Second Try Idol

Chapter 189: Joy (26)

The dressing room bustled with familiarity after such a prolonged absence. The hum of hairdryers intertwined with the staff's lively banter, creating a vibrant atmosphere. On the other hand, the members were practicing their dance moves while Joo-Han was deep in conversation with the manager.

Amid this chaos, people would think it was impossible for me to focus on interview prep, but this had somehow become a comforting white noise and actually sharpened my concentration.

Even though it was unofficial, I had taken on the role of sub-leader, which meant a significant increase in my share of interviews. Previously, Joo-Han had shouldered this responsibility all by himself, and it made me appreciate his dedication even more.

Just then, Goh Yoo-Joon, freshly done with his hair, swooped in and snatched my interview prep sheet. “This album symbolizes the youth of our teens—"

“Hey, stop it. I'm trying to focus here, kiddo."

“Come on, you've practically memorized it. What's there to worry about? Or was all that talk about not being nervous just for show?"

“Huh? Challenge accepted." I leaned back in my chair, casually shrugging my shoulders. This wasn't about me being nervous; rather, it was about being thorough.

Goh Yoo-Joon chuckled and started reading from the sheet. “What aspect of your new album The Dawn of Youth should we pay special attention to?"

I replied, “There's so much in this album that deserves attention, so it's hard to pick just one. Personally, I'd love for everyone to focus on the lyrics and the band's performance in the latter part of the album. We've poured every ounce of the excitement, overwhelming emotions, friendship, and gratitude that The Dawn of Youth embodies into our lyrics. When paired with the band's crescendo, it's truly moving."

“Why did you decide on The Dawn of Youth as the album's title and concept?" asked Goh Yoo-Joon again.

“As Yoo-Joon and I... No, Goh..."

“Ew, Yoo-Joon[1]?"

“Ah, that's why I switched it up. You want to embarrass me on air by using Hyun-Woo?"

“Uh-huh~ This isn't a broadcast~" Goh Yoo-Joon started to act annoying.

“Ugh, look at this childishness. I really can't stand you. Drop the annoying act—"

“Hey, if you two are going to fight here, I will throw you out myself. Jin-Sung, let's toss them!" Joo-Han's voice made us instantly zip our lips.

“We are sorry."

“Please don't throw us out."

Just then, the behind-the-scenes camera that had been with Joo-Han approached us. Goh Yoo-Joon quietly handed the paper back to me and asked, “By the way, I've been wanting to ask you something for a while now. Can I?"

“No."

“Why are you holding hands with Yoon-Chan?"

The camera zoomed in on our interlocked hands.

“You've been holding hands since you came in."

It was then that Yoon-Chan finally made his presence felt after quietly watching our squabble. “Ah, it's because I was really nervous..."

“Not really," I interjected. My blunt response made Yoon-Chan's eyes widen a lot.

“...No?"

“Yeah, no. Earlier, it was because he was nervous, but now, I'm holding his hand to calm myself down," I stated, looking at Goh Yoo-Joon while responding to Yoon-Chan.

“Do you know Yoon-Chan has a special kind of energy?" I asked.

“What are you talking about?"

“...What?"

Without another word, I placed Yoon-Chan's other hand into Goh Yoo-Joon's. Remember the time we reluctantly rode that rollercoaster during Chronos History? That was when I first realized it. Holding Yoon-Chan's hand somehow eased my mind and dissolved any tension. It was as if his calm and laid-back nature was transmitted through his touch.

“Holding Yoon-Chan's hand during stressful times really helps to relax," I said.

“Really?" Goh Yoo-Joon immediately grabbed Yoon-Chan's hand.

“No, that's not it..."

“Yeah, I think it's true."

From a distance, Jin-Sung, who had been practicing the choreography, chimed in. “When I was stressed out studying with Joo-Han, being around Yoon-Chan hyung really helped."

“Isn't that just because Yoon-Chan is really comforting?"

Joo-Han approached us with a smirk. “Let's see about that." Then, he wrapped his arms around Yoon-Chan from behind.

“..."

“I don't have that kind of effect..."

“I'm not sure, but it does feel somewhat relaxing. Wow." Joo-Han tightened his embrace around Yoon-Chan, probably teasing him.

I grinned and joined in. “Right?"

Then, I stretched my arms and enveloped Yoon-Chan and Joo-Han in a hug.

Goh Yoo-Joon went a step further and hugged all three of us. “Then, let's make it a tradition to shake hands with Yoon-Chan before we go on big stages."

Out of the blue, Jin-Sung flung his MP3 player onto the couch and sprinted toward us. “Hey, wait up! I want in on this too!"

Then, he joined the group hug, making it noticeably more cramped. At that moment, the door swung open.

“Is Chronos all set to go?" The stage crew seemed momentarily lost for words at the sight of our tightly knit cluster.

“It's just our way of rallying up before the show. No worries. Are we good to head on stage now?" Su-Hwan's voice rang out, bringing some calmness into the room.

“Yes, please proceed to the backstage area now."

“Got it."

We gradually disentangled from Yoon-Chan, who finally exhaled deeply. The styling team swooped in to give our hair a quick tidy-up and ushered us toward the backstage for the show.

***

Following the footsteps of our showcase for The Parade, the hosting duties for The Dawn of Youth showcase were once again gracefully handled by Jeong Gyu-Chan. We had shared a bond with him since our days on Pick We Up.

