Looking at the tightly sealed kimchi jar, the two members continued their discussion.

“At this point isn’t the kimchi jar defective? It feels like we’ve tried everything we can”

“Wouldn’t it be because we’re not strong enough rather than the jar being defective”

“......”

“Hmm, what should we do”

As Vivaldi’s Four Seasons played softly in the background, Kim Bi-ju changed the subject.

“The song is really nice. This is the Four Seasons, right”

“That’s right. It’s Spring from the Four Seasons by Vivaldi”

“Vivaldi”

“His name is Antonio Vivaldi, a famous Baroque-era composer”

When she rattled off the explanation she’d seen in a book, Kim Bi-ju summed it up in one sentence.

“So he’s like Europe’s big brother in space”

Seo Ri-hyeok couldn’t help but laugh.

But the classical talk didn’t last long.

No matter how much they wanted to avoid reality, the kimchi jar still sat proudly in the middle of the living room.

“In my opinion, we have two options left. First, give up on the kimchi dumplings. Second, ask other people for SOS”

“We have to ask other people for help?”

Kim Bi-ju stroked her chin as she spoke.

“But wouldn’t that be kind of weird? We’ve never even met the neighbors next door”

“Yeah, that’s true. And it’d be weird to suddenly go over and ask them to open the kimchi jar”

“How about the people upstairs”

“People upstairs”

“Yeah, there’s that person who works at a company. They always greet us kindly whenever we meet”

“That person won’t work. Um, I....”

“Oh right”

Seeing her younger sibling’s face flush in an instant, Kim Bi-ju realized her mistake.

Every time the upstairs neighbor flushed the toilet and the shower water went hot, Seo Ri-hyeok would bang on the wall and scream “Ahhh!”

Patting her embarrassed sibling on the shoulder, Kim Bi-ju smiled.

“Then let’s call and ask for help”

“A call? Who? You’re not going to call the managers, right”

“Of course not. Someone else”

Soon, a sulky face appeared on the video call.

“Hello grandmother”

“Well, what’s my Bi-ju doing calling at this hour”

“Are you busy right now”

“No, I’m just relaxing and watching TV. All my customers left. Yes, it’s Suk-ja. You’re the kids working with Woo-joo. If you’re not going to introduce me, go peel some tangerines”

Perhaps because she was quite bored, Mrs. Kim Deok-soon greeted them with a bright smile.

After chatting with her for a bit, the two explained the whole situation.

“But why are you asking me that”

“Well, grandmother knows a lot about cooking, so I thought you might know how to open the jar”

“Bi-ju, you called me because you thought you’d get nagged by your mother if you called her first”

“...Yes”

Mrs. Kim Deok-soon laughed and gave them various tips.

Under the watchful eyes of the reality cameras and the video call screen, the two members started to exert their strength.

“Huuurp”

“That’s it Keep pushing Strength”

“Aaaargh”

“Oh dear, you guys wouldn’t even be able to peel garlic You’re too weak and scrawny And your name suits you, scrawny”

“I do peel garlic Huuurp”

“Your mouth is still very alive, Ri-hyeok You’re about to float away in the water”

Her calm roasting was truly befitting of Sun Woo-joo’s grandmother.

But thanks to Mrs. Kim Deok-soon’s honeyed tips, the lid was gradually opening.

As Summer from the Four Seasons approached its climax, the figure on the screen muttered.

“But normally if the jar won’t open like that....”

Just as she was about to say something, Kim Bi-ju and Seo Ri-hyeok smiled brightly. The lid was coming off.

But at that moment

Pooonk

The lid spun and popped off like a whack-a-mole mole, and the kimchi exploded upward.

Kimchi juice splattered everywhere.

Thankfully it didn’t reach the hanger, but from the trophies won at the year-end evaluations to the sofa—

Kim Bi-ju and Seo Ri-hyeok stared at the kimchi jar with blank eyes, their clothes and faces splattered with kimchi juice.

“What is this, something red is coming out What happened Are you two okay”

Amid Mrs. Kim Deok-soon’s exclamation, the two members shivered and closed their eyes.

Two weeks later, in episode 1 of HBS MTV reality show “It’s the New Black”

New Black Dorm

With the background music from the animation Crayon Shin-chan playing, the scene showed the two members desperately trying to open the kimchi jar.

A shot of the studio appeared at the bottom of the screen.

