As always, the year-end stage cue sheets had been leaked and were circulating across social media. On public broadcast networks, award ceremonies had long since disappeared, but fans were still just as sensitive about their artists’ stage order and time allocation. [It’s just a given now that The Dawn’s in every lineup ㅠㅠㅠ So proud and so in love] [Wow, and this time their slot’s way at the endㅠㅠㅠㅠ] [Holy sh*t ㅠㅠ our boys are right on the verge of 1st-tierㅠㅠㅠㅠ their recognition must have skyrocketed] For the QBS Song Festival scheduled on December 31st, The Dawn—who had always been placed early in the lineup—were finally positioned after Hi-Five. They had pushed past a major-agency powerhouse on recognition alone, and so, while the Noeuls screamed internally, their fingers were furiously typing. [Damn, it’s just a stage order, what’s the big deal...Hahahaha ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ but honestly I’m so proud] [Wow... is it because Closer Again and 23:59 did so well?? ㅠㅠ what is this?? I’ve never seen them get pushed up , I’m so excitedㅠㅠ] [Guess the variety shows really did blow them up HAHAHAHAHAHA I’m losing my mind, so hyped] But the leaked cue sheet also meant— [Oh....................... Hi-Five.........? (rubs eyes..)] The top-secret, carefully hidden collab stage between The Dawn and Hi-Five had been exposed. [Last year..... Ria Purple.... This year..... Hi-Five......... Feels like we’ve become a general charging into enemy territory...] [Lol why?? I like it lolololol both groups are super cute] Amid the mix of anticipation, unease, and nerves, the last day of December arrived. As the Song Festival began and the time for the collab drew closer, The Dawn’s fans were growing anxious. [Honestly, I like both groups. When Hoyun and Kang Yeonhoo were on that variety show, it seemed like they took good care of each other and worked hard as sunbae–hoobae. But I’m getting PTSD just thinking about the nutjobs from Shas S2 swarming in again...] [That really was a firestorm back then.........LOOOOOOL] [Hope it all just goes smoothly~ (image of a paper cup being chewed to shreds)] After Part 1 ended and midway through Part 2, the curtain finally rose on the collab. 【Heart on Fire – Saebyeok & Hi-Five (The Dawn & H-Five)】 In the caption, the two groups’ names had been combined into one, hinting at a playful synergy. [Wait, is this what I think it is] But in contrast, the sound pouring through the speakers was sleek and sharp despite being over twenty years old—a wild, sultry beat. Blue and white lights flashed in time with the rhythm, illuminating the stage in dazzling bursts. At center stage, five chairs were lined up with Hi-Five members seated, and behind them stood The Dawn in perfect formation. Their outfits—black latex pants, loose white V-neck knits, and dark jackets—looked like a visual embodiment of the song. Hi-Five’s fans went into overdrive. [Ah~~~~ When it’s WH, this is the textbook~~~~~~!!!!!! Heart on Fire!!!!] [Can’t believe I’m seeing Kang Yeonhoo dance to this before I die] Naturally, the Noeuls were just as hyped. [Weirdly thankful for this sudden WH collab moment] [Is this real? Is this real? Is this real? Am I actually watching Seo Hoyun do the chair dance? Am I losing my mind? Is this real?] [Sexy concept = guaranteed winㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ] It was already a famous song, but more than that, the lyrics were provocative and dripping with mature allure. The first line belonged to Kim Sunghyun. He stepped forward, roughly swiping his knuckles across his mouth. 【I’m falling deeper into you I’ll take you anywhere you want to go With those innocent eyes looking at me】 A sharp gaze that pierced through the camera, the faint lift of his lips—expressions he’d learned under Seo Hoyun’s special training—made Sunghyun dominate the stage. [Wow..... Kim Sunghyun is killing it, holy sh*t LMAOOOOOOOOOO] [On stage, he seriously looks insane... so sexy.... And this is the same man who’s a pink-gloved domestic god? Suddenly I’m even more smitten, wtf] 【I want to go somewhere with you】 As a Hi-Five member spun away from his chair and moved to the back, Kang Ichae took center, sliding a ring-adorned hand down his thigh before dropping into the seat. 【Don’t tease me too much You’ll make me want to give you everything I ain’t going anywhere】 [Ichae, have you lost your mind? Ichae, are you allowed to do this??] [That was so indecent I just let out a pterodactyl scream] the bottom to the top?】 Kang Yeonhoo picked up the next line, biting his lower lip lightly as he sang—and the crowd erupted again. It was the sound of Hi-Five’s fandom, the Hiris, screaming. Fans from other groups watching the broadcast couldn’t stop laughing. [LOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLL The reactions are hilarious—this is a battle between intense Noeuls and unshakable Hiris] [Thought the groups wouldn’t match since The Dawn’s vibe is spicy and high-intensity, while Hi-Five’s is fresh and youthful, but the stage actually meshes well hahahaha] If Hi-Five delivered a refined, controlled sensuality, The Dawn countered with raw, explosive masculinity. the bottom to the top?】 