Chapter 1044: I knew it (13)

After filming the VCR based on the Four Heavenly Kings vs. King of Singers Sun Wooju concept—

"Kyahaha!"

"Hehehe!"

The moment we returned to the King of Singers waiting room, we took off our masks and exchanged high-fives.

Smack!

"Everyone did great. Seriously, great job~"

"That was fun."

As Junghyun removed the Bear Mask with a satisfied expression, we all turned toward Jiho.

"What do you think, Teacher Wang? How was our acting?"

"Hmm."

Jiho raised a finger.

"Acting score: 1 out of 10. Comedy score: 9 out of 10. Total score: 10 out of 10."

"A perfect scoooore!"

But unlike the rest of us, who were having the time of our lives, one person sat collapsed on the sofa in deep anguish.

Our main vocalist, Ri Hyuk.

"Ughhh..."

His face was bright red beneath his pale skin as he covered it with both hands.

"What on earth did I just do...?"

"It's okay."

"This isn't my character."

"True. But right now you're King of Singers Sun Wooju. If I were in that position, that's exactly what I would've done."

Apparently embarrassed by his own performance, Ri Hyuk twisted around in shame while I patted him on the shoulder.

Holding a cold water bottle against his cheek, he grumbled.

"I always feel this way, but the weirdest ideas always come out of Biju hyung's mouth."

"Me? Why...?"

"Don't act wronged. This was your idea."

That was true.

The reason we'd all come to TBC today in the first place was because of Biju's suggestion.

—

"What if we all go cheer him on together?"

—

The idea had been to support Ri Hyuk, who was probably nervous out of his mind.

Then Jiho raised his hand.

—

"Then what are we supposed to do? We'll be bored out of our minds."

"Hmm. Want to film a VCR?"

—

And so Biju had confidently announced that he had a great idea.

The result was the VCR we'd just filmed.

Naturally, the producer had been delighted when we volunteered to make a guest appearance and had even prepared simple paper masks for us.

[Ahhh~]

While Jiho excitedly played with the Fox Mask's voice changer, repeatedly saying, "Whoa! That's amazing!"

Junghyun was busy investigating the snack buffet in the waiting room.

The production team had carefully arranged various snacks on plates and set them up buffet-style.

[Thank You♡]

—Mission Singer Production Team—

Handwritten notes filled with sincerity.

"No surprise there."

Mingi hyung said as he loaded snacks onto a plate.

"I heard Mission Singer broke its peak viewership record yesterday."

"Huh? Wasn't my battle with Ri Hyuk the highest-rated episode?"

"That was average ratings."

"Ahhh."

Mingi hyung nodded.

"They said the peak minute rating hit its highest point right before Cha Woohyun and Ri Hyuk's match."

Apparently viewers had all switched channels at that exact moment to watch Ri Hyuk versus Cha Woohyun.

But what appeared before those viewers, who had tuned in expecting a clash between the music industry's rising star and the God of Song, was...

[I will not challenge for the King of Singers title.]

Cha Woohyun's declaration that he would forfeit his challenge.

Everyone went wild.

Because the statement wasn't born from strategy or calculation.

It was pure musical passion.

—

"You're not ready yet."

"Prepare thoroughly and come back. Then I'll face you."

—

And apparently the internet had exploded afterward.

"Let's see..."

I filled a plate with the lowest-calorie snacks I could find and sat down on the sofa while checking yesterday's online reactions.

Because of Ri Hyuk's competition preparations, I hadn't watched TV at all yesterday.

Unfortunately, I'd missed the live reactions.

Fortunately, Mission Singer posts were everywhere now.

—

Why can't I watch it yet?ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ

Damn, I'm so jealous of the audience members... We have to wait two weeks.

I'm honestly jealous of Cha Woohyun's confidence. I wish I were skilled enough to be that confident.

For real.

If it were me, I'd have challenged immediately and taken the King of Singers title. No way I'd wait two weeks when I don't even know if I'll still be king by then.

See you in two weeks.

Translation: I'll still be on top then.

Though it'd be hilarious if he ended up losing to Baek Siyeon instead lol.

—

Most comments were praising Cha Woohyun's confidence.

News articles were packed with comments, and fan cafés and online communities were flooded with posts.

I checked to see whether anyone was talking about Ri Hyuk.

