[Seven Do-hee. ‘Ankle Injury Struggle’ – Sports World]
Such articles never get published.
If everything went smoothly after the stage, then seeing an article would just be embarrassing, and it could stir up unnecessary annoyance.
I refused to let it get published in the first place.
Still, I couldn’t stop the news from reaching my mom that I visited the hospital.
It was because the manager contacted her in light of the situation.
– Always figuring things out on your own. What do the unnis say about that?
“Ah, I’m doing fine.”
– It’s always just mom worrying, huh?
Non-stop nagging for the past ten minutes.
Ugh, so annoying.
– You’re performing today too; do you want to get hurt again?
Today was the SBC Music Awards.
– Don’t go making mom worry again.
I could tell she was about to start nagging again, so I changed the subject.
“Got it. By the way, what are Do-ah and Dad up to?”
– Don’t even start. Do-ah and Dad can’t stop bragging about you at school and work.
“Do-ah too?”
– Yeah. Just yesterday, she was rewatching your performance video. On stage days, she stays up late watching.
I could picture Do-ah sitting in front of the TV, glued to her performance, and I couldn’t help but smile.
It’s not like she doesn’t act all bossy when we meet; it somehow makes her even more adorable.
– Oh, and these days Do-ah’s been going crazy wanting to be an idol.
“Um… just ask mom to tone it down a bit.”
Do-ah needs to keep that just between us.
“Do-hee, we need to head out now~”
As I was on the call, my manager Da-hong chimed in.
Finally, the nagging was going to end.
“Heard that? I have to go now, talk to you later~”
– Got it. Take care. Love you, our princess~
“Yeah, I know. Bye~”
Mom worries way too much.
But honestly, I’m worried about whether Do-ah will really become an idol.
It’s not a job you can just enjoy without any concerns.
The money? I can earn enough on my end.
Do-ah just needs to stick to my shadow…
*
At the SBC Music Awards held at Jamsil Gymnasium.
Today was the first live broadcast red carpet event.
So the coordinators were especially busy today.
It seemed like they had a sense of duty to make me look even prettier.
“Kyaaah, oh my gosh, Do-hee, you look so gorgeous~!”
My reflection in the mirror.
‘Hmm… I do look pretty.’
Today, my outfit was a black empire waist dress, with the waistline lifted all the way up to just under my bust.
The empire dress made my already long legs look even longer.
And somehow, it felt a little embarrassing.
This was my first time wearing such a dress.
“Should we put a pin in your hair? I think it’d look nice up with a pin.”
“I want to dye it ash brown. It would look super pretty.”
But the coordinators were itching to do even more.
After finishing the styling, I could finally sit in the waiting room chairs and wait for the red carpet.
Currently in the waiting room with me were the members: me, Seo-yoon, Ha-rang, and Coordinator Unni.
The other three went off to rehearse their additional dance moves for their special stage today.
Well, we just have time left.
Instead, we were busy filming behind-the-scenes content.
“Shavenyu Hi~ We’re at the SBC Music Festival today! And soon we’ll be stepping onto the red carpet!”
Kim Seo-yoon, holding the camera, pointed it at me.
And next to me, Ha-rang Unni was trying to look cute.
“Hehe, isn’t my coordinator cute? It’s Jeon Ha-rang, the hidden cutie of Seven~?”
“Just stay hidden for life.”
“Guys, even though Do-hee says that, I think I’m super cute!”
“Nope.”
Since there wasn’t much content to talk about, we decided to practice walking the red carpet instead.
It’s annoying, but this is work, so I might as well join in.
“Please enter! Click click.”
It was Jeon Ha-rang hosting.
“Hello~ I’m Do-hee Lee from Seven.”
As I entered the waiting room, I waved my hand with a gentle smile.
Even though I couldn’t see myself, I figured I looked pretty elegant.
But the other two were cracking up.
“I’m Do-hee from Seven~ Ah, so cringe!”
“It’s I-do-hee~ Huhuhuh.”
Sigh… I guess it’s my fault for joining in.
“Do-hee, are you okay wearing high heels?”
Only Chae-rin Unni was looking out for me amidst all this.
“Yeah, I’m okay now. The doctor said to be careful since it’s easy to twist it again.”
Regardless, Kim Seo-yoon and Jeon Ha-rang began to mimic me in a silly way.
“Annyeonghaseyo~ I’m Do-hee from Seven~”
“Wow, I’m Do-hee too!”
When did I ever make that expression?
“Whoa! Then I’m Sam-Do-hee?”
Seriously, what is wrong with them?
*
December 31st.
MBS Music Festival.
“All done!”
Having finished the second round of performances, there were no awards to worry about in this year-end broadcast, so now we could just sit back and enjoy.
Everyone was exhausted from lack of sleep and practice, and once the stage ended, the tension melted away as we plopped down in our seats.
However, the fatigue that felt like it would knock me out disappeared when I glanced at the audience.
Glowing light sticks swirled in a rainbow of colors.
I hadn’t truly grasped it while on stage, but now I realized we performed in front of over ten thousand fans.
-Thump thump
My heart is still racing.
Before I could even enjoy the afterglow, Seo-yoon Unni poked me.
“Hey~ Do-hee~”
“What?”
“I think that guy is interested in you~ Kyaak! So cute~”
Kyaak, she’s getting so excited.
Definitely, it was the member Jay from ‘All Today,’ with whom I made eye contact earlier.
He was a famous member of a well-known group.
