Debut or Die - Chapter 479

Seoul Waterbomb.

 

“Waaaaah!!”

 

“Ah! Hya!”

 

Streams of water, laughter, screams, and music erupted from all directions. The frenzied summer festival, where stamina was exchanged for fun, was in full swing from the afternoon. Usually, at these kinds of events, most people focus on having fun themselves, but today’s Waterbomb had quite a few people who stood out for a different reason.

 

“Isn’t this the kids’ last performance?”

 

“Yeah, I think so?”

 

They were TeSTAR’s fans. Of course, TeSTAR itself is already very well-known, and since this event isn’t their solo concert, not everyone is here just for them. However, it’s true that even people who wouldn’t normally come to a 10-hour water gun party, running and shouting, showed up because of TeSTAR. And even if they weren’t fans, most people at Waterbomb today were excited to see TeSTAR’s performance as a ‘famous singer.’

 

“Ah, it’s so cold.”

 

“Hey, but the more famous ones come out in the evening. TeSTAR probably won’t come out until after 9 PM, right?”

 

“Okay. Let’s hang in there… Whoa, look, Mewdy is coming up!”

 

“Awesome!”

 

But unlike these general participants who were just enjoying the festival, some of TeSTAR’s fans were plagued by a different anxiety. Naturally, it was because of Cha Eugene’s absence.

 

-It’s such a shame Eugene isn’t comingㅠㅠ

 

-Cha Kitty would have been flying around, I bet Eugene is the most disappointed…

 

-People who aren’t usually sick suffer a lot when they do get sick… Don’t worry,  just rest well, and we want to see you healthy, our Eugene (photo)

 

A few days ago, an announcement was made that Cha Eugene had to stop his schedule due to health reasons, and it was widely expected that he wouldn’t be at Waterbomb today. Messages wishing for Eugene’s recovery and expressing concern for his health were easily found on social media. But there was one problem that couldn’t be ignored. Cha Eugene’s star power was just too strong.

 

-?? They didn’t even tell us the diagnosis, and suddenly, he’s on break??

 

-LOL, Cha Eugene not posting anything on the official account is super suspicious

 

-Is Chamera acting up again?

 

-Whoa, Cha Eugene taking a break due to stress? LOL, sounds like a lie, doesn’t suit him at all

 

Since his debut, has Cha Eugene ever been sick? And to the point of suddenly halting his schedule indefinitely? Moreover, they didn’t specify what exactly was wrong. It was just stated that he was advised to take a temporary break due to ‘physical and mental strain.’ So naturally, people started to wonder, subtly or openly.

 

I’m curious.

 

Why is he sick? Although nothing had surfaced publicly yet, various speculations were circulating within the fandom. Moreover, some trolls started appearing out of nowhere in the early morning.

 

– Cha Eugene isn’t sick. He’s skipping out to meet his girlfriend LOL^^ He stayed out overnight yesterday, causing chaos at the company, you idiots

 

-Account of Eugene Ignacio Cha finding his original intention after leaving home (★★★Actually ran away from the dorm★★★)

 

These were anonymous accounts. Accounts with similar words suddenly appeared out of nowhere, spouting provocative statements. Rumors ranged from having a girlfriend to fighting with members at the dorm, which had already existed since the re-contract period. Moreover, there were even rumors that TeSTAR might not be able to perform at Waterbomb today because of this!

 

-Let’s see if TeSTAR shows up or not. Seriously, lol, I’m only sharing this because I feel bad

 

-Don’t be in denial if a sudden cancellation notice pops up

 

And around that time, there were always people with thin ears who started to think, ‘Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.’

 

-There must be something going on

 

-It’s right not to consume sasaeng stories, but honestly, it’s unsettling. It was obvious from the debut that Eugene was a bit different

 

-Please, MoonDog, Big Bird, you guys do searches and do something. The silence makes it seem more realㅠ

 

By noon, things had calmed down a bit, but fans who had seen it were still somewhat uneasy.

