Chapter 75

### Chapter 75: If I Can't Debut, I'll Get a Terminal Illness

MusicBomb starts every Thursday evening at 7 PM. Unusually, people waiting for the live broadcast were bustling on the internet.

- "The lineup is so impressive, it's great."

- "Testa will be first, so please call me when they appear. 😂"

Two large male idol groups were performing on the music show, and one of them was even debuting on this stage. As a result, Testa's fans were more active.

- "Did you see the posts they made at midnight? They're so cute. 😭"

- "The photo with the apology is the epitome of a hardcore fan... But please include a selfie next time; that's a real apology."

- "It's fine to post as many as 50 million midnight posts. I hope they post a lot."

- "The lunch support was really well done. I hope they ate well after working hard at midnight. 😭"

- "I almost burst with envy while reading the post-recording reviews... They did three takes, and there was a lot of talk in between."

- "I heard Moon Dae did a heart gesture with his eyes... 😂"

- "What the heck?"

- "Why did I get eliminated in the post-recording?"

- "Who didn't film the live stream? 😭 Please post it like this..."

The pre-recording reviews had already been released, and the fans were well-informed about the costumes, makeup, fan service, and talk. Therefore, the fans were even more excited as they waited for the live broadcast.

- "High Five is a live performance, not a pre-recording, right?"

- "Yeah, I'm already looking forward to the baseball uniforms... 😂"

- "When will they appear? 😭 Is there no spoiler for the order?"

Unfortunately, Testa's stage didn't appear for a long time. It was because they were treated well on Tnet's music show.

- "Is the order this... late...?"

- "It's good, but it's sad."

- "Where are you, guys? 😭"

The only consolation for the fans was that the group introduction interview segment appeared in the middle to late part of the show.

[We have the new comers, Testa, here!]

[Take your STAR! Hello, we are Testa!]

Testa appeared on the screen, smiling and waving with both hands. They were wearing baseball uniforms, complete with gloves and guards that matched their individual images.

- "Crazy baseball uniforms."

- "Moon Dae's black hair looks good; he's a black teddy bear now."

- "The person who gave Cha Yujin pink hair! Thank you! I love it!"

- "Amazing 😭"

- "The team cheer is good."

[What are your thoughts on today's stage, Testa?]

[We're very nervous, but we hope to show everything we've prepared!]

The interview was a standard script and ended with a short chorus. However, the fans enjoyed watching the members.

Finally, when the stage was broadcast:

- "Wow."

Reactions flooded in instantly.

- "Why is X so good?"

- "Aren't they supposed to lose their idol charm after the audition? Why are they so good? 😂😂😂😂"

- "This is a perfect concept for a serious and solemn atmosphere, and they really pull it off... Did they choose it themselves?"

- "I'm not joking; I think I'm becoming a fan. Can someone tell me the name of the person with the blonde hair and deer-like features?"

- "Seon Ah-hyun"

- "Well done, sir. Our kid is an angel."

- "From now on, I'm Testa's baseball team manager. No arguments."

The live performance of 'Hi-five' was entertaining from the start. Testa quickly found the camera, made mischievous faces, and smiled brightly, looking like the true owners of the song. The live performance was stable because they had divided the parts among themselves. They performed the choreography flawlessly, looking like they were enjoying the stage.

- "It's so fun."

- "Indeed, idols should perform well on stage."

People talked as if the stage of 'Hi-five' was already over, but when the 'Magic Boy' stage appeared, the comment section and SNS were flooded with new posts again.

- "😂😂😂😂Wow, I can't even speak."

- "Moon Dae has good taste; I understand why he pushed this song."

- "Indeed, the concept fox from Ajusa didn't go to Tibet for nothing. 😂😂"

- "There aren't many male groups that can pull off a dreamy concept without being creepy. Testa should be included in the lineage."

The Testa members on the screen performed a sensory deep house song with a dreamy music box melody, stirring the stage. The pre-recording was well utilized with some graphic effects, and the shimmer and glitch effects subtly emphasized the keywords 'surreal' and 'magic.' The setting of 'school' was maintained, giving a fresh and uneasy feeling of adolescence.

The decisive choreography included some dramatic dance moves, and the members who led the choreography performed them impressively.

People expressed their admiration and personal preferences.

- "Honestly, the baseball song was more mainstream, but ultimately, this is the one that will make me a fan."

- "No, the opposite? This song is more trendy, and the baseball one is more for performance."

- "Let's say both are good. 😂😂"

- "Seriously, how did they pick two good songs and perform both stages well? 😂"

- "Honestly, 'Magic Boy' is the clear winner. From the narrative to the choreography and melody. 'Hi-five' is a bit B-grade in comparison."

- "Yeah, but the digital chart is higher for 'Hi-five.'"

- "It will probably flip soon."

- "Ah, guys, don't fight... 😭 Testa did both, didn't they?"

- "Yeah, please just enjoy it. 😭"

The fans were excited and enjoyed the aftertaste of the stages.

- "Is there a new idol who tore up the debut stage?"

- "That's our Testa."

- "I'm wondering if someone like me, who is so humble, can even like such a precious idol."

- "Thank you, shareholders... I'm just so grateful..."

- "The part distribution is really well done. I can feel the care of our kids, who didn't leave anyone out. 😭"

The next stage was a long-standing ballad group, but Testa's fans were still hyped from the first official debut stage.

However, the atmosphere changed slightly when VTIC appeared.

- "They're showing their class. 😂"

- "They're so good, it's scary."

- "Shouldn't they be registered as a cultural heritage or something?"

