Chapter 1193: Extremes (4)

"So you're saying my alcohol-based disinfectant increased this man's tolerance to alcohol?"

"That's right."

"An interesting hypothesis."

At the researchers' explanation, Seo Ri Hyuk stroked his chin with an intrigued expression.

Their gazes were directed at Wooju.

Aside from his flushed cheeks and the light sheen of sweat on his skin, Sun Wooju stood perfectly steady.

Ri Hyuk asked with concern in his eyes,

"...Are you okay?"

"Yeah."

The eldest pressed a hand to his cheek.

"My face feels a little hot... and I'm slightly tipsy, but it's bearable."

"This really is strange. Normally, even that much would make you so sleepy you couldn't stay awake."

"Right?"

Wooju grinned loosely.

"I don't know if it's thanks to you, but I guess I've gotten a little better at holding my liquor. Hehehehe."

He is a little drunk.

The researchers at King Sejong Station and the production staff asked the NewBlack members,

"Wooju is all right, isn't he?"

"Is it okay to keep filming? Or should we stop for a while?"

The members looked at Sun Wooju.

He's definitely drunk.

He wasn't staggering or on the verge of collapsing, but the way he smiled cheerfully at everyone was a little different from usual.

Biju said,

"I think he'll be fine if we let him sleep for about thirty minutes."

"I agree. He's not the type to make mistakes in public, but filming him in that state feels a little questionable."

"His recent schedule has been brutal too. He probably didn't sleep at all during the forty-plus hours we spent flying here."

The King Sejong Station personnel watched them discuss the matter with fascinated expressions.

They really are close. They're like an actual family.

Rather than members of a group talking among themselves, they looked like brothers genuinely discussing what to do about their eldest.

The bond they had shown on television had been real.

After their serious discussion away from the cameras, 4Black turned toward their eldest, whom they had seated in a chair.

"For now, let's let him sleep for a little... Hm?"

Sweet melodies began flowing from Wooju's lips as he nodded drowsily, his eyes slightly unfocused.

"Oh."

"Ooh."

"Wow!"

While the station personnel clapped and exclaimed over the pleasant sound, the members' eyes widened.

Junghyun hyung! Stop him!

Yep.

Kim Junghyun clapped a hand over Sun Wooju's mouth.

"Mmph-mmph-mmph-mmph~ Mmph-mmph~"

"...We apologize. It seems our hyung composes music when he's drunk. He's singing a melody none of us have ever heard before."

"Aw, Junghyun. I'm just singing. Why are you doing this?"

Apparently in high spirits, he seemed to be humming a song he had made up on the spot.

Even after his mouth was covered, he continued humming and grinning, making the members close their eyes.

It had taken them more than five years to find out.

...His drunken habit is composing music!!

Aside from the time in Australia, they had never had occasion to see Sun Wooju drunk.

The people here were unlikely to leak an unreleased song, but security was important all the same.

One of the station personnel said,

"Then we'll take you to the rooms on the second floor. That's where you'll be staying."

"Okay."

"Hyung, go lie down and nap for a bit."

Wooju waved them off.

"I'm fine."

"Even if you're only a little drunk, we can't film a show while you're intoxicated. It'll interfere with work."

"Right. It would interfere with work."

Even while tipsy, NewBlack's leader immediately accepted the argument once work was mentioned.

After the members laid Wooju down on the bed, Dr. Paeng Gwiin, who had guided them there, said,

"By the way, the members really seem to care deeply for one another."

"It's not so much that we care deeply for each other... It's just...."

Ri Hyuk fiddled with his slightly reddened ear.

"He doesn't seem to be in peak condition. And we can't show him drunk on a variety show."

"Haha. I see."

"Yes. When his judgment is impaired like this...."

Ri Hyuk trailed off, then widened his eyes as though he had realized something.

The four members of 4Black looked at one another.

"Wait. His judgment...."

"...Is impaired?"

As the members stared at each other with startled exclamation marks practically appearing above their heads, Dr. Paeng stroked his beak and tilted his head.

Their gazes had turned downright sinister as they looked at Wooju, who was still lying beneath the blanket with his eyes wide open.

The youngest suddenly scampered over to the leader.

