In This Life, The Greatest Star In The Universe

The next morning.

On their way to work, office workers habitually tapped “play” on their music app’s chart playlist.

“Huh?”

A song they’d never heard began to play.

Usually, tapping play would cue the refreshing intro of “Fireworks,” or the upbeat beat of “Attention.”

But an unfamiliar intro streamed out, so someone tapped the screen.

“What song is this now?”

The album art showed a scene from the drama with the title “I Destroyed My In-Laws OST Part 4.”

The protagonist standing before the burning mansion.

“Oh, it’s a drama OST.”

They’d heard the title of this popular recent drama before.

Looking down, they saw the song title and artist.

[Ri Hyuk – Walk Again]

Seeing the unfamiliar song attached to Ri Hyuk’s name instantly made it feel more familiar.

“So it’s another NewBlack song.”

For some reason, NewBlack felt like a trustworthy franchise in the music world.

As the lyrics began, heads nodded in approval.

It was a good song.

Perhaps because it was rush hour, the brisk yet solemn atmosphere of the music fit perfectly.

It made listeners straighten their posture, feel like the drama’s protagonist. It was the kind of song you’d hear during a police or prosecutor raid entrance scene.

“Nice.”

Not for nothing was it charting at number one. A finger hovered over the repeat button.

Meanwhile, as ordinary people discovered the song and opened their browsers,

the entertainment section on the portal’s main page filled with yesterday’s hot reactions to the HBS drama.

– [Yesterday on TV] “The Best Five Minutes”... “The in-laws’ mansion really blew up”

– HBS “I Destroyed My In-Laws,” ratings explode... Episode 4 “Best Ending”

– #Episode4_Highlight, “Time for Revenge”

Readers blinked.

“The in-laws’ mansion... really blew up?”

As people stared dumbfounded at the bomb-set mansion-destroying scene, “Walk Again” imprinted itself once more in their ears.

Meanwhile, staff at the drama’s production company let out happy shrieks.

“The OST sung by Ri Hyuk is also getting amazing reviews! Wow, usually you strike while the iron’s hot, but NewBlack pours fuel on the fire.”

“Wow... the OST hit number one!”

“Did you see? NewBlack TV even uploaded a live video...!”

On the production company’s official MyTube channel, the uploads saw ordinary view counts.

But on NewBlack TV, the live performance video of Ri Hyuk’s “Walk Again” shot up insanely fast.

And then—

“Wow...”

they experienced the astonishing effect.

“There are so many foreigners commenting.”

“So this can promote you like this.”

English comments poured in like waves, enough to nearly drown out the Korean fans.

– From today on, this is my school-commute song

– Personally thrilled that Ri Hyuk proved he can handle this range of song. It shows what a phenomenal vocalist he is—why did we ever doubt?

– I don’t know what drama this OST is from, but it alone is worth watching

– The drama’s title literally means “My Husband’s House Exploded,” right?

– No idea, but it exploded my heart first

Seeing unintelligible Spanish and Thai comments, the drama staff were amazed.

“This is going to promote it huge in Southeast Asia, isn’t it?”

“That’s true.”

It seemed “I Destroyed My In-Laws” was being promoted to Southeast Asian netizens, where NewBlack had immense popularity.

“We were so lucky to land that cameo.”

“I heard Ri Hyuk’s OST schedule is booked through first half of next year.”

Even if not Cha Woo Hyun or Yoon Chan Hyuk level, NewBlack’s main vocalist was the rising star in OST circles.

A national idol with outstanding vocal ability praised by critics—it was said that drama producers planning launches in the latter half of next year were already contacting Lemon Entertainment.

Meanwhile, idol fans were also stunned by the OST’s number-one success.

[The solo artist who pushed “Fireworks” off the charts]

A clickbait title drew readers in.

(Current chart with updated rankings, plus a photo of Seo Ri Hyuk looking prim.jpg)

Ta-da~

It’s Ri Hyuk himself, everyone.