 

Ah, this is annoying…

 

Here, a fan of Kim Raebin, who had come to Waterbomb with friends despite not planning to, felt the same.

 

Why did Eugene have to get sick now of all times?

 

One of the members who would have been perfect for Waterbomb was missing, making them wonder if they should get a partial refund for the ticket. Of course, it wasn’t because of Kim Raebin.

 

Kim Raebin going shirtless… Yeah, probably not.

 

Muttering that they weren’t expecting it, the fan of Kim Raebin still moved as close as possible to the front and side of the protruding stage fence. Standing outside for hours, getting wet, and feeling increasingly uncomfortable and cold couldn’t stop their movements.

 

“Huh? Want to see from the front?”

 

“Yeah, sure.”

 

The friends followed along, somewhat bewildered. Looking around, it was clear that many were filling the gaps, all probably recalling the timetable in their heads.

 

Right. Unsettling as it was, TeSTAR in person was still TeSTAR.

 

There’s no way TeSTAR won’t show up.

 

In the end, no cancellation notice appeared.

 

Now, the final segment.

 

They’re coming!!

 

[Hello Seoul~]

 

Pow, pow, pow!! With water cannons, intense sound effects, fireworks-like flame effects, and LED lights bursting, six tall figures emerged onto the massive outdoor stage on a dark summer evening.

 

[Make some noise!]

 

It was TeSTAR!

 

“Waaaaah!!!”

 

Even as they screamed reflexively, the fans noticed. Cha Eugene was missing. But that realization was fleeting. Their eyes quickly turned to TeSTAR’s outfits. They were dressed simply in white T-shirts and jeans. A couple of members wore denim jackets, but that was it.

 

In an event like this, simplicity was key. Water would be the main highlight.

 

Aaaahhh!!!

 

Amidst the deafening cheers, a familiar intro began to play. A lively and fast beat. It was a slightly more rhythmic arrangement to suit the festival.

 

[Take your STAR

On a night when stars pour down

Kick the waves

Run and fly to the sky!]

 

The song had a fresh, idol-like charm and was a popular hit. Though it felt quite wholesome for a Waterbomb festival, it still had the fun of singing along to a well-known song, like at a college festival. Moreover, the performance perfectly matched the ‘water’ theme.

 

“Wow!!”

 

“They’re so damn good!”

 

TeSTAR’s performance, running around barefoot with specially made anti-slip pads, and splashing water everywhere, drew enthusiastic cheers. The TeSTAR members gave it their all.

 

[Today is good as it is,

Let’s go!]

 

In the second verse, they even added an ad-lib section, running freely around the protruding stage.

 

“Ahyeon!”

 

Seon Ahyeon gracefully and swiftly spun around, splashing water as he emerged to the front.

 

“Wow!!”

 

Seon Ahyeon, looking slightly embarrassed and shy, waved his hand, only to be showered with another stream of water.

 

And if you looked to the side,

 

“Ryu Chungwoo! Ryu Chungwoo!”

 

“Please, over here!”

 

Wow… Even people who didn’t seem like TeSTAR fans were acting like that.

 

Ryu Chungwoo, without showing any signs of displeasure, was providing fan service while getting drenched with water around his neck and back.

 

Those insane abs…

 

Trying to resist the urge to turn their head back, Kim Raebin’s fans looked around to find their favorite member.

 

[Yes, fly so far like this]

 

He was right in front of them! Kim Raebin’s fair face, adorned with particularly flashy piercings, was just inches away.

 

Kim Raebin.

 

Kim Raebin’s fans almost lost their minds for a moment… but quickly regained their composure. One of the members wearing a jacket was right next to them, facing the enthusiastic requests of a mischievous couple in the audience.

 

“Take it off! Take it off!”

 

They wanted to have fun together by taking off their jackets.

 

As if Kim Raebin would ever do that!

