In This Life, The Greatest Star In The Universe

News that thousands of NewBlack’s fans had gathered was spreading throughout Paris.

“Have you seen this?”

At the headquarters of the fashion brand Leroux in the 8th arrondissement.

An employee from the marketing department came running in with a smartphone, and the chief director adjusted her glasses and narrowed her eyes.

“This... is the crowd gathered in front of the LeBlanc show today?”

“I’m telling you, it is!”

The employee shouted excitedly.

“They’re saying it’s the largest crowd in fashion show history. Fans from all over Europe gathered to see NewBlack. A friend at the scene said there are even people who flew in from the U.S. and Canada.”

“...This is no joke.”

“Shouldn’t we move quickly too? Just look at that popularity!”

The marketing director removed her glasses and stroked her chin.

‘They have a point.’

A crowd that size gathering at a fashion show venue wasn’t remarkable in itself.

If a celebrity came, that could happen.

What mattered was the ripple effect such a phenomenon would create.

If a singer with that level of passionate fandom attends an awards ceremony wearing a specific brand’s clothes? That outfit will sell out that very day, and posts about what they wore will flood the internet.

‘It’s a shame they’re not women, but....’

That could be solved another way.

Luxury brands didn’t deal only in clothing or handbags; many had subsidiary men’s watch lines.

The watch NewBlack wore on stage!

The shoes NewBlack wore!

The trash bag NewBlack used!

‘Just thinking about it makes my mouth water.’

Even in Europe, where awareness of K-pop was relatively niche, a crowd of that scale had gathered.

In North America, they were heating up recently, and Asia went without saying.

Whenever luxury brands discussed Asian strategy, the name NewBlack always came up.

– If we want to succeed in Asia, we need to use Korea as a bridgehead. Especially NewBlack, called the frontrunners of K-pop, are essential to understanding the Asian market.

But until now, very few brands had succeeded in making contact with NewBlack.

NewBlack themselves had responded lukewarmly to sponsorships or brand promotion requests.

– Unfortunately, the artists are currently busy preparing albums. There’s no time to adjust their schedules.

Lemon Entertainment had repeatedly declined on the grounds that music, their primary profession, came first.

Because of that artist-first stance, they had been difficult to approach.

‘Now the opportunity has come.’

Wooju, the group’s leader, was standing in LeBlanc’s fashion show.

Rumor had it that after this show, they planned to appoint him as a global ambassador.

LeBlanc would likely want to sign promotional contracts with all the members, but—

‘Unacceptable.’

The moment she saw the crowd gathered at the venue, she felt this was an opportunity that could never be surrendered.

In the fashion industry, if one side succeeded, the other would clutch their stomach and wail, “Oh nooo!”

In a market with a limited pie like luxury goods, there was no such thing as yielding.

“Good.”

The chief director gave instructions.

“You have the NewBlack member profiles organized, right? Contact the research team and have them send daily-life photos and event photos of NewBlack.”

“Yes!”

“And inform everyone there’s a full department meeting in an hour. We move as fast as possible.”

She nodded as she looked out the window at the Eiffel Tower.

‘We contact one member. That raises the success rate.’

They certainly wouldn’t be the only ones moving quickly.

So rather than proposing a group contract, offering a deal to a single member would have a higher chance of success. Being divided as individuals would benefit the other side more than being bound together as a group.

‘Find the member that suits our brand.’

She had seen NewBlack’s profiles before.

Her plan was to find the member whose image aligned with the brand’s fashion philosophy and sign him.

“...We need to hurry.”

They were only in their twenties.

LeBlanc must be preparing all sorts of plans right now to entice those young, innocent singers.

She lifted her phone and contacted the spy stationed at the venue.

“It’s me. From now on, report by text any conversation or movement happening near NewBlack.”

And with that—

Suspicious figures began gathering around NewBlack.

It was Paris Fashion Week, where an invisible fashion war was being waged fiercely behind the scenes.

“NewBlack!”

“NewBlaaaack!”

With Souffle’s cheers behind them, the lackeys smiled contentedly.

The youngest spoke with a fluttering face.

“Hyungs, doesn’t Souffle’s cheering sound extra cute today? It feels kind of fluffy somehow....”

“Right? So cute.”

“King Jiho, your French name is Georguitain~ Who was that? I need to give them a gift.”

Apparently pleased with his nickname, the youngest updated his messenger status to “Georguitain♡.”

“VIP coming through!”

Even entering the venue wasn’t the end.

Under the pouring gazes and people crowding in from all directions, security pushed forward through the masses.

‘Feels like departing through an airport. Nice workout for once.’

Junhyun twisted his waist slightly with a satisfied smile. It was optimal exercise for strengthening core muscles and burning side fat.

“Hey hey?”

Catching Biju by the back of the neck as he tried to wander off, Junhyun repositioned his same-age friend.

After redirecting him again when he drifted right—

The expedition to find their seats finally succeeded.

“Here.”

Security politely indicated their seats.

Front Row.

Among the very front seats, the central VIP section was theirs. In simple terms, it was the space meant to showcase the brand’s connections and power.

