It might have seemed to be a new day for them but, in all actuality, it's nothing new. They wake up everyday only with energy to radiate the love and the happiness to all their dedicated fans, the Glads(short for gladiators). It's what wakes them up. It's what makes them willing to give up every single second of their days to just be able to make them happy.
7 men who dedicated their youth to run after their passion for music. They've been around for almost 8 years. 'Empire' is the number one, k-pop band on the charts. A band that has taken the music industry by storm, created a scene that everyone will keep on watching over and over. They created a scene that will proudly be replayed as part of history.
Today is a new season for their weekly variety show "Imperial games". the production team was changed due to conflicts that were not made known to the members.
You were standing in the middle of the field fixing the cameras and telling everyone what to do. You are the head of the media team and the director. You've been working only for 7 years but you have made quite a ripple effect all around. You were offered this job and it was a new concept to you. You've always loved new things.
You love to experience things at its fullest. You always say that by the age of 50 you'd want to have experienced everything. That was your priority more than anything. No money and no fame drive you. It's your passion for life and your eagerness to leave a mark. You accepted the offer because you also thought it would be fun to direct such a light-spirited series and tour around to see the life of K-pop groups.
Even though it was the beginning of winter. You were sweating because of all the work. You love having your hand on everything even if it's not your task. You are a sucker for perfection. You went down the wooden ladder as you fixed the angles of the cameras and made sure everything was just right.
You asked for everyone to gather around so you can have your encouraging words. "Guys, I am so proud of everyone of you. I have been working with you for the past three years and it's been a pleasure ever since. You never disappointed me. I am thankful that you were willing to take this step with me. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have made it. I know this is new, but I know we can do it, fighting!"
They chanted back, "fighting!"
The boys arrived and were about to enter. They anticipated meeting the new crew, hoping that they would go along as well as the previous team. You were standing there looking at them walking around the football field as they get through the gate. You smiled.
Trying to fix your messy look. They smiled as they approached you. "Hello," Neo, the leader, said while they all repeated after, showing their respect. Neo was tall and muscular he gave out a beautiful warm halo around himself and his dimpled smile eased your worries.
"Hello!" You replied. You were starting to get nervous since you've just realized that you're younger than some of them and you hope that it won't affect the professionalism of the crew.
"We are Empire," Ji Seon, the cute fairy-like one interjected. You smiled. He really is as beautiful and delicate as everyone in your crew said as they were fangirling about them.
You already know everything, of course. You found his attitude cute and welcoming so it kind of took off some of the weight on your shoulders. The guys smiled as well, and Tee jokingly looked at Ji Seon like he's stupid. Tee was the warmest one in that line up. Not only were his clothes warm-colored but his eyes were, too.
"Hi, guys! I am Catherine." You introduced yourself. They all seemed to try and pronounce your name all looking like elementary school kids. That even makes you more at ease.
You've always found it funny when you introduce yourself by your original name to Koreans. It's been 5 years here and it never failed to put a smile on your face. You giggled and followed by, "don't worry, my korean name is Kaesolin." They let out a sound of relief and Jason asked hastily without honorifics, "it's nice to meet you!" Jason was the maknae. However he had this confidence in him he looked like he owned the room.
Neo and Moon the hyungs facepalmed. It's understandable, you look younger than the average person your age. He repeated this time using honorifics. "Well, let me tell you some things about me and my crew," you wetted your lips that dried from the cold weather.
"I was born in England to a Korean mother and an English dad. I learned Film production and directing in UCLA." You scanned their impressed faces.
You paused, "I moved here and, long story short, I have been working hard for 7 years (two before you graduated and moved to Korea) between here, Hollywood, and some minor projects all over the world." Some clapped while others just nodded. "I've been working with my extremely intelligent crew for 3 years and we've worked on many projects."
They introduced themselves one by one as briefly as possible.
"Hi, I'm Kim Nak Yum, also known as Neo. I'm the leader of this group."
"I'm Kim San Jin. Known as San. I'm the hyung."
"I'm Min Yeon Moon. Moon for short. I'm the haraboji of this group." You laughed. His grounded attitude and his caring eyes explained why he considered himself the elderly.
"JJ, Jung Jeon Seok, the sunshine of the group, here!" He said in the fattest smile anyone could muster. Your giggles kept getting higher and higher.
"Park Ji Seon, the tallest person in this group." The was everyone reacted made you laugh. You tried to stifle the laugh as much but the joke was just too obvious, yet, the way he said it made your knees weak.
"Tee, here, nice to meet you!" He winked. Short, but powerful.
"Jeon Jung Ho, Jason, the maknae." He said while waving his hands and smiling so proudly like he's delivering a daesang speech.
You mustered a bigger smile.
"I am looking forward to working with you guys! I've always been in love with your aesthetic and I am here to do my best to make something as awesome as you and your fans."
It was time to start shooting and everything was just right. You counted down all nervous as you were about to start everything. Your heart always skips a beat when you start shooting a new project for the first time. You silently uttered 1 and the cameras started to roll.
They were all active and hyper before the shooting and here they are more active than they were. It made you smile. Their spirit is infective and you kind of eased to the environment faster than you usually do.
They started running in their places and shouted, "Empire!" The game director started to explain the game and they were attentively listening. The game began and you were directing the camera angles and watching jollily as they play all goofy, yet taking it seriously.
After a long day, you shouted out "cut!" And clapped. You ended up with 6 hours of footage.
You went back to your house after a long day of work and editing the episode. You wouldn't call it home. You never considered any place home ever since you left your dad's house. The house that had your first words uttered in; the first steps; everything. You fumbled into your bedside table for your medications.
It's been 3 years since that incident. The thing that you keep from everyone you got to know. You remember when your ex-boyfriend changed and abandoned you. You sighed. You know deep down, though, that if it wasn't for that incident you wouldn't have made the movie you won awards for. It was the highlight of your career, but the darkest alley in your life.
You started to fall asleep. All you had in mind, the joy that you had today. The laughs you had at their jokes and their kid-like spirit. You've been missing this type of fun. You might be 25 of age but you feel like you lived a 100 years. You graduated at a very young age, and worked way earlier than expected.
Today, it felt like you were 18. Like, everyone's normal 18. The 18 you always wished to have. You smiled as your dreams started to flood you.