Unfortunately...

—

Ri Hyuk, you worked hardㅠㅠ

Thanks for your service in advance.

Game over. Good work.

Ri Hyuk should probably start polishing the crown for the next owner.

—

The reactions were all basically the same.

People saying he'd worked hard and that his time had finally come.

Watching those responses, I smiled.

"Perfect."

Exactly the reaction I wanted.

Honestly, if people were saying things like, "Maybe Ri Hyuk won't get completely crushed," I'd have been more worried.

Low expectations were better.

Because if expectations were 10 and he delivered 100, people's reactions would be completely different.

"Ri Hyuk. Don't feel pressured."

"Huh?"

"Look. Nobody on the internet expects much from you."

"You're calling that encouragement?"

Ri Hyuk stared at me with utter disbelief.

I nodded with a satisfied smile.

"But Souffle is different."

"Huh?"

I tilted my head.

"No, they're not."

"??"

I tapped the MyTube comment section and showed it to him.

—

Ri Hyuk, you worked so hardㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ

Cha Woohyun joining the gathering of kings...

You've worked hard until now and we'll always love you.

No matter the result, you'll forever be our star...☆

—

No matter how you looked at it, the comments felt suspiciously like teasing.

Ri Hyuk trembled.

Then he looked around at us as if seeking support.

"W-Well, the members still have expectations..."

"Huh?"

Jiho replied without looking up from his handheld game console.

"I don't have any expectations."

"You might not, but Biju hyung and Junghyun hyung—"

The two of them were completely focused on their own interests.

Biju was knitting while studying a knitting book.

Junghyun was spinning his phone around his fingers like a notebook.

When Ri Hyuk looked at me, I delivered the line I'd prepared in advance.

"In this harsh world, there exists one man who watches only you and believes in you."

"That doesn't sound particularly helpful..."

Ri Hyuk clicked his tongue and resumed warming up his voice.

Everyone laughed.

Because despite what we said, we were all quietly watching everything he did and taking care of him.

Then Biju asked,

"Oh right. Hyung, did you see the New Universe reactions yesterday?"

"Ah. Right."

I'd been so focused on Mission Singer that I'd completely forgotten the Goblin Restaurant episode of New Universe had aired yesterday.

I skimmed through the internet.

Posts praising how competent everyone was.

Posts marveling that nobody fought.

Posts saying they loved watching everyone work so hard.

As I browsed through the overwhelmingly positive reactions toward Goblin Restaurant—

"Huh?!"

I searched New Universe on the portal site and nearly jumped.

[New Universe Project: Whatever You Want, However You Want]

Variety Show · Ages 15+

▷ Latest Rating: 17.8% (Episode 13)

▶ Highest Rating: 17.8% (Episode 13)

The ratings for Goblin Restaurant, which had begun at 15.8%, were steadily climbing toward 20%.

Not only had it already surpassed Season 2 of The Boramae Sisters, the highest-rated cable variety show in history, but it was continuing to set new records.

I was so shocked that I missed the perfect opportunity to celebrate with my younger brothers.

Then a headline caught my eye.

[Current Status of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries SNS Account]

Curious, I clicked it.

[Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries @korea_mof]

Hmm. Only 2.2% left now.

—

LOL

Is this what they call a policy fanatic?

You can feel the excitement and anticipation from one short sentence.

Makes sense. For the ministry, Antarctica used to be a niche issue. Now it's a chance for it to become mainstream lol.

Guys, let's go to Antarctica!!

Everyone start preparing mentally nowㅎㅎ

Three months later: "An iceberg is an iceberg... and icy water is icy water..." (while dancing with penguins)

Why is he dancing with penguinsㅋㅋㅋㅋ

—

While only the managers and staff giggled and the rest of us desperately pretended the approaching iceberg didn't exist, Ri Hyuk suddenly said,

"I think it does have one positive effect."

"Huh?"

"Suddenly, competing against Cha Woohyun doesn't seem like a big deal anymore."

Something about the enlightened expression on his face made all of us burst out laughing.

Sangam TBC Public Hall.

The area outside the Mission Singer studio was packed with people.

"Whew. This is insane."

Even with cool air from the building's air conditioning flowing outside, the heat and excitement were enough to make people sweat.