– Everyone! Look at this! The celebrities and famous figures sitting here are best friends with our brand!

...That kind of seat.

Because of that, famous film actors, top fashion models, and singers were seated there. Also renowned columnists who swayed the fashion world and the brand’s top VVIPs.

Having heard of its importance beforehand, the members’ hearts pounded.

‘Thump thump.’

‘We did well choosing Sun Wooju as leader....’

‘If we get photographed sitting there, it’ll look insanely cool.’

And when the members approached their assigned seats—

“Nice to meet you.”

The person sitting beside them stood up.

A middle-aged man with thinning hair and remarkably straight teeth. Somehow he looked more German than French.

Dressed in a modest suit, he smiled brightly and extended his hand politely.

“I am Georges Wenger, Chairman of LeBlanc. Hahaha.”

“Hello.”

“I hope I’m not making you uncomfortable. I wanted to sit beside you at this show.”

“Not at all.”

The members smiled and shook his hand.

‘This is uncomfortable.’

‘Why don’t you put a hand on your heart. Did you really think it wouldn’t be?’

‘He’s like Wooju hyung or my dad. Doesn’t realize he’s intimidating. Typical trait of powerful people....’

At their business smiles, Chairman Georges Wenger smiled inwardly.

‘They already like me. My fatal wealth has worked.’

While each side thought such things, the NewBlack members recalled information about him.

Georges Wenger.

As the owner of one of the world’s top five luxury brands, LeBlanc, his known wealth exceeded 30 trillion, placing him within the global top 100 richest. The watch on his wrist alone was worth over 5 billion.

With his entire body draped in such items, it was impossible not to feel burdened.

‘No wonder Wonseok hyung gets tense when he sees a Lamborghini on the road.’

Junhyun nodded solemnly.

Worried about accidentally brushing against something and triggering an insurance claim, the NewBlack members sat stiffly.

Now it was time to wait.

They recommended Newbulbaek to the LeBlanc chairman, who enthusiastically declared his love for kimchi and bulgogi.

They warmly greeted Hollywood celebrities who came over to say hello. When asked for selfies, they smiled readily, winked, or struck poses.

And then—

“Sunbae!”

“.......”

“Sunbae Lee Kyeonwoo, drinking that bottled water over there, can’t you see us~~? Can’t you see such cute juniors like us~~?”

“Is that it~~?”

Trying to ignore the wavy-toned voices creeping toward him, Lee Kyeonwoo awkwardly smiled in greeting.

Biju approached him brightly.

“Sunbae, it’s been a while.”

“You’ve been well?”

He smiled gently.

“There were so many fans outside for you guys. Oh, and I need to thank you. Thanks for drawing my name at the awards ceremony.”

“It was random.”

“After that, my Instagram followers skyrocketed.”

The Hallyu star had given up managing his Instagram personally due to overwhelming attention and handed it to his manager.

After NewBlack laughed and passed by—

Hyenas rushed toward him from all sides.

“Since NewBlack recognizes you, you must be quite famous. Do you know Han Taehyun? A friend I met at a fashion show.”

“Hello. Kyeonwoo Lee, right?”

“Who are you?”

Treated like a celebrity, Lee Kyeonwoo closed his eyes briefly.

‘This is why I tried not to get involved....’

He nodded.

‘No choice. The most confident role I ever played was... yes. The chaebol heir Han Taeju.’

Opening his eyes, he method-acted a confident man, and more people were drawn to his charm.

‘Huh? Huh?’

As the Hallyu actor sank into the swamp of confidence—

NewBlack returned to their seats, laughing with the LeBlanc chairman.

“How about we have a meal together later? I know a place that cooks exceptionally well....”

“Whoa! French cuisine!”

“I heard you like good food, so I prepared various things. I’ve already left boxes of snacks at your hotel.”

“Whoaaaa!”

The lackeys rolled happily in a field of flowers.

‘Food!’

‘Snacks! I heard macarons are amazing!’

‘France is the best...!’

Chairman Georges Wenger smiled deeply.

‘They’re practically mine. My fatal wealth works again.’

And amid that atmosphere, spies sent by various brands were busily typing on their phones.

– Likes food

– Chairman Wenger luring them with snacks

– Seems they would follow with just chocolate

– When talking about food fine, when talking about business suddenly eyes sharpen. Must mix food and work to confuse

– Without leader, Biju seems like leader. Smiles and evades well.. where did he go? Seems to get lost easily

– Just made reckless joke. Chairman favorability -10. (Might be imagination) Sharp-looking member now staring in faint disdain

Reports updating in real time.

Grrrrrr.

“Ah, I’m hungry.”

As I rubbed my stomach and swallowed, the hair designer working on my head asked,

“Hungry? Shall I bring you something to eat?”

“It’s fine. It’s easier to walk on an empty stomach.”

“Many say that.”

The designer laughed cheerfully, scratching the piercing on his nose as he chatted.

“How do you say ‘hello’ in Korean?”

“Annyeonghaseyo.”

“Hard to pronounce. I was going to use it when I visit Korea. I have a Korean friend, so I’ve heard a lot about NewBlack.”