The pounding beat suddenly softened, leading into the highlight. When they’d divided up the parts for Heart on Fire, this section had been assigned without dispute. 【Don’t come too close】 Brushing past Sung Jiwon’s shoulder, Seo Hoyun stepped out, lowering his gaze toward the upward-angled camera. Then you can’t ever leave me】 His blazing eyes contrasted with the gentle curve of his lips. [This crazy bastard......] [Lol look at how the sound at the venue just spiked hahahahahaha okay, face genius confirmed hahaha └ Sure, the face is one thing, but the vibe is insane hahaha] [LOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLL Everyone’s suddenly swearing LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL] [Center, without a doubt......... My man has become a crazy all-rounder......] The intense melody surged back as Hi-Five members bent low, The Dawn leaping clean over them. Flames shot up from the stage effects at the front. 【Don’t tease me too much You’ll make me want to give you everything I ain’t going anywhere】 Thanks to smart part distribution, the performance felt seamless—as if the two very different groups had been one team from the start. Kang Yeonhoo swept back his hair and sang the final line. 【You set my heart on fire】 [Oh wow clap clap clap] [Insane. My babiesㅠㅠ I’m crying] Breathing hard, they struck the ending pose. The lights went out, and fans thought the collab was over. But suddenly—pop!—like a balloon bursting, a cutesy VCR appeared on the screen. The wild, feral beat was gone, replaced by a fast, addictive, bubbly tune. 【No, Love and Heart!】 It was Love & Heart, a hit from four years ago by White Cherry—a song about wanting to show only your best, prettiest, coolest side to your crush. With its charming point choreography and catchy melody, it had once swept the entire country. While the stage was dark, the chairs had been cleared away, and jackets removed, leaving both Hi-Five and The Dawn in their bright white knits. Each group faced center stage, waving their hands like scattering flower petals. [Lol wait HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA] From between them emerged Kang Yeonhoo—his heavily made-up face flushed red—and Seo Hoyun, shamelessly winking. 【It’s because I’m so pretty People always turn to look when I walk by】 Wearing snug knit gloves, Hoyun grinned brightly and drew a heart for the camera. 【I guess it’s my fault】 [LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO] [You absolute lunaticsㅜㅠㅠㅠ LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOO] Then he blew a kiss toward Yeonhoo. Beside him, Yeonhoo—pretending to tap his face with a hand mirror—had ears red as flower petals. The camera caught Kim Sunghyun’s expression as he danced nearby, and everyone lost it. [Kim Sunghyun LOLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!] You could see the faint pity in his eyes. [LOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLL It’s like Sunghyun is looking at Yeonhoo as a fellow sufferer] [Ah ㅠㅠㅠㅠ I didn’t think I’d be crying while watching a collab because it’s too funny] [The leader’s burden is truly heavy. └ Don’t say that, I’m already sobbing face-down] 【When I see something scary, I get startled I can’t finish a whole bowl of rice I can handle half a glass of beer】 While the leaders were suffering, the maknaes of both groups were going wild. 【See, a guy like me isn’t easy to find You think I’m joking】 Jung Dajun poked his own cheek with an index finger and grinned cutely, while Kang Ichae, leaning on his shoulder, pouted his lips. [Aaagh!! Aaagh!! Aaaaaaagh!!!] [Ugh ㅠ I love the maknae line so much I’m crying, what do I do??ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ] [They’re dead set on not losing to each other in the aegyo game. └ Kang Ichae, seriously, your eye-smile is a crime] As the camera spun away, the youngest line of Hi-Five burst forward, showing off their own charm. 【Don’t make me uneasy (But I love you so much)】 【I'm losing my control】 At the song’s climax, Sung Jiwon and Kang Yeonhoo stepped forward. Even while singing in the original key, they didn’t show the slightest sign of strain, their high notes ringing out clean. Their voices blended together seamlessly, without the smallest deviation. [Are you kidding me right now????] [Wow, Sung Jiwon is obviously our home’s high-note pride, but Kang Yeonhoo is insane too. This combo is perfect.] [Would it be shameless if I said I want a duet from Noeul, Kang Yeonhoo and Sung Jiwon?] [My baby doesn’t get overshadowed even next to the big leagues... ㅠㅠ sob sob sob] 【Hmm, I guess it’s because I’m too pretty】 The killing part repeated, and Seo Hoyun tilted his head with a curious look before turning toward Kang Yeonhoo. 【I don’t really know what love is】 This wasn’t part of the original choreography. Overcome by sudden anxiety, Kang Yeonhoo’s expression briefly faltered. But it was already far too late to avoid it. Seo Hoyun slipped off his gloves and placed his hands squarely on Kang Yeonhoo’s shoulders. 