Watching the endless line of audience members, people chatted amongst themselves.

"Why's it taking so long to get inside?"

"Isn't this normal? Looks like they're making everyone sign something at the front."

Most attendees were first-timers and didn't know any better.

But today's admission process was taking much longer than usual.

For good reason.

"Before we begin, we'd like to go over the confidentiality agreement. You must not leak any information whatsoever regarding today's competition. Until the final results are broadcast two weeks from now, all information regarding today's competition..."

The staff repeatedly emphasized the rules.

"...therefore, please be aware that leaking competition details may result in legal action. Does anyone have questions regarding the information we've explained?"

"No."

"Then please sign your names here."

The staff painstakingly explained the agreement to all one hundred audience members one by one.

They were working so hard their voices were nearly gone.

Today's competition depended entirely on secrecy.

Especially because today's match had become far more important than usual.

After Cha Woohyun's declaration yesterday, public interest had skyrocketed.

Will Cha Woohyun really make it to the throne?

What if Baek Siyeon suddenly takes him out?

Could someone on Yoon Chanhyuk's level show up as a surprise challenger?

Interest was so intense that scam posts had begun appearing online.

[Mission Singer Tickets for Sale]

[We'll enter the Mission Singer audience lottery for you. 100% success rate! Just send us your personal information.]

[Transfering Audience Ticket: NewBlack Ri Hyuk vs Cha Woohyun Episode]

And online communities were overflowing with bait posts.

[If anyone tells me tomorrow's Mission Singer result, I'll send you 100,000 won lol.]

[Anyone willing to share the results? Join the open chat!]

It felt like the golden age of singing competition programs all over again.

Watching the excited audience from a distance, Producer Park Yeonhee returned to the studio and swallowed nervously.

"We have to keep security airtight."

Walking beside her, the assistant producer said,

"The level of interest this time is unbelievable."

"Seriously. I've never seen anything like it."

Mission Singer was enjoying the greatest period of popularity in its history.

Even after King of Singers Sun Wooju eventually stepped down, people like Cha Woohyun, Baek Siyeon, The Moon, and Yeon remained.

And upon hearing the news, even other reclusive masters had started showing interest.

"Wow. Cha Woohyun's impact is definitely huge."

"It is. But..."

Producer Park Yeonhee smiled quietly.

"Honestly, the reason this became such a huge topic is because of Ri Hyuk's skill."

"What do you mean?"

"On the surface, it looks like Cha Woohyun is simply giving an opportunity to a junior he likes."

She asked,

"But if Ri Hyuk really weren't good enough, would he have said that?"

"True. Cha Woohyun acknowledged his ability."

If Ri Hyuk had actually lacked the skill, and Cha Woohyun had simply offered him a chance out of affection?

People would have talked endlessly behind their backs.

Yet there wasn't a single comment online claiming it had been scripted for ratings.

The reason was simple.

"Everyone says they don't expect Ri Hyuk to win."

Producer Park Yeonhee smiled.

"But the truth is, they're expecting something."

If Ri Hyuk's chances were truly close to zero, this match wouldn't be generating this level of attention.

Of course, his odds were still low.

Maybe around ten percent.

And yet people were fascinated.

Because—

"They don't think he'll go down easily. After watching the show for the past several weeks, everyone knows how good he is."

For nearly a month and a half as King of Singers, Ri Hyuk had shown exactly what a king should be.

Defeating one powerhouse after another.

Taking down eccentric challengers who screamed, "Little brother! I love you!" while dragging him into elimination matches.

If viewers truly believed there would be nothing worth watching in a battle against Cha Woohyun, the episode never would have become this popular.

Rank 33 Rising Star vs Rank 1 Champion

Everyone knew the rising star was unlikely to win.

But the fact that people were eager to watch regardless of the result meant something.

Deep down, everyone already acknowledged Ri Hyuk's ability.

The assistant producer nodded.

"Now that you mention it, you're right. If he weren't talented, nobody would care."

"Exactly."

As she spoke, the head producer of Mission Singer continued walking.

The Mission Singer logo gleamed on the studio screen.

"Make sure everything's ready."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Today we're putting on the greatest show possible."

Lights blazed brilliantly as staff adjusted equipment.

Ri Hyuk and Cha Woohyun had prepared the feast.

Now it was the production team's turn to set the table.