(Ri-hyeok) Wow Seeing it again it really is pathetic

(Woo-joo) You know us well

(Bi-ju) We really struggled with that thing for an hour Our hands are all numb

(Jung-hyeon) So did you open it

(Bi-ju) You’ll see if you watch

Soon after, they received advice from “Woo-joo’s grandmother” and began to open it.

Bi-ju : Ri-hyeok Let’s put in a little more effort Just a bit more

Ri-hyeok : Okay

When the two united their efforts, # Nоvеlight # the kimchi jar slowly began to open.

Those watching in the studio clasped their hands and waited in anticipation.

A big countdown from five seconds appeared on the screen.

At the end of one second, with a hearty pop the kimchi jar burst open.

At the same time, the other three members in the studio collapsed to the floor, laughing and rolling around.

(Ri-hyeok) That’s right Laugh Laugh....

(Bi-ju) Ha....

(Rest) Puhahaha Hahaha

While they laughed, Seo Ri-hyeok peeled a piece of cabbage stuck to his face.

His face quickly synchronized with the color of the kimchi.

Ri-hyeok : Ah, really Brother I’m never eating kimchi dumplings again in the future Never

Bi-ju : Ri-hyeok

Ri-hyeok : (crying) Ah, kimchi juice got in my eyes

[Among fans right now they’re saying the New Black reality is like a sitcom]

I thought the reality concept was strange from the start..

(omitted)

Among them, the highlight of episode one—the kimchi jar explosion scene You really have to watch it in video not just a gif

-kkkkkkkkkkkkkk

-ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ so real kkkk their frozen expressions are amazing

-ㅋㅋㅋㅋ can someone tell me their names

-The one on the left with the expression of losing their country is Bi-ju and the one with the trembling mouth is Ri-hyeok

-I felt it even during the audition but they really seem blessed by the variety show gods kkkk

-ㅋㅋㅋ I started to like them after watching this

-During all that, the one whose face turned the exact color of the kimchi and screamed is kill-pwe kkkk

-I, I’m never eating kimchi dumplings again Absolutely kkkkkkkk

That evening

“Hmph hmph hmph”

After finishing the filming of Animal Friends in Yeoncheon-gun without incident, Wang Ji-ho and Kim Jung-hyeon hummed as they returned.

They were in a great mood because they’d devoured all the food at the rest area on the way back.

As they played rock-paper-scissors with the reality camera and climbed the stairs, they were taken aback upon entering the dorm.

The atmosphere was eerie.

“......”

In the dark, with only a single candle lit, Seo Ri-hyeok and Kim Bi-ju sat at a table set for dinner.

The menu was extremely lavish.

They had jokbal, bossam, chicken, pizza—every delivery app order imaginable piled so high the table might break.

Wang Ji-ho rubbed his belly and said.

“Wow, if I’d known this I’d have eaten less at the rest area”

“I can eat more though”

Sensing their arrival, Kim Bi-ju and Seo Ri-hyeok weakly waved their hands in greeting.

“You’re back”

“Yes, we’re back”

“How was the filming”

“It went well but hyung Can we eat too”

“Come on over”

Wang Ji-ho and Kim Jung-hyeon unbuckled their belts amicably.

Wang Ji-ho immediately grabbed an unclaimed chicken drumstick.

“But why is the mood like this It feels like we just entered a haunted house at an amusement park It’s all black and stuff”

“I was trying to set a romantic mood”

Kim Bi-ju answered.

“I did something wrong to Ri-hyeok so....”

“Sigh”

“I’m sorry....”

“From now on please respect what I say too hyung If we’d just done our parts there wouldn’t have been any explosions”

Explosion?

Had she been really angry?

Kim Jung-hyeon and Wang Ji-ho’s eyes rolled. Of course they were busy shoveling jokbal and chicken into their mouths.

Kim Bi-ju looked apologetic and Seo Ri-hyeok’s eyes glistened somewhere.

Wang Ji-ho drew a conclusion.

Here it comes.

“Um”

Then he asked Seo Ri-hyeok cautiously.

“Hyung, did puberty come”

“Don’t touch me please....”

“So it really is puberty This is bad”

As Seo Ri-hyeok only sighed, Wang Ji-ho tried to comfort him by clinging to him.

Seo Ri-hyeok, who had initially frowned, soon softened.

