It was when I was preparing my English speech ahead of attending Kids' Choice.

"brother."

"huh?"

"Have you seen the article?"

"What article... ?"

Biju wrung her hands and held out her cell phone.

Perhaps because it was about my friends, I smiled and said to Biju, who was looking at me cautiously.

"saw."

"I think I'll see my brother anyway. I thought it would be better to let you know as soon as possible... ... ."

"thank you."

I narrowed my eyes and smiled at my younger brother who was paying attention.

Meanwhile, an article similar to the one Biju was looking at appeared on my phone.

hmm.

To be honest, it feels kind of strange. It's hard to explain in words, but it's news that doesn't seem realistic at all.

Suddenly, I remember 7 years ago.

-brother! Our group name has been decided. Look at this.

-TNT? Is it a bomb?

-The Next GeneraTion I heard this is it?

-Probably not. They say it's The Next Trend. I heard that Taejun is trying to create a second trend and blah blah.

-Taehyun. You tell me to be careful what I say... no. If you call the Chairman's name like that... ... .

Maybe it's because it's a group I once participated in as a debut group.

I feel like I am momentarily immersed in a sentimental mood as the faces of my older brothers and younger siblings who were trainees with me at that time come to mind.

Of course, it wasn't unexpected news.

I heard about the atmosphere to some extent through Taehyun and Hanbin.

'The company has already decided on a direction. The group will remain, but each person will focus on individual activities, and they are busy raising Trickster right now anyway.'

All of the company's capabilities are focused on launching the new boy group Trickster.

The remaining TNT members said they would each pursue individual solo activities. Right now, even Koo Seon-woong has to go to the military next year.

Taehyun said with a chuckle.

'We are like a bunch of bastards. The group's performance isn't as good as it used to be, but if you do it individually, you can make a lot of money.'

I heard that from the beginning of your debut, TJ Entertainment subtly encouraged an atmosphere of competing with individual fans to do business.

It seemed like it had become a defeat over time.

what.

It seems that many factors were complexly intertwined, but as an outsider, I only knew fragmentary information.

-TNT Seok Ji-hoon, Jang Han-byul's contract renewal fails.. "TNT is not over."

The subjects of contract renewal failure were Jihoon and Hanbyul.

I understand that Jihoon probably went to another agency that trains actors because of his acting skills. Was he the No. 1 agency in the actor industry?

'I'm very upset at work. Even when I was an idol, I was marketable. There are so many actors like you.'

I started with the promise that they would support my acting career, but it turned out to be lukewarm because the results were not as good as I had hoped.

What about Hanbyul... Needless to say.

I heard that after much deliberation, he decided not to renew his contract, perhaps because he was tired of constantly moving around in China.

'I'm going to go to America and get some rest. 'I also spend time with my parents.'

I heard that he was going to spend some time at his parents' house in Chicago.

In conclusion, it is not a dissolution.

Because they announced that they would maintain the group.

However, it was safe to say that they were actually disbanding because they thought, 'Ta-da, we released a complete album~' and only released a special album once every year or two.

"So what are your activities now?"

I shrugged my shoulders at the youngest's question.

"Well, that's fine. Taehyun will probably go solo, and the rest will each go their own way. what."

"Something feels strange."

"me too."

Junghyun also scratched his cheek.

I think it's because they were a top group that was so high that we couldn't even make eye contact when they just debuted.

Only three years have passed since we met during Somesing.

"I hope everyone does well."

I wished good luck to my colleagues who were once almost in the same group for their future.

"... ... ."

Then I looked at the members in front of me.

The youngest child is lying down on the sofa in the lounge, pretending to memorize English sentences and playing a game on his phone.

Rihyuk writes in English while checking for typos.

From Junghyun, who is eating a handful of snacks at a time, to Biju, who is faithfully memorizing the words.

It feels strange to think of being separated from these people.

"... ... "Umm."

Originally, I was the type of person who did not regret the path I took.

I cherish the people who have passed away as memories, and I am also reminded to take care of the people who are by my side first.

But what should we say?

We've only been together for about 4 years... It's strange because it's the first time I've felt this connection since her grandmother. I feel like I have to take it with me wherever I go, and I want to let you know when I see something good.

