162 - I Unknowingly Rejected My Favorite

EP.162 #162. The Dreaded Interview "Ah. Hmm. Ah." The day of the interview for contest winners had finally arrived. Sitting in front of the monitor, I was struggling to calm my racing heart. I... I'm so nervous! Honestly, even if they had said it was just some viewer participation content, I would have been trembling. But having not one, but all five Closer members interviewing only me was an overwhelming weight that was eating at me. Especially since Yoonjae would be interviewing me, and he said he'd be watching later. The thought that acquaintances in the real world would be watching my interview made me want to say I couldn’t do it and bolt right that moment. - Vrrrr My phone vibrated. Seeing the name on the screen, I took a deep breath. Because it was my girlfriend and today’s reporter. It was Kim Luca. [Oppa. We're done with our meeting! Everything's wrapped up. Are you all set too?] [Well, there's not much for me to prepare…] Even so, I had received a list of questions similar to past ones and had written them down. About what thoughts went into preparing the song. If I was inspired, where that inspiration came from. I didn't quite understand why there were questions about how I knew Closer, but I took notes anyway. [Oh... Then you'll be able to do well without being nervous later, right?] The hamster emoji teasingly mocking me felt particularly annoying. ...Kim Doa. You're doing this because you know I'm super nervous. [Yeah, for sure. Ah, it's going to be fine~ Honestly~] Trying to play it cool as if people who are unprepared act more nonchalantly, but Doa knew me too well. [Acting tough huh, lol] ...I'll see you later. I pamper you, and you treat me like a fool. Fueled by a momentary sense of annoyance. Once Doa texted saying she had to start getting ready, I was left alone, shivering. I’ll do fine, right? I mean, I even practiced that Q&A. It's just my voice that will be heard, not my face. So why am I so terrified, Han Taemin? Time cruelly flew by, and the official website displayed a red signal announcing the live session. [Thank you for waiting, everyone~] It seemed like there were at least 10,000 more viewers than on their usual group streams. Oh. Why are so many people watching again? The host began by introducing the details of the contest, and one by one, the Closer members made their appearances. In the VR world, they wore the same uniforms as their debut with Boundary, a unified attire that somehow felt more intimidating. It felt like they were in uniforms optimized for ganging up on one person…! [Thank you so, so much to everyone who joined!] Jennifer, the leader, bowed her head slightly as she conveyed her thanks. [Thanks to you all, it seems we’re about to release an album that will go down in history~ Eee!] As Fumuring, the youngest, jumped up and down with adorable movements, the chat filled with comments like [So cute]. [Everyone! You haven’t heard which song was chosen, right?] Luca, capturing the audience’s attention with her unique teasing tone, raised her index finger with a smirk. [Let's check it out together with us, Closer!] The sequence of events seemed tight, as their conversation wasn't prolonged. Why… why are they moving so fast? Just mess around and have fun like you usually do! People would prefer that over a dull male interview!! [Now, first, let’s meet the much-anticipated 1st place winner who composed the song ENDLESS PARTY! Ash Block, come on in! Woo!] Displayed inside the monitor of another world was a simple gray block model. What’s this? Is that supposed to be a placeholder avatar? Even if it's what they wanted, isn't that a bit underwhelming? [Ah. Ah. Can you hear me?] Knowing his background as an experienced songwriter, his voice wasn’t surprising. It was the deep, bass voice of a man who sounded over 30. [Ah! Yes! Ash Block! First of all, congratulations on winning first place!!!] The Closer members eagerly reacted like students attending a video class in front of their monitor. [Have you known about our group, Closer, for a long time?] [Oh~ Of course, I knew.] [Then is there a member you particularly like among us?] ...That wasn't on the list of questions. Do different people get different sets of questions? After a shy-sounding chuckle, he cleared his throat. [...I like Leah.] Almost like a confession of love, the Closer members squealed and waved their avatar's arms at each other. [Ah, then you should say something. Leah, it seems you have a fan here.] [Ah... Um... Thank you so much for liking me... I’ll work hard on the music...] The sight of her blushing caused the chat to explode with activity. Most were expressing jealousy, which was understandable. I’d also pull out a pretend bat to threaten guy viewers whenever there was a lucky interaction with Luca. [And that was Ash Block! Shall we meet the next participant?] While I thought the host was conducting the session, Jennifer had taken over since Closer appeared. It didn’t feel awkward at all. They’re professionals who do broadcasts for hours every day. Filling the audio was no issue, and they handled reactions so well it’d be pointless to mention. Especially the dynamic responses from Fumuring and Jennifer were exquisite. Next up was the composer who won the Excellence Award, [ThreeLeafClover]. [Ah... In the case of ThreeLeafClover, I can vividly feel your fandom for a particular member!] When Luca playfully teased, the somewhat young-sounding boy's voice struggled to respond. [Ah, uh. I really didn’t expect to win. I just made up the name.] [Anyway, ThreeLeafClover! Please introduce your song for us briefly!] [For the song I prepared...] On the monitor, there really was a picture of a clover with three leaves displayed. By this point, I started to get curious about what they would show when it was my turn. With my name being RKRO... there didn't seem to be much they could do with that. After the Excellence Award, the time had come for the Outstanding Award winners. As soon as the first in line started their interview, the staff signaled for me to standby. With my microphone muted and earbuds in, I waited for my turn. [Alright, let's welcome our next guest! Capturing the essence of summer's refreshing vibe! Let's bring out RKRO!] What appeared on the interview monitor was a high-class, script-lettered capital "R" on a white background. It seemed that the production team hadn't caught on to what my stage name was an abbreviation for. Having muted the live broadcast and joined the voice channel, I greeted them awkwardly. [Hello. I go by RKRO.] [Yes! RKRO! The summer records you created for us! Our members absolutely loved it~] [Ah, yes. Thank you so much.] P-please don't ask anything that isn't in the script! My eyes, which had nowhere else to focus, lingered on the questionnaire, unable to leave. [In particular, our Lea chose RKRO's song as her favorite pick!] This was news I hadn't heard from Doa, but it delighted me nonetheless. [Wow. That's an honor.] [I was really speechless by how much I loved it.] Lea's face was zoomed in for the broadcast. But what I was more focused on was Luca's face barely visible next to her. Is that the expression you should be making? Luca? No? [Could you please give us a brief introduction to your song?] [Ah, yes! Summer Records centers around a lively keyboard melody to embody the summer's...] I wasn't watching the chat or the broadcast. I simply and calmly read through the monitor's white background and black text. Once I conveyed all the essentials listed in the questionnaire, the main event—the free talk—began. [So...] With a playful smile, Luca inquired. I hear her voice every day, but somehow through earphones, it sounds twice as charming. [What does RKRO stand for?] [Ah, that's…] ...Even you should have my back! Why are you making me explain this! [I took the initials from my nickname, Lucario...] [Oh my. Could the 'Luca' part perhaps be conscious of... me?] Luca's eyes curved like crescent moons as she covered her mouth. [Haha... That's right... Yes...] [Wow. It's a pleasure to know we have such a huge fan here too! I'm thrilled!] Hey... Kim Luca... Enough already... [Aha~ So we have this crossing paths scenario here!!] Finding the situation entertaining, Fumuring began narrating as if it were a love triangle. [A tragic situation unfolds where he receives Lea's affection but looks only toward Luca~] Seeing the chat going wild, I felt a strong urge to log off for the day. [No... I love all of you... I'm a huge fan of Closer... Haha...] [Then, lastly, to commemorate your award, could you say a few words to your favorite, Luca?] Winking and waving, Luca egged me on. [I... I love you! Luca!] Kim Doa. You're such a torment.