Chapter 189
“Yoon Cheong’s ‘Nakhwa’ was truly legendary….”
At Blue Duck’s words, Hong Fan nodded vigorously.
Just moments ago.
Yoon Cheong’s solo stage, <Nakhwa>, moved all the fans deeply.
Only the live audience at <Dear My Diva> got to see that live…?
Fans missed out while casual viewers got to enjoy it….
“Since Cheong came out with a solo, do you think the other members will also have solo stages?”
“But judging by Juhong’s public performance, it feels like there might be unit stages.”
“Units… are really great. I wonder what the combinations will be? That’s what I’m most curious about.”
Hong Fan, in particular, was very curious about what combination her favorite, Yeon Juhong, would come out in.
No matter who she’s with, if it’s Juhong, the chemistry will be amazing.
‘I’m already excited…!’
At the moment Hong Fan thought that, the members came back on stage.
However,
“Are they trying to hide their outfits? They’re wearing weird cloaks…!”
“Oh my god. My excitement is at 200%….”
Except for Yoon Cheong, who already had her solo stage, the rest of the members appeared with their outfits completely covered.
[Geum: Did everyone enjoy our Cheong Cheong’s solo?]
Yes!
The fans responded loudly.
[Geum: Ah, I listened to it throughout practice, and I never got tired of it. It just means our Cheong Cheong’s voice is that good, right?]
[Juhong: That’s right! We persuaded Cheong Cheong that she had to do a solo stage.]
Watching the members on the screen, Blue Duck and Hong Fan eagerly guessed the next stage.
“Juhong’s hair and makeup today… feel a bit different from usual…! It’s not cute but more intense…!”
“Exactly…!”
What kind of concept is this…!
The two looked at the stage with pounding hearts.
[Bo-ra: We thought our fans might feel a bit disappointed.]
[Baek-young: Did we do well?]
Yes!
The fans responded sincerely.
[Cheong: Thank you for enjoying it. Now, we can’t not introduce the next stage.]
[Geum: I think many of you might have guessed it already.]
[Juhong: This time~ It’s our unit stage! We’ll show it to you!]
[Baek-young: We also had a lot of fun preparing this.]
[Bo-ra: We hope you enjoy it and find it cute.]
[Juhong: Whoa~? We’re not doing a cute stage! We’ve prepared a cool stage for the first time in a while!]
[Bo-ra: Haha.]
[Bo-ra: Yes, it would be nice if you could watch us looking cool instead of cute.]
[Juhong: Then, shall we go straight to the stage that Baek-young and I prepared!]
With those words, the lights went out.
And then.
Honey,
Don’t be afraid of the dark
I’m here for you
In the dark concert hall, a playful yet relaxed narration flowed out.
‘Oh?!’
The fans’ eyes widened.
This song…!
‘…Isn’t this the famous song about a guardian angel with a crazy obsession?’
Even better.
All the fans quietly nodded their heads in agreement.
At that moment.
Red lights turned on.
If you’re tired of the darkness
That follows you everywhere
Let’s go with me
Seo Baek-young and Yeon Juhong appeared on stage, wearing black leather cropped bustiers and black tulle asymmetrical skirts, paired with lace-up boots that reached their knees.
Both had black rose tattoo stickers on their arms and legs.
They were wearing white lace gloves.
It was a gothic look concept.
‘Crazy….’
Hong Fan thought for a moment that today might be the day she died.
Wasn’t this like telling fans to just drop dead?
Yeon Juhong, who always smiled brightly and refreshingly.
Today, she had a completely different smile.
A languid smile that seemed to hide some secret intention.
Don’t waste time
Even if we run in parallel lines
We know we’ll eventually meet
Don’t let go of my hand
Yeon Juhong, standing behind Seo Baek-young, held Seo Baek-young’s hand and sang as if whispering.
Seo Baek-young hesitated, looking unsure whether to fall for it or not.
She then turned her back on Yeon Juhong and moved to the opposite side of the stage.
When the two of them stood at the ends of the stage.
Suddenly.
The lights on Yeon Juhong’s side went out.
Don’t doubt your fate
Shout out on the surface of your water
Your deep sea belongs to me
The red highlight light shone only on Seo Baek-young.
Seo Baek-young spun gracefully, performing a solo dance.
It was eerie yet captivating, impossible to look away.
Having never performed a dance like this before, it struck with more impact.
It suited her so well that it made one wonder why they hadn’t done such a stage until now.
When the solo dance ended.
Seo Baek-young pointed towards where Yeon Juhong was.
As the fans turned their heads to the opposite side.
Don’t doubt your fate
Enjoy all my light
Your darkness belongs to me
This time, the light turned on Yeon Juhong’s side.
Seo Baek-young disappeared into the darkness.
Yeon Juhong stood on a prepared round platform.
She danced like a ballerina on a music box.
Her bright platinum bobbed hair and black outfit.
And her slow-turning toes.
The fans watched her in a daze.
At that moment.
Yeon Juhong suddenly leaned forward, about to fall.
As the fans gasped in shock.
Even if you fall
I’ll always catch you
Only I will
Seo Baek-young ran over and caught Yeon Juhong.
At that moment, they pressed their hands together.
So trust me
You can jump anytime
Falling with me forever
Smiling, they pushed each other away.
Even if you’re an angel
Even if you’re the devil
Promise
I’ll stay by your side
Cause I’m your Guardian
Cause I’m your Guardian
And then, they continued with a paired dance facing each other.
