In This Life, The Greatest Star In The Universe

The model walking toward us with wings made of flowers flapping behind her sent me into serious contemplation.

This is bad.

“This is bad indeed....”

At my low murmur, Jimmy Robbins turned his head.

“Is there a problem, Sun?”

“Jimmy. This is a real problem.”

The lackeys standing beside me nodded as if to say exactly.

It was clear our thoughts were aligned.

“Oh, Jimmy....”

I sighed and shook my head.

“If you send out such a powerful candidate starting from number one, what am I supposed to do? My heart is swaying like a reed in the wind.”

“Sun....”

“What do I do? I like number one too much already.”

Behind Jimmy, the lackeys were desperately shaking their heads. They were trying to communicate something with their eyes, but the signal wasn’t coming through clearly.

Jimmy let out a sigh.

“Whew, I agonized over it too. If I send out something this strong as number one, won’t Sun’s heart waver? But... don’t worry too much. I’ve prepared outfits just as magnificent.”

“My goodness...!”

I covered my mouth.

“You mean there are outfits even more amazing than that?”

“Of course.”

The greatest fashion genius in history folded his arms and nodded. He wore the smile of a lonely genius.

“Who do you think I am? I’m Jimmy Robbins. If I didn’t have confidence, I wouldn’t have called my muse.”

“Jimmy. Oh, Jimmy!”

“Sun!”

“Jimmy, you will be remembered as a legend in the fashion industry!”

“Sun, you too will become a legend of today’s fashion show!”

I saw Ri Hyuk pressing a hand to his forehead and shaking his head.

“Then....”

Jimmy clapped his hands.

“Since we’ve seen number one, let’s appreciate from number two onward.”

The model who came out in outfit number two was no less formidable. She wore a voluminous ensemble that looked like it belonged in a European royal portrait, adorned with flowers everywhere.

My attention was also drawn to the elaborate headpiece she was wearing.

“What do those antennae on her head signify? Surely they hold a profound meaning beyond my imagination?”

“They represent the stamen and pistil of a flower.”

“As expected! Such deep and noble symbolism....”

The flamingo outfit of number one, the stamen-and-pistil outfit of number two.

An impossible dilemma where neither could be easily chosen.

After watching from the opening number three through to the closing number seven, Jimmy Robbins spun around and asked,

“It’s time for you to choose.”

“Whew.”

This was like fighting over whether to pick fried or seasoned chicken.

If I had to wear only one for the rest of my life, which would I choose?

No.

This isn’t about wearing one for life. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. A golden chance to spread Jimmy’s and my fashion philosophy across the world.

“After all, I suppose....”

Just as I was about to say that number one might be better—

Biju raised his hand.

“Wait!”

“Hm?”

“P-please wait a moment.”

After whispering with the younger members, Biju raised his hand. He looked so anxious he was practically hopping in place.

“What is it, Biju?”

“In accordance with the First Biju Accord, I propose convening a general assembly of NewBlack! All in favor?”

“In favor.”

“That’s a yes.”

“In favorrr.”

Biju swallowed hard and nodded.

“With the approval of the majority of members present, the assembly has been convened.”

“Why....”

“I’m sorry, hyung.”

Avoiding my gaze, Biju looked down at the floor.

“But we couldn’t just stand by and let you choose the fashion show outfit on your own.”

“I can choose well too....”

I felt slightly sad, but there was no helping it.

We couldn’t break the Biju Accord.

If a member attempts to make a decision and a serious flaw or error is perceived, the other members may intervene. That was the content of the First Biju Accord.

A general assembly is convened by majority vote, and the member must abide by its decision.

“Whew.”

As I stared into the air with a troubled expression, Jimmy asked,

“What’s going on, Sun?”

“The members say they’d like to choose my outfit.”

“Hm, while I value autonomy in fashion... if Sun is fine with it, I have no objection.”

“I intend to respect the members’ opinions. Sometimes, we need the perspective of those ignorant in fashion.”

“Truly wise words!”

It was a little disappointing, but I decided to trust the lackeys’ eyes.

I had no intention of being stubborn about this.