- Yes, the stars of our evening, Chronos, are finally all set to grace us with their presence. Let's welcome them with a round of applause. Chronos, please make your entrance!

Upon Jeong Gyu-Chan's cue, the staff parted the curtains that veiled the backstage, setting the stage for our entrance. Joo-Han took the lead, and we each made our way out while offering a polite nod to the journalists who had gathered to cover our event. We then lined up in front of our assigned seats.

Joo-Han picked up the microphone and started, “Thank you all for joining us today. Allow us to introduce ourselves. Ready? One, two, three! Hello, we are Chronos!"

- Indeed, the members of Chronos start off with a robust greeting. Now, please, take your seats.

I settled into my chair as my gaze swept across the room and caught the bursts of light from the cameras. The aftermath of Pick We Up had drawn a significant crowd at our last showcase, but today's audience dwarfed that by far. Our growing popularity and recognition, bolstered perhaps by our stint on Graduating, had brought in an even larger crowd.

- Chronos has returned, fresh and vibrant, with their second mini album The Dawn of Youth. And let me say, not only do they look dashing, but their denim outfits bring a refreshing zest to the room.

Prompted by Jeong Gyu-Chan's words, Joo-Han responded with a smile. “Yes, our last album showcased us in a bold, dreamlike concept. But with spring in the air and the fresh vibe of our new tracks, we decided to go for a breezy look to match it."

- That's fantastic. I've been following your journey since before your debut, through the competition shows. It's heartwarming to see how Chronos continues to evolve and surprise us with new facets at every turn.

“Haha, we are forever indebted to your support."

- The honor is truly mine for having the opportunity to host such talented artists. Well, I seem to have gotten a bit carried away. Apologies for the long introduction. Today's showcase for Chronos's second mini album The Dawn of Youth is being streamed live via Q-App, connecting us with fans worldwide. Let's kick things off by fielding some questions from the press.

Jeong Gyu-Chan selected a journalist from the sea of raised hands, and a staff member promptly passed them a microphone.

- Hello, I'm Heo In-Joo from Gogi News’ Entertainment Section. Through “Parade,” Chronos has solidified its unique identity with a distinct universe, choreography, and as a concept-driven idol group. I'm curious, what inspired the theme of youth for this concept?

Joo-Han's gaze shifted to me, which was a silent cue. I then nodded, took the microphone, and responded, “First, thank you for your question. The theme of youth was something we've always been eager to explore. We thought, what is a better way to mark the comeback of Chronos than to sing about life's most exhilarating phase? Given that all of us are in our golden period and it resonates deeply with our audience, it felt like the perfect concept to embrace."

I felt the tension mounting within me, a bead of sweat threatening to break free. The sea of faces and the relentless flashes of cameras had my nerves on edge, though I tried to keep calm.

Thankfully, my rehearsed response came out smoothly. I made a conscious effort to enunciate clearly and speak slowly, wary of any slips of the tongue.

We continued to answer various questions from the journalists regarding the album, the music video, upcoming plans, little-known facts, and even discussions on the supernatural experiences we had shared on Q-App.

- Let's take one final question. The journalist at the back, please.

Encouraged by Jeong Gyu-Chan, a journalist stood with a microphone in hand.

- Good afternoon... I'm Oh Sae-Ri from Tint Newspaper's entertainment section. I've been following your journey, and I tuned into your Q-App livestream before the music video release. At the end, Joo-Han mentioned a solo track for Yoo-Joon. Could you share Yoo-Joon's reaction upon hearing this news? I'm also curious if there will be any special collaborations, similar to Kim Jin-Wook's feature in Hyun-Woo's solo track ‘Once Again.’

“Ah, yes. Hyun-Woo, pass the mic."

Joo-Han signaled me, and I swiftly handed the mic over to Goh Yoo-Joon.

Goh Yoo-Joon picked up the microphone with a sheepish grin and said, “As soon as I woke up this morning, our fans filled me in. I was so shocked that I barged into Joo-Han's room while he was still asleep."

Joo-Han nodded in agreement. “When Yoo-Joon stormed into my room and woke me up abruptly, I just thought, 'Ah, he knows.' So, I played him the song right away. We haven't shared it with the other members yet."

“The song is truly amazing. But it seems like it won't feature any guest artists, similar to Hyun-Woo's track, right?"

Goh Yoo-Joon looked toward Joo-Han, who confirmed with a nod. “Yes, this track will be a chance to fully appreciate Yoo-Joon's voice alone. We are also planning to have the chorus sung by our members, and it might be fun for the fans to guess who's who."

After finishing his explanation, Joo-Han looked at Jeong Gyu-Chan.

- That concludes our Q&A session. Chronos, please head backstage to prepare for your performance.

We nodded to the journalists once more and retreated backstage. As soon as we arrived, the styling team quickly touched up our makeup and hair, and it was time to head back out.

- Chronos is now ready for their performance. Now, let's truly enjoy the new song you've all been waiting for. From Chronos's second mini album “?: Joy!”

The stage lights dimmed, and we took our places as the opening notes of the song started to play.

1. Because Hyun-Woo usually calls him by his last name ‘Goh Yoo-Joon’ lol. They think it’s too cheesy and too intimate to call each other only by their first name. ☜