Chapter 1172: Artist of the Year (15)

The first place we sought out as soon as we arrived in New York was the rehearsal studio.

"All right, we're starting rehearsal now!"

"Yes!"

In a space set up exactly like the actual stage, we practiced the choreography under the direction of our main dancer.

It was probably the same for everyone, but nobody liked rehearsing.

And yet.

"Heehee."

"Ahahaha."

Happy laughter kept escaping from our mouths throughout today's rehearsal.

It wasn't simply because we were going to headline New York's New Year's Eve celebration.

We were just happy.

Like finally tasting the sweet fruit of our labor after accomplishing something difficult.

"Seriously."

Jiho looked proudly at December 31 marked on the calendar.

"We really worked hard this year."

"Harder than anyone. Even if someone turned back time and told us to live through another year like this one, I don't think I could do it."

As the others nodded, Biju agreed.

"I don't think I've ever given my all as much as I did this year."

"Same."

There were certain thoughts that usually came to mind whenever the New Year approached.

Regret over the time that had slipped away, and the thought that maybe I could have worked a little harder.

I think I had felt that way every year since our debut.

Telling myself that I would work harder next year while sorting through all the things I regretted about this one.

But....

[2018-12-31]

Today, on the eve of the first day of 2019, none of those thoughts came to mind.

Because I didn't have a single regret.

I had truly done everything I could, and I could proudly tell myself that I had worked harder than anyone.

"This feels really strange."

Junghyun spoke.

"I feel so refreshed. And kind of proud, too?"

"Me too."

It was my first time experiencing something like this, so I found it fascinating as well.

In any case, what mattered was that I was incredibly happy.

"All right, let's live like this next year too!"

"Let's go!"

While we jumped around and high-fived one another, I called out to the people sprawled around us.

"All right, everyone! Just a little more!"

"Uggghhhhh...."

I encouraged Lee Gyeonwoo and the others resting nearby as I pulled them to their feet.

We would be performing a three-song medley onstage today.

We would begin with Overcooked, sing a carol, and finish with the musical cast coming onstage to perform .

"Let's check everyone's positions."

I called the musical cast over.

"As you can see, the stage is pretty narrow. You need to be careful not to cross paths as much as possible. We can't have anyone getting tangled up."

"Yes, sir."

"Then let's start the song right away."

I carefully monitored the actors' vocal condition as we rehearsed.

Unlike us, who sang professionally, it was easy for them to overexert themselves during rehearsal.

As soon as we finished rehearsing , Yeo Eunseon raised her hand.

"I think I made a few mistakes just now. Could we go over that part again...?"

"We'll try it again after a short break."

"Okay."

"You don't need to push yourself too hard."

It was better to go onstage in peak condition than to overpractice for the sake of a few minor details.

More than anything, everyone's skills had already improved so much that they didn't need any special practice.

Ri Hyuk complimented the actors.

"You've all improved tremendously."

"Really?"

"Yes. Performing for real definitely helps."

After experiencing major stages, including the Times Square premiere, the actors' skills had improved dramatically.

I agreed and spoke to Lee Gyeonwoo.

"You've improved a lot too."

"Right...."

The same scene surfaced in all our minds.

The memory of the Hallyu star who had boasted flawless visuals at his audition, only to sing the national anthem as his evaluation song.

-The East↗ Sea's waters↘ and Mount Baek↘du↘~!

Vocals powerful enough to make the waters of the East Sea churn.

Singing so dreadful that the pine tree atop Namsan might tear off its armor and come charging over, shouting, "Wait right there. I'm coming to eliminate you."

Rumor had it that his vocal trainer at the time had shed tears of emotion. Because they had no idea where to even begin teaching him.

"You've improved enormously."

"Haha."

I gave the actor, who was bashfully scratching the back of his head, a thumbs-up.

"I can sort of perceive colors in sound. Your voice now is a warm orange? It's bright and powerful, like sunlight, so it's pleasant to listen to."

"I see."

"Yes. Compared to when you first started...."

"What was it like at first?"

I froze without realizing it.

The people around us immediately showed interest.

"What was it? What?"

"Wooju was describing the color of Lee Gyeonwoo's voice. It's orange now, but apparently it used to be a little..."

"Oh."

Lee Gyeonwoo and the others asked.

"Then what color was it originally?"

"Just... that kind of color."

"What color~? What was it?"

Even the person in question asked with a face full of curiosity.

"Come on, Wooju. What was my voice like?"

"Well... I think you'll be hurt if I tell you...."

"It's fine."

"You really said it was fine."

"Yeah, yeah. Of course."

I scratched my cheek and looked off into the distance.

"So, the color I saw when you sang the national anthem was... well...."

"Well?"

"Brown...."

"?"

"Dark brown...."

Everyone burst into laughter when I explained that it was a color that gave off a musty, unpleasant odor.

The Hallyu star curled up with a shadowed expression.

