Chapter 10: Unexpected Encounters and Fandom’s Demands

#10

“It’s good.”

Dohoon, lacking any musical discernment, could only offer this brief sentiment. While PaceA’s previous song might have felt a bit intense for those unfamiliar with idol music, this new album was undeniably accessible, easy for anyone to enjoy.

Even for Dohoon, who until recently was one of those ‘unfamiliar people,’ it didn’t feel foreign at all.

“Oh, Jaejeong!”

Suddenly, Jaejeong’s face filled the screen. Dohoon, who had recoiled in surprise when Sejin’s face appeared, now found himself drawn closer, as if mesmerized. He only regretted how fleeting the glimpse was.

“Wow, truly…”

His visuals were simply breathtaking, eliciting nothing but awe. It was baffling that someone so stunning wasn’t more popular. Dohoon still wondered what system the Korean idol market operated on.

Reluctant to merely watch, he fixed his phone camera on the screen. He intended to quickly snap a picture whenever Jaejeong appeared. However, most shots featured the group, or if a single member was highlighted, it passed too quickly, making photography a challenge.

Just as Dohoon, having captured a series of meaningless photos, was about to give up, Jaejeong’s face was held in a long shot as the second chorus began. Excited, Dohoon furiously pressed the shutter, hoping to catch at least one decent image.

Fortunately, among the ten photos he rapidly took, a couple turned out quite well, unblurred. He didn’t know how to directly capture video, nor did he have the confidence to learn, so he had essentially ‘captured’ the music video in his own unique way.

Satisfied, Dohoon gazed at the results for a long time.

He replayed the music video, which he hadn’t properly appreciated while busy taking pictures. This time, he intended to sit politely on the sofa and enjoy it. Yet, contrary to his intentions, he gradually found himself inching closer to the TV.

By the time the song ended, Dohoon was bent low, peering intently at the screen. His face was half-entranced, as if possessed.

“They shot it well.”

It seemed no expense had been spared on the sets and graphics. Dohoon turned away with a look of contentment, picking up his phone. He began to understand why people gathered in one place, no matter where, to share their ‘fangirl’ or ‘fanboy’ passions.

When a topic arose, he wanted to share that feeling with anyone who would listen.

On his timeline, fans were dissecting every nano-detail of the music video, while a serious, almost combative atmosphere surrounded discussions about streaming. Dohoon, having no information on that front, first sent a message to Bbaksae.

Bbaksae was his sole confidant in his solitary fan activities. Still, he constantly worried that Bbaksae might find him bothersome.

[TSdaddy: Bbaksae-nim!]

[TSdaddy: Have you seen the music video?]

The reply came back instantly, as usual.

[PaceA1stBbaksae: Of course!]

[PaceA1stBbaksae: I’m playing it right now.]

[TSdaddy: Jaejeong looks so good in that black suit.]

[TSdaddy: Maybe it’s because he’s tall with a good build and long limbs, but]

[TSdaddy: It seems like there’s no outfit he doesn’t suit.]

As he typed, Dohoon’s excited words grew longer.

[TSdaddy: (photo)]

[TSdaddy: This part is so pretty.]

He was so thrilled that he even sent the photo he had taken himself.

[PaceA1stBbaksae: Did you perhaps take this picture of the TV with your phone?]

[TSdaddy: Yep.]

[PaceA1stBbaksae: Wow…]

Ignoring Bbaksae’s reaction, Dohoon diligently typed out his next thoughts.

[TSdaddy: But doesn’t Jaejeong have a really nice voice? I think he sings well too.]

[PaceA1stBbaksae: Oh, right.]

[PaceA1stBbaksae: Fans are hoping for a solo song, even an OST.]

[PaceA1stBbaksae: But Baesung would never do that… ^^]

Bbaksae’s words suddenly filled Dohoon with worry.

[TSdaddy: Is the company neglecting Jaejeong?]

[PaceA1stBbaksae: It’s not just Jaejeong.]

[PaceA1stBbaksae: They only look after the popular members.]

[PaceA1stBbaksae: Still, Baesung is decent; they sometimes send them to radio shows or cable variety shows.]

[PaceA1stBbaksae: Most small-to-medium agencies just stash away unpopular members and relentlessly push the popular ones.]

Given the bitter reality, Dohoon had nothing more to say. It was simply regrettable to think that not only Jaejeong but also the other members could gain immense popularity if only they received a little more spotlight.

[TSdaddy: Oh, right! What’s ‘streaming’?]

[TSdaddy: Everyone keeps talking about streaming, but I don’t know what it is…]

[PaceA1stBbaksae: TS-nim, you’re really a ‘muggle’…]

[TSdaddy: Huh??]