“If you pick number one, I’ll write you a solo track.”

“...!”

“That devil’s tongue...!”

“The devil of tongues!”

A ripple spread among the lackeys. At their wavering, the managers immediately isolated them.

“If you let me go, I’ll propose a bonus raise to the CEO.”

“The CEO already said he’d give one.”

“Then tell me what you want. Like a genie in a lamp, I’ll grant anything. Whatever you wish.”

“Marriage.”

“Any other wish?”

At Mingi’s bitter expression, everyone burst into laughter.

In any case, escape failed.

Between the arms and legs of the managers surrounding me, I shot intense looks at the lackeys.

I mouthed, one, one, one, one, over and over, but unfortunately the younger members turned their backs on me.

After their whispered conference ended—

“We’ve reached a decision.”

“Whew.”

“We’ll choose opening number five and closing number four.”

No matter how they picked, they managed to choose only the least pretty outfits.

I nodded at the assembly resolution submitted by the members.

Jimmy looked slightly regretful but praised it as a fairly safe choice.

“You’ve chosen outfits that will appeal to the public. Considering NewBlack’s image as celebrities, it’s a good option.”

“What happens to the other outfits?”

“Other models will wear them.”

As he said that, Jimmy called over his secretary and gave instructions.

The moment he ordered them to bring opening number five and closing number four for me to wear, the outfits were brought out.

Jimmy held the clothes against me and smiled deeply.

“As expected, these suit you well too.”

“That’s thanks to the skill of the world’s greatest genius, Jimmy. Clothes do not lie.”

“Clothes do not lie... what a wonderful phrase. First, shall we try wearing them and do a walk?”

“Yes.”

With help from the designers under him, I put on the outfit and stepped onto the runway.

“Wooooow....”

“What? Why does it suit him so well?”

Judging by the wide eyes of the younger members and staff, the outfit didn’t seem bad at all.

Biju in particular stared with his mouth open and started filming me with his phone.

And then—

There was one person whose reaction was more intense than anyone’s.

“BRAVO!!!!!!”

It was Jimmy Robbins, who sprang up from his seat as if jumping.

The moment I finished walking, Jimmy rushed over and grabbed my hands.

“Sun! You are a genius! A genius of walking! A face genius!”

“Hearing that from a genius makes me embarrassed. Isn’t the true genius Jimmy Robbins, who created these clothes?”

“My goodness, it’s the first time I’ve seen a famous cameo perform a walk this well. Truly bravo! Brava! Brava! This is a sensation I couldn’t feel from the video you sent me!”

Rapid English poured out so fast it was hard to understand. It felt like cannons firing words like Amazing and Gorgeous at me.

The fashion show staff had a similar mood.

‘Huh? Why is he so good?’ They seemed delighted, perhaps because the role of the cameo at opening and ending was that important. Jimmy’s face glowed with joy when he heard I’d practiced for months.

“For me, day and night....”

“Not quite day and night.”

“No, Sun. From that walk just now, I could feel the years you practiced. It was a walk only possible after staying up every night for months.”

At his favorable misinterpretation, I nodded.

“That’s right. I practiced every dawn.”

“Indeed!”

It had only been about thirty minutes around three in the morning, but that wasn’t technically wrong.

“That’s truly a relief. We had many meetings about this. If Sun’s walk proved lacking on site, we discussed how to compensate for it. I knew from the practice video you sent that you were good, but... to think it would be this level.”

Jimmy rubbed his palms together.

“Now then, we only need to add a spoonful of seasoning.”

“Seasoning?”

“I’ve prepared a few elements to make Sun’s walk even more spectacular. First of all... Syfe, call Julian.”

“Yes, Chief.”

Julian? Who’s that?

As the younger members and I looked curious, a young man emerged onto the runway from behind the curtain.

‘Who is that?’

‘I don’t know.’

He didn’t feel like a model.

A little short to be one, proportions not particularly special, and he ambled along in a lazy walk.

Blond hair slicked back with pomade, and a rather plain impression.

“......?”

“......?”

After finishing his walk, he shuffled back the way he came.

Even to a novice like me, it seemed I could do better. As he disappeared, Jimmy spoke.

