[Six of Wands]
This card is also known as the ‘Triumphant General’.
The card depicts a man victoriously returning from battle, wearing a laurel wreath.
‘Hmm… I’m already looking forward to seeing what’s going to happen,’ Do Hyun thought.
He knew there would be many exciting events, from finishing the battle to celebrating the victory. That’s why he was so eager for the Lollapalooza stage.
“…I just need to nail it. Just me. Even if everything else falls apart, it’ll be a success if *I* do well.”
Do Hyun gathered the tarot cards, placed them back in their case, and began to consider which songs would resonate best with the Lollapalooza crowd.
“Okay, so… the Yeouido and Jeju busking sets were heavily focused on cherry blossoms… so the festival set definitely needs to be different. I need to prioritize high-energy songs.”
Do Hyun decided he would discuss the setlist with Lee PD, choosing songs from his albums and his ‘Monthly Do Hyun’ releases that would really ignite the festival atmosphere.
“Now, shall we get back to preparing for the Yeouido busking?”
* * *
Yunjungro [a famous street in Seoul known for its cherry blossoms] was overflowing with cherry blossoms.
The delicate petals danced in the wind, creating a flurry of pink and white.
Families strolled along the path, but couples were the most common sight.
Just then.
A stage was being set up for Do Hyun’s busking performance in Yeouido Hangang Park [a large park along the Han River in Seoul].
“Is there a performance happening today?” one passerby asked.
“Really? Should we stick around and watch?” another replied.
“Let’s at least find out what time it starts!”
A sign was posted to address the anticipated questions: [The performance will begin at 6 PM].
“It feels like a famous singer is going to be busking!” someone exclaimed.
“…Personally, I’m hoping it’s Na Do Hyun! I really loved that cherry blossom song he released recently!”
“Ah, that one? I’ve heard it. It’s definitely going to become a new cherry blossom anthem.”
People began to gather in front of the stage, their chatter filling the air with anticipation.
Do Hyun’s van was already parked in Yeouido Hangang Park.
Inside, Do Hyun was getting his makeup done.
Not for a music show, of course, but just to ensure he looked his best.
Kang Ho, watching him, commented, “People are going to be really surprised today, aren’t they?”
“I hope so. It’ll be fun to see the reactions of people who just came to see the cherry blossoms.”
Do Hyun was already buzzing with excitement. It was his first time performing for an audience primarily there for the cherry blossoms.
He felt a sense of joy being there with them, with the gentle spring breeze caressing his face.
“Ah, I wish it was 6 o’clock already. It’s going to be so much fun.”
“You really seem born for the stage. Seeing you so excited makes me realize I can’t even imagine standing in front of so many people.”
“Speaking of which, Hoya hyung, you have a great voice… Have you ever considered becoming a singer? I overheard you humming a song the other day, and you were really good.”
The youngest stylist chimed into their conversation.
“Hoya oppa [an honorific term used by younger women to address older men] is a really good singer! After hearing him, I wondered why he wasn’t a singer!”
Do Hyun almost laughed as he saw the youngest stylist looking at Kang Ho with a slightly flushed face.
*She’s making her feelings so obvious.*
*I wonder if Kang Ho realizes the youngest stylist has a crush on him.*
*I hope those two get together. Hoya hyung broke up with his girlfriend anyway… I also think it wouldn’t be a bad idea to date someone you see regularly. Hoya hyung is a good person, so he’d probably get along well with the youngest.*
“Oh, oh? Really? Thank you. That’s the first time I’ve heard someone say I’m actually good at singing….” Kang Ho finally responded, a little flustered.
*Hmm? Judging from Hoya hyung’s reaction, it seems like there might be something there?*
From an outsider’s perspective, it vaguely seemed like there was something brewing between them.
*Anyway… I hope things work out for them. The tarot reading seemed to suggest it.*
At that moment.
An anonymous post appeared on Do Hyun’s fan community forum.
[Breaking News] I just heard, but Do Hyun is busking at Yeouido Hangang Park today?
I heard it a little while ago too. The stage setup is complete, and people who came to see the cherry blossoms in Yeouido are posting about the busking stage, but they don’t know who the singer is. Could it be Do Hyun? Please, all the photographers nearby, hurry up and go take pictures of Do Hyun surrounded by cherry blossoms ㅠㅠ I can’t go because it’s too far.
└I’ve been hearing rumors that it’s Do Hyun, should I go?
└Do Hyun’s busking ㄷㄷㄷㄷ [Korean internet slang expressing excitement]
└I heard Do Hyun’s band is there? My friend saw them while looking at cherry blossoms nearby. Do Hyun’s band.
└Ah? Huh? My company is in Yeouido, I’m heading there now!
└Please go quickly……
Reporter Yoo Hana, who was browsing Do Hyun’s fan community to unwind while working on an article, was startled by the post.
First, Reporter Yoo called the PR team leader at Hue Entertainment, with whom she had recently become friendly.
“Team Leader, hello! This is Yoo Hana. I was hoping to ask you something.”
[Yes, Reporter! What can I help you with?]
“I heard that Do Hyun is busking in Yeouido today, is that true?”
[Oh… um. I can’t confirm that…….]
“I even spotted Do Hyun’s van?”
[Ah…! You saw it. I guess you recognized the license plate.]
“Well, I happened to find out. So, I’m planning to release an exclusive article now…….”
[Oh my… Actually, we were planning a surprise busking… Could you please hold off on writing an article about it?]
The PR team leader pleaded, but Reporter Yoo was eager to publish the news so that more ‘Honeys’ [Do Hyun’s fan name] could attend.
“Um… Wouldn’t it be a shame to just ignore such a hot story?”
