Chapter 367
Since the first time we said the line 'Yare Yare', we joked among ourselves that the challenge craze might be going on.
But as always, we didn't really anticipate the scale of the interest.
'Has there ever been a group that became a hot topic so quickly with just one challenge?'
When it comes to idol group challenge videos, they're usually about the choreography of the chorus of a new song.
The challenges officially released by the agency are not particularly special except for the promotion of the new song.
We used our own creativity to create a unique challenge.
In particular, my performance with a concept that was the complete opposite of my usual image stood out.
At first, as many fans have said, I wondered if I could do this.
Now that my unique competitive spirit and passion to do something right once has been triggered.
Now the shame has somewhat disappeared and a sense of pride remains.
I lay down on the bed and looked around at the 'Yare Yare Challenge' that started from Kang Si-yoon's original video.
Other idols, celebrities, and even actors promoting their works.
The fact that so many people are watching us and following us is still a bit shocking no matter how many times I watch it.
While scrolling down the shorts with the same hashtag, one video caught my eye.
A hot video that was uploaded just 20 minutes ago.
I could tell right away that it was the same idol just by looking at the outfit and background.
The #Jerene next to #Yare Yare and the #Owen written behind it really caught my eye.
As soon as I recognized the video, my body suddenly sat up.
Dozens of thoughts flashed through my head.
Other people don't know my true identity.
The hero and crown prince who defeated the Demon King and saved the empire in
There was a time when I reigned over everyone and was respected, and this is a fact that only Owen and the evil lord who is hiding somewhere in this world know.
So when I first took this challenge, I didn't realize there was any particular problem.
Now that I think about it, I wonder what Owen was thinking as he watched the 'Yare Yare Challenge'.
Owen's voice, who has an abnormally deep loyalty to me and is obsessed with me, automatically plays in my head.
There's no way my brother would do this.
He'd be like, Who on earth planned to film this video? I'll find the mastermind and kill him. I'll get rid of him, etc.
I unknowingly pressed the 'Yareyare Challenge' video that Owen and Q danced with a disturbing heart.
Given Owen's personality, I thought he would never film a video with such gag material.
What on earth was the inspiration that made Owen take off his shoes and follow me?
'It's a genre that I don't think he'd find interesting.'
I watched the video with these thoughts in mind, but my expectations were shattered in just 3 seconds.
That's because Owen copied our original video so well, as if he had been possessed by me.
That annoying sigh that me and Kang Si-yoon had.
Annoying finger snapping.
And the contrasting restrained swaying.
Watching Owen bring out all three beats, I found myself staring blankly at my phone screen with my mouth wide open.
He's working too hard.
I thought Owen's personality would make him a little indifferent and uninterested, but I couldn't find any signs of that even after rubbing my eyes.
I was even more dumbfounded than when I saw several actors on TV imitating this.
It's not just anyone, but my actual blood relative who perfectly pulled off the 'Yare Yare' challenge with such a smug expression.
I left the video app and opened the messenger app and clicked on Owen's profile.
'Come to think of it, the last time I saw him was before we left for Europe.'
It's already been 2-3 months.
It can't be helped that we don't see each other often because of our schedules, but I remembered Owen's words about making time to strengthen our bond as brothers.
Since it's come to this, I sent a message to ask how he is doing after a long time.
Owen
I've been doing well, hyung-nim! Did you see the challenge video I filmed today? ㅋㅋ
Sometimes, I think Owen is using mind control.
I looked around the room for no reason and replied.
I never imagined you would film the challenge.
Owen
Of course I should film it as a younger brother. ㅎㅎ Do you think I shouldn't do what you did?
Seeing you having so much fun, I thought I should work hard like you. I'm not sure if it felt the same way ㅋㅋㅋ
That's why you worked hard.
I started to understand Owen's actions a little.
What he did was because he wanted to follow me no matter what, even if it didn't fit his taste.
I feel strange because I think I showed you a strange side of myself.
Owen
ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ To be honest, I was a little embarrassed
But the results speak for themselves
I believe that there is a plan for everything you do, hyung-nim
So I will support you and help you wholeheartedly no matter what path you take
I will try my best not to show you this side of me from now on
I am really touched that you said this, but...
I tried hard to hold back my tears and continued to send messages.
It's been a long time since I've seen you. I feel like time is passing by so quickly
Owen
That's right....
If I remember correctly, isn't it time for you to go overseas again soon?
That's right. You're amazing for remembering all that.
I couldn't hide my surprise.