“Julian Banner.”

“...Who?”

“He’s the son of Chris Banner.”

“Ah!”

Chris Banner was one of America’s famous actors. Once known as the man of the century, now a distinguished middle-aged star.

Jimmy smiled with a troubled expression.

“His father is closely connected to our brand campaign. And his godmother is a senior in my industry. The chairman and Chris Banner are friends, so we have no choice but to put him in the show.”

A so-called golden spoon model.

From the designer’s explanation, it seemed to be a trend among Western celebrities—when they ponder, ‘What should we have the kid do?’ they end up making them a model just to have them do something.

Well. Come to think of it, there’s not much difference from me standing here as a celebrity.

As I was thinking that, Jimmy Robbins smiled and gave a thumbs up.

“He may look like that, but he’s useful in this context. Tomorrow at Fashion Week, he’ll make Sun shine even brighter.”

The younger members and I nodded together.

“I see....”

“He’ll turn you into a fairy.”

“So that’s the scheme....”

Exchanging looks with the admiring younger members, Jimmy Robbins smiled.

I smiled along with him.

It had felt somewhat distant, thinking “France’s Fashion Week!” but seeing things like this made it feel familiar.

No matter where you go, people are all the same.

Paris Fashion Week!

Among the four most prestigious fashion weeks, Paris was considered the most important.

As the event entered its third day, the city was growing hotter by the hour.

“Mason! Mason!”

“Over here! Look this way!”

“Maaason!”

“That’s Mandy Spice! Mandy Spice!”

Every time a celebrity ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) scheduled to attend appeared, photographers swarmed like bees, flashes bursting brilliantly.

Promotions and fashion shows held across various venues were drawing attention.

Clubs. Museums. Galleries.

“My lips are always dry. That’s why I prefer the lipstick here. The moisturizing effect is excellent.”

A famous model smiled with her arm around a designer’s waist, promoting a lipstick bearing her name.

“Her fashion is truly the best. She shattered the binary grammar of femininity and masculinity in fashion.”

A celebrity lavishing praise on a designer in an interview.

“Well, I’m not sure today’s show was particularly impactful. Considering his fame, it was a somewhat disappointing result.”

A renowned columnist offering harsh criticism with a stiff smile.

And models running themselves ragged trying to get cast.

The city was truly alive.

“Yes! Mode Magazine subscribers!”

In front of the Paris cityscape, a fashion magazine editor smiled at the camera.

“Day three already! The highest circles of the global fashion industry and Hollywood have gathered here in the City of Light! The entire city seems infected with excitement!”

As she walked, the camera followed.

A famous Parisian museum.

As the grand building came into view, what the camera captured was an enormous crowd.

“One of the most important shows today is LeBlanc’s show! At this moment, an incredible crowd has gathered. This is unprecedented in Paris Fashion Week history.”

The sight of thousands gathered together was something never seen before.

The editor approached and grabbed someone at random.

“May I ask you a question?”

“Of course!”

“Who are you waiting for right now?”

“I’m waiting for NewBlack!”

A fan with the Korean flag printed on one cheek grinned, holding a Souffle flag.

“NewBlack?”

“Yes! Wooju is walking in the fashion show today. We can’t get inside, but we came to cheer from afar!”

“The popularity is incredible. NewBlack—Metro? Is that the group?”

“Yes!”

As the fan danced chanting “Metro~ Metro~,” others nearby joined in.

Meanwhile—

Security guards and photographers at the scene stood aghast.

“Oh my god....”

Who on earth were they to provoke such a frenzy?

It was almost terrifying.

“NewBlack! NewBlack!”

“Waaaaah!”

“Souffle! Strong!”

They even clapped in rhythm as they cheered, and the security guards swallowed hard.

Visiting celebrities were no different.

A famous actor lifted his sunglasses to inspect the crowd, while a singer laughed and said, “Wow.”

“What’s going on here?”

“They say it’s a crowd gathered for NewBlack.”

“NewBlack? Those VMA guys? Whoa....”

Hollywood celebrities posing in front of photographers clicked their tongues.