[Hmm… Reporter, then could you just briefly mention that Do Hyun will be at Yeouido Hangang Park at 6 o’clock? Actually, it would be great if a lot of people and the press gathered…….]
“Okay, I understand. Thank you. I’ll send out the article within 5 minutes!”
[Thank you for always giving our Do Hyun so much attention. I feel like Do Hyun’s image is improving thanks to you, Reporter Yoo…….]
“It’s all because Do Hyun is doing so well. Anyway, I understand!”
Yoo Hana’s office was located in Yeouido.
It was about a 20-minute walk to Yeouido Hangang Park.
Reporter Yoo sent out the exclusive article within 5 minutes, as promised.
However…….
There was one crucial detail she had overlooked: she didn’t have any photography equipment.
Reporter Yoo Hana, convinced that Do Hyun amidst the spring blossoms would be a breathtaking sight, sent a message to her junior photojournalist.
[Can you lend me some equipment today? I’m going to take some cherry blossom pictures! Of course, don’t tell the higher-ups!]
The junior photojournalist was unaware that Reporter Yoo was a huge fan of Do Hyun.
Only one person in the company knew about Reporter Yoo’s obsession: Reporter Kim Jia.
[Oh, senior, I have one set of equipment available today, so I can lend it to you. I have to go to the Na Do Hyun busking site to take pictures…… But have you used this type of camera much? It’s company equipment, so it would be a big problem if it broke ㅠㅠ I have a shoot tomorrow morning ㅠㅠ]
[Yes, I’ve used the equipment before. Lend it to me for today! I’ll bring it back early tomorrow morning!]
[Okay! Senior, I’ll lend it to you discreetly!]
[Thank you so much!]
Reporter Yoo glanced around at her colleagues, grabbed the equipment, stashed it in her bag, and bid farewell to her director before leaving work.
“Director, I have a meeting this evening, so I’ll be leaving early!”
“Where’s the meeting?”
“With Hue Entertainment. It’s just a casual get-together.”
“Oh ho… Na Do Hyun’s been on a roll lately, are you going to meet him right after publishing an exclusive article?”
“That’s right. I have to meet him while he’s popular and smooth things over. Anyway, I’ll be back after the meeting.”
“Okay, go ahead.”
Reporter Yoo’s bag felt heavy, but she needed to arrive before all the good spots were taken.
Despite the short distance, Reporter Yoo hailed a taxi and got out at Yeouido Hangang Park.
The stage was set up in a popular area, making it easy to find.
Dugun, dugun─ [onomatopoeia for a heart beating fast]
Reporter Yoo’s heart pounded at the thought of seeing Do Hyun.
However, she couldn’t forget that many other reporters would be there.
Her junior was also coming to cover the event, so it was crucial to disguise herself.
Reporter Yoo pulled up her hood, covered half her face with a mask, and slipped into a seat in the fourth row from the front.
She adjusted the telephoto lens, zoomed in on the chair where Do Hyun was expected to sit, and found the distance to be perfect.
*I need to adjust the white balance and lighting… I’m going to capture a legendary photo of Do Hyun looking stunning amidst the cherry blossoms today.*
Jieeing─ [sound of a phone ringing]
Her phone rang.
It was a call from Reporter Kim Jia.
[Senior, did you go to see Na Do Hyun?]
[Oh, yeah. Why?]
[No, I figured a lot of reporters would be there… There are so many media outlets in Yeouido! I’m just calling to remind you to be careful!]
[Thank you for your concern ㅋㅋ I’m all covered up and hiding right now, so I don’t think there’s any risk of being recognized. If someone recognizes me in this situation, they’re probably a fan, right? Wearing a hoodie today was a stroke of genius.]
[Senior, fighting! Watch the performance and take lots of pretty pictures of Do Hyun!]
Reporter Yoo adjusted the camera settings and waited for Do Hyun to appear.
“Did you hear? Na Do Hyun is busking here today?”
“Wow! Na Do Hyun? A real surprise busking?”
“A friend sent me a link to the article a little while ago, so I found out. Wow… I can’t believe I’m going to see Na Do Hyun. I couldn’t get a ticket for his concert last time because I wasn’t a member of the fan club……”
“Are you finally getting your wish? And you’re seeing him in a busking performance… amazing!”
“I can’t wait to see Na Do Hyun’s face. Honestly, isn’t he the perfect package? From his looks to his playing, producing, guitar skills… Na Do Hyun is a genius.”
“…Aren’t you a bit *too* much of a fan?”
Reporter Yoo smiled, pleased to hear the conversations around her.
*Of course, our Do Hyun is amazing.*
She glanced at the time.
5:58 PM.
The performance was scheduled to start at 6 PM, leaving only 2 minutes.
Reporter Yoo scanned the crowd, looking for familiar faces.
Just then.
“…Yoo Hana senior?”
“……!”
Reporter Yoo whipped her head around to the source of the voice.
The junior photojournalist, who had said she was coming to cover Do Hyun’s surprise busking, was standing right there.
“Hey! Please sit down! I can’t see!” someone shouted angrily from behind.
The junior photojournalist crouched down and whispered to Reporter Yoo, “Senior… Did you come to take pictures of Na Do Hyun instead of cherry blossoms?”
*I’m doomed. How well did I hide my fan status!* Reporter Yoo thought to herself.
“No, I came to take pictures of cherry blossoms, but since Na Do Hyun said he was going to busk, I decided to take some pictures because I was bored…….”
“Senior, you can be honest. I won’t tell anyone. Okay?”
“No… no! I came to take pictures of cherry blossoms. Cherry blossoms are prettier at night, so I’ll take pictures then, and I’m taking pictures for the company database now…….”
Kyaaaaaaaa─ [sound of excited screaming]
While she was talking to the junior photojournalist, Do Hyun appeared on stage.