#40

It was called a fan signing event, but since it was also combined with the fan club inauguration ceremony, we wanted to design it a little differently.

I made a special request to Producer Pyo to arrange a special segment, and at the right time, an additional filming request came in from TVH.

Thinking there was nothing to lose, I casually suggested it.

Would the announcer Do Junwoo be able to take on the role of host?

Honestly, I didn’t expect much.

But then, an unexpected event occurred.

The person in question, Do Junwoo, personally called Producer Pyo.

[―I’m also a Filament. I joined the fan café. I was upset when I didn’t get selected for the fan signing event, but if you call me, I’ll host for free.]

Even though a host was only needed for the opening, he replied that he would do it no matter what.

Well, during the shoot, Announcer Do Junwoo subtly took our side, even deviating from the script.

If nothing else, it seemed that Announcer Do Junwoo and Writer Kang Jihoon had firmly taken our side and lent us quite a bit of support.

That’s how Announcer Do Junwoo ended up standing on the stage.

And as planned, the fan signing event began with a performance on stage.

* * *

To the eerie sound of a dark atmosphere, L.I.T slowly formed their formation, their movements deliberate and synchronized. As intense laser lights poured down, they suddenly burst outward, their positions exploding like a firework display.

The sound quickly shifted into an upbeat house-style EDM rhythm.

In sync with the music, their formation flowed irregularly, shifting fluidly until it extended into a straight line. Standing at varied angles, the five men moved seamlessly, their motions rippling from left to right like water, eventually forming a sharp V-shape.

Only One. There’s only one way. (All)

As the song began, L.I.T showcased their signature trait—precise, knife-like choreography.

The gray sky has cleared. Even the clouds bow down.

Nothing can dare block your path.

I will hold you, wipe away your tears.

Because we are each other's only one. (Roa)

As the lead vocalist Roa’s clear, pure voice resonated through the stage, the movements of the other members grew even more precise and intricate.

Only One. There's only one way. (All)

As Roa stepped aside, Ichan moved to the center of the stage.

Raising one hand high into the air, the choreography shifted, drawing all members toward the center. Ichan’s raised hand snapped downward like firing a gun, seamlessly transitioning into a series of intricate and elegant hand movements.

Shouting to the sky, getting buried in the roar of the crowd

Until I can understand the little secret inside you

I'll recognize you, I'll embrace your heart

Because we are one and only to each other. (Ichan)

His voice was clean and flawless, without a single unnecessary note. Clear, yet richer compared to Roa’s. It carried the feeling of a low, resonant chime heard at dawn.

Behind Ichan, Siu pressed his back against his. As they leaned into each other, Siu subtly turned, and before anyone realized, he was now facing the front.

With a wistful gaze, Siu began rapping softly, as if murmuring.

Don’t be afraid, don’t be scared.

Your anxious eyes pierce my heart.

Think briefly, decide quickly.

It’s fate anyway.

Run away (you can’t escape), dive in (you can’t resist).

Don’t worry, because I’m here by your side. (Siu)

Well, those frightened eyes make me feel small again today.

It’s fear that kept us from fitting together.

Jump in (you can’t), run forward (the way is blocked).

Don’t hold your breath. I’m here to protect you. (Hanjoon)

As Siu and Hanjoon’s raps intertwined, their movements on stage mirrored their words, crossing paths at the center. In that moment, Jaewon surged forward, cutting between them to take the lead.

At that moment, Siu and Hanjoon stepped back, and Roa and Ichan flanked Jaewon on either side.

A dance break began, one that couldn’t be seen on regular music show stages. This triggered an ear-splitting cheer from the audience, which had been holding its breath until now.

The dance break, initiated with Jaewon at the center, shifted focus to Roa, then to Ichan, evolving seamlessly with each transition.

The direction of their fingers, the angles of their tilted heads, the way they stepped forward and bent their knees, the way their gazes met, the sequence of their shoulder rotations, even the degree of bounce in their body movements—every element harmonized with flawless precision.

As Ichan and Roa retreated, the main vocalist, Jaewon, stepped forward and began to sing.

A world I've never been to, a road I've never walked.

I, who seem familiar yet unfamiliar, a strange world.

But I’m not worried. Because I have you.

You, and only you. Only One, Only You. (Jaewon)

Jaewon, who raised his high notes smoothly, didn’t lose a single breath even after completing the dynamic dance break.

Everything was perfect. The perfect performance made all the members feel catharsis.

And that catharsis wasn’t something felt only by L.I.T. Fans, who had become the first-generation Filament and came here, were drenched in the best performance unfolding right before their eyes, screaming wildly.

* * *

After the performance, there was a brief interview led by the host, and soon after, the autograph session began.

Starting from the left side of the stage, Jaewon, Siu, Roa, Hanjoon, and I sat in order. Since there was no fan manager, Gyuhyung and Hyerim went up to the stage to guard behind us. The road duo was guiding fans below the stage.

It was quite an interesting sight.

Fans, each holding a L.I.T album close to their chest, were lined up one by one, holding something in both hands.

Each of their faces was flushed with excitement, and anticipation hung thick in the air.