"Hyung, hyung."

"?"

"There's something I did wrong to you last time."

"Mm-hm. It's okay."

"I have something too, hyung."

The youngest and Junghyun seized the opportunity to confess their sins.

Ri Hyuk began searching through electronic documents on his tablet.

"Let's see. The papers I need this man to sign should be somewhere around here...."

"Ri Hyuk?"

"There are several clauses in our communal living rules that we haven't been able to revise because he opposed them. This is the perfect opportunity."

Dr. Paeng flinched at the sight of Ri Hyuk attempting to ram through legislation by surprise.

Do they... really care deeply for one another?

Still, while the other members pursued their own interests, one seemed to remain unchanged.

Biju sat beside the bed, looking down at Wooju.

Click—

"...?"

Click, click—

Dr. Paeng blinked at the main dancer, who was enthusiastically pressing the camera button on his phone to preserve private photos of their tipsy leader.

...They are like a family.

In a different sense, they truly were.

"Good grief."

I sat up, clutching my throbbing head.

"...What time is it?"

I checked the clock and saw that I seemed to have slept for about an hour.

After soothing my throat with warm water from the thermos Biju had left by my pillow, I fixed my hair and got up.

"Ah, I thought I wasn't drunk."

I hadn't been about to collapse, but a single sip had apparently been enough to make me pleasantly drunk.

After straightening my clothes and heading down to the first floor, I spotted my younger members sitting in the dining hall.

"Oh, hyung! You're awake?!"

The youngest sprang up and ran toward me with unnatural enthusiasm.

The others likewise hurried over and studied my expression.

They looked as though they were trying to gauge how much I remembered.

"I remember everything, you little rascals."

"Gasp...!"

Junghyun and Jiho gasped, while Ri Hyuk looked away.

My judgment hadn't actually been impaired to that degree, but their behavior had been so cute that I had simply watched them.

"Anyway, what were you doing?"

"We were having a little tea break. Do you want some coffee too, hyung?"

"Something without caffeine."

I accepted a coffee with pieces of the drift ice one of the station personnel had brought earlier floating in it.

As I savored the cool sensation sliding down my throat with an appreciative "Ahh," Producer Gu Jaeyoung said,

"While you were asleep, we filmed the other members getting a tour of the station."

"Oh."

Apparently, they had spent some time being shown around the facilities.

My underlings said,

"Hyung, did you know? They have a karaoke machine and massage chairs here. Apparently, you can sit in a massage chair and sing."

"The library has a ton of material related to Antarctica."

"They even have a sauna."

Thinking I should take a look around later, I asked the producer,

"You haven't toured the kitchen yet, right?"

"No. We were waiting for you."

"Good."

The most important part of this shoot was serving food to the personnel at the Antarctic station.

As though he had been waiting for this moment, Producer Gu Jaeyoung returned with one of the cooks.

"Hello. My name is Ha Sungwoo, and I'm in charge of cooking at King Sejong Station. I look forward to working with you!"

"Hello!"

The cook, slightly tense in front of the camera, began showing us around.

"It probably isn't very different from other kitchens."

"You're right."

Large cauldrons and ovens like the ones we'd used on Goblin Restaurant stood out.

"Most ingredients arrive as finished products, so we usually just heat and serve those. We prepare grilled meat and the main dishes ourselves."

"What about soups and broths?"

"We usually use the ready-made products over there. People tend to leave quite a lot compared to the amount we make, so we're trying to minimize food waste as much as possible."

After explaining the kitchen, the cook guided us into the storeroom.

It was packed with all kinds of sauces and dry ingredients.

"This is the food storage room. We've placed some of the ingredients you brought on that shelf."

"Ah, thank you."

After checking the inventory ledger to confirm the quantities, I asked the cook,

"How many people normally prepare the meals?"

"One person handles breakfast. Two of us usually prepare dinner. There aren't that many people here, so you shouldn't have any particular trouble when NewBlack prepares the food."

We nodded.

"Compared to Goblin Restaurant...."

The Antarctic setting would make things difficult, but considering the number of people, this was the very definition of a relaxing shoot.

There had been the New Bulgogi Baekban disaster, which had earned the location the nickname Hellpyeong Rest Stop.