【But I think you could teach me】 Pushing back Yeonhoo’s fallen bangs as if he found them adorable, Seo Hoyun cupped Yeonhoo’s cheeks with both hands, like he was making a flower frame. [LOLLLLLLLLLLL Ah, Kang Yeonhoo’s “what just happened” face LMAO] [What the f**k LOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLL he really loves teasing people, Seo Hoyun LOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL] Caught off guard, Kang Yeonhoo’s pitch wavered. [Unexpected live-singing proof, what the f**k HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA] [I’m laughing so hard I’m crying right now, ah ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ] [And what’s with the lyrics, why did you give them to Seo Hoyun You knew, you totally knew, you bastard Everyone here knows this pairing └This is f**king hilarious, damn ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ this stage is killing me ㅠㅠ] The formation shifted, and Kim Sunghyun moved to center stage, giving an almost pitiful glance in that direction. Then, all at once, he switched expressions, pointed at the camera, and coyly tucked his hair behind his ear. 【A guy like me is never easy You think this is a joke】 The song ended, and all ten of them crowded together to strike the final pose. The Dawn and Hi-Five members leaned on each other’s shoulders or sent hearts flying to the fans. With the MCs’ outro lines, they moved on to the next stage, but the online communities and SNS were already flooded with talk about the collab. [Grown men... goodness gracious... embarrassing... It’s short for “loving a man” └LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO] I may only have enough for tteokbokki, but...] [Today too... I made a deposit into my savings The reason? Because I want to marry Kim Sunghyun 10,000 won marryKimSunghyun 10,000 won sexyDivorce 10,000 won noActuallyMarry 10,000 won cryOnceDivorce └LOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL Doesn’t the bank clerk freak out at you? └└LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL ah f**k this is hilarious] Just before, there had been quite a few posts voicing doubts or worries about the two groups’ joint stage — but now, the atmosphere was nothing ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ but warm. [Ha... suddenly I want to cheer for their friendship, damn ㅠ I didn’t even feel this way watching Seo Hoyun and Kang Yeonhoo on variety shows, but this stage was totally my thingㅜ] [Apparently this collab was just the broadcaster’s power play..?? But I felt like the boys put on such a harmonious performance ㅠ the parts were split so evenly haha └└But don’t they usually pick the songs themselves? LOOL Anyway, they’re so damn cute] [What are we doing fighting among ourselves Our babies are asking us to teach them love..^^ Let’s all live happily~^^ └So cheeky, one stage and the fans suddenly all calmed down └└LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO 300000% satisfied] The Dawn and Hi-Five’s performance came to a successful close. They’d already had that image, but this stage added another layer to it — that they’d do anything for their fans. Amid thunderous cheers, The Dawn and Hi-Five came down from the stage. Still buzzing from the stage and running a hand through his sweat-damp hair, he was heading backstage toward the waiting room when Kang Yeonhoo stopped him. “Kang Yeonhoo sunbaenim, what is it?” In the noisy hallway, Yeonhoo glanced around and lowered his voice. “No, nothing much, I just thought the reaction seemed good.” “Well, maybe people will fight over who got the better reaction or more comments, but that too just proves our popularity.” “Why? Were you expecting something more?” With a playful curl of his lips, Seo Hoyun left Kang Yeonhoo momentarily speechless. “Then why did you act like you were scheming something?” There had been nights he’d stayed up, uneasy because he couldn’t figure out what Seo Hoyun was thinking. And Seo Hoyun had even told him straight out before that he thinks too much — no way he didn’t know this. “Why did you send texts that made me so anxious?” If he’d just explained from the start, it would’ve been fine. Why hide something that wasn’t even a secret? Shrugging casually, Seo Hoyun answered in an unhurried tone. “Just wanted to relieve some stress.” “I like watching people squirm.” The answer was so unexpected that Kang Yeonhoo was left speechless. Yeonhoo’s body trembled slightly, his face twisting all at once. “You f**king... lunatic...” “Mmm, that feels nice.” ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵⟡𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮⟡𝓷𝓮𝓽 It was the first time he’d ever been cursed at by Kang Yeonhoo. Not that it even came out cleanly — the other was shaking too much to get it out properly. Seo Hoyun smiled brightly and politely bid him farewell. “Have a happy end of the year.” And, satisfied after thoroughly teasing an innocent person, Seo Hoyun hummed a tune and walked away with a light step. It was a good year-end.