Second Try Idol

During our "Parade" performance, not only the usual crowd had their cameras out. Even those who hadn't planned on capturing the moment were compelled to start filming us. There was something about our presence that seemed novel and refreshing to them, which led to an eclectic response from the audience. Some were overtaken by enthusiasm and cheered us on with increased vigor, while others chose to dial back their overt excitement and observed us with a quiet appreciation that felt deeply affirmative.

It was an invigorating experience, which suggested we had made a commendable impression for our debut performance in the US.

However, the high from our performance was short-lived. As we stepped off the vibrant streets while being bathed in the afterglow of success, we were blindsided by a bewildering question.

“So, does this mean we won't get to meet Callia Lawrence?" Jin-Sung's voice was tinged with concern as his question cut through the air.

The production team's response was a somber shake of the head, which doused our spirits like a cold shower. One of them replied, “Well, it's not entirely off the table, but for today, it seems that's the case. Reina is trying to talk to her... For now, let's head back to the lodging and wait it out."

The walk back to our accommodation was silent as our energy was sapped by the unexpected turn of events. It turned out that Callia Lawrence had stormed off in a huff without so much as an explanation. Reina had gone after her, but with Callia having left by car, it seemed unlikely we'd have our meeting today. Our disappointment was palpable, which was a stark contrast to the eager anticipation we had all harbored for the encounter.

Despite the letdown, none of us harbored any anger toward Callia. Experiencing firsthand the nature of celebrity culture that we'd only read about in articles added a layer of surreal humor to the situation.

“We are fine. But just out of curiosity, what was the reason?" I asked as I hoped to shed some light on the situation.

The production team's reply was laced with embarrassment. “It appears there was a misunderstanding. Please don't worry. It's not your fault."

Callia Lawrence was a titan in the music industry, a beacon for fans in their teens and twenties worldwide. As she held the reins as a top Hollywood star for six consecutive years, her influence was monumental. With just a few words, she could set trends, inspire charitable movements, and revive dying brands.

Everywhere she went, Callia was a top-tier celebrity. However, in the United States, she was making quite a name for herself as a troublemaker. Despite treating her fans well and being serious about her performances and music, she was known for frequent tardiness, swearing during interviews, absenteeism, and even posting videos on social media while intoxicated, where she bad-mouthed other singers.

In Korea, such behavior would have buried someone’s career under controversies. However, her unique charm, musical ethos, and love for her fans meant that she enjoyed unwavering support and adoration from many—though, of course, she also faced significant criticism.

Observing these dynamics, one might find the American’s entertainment industry bewildering. However, it was simply a case of “Callia being Callia” in this situation. While it was somewhat surprising, everyone accepted it. After all, it happened in front of the cameras, so we really couldn’t get angry to be honest.

“Then, are we free to go grab some dinner?" asked Joo-Han to break the silence. His question was a reminder of the sudden gap in our schedule. With no meeting to attend, we found ourselves having nothing to do, so we were unsure of our next move.

“Sure, go ahead. Have a meal and take it easy. We will have to regroup for practice once Reina returns this evening,” said the production crew as they handed us a small stipend for our meal. The simple act of dining out offered a brief respite, and it was a chance to recharge before returning to our hotel room.

“Ah, it's disappointing. Isn't it, Suh Hyun-Woo?"

“Yeah, I thought we were super lucky as we won’t have such an opportunity in the future.”

“Ah, what's the point in mulling over it now?”

Things were already set in motion. Sure, our meeting with Callia Lawrence was up in the air, but Chronos's Again After Rainfall still continued. Whether we crossed paths with her or not, we had to maintain an unwavering focus on our performances.

…Yet, I couldn't just shake off my disappointment.

“Sigh, I need to unwind. I am going to rest in my room.” After I said that, I left Goh Yoo-Joon in the living room, went into my room, and turned on my phone. As soon as I turned it on, I saw new updates from each app. Among them, a notification on UTube about a street performance featuring our official channel and Jin-Sung emerged.

‘Wow, it's already- ah, no.’

I became aware of the cameras installed around, so as I clicked on the notification, I murmured my inner thoughts to myself. “Wow, it’s already uploaded.”

“Gosh, what's with the views?" How come the views are already so high?” It was just a street performance video, but somehow it settled at number eight in the trending videos.

I scrolled down to the comment section, I noticed that it was flooded with English comments, while Korean ones were rare to find, likely influenced by the famous algorithm. Among the English comments were those from people who stumbled upon the video and were amazed by it. Hidden among them were Korean comments filled with longing, such as “I miss you,” “I come here every day because I miss you,” and “It's good to see your face like this. Come back soon.”

