The Road To Glory [EN]: Chapter 1681

< 168. Smile >

“It seems like Jason has prepared thoroughly this time.”

Prau, ever the Californian, lightly bumped shoulders as he greeted me, casually bringing up Jason’s story and those of his friends.

“He seemed really determined for some reason.”

After saying that, Prau asked if I knew anything.

Halo shrugged, playing it cool. But Prau kept grinning and pressed him to share.

“You two are neighbors, aren’t you? What did he say?”

“The last time we saw each other was back then.”

“Hmm, really?”

It was the day they had a small party in Jason’s yard to celebrate ‘The Last Day’ reaching number one on the Billboard chart. That was the last time they’d met.

Jason had disappeared ever since.

He might be busy preparing for his album, but Halo doubted it.

Because whenever they were about to run into each other, Jason would quickly run away. He must have remembered his drunken rant from that day. He probably kicked his blanket a few times after sobering up. Halo smirked and sent a text.

*No matter how you look at it, he seems too nice.*

Even to the guy who drunkenly ranted about beating him, he’s saying such nice things.

[Do your best (emoji shedding tears of emotion)]

After sending the message, he ran into Han Jin-young, who wore a subtle expression. He looked like he had a lot to say, but he didn’t say anything.

And Halo was certain.

The text message containing encouragement for Jason Dyke arrived safely.

It arrived so well that there was a read receipt, but no reply. But since he said he was releasing a new album, I decided to be understanding.

“But why are you suddenly bringing that up?”

Halo, without bothering to explain that trivial episode, asked Prau the reason for his question.

“Um, he told me to tell you.”

“Tell me what?”

“March.”

There was no subject, but it was impossible not to know what he was talking about.

*It’s absurd that he’s not saying this directly and going through Prau, but…*

Halo eventually burst into laughter.

It’s early November now. Giving himself plenty of time, telling him the release date of his new song was clearly an invitation to come and get him.

“But why is he telling *you* this? Did he agree to feature on it or something?”

Since Halo was the only one who heard the drunken rant, Prau couldn’t understand why Jason was telling him the release date. When he asked Jason what he was talking about, Jason, true to his personality, only told him to pass it on. The boy in front of him didn’t seem inclined to answer honestly.

*He’s not some owl delivering letters.*

Prau begged him to at least tell him if he was going to use him like this for free.

Halo didn’t kindly explain.

However,

“You come too, Prau.”

“What?”

“In March. Wasn’t your favorite movie *Star Wars*?”

“Why *Star Wars* all of a sudden…?”

*Star Wars*. A masterpiece representing science fiction and the most successful IP [Intellectual Property] in 20th-century popular culture. Why was it coming up here? Prau soon realized.

Star(star) Wars(wars). If you translate it directly, it means the war of the stars. If he couldn’t understand even after being told this much, he couldn’t be called a ‘star.’

And soon he raised both arms in horror.

“You know I haven’t released a new song in a while, right?”

“It’s just a single, though.”

“Just a single? Are you saying I should release a full album in March then?”

Prau, horrified at how someone could say such scary things, faced the smiling boy.

Ah, right.

This guy was an inhuman being who released an album—not even a single, but an EP [Extended Play]—every month instead of preparing for 5 months.

“I’m human.”

“I’m human too.”

“No, don’t say that. You alien.”

Halo couldn’t stop laughing at Prau’s genuine horror.

Until they resumed rehearsal.

:

“Alright! Stand by.”

Hamilton, Ontario, about 70km south of Toronto, is one of Canada’s largest metropolitan areas, but it can seem like a very laid-back town to people from New York or Seoul.

That’s because the night view and facilities are those of a big city, but there’s a laid-back and quiet atmosphere.

The FirstOntario Centre, Halo’s concert venue, mirrored the city’s first impression.

Those who had visited Hamilton, Canada a few days ago for a preliminary survey thought that Halo’s concert venue was desolate with nothing around it.

They wondered if it wouldn’t have been better to perform in Toronto or the United States again.

However, the day before the concert, the FirstOntario Centre had a suspiciously large number of people coming and going, and from the morning of the day, it was covered with crowds.

It felt like all 530,000 people living in Hamilton had gathered there.

A procession of people. White tents for them filled the empty space.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s drone is filming the scene at the FirstOntario Centre. There was no space around the FirstOntario Centre, the circular center. Beyond the full parking lot, expensive cars were parked on the side of the road.

It was rare to see on the streets unless it was a festival, so the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation came out to film.

“Can you see it? People from all over the world have come to see HALO’s concert–”

The anchor was giving a passionate speech, and the cameraman was filming the people lined up. Originally, many people avoid looking at the camera, but these people, who were quite imposing, glared at the cameraman as if saying, ‘What are you looking at?’

The cameraman, intimidated by their force, turned the camera to a female fan. As he was about to approach a female fan with a pretty smile to interview her, he heard an ominous voice.