It was time to think about that.

"brother."

Biju, who was faithfully memorizing the message, scribbled down his pen and spoke.

"I imagine that sometimes."

"What are you imagining?"

"Ten years later, we created New Black Town, and we each live in five houses in the same complex."

I burst out laughing at Biju's grand plan to turn it into New Silver Town in 50 years.

I answered with a smile.

"okay. "Let's live like that."

"But then I have to live as the youngest for the rest of my life?"

We answered the youngest's question at the same time.

"huh."

"Are you saying that?"

"Jiho will be our youngest forever."

"If you don't want to, I can call you brother."

The youngest, who was crying, declared that he would be the youngest for the rest of his life when I heard my last words.

It seems like they were shocked when they heard the news about TNT.

That's what the end is all about.

It may seem like the end will never come, but it will come someday.

Normally, I think the ending will never come, but every time something like this happens around me, I realize that the end is coming for me too.

The fact that the end is approaching cannot be changed with my own hands.

but.

"We should be together for a long time."

Wouldn't it be possible to postpone the end for a long time? I think that thought suddenly crossed my mind.

My younger siblings also nodded their heads at my words.

"Retirement is in the grave."

"... ... ."

"is not it?"

We nodded to Biju's words.

"Let's compromise on a dinner show."

"The dinner show is nice."

While chatting, I looked at the English script again, and when I saw the lyrics to the song next to it, that thought occurred to me.

I wondered why this place was special.

I think it's because I've been tied together by some kind of string with the members and fans while writing and singing many songs so far. I couldn't think of the right words to express it... ... .

I looked at my younger siblings blankly, then turned my attention to Gasaji.

BJU's song 'Number of Cases' was selected as the last song for the concert held this spring.

I added a refrain to the lyrics.

Forever ever ever

Ever-after

forever.

For a very long time.

* * *

Second week of March.

As the day went by, time passed quickly. Most of the work on the included songs, including Coin, was completed smoothly.

"Director?"

"... ... ."

"Director. Open your eyes. Are you okay?"

"... ... I was. "

"thank god. "I was surprised that he didn't move."

"Kruk."

Now all that was left was practice.

I was practicing every day with the choreography I received from choreographer Han A-yoon, the best choreographer in Korea.

Now, if we film the music video here and even take concept photos, we are ready for our comeback.

"Space brother."

"... ... ."

"Space bro. Come to your senses. "Can you hear me?"

"Off... ... ."

"thank god. It's alive. brother."

"Off... ... ."

While having fun practicing with our main dancer, we also did mirror therapy(?). I think the director must have felt this way.

Practicing was so enjoyable that I lost my mind while practicing.

It's like having a fitness trainer by your side! Just a little! As I was doing this, my vision turned white and I felt nauseous.

Is that why?

"and! Going abroad! Overseas!"

"Wow... !"

I couldn't be happier about going abroad midway through my schedule.

Even when I was going through departure procedures at Incheon Airport, the crowds of people were so welcoming.

"ruler! ruler! Please make space!"

Incheon Airport Departure Hall 3rd floor.

The reporters formed a circle, followed by onlookers and fans.

Microphones were given to our road managers while they looked nervously at the security company employees and the surroundings.

It was a quick interview before leaving the country.

"Yes, this is Entertainment IN reporter Oh So-hee. "New Black has been officially invited to the US Awards for the first time. How do you feel?"

"I'm still a little dazed."

I smiled and answered Reporter Oh.

"They say it's an awards ceremony where awards are given out based on children's votes... I'm a little surprised as to how we got invited, but it's nice. "Regardless of whether I receive an award or not, I am grateful just for the invitation."

Next, the reporters raised their hands like children in the Sunbeam class, saying, "Hey, me, me."

Skip reporters with crooked expressions.

When I was about to move my finger, Junghyun gave me a signal with his eyes.

'That reporter has a good feeling.'

'okay.'

I skipped it right away and chose another reporter.

I remembered the faces of all the people who wrote strange articles, so it was easy to choose a questioner.

"What do you think is popular with children?"