It would take a little more time before the first fan reached in front of me.

But I couldn’t afford to relax for even a moment.

Because cameras were clicking from all around.

If I let my guard down, there was a risk of creating a weird meme like the one from a few days ago.

So, every time a fan called my name, I waved at the camera and smiled. As prettily as I could.

Yeah, this was the best I could do.

And finally, the first fan reached in front of me.

* * *

At twenty-six years old this year,

Juhee never imagined, not even for a second, that her heart would be attacked by a seven-year-younger idol.

It all started when her friend Yoojung suggested she watch NewTube, but she never thought she would get this caught up in it.

As she kept watching, she found herself completely immersed, creating related content, putting up ads everywhere, and now, she had ended up at this fan signing event.

Juhee had fallen deeply for L.I.T.

As time passed, a dilemma arose.

The old Graphstar oppas were a few years older than her, so it was natural to call them "oppa" at fan signings.

But what about L.I.T?

Even the oldest member, Hanjoon, was six years younger than her.

Ah, forget it. If they're handsome, they're all oppas.

With that newfound boldness, Juhee stepped up when her turn came.

She first approached Jaewon, who greeted her shyly, and before she knew it, a motherly smile appeared on her face.

‘Aww, he's nine years younger than me.’

That’s why she couldn’t bring herself to call him oppa.

Then Jaewon was the one who called her "noona" first.

"What's your name, noona...?"

Jaewon glanced at the sticky note stuck on the album and signed it with a smile, "To Juhee noona." He then naturally took her hand.

"Noona, thank you for coming to the fan sign event. Ah, wait, I should thank you for becoming a member of Filament’s first generation first."

His smile was so refreshingly sweet it was almost unbearable.

"No, no. Thank you for showing such an amazing stage."

"How was the stage today?"

"It was the best. The dance break was really cool."

"Was it okay? Two days ago, Ichannie hyung suddenly suggested it..."

Then, Jaewon peeked his head out and looked over at Ichan.

"Anyway, that guy, whenever he says something, he acts on it right away. He's a scary guy."

It sounded like he was complaining, but his voice was full of affection.

Juhee smiled brightly at Jaewon and moved to the side.

And once again, she was surprised.

Wow, Yoon Siu wasn't human. No, how can a person look like this? His small, fair face with beautifully harmonized eyes, nose, and mouth was just stunning.

As Juhee stared at him, Siu shyly smiled and lowered his gaze.

"Hello."

"Uh, hi. Siu."

Wait, who’s the celebrity, and who’s the fan here? The roles were completely reversed.

The fact that he’s so shy, unable to even make eye contact properly, was strangely charming.

How someone like him could pull off such a performance on stage, Juhee couldn’t quite figure out.

After quickly signing, Siu fumbled under the desk for something and then handed her two caramel candies.

“Here, take these.”

“Wait, are you giving these to me?”

"Yes. I'm not good with words, so I thought I'd give you something to boost your energy."

He was as sweet as his face.

"Thank you."

Then, she realized something was off.

She had been so excited about meeting the guys that she hadn't given them their gifts yet.

"Oh, right. Here's the gift. This one's for Jaewon, and this one's for Siu. They're the same—game consoles."

Then, the two kids smiled brightly, thanking her.

Next was Roa.

This one was truly a serious doe-eyed beauty.

His eyes had a slight downturn at the corners, making him look incredibly gentle, but his gaze was sharp and clear. He mentioned, without even being asked, that out of all the members, he was the most self-conscious about his nose, even considering getting a nose job to make it more prominent.

"No? No way. Your nose is really pretty. You absolutely shouldn't change it. Got it?"

"Got it. I won't do it."

After making sure she got him to promise not to touch his face, with even a pinky swear, Juhee moved on to the next one.

Next was Hanjoon.

His real name was Han Junyoung. His stage name was Hanjoon. Among the Filament members, he was known as Hanjoondaeng.

His sharp, slightly cold eyes, with no double eyelids, might give off a somewhat distant vibe, but that's exactly what made him attractive.

"Hello."

When he smiles like that, he really turns into a gentle puppy.

"Ah, hey."

Juhee shyly greeted him and handed him the album. Without hesitation, Hanjoon signed it.

"Did you have lunch?"

That was the first question Hanjoon threw at her.

"Uh, have you eaten, Hanjoon?"

"I haven't eaten. He didn't give me food."

Hanjoon's head subtly tilted toward Ichan.

At that, Ichan, who had been talking to the fan in front of him, subtly raised one corner of his mouth.

Oh my god. Is that how he smiles?

Juhee almost screamed and quickly covered her mouth with both hands.

"Please tell him not to let me starve when you get his autograph. He's such a bad guy."

Like Jaewon, Hanjoon seemed to be complaining, but there was so much affection in his voice. Ah, these kids really love their leader to death.

A strange wave of emotion hit Juhee, and she could only nod her head, unable to speak.

And finally, her ultimate bias was right in front of her.

Her ultimate bias was truly, tearfully perfect.

Juhee, covering her lips with both hands, couldn't hold back the words she had been dying to say, and instead of a scream, she blurted out the words.

"Oppa!"