– LOLLLLLLLLL

– I thought it was clickbait and nearly panicked

– I totally clapped my knee when it hit at the ending

– The drama team held onto the OST until now—it’s obvious—lol it was a huge hit

– Wow, amazing—this rookie always seems to chart roof-high whenever they release anything

– The attic of the music world

– Ri Hyuk’s voice is insane 😭😭😭😭😭

– So refreshing—my insides felt so good when it hit the chorus

– I loved it in yesterday’s episode, the scene where the heroine wakes up

– Guys, watch the live on NewBlack TV too, it’s so good ㅠㅠ

Some speculated the chart surge was fandom streaming, which left the Sufle speechless.

“We muggles stream it too!”

Of course, most people simply called it “listening to the song.”

Regardless, fans felt proud that there was no backlash about his vocal skills amid all the noise.

One burning question fascinated many idol fans.

– But Seo Wooju is unbelievable—how did he write this?

– If you ranked 2016 royalties, No. 1 would definitely be Wooju.

– Wait, did Wooju write this too??

– Of course—Ri Hyuk sang it, so obviously he wrote it.

– Doesn’t the song feel like something Seo Wooju would make?

– It’s legendary—another chart-topper OST during comeback prep

But the one accused of composing it was utterly bewildered.

Fans who’d come to the Y-App live broadcast to see NewBlack chimed in.

– Everyone! It’s Seo Ri Hyuk.

– King Ri Hyuk here~!

– I’m Kim Ri Hyuk1!

Members imitated Ri Hyuk’s unique delivery to tease yesterday’s cameo. When Ri Hyuk yelled and ran away, the others gave chase with cameras, mimicking him, sending fans into laughter.

Then they surrounded him, beaming.

– Today, Ri Hyuk’s “Walk Again” hit number one!

– Wooooooo!

– Seo Ri Hyuk! Seo Ri Hyuk!

When Ri Hyuk shyly said, “Thank you...,” Wooju saw a comment, “Wooju, you wrote such a great song,” and replied.

– Huh? You’re saying I wrote it?

His genuinely baffled expression convinced the Sufle watching the live.

“Aha...”

They understood the situation.

“So this time the setup is that Wooju wrote it!”

Fans commented, “They say it was Spaceship (Woojuseon), not Seo Wooju,” and Wooju waved them off.

– No, some fans misunderstand that I wrote it. Neither I nor Spaceship Composer wrote “Walk Again.”

– It’s actually the PD’s work!

– For those who don’t know the PD, it’s the person who made the video letter for my mom on MiF last time~

Bi Joo explained in such a gentle voice that it would bring tears to the listener’s eyes.

At that, Sufle who searched “Walk Again” on music sites gasped at the composer credit.

“Really?”

Lyrics by Ri Hyuk; composed by Na Sang-yoon.

He was a veteran Lemon Entertainment producer who co-composed “Attention” by A-TEN and was famous as Spaceship’s personal producing staff.

“So it was PD Na Sang-yoon.”

Since Ri Hyuk sang it, they’d assumed Wooju had written it, but the real composer was someone else.

And.

The PD who wrote “Walk Again” was trembling while looking at his phone in his office.

“No...”

He saw Internet article comments.

– Wooju really has incredible sensibility

– He’s the ultimate champion of popularity

– I trust Spaceship ㅎㅎㅎ

– He nailed this OST perfectly too

He complained to the giggling producing staff around him.

“I wrote it. I wrote it.”

“That’s right, Team Leader.”

“I wrote it—so why does everyone think Wooju wrote it? And I wrote it on my own, without Wooju’s help!”

“But didn’t you learn a lot by watching Wooju?”

“...Ahem ahem.”

Sighing, PD Na Sang-yoon looked at the number-one charting “Walk Again” with joy tinged by wistfulness.

“Huh?”

Kim Hyung-seop, the producing team’s youngest and their arranging staff, looked at his phone.

“Team Leader, there’s an article. ‘Who is the composer of “Walk Again”?... Na Sang-yoon of the “Spaceship Crew”.’”

“Really?”

PD Na Sang-yoon and the composers gathered around the phone. Laughter burst out among the staff.

– No. 1 on music charts, “Walk Again,” composer revealed... “Spaceship Crew” Na Sang-yoon

The composers nodded.

