Second Try Idol

Chapter 108: Blue Room Party (5)

We had meticulously planned breaks within each song and practiced a lot, hoping to manage our stamina during this live broadcast. However, the reality of tight outfits, uncomfortable shoes, and quick costume changes during these fleeting moments of rest made the show an exhausting endeavor.

As the stage ended, we found ourselves sprawled on the floor, gathering the energy to stand. We were drained but we approached Jin-Sung.

“Is the youngest crying?"

“Why the tears, Jin-Sung?"

“Was it all too much? Poor thing." We circled Jin-Sung, offering solace as he sniffled amidst us.

“Ah... really... you guys... seriously..." Jin-Sung feigned annoyance at our teasing but didn't shy away from our comforting gestures.

“Everyone has worked hard! Well done! Let's exit the set and tidy up!"

“Man... I almost blacked out there." Slinging an arm over my shoulder, Yoo-Joon shared his exhaustion.

“Same. Hey, you really pushed yourself. You looked amazing on the stage."

“It better be, after all that practice," he replied. This concluded our long-anticipated live show. We didn't know how the audience would react, but it felt impossible for it not to be favorable. We weren’t able to sing every song perfectly due to surprising Jin-Sung, but that likely added an unexpected charm to the performance.

Our manager rallied the troops and said, “Great job, everyone! There are no more schedules today, so go and rest."

Utterly exhausted, we directly left and made our way back to the dorm. After that, everyone promptly collapsed into bed, surrendering to sleep as if making up for lost time. But I pushed back my fatigue and headed to the company. There was still something left for me to do.

***

“Lyrics written by someone who knows you well would resonate more," Producer Do commented in the YMM company's studio. It was about my solo song, a debut gift from Joo-Han. The melody was exquisite, but now the challenge was to pen lyrics worthy of the tune.

I wondered if I would be able to find a lyricist who would encapsulate my decade of experience. Then, an idea struck.

“Producer, should I write the lyrics?”

“You? Do you even know how?"

“No, but since it's a gift, I'd like to give it a shot, even if it falls short."

“Alright, then give it a go," Producer Do agreed readily. Despite his seemingly indifferent demeanor, I always knew he had a soft spot for Chronos.

“Just write something and show me. I'll help polish it."

“Okay. Thank you!" With talents like Yoo-Joon in our group, I wasn't entirely on my own.

“Good luck. Oh, and I watched the live show. You guys have really grown." He was typically reserved with praise, so his acknowledgment meant the world to me.

I smiled broadly and nodded. “Thank you!"

When I left Producer Do's studio, the exhaustion hit me like a wave. I considered heading back to the dorm but found myself just sitting, blinking tiredly on the lobby couch. Then, I suddenly locked eyes with the busy Supervisor Kim, who was heading somewhere with a broad smile.

'Ah, darn. I don’t want to see him today, ugh'

I mustered a greeting despite wanting to vanish from my spot. “Hello."

“Oh? Hyun-Woo, why are you alone here? Where are the others?"

“They are at the dorm, sleeping. I just had a chat with Producer Do."

“I see. Good job, by the way! You guys are the topic of the town now!"

“Really?"

“Of course! It's Chronos. I knew people would love you. By the way, the ratings of the show are sky-high!"

So that was why Supervisor Kim was so excited. I nodded, encouraging him to move along, but he continued, “What were you discussing with Producer Do?"

“Oh, I received a solo song from Joo-Han as a debut gift. We were discussing the lyrics."

“A solo song!" His surprise was evident. “Joo-Han composed a solo song for you?"

“Yes, as a debut gift..."

“...Well, you two have indeed been practicing together for a long time."

His thoughtful frown and muttering piqued my curiosity, but I felt a tad awkward, so I just forced out a smile and asked, “Is there anything wrong with it?”

“Joo-Han giving Hyun-Woo a solo song as a debut gift, eh? The fans will go crazy."

“Pardon me?" The song was still in its infancy, but I could see Supervisor Kim's eyes alight with money.

“Anyway, Hyun-Woo, once the song is ready, let me know through In-Hyun or the company. We may not release it, but we'll definitely make a video for it."

“Really? ...Ah, yes. Thank you."

“Take care." Supervisor Kim gave my shoulder an encouraging tap before vanishing into the building's bustle. My plan was a simple voice release on BlueBird, or perhaps even a fancafe[1] post if one existed, but we didn’t have any. For an unofficial solo track like mine, the release was typically limited to recordings.

“..." I sighed with relief as Supervisor Kim finally walked away. After that, I looked at the path Supervisor Kim had disappeared to, pondering. This man had once been so frugal with our budget that he had brought B-grade songs for Pick We Up, but it seemed he had finally decided to invest in us properly.

Stepping outside, I was greeted by the sky cloaked in dusk. It seemed like just hours ago we were pouring our hearts out on stage under the blazing sun. Time had slipped away so swiftly.

Lost in thought, I was about to head back to the dorm when someone interrupted.

Jingle!

“Hyun-Woo!"

“Yes?"

The door of the cafeteria, which was located on the first floor of our company, suddenly swung open and three girls approached me. The unexpected advance of strangers left me momentarily retreating and then standing frozen in place. By the looks on their faces, they seemed to be fans of Chronos.

“Ah, did we startle you? So sorry!"

“We are your fans!"

“I can't believe we are seeing you like this... We watched the live show! You were so awesome that it brought us to tears."

“Ah, haha. Thank you!"

Their faces glowed with excitement as they poured out their appreciation for the live performance. I was truly grateful, but this was the first time I'd encountered fans alone, so I wasn't quite sure how to respond.

“Could we take a photo with you?"

“Uh... that's... I'm sorry."