Then there had been Goblin Restaurant, where we endured an astonishing workload in order to achieve twenty million won in daily sales.

Ah....

This is heaven. Heaven.

Making food for only a few dozen people would be child's play.

We wiped away tears with contented smiles.

"Good things really do come after hardship."

"This is such a happy shoot."

Then we asked the quietly smiling cook,

"By the way, we received information about everyone's allergies in advance, but what kind of food do the station personnel usually prefer?"

"Hmm."

The cook scratched the back of his head.

"I don't really know that much. Everyone's about the same. They like tasty food and meat. You can probably observe them when they eat later."

"Ah, okay."

"Shall we get started, then?"

"Yes!"

To adapt to the new working environment, we decided to help prepare dinner together first.

After all, the decisive day was tomorrow.

Clatter—Rattle—

Finished products and ingredients were brought out from all over the place.

Following the cook's instructions, we prepared several dishes ourselves and familiarized ourselves with the workplace.

This will be easy.

This seems manageable.

"I have a good feeling about tomorrow."

Right, Junghyun... Junghyun?!

While the rest of us had been communicating only through our eyes, we recoiled at the voice that had spoken aloud.

The youngest smacked Junghyun repeatedly on the back.

"Hyung! Are you seriously saying something like that all the way in Antarctica? We banned you from making prediction jokes."

"No, but the work really does seem easier than usual...."

"Junghyun... Why are you making things harder for us?"

"No...."

As Junghyun looked aggrieved by my words, the cook carrying ingredients chuckled.

"Is this because of Junghyun's prediction jokes?"

"Yes."

"So that superstition really does work."

Another cook ignited a torch and said,

"Still, this time really should be manageable. We don't have that many personnel here, and compared to when you served hundreds of customers a day, this will feel like heaven."

"There are five of you too. You probably won't even need us, so we'll get to rest. Works out great for us~"

But at that very moment, Producer Gu Jaeyoung came hurrying into the dining hall.

We exchanged looks.

Something happened.

His expression was slightly troubled.

But it didn't seem serious.

Rather....

Producer Gu's cheek is twitching.

What is it?

He almost looked excited, as though something good had happened.

Producer Gu Jaeyoung approached us with quick steps.

"Guys, how much extra food did you bring?"

"Plenty. We intentionally brought enough for them to keep eating even after we leave."

"Then I guess this works out well."

"Excuse me?"

"Could you serve foreign guests too?"

"...."

We looked at one another.

"There's no reason we couldn't. But how did this happen...? Was it discussed with the station personnel?"

"Yes. We talked it over. Lunar New Year is coming up soon, you know. They told me that they once held a friendly exchange with personnel from foreign stations during Chuseok."

"Ah...."

"So I thought it might be nice to invite people from other countries and serve them a meal."

Naturally, we agreed.

Inviting people from other national stations would provide a unique scene and probably create entertaining moments for the show.

With his hands resting at the waist of his apron, Ri Hyuk asked,

"How many people are you considering?"

"Probably... everyone from all the nearby stations?"

"...."

We turned toward the cooks.

"Are there a lot?"

"Yes. A lot."

"...."

Producer Gu Jaeyoung spoke as though defending himself.

"To be fair, this wasn't originally our idea. The other nearby stations contacted us first."

"What?"

"They heard Wooju invited a researcher."

"I did?"

My younger members' heads whipped toward me.

Junghyun in particular stared at me sullenly as I asked the producer,

"...Who exactly did I invite?"

The rumor began with a German scientist.

When the scientist returned to his station and told the others, everyone erupted into excited chatter.

"Paul?! Is it true? NewBlack invited you?"

"Yes. I received a courteous invitation."

Paul Beckmann stroked his beard as he put on his white lab coat.

Another German colleague raised a hand.

"Objection."

"I'm listening."

"Didn't you misunderstand? NewBlack aren't your neighborhood friends. They're top stars. Why would they suddenly invite scientists they had never met before?"

"No."

At Paul's answer, everyone shook their heads in disappointment.

Of course.

"Strictly speaking, I was the one who suggested it first. When I heard NewBlack would be serving a delicious meal, I asked whether I could visit."

