Chapter 1115: Welcome to Alaska (1)

The producer burst out laughing as he asked,

"So you're NewBlack—the very symbol of trust, aren't you? You trust and rely on each other more than anyone else..."

"We do."

At my answer, the others all nodded.

"On stage, absolutely. We can trust each other with anything. One look is enough to know what the other person's thinking, and we're always perfectly in sync. But offstage..."

We all looked at one another with unmistakable unease.

Individually, every one of us was capable.

Put us together, though, and somehow we turned into the most disorganized bunch imaginable.

Biju spoke up.

"It's okay because we have Wooju hyung. When things go wrong, he's the leader I trust more than anyone."

"Biju..."

"If you walked into a pit of fire, I'd follow you. If you're doing it, there has to be a good reason."

"You are absolutely not supposed to follow me into a pit of fire."

I gave a wistful smile at Disciple Number One, who trusted me with blind devotion.

Ri Hyuk nodded in agreement.

"Setting our trust in each other aside, I think we'd actually be an incredibly strong survival team. Everyone has their own specialty. We've got someone who's good at bringing people together, motivating them, and making decisions."

He glanced at me before looking around at the others.

"Someone with extensive knowledge of medicinal herbs, wildlife, and the natural environment."

"Heh."

"Someone who can whip up amazing meals out of the simplest ingredients."

"Mhm-hmm~"

"And someone who's full of random knowledge and is always preparing for disasters and emergencies."

As Ri Hyuk introduced everyone one by one, his gaze finally landed on Jiho.

Jiho looked back expectantly, lips pursed in anticipation.

"..."

Ri Hyuk rested a finger between his eyebrows.

He spent three full seconds thinking in complete silence before opening his eyes again.

"I really want to say something nice, but absolutely nothing comes to mind. I'll pass."

"Hyuuung!!"

The staff burst into laughter at Jiho's cry.

After thinking for another long moment, Ri Hyuk finally tossed him something.

"If I had to find a purpose... emotional support? Survival is important, but mental stability matters too. He'd be like Wilson on a deserted island."

"Wilson!"

Jiho beamed.

"He must be really cute."

It's a volleyball, Jiho...

But I kept that to myself. I didn't want our youngest to suffer unnecessary emotional damage.

When Ri Hyuk finished, Junghyun stroked his chin thoughtfully.

"Honestly, we're not bad at all. Pretty balanced, actually. I think we'd survive just fine."

"That's true," the producer agreed. "If each of you actually kept those roles."

"...?"

At his gesture, an assistant producer carried over a large board.

"Do you remember this season's concept?"

"Trusting one another?"

"Exactly. The goal of Season Three of NewBlack's Travel Diary is to test your trust in one another and strengthen your friendship even further."

A bad feeling slowly crept over me.

"And if that's the goal, then you need to show absolute trust in whatever your teammates do. With that in mind, each of you will be assigned a brand-new role~!"

The board was covered with question-mark stickers.

Role Assignments!

Wooju — [?]

Biju — [?]

Junghyun — [?]

Ri Hyuk — [?]

Jiho — [?]

"From here on, I'll call you up one at a time. Jiho, you're first."

Jiho trotted over confidently and ripped off his sticker.

Jiho — Finance Manager (Responsible for Payments)

"Yaaay!"

While Jiho squealed with delight, the rest of us collectively groaned.

"Oh no..."

"This is bad..."

"You cannot let that kid hold the wallet..."

It wasn't even a joke.

Jiho genuinely had no sense for money.

Back when we were trainees, everyone else checked prices before buying something at the convenience store.

Jiho never even looked at the price tags.

He simply grabbed whatever caught his eye.

One of the producers handed him a wallet.

"Here's your travel budget for Alaska."

"Thank you! Wow, that's so much money!!"

"Hooray for spending~"

As he happily hummed to himself, our faces gradually darkened.

Biju tried to comfort us.

"It's okay. This has to be the worst assignment."

"Biju."

"Yes?"

He took a deep breath before peeling off his sticker.

Biju — Guide (Navigation)

"..."

"..."

Silence.

Ten full seconds of silence.