“Just try to show up… I’ll get it somehow.”

The cameraman flinched.

It was a statement that sounded like it would get caught at the security checkpoint for carrying a cold metal object.

It was a joke that you can’t get the golden ticket, Halo’s watch, even if you pay money now.

If you wear a golden ticket on the street, wouldn’t your arm be cut off? Perhaps because of that, there weren’t many posts authenticating the watch. Rather, the existing posts were being deleted.

No crime has occurred yet, but it seems that the holders of the golden ticket are aware of the danger. The company that hosts Halo’s concert announced that they would only allow *택배* [Korean delivery service] delivery services to golden ticket holders, revealing that they had received numerous inquiries. The notice said that if you write your address along with the consent form for sharing personal information before the concert, they will send you a limited edition watch to your home.

However, that’s a service that only those who are well-informed will use.

Surely someone here would have a golden ticket and take it today at this place.

Halo’s limited edition watch.

No, a couple watch with Halo!

Aside from the watch, the atmosphere of the crowd waiting for the concert was not bad. Veil announced that they would start the second sale of the album, and they said that they might proceed with pre-orders, being aware of the despair that the first sale gave people.

As the hands of the clock slowly began to fall, the time of the sun began to come.

Night and lights.

And,

으아아악!

The last day of the world.

#

If the LA concert started with Halo’s new logo and a countdown, this time it was different. One minute before 8 o’clock. The stage was empty, but videos were playing on three screens.

The unique image quality of the 20th century.

And a black and white video was playing.

It was a video mixed with various disasters.

Glaciers melting due to global warming, a huge flood covering the city, and flames rising. War and bombs that created huge mushroom clouds. And an asteroid flying towards Earth from outer space, a dystopia unfolded.

It wouldn’t be strange if the Earth was destroyed tomorrow.

“This is the last news.”

A scream echoed from somewhere.

“Today. The day has dawned, and now we have only one day left.”

It became quiet with the following sound.

There was no way not to know why they screamed.

The voice in the infinitely looped video flew into reality.

“I hope you have a pleasant day.”

-day. The last word was uniquely repeated.

At the same time, the lights on the diamond-shaped protruding stage came on. People’s eyes turned to the protruding stage. Along with that, the accompaniment began. And-. They were wearing a checkered suit jacket, raised their pointed sunglasses, and brought the microphone to their mouth.

“Well, Let’s do the last project.”

A reenactment of The Last DaY music video.

*Isn’t this a project that grabs you by the collar and pulls you in?*

People were instantly drawn into the music video.

Prau immediately sang Michael’s part.

Prau digested Michael’s unique pronunciation, which he spat out like rap.

[Oh, and welcome the 100$ angels coming down from the sky.]

Prau shot the money gun he was wearing on his waist.

As the toy cash that fell from there flew to the audience, people tried to grab it fiercely.

The accompaniment continues before Dick comes in.

In the music video, Dick filled the space with a scene of lying on a recliner sofa and listening to classical music.

However, since you can’t play the music video in reality, people paid attention to Prau. At that time, Prau turned around and pointed into the darkness.

My heart is pounding.

A figure walked out of the darkness.

His silhouette filled the space of the scene, and people covered their mouths and looked at him.

Soon, Halo, who came out on the diamond-shaped protruding stage, came out wearing the white shirt and shorts with a belt that he wore in the music video and sang Dick’s part.

[George, thank you for teaching Helena. Oh, look at that elegant swan-like figure. I’m not saying this because she’s my daughter, but isn’t she a little lovely?]

The audience couldn’t help but scream inwardly at the unbalanced word ‘daughter’ in the mouth of a 16-year-old boy.

Yes, she’s lovely! People shouted the chorus together.

I don’t know if that’s what they’re saying to Helena or to the boy they love.

[A seagull cutting through the waves. The sound of crashing waves. White foam of the summer sea. I need to feel what the sand feels like on the soles of my feet. The hand that used to caress the cold machine will gently stroke itself. And you’ll remember the promise you made with her. The fresh days when you promised to pick the stars in the night sky.]

Lights fell like comets over Halo’s head.

[How about you, Prau?]

Since Jason was not there, when the lyrics were changed to Prau, Prau winked as if he had done well and answered with Jason’s lyrics.

The lights, which were as blue as the night sky, turned red.

Jason, standing under the sunset, ran down the long road that stretched out to him.

Like a gunslinger in the West.

Prau blew on the end of the money gun, which no longer came out no matter how much he shot it.

The dry ice on the floor scattered like heat coming out of the end of a gun.

[Now, this is the last project. The last day left for you, me, and us. The last day that is fair to everyone. Or-.]

Now Halo’s part to come back.

People shouted and screamed.

Unfair!

The boy smiled in response.

And a long accompaniment followed.

People were looking forward to the boy’s attempt that would come soon.

Halo will sing it according to their wishes.

