Chapter 55

Chapter 11. Wonderful Night

It had been ten days since the successful conclusion of our debut showcase. During this time, we had been busy with music shows, photo shoots, and various small events. Today, we were tackling a new schedule.

"Nice to meet you."

At a cafe near the HBS Open Hall in Dangchon-dong.

A reporter sitting in a corner on the second floor greeted us. She had sharp eyes and an urban vibe.

"I'm Oh So-hee from EntertainmentIN. We met at the showcase, right?"

"Yes, nice to meet you!"

The reporter smiled at our 90-degree bow.

Feeling more relaxed, we took our seats, but we kept swallowing nervously.

This was our first interview since debuting.

We had done many interviews during our days in Somethin', but this was the first time we were doing one without seniors like Jang Won or Seokhwan.

Mingi hyung was with us, but honestly, we couldn't expect much help from him.

"I remember your manager always being around. Where is he today?"

"He's currently out for a meeting."

The road manager's answer made Oh reporter nod.

"Then let's start... hmm?"

Oh So-hee, who was about to press the record button on her phone, stopped when she noticed our members busily turning off their phones.

She smiled, finding it cute.

"Did your company tell you to do that?"

"No, it was Wooju hyung who kept nagging us the whole way here. He said it's polite to turn off your phone during an interview with reporters. If any of our phones ring in the middle, he'll nag us all day, he said."

Laughter filled the air at the maknae's words.

Feeling the atmosphere lighten, I smiled and relaxed my tense shoulders.

The tension was easing a bit.

It was hard not to be bothered by people at nearby tables whispering about us or taking photos, but there was nothing we could do about it.

We were now officially part of the entertainment industry.

While Mingi hyung was dealing with the customers who were openly taking photos, the interview began.

"First, congratulations. As of the 27th, the music video for 'Fireworks' has reached one million views, right? I heard that for a rookie idol group not from one of the big four agencies, this is the fastest record."

This was the reason for the interview.

One million views.

While we had received several interview requests, Lemon Entertainment had been cautious.

They were worried that a single bad article might stall our momentum.

Some might call it unnecessary worry, but thinking about what happened with DNS Media, it wasn't unfounded.

However, it seemed they decided that avoiding interviews after reaching one million views wasn't a good choice.

So they chose a reporter who was friendly towards us.

While we can't judge someone by their appearance, from the way she looked at us, she didn't seem like a bad person.

In fact, she seemed to like us, though it might just be my impression.

"The momentum of 'Fireworks' is impressive. It started in the 70s on the Mango Chart in its first week and has now entered the 50s. That's quite an achievement in an era where charting is difficult."

While the praise was flattering, it wasn't entirely false.

Since the 2010s, with idol fans streaming 24/7, the success of 'Fireworks' was almost unbelievable.

We weren't a well-known singer like Yun Chanhyuk, nor did we have a powerful fandom like TNT. For a rookie group to achieve such results was nothing short of a miracle.

Honestly, we were still in shock.

We all checked the chart rankings as soon as we woke up every morning, eyes wide open.

After the talk about our performance, she changed the topic.

"It was quite a topic in idol communities, especially the a cappella live video."

"Yes, we received a lot of praise. One comment that stood out was that we seemed like a group of main vocalists. We were really happy to see that."

She smiled, as if understanding without needing to be told.

"Right. Now, the name New Black is quite hot in the idol scene. How is that popularity affecting your daily life? Are people recognizing you on the streets?"

"Not really."

I smiled and answered.

"Actually, more people recognized us during our Somethin' days. As rookies, we're not recognized as much. And it's actually more comfortable for us to have less attention."

Unless you're a nationwide idol like TNT.

If you asked people on the street to name idol groups, most wouldn't even name three.

It was natural that most people didn't know us.

So we had to work harder.

We were having a pleasant conversation when Oh reporter asked the question we had expected.