Of course, she was a famous member.
Popularity aside, she was a top idol that raked in sales ranking in the top 10 by having a fandom both domestically and internationally, even touring overseas.
“I’m already 16 years old, you know?”
But maybe that pedo guy is out there.
Of course, I’m pretty, my body’s nice, and I’m tall, well, quite tall, but—
Still, I’m just 16.
I still have baby fat and my face screams “kid.”
“You got a note last time too~”
Not just from that person, but when doing challenges.
When signing CDs and greeting fans, I often got notes asking for my number saying they wanted to get closer.
Still, no means no.
“Unni, you know there’s a no-dating clause, right?”
The contract clearly stated no dating for two years post-debut.
Of course, it’s basically useless if done secretly.
“Eh~ Of course, I’m not dating~”
Hana Unni next to me hugged me and said.
“Right. Our Do-hee is a middle schooler~ So cute! We should protect her!”
“Do-hee will still be in middle school next year…? So adorable…”
Seems like everyone is feeling the upcoming New Year.
“I’m turning 18 next year! Hana Unni, wanna grab a drink with me?”
“Sara, Seo-yoon, and the 05 kids are now 19.”
“Hehe, I’m in high school~ They’re calling me a middle schooler, heehee.”
Must be nice to be a high schooler, huh?
Anyway, in an hour, it’ll be New Year.
Finally turning 16.
Not like anything will actually change.
“Give me some water.”
I accepted a water bottle and downed it in one go.
The heat from the stage finally seemed to cool down.
This year felt particularly long.
There were lots of embarrassing moments and many days I wanted to kick my blanket.
Still, looking back, it was a tiring yet fun year.
Lost in thought while gazing at the stage, Coral Blue rose with a dazzling intro.
“Wow, the Coral Blue seniors are here!”
Coral Blue.
A 6-year-old girl group from Hana-rang’s company, Haru Enter.
The unwavering number one in girl groups and the group that took home the grand prize again this year.
Not just Hana Unni, but most of the members idolized Coral Blue, dreaming of becoming idols while watching them.
As such, Coral Blue always ranked first in girl group brand reputation.
They might occasionally let the rising girl groups take the top spot, but they ultimately secured a high rank every time.
Of course, I may be number one in individual brand reputation value for girl group members in November and December, though. Hehe.
“When will we be at that level?”
Seo-yoon Unni draped her arm over my shoulder.
“Um…”
It won’t be easy, but for us to get there…
“Even if we fortuitously snag the grand prize next year, it might be possible to hit Billboard after we disband, I guess?”
The grand prize will be hard enough as it is.
A year and a half is just too short to make it to Billboard.
“Let’s not disband…”
I subtly dodged a teary-eyed Sara Unni as she hugged me.
The girl quickly twisted her body to avoid it.
“Does it really work that way?”
Behind the sulking Sara Unni, the staff signaled to prepare for the ending.
As always, the year-end stage on December 31 was concluded with a hopeful song from a famous elder singer or vocalist, followed by a countdown.
We slowly stepped onto the stairs leading to the stage.
[You and I, holding hands right here]
[Let me carve your determination in the brilliant morning sunlight]
“Wow, the year is actually ending like this.”
“Do-hee, we’ve been at it for seven years now.”
“That’s true.”
I had become inseparable from Seo-yoon Unni because of the contract.
Of course, it’s not that I dislike it.
It’s just fun to be together.
[Not far away if we’re together]
[We are the champions tonight, we shall win]
Everyone moved their bodies gently to the rhythm of the song, clapping their hands or waving along.
“Do-hee…”
Ye-eun Unni looked at me with eyes as bright as Puss in Boots.
“What?”
“I’m always grateful…”
Even though I tease Ye-eun Unni the most, she unknowingly takes good care of me.
She feels like a sister.
“What’s there to be grateful for? We’re friends.”
“Huh…? I’m not just a friend… I’m your Unni…?”
As the song ended, thunderous applause erupted.
Subtly, Sara Unni hugged me.
Does she want to do this even on stage?
“I’m Jeon Ha-rang! Two minutes to adulthood! Two minutes to become friends with Hana Kwon!”
“Looks like we need to practice again, our Ha-rang~”
“You know it’s a joke, right, Hana Unni?”
“What do you mean joke~? Let’s give it our all in practice this New Year!”
“Our group needs some study time too…”
Chae-rin Unni closed her eyes, joined her hands tightly, and started to pray. It seemed like she was wishing for something.
“…Please let the dorm have private rooms… seal the lips of Kim Seo-yoon, Ha-rang Unni, and Hana Unni…”
Those three definitely need to be silenced.
“If possible, also seal Do-hee’s…”
…Why me?
“The countdown is starting!”
“Ah ha ha! Jeon Ha-rang, 56 seconds to adulthood!”
“05s is now 19 years old! 05s fighting!!!”
“I’m a high school student now…! Do-hee is still in middle school!”
“I already dropped out of middle school, you know?”
[Alright everyone! Let’s start the countdown together!]
As the MC announced, the countdown to the New Year began.
“10!”
As the members bounced up and down, I decided to take a moment to make a wish.
“6!”
May everyone around me be happy without any troubles.
May it be a happy year for everyone.
“4!”
And my chest… It would be just right if it were just a tad bigger now.
I should also be over 170 cm tall.
“1!”
[HAPPY NEW YEAR!]
“Ah ha ha! Jeon Ha-rang is 20! Adult now!!!”
The second start of being 16!
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