"I warned you. I said you'd be hurt."

"..."

"Sir?"

"..."

"Get a grip, Father...."

I grabbed his shoulders and shook him, but he merely stared blankly ahead as tears streamed down his face.

He smiled up at the bare ceiling.

CEO Park....

I'm sorry.

This contract might fall apart after all.

Why did people become fans?

Obviously, because being a fan made them happy.

"Aaaaaaaaaah!"

"Kyaaaaaaaa!!!"

In that sense, the Souffles of today were experiencing the joy of fandom more intensely than anyone else.

[New Year's Eve Live]

New York Times Square's signature New Year's Eve celebration, held at the end of every year.

It was the day when a crowd of no fewer than one million people packed Times Square and the surrounding area.

And NewBlack was today's headliner.

"Waaaaaaaaah!"

Some cheered for the members when they came up for rehearsal during the day, while others passed the time until nightfall in the bustling streets steeped in the New Year's atmosphere.

They felt happy listening to the conversations of ordinary people nearby.

"Who's performing last tonight?"

"I heard it's NewBlack. Looks like they're singing a carol."

"Oh."

"I want to hear that one. The movie song."

It was a sight that would have been impossible to imagine at the end of the previous year.

Suppose they could take a time machine back one year, pop! into existence in front of their past selves, and say whatever they wanted.

-First, I'll give you the winning Powerball numbers! And buy Bitcoin in advance, then sell when it reaches ten thousand dollars!

-?!

-And NewBlack is going to conquer the world with a cooking song, reach number one on Billboard with a carol, and Wooju's father's movie will take first place at the American box office and become a massive hit... Oh! Time's up!

-What the hell are you talking about...?

No one would have believed them.

Who could possibly have imagined that an artist taking their first step into the American market through a collaboration with Haley Blue and would achieve such insane growth in just one year?

That was why they were excited.

How far will they go next year?

Even last year, the Souffles had proudly thought, They've already climbed as high as they can! only for all of this to happen.

Then what about this year?

As the Souffles smiled and waited for the coming New Year, the other singers' performances ended and NewBlack came onstage.

[...And now, the final performance of the night! The K-pop superstars shaking the world! Please welcome NewBlack!]

Cheers poured out.

"Waaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!"

"Waaaaaaaaah!!"

The Souffles felt a thrill run through them.

Yes. This is it.

Because the cheers weren't coming only from the Souffles.

The general public was cheering.

Unlike them, who had come to see the singers, ordinary people who had come to enjoy New Year's Eve in New York were cheering too.

As though responding to that roar, NewBlack smiled and greeted the crowd from the stage.

[Hello, New York City!]

The large screens showed countless people sending passionate cheers toward NewBlack.

Wooju winked and raised his microphone.

[I don't need to tell you what song we're singing, do I?]

The intro to immediately began, and the crowd packed into Times Square sang along.

Jiho, who had been singing and dancing energetically, raised his microphone and held it toward the audience.

Overcooked~ overcooked~

I only cooked it a little~

The NewBlack members removed their in-ear monitors and smiled as if to say, That's it.

Junghyun waved his hands like a conductor as the audience sang Overcooked a cappella in perfect rhythm.

This is it. This really is it.

The Souffles closed their eyes with happy expressions.

The feeling of becoming intoxicated by their singer's popularity right along with everyone else.

[Shall we move straight on to the next song?!]

[Is everyone ready?]

Biju smiled.

[It's October Christmas.]

"Waaaaaaaaaaaah!!!"

"Waaaaaaaah!!!"

The song had recently claimed the number-one spot on the Billboard Hot 100.

As the latest carol to strike directly at American tastes, everyone present knew it.

It was a warm song that stirred up the atmosphere of Christmas and the end of the year.

Together

Let us dance

Around the Christmas tree

Keeping to the rhythm

A warm atmosphere settled over Times Square, which only moments ago had been a boisterous festival.

Some of the Souffles imagined snow falling over the square.

Not white snow, but something that felt as though it would be pink.

It created the sort of mood where everyone might sit before a fireplace drinking eggnog, then spin around and dance in front of a Christmas tree.

Here and there, cameras caught couples, intoxicated by the carol's warmth, kissing as though beneath mistletoe.

It's warm.

The people gathered to welcome the New Year held hands with their friends and lovers or embraced, sharing their warmth.

And once that cozy atmosphere had fully settled in....

[Next, we'd like to welcome some very special guests.]

Wooju raised his microphone with a sly smile.

[You may or may not know this, but there's currently a movie sitting at number one at the American box office.]

The audience cheered.

It was the performance they had been looking forward to most today.

A rare stage they wanted to see with their own eyes, yet couldn't find in any theater on Broadway.

Murmurs spread through the crowd.

"What is it? A movie? A movie performance?"

"I think so!!"

Soon, the screens showed the cast of walking onstage, and the cheers grew even louder.

It's Seon Myeongju!