Meanwhile, the large lump of greens that Kim Jung-hyeon had been typing on his phone’s keyboard arrived in front of Kim Bi-ju’s face.

“Ah, you scared me”

“It’s a wrap. I wrapped it for you to eat”

“Thanks”

When she put the large wrap given by Kim Jung-hyeon into her mouth, Kim Bi-ju’s cheeks puffed like a chipmunk.

Kim Jung-hyeon looked at his phone screen and asked.

“Why do you keep searching for Woo-joo hyung’s name”

“In case some article pops up I get anxious too”

“Well he’ll be fine”

At that moment, Wang Ji-ho, who was eating bossam, paused.

“Come to think of it Woo-joo hyung really likes bossam”

“He also likes jokbal”

“And he really loves seasoned chicken too”

“Excuse me everyone Who hates chicken or jokbal”

“Oh right”

“Now that I think about it Woo-joo hyung eats really well He’s not picky at all”

Seo Ri-hyeok shook his head and said.

“I can’t eat cucumber”

“Why cucumber”

“Well, back in trainee days I ate cucumber all the time for dieting so I hate it now”

“Wow then you can’t eat pickles either Poor Woo-joo hyung....”

Wang Ji-ho pulled out a pickle and made a sad face.

“It’s only been a day but I already miss you Woo-joo hyung”

“Me too”

“We miss Woo-joo hyung”

“Exactly”

Gazing out the window, the members pictured Sun Woo-joo in their minds.

For about ten seconds.

Then they all continued eating deliciously.

Sun Woo-joo was nowhere in their thoughts.

No one realized the camera that Wang Ji-ho had forgotten to turn off was still rolling.

There seems to be no phrase more fitting for a reservist training ground than “the room of spirit and time” from the manga

I’ve felt it since long ago but there’s some mysterious energy in army barracks

Even perfectly normal people go crazy or get sleepy

Just sitting still makes you drowsy so I slept like a log for three days

Other uncles were surprised, saying my skin was glowing more each day

Three days passed without incident

An officer even came to get my autograph to give to his daughter, and I received my first ever shooting target with holes in it

I enjoyed chatting with strangers

Sometimes people asked me to spill some stories from the entertainment industry but I declined vaguely and they never asked again

Each time I’d only rave on and on about my younger siblings and when I came to my senses no one was around

Anyway, for three days I promoted New Black to everyone I met while greeting them

Some kindly promised to download “Night Sea” as soon as they got their phones upon discharge

“Here you go”

“Oh, thank you teacher”

At discharge after training ended I bowed in thanks to those who downloaded the song

I took selfies with everyone who wanted proof and declined invitations to meals with a smile

“I’d love to join but my manager hyung scheduled something tonight”

“Such a shame”

“Indeed Thank you for your hard work Please leave good reviews online”

With those farewells I walked out

When I turned onto the main road after getting a message from Min-gi hyung, I saw some people who had already been discharged laughing as they passed by

I wondered if something funny happened

...then I saw handsome men at the gate holding large placards

[Milky White Sun Woo-joo]

[Welcome to Society]

Like at an airport arrivals hall, Jung-hyeon and Ji-ho held the placards amicably and Bi-ju waved a mini flag between them

Ah really

Behind them Ri-hyeok stood with his head down wearing a baseball cap and mask, and I could sympathize with how he felt

I walked among the crowd pretending not to know them but I was spotted by our Mr. Kim, whose gaze felt like a beating

He immediately whispered to Jung-hyeon and Ji-ho

“Hyuuung Woo-joo hyuuung I’m here”

.....Ji-ho’s voice is so loud Really

The murmuring crowd began to look at me

It was a crushing embarrassment I hadn’t felt in a long time I sighed and walked toward them

“Hyuuung I missed you”

“Me too”

As I trudged along, my younger siblings ran up to me all at once

There was also the reality production crew with a camera on their shoulders I noticed now The writer was laughing loudly and for some reason I felt annoyed

Surrounded like a pack of retrievers, my siblings immediately encircled me and started jumping while singing the cheer

“Ya ya~ ya ya ya ya~ ya ya ya ya ya~”

“Eusha-ra eusha-ra”

“Please... guys People are watching If you do this I’ll die of embarrassment”

At my words everyone stopped and looked at each other

One second later

“Ya ya~ ya ya ya ya~”

“......”