The yodel that everyone was waiting for.

As he perfectly digested the long yodel, the stage rumbled even more.

Halo sang his short part and soon returned to the hook.

The lights got brighter.

[Maybe you had a time without regrets]

[You spent it with the people you like.]

Prau raised his fist towards Halo, and Halo bumped into it together. Eyes of jealousy and envy were directed at the two fists.

And Halo drew out the song that was slowly reaching the curtain.

[It was a time without regrets]

[I’ll say I won’t regret it]

[To the people I like]

[Because it was a day full of everything I like]

[I’m pretty-]

It was okay.

People repeated the chorus.

[Now this is the last project, boy. We have one hour left. Everything has one hour left.]

Soon the boy raised the microphone and brought it to the people.

I don’t like saying goodbye.

Because that’s really the last time.

And we’re not over yet, are we?

Everyone shouted, expecting ‘next’.

[Morning!]

Good morning!

The accompaniment continues for a long time.

Prau, who was riding the rhythm, started dancing.

The eyes looking at the boy are getting darker.

Halo sighed deeply and eventually started stepping.

The moment the accompaniment ended, Prau raised the microphone and said.

I’ve shown you everything you wanted to see-.

“What do you have to say to me?”

The fans’ answers poured down like the rainy season.

“I love you!”

“Thank you! Prau! You know me so well!”

“Come here and I’ll kiss you!”

Halo smiled helplessly at the honest and explicit gratitude.

The opening remarks of the stage were held with Prau.

Halo greeted him calmly, and Prau was a little louder as usual.

If they had already talked about how they came to collaborate with Halo on a talk show, more personal stories came out at this place.

For example, the story about the last scene in the music video.

“Actually, I didn’t think you would allow it.”

“Were you not going to upload it if I didn’t allow it?”

“Um… to be honest, No.”

When Halo looked at him asking why he asked, Prau said confidently.

“I was going to whine until you said yes. If I could upload your video by sacrificing my body, I don’t care about my pride!”

That’s right! Someone shouted.

“But can I ask why you allowed it? Again, I didn’t think I would get a yes so easily.”

“Because it wasn’t too bad.”

“What?”

“My dance.”

People couldn’t help but laugh at Halo, who was speaking confidently. The boy’s words were not wrong. The boy seemed to have quite a talent for dancing, and it wasn’t ridiculous at all.

The reason they laughed would be the same as the reason why Prau burst out laughing.

The boy who said that his dance was not bad seemed really confident.

“That’s right, I felt soul in you. I’ll admit it honestly.”

Prau, who was holding his stomach and laughing, eventually admitted it.

After telling the story of the music video, they briefly announced their future plans. The first to speak was Halo.

He gave his unique mischievous smile and looked around at the people.

“I think it’s about time. Of course, I’ll have to think about it if you don’t want it.”

So that’s the story about the next album.

Knowing that everyone would want it, and even if people wanted it or not, he would do it as he pleased, the boy deliberately spoke badly, and people groaned and shouted ‘Oh please’.

“Do you really want it?”

“So wicked!”

Someone couldn’t help but shout.

People and Halo laughed!

On the other hand, Prau announced unexpected news about his future plans.

“So I’m thinking of doing stand-up comedy.”

“Oh. I think you’ll do well?”

“Really? I actually think I’ll do well too. I’m scared because I got such a good offer.”

“You were someone who was scared of something?”

“ok, I wasn’t scared either. Just.”

“If I do it, will you come out once?”

It’s clear that he was just building up to this offer by saying he was scared.

Stand-up comedy. Halo, who had been a comedy subject there, but had never been out there, readily nodded.

“Of course, if you invite me.”

“Oh!”

Prau was surprised by the pure answer, and the people who wanted Halo to come out with anything were enthusiastic, saying it was good.

“I’ll prepare well.”

“No, that’s okay. You don’t have to prepare anything. You just come and sit next to me.”

When Halo was puzzled, Prau whispered very seriously.

And say it whenever people make scary faces.

“Laugh.”

Again, he was very serious.

Prau, who made people burst out laughing once again, proved his talent for stand-up comedy. Prau, who sang one more song, left so neatly.

That didn’t mean the concert was over.

It was just his complete time now.

9 o’clock.

The concert, which started with The Last DaY’s music video, realized a part of that music video.

Halo, like his wish in the music video,

Sang all night and eventually threw himself at the audience in the last turn.

The staff were startled by the singer’s sudden action, but Halo was not injured at all.

Those who love Halo would never hurt him.

Rather, they would treat him like a glass candy that would break soon.

If anyone misses him here, that day may be their execution day.

That’s how another night went.

A night that was faster and more regrettable than ever.

Halo woke up late in the afternoon on November 8th.

And found that messages from his mother and father had arrived.

Before checking the text messages, Halo stretched and came out and opened the blackout curtains.

And naturally, he started thinking about the next concert.

Is it Korea now?