Chapter 69

### The Wave of Fortune

Is Theora bringing bad weather wherever she goes? Or is it really Oran who's summoning misfortune?

Before starting the busking, it was touch and go, but it hadn't rained. However, as soon as she sang the first line, raindrops began to fall.

People started to extend their palms to check if it was really raining and more and more people began to shield their heads. The staff organizing the busking quickly covered the sound equipment with waterproof cloth.

"It's raining!"

"Everyone, please take a raincoat!"

The MC, a popular YouTuber named 'Humming Humming,' hurriedly distributed the disposable raincoats he had prepared just in case. He subtly tried to persuade the audience to stay, suggesting that busking in the rain could be a romantic memory.

Since there was a forecast of a shower, some people took out foldable umbrellas from their bags.

"Color me with your hands, with your colors."

Oran, with a business smile, sang her part steadily. She was disappointed that people were fidgeting to avoid the rain.

I know it can't be helped, but it would be nice if they could listen properly...

If the host stopped the song, it would be better to perform from the beginning with full concentration. However, since the song had progressed quite a bit, there was no sign of it being interrupted.

Thud?

The raindrops quickly became heavier, confirming it was indeed a shower.

The makeshift stage, which was more like an open space, had a flimsy canopy.

But the wind blew, and the rain came in. As they performed the choreography, they often stepped out of the canopy's protection.

The Theora members did their best. The audience, who had put on raincoats or opened umbrellas, gradually regained their focus. They sang with strong voices to be heard over the rain.

"Give me a tattoo that will never fade."

The sound of applause mixed with the rain. It seemed like the applause was also for enduring the shower.

I can confidently say that we did our best with the song and dance, but it was clear that the audience might not have felt it was a good performance.

Hiding the sadness deep inside, I only showed a cheerful exterior.

"The sudden shower surprised everyone, didn't it? We're all drenched."

While Green was speaking, he peeled off the wet clothes that clung to his body. He was soaked from head to toe.

If it had been sponsored clothing, he might have torn it off. Was it fortunate that they hadn't reached the level of getting sponsorships yet?

"We're going to do one more song. This time, it's a calm ballad composed by one of our members. The title is 'Your Birth.' The lyrics are beautiful, so please listen carefully!"

They placed flimsy metal chairs under the canopy and sat down, each holding a handheld microphone. This time, they didn't have to perform in the rain.

Water kept dripping from their wet hair, hanging on their eyelashes. It fell like tears every time they blinked.

Green warned them not to touch their faces, but it was hard to concentrate on the song with the itchy feeling. He lifted his hand and swept his hair back.

"Wow!"

"..."

Looking around, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. The members were checking their microphones, and some were wringing out their wet clothes. Water dripped down.

"Ah!"

What was the reason for that reaction? It was puzzling, but the curiosity could wait.

The sun rises and the moon sets, a day like any other, but you are a miracle.

The song began with a calm and warm melody. The audience opened their mouths and stared at us as if spellbound.

In moments like these, I am convinced that being an idol was my destiny.

* * *

For a new idol group, gaining recognition was a slow process. To make the public recognize their names and faces, they needed repeated exposure.

To capture the fleeting attention of the public, they needed to stand out with their looks, exceptional skills, or unique talents.

Theora met all these conditions. Although they suffered under the tyranny of POT Entertainment, it was just a minor obstacle.

They tried to show their faces everywhere and approached each opportunity with desperation, which conveyed their passion to the audience.

Of course, 'luck' was also a crucial factor. If a major event or disaster occurred, it would be hard to divert attention elsewhere.

Performing in a snowstorm, a dog suddenly running in, or busking in the rain—compared to these, their misfortune was minor.

This misfortune was not simple. It didn't end as a misfortune but instead sparked a wave of great fortune from an unseen place.

The wave began with a single video on YouTube and turned into a massive tsunami among young people.

"Guys, a video of you was recently uploaded to YouTube..."

Our manager, who was busier with practice, was faster at getting new information. After hearing from a colleague that a popular video about Theora had gone viral, he immediately checked it and rushed to tell us.

"The views are skyrocketing, so I came to tell you."

We only had one shared phone and were too busy practicing to check YouTube. If the manager hadn't told us, we might have discovered it much later.

Is it already too late?

"The owner of the YouTube channel is believed to be someone who participated in the ice fish festival you attended. They were the first to upload related videos."

