sure. What could be upsetting him when he’s about to sing a song he likes?"

"Really? But he looks very annoyed today. Did Jin-Sung mess up again?"

Goh Yoo-Joon was indeed very observant.

"What? What did I do? ...What about me?" Jin-Sung realized Goh Yoo-Joon was talking about him, stomped over, and clung to his bandmate’s back.

I shook my head and turned my attention to my phone. "It's because I’m nervous. I always get like this before big schedules," I said.

"That's right, Yoo-Joon. He always acts this way before going to schedule as Eden," Joo-Han added as he passed by, though Goh Yoo-Joon still seemed puzzled.

"No, that’s not a nervous face." Maybe that was why he had so many friends. He was really good at reading people's moods. Goh Yoo-Joon circled me and studied my expression before taking Jin-Sung and disappearing. "Never mind, then~"

Goh Yoo-Joon was actually right. Today was the last shoot of

Introduce My Singer,

and I felt terrible about it. Was I worried about performing as Eden or revealing my identity at this point? It was more about Isaac.

Instead of worrying about what I should be focusing on, my thoughts kept drifting to Isaac, the creator god. Recently, I had temporarily forgotten about the significant matter of the creator god with so many good things happening. He had been intruding into my thoughts whenever I felt happy.

Not knowing who he was or what he wanted from me was genuinely terrifying. I feared losing this life, returning to my old self, and whether I could handle this situation. Even if he appeared just to tease me or enjoy my anxiety, I needed to ask him two things—what synchronization was and what I should do next.

Tae-Seong entered the room. "Are you ready? We need to head out now."

"Ah, yes! We’re done. Here you go, all set!"

The stylists hurriedly finished my hair and packed their bags. Even though my face and head would be covered, today was the day I revealed my identity. Therefore, they made sure my hair and makeup were perfect beneath the mask.

"Let's go, Hyun-Woo."

"Yes."

As I followed Tae-Seong out of the room, the other members emerged from their rooms and tagged along briefly.

"You got this, hyung."

"Good luck!"

"Hyun-Woo, are you heading out now?"

"Bring back some ice cream."

"Hey, I want ice cream too!"

I waved at the members as they wished me well before I left the dorm and got into the car. Yeah, worrying wouldn’t change anything. I just had to stay calm and wait for whatever was coming.

On the way to Reina’s agency, I thought about what to ask Isaac and how to arrange our meeting.

***

As soon as we entered the company parking lot, Reina greeted me with a bright smile. "Hyun-Woo~ I’ve been watching your broadcast. The new song is amazing!"

"How have you been, Senior?"

"Great! Are you taking care of yourself despite all the workload?"

"Yes, I’m feeling really good today."

Reina looked at my face, nodded with satisfaction, and got into the car. "Yeah, you look great. You seem less nervous today, too."

"Yes, since it’s my last day in anonymity, I just want to enjoy it. Oh, this is for you, Senior..." I handed her an album I was holding. It was a signed CD from all the Chronos members with a short message from me.

"Oh my gosh! You brought this for me? Thank you so much!"

"Thank you for always taking care of us, Senior."

"Nah, I should thank you for always doing your best. Let’s give it our all today for the final episode of

Introduce My Singer!"

"I will make sure to get first place this time."

Although Reina told me not to stress, she hinted that she’d like to see us win first place once. This was really the final schedule for Eden. Despite Eden's growth, attention, and love, the secrecy around my identity meant that

Introduce My Singer

was my only major activity.

Well, I still released two albums and learned a lot, thanks to Reina. Looking back, maybe this was all just very good for me.

"Thank you so much for everything, Senior."

"...Huh?" Reina's smile faltered slightly at my heartfelt thanks, and her eyes crinkled in confusion.

"Sorry?"

‘What? Did I say something wrong?’

She stared at me for a while, then tilted her head in confusion. "You don't think this is Eden's last performance, do you?"

𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

"Hmm...?"