"Hmm."

"They told me to come."

The German scientists narrowed their eyes.

"You...!"

They all leaped to their feet and cheered.

"So you really were invited!"

"We believed in you!"

Paul raised a hand and dampened their excitement.

"But I alone was invited. I don't know whether they meant for all of you to come too."

"Hmm...."

"If you're curious, why don't you ask them yourselves?"

While the German scientists gathered at the station discussed the matter, the news naturally spread elsewhere.

Antarctica was an enormous continent, but only a tiny fraction of it was suitable for human habitation.

Because of that, most stations were clustered together, and regions with active exchanges like the European Union or similar languages tended to communicate closely.

[What did you say?]

"Hehe. We have received an invitation from NewBlack."

[...!]

"Apparently, NewBlack will serve their special dishes to the Korean researchers at King Sejong Station."

The rumor spread across Antarctica.

"Did you hear? Apparently, NewBlack invited a whole group of European researchers."

"Really? Then why haven't we received an invitation?"

"Check the inbox! Something might have come in."

As the other stations began contacting King Sejong Station, the situation gradually grew out of control.

What had originally been a small, cozy Lunar New Year party for the Koreans was suddenly turning into an international conference.

Of course, they all knew NewBlack would have a difficult time if everyone attended.

Whatever.

The scientists simply pretended not to know.

They had to spend months, sometimes close to a year, in Antarctica with nothing around them. How could they miss something this entertaining?

It was already rare for one of the world's top stars to visit Antarctica... and they would get to eat food personally prepared by them....

"They'll perform too, right?"

"There's no way they won't."

They might even get to see a performance.

And so, bloody battles broke out among the scientists for the chance to attend NewBlack's party.

"All right, let's decide who absolutely has to remain at the station. Raise your hand if you have a compelling reason why you must go."

Everyone raised a hand.

"My wife is a NewBlack fan."

"Lately, I've been thinking about my late great-grandmother.... I've been feeling depressed, so I think I need an outing."

"Cut the bullshit and draw lots."

Amid all of this, the American station was equally excited.

"We're going to NewBlack's party!"

"YEAH—!!!"

In the midst of the jubilant cheering, someone spoke to another colleague.

"Shouldn't we tell Amy too?"

"Ah."

"What's she doing right now?"

"She's probably buried in her research. She's practically been in seclusion for the last few weeks."

"Someone should tell her. Isn't she a Souffle?"

At that, someone opened the door to a dark laboratory and stepped inside.

The paleontologist, who had been examining a dinosaur fossil under a microscope, looked at her colleagues with hollow eyes.

"It's noisy outside. What's going on?"

"Did you hear?! We're going to NewBlack's party."

"Oh. Sure. And while you're there, I'll be attending the Academy Awards."

At Amy's biting sarcasm, her colleagues replied,

"No, we're really going to NewBlack's party."

"?"

"You don't know because you've been doing research, do you? NewBlack is in Antarctica right now."

"???"

Her eyes widened behind her glasses until they were as large as lanterns.

She sprinted like a velociraptor and seized her colleague by the collar.

"Tell me everything from beginning to end. Right now."

"S-so... um...."

The other researcher swallowed at the Souffle's intensity and explained the situation, causing her to stagger backward.

"Oh... my God."

"What do you think?"

"My... my living favorite is on Antarctic soil...."

Right. She's a dinosaur fanatic too.

When the paleontologist let out a joyous roar like a tyrannosaurus, the American scientists scratched the backs of their heads.

Can we really take her?

It doesn't look like she's going to see a singer... It looks like she's going hunting.

They wondered whether that fandom was always so combative, but soon understood.

What were the odds that her favorite singer would come to Antarctica and that she would be invited to their party?

It was probably about the same as winning the Powerball lottery.

"NEWBLAAAAAAAACK! I'M COMIIIIIIIIING—!!!! Hahahahaha!"

As Souffles of various nationalities hidden across the different stations cheered....

"Shall we go?"

"Let's go."

Researchers from around the world donned thick cold-weather gear and boarded boats, vehicles, and planes with satisfied smiles.

Vroooooom—

Snow vehicles began racing energetically toward King Sejong Station.