 

But then… The member, who had been tilting his head… actually took off his jacket!

 

“…?!”

 

And handed it to the audience.

 

“Ahhhh?!”

 

“Oh my god!”

 

You crazy guy!

 

The screams from the person who received the jacket and the people around them turned the area into a frenzy.

 

Kim Raebin seemed unable to understand why he was being sprayed with water instead of receiving thanks, but he seemed to think it was a sign of gratitude. With a slight bow, Kim Raebin ran back onto the stage, his white shirt clinging to his back, completely soaked.

 

F-F*ck.

 

Thank you.

 

The fans wanted to slap themselves for complaining about attending a dangerous event like Waterbomb. The intense stimulation was overwhelming.

 

You, you have a good body too…!

 

Kim Raebin’s fans marveled at their decision not to hold up their smartphone. Others can take pictures. It’s more important for them to see it with their own eyes!

 

[Today will shine-!]

 

After making a round on the protruding stage, TeSTAR showed an exciting dance break before finishing the first song. The outdoor concert venue was shaken by the deafening cheers.

 

[Hello~! Nice to meet you!]

 

It was the same when TeSTAR attempted a light greeting and talk.

 

[Oh, if you could avoid our faces while we sing, we’d appreciate it… oh dear.]

 

Even while speaking, water streams mercilessly splashed onto their faces. However, Lee Sejin laughed, lifted his shirt to wipe his cheek, and moved on with a burst of laughter.

 

[I got it! But having fun is more important, right?]

 

The venue echoed with deafening cheers and agreement. Despite the hot and exciting atmosphere, Kim Raebin’s fan frowned for a moment.

 

Ah, this is why I was worried about Waterbomb.  It could be dangerous because of inconsiderate people who aim for the eyes or those crazy enough to mix alcohol with water. Especially for such a famous male idol group, there were often strange fans or jealous individuals.

 

However, already drenched like a wet puppy, Park Moondae made a serious statement.

 

[Then just… feel free to shoot.]

 

“…??”

 

[We’ll handle it ourselves.]

 

Then, TeSTAR members started taking something out of their pockets. They were waterproof goggles.

 

“Ha ha ha!”

 

Now they’re finally using a protector they didn’t use before!

 

While people who were hit by the time-lag attack were laughing, TeSTAR also laughed foolishly and firmly pressed down on the goggles. They were quite stylish fashion goggles. Without a moment to catch their breath, they jumped onto the protruding stage one by one, in the order they finished putting on their gear!

 

[Next song, here we go!]

 

“Waaaaah!!”

 

“Aaah!!”

 

Great seat selection!! Crazy!!

 

While Kim Raebin’s fan was screaming and holding onto a friend’s arm, a water gun shower rained down on Bae Sejin, who was standing right in front of them. The white shirt under the jacket was getting completely soaked.

 

Poor thing!

 

Even so, she didn’t stop her friend from enthusiastically shooting water at Bae Sejin’s stomach….

 

In the midst of the excitement and hormone rush, the intro began to play.

 

[Doong…!]

 

“Oh, the latest song!”

 

It was ‘Roll the Dice.’ It seemed like it had been slightly rearranged to be more intense, as the beat felt a bit faster.

 

Just as people were about to start cheering and responding.

 

[Ah, and… we have a guest.]

 

“Huh?”

 

Ryu Chungwoo suddenly said with a smile. But without any explanation and without giving people time to wonder…

 

[Your hand touches

And catches my tape]

 

The song started with Park Moondae’s high note.

 

“Waaaah!”

 

Wearing goggles, Park Moondae moved energetically as if it didn’t matter where the water was being sprayed. People cheered and followed his movements.

 

[The moment my heart beats

All my senses became slow]

 

TeSTAR executed their distinctive and impressive choreography with precision, but the rest of the formations and gestures were somewhat freely handled as they ran around the protruding stage.