Wasn't this the last schedule? Eden was created as a faceless singer to showcase Reina's producing skills. Once my identity was revealed, Eden would no longer be Eden, but Chronos' Suh Hyun-Woo. I thought this would naturally mark the end.

I stood there with my mouth open, unable to respond. Reina burst into laughter. "What are you talking about?"

"Oh, umm... Pardon me?"

"Eden has already released two albums!"

Well, that was true. But according to Tae-Seong's schedule, there were no more activities planned for Eden, no new album preparations. How could I continue as Eden when my identity would be revealed?

Reina sighed, shaking her head. "Oh, Hyun-Woo. You really have no ambition, do you? Are you not going to have a concert?"

"A concert? ...Huh?! We’re having a concert?"

My shocked reaction made Reina jump. A concert? Really? It would essentially be my solo concert under Eden’s name. Was this real?

Reina straightened up and nodded confidently. "Of course! I always planned for my artists to have a concert for each album."

"Really? Do I even have the capacity to—"

"There you go again. You are Eden, and you can do it. I wouldn't bring up a concert if I didn’t think you could handle it."

"I had no idea..."

"I told Su-Hwan, but I guess he didn't mention it since it wasn't confirmed yet."

A mix of joy, excitement, and anxiety washed over me. I felt just like when Chronos debuted, standing on the

Pick We Up

stage for the first time. The thought of having my own concert, Eden's concert, out of nowhere was overwhelming.

"Even if you were retiring, you’d need to say goodbye to the fans who supported you. That’s the most basic thing you can do for them," Reina muttered.

Knowing her, it made sense that she’d include a concert in Eden's plans. She was the artist with the most concerts in the country because she toured with each album release. It was well known that she often held concerts, so it made sense that her artist, Eden, would have a concert planned too.

"We're here~"

We quickly reached the broadcasting station, which was close to Reina’s agency. After discussing a few hot topics, we arrived.

Reina smiled and handed me my mask. "This is your last appearance as a faceless singer. It’s Eden’s big reveal, so let's aim for first place today!"

"Yes!"

***

As soon as we arrived at the broadcasting station, we went through multiple rehearsals. Then, Reina and I went around the waiting rooms to greet all the senior artists.

"Eden, is this your last performance? That's such a shame. I loved listening to your songs."

"Thank you, Senior. I can’t wait to show you my last performance today."

"We’re looking forward to it. Good luck!"

"Thank you!"

Since today was the day my identity would be revealed, the seniors didn't try to pry or tease me. They just expressed their regret and offered encouraging words.

"By the way, Eden needs to be greeted too," Reina muttered softly on the way back to the waiting room.

"Greeted?"

"Yes, you have a junior here, right? I heard he hasn’t shown his face today yet." [1]

"Oh."

She was talking about Isaac, the creator god.

Isaac, whether he was truly the creator god or not, hadn't used his reappearance rights since our joint appearance. However, he confirmed his reappearance when my participation was announced. Yet he still refused to greet anyone before the shooting.

"I heard from the pre-meeting that he adjusted his schedule just to face you again?"

"Ah..."

That made sense. If he was truly the creator god, his sole purpose would be meeting me.

"I don't like him no matter how well he sings. I dislike people with bad manners," Reina grumbled as we reached the waiting room, turned on the monitor, and then left with the production crew.

On the screen was Isaac's rehearsal. It was the first time I saw him sing. From a distance, he looked like a regular human being, but could he really be—

"The creator god~?"

"..."

Someone echoed my thoughts aloud. At the sound of that voice, my mind went blank. I felt a chill run down my spine.

"Do you really think that's me singing? That voice belongs to someone else. Don't stare too hard at the screen. I’m right here."

On the screen, Isaac was passionately singing, but the person standing in front of me and blocking my view with hands in his pockets and a smirk on his face was the creator god with the face of Isaac.

1. In K-pop culture, it's a tradition for rookie artists to greet their more experienced seniors before going on stage as a sign of respect. This practice highlights the hierarchical nature of Korean society and emphasizes the importance of proper etiquette. ☜