Junghyun's eyes nearly popped out of his head.

Ri Hyuk clamped both hands over his mouth.

Even Jiho—who had been singing about spending money just moments ago—dropped the wallet with a dull thud.

I slowly raised my hand.

"Producer."

"Yes?"

"Are... are you absolutely sure about this?"

"Yes."

"You may not know this, but Biju once got lost on a red carpet. Granted, it was a pretty big venue..."

The producer smiled brightly.

"Then why not use this opportunity to put your trust in him?"

"..."

Even Biju, now officially our navigator, looked ready to cry.

"Could you please change it...?"

It didn't help.

Ri Hyuk leaned over and whispered,

"I think the producer really came here determined to get revenge."

"I know."

The production staff watched us suffer with thoroughly satisfied smiles.

Understandably so.

Up until now, the Travel Diary staff had always been the ones on the losing end.

Every mission they designed ended up being cleared far too easily, leaving them disappointed instead.

The producer beamed.

"Next is Junghyun."

"Yes."

Junghyun strode over and peeled off his sticker.

Junghyun — Manager (Planning)

"What?!"

"Producer! Junghyun doesn't make plans! He just goes wherever life takes him!"

Assigning scheduling and planning to the most easygoing person in the group?

While Ri Hyuk wailed in despair, I asked,

"Junghyun. Are you going to make plans?"

"No."

"See?! He says he won't!"

No matter how loudly we protested, the staff merely smiled.

The producer simply called the next name.

"Ri Hyuk."

"Yes."

Ri Hyuk walked up to the board, rubbed his hands together, and took an exaggerated deep breath.

We could hear him muttering under his breath.

"Please don't be anything physical... please don't be anything physical..."

Like someone praying not to be sorted into Slytherin, he squeezed his eyes shut and yanked off the sticker.

Ri Hyuk — Leader + Official Photographer

"No!!"

"Producer! He has shaky hands! You can't make him take pictures!"

And leader, on top of that.

Out of all five of us, Ri Hyuk was the least suited to leadership.

He overthought everything.

Whenever it came time to make a decision, he always got stuck going, "Ummm..."

"Why am I the leader..."

Even as the staff fastened an armband labeled Leader around his arm, he looked utterly miserable.

The crew applauded.

"Congratulations, Leader Seo~!"

"Do I... really have to be the leader?"

"Yes."

Just as I started walking over for the final assignment, the producer waved me back.

"Wooju, you're our grand finale, so you'll go last. First, let me explain this season's rules."

"Okay..."

"You must trust one another completely."

"If you were in our shoes, would you trust us?!"

At Jiho's question, the producer smiled and...

...looked away.

He's avoiding eye contact.

Pretending not to hear, he continued.

"Trust means not interfering with one another. Therefore, none of you may interfere with another person's assigned role. You can't hint, either. For example, even if Biju is walking the wrong way, you may not cough, gesture, or signal him."

"!!"

"You can't even hint with your facial expressions."

In other words, whoever was responsible would have to stay completely alert.

I stood there blankly.

"Wow... this trip is going to be rough."

"Wooju."

"Yes?"

"You're the last one."

The five-meter walk suddenly felt like a hundred.

Step.

Step.

I let out a sigh as I approached.

What role am I getting?

It has to be whatever I'm worst at...

"What do you think Wooju hyung will get? The youngest? Doing nothing?"

"Maybe something like 'doing nothing.' He's good at everything else."

Listening to them speculate, I peeled off my sticker.

Written underneath was—

Wooju — Fashion Director (Wardrobe Selection Authority)

While everyone else stared in shock, I blinked in confusion.

"Weren't you assigning us things we're bad at?"

"..."

"Do you happen to remember LeBlanc's Fall/Winter fashion show in Paris last year? I was the center of attention there. And I was just selected as one of the Best Dressed at the Met Gala..."

As I proudly listed my glamorous modeling credentials, the others looked at me in disbelief.

"The nerve..."

"You didn't even choose those outfits yourself."

"Jimmy Robbins designed every single one of them."

"I guess shamelessness really is the secret to success."

To be fair, people were always telling me I had terrible fashion sense.