The competition finally began.

While Ri Hyuk was filming inside the studio, we watched the broadcast feed from the waiting room.

"Wow."

Jiho munched popcorn.

"Looking at it again, this lineup is terrifying. If it were me, I'd have gotten turned into boneless fried chicken immediately."

"Only Ri Hyuk could survive in there."

Watching the Four Heavenly Kings appear amid thunderous cheers, even I shook my head.

Biju asked,

"Who are today's challengers, hyung?"

"Hard to tell with the masks."

Just then, a contestant using the nickname Citrus Picking Boy from Jeju flashed a finger heart at the camera.

[When Mom goes to pick tangerines beneath the island's shade~ the baby stays home alone and enjoys solitude~]

The keyword solitude.

Jeju Island.

A famous ballad singer from Jeju whose biggest hit was Solitary Love.

"I think that's Senior Jungwoon."

"Oh, the guy who promoted with us during the fireworks festival?"

"Yeah. The hints make some of them easy."

"What about that person?"

"Well, it's not like I know everyone— Ah. Actually, I know that one too."

I wanted to say I didn't know them all.

But names kept popping into my head.

My underlings treated me like a walking Wikipedia, and I wanted to protest.

Unfortunately, I really did recognize them.

As I identified the lineup, Junghyun said,

"Today's challengers are pretty impressive too."

"Yeah. Normally..."

Normally, this would've been considered an incredibly strong lineup.

But—

[Did you come to defeat King of Singers Sun Wooju~?]

[Yes.]

Baek Siyeon, wearing the Black Rose Mask, giggled brightly.

Then her voice changer dropped into a chilling tone.

[...But you'll have to defeat me first.]

Even we, watching from the waiting room, felt a chill run down our spines.

The challengers were all outstanding singers.

Yet—

"Wow..."

They kept falling by margins approaching ninety to ten.

It felt like the Four Heavenly Kings were standing atop defeated challengers and laughing triumphantly.

And Cha Woohyun was especially merciless.

He crushed Jungwoon in the first round by an 89-to-11 vote margin and never slowed down.

[As expected of Orpheus, God of Song!]

[It's like he's saying, "You belong to the mortal realm. I belong to the heavens!" Truly overwhelming!]

Those of us who had actually appeared on competition programs with him were horrified.

Because we could read exactly what he was thinking.

First I make it to the top.

He'd come armed only with songs designed to win.

To keep his promise and face Ri Hyuk.

"He really came prepared."

"Y-Yeah... Is Ri Hyuk hyung going to be okay?"

On the screen, the Sunflower Mask seated upon the throne looked as though he were breaking out in a cold sweat.

After Cha Woohyun defeated Baek Siyeon 65 to 35 in the finals and officially secured the challenger position—

Ri Hyuk briefly returned to the waiting room while the eliminated contestants performed their farewell stages.

We immediately surrounded him.

"Don't worry. I've already let go."

"That's right."

"You have to."

"Yeah. What else can you do at this point?"

"KYAAAH!"

Ri Hyuk exploded in outrage while we patted him reassuringly.

"Fuuuuh..."

As he let out a world-weary sigh—

Knock knock.

"King of Singers Sun Wooju, it's time to prepare for the title match."

"Okay~"

The makeup staff approached and silently began touching up Ri Hyuk's makeup.

Unlike his usual light makeup, today's was noticeably heavier.

Because today, there was a very real possibility he could lose.

Eyes closed, eyelashes trembling slightly, Ri Hyuk eventually stood.

I smiled.

"Ready?"

"Yeah."

Seeing his trembling hands, we walked over and hugged him together like a cluster of penguins.

"It's okay if you lose, hyung. Just have fun."

"Ri Hyuk, you've worked hard."

"Go enjoy yourself."

We all wrapped our arms around him and wiggled around while making ridiculous noises.

A warm flush spread across Ri Hyuk's pale face.

"Thank you, everyone. For the last two weeks you've analyzed songs for me, helped with arrangements, and done everything you could."

His expression became firm.

"I'll put on a performance worthy of all that effort."

With those words, Ri Hyuk put on his mask and left the waiting room.

At last, NewBlack's main vocalist stepped forward.

Toward what would one day be remembered as the greatest King of Singers match in Mission Singer history.