translation by mourningmoor
In front of the airport, a long line of press vehicles was parked.
A press line was set up, and behind it, cameras were lined up.
And behind them, the idol's home masters, or homepage masters, had taken over.
They set up ladders and competitively took photos.
It was to capture even one more shot of their idol's shining appearance as they departed on a chartered flight.
"It's more dazzling than the music show commute."
Of course.
Music shows are just for active singers, regardless of popularity, but KCON is where already proven popular singers gather.
The issues are different, and the importance is different.
For that reason, singers paid more attention to their airport fashion than usual.
Especially since this was L.I.T's first public appearance after the incident. So, they had to pay even more attention to their airport fashion than usual.
"It's really chaotic. Is it even possible to do full makeup at this hour?"
Hanjoon was also busy looking outside from the back seat.
Before we knew it, the car in front of us had already disembarked.
Now it's our turn, but all our members are in a no-makeup state.
No, only our members are in a no-makeup state.
"Well, what can we do? Everyone overslept and couldn't get their makeup done. Just wear your masks tightly."
If it's just makeup, we can manage.
The other teams had their hair, makeup, and styling perfectly done.
"Wear your hats well too."
I gestured at Hanjoon's sticking-up hair and opened the door with a black backpack on my shoulder.
As always, the sound of camera shutters played like background music.
And the cheers of the Filaments.
As we got out of the car, Siu, Roa, and Jaewon, who had arrived first, came over.
Hanjoon was the last to get out of the car.
Then the cheers grew a bit louder.
Fans were throwing words of comfort to Hanjoon, who had been through a lot.
"Hanjoon-ah. Have a safe trip."
"Kyaaaah. L.I.T! See you there."
"L.I.T L.I.T, fighting!"
As expected, the voices of the Filaments were the loudest among all the idol fandoms. We smiled faintly and waved in the direction of the voices.
Then we stood in front of the press line and took photos.
"Wave your hand to the left once, please."
"L.I.T, wave to the right too, please."
“Ichan-ssi, could you say a few words?"
I smiled faintly and simply said,
"We'll be back safely."
Then I gestured to the kids to go in and moved my steps.
The kids followed behind me in a line.
* * *
A kind Filament was live-streaming L.I.T's departure.
The sight of idols arriving one by one, giving short greetings, and entering the terminal continued to the point of boredom.
"L.I.T hasn't arrived yet, right?"
Inyoung, a college freshman, turned on NewTube as soon as her final exam for a major required course ended.
Just now, L.I.T's friend group, Möbius, went in.
"Ah, Dinaple is going too."
The group that lined up for the photo line this time was L.I.T's sister group, Dinaple.
Then it happened.
A black van familiar to any Filament was approaching the terminal.
―Oh, it's L.I.T.
The Filament doing the live stream exclaimed in an excited voice.
The screen shook for a moment as if moving positions, then focused clearly again.
Inyoung, who took a deep breath, pressed the screen recording button.
A moment later, the door of the black van opened, and Kang Ichan, dressed in all black, stepped out.
Black shoes, black jeans, a simple black short-sleeve T-shirt, and a black cap. Even the backpack he casually carried and the mask were black.
Only the simple ring-design earrings shone in silver.
"Oh, our oppa is all black. Even the layered leather bracelet is black."
Inyoung admired Ichan's chic fashion.
"Look at those long legs. He looks the sexiest in black jeans."
Then Siu, Roa, and Jaewon huddled close. Finally, Hanjoon.
"Huh. What's up with our oppas? Why are they so cool."
As if they had planned it, they were all in black. Except for Siu, of course.
Hanjoon in black pants and a black shirt, Roa in black jeans and a black hoodie, Jaewon in black training pants and a dark gray T-shirt.
Funny enough, only Siu was in white pants and a pink shirt.
His bright brown hair fluttering as he smiled brightly was a work of art.
Like other teams, L.I.T stood in front of the press line, waving and smiling.
Filaments at the scene shouted loudly.
"If only I didn't have exams, I would be there."
As Inyoung consoled her disappointment, L.I.T crossed the crosswalk.
Then the Filament doing the live stream shouted.
"Oppas. Are you okay? Hanjoon oppa. Are you okay?"
With such a loud voice, there's no way they didn't hear it.
The corner of Ichan's lips tilted slightly.
Then he nudged Hanjoon, who was following him, with his elbow.
Hanjoon, who smiled awkwardly, then gave a thumbs up to the camera.
Without saying a word, it was enough.
They weren't the type to crumble over such rumors.
And so, L.I.T disappeared into the terminal, and the live stream ended.
The Filament who was broadcasting is probably moving to another entrance to get inside the terminal.
Inyoung's fingers were busy checking if there were any live streams inside the terminal.
"Nothing."
Disappointed, Inyoung finally left the classroom.
After stopping by the student union building and going to the convenience store, Inyoung bought a coffee with her favorite Ichan's picture on it and hurried down her steps.