“Then, maybe an autograph?" The gazes from the cafeteria started drifting our way, and they came over, forming a growing audience I wasn't prepared to face. My heart started pounding crazy. Just then, another figure from the cafeteria walked toward me.

“Excuse me."

“Yes?" I responded

A stern-faced woman then nodded reassuringly at me and called the fangirls. “You girls."

“Us?"

“Yes. You are not the only ones here who love Chronos. Everyone came here because they are fans, but they've been pretending not to notice Hyun-Woo."

“..."

The girls were being reprimanded.

“Can't you see Hyun-Woo's discomfort? Don't you think he’s uncomfortable?"

“...It's okay," I said, but she firmly shook her head.

“This is a promise among Rings... I'm sorry for blocking your path, please go ahead." She gave me a quick nod and then turned her back to continue scolding the girls. I moved a bit further away, feeling awkward yet grateful.

“Don't be too harsh. I am actually okay. Thank you for looking out for me."

“Ah, right. Hyun-Woo."

“Yes?"

The strict-looking woman now smiled broadly once more. “Congratulations on 'Blue Room Party' hitting number one on the music chart."

It was a revelation, unexpected and unknown to me at that moment, that lingered in the air as I continued my walk back.

***

The pure, unadulterated vocals of Chronos resonated through the huge stage, their live performance uninterrupted by audience cheers. They utilized the entire set, and the show unfolded flawlessly, revealing sides that the Rings had never seen. It then culminated in a heartwarming surprise event for the disheartened Jin-Sung.

It was a flawless live performance, a treasure trove of moments to cherish for years. Even non-fans admitted to rewatching the live clips multiple times, so the Rings must have rewatched the clips a lot.

Chronos was clad in tight leather pants and harnesses. The opportunity to witness Jin-Sung's dance breaks performed by other members was unique and delightful, not to mention their group performance in animal onesies for “Woof Woof Meow Meow.” On top of that, the performance of “Need” was flawless!

The show continued without pause, featuring penalty performances of Chronos covering Street Center's “ONE” and their senior Allure's “Goblin.” Then, Yoo-Joon and Suh Hyun-Woo's pair dance unfolded, and finally, the members playfully comforted Jin-Sung just before the end of the broadcast.

Each rewatch unveiled something new, another layer of depth. But amidst this grand setlist, the real sensation was Chronos's newly debuted follow-up track “Blue Room Party.” Their outfits—including casual short-sleeved shirts, slacks, and effortlessly tousled hair—were clearly different from the intense “Parade.” With them on, the members exuded a relaxed vibe with playful antics.

It was a trendy pop that felt like a cool summer evening breeze. Although it wasn’t a style that Chronos usually carried out, they embraced it and made it uniquely theirs.

@PompPomparee @bbang · 1 minute ago

(Compilation of members receiving the camera.jpg)

I finally decided today. I'm officially a 'Blue Room Party' devotee, don't even try to stop me.

Reply RT 2 Like 2

★Goh Yoo-Joon★ @going_goir · 2 minutes ago

(Yoo-Joon's fiery main dance break.gif)

1. Was he in leather pants? o

2. Did he sport a harness on his thighs? o

3. Did Yoo-Joon snap those hips? o [2]

4. Were those abs making a glorious appearance? o

5. Did the camera catch the right moments? x

Ah, that clueless camera focused on his lower half when his abs deserved the spotlight! Stupid.

Reply RT 3 Like 2

Suh Hyun-Woo Obsession @garas · 15 minutes ago

(Suh Hyun-Woo's tender smile at the camera, like a selfie - an edited GIF)

Ah... my darling... no, oppa (no conscience...) I'm steadfastly waiting for a full-focus fancam of the live...

Reply RT 81 Like 70

Cloudy @mongsill · 1 hour ago

(Members joyfully dancing around seated Jin-Sung during Blue Room Party stage when Jin-Sung is fighting back tears - an edited GIF)

This, right here, is my emotional button :’( Jin-Sung uggggh, you guys

Reply RT 286 Like 299

Youjin @youjin · 1 minute ago

Members: Is Jin-Sung tearing up???

Jin-Sung: What? No crying here. I'm not.

???: Crying? He looks like he's crying, right?

Jin-Sung: No, I'm not, really!

???: Look! Jin-Sung's crying!

Jin-Sung: (getting pissed)

Reply RT 452 Like 865

Chronos Fan World @crolol · 30 minutes ago

But let's admit, not only did our boys rock the stage, 'Blue Room Party' is objectively a banger, right? Isn't our Joo-Han nothing short of a genius??? How do both ‘Woof Woof Meow Meow’ and ‘Blue Room Party’ spring from the same brilliant mind????

Reply 15 RT 125 Like 268

└Nickname Struggle @himduro · 1min

Reply to @crolol

Exactly! The moment it hit my ears, I knew... This is an anthem to me <3

Indeed, “Blue Room Party” was more than just a song; it was a masterpiece resonating with the emotions of the twenties, striking chords in our hearts both objectively and subjectively. Aligned perfectly with the live performance, “Blue Room Party” was rapidly streamed and soared up the music charts upon its release. It transcended being only the Rings’ favorite; it was a melody that captivated all who listened, drawing in even those who hadn't witnessed the live performance.

Hours had passed since then. When a snippet of the live performance, which was uploaded by UNET on UTube, clocked four hundred thousand views, “Blue Room Party” quickly climbed to the number one spot on music sites just four hours after its release. It marked Chronos's quickest ascent to the top in their history.

It was a historical moment for Chronos, a record that would be celebrated for years to come.

1. A fancafe is just like a blog. But it is dedicated to a certain artist, specifically Korean artists. ☜

2. What the heck? Lol ☜