"Perhaps our unspoiled innocence... ... ?"

Citizens at the airport booed.

The reporters burst into laughter.

"It was a joke. "I think it might be because of the children's content we upload on New Black TV."

At the same time, he also pointed out reporters who had bad expressions.

If a question was not asked, the media would get even more crooked for not having asked it.

"This is your first time being invited to a major awards ceremony in the United States. How do you feel?"

Interpretation) I will try to shed some light on the shocking mix of cultural toadyism.

It was when I was laughing and trying to say something else.

Citizens really booed.

"Uuuuuuu!"

Interpretation) Go away.

After that, no strange questions were asked.

Later, when people around me ask me what was good about becoming a national idol, I have to answer that the media has become kinder to me.

The youngest smiled brightly and waved his hand.

"Then I'll be back~!"

"Have a nice trip, guys!"

"yes!"

I waved my hand while exchanging deep friendship looks with strangers.

I feel good even after boarding the plane, perhaps because I was greeted by people.

"Still, I didn't know there would be an interview. "This was a pretty big event."

"It's big."

Lee Hyuk, who was sitting next to me, said as he set up the seat, including a neck pillow.

"Even when I lived in the United States, I occasionally heard about this award ceremony. Well, it's not the same as the Oscars or Grammys, but it's quite major. "It's worth it for reporters to come out for an interview."

Kids' Choice Awards.

I heard that there are three such choice awards in the United States. People's Choice, Teen Choice, Kids' Choice.

This time we were invited to Kids' Choice, where children vote.

He said that if you look at the award itself, it is not that huge or meaningful award ceremony.

'But it's important to companies.'

He said that the real meaning lies with companies.

The fact that something is popular in Teen Choice or Kids Choice is important to companies. I heard that every year, when it's the season for these Choice Awards, companies pay close attention.

Are these people popular among elementary school students? Then, it would be suitable for products or marketing aimed at elementary school students.

Junghyun, who was covering me with a blanket, said.

"I really want to get that right. brother."

"Slime?"

"yes."

Last time, I heard an explanation from Seok-Hwan, but there is a unique culture here.

Powwow to the celebrity giving an acceptance speech or comment! and pouring green liquid on it.

I heard that this event was so popular that there was a separate list called 'List of slimed celebrities'. They say American babies really enjoy watching these slime-covered celebrities.

Unfortunately, it wasn't sprayed on just anyone.

"Junghyun. "What is your feeling?"

"great."

I exchanged looks with my younger siblings.

'I guess that's right.'

'This must be right.'

Should I at least apply some lotion beforehand?

* * *

Galen Center, LA.

Owned by the University of Southern California and used as the home stadium of the university's basketball team, preparations for the awards ceremony were in full swing.

Name tags of celebrities such as Mandy Spice were placed on the seats, and people checking the sound equipment and lighting were working on the final spurt.

and.

[The New Black]

Name tags with a black-and-white photo of the five-member group were posted next to the seats of other celebrities.

The employee tilted his head and called a colleague.

"David!"

"why?"

"Would you like to check the number of people here? These people are the New Black. "There are five, right?"

"It says so on the list."

"Because I can only see four people in the picture."

My colleague also came and looked at the photo.

The two Americans, who had been staring at the photo for a long time, caught sight of someone in the middle of the four-member group.

A warm and handsome face is hidden among the members.

"It was here."

"You're a 5-member group. "Why are you hiding?"

"I'm not a kid."

The colleague who said that asked.

"But who is the New Black?"

"I know."

"I asked people around me, but they all said they didn't know who it was. But the seat is in the best place."

"The higher-ups must have figured something out."

Due to the seating arrangement, my doubts were further amplified.

Mandy Spice is the person with the highest number of followers on Instagram among teenagers. Ocean Five, a handsome 5-member band that recently debuted, is also very popular among children.

Not to mention Hailey Blue.

But why is there a singer I've never heard of called 'New Black' among these people?

'Who is it?'

Americans' eyes were filled with doubt.

In Korea, it felt like Lee Kyun-woo, Teen Spirit, and Sergio González.

Most of the employees at work showed similar reactions.

"Who is the New Black?"