“It’s useless to stop them They’re making such a fuss because they missed you”

When Ri-hyeok said that I couldn’t help but laugh

My youngest clung to me, and Bi-ju stayed by my side with bright eyes As the production crew asked for my thoughts I said one word

“Oh reservist training It was truly a meaningful time serving the country for three days”

“Seriously”

“Can you do voice modulation”

At my playful question the writer laughed

What could I say

I couldn’t exactly say they still use equipment from the 6.25 war If I spoke my mind the Ministry of Defense might have sued me

While giving the interview, my phone rang and the writer’s eyes widened at the name [Han Tae-hyeon] on the video call screen

“Is this”

“Yes It’s TNT”

“Woo-joo It’s possible to include a word of support”

“I’ll ask”

Immediately the image of an idol member on the move in a vehicle, sweeping back his yellow hair, appeared on the screen

When I relayed the producer’s pressing request, Tae-hyeon readily agreed

“Ah hello It’s It’s”

“It’s the New Black”

“Ah It’s the New Black viewers Hello I’m TNT Tae-hyeon”

When our siblings clapped and cheered the person on the call laughed

“Yes He’s a hyung I like and care for a lot He’s very charming I hope his real personality comes across well”

Then he asked

“Is this enough I’d like a personal call”

“Oh yes Go ahead”

The producer smiled and nodded as if satisfied with the amount of footage

Oh oh

To think he could so confidently use his own voice with the broadcast staff

“Your eyes are sparkling”

“Hey you were cool even if it was brief”

“They’re calling so many things cool First five years you can do this too”

“That sounds very hopeful”

Walking a bit apart while on the video call, I glanced at my other siblings and said

“But I’m filming right now so let’s talk quickly and hang up”

“How cold Really”

“When you’re in your fifth year you’ll be more generous”

The person on screen laughed

“So why did you call”

“I’m filming too”

“Filming”

When I turned the camera he was shooting Tae-hyeon, who was seated next to what looked like his manager

“You should have told me if you were filming senior That could have been a big problem”

“Don’t worry Anyway our PR team edits it before giving it to the production team So I called for broadcast advice”

“Would they need my advice”

“When it airs It’s Army Variety Show The Man Goes”

At that moment I burst out laughing

Why did I feel so good

I laughed hearty for a while and Tae-hyeon, seeming a bit offended, told his camera “Please put this in the edit”

Meanwhile I asked for a moment to excuse myself

I called Min-gi hyung to ask him to contact Seok-hwan hyung When I asked if this call was okay I soon got an OK

So I gave him various helpful tips

“Thanks hyung I owe you again”

“But Tae-hyeon You could’ve asked your managers for these tips since they’re all veterans”

“Uh What did you say The reception is bad”

“My managers next to you are”

“I need to switch phones”

“What do you want to eat”

“I want beef Ah”

After laughing together for a while, they ended the brief call

“Sir Let’s really have a meal Together since March you’ve said let’s meet but six months have passed”

“Hey You’re the busy one”

“No I’ll be active domestically soon too”

“Domestically”

“We’re coming back with a repackage album around November... Ah don’t tell people this It’s not really a secret anyway”

He repeated his invitation for a meal several times before ending the call

We’ll be on TV again soon

In The Man Goes they show guests preparing before enlistment and it seems Tae-hyeon chose me as the celebrity friend to call

By the way November

There’s a high chance it overlaps with our comeback schedule

Well

It doesn’t matter much

Unless we compete for first place on music shows like last time with Something

We’re not really competitors anyway

“What did you talk about hyung”

“Nothing special I was just giving advice because you’re going on The Man Goes”

To the youngest, whose eyes sparkled asking all sorts of questions, I answered and put my arm around his shoulder

“Come on Let’s go home”

“It’s not home it’s the dorm”

At someone’s quip I made eye contact with the other siblings

“Then let’s go to the dorm~”

“Yay”

“Don’t go without me”

While chatting and laughing about the three days they’d missed, my phone vibrated briefly again

I thought it was Tae-hyeon but it was Director Jo Gyu-hwan

-The title track has just been finished

Below the text message continued

-Now that we’re moving into album production, come to the meeting room with the members by 9 AM tomorrow We need to discuss the comeback schedule and fan meeting details

So the album I’ll be producing is finally coming together

I was moved again but the word that caught my attention most in the message was something else

Fan meeting