- "Where did all the people who were making fun of Tiholic and calling them has-beens go? 😂"

The noir-themed swing house song was sophisticated and intense.

However, people are generally more interested in fresh images and dark horses. Therefore, the mentions of Testa didn't fade.

- "The future of K-pop is bright."

- "I can watch both stages this week. 😂"

Since VTIC's stage was the ending, the 1st place announcement followed immediately.

[This week's 1st place is... VTIC's 'Night Sign'! Congratulations!]

[Wow~]

VTIC skipped MusicBomb last week to appear on a public broadcast. As a result, they could receive the 1st place trophy with their comeback stage.

- "😂😂"

- "It's so obvious that I almost forgot to congratulate them."

- "Congratulations~"

[Thank you very much. First, I want to thank everyone who worked hard on this album...]

Neither VTIC nor the netizens were surprised.

There was no great excitement, but the happy and enjoyable acceptance speech continued.

Soon, the MC gave the closing remarks.

[The joy of explosive music!]

[Music~Night! See you next week!]

- "It was fun~"

- "It's been a long time since I watched Music Night. It was worth it. 😂"

In the midst of the vibrant atmosphere, the VTIC members came forward for the 1st place encore.

At that moment, an unexpected cut was broadcast.

Chungrye, who was coming forward, turned around and waved at Testa with a smile.

- "Did you see that just now?"

- "?? Is that Chungrye?"

- "No, what's up with Chungrye? I heard he doesn't have close friends in other groups. 😂"

- "Did they become friends?"

- "Cute. 😂"

- "Indeed, juniors are cute, aren't they?"

People chatted happily, but the person who received the greeting was completely unaware of the awkwardness.

* * *

‘...What kind of greeting is this all of a sudden?’

VTIC arrived in a hurry due to scheduling issues and went straight into the live broadcast, so there was no time for special greetings.

In other words, this was the first time seeing Chungrye since the end of 'Ajusa.'

But he waved at me even though our eyes didn't meet?

‘He doesn't seem like the type to do that.’

I felt a bit uncomfortable but quickly dismissed it. Who cares if someone greets you suddenly when you're so busy?

‘Maybe he's just excited about winning 1st place.’

“Moon Dae, it seemed like he was greeting you. Did you meet him during the casting call?”

“Hmm, maybe.”

I agreed with the feminine tone of Ryu Cheong-woo and moved on.

Cha Yujin's voice, filled with expectation, was heard.

“Can we go home now?”

“Hey, we should say goodbye first~”

Manager's answer made Daesejin mutter.

“Ah, they still do that here.”

“What?”

“Standing in line to greet the PD before leaving.”

“Hmm.”

I had heard the story before. The reason idol groups' music show departure times are delayed is because of the group shot after the 1st place announcement and these greetings.

‘I heard some public broadcasts do this too.’

As a result, I didn't feel like it, especially since I was tired from being awake since the early morning.

‘...But it's part of social life, so what can you do?’

It's better not to stand out in such situations.

We followed the manager quietly.

“This, this is a bit awkward...!”

When we lined up in the hallway, Seon Ah-hyun whispered, looking flustered.

There were more people than expected, and the attention was intense. It felt like someone was about to start a conversation at any moment.

Although we had done individual greetings for album promotions, this was the first time meeting as a group.

‘The sociable ones will figure it out on their own.’

I ignored the attention and chatted with Seon Ah-hyun.

“How was the stage?”

“Eh? Of course... it was... very good!”

“In what way?”

“Um... there were people cheering, the song was good, and the members were friendly...”

“...”

‘Honestly, we're not all that close, are we?’

But there was no need to point that out and ruin the mood. I just nodded, and Seon Ah-hyun's face brightened.

At that moment, people started moving aside like a tide on the other side of the hallway.

At this timing, it could only be one group.

‘It must be VTIC.’

The ballad group that performed after us was already gone due to scheduling. It was interesting how only established groups could benefit from such situations.

VTIC, following the same principle, seemed to be able to quickly greet the PD due to their seniority and popularity.

‘...Is there no special treatment for T1 affiliates?’

As I muttered this thought, VTIC passed by in front of me.

I should at least nod in greeting.

But someone stopped and spoke.

“A, Moon Dae, nice to see you again. Congratulations on the 1st place.”

“...!”

It was Chungrye.

“Ah, this is the...?”

“Yeah.”

“Wow, nice to see you. Good luck with your activities!”

Other VTIC members also acknowledged me. Chungrye was smiling.

‘...Is this kid doing this on purpose?’

I couldn't shake off my suspicion and just greeted him.

“Yes, thank you. Nice to see you, senior.”

“I'm also glad to see you. Um... shall we exchange numbers? It's rare for our activities to overlap like this.”

“...I appreciate it.”

I decided to exchange numbers just in case. I pulled out my smartphone.

However, I was suspicious about why he was doing this in the crowded hallway.

‘He could have just gotten my number through the manager quietly.’

The fact that he insisted on greeting me on camera earlier also seemed suspicious. There must be some ulterior motive, but I don't know what it is.

‘...Is it just to show off his connections?’

After all, Park Moon Dae is a 1st place winner from an audition show. Chungrye could just be a show-off.

‘How can I know the personality of someone I've only met once?’

“I'll contact you.”

“Thank you. Have a good day.”

VTIC quickly disappeared down the hallway. I sighed and put my smartphone back.

Daesejin clapped and grinned beside me.

“Wow, Moon Dae, getting a number from a male idol before a female idol... *cough*.”

Just eat more candy.