MusicBomb starts at 7 pm on Thursdays.

Although rare, the Internet was crowded with people waiting for the main show.

Two large male idol groups appear on a music show together and one of them is making their debut. Because of this, TeStar's fans became even more active.

After the pre-recording review was released, all kinds of information, including costumes and makeup, fan service, and talks, were already well-known among the fans. So the fans waited for the show with even more excitement.

Sadly, TeStar's performance hasn't been out for a while. Because it was a music show on Tnet, they were well treated.

What was comforting to the fans, though, is that the group's introductory interviews appeared in the mid-to-late stages of the show.

TeStar members, who appeared on the screen, were smiling and waving their hands. They wore baseball uniforms and had props that fit their images, from guards to gloves.

The interview wasn't anything special. There was just an ordinary script and they sang a verse from the chorus. However, the fans still enjoyed watching the members.

And when the performance was finally aired.

Reactions poured out in an instant.

The live performance of 'Hi-five' was really fun.

TeStar found the cameras in an instant and gave mischievous expressions or refreshing smiles to match the concept, and it certainly seemed like they owned the song.

The live performance was not unstable thanks to the parts they shared. They seemed to have fun pulling off the performance with the perfect choreography without showing any signs of nervousness.

People talked about the performance as if it was already over with 'Hi-five', but as soon as the 'Magical Boy' performance came out, the comment boxes and social media were covered with new posts again.

The TeStar members on the screen stirred the stage to the sensual deep house song with the dreamy music box melody setting the mood for the song.

//TN: If anyone is curious what a sensual and dreamy deep house song would sound like then 'Boa - One Shot, Two Shot' or 'Shinee - Feel Good' would be close to it

Taking advantage of the fact that the performance was pre-recorded, there were some graphic effects added to make the performance seem 'surreal' and 'magical' without having too many sparkling or glitch effects.

And because the setting was 'high school', the refreshing feeling and anxiousness of adolescence could be felt without it being excessive, since there were some dramatic dance movements added in the distinct choreography.

The members who were at the center of the choreography did well enough to make people open their mouths.

People expressed their opinions in admiration.

Fans were excited and enjoyed the lingering feeling of the performance.

The older ballad group's performance was broadcasted next, but TeStar's fans were more immersed in the lingering impression of the first official debut stage.

However, the atmosphere changed slightly as VTIC came out.

The noir-inspired swing house song was very sophisticated and intense.

But as usual, people were more interested in the newcomer dark horses. Therefore, the mentions of TeStar did not fade.

Since VTIC's performance was the last one, the 1st place announcement ceremony was held immediately.

VTIC skipped the airing of MusicBomb the previous week. Thanks to this, they were able to receive the 1st place trophy along with the comeback stage.

Neither VTIC nor netizens were surprised.

Although it wasn't anything big, a happy and joyful acceptance speech followed.

And after a while, the MC threw a closing remark.

In the full wave of the atmosphere, the VTIC members came forward for the first-place encore.

At that moment, an unexpected scene was shown.

Chungryeo, who was walking to the front, turned to look at TeStar and waved his hand while smiling.

People chatted happily, but they never could have thought that the person who received the greeting was very puzzled.

* * *

'...What's with the sudden greeting?'

VTIC had arrived in a hurry due to schedule problems and immediately entered the live broadcast, so there was no time to greet them there.

In other words, this was the first time I saw Chungryeo after ended.

We didn't even make eye contact, but he waved at us?

'I don't think he was that kind of person.'

I felt a little awkward but soon threw the thought away. I'm busy to death that it shouldn't matter whether someone suddenly greets me or not.

'I guess he was excited because they won first place.'

"I think he said hello to you, Moondae. I guess it was because you met during the Casting Call."

"Hmm, maybe."

I acknowledged Ryu Chungwoo's words and moved on.

Cha Yujin's voice filled with expectations could be heard.

"Can we go home now?"

"Nah, we have to go greet before we leave~"

Keun Sejin muttered in response to the manager's answer.

"Ah, I guess they're still here."

"What?"

"They're standing in line to say hello to the PD."

"Hmm."

I have roughly heard of it. The reason why idols are late to go home from music shows is because of the greetings that took place after the group shot of the first-place announcement.

'I've heard that some other public televisions also do this, not just here.'

Thanks to this I was late from leaving work, so I didn't like it very much. It was already difficult having to stay up since dawn.

'...Still, is there anything special about being social?'

It was better not to stand out for no reason.

We followed the manager silently.

"Th-this is a little awkward...!"

When we arrived at the corridor and lined up, Seon Ahyun whispered with a panicked face.

It was more crowded than I thought, and the eyes were focusing on us. It felt like someone would go up and talk to me at any moment.

Although it was customary to go say hello and exchange albums, it was the first time we met in a group like this.

'The sociable guys will take care of this.'

I ignored their gazes and chatted with Seon Ahyun.

"How was the performance?"

"Oh? Of- of course... i-it was great!"

"In what aspects?"

"Um... Th-there were people who cheered for us, th-the songs are good, a-and all the members performing with me are close..."

"..."

'Honestly, not all of us are close, though.'

But there was no need for me to point this out and spoil the mood. I just kept my mouth shut and nodded. Seon Ahyun's face brightened.

At that moment, I could see people from the other side of the hallway moving out of the way.

With this timing, there could only be one thing.

'It must be VTIC.'

The ballad group, which performed after us, was already absent before the announcement of the first place due to their schedule. It was interesting that you needed to be experienced for years to have that benefit.

It was the same principle with VTIC. Thanks to their years of experience and popularity, they were able to greet the PD quickly.

'...Are there any special benefits for T1 affiliates?'

As I was muttering my corrupted thoughts to myself, VTIC passed by in front of my eyes.

Let's just give an enthusiastic greeting.

But one of them stopped walking and talked to me.

"Ah, Moondae-ssi, it's nice to see you again. Congrats on the 1st place."

"..."

It was Chungryeo.

"Oh, he's the...?"

"That's right."

"Woah, nice to meet you! Fighting to your activities!"

Other VTIC members also chimed in making it seem like they knew me. Chungryeo was smiling.

'...Is this bastard doing this on purpose?'

I couldn't let go of my doubts and just said hello.

"Yes. Thank you. Nice to meet you, sunbae-nim."

"It's nice to meet you too. Um... shall we exchange numbers? It's rare for activities to overlap like this."

"I'd be grateful."

Let's exchange numbers for now since there might be some use for it. I eagerly pulled out my smartphone.

However, I'm doubting his intentions of saying all this in the hallway packed with other performers.

'...He could have just quietly gotten the number through the manager'

Just like when he was greeting me in front of the cameras earlier, I'm sure he is up to something. Although, I don't know what.

'...Is it to just show off his connections?'

Anyway, it is true that Park Moondae came in first place in the audition program. It could be that Chungryeo is just an attention-seeker.

'How can I guess the personality of someone I've only met once?'

"I will contact you."

"Thank you. Have a safe trip home."

VTIC quickly disappeared from the hallway. I held back my sighs and put my phone back in.

Next to me, Keun Sejin clapped while chuckling.

"Woah~ Moondae, you're giving out your number to a male idol before female idols... Keh-hugh"

Stuff yourself with more glucose candy.