translation by mourningmoor
“Ichan, how’s your condition today?”
Park Jungrae, the CEO of H-NET, asked brightly.
“I rested well yesterday, so I’m fine.”
The schedules for Paris K-KON and LA K-KON were so tight that many artists were struggling with their conditions. That’s why the rehearsal atmosphere yesterday wasn’t great.
Perhaps worried about that, Park Jungrae’s eyes were busy scanning the artists’ faces.
“I’m glad to hear you’re doing well.”
Park Jungrae, who smiled warmly, handed me a luxurious envelope. When I hesitated to take it, the corners of his eyes curved gently.
“There’s a party at the hotel after today’s concert.”
I had heard about it from PD Pyo.
It’s a party hosted by the organizers, and invitations were sent only to top-tier participants, including the representatives of the participating artists’ agencies.
I know that PD Pyo accompanied us on this K-KON schedule mainly because of this party. It’s a gathering of influential people in this field, so he needs to make an impression.
[I’ll promote you guys to the elders this time and create a foundation for you to become top-tier in about two years.]
Two years? That’s too long.
Besides, it’s not something that can be achieved through his efforts alone, yet he dares to boast like that.
Of course, it means that the party is filled with such influential people.
“I’d like to invite Ichan to the party.”
He’s inviting me to such a party?
Perhaps because of the connection from finding his lost ring, Park Jungrae seemed to like me quite a bit. Still, this level of favor is excessive. It’s also unusual.
Come to think of it, having a magic circle doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll hold a grudge against me.
Unlike Aki or Jung Yoobin, CEO Park Jungrae’s attitude towards me clearly shows favor.
“Thank you. I’ll definitely come.”
I smiled and accepted the invitation.
At that moment, Park Jungrae’s gaze lingered on my finger.
“Your ring looks great today, Ichan.”
I deliberately wore a ring with a flashy design.
It’s a design that wraps around the finger like an eagle’s claw, somewhat resembling the pattern on Park Jungrae’s ring. Maybe that’s why he showed particular interest in my ring today.
“You said you like rings, so you’re wearing a different design from yesterday.”
Oh, so he noticed my ring yesterday too.
We only briefly crossed paths before the rehearsal.
With a smile, I subtly touched the ring and gestured to Park Jungrae’s finger.
“You always wear the same ring, CEO.”
Today, the ring in question was still on his finger.
It was the day we met at Incheon Airport when he was leaving for Paris. He recognized me and struck up a conversation. I immediately cast a magic detection spell to verify if his ring was a magic circle.
The verification revealed that Park Jungrae’s ring and Go Dajin’s magic circle were created by the same mage. They contained magic of the same color and texture.
“It still looks great.”
Park Jungrae smiled contentedly at my compliment and nodded.
“It’s special.”
“It looks special.”
I made a difficult request to Park Jungrae, who was looking at his ring with such care.
“Can I take a closer look?”
Since he treasures the ring so much, it wouldn’t be easy for him to allow someone to examine it closely.
But judging from the flow so far, this man was very excited that someone recognized the value of his ring.
He has a remarkable ring, but no one appreciated it, so he was bored. But when a young kid like me recognized it, he couldn’t help but feel proud.
“I want to match it somehow. The design is unique and really cool.”
“Hmm. Then just look.”
After pretending to think for a moment, Park Jungrae readily agreed and extended his hand.
“Thank you.”
With an ecstatic expression, I looked at the ring and suddenly tapped the pattern. Then, I subtly infused a high-concentration purification spell.
Magic circles inscribed on objects aren’t as strong as those on the body.
I just hope the magic works well and that by the time of the party written on the invitation, he’ll show me what’s in his mind.
In an instant, Park Jungrae’s expression changed.
His brown eyes flickered and trembled, seemingly very flustered.
“I-Ichan. If you touch it like that…”
“I’m sorry. It’s so cool that I couldn’t help it.”
I winked and apologized, then smiled brightly and bowed my head.
“Then I’ll see you after the event.”
I waved the invitation and quickly left.
I achieved my small goal.
I’ve been dealing with him for days to get this opportunity.
I’ll know the results tonight.
* * *
Juhee, who had filmed the red carpet event, quickly moved with Inyoung. To capture various angles, they found separate spots and checked the shooting composition one last time before parting.
“Wow. My heart is racing.”
Inyoung, who had finished the final check, raised her voice excitedly.
“Did you see it earlier? The members’ red concept outfits. Totally amazing.”
As Inyoung said, it was totally amazing.
Siu in a red suit with a frilly white blouse.
Jaewon in black pants, a white shirt, and a red vest.
Roa in red pants, a red turtleneck, and a black vest.
Hanjoon in black pants and a red safari jacket.
And Ichan in black pants, a black turtleneck, and a red jacket.
The stage outfits, unified in red with different designs, were sexy yet sophisticated.
And of course, the best was Kang Ichan.
Juhee smiled contentedly and tapped the camera.
“The more stunning they are, the better we should capture and promote them.”