‘So they’re not just big in America.’

They’d heard NewBlack, NewBlack everywhere lately, but hadn’t realized the fandom in Europe was this intense.

‘I should ask for a photo later.’

‘Maybe strike up a conversation.’

‘No harm in getting close. An SNS post together would explode with likes.’

Those who hadn’t met NewBlack and those who had were all looking forward to it.

It was wise to be friendly with people who commanded such a passionate fandom.

Then, a limousine slid in.

And—

“Waaaaaaah!”

A man of picture-perfect beauty stepped out.

Startled by the cheers directed at him, he hunched his shoulders.

‘W-what.’

The Hallyu star Lee Kyeonwoo, flustered by the roaring cheers, tried to retreat back into the vehicle, but the door had already closed.

Vroooom—

As he awkwardly stretched out a hand toward the departing limousine, cheers poured over him.

“That’s him! The one Wooju drew in the lottery and called out in his speech!”

“That’s Kyeonwoo Lee!”

“Kyeonwoo Lee! Please send our love to your best friends, NewBlack!”

Startled by the calls from all directions, the Hallyu star awkwardly muttered, “Th-thank you...!” and quickly fled.

‘I’ll sit far away from the NewBlack guys.’

As one star made a resolution doomed to fail—

A message came through the receivers in the security guards’ ears.

– NewBlack en route. Stand by.

“Copy.”

The guards took deep breaths and looked at the aggressive fans beyond the barricades.

Fans even holding glowing, strange batons. As they gestured for them to step back—

“Grrrraaah!”

“Kyaaaaaaah!”

The tension stretched tight as fans screamed like goblins—

At that moment, the door of a multi-passenger limousine arriving at the museum opened.

And then—

“Waaaaaaah~”

As if by magic, the cheers suddenly turned cute.

‘What.’

‘What is this change.’

‘Did goblins turn into fairies?’

The bewildered guards blinked.

The fans who had just screamed like goblins were now smiling sweetly, waving their light sticks adorably.

The four who stepped out.

Unlike Wooju, who was still preparing inside, the self-proclaimed cuties and officially designated lackeys of NewBlack were attending this fashion show as guests.

“I love youuuuuu!!!”

“Love you! Guys!”

As fans bounced and shouted cutely, NewBlack stopped and waved enthusiastically.

Junhyun lifted Jiho high like Simba from The Lion King, and Jiho blew a kiss toward the distant fans.

“Waaaaaaah~!”

“King Jiho, your French name is Georguitain~!”

Ri Hyuk and Biju also hopped around energetically, waving to the fans.

They posed here and there for photographers calling their names loudly before entering.

Meanwhile, the security guards turned their heads blankly.

‘What.’

It was because of the change in expressions on Souffle’s faces.

Just moments ago they had looked like the kindest people in the world. Now they were rumbling, grrrr.

“Did you see that? So damn cute!”

“Jonna cute!”

“NewBlack’s visuals are legendary.”

At the beast-like rumbling of their excitement, the guards blinked.

‘Isn’t it usually the opposite?’

Don’t fans usually go “Aww~” and then “Grr!” when they see the singer?

But here, it was reversed.

Like a teddy bear smiling brightly while preaching dreams and hope to children, then lighting a cigarette the moment the children disappear.

Unable to contain his curiosity, one guard asked,

“Excuse me.”

“Huh? What? Why? What is it?”

Having learned from their home fandom to be wary of authority and security by default, the idol fans looked on guard.

“No, it just seemed like your expressions changed when NewBlack arrived....”

“Oh. That.”

Souffle nodded.

“The kids get scared easily.”

“They prefer seeing cute expressions, so the home base sent down a directive that we should be cute in front of them.”

“Hey, don’t call it a directive outside. Say consensus.”

“Anyway, when we stay calm, crowd control goes more smoothly and we get to see their faces longer.”

At the remark that maintaining order meant seeing the members longer, the guards let out admiring sounds.

‘There’s a reason the business thrives!’

They weren’t a hot boy band for nothing.

And while the guards marveled—

The incident of thousands of Souffle gathering began to trigger yet another consequence.