 

Flashes from people’s cameras sparkled. The song raced, the beat pounded, and the air of the summer evening seemed ready to burst with the heat and moisture of the performance moment.

 

The last part, right before the pre-chorus!

 

[Looking for the sure answer-]

 

And then, suddenly, the music stopped.

 

“…?”

 

At the peak moment when everything should have exploded! Just when it seemed like a sound accident.

 

Ping! At the far end of the protruding stage, the main stage’s LED screen lit up brilliantly. And there… someone was standing.

 

Blond hair. Jeans and a well-fitting white T-shirt. The seventh figure is wearing goggles.

 

Cha Eugene.

 

[…]

 

Holding a microphone, he tested it briefly, matching the pitch and making a sound.

 

[Ah, ah.]

 

At that moment.

 

“Wow!!”

 

“Eugene!!”

 

“What?? Who is that?”

 

In the heat of the moment, fans were thrilled, and even those who didn’t know him were swept up in the atmosphere, cheering loudly.  

 

The band accompaniment returned like a whirlwind.

 

[!!]

 

And then Cha Eugene started running out onto the protruding stage.

 

“Unbelievable!”

 

Cha Eugene, with his hair half-swept back, ran straight ahead on the wet stage without hesitation. Even in the midst of it, without a single breath out of place, he raised his part without pause, shooting it through the microphone.

 

[One choice

Yeah, take it all (one more)

Even if you let go of this tight grip]

 

And at the very front.

 

The moment Cha Eugene stepped right into the center of the large stage of TeSTAR.

 

[Let’s start, the chaos begins]

 

The beat drops.

 

A flashy dance break that wasn’t in the original song.

 

[side side side]

 

Cha Eugene bounced forward.

 

“…!!”

 

Crazy.

 

Crazy, crazy!

 

The water gun fight temporarily halted at the protruding front. An overwhelming sense of depth, an impressively violent presence, and an electrifying explosiveness.

 

What the??

 

[Just roll the dice]

 

Cha Eugene executed the dance break almost like a solo performance. Kicking off the ground and moving as if sweeping the floor with the rebound of his body, the movements looked incredibly cool at a glance but also seemed to be quite overloading.

 

Huh??

 

But there was no time to gather thoughts. Cha Eugene’s next move was to nonchalantly take off his top and throw it among the stunned crowd. Immediately, his well-toned upper body was revealed.

 

“…?!”

 

“Ahhh!!”

 

And it continued like that. He kept creating something that made it impossible to look away.

 

When the slow section came, Cha Eugene deliberately sat down to get hit by the water. So it could hit his face directly.

 

C-Crazy.

 

And without even blinking, he stared intently at each person shooting water guns, then took off his goggles and stood up. It was very natural. At the perfect timing when the interlude ended, he rejoined the formation.  And the final chorus performance of the intense title track.

 

[Pull it tight]

 

Fireworks exploded. But even that loud and flashy finale seemed like a backdrop as he crossed every line without hesitation and burned with passion.

 

So, at the same time.

 

-C-C-Crazy! Waterbomb Cha Eugene appears

 

-Ahh Cha Eugene

 

SNS was going wild. And there was one reason why all of this was possible.

 

STier Cha Eugene didn’t have higher absolute stats than TeSTAR Cha Eugene. The lack of management and education was that painful. But experience. All the incidents and accidents the group went through. The environment where sudden changes in situations were frequent which inevitably increased his ability to quickly learn and apply choreography. Because if he didn’t improve, he couldn’t survive.

 

“I got it all.”

“Gasp.”

 

So he completely mastered TeSTAR’s latest title remix choreography and two other event songs in just 4 hours. And…

 

To show an impressive stage somehow, he adapted and desperately held on even in very uncomfortable and unfamiliar situations.

 

To seize the opportunity, there was one stat he pushed to the extreme himself.

 

[Charisma: EX (EX)]

 

If the opportunity came, he was someone who wouldn’t miss it.