“Roger!”
Inyoung, who seemed to have a strong sense of duty, saluted and walked away with a bright smile. Juhee took a deep breath as she watched Inyoung leave.
“Let’s go for it.”
* * *
Yoojung, who had been scribbling on her thesis, closed her laptop at the sound of an alarm.
It was set in the time of LA K-KON.
“It’s starting now, right?”
She quickly turned on the TV and tuned into the H-NET channel.
The love-hate H-NET.
Since they were the first to eliminate Graphstar, she hadn’t paid any attention to H-NET for the past few years.
Well, actually, since Graphstar disappeared, there was no reason to watch it. But now, she’s back to this damn channel to watch L.I.T.. She’s been frequenting it.
Just frequenting? They even created K-KON and are broadcasting it live. She’s practically worshipping them.
“CEO Park Jungrae of H-NET. Thank you. May you live long and prosper.”
Yoojung, even adding a snort, sent a hand heart towards the H-NET logo.
Then, she prepared to record the screen and waited for the red carpet event to start.
Finally, the cars carrying the participants arrived one by one at the red carpet.
“I don’t need anything else. Just show me L.I.T..”
That’s when it happened.
The door of the black car that had just arrived opened, and Siu in a red suit stepped out. Yoojung, who had pressed the record button, let out an involuntary scream.
“Kyaaaa! Yoon Siu! Blonde hair and a stunning red suit.”
At the same time as Inyoung screamed, the messenger was also in chaos.
It seemed like the fan club supporters and the homepage master group were both going crazy. Sharing the excitement doubles the joy, right?
Inyoung, who had opened the messenger on the dual monitor, typed away.
Guys, can you see the kids? ㅠㅠㅠㅠ How can they be so graceful?
At that moment, Ichan stepped out of the car.
Chan, my wife.
OMG King Ichan, what’s today’s concept? Why is he like this? Why is he so handsome? I’m going to have a heart attack.
LIT fanatic.
King. But Ichan-nim shines the most with black hair.
Right?
Jjan’s girlfriend.
Wait, what the heck? The kids' outfits today are absolutely amazing. Wow, Ichan-hyung and Siu-hyung totally killed it today. Seriously.
Worship the Fairy King.
Right ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ They appeared on the red carpet in red, but if they still shine, what are we supposed to do? ㅠㅠㅠㅠ
Jjan’s girlfriend.
That’s why our kids are the shining stars, rightㅎㅎㅎㅎㅎㅎ
Even their backs as they entered the venue after the interview seemed to radiate brilliance.
Touched. Just looking at my babies’ hair makes me happy.
Joondaeng is the best.
Me tooㅠㅠㅠㅠ I’m full even without eating.
In all of heaven and earth, only L.I.T reigns supreme.
T.N.: is a playful twist on the famous Buddhist phrase "In all of heaven and earth, I alone am honored."
Wow, I fell for Siu, then fell for Ichan, got hit by Joondaeng, and then plunged into Roa. From today, I’m an all-fan. All-fan.
ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ That’s how it goes, right? There’s no one in this room who isn’t an all-fan.
They chatted for a while about L.I.T..
They even brought up the musical color of this album and raised the level of their chatter.
Then, as if by agreement, the chat went quiet.
The MC had just introduced L.I.T..
On the dark stage, Latin rhythm music flowed slowly.
Then, a thud sound, and the light came on and off. Then, another thud sound, and the light came on and off.
The thudding sound gradually became smaller until it turned into a heartbeat sound. Then, a beep sound.
The dark stage suddenly lit up, and the lights shone on the L.I.T. members already on stage.
The Staples Center seemed to shake with cheers as the song began.
Voyager.
A traveler on the road.
The steps are languid, the attire is loose.
A splendid back, an elegant gesture.
An irresistible charm.
Falling into temptation.
I’m Voyager.
A traveler at the end of the road.
Seoul, New York, Paris, Tokyo.
My heart flutters.
I’m everywhere.
Just leave.
Voyager.
A traveler on the road.
…….
It feels different from the first performance on the music show comeback stage.
Unlike the original, the melody was sensually rearranged, and the choreography had a strong Latin vibe.
The L.I.T. that danced brightly in jeans and a bomber jacket was gone, replaced by enchanting men determined to show their red side.
A gasp escaped involuntarily.
“They’re really determined.”
With those expressions, those eyes, nothing else comes to mind but determination. Moreover, they’re performing the choreography flawlessly while singing live. It’s impossible not to fall for them.
When my idol comes out this determined, as a fan, I want to support them with all my heart.
“Alright, this noona will do her absolute best for our babies. Really.”
Inyoung, with a sense of mission, started editing the video of L.I.T. she had just finished recording.
The edited version was completed three hours later.
She increased the clarity, added filters, and even made a few GIFs of the best moments.
Feeling proud, she stretched long when it happened.
A breaking news alert in red letters appeared on the TV screen, which she had forgotten to turn off after K-KON ended.