The choreography was completely mirrored, moving in opposite directions.
It was elegant yet light, like ballet.
They seemed to waltz together.
While also glaring at each other as if they would devour one another.
Even if you push me away
Even if you abandon me
Promise
I’ll still be by your side
Cause I’m your Guardian
Cause I’m your Guardian
Then.
After singing the final chorus together.
Seo Baek-young and Yeon Juhong covered each other’s eyes with their hands.
“Always!”
They shouted the last lyrics and fell backward.
At that moment.
All the lights went out.
While Hong Fan fainted from sheer joy.
In the opposite section, Puf and Deputy Kim were together.
The two had accidentally met in the standing area.
Since they knew each other through SNS, they were thrilled to meet.
“The next unit will be Bo-ra and Geum, right?”
At Puff’s words, Deputy Kim nodded.
“They said they would never do a unit together. They are such liars.”
“How on earth did they keep it a secret? If I were with Steel Blue, I would’ve spoiled everything a hundred times over.”
“Seeing that legendary stage just now makes it even more….”
“What kind of concept will they come out with?”
“Both of them really like strong concepts….”
“They like dramatic things….”
“So, wouldn’t a very strong stage come out?”
Kim Geum.
Ryu Bo-ra.
What kind of people were they?
They were members who preferred strong and bold concepts over cute and pure ones.
When fans asked for cute challenges, they were the ones who did it with the stiffest faces.
Since you want it, we’ll do it….
But you could tell they were thinking, I’m not good at this… through their awkward movements.
They both tried their best to show cuteness, but their expressions remained serious….
It made their attempts even more poignant and sad.
“But that makes me want to see them do more cute things.”
“That’s right. Actually… I’ve been looking for more cute challenges on purpose lately. Because I want to see the kids doing them….”
Sorry for being a pervert, kids….
As the two briefly reflected on themselves.
The lights went out.
The VCR started playing.
For the past year.
It showed the members coming off the stage.
On stage, the members were smiling brightly.
But as they came down, they were drenched in sweat and looked very exhausted.
As the fans’ worried cries were heard, the screen changed.
The door to the dorm appeared.
It was the door they had seen dozens of times through their own content.
A camera was set up in front of that door.
[Cheong: I’m home~]
Then, Yoon Cheong opened the door and came in.
[Cheong: What’s this, filming?]
[Geum: We’re shooting our own content. Say hi.]
[Cheong: Hello, everyone. I just got off work and came home.]
[Geum: What time is it now~? Miss Yoon Cheong~?]
[Cheong: Let’s see… it’s 3 AM. Haven’t you slept yet?]
[Geum: I was waiting for you.]
[Cheong: Why?? You could’ve just gone to bed.]
[Geum: Then it’d be lonely.]
[Cheong: That’s sweet. Now that I’m here, let’s go to bed quickly.]
Even though Yoon Cheong’s face was tired, it lit up with happiness.
The video then showed other members’ return home one by one.
Sometimes it was Kim Geum waiting, and other times it was Ryu Bo-ra.
The common point was that everyone was happy to see the member waiting for them.
[Juhong: You waited for me?! Today, I’m treating, treating, Juhong is buying late-night snacks!]
[Baek-young: Wow, you waited for me? I’m touched. I’ll wait for you guys next time.]
[Bo-ra: Why wait for me? You should just sleep. Next time, don’t wait and just go to bed.]
[Geum: Ryu Bo-ra. You told me not to wait for you, but why do you wait for me?!]
Though they felt embarrassed and sorry.
Their expressions were filled with joy.
Seeing that, the fans’ hearts were moved.
The video turned off.
The highlight lights illuminated the center of the stage.
Every night
Watching you come home
There was a small structure resembling a doghouse and a cushion, and-
I had so much
I wanted to say to you
Kim Geum, wearing cat ears.
Ryu Bo-ra, wearing dog ears.
Both held microphones, wearing animal paw gloves.
Was it tough today as well?
Kim Geum asked first.
You look especially exhausted today
Ryu Bo-ra sang with a worried expression.
Is there nothing I can do for you?
Can’t I be your strength?
Taking turns, the two continued to sing one line each.
Falling asleep beside you
I had a dream
Kim Geum lay on Ryu Bo-ra’s lap as she continued singing.
A dream where I grew as big as you
Ryu Bo-ra extended her arms upward, showing ‘this much’ with her expression.
A dream where I became as strong as you
Kim Geum made a muscle pose with her arms, showing ‘this much’ with her expression.
You are the biggest in the world
You are the strongest in the world
The two kept singing cheerfully, exchanging lines with bright smiles.
I will become as strong as you
Just as you protected me
I will protect you
Ryu Bo-ra waved to the fans as she sang.
You know
When I opened my eyes, my wish came true
You know
From today, I will protect you
Everything that makes you struggle
I will defeat it all
No matter what in the world
Will not hurt us
Because I will be by your side
If someone comes to bother you
(Bark!)
I will bite them
(Bite!)
Just give me the name
Give me the details
So don’t cry
Next was.
Kim Geum’s rap part.
Occasionally, Ryu Bo-ra added interjections.
Though her face turned red as she mimicked a dog.
Ryu Bo-ra tried her best to add the interjections.
No, it’s okay to cry
Just don’t cry alone
Let’s cry together
Let’s sleep together again today
I will guard you
At your bedside
And so.
Their cute stage came to an end.
At the end, like a cat and dog, they playfully swatted each other with cat punches and dog punches.