After their fervent praise for Jaejeong, a ‘Spartan-style’ streaming lecture began. Dohoon, who didn’t even know the meaning of the word ‘streaming’ to begin with, found it difficult to grasp Bbaksae’s explanations all at once.

Fearing that asking too many questions might lead to him being blocked, he pretended to understand everything upfront, then diligently studied on his own afterward. Fortunately, there was an easy-to-understand image guide on the music chart ‘total attack’ account, and after a few attempts, it finally clicked.

Once he mastered one method, he realized that there wasn’t just a single music streaming site. He wondered if fans truly rotated through all these sites, dedicating themselves to their artists. Dohoon stared blankly at his phone screen, feeling both awe and bewilderment at the daunting task.

****

Recently, Dohoon’s home had become a veritable streaming factory. On the first day, when he hadn’t even considered muting the sound, he mobilized every device in the house to play songs on various music sites, to the point where Taeshik grew angry.

Peace was only restored after Bbaksae confirmed that muting the sound was perfectly fine.

Even on days when Dohoon was out for a schedule, the streaming factory hummed busily. Today, Dohoon was heading to a schedule dressed in a suit for the first time in a while. Invited to a major brand’s 20th-anniversary event, he had put in extra effort, as events with separate photo walls always required more meticulous preparation.

As he made his way to Hannam-dong, where the event was being held, Dohoon’s gaze was fixed on the rapidly passing car window. A faint sense of anticipation suddenly stirred within him, prompting him to lift his head.

“Myeongun. Are many celebrities coming to today’s event?”

“Huh? Oh, I think so. It’s their 20th anniversary, so it’ll be a big event.”

His manager, Myeongun, tried to hide his surprise as he answered Dohoon’s uncharacteristic question.

“Will singers come too?”

“Of course. I bet a lot of idols will be there.”

“Really?”

At the mention of idols, Dohoon’s heart suddenly quickened. ‘Will PaceA be there?’ Unable to ask outright, he suppressed his excitement just as Myeongun spoke again.

“I heard Black Chaser is coming, and who’s that Jooyoung likes…”

“D-Eighteen is coming? Yes! Oppa, I can go inside with you, right?”

“Huh? Oh, of course.”

Seeing Jooyoung’s undisguised delight, Dohoon felt a touch of envy.

“Ah, and I also heard that male idol group is coming.”

“…”

“PaceA? That’s them. The ones who imitated your voice.”

Thump.

Dohoon instantly dropped the phone he was holding. At the word ‘PaceA’ from his manager’s lips, time seemed to stop. He had thought it was merely an unrealistic wish, yet he couldn’t believe he would be attending the same event as PaceA.

He had vaguely hoped that he might encounter them someday in his entertainment career, but he never imagined their meeting would happen so soon.

“Oppa, are you okay?”

The stylist, who picked up Dohoon’s dropped phone and handed it to him, peered intently at his face.

“Huh? Oh. I’m fine.”

“Why?”

The manager, who was driving, glanced in the rearview mirror, wondering if something was wrong.

“Nothing. I just dropped my phone.”

“Oppa, you suddenly looked so surprised, I thought something had happened.”

“Ah, for a moment, I thought I’d forgotten to fill Taeshik’s water bowl before leaving.”

“What? That’s all it was?”

Dohoon brazenly used his pet as an excuse, carefully composing his expression. His heart, however, was still pounding rapidly.

After enduring a blinding barrage of flashes at the event’s photo wall, Dohoon stepped inside and quietly surveyed his surroundings. His senses were on high alert, hoping to catch even a glimpse of PaceA’s attire.

“Hyung, this way.”

“Okay.”

The event was scheduled to last about two hours, including performances. He was particularly thrilled to hear that PaceA would have a stage. Amidst his joy, a sense of self-reproach crept in.

If only he had checked PaceA’s schedule beforehand, he could have mentally prepared himself. Clearly, he was still lacking as a fan.

The manager led him to a seat marked with Dohoon’s name. Nearby, seats were assigned to brand representatives and fellow actors. Dohoon, despite knowing it was unlikely, had hoped to be at the same table as PaceA and tried to conceal his disappointment.

“Oppa, let me just touch up your makeup quickly.”

As the staff worked on his face, Dohoon’s mind raced, determined not to let this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity slip away. He desperately wanted to meet them, to at least exchange greetings. Honestly, he wasn’t asking for anything grand.

“I’m just going to the restroom for a moment.”

He planned to survey the entire venue on his way to the restroom. Dohoon quickly waved off his manager, who was about to follow, and hurried away from his seat. As it was a large-scale event, quite a few people greeted Dohoon along the way.

He diligently returned their greetings, but even by the time he reached the restroom, he hadn’t seen a shadow of PaceA.