So I had accepted that maybe I wasn't great.

Still...

Surely I wasn't that bad?

As I stared at the staff, who carefully avoided answering, the sound director smiled warmly from behind his headphones.

"Wooju."

"Yes?"

"You really are terrible at dressing yourself."

"..."

I closed my eyes sadly.

Everyone exploded into laughter.

While the sound director awkwardly chuckled after volunteering himself as the bearer of bad news, I asked the staff,

"So... what exactly does Fashion Director mean?"

"It means exactly what it sounds like. You'll have complete authority over everyone's wardrobe throughout the trip. The members will wear whatever outfits you choose."

"Hehehe...!"

I couldn't stop grinning.

Meanwhile, the others charged forward like an angry mob.

"What?!"

"No way!"

The lackeys protested furiously while the sound director nearly collapsed face-first onto the table, still wearing his headphones.

"This isn't fair!!"

"I agree! Absolutely not!"

Even Biju and Junghyun joined the protest.

Only I was delighted.

"I have a question."

I raised my hand.

"When does my wardrobe authority begin?"

"Right now."

"Ohohoho..."

The moment I looked at them with predatory eyes, the others instinctively shuddered.

Jiho hid behind Ri Hyuk, despite being taller.

Junghyun ducked behind Biju.

Ri Hyuk shoved Jiho away.

"Quit shaking. The clothes we're wearing are already packed in our suitcases anyway."

"Are they?"

The producer snapped his fingers.

"With help from your managers, we've purchased clothes that match each of your usual fashion styles."

"...!"

"And we'd like to sincerely thank CEO Park Gyuho for approving such a generous budget~!"

The staff rolled in several clothing racks.

While everyone else froze in horror, I clapped enthusiastically like a seal.

"Please, please put a caption on this. Something like Teacher Sun's Secret Wardrobe. Add a magical little poof sound effect too."

"This is a nightmare... an actual nightmare..."

"Come on, boys! Gather around!"

Soon enough, my unfortunate underlings were trying on outfit after outfit under my supervision.

Every time I completed one member's look, the staff let out another chorus of admiration.

"How do you take such nice clothes and pair them that badly?"

"This isn't even the '90s. Maybe people will appreciate it in the year 2090."

"Jiho's crying."

After deciding everyone's outfits for the trip, I smiled in complete satisfaction.

A little later, the members emerged from the lounge wearing their new looks.

The staff burst into applause and laughter.

Jiho covered his face with both hands.

"I seriously didn't want to come out."

"Hahahahaha!"

"At least we'll be boarding the plane right away."

The others nodded in agreement.

Then the producer tilted his head.

"I think you may have forgotten something. Before boarding, there's a photo session."

"..."

"..."

Everyone froze solid.

Right.

Before takeoff, we'd always pose for reporters with cheerful "We're off to film our reality show!" publicity photos.

Grinning from ear to ear, I called out,

"Let's go, guys!"

"I'm not going!"

"Oh, come on! We need to greet the reporters! Let's go!"

Laughing all the way, I grabbed everyone's arms and dragged them toward the exit.

The staff roared with laughter behind us.

"Hahahahaha!"

Even before the trip had officially begun...

...I was already having the time of my life.

Ah... I was so happy.

Pure happiness.

Souffle was still living in the afterglow of NewBlack's finale concert.

It was incredible.

Those who had attended in person were overjoyed.

Those who had watched from afar felt exactly the same.

[Online Broadcast] NewBlack Finale Concert in Seoul

Apparently inspired by their performance at the Korea National Open University festival, Lemon Entertainment had prepared an online concert this time as well.

As a result, most Souffle fans had been able to experience the concert in one way or another.

It was seriously amazing...

They were still binge-watching fan cams and high-resolution photos from the concert when MyTube recommended a new video.

It was one of the airport departure clips entertainment reporters occasionally uploaded.

[NewBlack Departing for Alaska... "They're Not Going in for Questioning"]

Souffle frowned.

What kind of title is that?

It made it sound like NewBlack had committed a crime.

They were just about to leave an angry comment when the video began.

The camera slowly panned forward.

