<Episode 67>
Spade Joker became a candidate for first place as soon as they made their comeback. They completed the first-place nominee interview with a much more relaxed attitude than before.
“I’m so excited. First place right after a comeback.”
“You know we have a mini fan meeting today, right?”
“Yes.”
A mini fan meeting was scheduled for those participating in the pre-recording.
The Spade Joker members couldn’t stay still, perhaps even more nervous because of it.
“Shall we go now? It’s time.”
“Yes.”
They started walking to meet their fans.
“Wow!”
“Spade Joker!”
“We love you!”
Compared to a typical fan meeting venue, the space was small, but that didn’t matter to Spade Joker or Clover. They were simply grateful to be in the same place, talking together.
“Clover, have you been well?”
“Yeah. What about you? Have you been well too?”
“We’ve been doing well.”
Clover busily moved her fingers to take photos of the members’ outfits.
“How do we look today?”
Spade Joker was dressed in colorful suits.
Each wore a different color, but since the designs were similar and only small accessories differed, it didn’t feel disjointed.
“You look amazing!”
“You’re the best!”
“Preserve those suits forever!”
“This is your first time seeing us like this, right?”
“Yes!”
Clover couldn’t help but think they wore suits just to shatter her heart.
Even their previous fresh and youthful concept was completely forgotten; the impact of the suits was that strong.
“Honestly, how’s the new song?”
“It’s so good! Even without fan bias, it’s really good! My friends all say it’s good too!”
Heeseo’s question was met with a near-roaring answer, filling the room with laughter.
There was no way not to laugh.
The laughter didn’t die down for quite a while.
“I’m glad you like the song. We really like it too.”
Juseok said with a happy smile.
“Clover, is there anything you want from us?”
“Do cheek pokes!”
As soon as Clover finished speaking, the members poked their own cheeks with their index fingers, and even poked the cheeks of the members next to them.
“Kyaaaa!”
A scream loud enough to tear ears apart rang out.
“If Clover wants it, we can do this as many times as you like.”
At Sora’s remark, Clover clutched her heart.
Some idols refuse requests even when fans beg, but Spade Joker never did that.
For them, fans always came first.
“Tell us about filming the film music video!”
“Ah, we were really nervous that day. But actor Kang Woojin told us it was okay and that if anything was difficult, we could just do it together… he comforted us a lot.”
“He’s so kind!”
“Yes, he really is.”
As the members praised Kang Woojin, Clover found herself liking him even more.
“Learning acting from him was really great too.”
“Oh, and on the day of filming, our CEO came with snacks because he was worried about us.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
Clover could feel that John Raid Lombardi genuinely cared about the members.
“Why did you decide to film a film music video?”
“Ah, the overall concept of this album is a game, right?”
“Yes!”
As soon as Cain spoke, Clover reacted immediately.
“So he watched a lot of music videos to create something unique, something that fits the game concept. And that’s how he came up with the idea of a film music video.”
When Cain finished explaining, the Clovers nodded vigorously.
“Do you like it?”
“Yes!”
“We’ve decided to trust all of CEO John Raid Lombardi’s decisions from now on!”
At that, the members burst into laughter.
“Us too. He really works hard for us.”
“Yeah, we could tell!”
And so, in a warm atmosphere, the mini fan meeting came to an end.
***
[This week’s first place is…]
Perhaps because the winner announcement was approaching, there was some tension.
‘We have to win first place.’
Even though it was right after their comeback, winning at times like this meant being recognized as a top-tier idol group.
[Congratulations. Spade Joker’s “POKER”!]
Confetti burst out as the MC handed them the trophy, microphone, and bouquet.
The members’ eyes quickly grew moist.
[Looking straight into your eyes, yet hiding it again]
The encore stage for first place began in that state.
Juseok, who had the first part, pressed his tears with his sleeve and started singing.
The members put their arms around each other’s shoulders and sang together.
[Originally, the world is an unfair game
(Winning is justice)]
“Even while crying, they’re singing properly.”
Watching the six men in suits shedding tears while still singing steadily made a smile appear.
[What, what, what do you keep expecting from me
(TO BIG DEAL)]
‘Fans probably find even that gap moe cute.’
I picked up my phone and sent a message to Kim Jawook.
[Please tell the kids congratulations on getting first place, and let them eat something good. They’ve lost too much weight; it seems fine if they eat more. Jawook, you also take care of yourself while taking care of them. Don’t just focus on the kids. And contact me if you need anything.]
Choosing Kim Jawook as their manager had truly been a great decision.
From what I heard when talking to Producer Yoo before, during a variety show shoot, Kim Jawook would often disappear. When asked where he went, he would come back with Korean snacks and drinks that the members liked.
It couldn’t have been easy to find those abroad, yet he went out alone to get them… that alone showed his sincerity.
[Yes, understood! I’ll make sure to pass on the congratulations to the Spade Joker members.]
***
On the way home, the members’ steps looked lighter than ever.
“Clover, you’re still here?”
They were heading to the parking lot to get into the car when they noticed Clover hadn’t gone home yet and asked in surprise.
“Yeah.”
“You should go home early.”
“This is fine.”
“You’ve been out since early morning, you must be tired.”
“I’m fine.”
“What do you mean, fine? Hurry and go home.”
They tried their best to send Clover home.
“We’re going too now. We’re hungry.”
“Are you really hungry? Ah, sorry. We should’ve prepared something.”
“No, it’s okay. We didn’t starve all day.”
The members looked at her as if asking what she meant.
“Your company sent kimbap.”
“They did?”
Juseok looked surprised, clearly unaware.
“Yeah. They sent it for breakfast. We ate that, did the pre-recording, then did our own things nearby and gathered again. So don’t worry. And even if nothing was prepared, we’d never starve. We have to eat well to keep following you around.”
“That’s a relief.”
“You guys eat well too, okay?”
“Don’t worry. Our manager takes great care of us. You don’t have to worry about us starving.”
After chatting a bit more, the members got into the car.
“Get home safely!”
“See you again soon!”
They rolled down the window and shouted their farewells.
They had no idea how many times they’d already said goodbye today.
“Congratulations on first place.”
Kim Jawook offered his congratulations.
“Thank you.”
“Aren’t you hungry?”
“We are.”
“Let’s go eat something good. The CEO told me to congratulate you and said you all look too thin after preparing for this comeback, he told me to feed you well.”
“Then I want meat.”
“Me too.”
“Then let’s go to a barbecue place.”
“Yes!”
Unable to contain their excitement, the members started humming.
“Let’s take photos and upload them.”
“Sounds good.”
“Not now… let’s take them when we get to the restaurant.”
“Okay.”
Even after waking up at dawn for pre-recording, going to the shop, finishing pre-recording, filming variety shows, and returning to the station for the results announcement, they didn’t seem tired at all.
The attention and love of many people…
That alone filled them with endless energy.
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