"That person was there? Wow! Maybe they became our fan!"

How could they become a fan when they couldn't even see the stage due to the snowstorm? Even if they had recorded it, it would have been a mess. How skilled must they be?

"Manager, give us the tablet."

To see the small screen of the phone, we had to crowd around. Oran, the shortest among us, didn't want to be pushed around by the others and asked for the tablet.

"Just play it."

The manager readily handed over the tablet.

The title was "Theora's Journey." While other videos on the channel were more like V-logs, this one had a clear intention to draw attention.

Did they get advice from others?

The video contained traces of Theora. Multiple days of footage were seamlessly combined, bringing the group to life. The visual quality made it feel like a documentary of Theora's growth.

"It's like a promotional video. The affection is subtly conveyed."

The sound quality was good, so the songs were clear, and the choreography was detailed.

The subtitles and information were well-integrated without being overtly fan-like. It was a video that anyone could enjoy, even feeling comedic at times.

"The person who edited this video is no ordinary talent. It has a professional touch. Maybe they're a director?"

Given that Seohun, who has expertise in film and drama, said this, it was trustworthy.

"This is how we look."

From the audience's perspective, Theora looked much cooler than expected. They performed professionally, regardless of rain or snow, and their worries and concerns were not visible. Instead, they seemed full of confidence.

"Our music video, debut showcase, music shows, variety shows, lifestyle programs, the ice fish festival, the school entrance ceremony, and busking... The growth story is woven throughout. Humor is added to keep it from being boring."

Seohun said the views wouldn't stop here. The quality of the video and the momentum were too strong.

"And the main characters are none other than Theora. Our charm hasn't been revealed yet. Once people discover it, they'll be hooked."

"Seohun is right."

Ji-on scrolled down to read the comments. Below the channel owner's pinned comment, there were nearly 2,000 comments.

"The number of comments is incredible!"

Not just the comments, but the views had reached 2 million. It had more views than any other video on Theora's official channel, except for music videos.

"I want to give a gift to the person who runs this channel. Since they seem to be a fan, how about sending them a signed album?"

"That's not the case, according to the comments, Iwon."

Seohun lowered his head to read the pinned comment.

"By the way, I am not a fan of Theora. I am just a regular college student cheering for a hardworking peer."

- Aspiring filmmaker, Ohjae -

They must have put a lot of effort into editing. To create such a legendary video and still claim not to be a fan? It's hard to believe.

"In professional terms, this is called 'denial of fangirling.'"

Denial of fangirling. From the context, it seems to mean that someone is a fan at heart but denies it. Why not just accept it?

There are cases where people don't even realize their own feelings.

"Stop denying and become our fan, please, Ohjae!"

Bakha clasped her hands and shouted. Where is she looking? She seems to be looking up at the sky.

"The comments from the subscribers are also full of wit."

"Pick the fun ones and read them, Seohun."

Seohun, who can act even in everyday moments, could read the comments convincingly.

"Ahem. Iwon, I'll read them. Is that okay with everyone?"

The members nodded in unison, as if telepathy was at work. Seohun's 'live reading' was something they could trust. Even the manager, Junhyun, sat on the floor, ready to listen.

"I'll read them in order of the most likes."

Seohun cleared his throat and immediately immersed himself. Just one line of a comment. In a drama script, it would be a line with no character or situation given. But Seohun could make it work.

"Why emphasize the points that make you a fan when you claim not to be one?"

He raised his tone and spoke in a neutral, prim voice. The tone of disbelief made it even more real. It felt like something he had seen before.

This feeling is called déjà vu.

"That's a spot-on comment. It clearly shows that the editor put effort into the parts fans would like."

"Seohun, where is that?"

Since it was a video about us, it was hard to be objective. Personal feelings made it impossible to analyze it calmly.

It must have been difficult. Or maybe he didn't make a mistake. Next time, I need to pay attention to my expressions. These were the only thoughts I had.

Is this what they call a professional disease?

"Outstanding visuals and excelling in their main job, maintaining composure even in surprising moments?"

"Ah."

Main job, meaning dance, singing, and performance, showing a professional demeanor.

Seohun's explanation didn't stop there.

"Specifically, Iwon, you easily overcame the snowstorm and showed a powerful voice. Your beauty that seems to come through the screen. The points that are more touching because they are unintentional."

"Touching...?"