"What's your relationship with Street Boys these days? Before debuting, there was a rivalry between the two groups. Especially Wooju, who has the image of a composer idol, was often mentioned alongside Hanjo."

Street Boys.

Honestly, we hadn't really talked to them since debuting.

Just brief greetings when we passed by?

It felt awkward because of the diss, and there wasn't much to talk about.

Considering the atmosphere between the two companies' managers, it wasn't a situation where we could chat warmly.

But we couldn't tell the reporter, "We don't care and don't talk to each other," so we prepared an answer.

"We consider them our debut contemporaries in the entertainment industry."

Bijoo, with her calm voice, led the way, and the members chimed in, trying to ease the leader's burden.

Right. Good job, my kids.

Compared to the frozen atmosphere during Somethin' interviews, this was a significant improvement.

Seeing the members trying their best, Oh reporter smiled.

"By the way, I asked this because I recently interviewed Street Boys, and one of their members mentioned that they want to get closer to New Black, especially to you, Ri-hyuk."

"......What? Me?"

Ri-hyuk, as well as the others, were surprised.

"Me, hyung?"

"Us, Ri-hyuk?"

"Why?"

A perfect, genuine reaction.

While our main vocalist's eyes widened, Oh So-hee burst into laughter.

Of course, I was clutching my aching head.

"Reporter, what about the kids' comments just now..."

"I understand, I'll skip this question. The PR team leader also emphasized this."

Oh reporter smiled and asked.

"Then, let me change the question. I heard that Street Boys will soon start their second reality show on K-Net. What are New Black's future plans? Any broadcasting plans?"

"Other than music shows, we don't have any yet. But we'll do our best if any opportunities come our way."

"......So, there are no plans yet."

She seemed a bit disappointed.

"Before the interview, I did some research. Since New Black has limited media exposure, there are various discussions in communities and such."

"Discussions?"

"Since 'Fireworks' is one of the biggest successes among idol original songs, some people are questioning whether it's really an original song because it's too good."

"Ah."

"That's why I asked. Does the company have any plans to show the songwriting process?"

I was taken aback by this unexpected question.

But I didn't hesitate for long.

Smiling, I answered calmly.

"Regarding that..."

It was the best answer I could think of.

"I believe there will be opportunities to show it in the future."

* * *

Wow, intense.

Back at the HBS Open Hall for the <Popular Singer> schedule.

My legs wobbled with each step up the stairs.

I was so tense during the interview, worried about the kids making a slip, that I felt drained when it was over.

Walking like a limp squid, Bijoo approached me, perhaps misunderstanding my expression.

"Don't worry about what the reporter said."

"Huh?"

"About the songwriting."

Ah, that.

"It's because the song is too good. Don't listen to jealous people."

"Really. I don't understand why people post such comments."

Our team's best swearer added, and Jung-hyun, who was following, chimed in.

"Those people will disappear soon."

"Jung-hyun hyung, say that after you've been punched. It's scary."

"Ah, sorry."

"Right. Wooju hyung, ignore strange people."

The maknae's casual comment while sipping a macchiato made me smile.

Taking care of the eldest brother's mood.

Our kids are really nice.

If I wasn't annoyed by the comment about people questioning the songwriting, I'd be lying.

But I wasn't as bothered as the kids were.

Songwriting isn't something you can show with a quick glance; it's something that needs time to prove.

If there's an opportunity to show it, that would be great, but...

I thought about saying it was just fatigue, but I decided to stay quiet because I appreciated their concern.

"By the way, the manager said he went to a meeting. Could it be related to our schedule? Maybe we're going to be on a new show..."

"Right. Mingi hyung, have you heard anything?"

At my question, the road manager seemed to recall something.

"Well, I heard he went to Sangam-dong."

"Sangam? TBC, maybe."

K-Net is there too, but our company doesn't get along with them.

Most likely TBC.

Since I didn't have any specific information beyond it being one of the three major networks, my speculation ended there.

I thought he would let us know if anything was confirmed.

With that in mind, I returned to the waiting room on the