Chapter 339
Chapter 339. KIDS DAY! (1)
At this point, let me share my thoughts—
“Well picked.”
The relentless structure and editing style, perfect for creating clip-worthy moments from the start, were unmistakably PD Kwon’s signature. His voice, berating the junior PDs, insisting that we should bombard with sensational content from the very beginning, was still vivid in my memory.
Although he might deny it, I was worried he might feel a bit uneasy working with our group after what happened last time, but that was clearly just my unfounded concern.
‘It seems even the Destis are taking it well….’
The accounts that had disappeared after locking their profiles for protection were gradually reopening amidst the bustle on the timeline and resuming normal activity. While I couldn’t peer into their hearts, at least it seemed better than when everyone was stressed out, seeing us trending on Muple daily due to the fan fights.
Even the dissatisfaction of those who had expressed displeasure over the members’ part distribution seemed to have quieted down a bit.
[UNIT SONG – HYUNG LINE VS DONG LINE, CHARACTERIZATION INSANE LOL]
The mature hyung line served a serious dose of hip-hop sexy.
The minor dongsaeng line was all about intense deep house?
Kang Doha’s characterization of his own members is better than mine;
Miro, just release a Kairos fan concert notice right now.
The response to the unit song was better than I expected.
It was a track I had passionately worked on but had almost discarded because it didn’t quite fit with the members. Now, I was a hundred times glad I didn’t throw it away and instead split it into units.
‘On the music shows, they’ll probably only showcase the title track and “Again, Spring”….’
Kairos hadn’t yet started any discussions about a concert. We didn’t have many songs, and there was still a consensus that the members weren’t ready. It wasn’t that we were underestimating the members’ abilities, but when compared to the performances of those notorious concert kings—the seniors—it was clear we still had a long way to go.
[System Notification: Then, when can we expect a Kairos concert?]
[System Notification: The system expresses its regret that it too wishes to wave a light stick.]
[System Notification: (๑ó⌓ò๑)]
‘Well, if we successfully finish three comebacks this year and if the kids keep growing like this….’
Maybe, next year….
Thirteen’s random thought made me unintentionally start thinking about plans for next year. While I often thought about and imagined the future, the concept of “next year” somehow felt a bit more novel.
“…Right. I’ve been living safely in this timeline for already three years.”
Although Sparkling had turned dark and Dolja’s whereabouts remained unknown….
Still, three years had already passed. If I safely make it through this year, it would be the longest time I’ve lived since becoming aware of my regression, and if Sparkling’s claim that his regression ability had disappeared was true, I might live even longer.
If I’m lucky enough to take care of Dolja within this year, then this life will no longer be just another attempt to escape regression—it’ll be my “real” life.
“…….”
[System Notification: …What are you thinking?]
[System Notification: ( ˘•_•˘ )?]
“Not much. Just thinking how much I’d miss you if we were to part ways.”
[System Notification: …….]
“And now that it’s really ‘my life,’ I need to live it even harder….”
[System Notification: …….]
“And I wonder how our teenage maknae feels right now?”
Though many thoughts were flooding my mind, I didn’t want to feel depressed. The Dolja issue was still unresolved, and Dan Haru seemed to have a long way to go. There was no need to complicate things too soon.
“Tsk, enough of that. Let’s talk about something fun.”
I quickly got up from the bed and left the room. With the start of music shows and schedules from tomorrow, the members were still enjoying a brief rest at the dorm. Except for Lee Doha, who had gone out for personal dance practice with Lee Yugeon, everyone was in the dorm.
I confidently walked out to the living room, where I grabbed the magic wand standing neatly next to the sofa as if pulling out a sword. Pressing the sparkling cubic button in the middle, a cringeworthy, glittery sound resonated throughout the dorm.
For reference, this magic wand was a gift I received at the last fan sign as part of the fairy princess or princess fairy concept. The sound was quite flamboyant, and the volume was loud enough to be useful when I wanted to gather the members like this.
“Alright, alright. Kairos, assemble—. I have something to say.”
As I swung the magic wand like a sword and shouted, the members who were in their rooms began to trickle out. Seo Taehyun and Jung Siwoo, who shared a room, along with Joo Eunchan and Dan Haru, approached the living room table with puzzled expressions.
“What’s up, all of a sudden? Is there something to announce?”
“No, not really. Just wanted to say something.”
“……?”
Seo Taehyun, who had learned that when I started talking like this, it usually meant something strange was coming, instinctively frowned and glared at me. But I’ll emphasize again, neither Joo Eunchan nor Lee Doha, but you and Dan Haru are not at all intimidating, no matter how much you glare.
I opened my mouth nonchalantly.
“Well, it’s almost Children’s Day, you know. Eunchan’s birthday.”
“…Don’t tell me you’re planning Eunchan’s birthday party right in front of him?”
“Huh? I didn’t really plan to, but now that you mention it, should we do it now?”
“No, forget it. Just talk.”
“What do you guys even think of me?”