Hong Kong K-KON is a no-go due to exams. Bangkok K-KON was a ticket failure, Tokyo K-KON was a success. Today, I must try for LA K-KON.
Although it's a bit worrying as it coincides with the end of summer vacation, I can't be second when it comes to seeing L.I.T.
And then the Jeju performance.
I'm definitely going.
As she stepped onto the bus platform with burning determination, the Universe app notification sound rang.
"Huh?"
Surprised, Inyoung quickly opened the app.
"Huh. Oppa."
Ichan had posted.
Ichan√
Hello. Filaments.
We just finished immigration checks to head to Hong Kong.
We're about to board a chartered flight. Our condition is very good.
Thank you for coming to the airport to cheer us on today. The Filaments' voices were the loudest, and it really boosted our energy.
You know, right? L.I.T exists because of the Filaments.
Thank you for standing firm without wavering and speaking up for us. We'll do well at the performance and come back. We love you, Filaments.
(Photo)
(Photo)
(Photo)
The three photos posted with the message were group photos of L.I.T.
One photo taken together before entering the immigration gate.
One paparazzi shot of them entering the gate one by one.
One photo was taken in front of the duty-free shop, presumably after finishing immigration checks.
All three photos had pink Siu in the center.
Then comments followed.
└(Jaewon) Ah, our Siu hyung is so pretty.
└(Roa) Hyungnim. You're like a flower. So beautiful.
└(Hanjoon) Alone in pink, who didn't tell Siu about the dress code?
└(Roa) Was there such a thing?
└(Jaewon) This hyung took it seriously again.
└(Siu) Stop teasing me.
Inyoung smiled brightly at the still warm and cheerful appearance of L.I.T. And she vowed once again to give her all in ticketing.
* * *
There wasn't much time to spend at the duty-free shop.
After hurriedly finishing shopping, we headed to the gate.
K-KON had arranged a chartered flight, so it seemed like it would be a much more comfortable journey. At least we wouldn't have to worry about fans' eyes and not being able to eat freely.
But soon we realized that wasn't the case.
"Ichan."
Something rushed over and hugged me tightly.
I knew who it was without looking. Kim Jeongsoo.
"How many times is this?"
He tilted his head and checked the ticket in my hand, then clicked his tongue.
"Damn. You're 34, I'm 42. Ugh."
Not far apart. Sitting less than ten rows apart from this guy, it was obvious he'd come over frequently during the flight to Hong Kong.
…or so I thought.
Jaewon switched seats with Kim Jeongsoo, saying he'd sit with Junhee.
Kim Jeongsoo, sitting in the middle five seats next to us, started talking as soon as he fastened his seatbelt.
To make matters worse, Dinaple was in front of us.
As soon as the seatbelt sign turned off, Ga Yuna turned around and joined Kim Jeongsoo's chatter.
The irritation gauge was rising sharply.
Meanwhile, Roa, sitting to my left, lay down properly and just slept.
Hanjoon kept eating something, and Siu was deeply immersed in a movie.
Wow, he's even tearing up while watching it.
I took out my phone and took photos of the kids, escaping from the meerkat and golden retriever's chatter.
Roa sleeping with a neat face, Hanjoon skillfully opening a bag of honey peanuts, Siu finally tearing up and looking for tissues.
I got some pretty interesting photos.
Then it happened.
A woman came from the front handing out chocolates and eventually pushed them into our row.
"Have one each."
Ga Yuna was the first to reach into the bag.
Kim Jeongsoo also smiled brightly and took a chocolate.
I didn't really care and just stared blankly, so the woman lightly shook the bag.
"Ichan-ssi, have one too."
"I'm good."
Then I looked at Hanjoon.
"Hyung. Do you want some chocolate?"
"No."
"Siu?"
"Not really either."
Everyone clearly expressed they didn't want any.
"They don't want any. I'm not really into it either."
I pushed the chocolate bag away with my finger.
Then the woman, looking slightly embarrassed, left.
"Wow, I witnessed this."
Kim Jeongsoo, who exclaimed in admiration, shook his head.
Ga Yuna also shook her head.
Then she pointed at me with both hands respectfully.
"As expected, Ice Man. Is your heart made of ice?"
What nonsense. I slightly narrowed my eyebrows.
Kim Jeongsoo added an explanation to me.
"You're famous. They call you Ice Man."
"Ice Man?"
"Yeah. A pro at blowing cold wind in the faces of women who show interest."
What kind of nonsense is this.
"Several have been hurt because of you, but you don't know."
Then Ga Yuna nodded again. She nodded so vigorously that I was worried her neck might fall off.
"So now you have a 'Do Not Approach' mark unless you're very brave. That girl just dared to challenge it."
"Now that she's been rejected, you might live alone forever."
I scoffed at the two.
It was pitiful to see Korean idols talking such nonsense.
"Idol rule number one. No dating. Don't you know?"