“They’re not wrong.”

“He really is Spaceship Crew.”

“...”

They all burst into boisterous laughter at PD Na Sang-yoon’s distant, dreamy gaze.

Ri Hyuk’s “Walk Again” successfully settled at number one on the charts.

“Fireworks” tried to climb back up but fled in panic, yet the drama’s firepower was undeniable.

“Well, it’s not that impressive.”

Ri Hyuk said coolly.

“It’s thanks to the drama right now. The song is good, but objectively, “Fireworks” will reclaim number one soon.”

“Hmm.”

“It’s a temporary phenomenon.”

At that analysis, I smiled at my siblings.

“Okay, let’s go with that.”

“Sure~”

“Ri Hyuk’s right.”

We all smiled, and the one who’d analyzed so coldly shot us a glare.

I laughed at how his whole body seemed to plead, “Praise me, say it’s not true!”

“Good job, Minion 3.”

“Ahem ahem.”

He cleared his throat and covered his mouth but couldn’t hide the smile.

Even though it was a drama OST, hitting number one solo made him visibly happy.

Jiho whispered,

“I heard you cheering from your room last night.”

“Me too.”

They’d clearly burrowed under their blankets and yelled with joy.

If you opened Ri Hyuk’s phone now, I’d bet there were at least a hundred chart screenshot captures inside.

Because—

“Oh, I need to capture this too. A critic posted a review saying Ri Hyuk sang wonderfully.”

“Did you see Cha Woo Hyun sunbaenim praising it on SNS?”

We had similar screenshots on our phones. We shared articles about Ri Hyuk and heart-reacted to the praise comments, smiling proudly.

“Ri Hyuk finally did his part.”

“Ahh.”

“Our Ri Hyuk has grown up.”

“What are you saying, you people? If I take care of you, I take care of you, okay? Don’t say such nonsense—”

Seeing how flustered he was, cheeks red, I knew our fourth had hit maximum happiness.

And I was happy too.

“Seo Wooju got buried.”

As the drama’s ending and OST were the hot topics, there wasn’t much mention of Ri Hyuk’s cameo.

Eun-seong: [Everyone, you must watch this!!!!!]

Eun-seong: [Spread the word everywhere]

Me: [Someone kick him out of this chat]

Han-bin: [LOL what is this]

Han-bin: [Just Ri-hyung]

Han-bin: [Ri Hyuk-ssi acted well]

I just felt contempt for those rascals giggling in the group chat.

Anyway, while Ri Hyuk’s OST was making a splash, we finished the visual work for our full album.

MV shooting and concept photography were done.

With about twenty days until the comeback, activity schedules began pouring in.

“First pitch?”

Our TF team leader, whom we hadn’t seen in a while, nodded.

“The KG Dragons invited us for a first-pitch at the playoffs, likely late October....”

“Oh.”

“Jun-hyun was chosen as the pitcher.”

Someone who’d played elementary school baseball lit up.

Seok-hwan hyung said,

“The club manager saw an interview where you said you’re a fan, Jun-hyun. Interested?”

“Yes, I’d love it. I’m a real fan.”

Seok-hwan hyung smiled at Jun-hyun’s enthusiasm, then looked at me.

“And me...?”

“They also want someone for the batting practice pitch, and you’re the perfect fit.”

“What’s a batting practice pitch?”

Jun-hyun explained to me, who knew little about baseball.

“I throw the ball, and you swing the bat once.”

“...Okay?”

I understood the concept.

But.

“Wait, Seok-hwan hyung. You want me to swing at Jun-hyun’s pitch?”

“A batting practice pitch isn’t about hitting it—it’s just swinging the bat once through the air.”

“So I don’t have to actually hit it.”

At my words, Jiho smiled, excited.

“But you might get hit.”

“....”

I swallowed hard, and Jun-hyun gave me a reassuring thumbs-up.

I wondered if this was really okay.

Although a twinge of future anxiety hit me, I accepted the new event.

“But playoffs are like semifinals, right?”

“Something like that.”

As I thought I’d better study up ahead of time, Seok-hwan hyung remembered something.