Joo Eunchan raised an eyebrow as if he was genuinely curious. Right, that level of a deadpan expression might be intimidating. But even that, I’ve gotten used to, and it now just looked like a giant cat hissing at me. I gently patted Joo Eunchan’s head, appeasing him as I continued with the main point.
“No, I was just thinking. It’s rare that a music show falls on a holiday, so why don’t we do something fun? The fans must have gone through a lot, so let’s give them something to smile about.”
“What is it? It’d be nice to have an event, but isn’t it the day after tomorrow? Will we have time to prepare?”
“Just hear me out. You’re talking like you’ve already planned everything.”
Jung Siwoo, sharp as ever, recognized my intent and nodded for me to continue. I glanced at Dan Haru, who was sitting a bit away from us, quietly listening to our conversation, and smiled as I spoke.
“The idea is simple, really, nothing too difficult. But….”
“…….”
“…We’ll have to endure a bit of embarrassment.”
Seeing my bright smile, Dan Haru’s face, which was looking up at me, turned an unhealthy shade of pale.
* * *
May 5th was a monumental day in many ways in the history of the idol world.
Agencies with a good sense would release childhood photos of the members or create cute videos fitting the theme on such a day.
**KIRUS Official @kirus official**
**HAPPY EUNCHAN DAY!**
**Celebrate the birthday of Eunchan, the sixth member of Kairos, who retains childlike innocence.**
….
Particularly, the official Kairos account, with a member’s birthday coinciding with the day, was more chaotic than ever.
Given that it was shortly after a major accident and coincided with the comeback period, Miro devoted all their efforts to making sure fans could endlessly enjoy Eunchan’s birthday by offering birthday events and content.
They released childhood photos of Eunchan, provided by Eunseok, announced the sale of birthday kits, and held a birthday comment event. They even announced that the fan sign event scheduled for the evening after today’s music show would be held with a full-blown Eunchan’s birthday party concept.
The fans, the company, everyone was busy celebrating and enjoying this joyous day.
And now.
As for what the Kairos members were doing, busy preparing for a prerecording from early in the morning….
“Ahhh! I’m not doing it! I can’t do it!”
“Why not!? Do you know how much money is in your bank account, and you’re refusing this!?”
“How much money do you think is in my account!? After paying off my debts and covering the kids’ living expenses, there’s not a penny left!”
“You punk, who asked you to bring up such bitter adult topics on this hopeful and refreshing Children’s Day?”
“Who brought up money in the first place!??”
…We were in the middle of an intense argument.
In the center of the waiting room, Kang Hajin and Lee Yugeon were having a fierce tug-of-war over something in their hands. However, despite the tense scene, the watching members and staff couldn’t help but hide their laughter.
The reason was the item that Hajin was holding in the hand opposite the one restraining Yugeon’s arm.
“Ahhh! I’m too old to be wearing this kind of thing on my head!?”
“Why not? Even Siwoo hyung, who’s older than you, wore it without a word. This is just a yellow beret that happens to be a bit bright.”
“Are you kidding me! Kang Hajin, you pulled the same trick last time
, putting me on a leash!!”
“Kang Hajin? Kang Hajiiiin? Fine, now you’re dropping honorifics?”
“What’s there to hold back!?”
What Hajin was holding was a bright yellow beret, the kind typically seen as part of a kindergarten uniform.
Although Yugeon had worn far more ridiculous things at fan signs, he found this particular item completely unacceptable for one reason.
“Wearing a yellow hat is one thing, but do I really have to wear that yellow cape too!?”
“What’s so hard about finding your inner child on Children’s Day?”
“Are you planning to have Yuho and Yurang mock me for life!? Absolutely not!!!”
“What about me? Do you think Kang Hawon would say, ‘I respect you, hyung,’ if he sees me like this? Respect comes from the wallet, not from appearances!”
“No matter what you say while wearing overalls, it doesn’t sound cool at all!?”
“Ha, these brats…”
“Why? It’s fun. Let them be; let’s see how far they go.”
As Taehyun, who was getting his makeup done, flinched and got up, Siwoo, who was getting his hair styled next to him, smiled and held him back. Behind them, Doha, who was dressed in a taekwondo uniform and even had a headband tied, adjusted the outfit sheepishly, similar to his childhood photos.
“Oh, Doha hyung. The back of your uniform is tucked in. Should I fix it for you?”
“Oh, yeah.”
Joo Eunchan, who was sitting on the sofa, ran over to help. Dressed as today’s birthday boy in a cute hanbok with colorful stripes, a toy crown, and sunglasses, he looked quite natural.
“…But what’s up with Haru?”
“Oh, he said the outfit was too embarrassing….”
“Ah….”
Next to Eunchan, Dan Haru, who was forced to wear all sorts of cute items just because he was the youngest, was holding his forehead with a face that looked years older. His sour expression and clasped hands made him look like a little boss baby.
Today is Children’s Day, our world.
Kang Hajin had prepared a super-special Kids Day present.