Even though he was busy with his own schedule, he remembered my schedule perfectly.
It's not like Owen managed the royal court while I was out on the battlefield.
Owen
I can't help but feel like I'm losing my brother on tour.
It was fun to see you filming this time, so I thought it would be really nice if we filmed something similar together, lol.
Owen sent the message in a playful tone that was half sincere and half jealous.
It's not like I don't understand my brother's feelings.
Owen, who suddenly came to the real world in
Given the nature of the entertainment industry we're in, it's not easy for members of different groups to film together unless it's something special.
'....Broadcast content.'
I thought about it for a moment after hearing Owen's words.
If there's something new I've felt while working as Seleste, it's the specialness of 'freshness' in the broadcasting industry.
In my case, I only appeared on a quiz show that everyone else did once, but I got the title of a foreigner who speaks Korean well, and thanks to that, I became a bigger topic of conversation.
In this world, Owen is also a handsome foreigner who speaks Korean well, just like me.
There are two characters like this in the idol industry, which is absolutely rare, and if they appear on the same program and show their entertainment skills, how much aggro would they draw?
A good idea came to me after hearing what you said just now.
I've finally had a chance to use my connections again after a long time.
Owen
Sudden connections??
I raised the corners of my mouth slightly after seeing Owen's witty message.
There's a PD who really liked me since a long time ago.
***
The day after exchanging messages with Owen.
I relayed the idea that came to my mind through my manager.
"You want to go on a program with Owen, oh my.......... It's definitely unusual. If there were two foreigners who spoke Korean surprisingly well, Owen would like it too, right?"
"He said he wanted to do it himself. So if it's possible, would it be okay if I spoke to the PD who cast me on the Korean quiz show last time........."
"I also thought of PD Han."
My manager laughed loudly after hearing what I said.
"I also think your idea is good, so I'll talk to the planning team later. There's also a program that's coming to my mind right now."
"It's not that urgent, so you can take your time. Thank you."
Now, the schedule right in front of us is the second round of the world tour.
Last winter, we successfully completed our first tour around Europe.
Now, starting in February of this year, we will be going around the vast United States to film the spectacular finale of our world tour.
Starting from the western region of California and Arizona, to the central region of Texas, and finally to the eastern region of New York, New Jersey, and Florida.
We have to travel the United States very quickly for a month.
Since it is natural to have to take a long flight, managing our condition is the most important homework for the members.
We had to fly to Los Angeles for about 12 hours.
"Kuuuu...."
"...."
"Oh, this won't jump. Hyung, I want to try this."
"Give it to me. What's blocking it?"
Everyone chose a rest method that suited them based on their numerous flight experiences.
Ji Yoon-chul and Chae Eun-gyu fell asleep without a care in the world,
Yoo Min-ha and Kang Si-yoon, who always brought their game consoles, were diligently conquering the stage.
Meanwhile, Heo Yu-bin muttered while looking at the sunset outside the window.
"I heard there are a lot of really nice beaches in California. Can we go there?"
"They said there's time to go around, so I think it's possible."
"I have a fantasy about that a little bit. A completely clear sky with low clouds. And a blue ocean. It's not easy to see in Korea, so I really wanted to see it when I go to the US."
"Did you look up places to go in advance?"
"Yes! Of course."
Heo Yu-bin's eyes immediately sparkled and he eagerly explained to me the beaches he had researched in advance.
Long Beach, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, etc.
Maybe because California is adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, there were a lot of famous tourist destinations that Heo Yu-bin had researched in advance.
Since it was our first time going to the US, I could understand Heo Yu-bin's feelings.
Because we could breathe together with fans who welcomed us in a place with a very different atmosphere and environment from Korea, and even have a mini vacation that would make our hearts flutter.
After such a long flight, when we arrived at LA, there were many overseas fans waiting to see us, just like in Europe.
It wasn't as much as Estonia, but there were still quite a few people holding slogans or placards with my name on them.
It wasn't just me.
The names of all seven members were visible without fail.
Some people might wonder if Seleste's popularity is this high.
However, we completed the tower we had worked so hard to build.
As a result, we sold out all the tickets for the LA tour.
"We're finally here, LAI"
"Let's rock it!"
The audience's enthusiasm became the driving force that made us even more passionate.
We presented a stage so well-made that the worries about jet lag that the members had joked about didn't even come to mind.
That's how we ended our first tour in LA and had a short break.
"Let's go see dolphins! Dolphins! Dolphins!"
The vacation that Heo Yubin had been waiting for had finally arrived.
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