They didn't know the actor's name, but they knew the character's name better than anyone.

The Korean male actor who had commanded attention for two full hours in the film and had recently even been nominated for a Golden Globe.

As everyone raised their phones to film, Wooju lightly embraced him before greeting the audience.

[Ladies and gentlemen!]

After Wooju, Lee Gyeonwoo took the microphone and greeted the audience elegantly.

[Like The Sun.]

Then the song everyone knew began to play.

The main theme of a film that was now projected to earn more than three hundred million dollars in North America alone, possibly approaching four hundred million, was a song everyone had heard at least once.

Behold

Your sun, shining in splendor

The audience sang in chorus.

"Behold!"

"Your freaking awesome sun-!"

The singers and audience fit together perfectly.

As the so-called "freaking awesome sun-" rang through New York's Times Square and happy laughter spread throughout the crowd, the audience sent thunderous applause and cheers after the musical film's actors as they finished the song and left the stage.

The hosts came up while the NewBlack members remained.

[That was truly an incredible performance!]

[Thank you.]

With only the New Year's countdown event known as the Ball Drop remaining, the host asked NewBlack a question.

[NewBlack certainly had an incredible year. Your collaboration with Cold Brown earned Grammy nominations for Record of the Year and Song of the Year, didn't it, Wooju? Congratulations!]

[Thank you.]

[Answer, Overcooked, Supernova Dodgeball, your incredible work in Alaska, and even your carol. You can truly be called one of the artists who defined this year.]

The NewBlack members smiled modestly at the host's words.

Everyone agreed.

They really are one of the artists of the year.

If one were to name the artists who had defined the year, including Haley Blue and Moonlight, NewBlack's achievements unquestionably placed them among the top five.

The host held out the microphone.

[As we head into 2019, we'd love to hear whether you have any new goals.]

[Hmm....]

Wooju smiled and accepted the microphone.

[We haven't set any specific special goals. But you just said something, didn't you? That we're one of the artists of the year.]

[I did.]

[I realized the 2020s aren't far away.]

NewBlack's leader grinned at the fans.

[Our goal is to become the artist who represents the next decade.]

The hosts laughed in delight.

A celebrity who had risen to stardom in North America almost overnight was declaring that they would become a legend representing the next ten years.

A legend who represented the industry, like Haley Blue or Cold Brown.

Most people took it as a cheeky declaration of war or a joke, but the Souffles smiling brightly knew better.

[Please look forward to it until that day comes.]

They knew that day truly would come.

New York Times Square's New Year's Eve celebration.

Its final event was approaching.

Just as Korea held its New Year's bell-ringing ceremony at Bosingak in Jongno, New York had a New Year's event known as the Ball Drop.

-A ball hanging at the top of Times Square comes down.

A ball hung from the top of the central building in Times Square, slowly descending during the sixty-second countdown.

Because it was a world-famous event, apparently you had to arrive at least twelve hours early just to catch even a glimpse of the Ball Drop.

[Yes!]

The Ball Drop began as soon as we finished the interview.

Like the broadcast cutting from a year-end acting awards ceremony to Bosingak, every camera and everyone's attention shifted toward the same place.

[The countdown begins now!]

The ball slowly descended amid dazzling lights.

People who had waited for more than twelve hours watched while wrapped in blankets, their breath fogging in the cold air.

The cheers grew steadily louder.

[40]

[39]

[38]

As the ball descended, brilliant fireworks began exploding.

"Guys."

"Yeah."

"Let's make a wish."

Standing with our arms around one another's shoulders, we watched the ball slowly descend before closing our eyes.

"Mr. Ball. Please grant our wishes."

"Shouldn't we say it in English so he can understand?"

"Mr. Ball. Listen."

We burst out laughing at Junghyun's words and made our wishes.

All right.

Mr. Ball. I have a wish.

Please let Madam Kim Deoksun, the members, and everyone in the Lemon family stay healthy throughout the coming year.

And.

Please watch over us so that the five of us can continue working happily together next year too.

[10]

[9]

By the time I finished making my wish, everyone was shouting at the tops of their lungs.

"Six!"

"Five!"

"Four!"

I tightened my arm around the others' shoulders and pulled them close.

I watched Jiho, wearing a knit cap, sniffle through his bright-red nose, then met Biju's eyes and smiled.

Ri Hyuk still hadn't finished his wish, his eyes closed as he muttered to himself, while Junghyun had his head raised toward the ball.

I couldn't know what everyone was thinking....

But as I felt the warmth of the members beside me, there was one thing I knew for certain.

The courage to believe we could accomplish anything as long as we were together.

"Three!"

"Two!"

"One!"

Fweeeeeee-

Boom!

As fireworks painted the sky above New York's Times Square, my flushed-faced members and I shouted together.

"Happy New Year!"

"Happy New Year!"

We laughed joyfully as 2019 finally arrived.

May this year, too, be filled with happiness.