"Who is the New Black that arranges the seats like that?"

"The new black?"

Although they made their official debut by appearing on talk shows twice, they were the new black that not everyone knows about yet.

When I look at the picture, it feels like I've seen it somewhere before.

There were some people who remembered music videos such as Blue Moon or the uproar from the previous talk show, but for the majority of the general public, it was a question of 'What is the new black?'

and.

There was only one reason they were so curious.

'What are these people gathered together?'

'Are you trying to build a children's empire?'

'The babies are gathered together like storm troopers.'

It's full of kids wearing black T-shirts with the New Black logo, like soldiers in Star Wars.

Hundreds of children and thousands of adults fill the area around the Gaylan Center.

It seems like they prepared placards to encourage people not to be discouraged when they see their singer... ... .

"Damn."

One of the employees said after seeing the crowd.

"I don't know who they are, but I definitely hope they win an award. For all of us... ... ."

and.

Not only employees but also celebrities had similar reactions.

'Who is the new black?'

When I arrived at the event venue, there was a huge crowd shouting 'New Black!' They were holding up placards and making noise.

Each person who arrived at the event asked, 'Do you know who this is?' and were having a conversation.

It feels like a surprise camera that only you are unaware of.

"yes! This is the Gaelen Center! "You're seeing the biggest crowds in Kids' Choice history!"

"Everyone is calling the name of the New Black."

Child reporters relayed the situation in front of cameras.

While the fans' excited faces were captured on camera, 9-year-old Lucy, hiding in the crowd, had her eyes shining.

'oh my god. oh my god.'

The girl's eyes were colored with happiness.

'It's truly the new black. 'Maybe I like it.'

I prepared flowers and a letter to hand to New Black and held him in my arms. Then, I held her father and mother's hands tightly as well.

Like other children around him, he was breathing heavily.

I even quietly tuck my hair over my ear. It was time to adjust my pretty dress and move my feet.

"Waaaaaa!"

People's cheering could be heard from afar.

A limousine glided in smoothly and everyone was cheering, so it seemed to be the New Black.

'oh my god!'

My heart is pounding and feels like it will explode.

At the thought of seeing the New Black in real life, my face became warm and flushed.

and.

widely.

The moment the limousine door opens.

'ah.'

Tears flowed.

'Today is the best moment of my life.'

The five-member group, dressed in stylish suits with long legs, gracefully got out of the car one by one.

Cheers erupted at the scene.

So much so that those holding the broadcast cameras flinched.

"Waaaaaa!"

The New Black is seen waving to people with a slightly awkward expression.

handsome.

So handsome.

When I saw him in person, he looked two hundred times, no, two thousand times more handsome. My face was just glowing!

New Black members walk the red carpet and sign autographs or take pictures with people across the line.

"dad! dad! dad!"

"huh."

It was when I was waiting again with the letter and flowers handed to me by my father.

The event venue was chaotic and people were being pushed around here and there.

Someone took a step back and Lucy, who was stuck between the adults, fell.

'uh?'

And the fallen flower became someone's sneakers... ... .

'no!'

I trampled it and trampled it.

'... ... .'

Tears started to well up.

As I look at the flower with its dark marks, tears start to fall, and I feel sad about life.

It was a time when I felt like my whole world collapsed overnight.

A shadow appeared before my eyes.

"Are you okay?"

"... ... uh?"

"I think I fell."

When she looked up, she saw the most handsome man in the world looking at her.

It was my favorite Biju!

When the tears stop in an instant and you look at the other person with a blank face.

"hi."

Biju smiled sweetly and shook off the flowers that had fallen on the floor. Then she put it in the breast pocket of her suit.

Immediately a kind voice was heard.

"Can I take this flower?"

"... ... yes!"

It felt like time in the whole world had stopped.

I felt like I was going to collapse, but I managed to come to my senses and looked at the handsome boy who was giving off a sweet scent.

A handsome boy who seemed like a person from another world opened his mouth.

"however... ."

gulp.

"Where are you?"

"... ... ."

"Where on earth did I come from... ... ."

A 9-year-old girl met Choi Ae for the first time in her life and was currently wandering the red carpet.