“Really? I hope it was good things....”

We smiled as we talked.

After the hands of hair designers and makeup artists worked over me, my face gradually transformed into something model-like.

Dark tones filled my eyes.

Contours across my face created shadows whenever they met the light.

“Perfect! Perfect!”

Jimmy Robbins grabbed my shoulders, clasping his hands with an emotional expression.

“If there is a god of beauty, he would be moved seeing you now, Sun. Truly the essence of beauty!”

Hearing Jimmy gush about the essence of beauty, I took a deep breath.

I’m trembling.

I’m really trembling.

If I could drink, I would have taken a shot before walking onto the runway.

Even if expectations were low since I was just a cameo, this was LeBlanc’s runway, one of the world’s top fashion brands.

Anyone would tremble at this moment.

My body shook, my breath breaking.

“Sun. Don’t worry too much.”

Jimmy spoke with fervent eyes.

“Fashion is a moment of liberation. The first step may be frightening. But when it becomes the second, the third step, you will walk magnificently. Imagine becoming free.”

“Becoming free....”

“That’s it! Believe in yourself. It’s a golden opportunity to spread your and my fashion to the world.”

Jimmy nodded, and I nodded too.

Because that is fashion.

“Whew.”

It was almost time for the show ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don’t copy, read here) to begin.

Hearing the staff’s cheers as they applauded me, I carefully walked behind the curtain.

Outside, murmurs could be heard.

When those bright lights dimmed, our track METRO would play, and I would walk the runway flooded with spotlights.

Soon the runway lights turned on.

A staff member with an intercom said,

“3, 2, 1....”

At the shout of “Go!” I stepped onto the runway.

Blinding lights.

My chest trembled painfully, but as METRO’s intro began, I regained composure. After all, wasn’t this also a stage?

So I would simply do my best.

Recently climbing charts worldwide, METRO.

As the future bass track flowed, someone began walking from behind the curtain.

And—

“...!”

Everyone seated inside widened their eyes.

‘What?’

‘Huh?’

‘No way....’

It was because of the beauty of the one stepping from the shadows.

Glossy white skin shimmered like diamonds under the lights.

A finely sculpted nose, sharp eyes like a swift bird, and luscious red lips harmonized perfectly.

The makeup prepared with utmost care by professionals painted a mythic god descended to earth.

“.......”

Today’s show theme was “Myth.”

Among columns reminiscent of Greece and Rome, someone strode down the runway.

A wreath of flowers in various colors sat on his head like a laurel crown.

‘He’s insanely handsome....’

‘Was he always this handsome?’

Like an indifferent god, the crowned model walked steadily.

A firm, unwavering gait.

The image of him approaching with a stride as bold as someone who had walked shows for decades lingered like an afterimage.

‘The clothes....’

Red, yellow, and white blended harmoniously, making the outfit look like garments worn by a deity.

If a god of flowers existed, perhaps he would look like this.

“Wow....”

Celebrities filming Wooju on the runway with their phones gaped.

The lackeys rubbed their eyes.

‘Unbelievable....’

‘Yesterday I thought the outfit was cool, but with makeup it’s totally different.’

“Everyone! That’s my hyuuuuung!”

Biju stared in a daze, even forgetting to press record on his phone.

That was how beautiful the model walking under the dazzling lights was.

Soon, Sun Wooju reached the end of the runway and settled gracefully, a faint smile playing on his lips.

‘Ahhhh!’

And he turned elegantly, the hem of his outfit fluttering.

The slow-motion-like sight left people yearning.

‘Smile one more time!’

‘I want to see more!’

‘I’d even pay to see more...!’

As Wooju retreated gracefully, the other models began appearing from the opposite side.

Starting with Julian Banner, famous for his well-known father.

Outfits centered around floral patterns stood out.

But people’s gazes lingered on NewBlack’s leader retreating with a captivating stride.

‘This fashion show is insane from the opening.’

That was the shared thought of those watching.

Of course—

Not everyone agreed.

This year, LeBlanc’s fashion show was streamed on MyTube.

Souffle worldwide, unable to attend in person, gathered in the chat with anticipation.

‘I’ll focus on opening and closing.’

When fans around the globe logged in to see Wooju’s cameo in opening and closing—

Glitch glitch! Glitch!

MyTube’s server stuttered and temporarily froze.

‘No! Don’t die yet!’

MyTube urgently performed CPR, reviving the stream.

But—

– ??????

– It passed???

– What about Wooju?? My Wooju??

– WTF!!!!!!!!! METUBE GO TO HELL

Words from around the world that could all be translated as the same curse began flooding in.

Overheated Souffle, and the fans clutching their heads in front of the museum yelling “Shit!” while frightening security guards, rubbed the backs of their necks.

‘Ugh!’

Then real-time tweets from influencers attending the LeBlanc show began appearing.

Praising Sun Wooju’s beauty and fashion as insane.

But Souffle couldn’t agree.

‘We need to actually see it before we agree or disagree!’

‘Aaaaaah!’

Once again, fans stomped their feet in tears because of the fragile server.