“Pfft,” I chuckled, easing some of the stress from the Callia situation by reading the cleverly phrased “I miss you” comments by Rings.

Knock knock—

“Hyun-Woo hyung~"

“Ah, it's Jin-Sung. There's no one here."

“Hyun-Woo hyung~" Jin-Sung spoke with a strange nasal voice and opened the door on his own.

“What are you doing?"

“I came to see what you are up to."

“Don't sit on the bed. You are going to put dust on my blankets. Get out."

“Are you telling me to leave? I'm your younger brother, how cold."

What was with that sly tone? Jin-Sung approached me, undeterred even as I made a disgusted face. He said, “Mr. Suh Hyun-Woo, I have a serious favor to ask. I am dead serious."

“Can I refuse whatever it is without knowing what it is?"

“Ah, come on, listen to me. Okay?"

Jin-Sung, who had been circling around with a greasy tone, suddenly smiled and leaned in closer. “Hyung, wanna be roommates?"

“I refuse."

“Aaack!" Jin-Sung despaired and pulled at his hair. “Ugh! Let's be roomies! I can't stand it!!!"

“What's the matter? Why are you—" Before I could finish asking, I realized that Jin-Sung's current roommate was Joo-Han. Hence, I simply grinned and patted him on the head as if to comfort him.

“Jin-Sung, that's life. You must have caused Joo-Han hyung trouble in the same way, no?"

“Seriously, hyung? Just this time—no, just for one day, please? Or should I just sleep in the living room? I got an uppercut from Joo-Han hyung's foot yesterday."

“Ah, it brings tears to my eyes. Yoon-Chan must have had a hard time putting up with you all this while."

“Ah! Stop changing the subject."

I laughed as I watched Jin-Sung throwing a tantrum. After that, I said, “Let's do this then. You are on a break anyway, right?"

“Yeah. But what about it?"

“Go out now and buy me a gift that I would like, and I will consider it."

“…A gift? Now?"

“Yeah, just buy anything I like. If not, forget it."

“…Okay! Deal!" Jin-Sung accepted the offer, not understanding why I suddenly asked for it.

“I will be back. Take a rest and look forward to it."

As Jin-Sung prepared to go out, I said, “Jin-Sung, video call me on your way."

“What?"

“I want to keep an eye on where you are and what you are doing, so call me. Get permission from manager hyung first though."

Jin-Sung made a face as if to say, “Do we really need to go that far?” However, he called the manager without any complaint.

“I will be back."

“Yeah, I'm looking forward to it."

Jin-Sung left the room, and soon after, a call came in. When I answered, the video call showed him, who was already outside along with Goh Yoo-Joon. Goh Yoo-Joon seemed to have taken on the role of an international lost child prevention assistant, and it appeared Su-Hwan randomly enlisted him who was passing by.

- Hey! Mr. Hyun-Woo!

- Hyung! I came out with Yoo-Joon hyung!

“Oh, really?” I waved back at the two, who were excitedly waving their hands about their outing, and sneakily mentioned my main intent. “But guys, can I record this?”

- Huh? Why?

“I want to record and edit it so that the people around aren't visible and then upload it to UTube. This situation is kind of funny." I said it as if it was no big deal and the idea just popped into my head. There had been so many comments saying they wanted to see us on UTube. As the sub-leader of Chronos, uploading stuff like this now and then would be a way to help manage the fans' morale, especially since the schedule was canceled. I was thinking of capturing and uploading various aspects of the other members next.

- Sure, go ahead. Then the Rings will see this, won't they?

- Hello, Rings!

Seeing them enthusiastically waving again, I belatedly pressed the record button. “Say hello again."

- Hi, Rings!

- It's been a while! We miss you! We are in New York!

Goh Yoo-Joon showed off the New York scenery. Well, unfortunately, it might get edited or the entire scenery might have to be pixelated due to the crowd.

- How have you all been, my love Rings?

“Why are you two there?" I asked, and Jin-Sung replied.

- We came out on an errand for Hyun-Woo hyung!

- We are about to start the errand now!

I smirked as I saw their readiness to get to work. “Everyone, this is great. First off, Yoo-Joon!"

“Yes?"

“Could you sing a song for the Rings? Please make it feel like you are video calling with the fans, and maybe add a little something before and after."

- Huh?

Since we were filming, I might as well ask everything I wanted.

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