“Originally, the League Association asked if we’d do first pitch at the Korean Series too.”

“Really? At the finals?”

“But we declined.”

“Why...?”

I thought the finals would be more meaningful, but Seok-hwan hyung explained his reason.

“The other lineup was....”

“Who was it?”

“A firefighter’s family, a Paralympic medalist, a 30-year baseball fan, a retiring commentator....”

“You made the right call declining.”

I recalled times when famous actors or singers threw first pitches in finals, but trends seemed to have changed.

Now they invite socially meaningful figures.

Imagining “popular idol NewBlack” inserted into that list made my neck prickle.

“Are they trying to socially bury us...?”

“Feels like digging a pretty pit in a flowerbed and telling us to jump in.”

As we discussed the novelty of first-pitch duties,

they also briefed us on award preparations.

“We’re currently booking the choreography team. Budget... as always, the CEO said to use it without limit.”

Year-end season was approaching.

From the Mango Chart Awards in November to the K-Net Music Awards in December, plus network year-end song festivals.

Stages requiring prep one or two months in advance.

At “use unlimited budget,” our eyes lit up.

“How much is unlimited?”

“...They didn’t specify.”

“It must be truly unlimited. Should we do the most spectacular set ever?”

At the youngest’s suggestion, we laughed.

I waved away our worried manager as we left the TF office.

“But it feels strange—feels like we only did awards yesterday, and now it’s award season again.”

“I know. Time flies.”

Memories of last year’s grand prizes and performances flitted through my mind.

And the thought of huge concerts coming after our world tour made my heart pound.

“Diet ends in twenty days.”

“Phew... that day will come...”

Among other reasons, that was part of it too.

Thus, as we wrapped up our chat with the manager and plunged back into relentless practice,

the schedule we’d been waiting for alongside Ri Hyuk’s OST finally arrived.

As midnight approached, we gathered in the practice room, hearts pounding, eyes on the laptop screen.

“Jun-hyun, how is it? Nervous?”

“No.”

“I thought so.”

Our team’s rapper, about to release a mixtape, smiled calmly, and Jiho grew curious.

“Really not nervous, hyung?”

“Mm-hmm.”

Jun-hyun beamed.

“When it’s just us, I worry about messing up and us getting blamed, but since I did this alone, it’s fine.”

“I envy your mindset. I can’t do that.”

“You can’t do anything right anyway—aaah!”

The youngest flopped on the practice-room floor, seemingly still full of energy after practice, and I turned to Bi Joo.

It was Jun-hyun’s mixtape, but Bi Joo looked more nervous than him.

Clicking her mouse, she asked me,

“It’ll go well, right, hyung?” 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

“Yeah.”

I nodded and smiled.

“Jun-hyun brought me clips as he worked. The mixing turned out great. I haven’t heard the lyrics either, but it sounds good.”

“That’s a relief.”

“But we won’t know until people react.”

“No. If you say it’s good, that’s all that matters.”

Bi Joo let out a satisfied sigh and refreshed the site.

The mixtape, Jun-hyun’s independently recorded rap tracks, would be released on a free-music site.

“It’s midnight!”

Bi Joo refreshed, and the album art appeared instantly.

The moving moment when Jun-hyun’s work finally debuted to the world—

“Sweet Potato?”

“That’s my rap name—Sweet Potato.”

“Not just “sweet potato”?”

“Huh? Isn’t sweet potato just sweet potato?”

Jun-hyun looked shocked, and Ri Hyuk mirrored his expression.

When we saw the album art for newcomer rapper Sweet Potato, we blinked.

“There’s an actual potato.”

“The art shows a potato buried in a field...”

Instead of the powerful, dark rap we’d imagined, it /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ looked like a farm market logo.

And when we saw the track titles, we were flabbergasted.

“Pebblestone?”

“Red clover?”

Titles evoked a naturalistic vibe.

When we looked at Jun-hyun, he was likewise searching online, bewildered.

“I can’t believe Sweet Potato means sweet potato...”

“Hyung, I don’t think that’s the important thing right now...”

Our hearts began to pound for a different reason as we wondered what these mysterious mixtape titles meant.