"Huh?"

"Huh...?"

The members walked with their heads hanging low, masks on, looking exactly like suspects being escorted into an investigation.

Souffle burst into laughter.

LOLLLLLLLLL

What is this??

They're adorable.

Then the members removed their masks.

The full-body shots appeared.

"..."

"..."

The entire fandom fell into stunned silence.

The outfits were...

Terrible.

The combinations made no sense.

The colors clashed horrifically.

The styling somehow managed to undermine even NewBlack's impossibly handsome faces.

Jiho looked like an oversized bumblebee.

Junghyun resembled an aristocratic duchess covered in bizarre accessories.

Boys...? What happened???

If fashion has a hell, this is definitely it.

If there's a pope of fashion somewhere, they're probably declaring a holy war right now LOL

HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?????

Standing proudly in the middle, smiling brightly into the microphone...

...was Wooju.

"That's right! For this reality show, we've all been assigned new roles. Mine is Fashion Director!"

Everyone watched with dead eyes.

It was Wooju.

Of course it was you, Wooju.

Wooju was positively radiant.

The other members stood beside him with lifeless expressions, tears threatening to spill from their eyes.

As each person's assigned role was revealed, Souffle couldn't stop laughing.

This is going to be hilarious.

I wonder what kind of disasters are waiting for them...

Meanwhile, NewBlack's catastrophic airport fashion rapidly spread across entertainment media.

"Have you seen NewBlack's departure photos?"

"What on earth are they wearing?"

The discussion spilled into everyday conversation.

Online communities filled with posts like National Idol Group Departs Korea, climbing rapidly to the top of the rankings as horrified netizens flooded the comments.

As a result...

Real-Time Trending Searches

#1 NewBlack Travel Diary

#2 Why Is NewBlack Dressed Like That

Before it had even aired, the reality show was already generating incredible buzz.

While Korea buzzed with promotions for NewBlack's Travel Diary...

"Whew..."

"Whew..."

A group of people stood together, visibly trembling with anticipation.

Above them hung a sign.

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

The largest airport in Alaska's biggest city—Anchorage.

Hundreds of members of the Cloud Corps had gathered there, rubbing their hands together nervously.

"Oh my gosh... I think I'm going to cry."

"Me too..."

"I'm seriously so nervous."

Unlike the continental United States, Alaska sat isolated from the mainland.

When NewBlack had visited America before, these fans could only watch from afar.

Sure, they could have flown there.

But it wasn't exactly an easy trip.

So most of the people gathered here had never been able to see NewBlack in person.

And now...

They're coming to Alaska!

Naturally, the most passionate Souffle fans had flocked to the airport.

As they waited with banners and gifts in hand, curious passersby asked,

"Who are you waiting for?"

"NewBlack!"

"Oh! Honey, did you hear that? It's NewBlack."

People who had simply been passing through stopped and decided to wait as well.

The sight filled Souffle with emotion.

Now everyone recognizes their name.

Back then, they used to have to explain that NewBlack was a K-pop group.

Ever since Overcook exploded in popularity, ordinary people heard "NewBlack" and immediately thought of major celebrities.

Even local Alaskan television and radio stations played Overcook regularly now.

The Cloud Corps waited with excited smiles.

Then—

"Hm?"

"Huh?"

The arrival doors opened.

A ripple spread through the crowd.

Fans standing on tiptoe suddenly screamed.

"It's The Number Devil!"

First came Team Leader Yoon Seokhwan of Lemon Entertainment—famous for his nickname, The Number Devil.

Behind him were all the familiar staff members from the reality show.

They shyly waved back at the cheering fans as they passed.

One by one, the staff emerged.

The Cloud Corps swallowed nervously.

Finally...

We're finally going to see them in person.

Slowly...

The doors opened again.

NewBlack appeared in what felt like slow motion.

The fans reached for the banners in their hands.

Then—

"Kyaa—ghk...!"

"Ghk?!"

The moment their biases emerged wearing those absolutely catastrophic outfits...

...the fans reflexively dropped every banner they were holding.

It wasn't intentional.

Their hands had simply let go on their own.