In this match, those who didn't know Enfants Terribles predicted a landslide victory for KAT-TUN. It was, in a sense, a natural assumption, as they had already made a name for themselves as exclusive backup dancers for Domoto Koichi even before appearing on ASAYAN.
On one side was a rookie group formed only a few months ago; on the other was KAT-TUN, who had survived and thrived under the rigorous care of a major agency and their seniors.
Naturally, the general audience expected KAT-TUN to win overwhelmingly.
- Woah! It's obviously gonna be KAT-TUN, right? LOL
- Those Enfants Terribles brats are gonna go home crying. LMAO
- I heard Enfants Terribles hasn't been together that long. Is this even going to be a fair fight?
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The guys in KAT-TUN weren't talentless hacks. They had brought something massive to the table.
'This song... it's similar to "See You Again" from my past life.'
Of course, since KAT-TUN had six members, the details differed, but it was clearly a track echoing the vibe of Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth's "See You Again."
'I don't recall them having the talent to produce music of this caliber in my previous life...'
Even more surprising, they didn't perform with their usual mix of dance and music. Instead, they stood still, focusing entirely on their vocals, reminiscent of Westlife. And perhaps inspired by us, Ueda Tatsuya even brought out a piano for the performance. It was a clash of titans—power against power. They had stepped into our territory, bringing the very things we specialized in.
"Whoa..."
Shuji, the bald bassist who had been venting an unidentifiable mix of anger and passion just moments ago, let out an admiring gasp, his head reflecting the stage lights.
The score they received from the audience was nearly perfect.
This was going to be a truly interesting fight.
I clenched my fists as a surge of adrenaline raced up my spine.
Released in 2008, Coldplay's "Viva la Vida."
It was a song like the final flicker of a dying flame for the rock scene, which had been slowly fading since the alternative craze of the 90s. After this track, no other rock band managed to secure the number one spot on the Billboard charts.
It was a song that offered nostalgia for the peak years to those who had tasted success, and hope to those who hadn't. It was also inspired by Frida Kahlo, the Mexican painter who lived a life as fierce as fire before she passed.
Using the vague memory of the melody as my guiding light, I had searched high and low to record the string sections, barely piecing the track together. Just as they had poured their souls into this stage, we had poured ours into this one as well.
"Now! Next up is the group of ASAYAN's biggest troublemakers! And at the same time, a gathering of geniuses! Here is Enfants Terribles!!!"
On the pitch-black stage, only a few spotlights flickered on to illuminate us. Simultaneously, the pre-recorded ensemble of string instruments—grand contrabasses, violins, and cellos—began to resonate through the air.
'Bam-ba, bam-ba, bam-ba-ba-bam.'
Before the vocals even started, the weight of the instruments began to overwhelm the crowd.
This time, we brought a different instrumental setup to match the song. Our muscular Black drummer was playing a kick drum and a church bell. We intended to use those imposing muscles to generate the massive, physical sound of the instruments live.
The world tried to paint us as spokesmen for the weak. They wanted us to play out the resentment and depression of the marginalized on their behalf. But why should we conform to their demands?
Why should the weak only dream of resentment and gloom? Hope for the future isn't the exclusive property of a certain class; it should be the common dream of everyone.
In my past life, I lived like a complete wretch. I was destitute and, at times, servile because I lacked money. Yet, for me, 'waking up in the morning' was always the best thing. There were times when I struggled even to buy a triangular kimbap from a convenience store, but I was still happy every morning.
No one knows how or where I'll spend my day, right? Even if I lacked money, I was insanely happy every single day because of the hope I had for my dreams.
That's why I chose this song—a reflection on the glory days from the perspective of someone who has already tasted victory. Having a prime means you've experienced that much success.
'Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh...'
This song is a grand epic told by one who has succeeded but fallen.
The strings and the band's instruments blended harmoniously, creating an overpowering atmosphere. As the song reached its climax, the audience began to sing along to the refrain.
When the song ended, the hall was filled with thunderous applause. The audience was offering a tribute to the artists who had bared their souls to convey their sincerity.
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The result of the Quarter-Final was...
[KAT-TUN (2) vs. Enfants Terribles (2)]
With a perfect score from the audience, Enfants Terribles took the win.
It was a result earned because Enfants Terribles chose music and a performance that truly resonated in a live setting.
'The level of music was similar. But it was our defeat, caused by us throwing away our own strengths with our own hands.'
KAT-TUN's leader, Ueda Tatsuya, had secretly been gripped by jealousy, wondering if these guys—who did nothing but music—were closer to the essence of an 'artist' than he was.
But music has no limits. If anything, they were more 'pop' than we were. They had brought the ultimate 'pop' track—something so magnificent that everyone had no choice but to listen.
"Dammit! If only we had done something brighter!"
"Our music didn't lose either!"
While the other members were frustrated, Ueda Tatsuya stopped them.
"Congratulations. You won."
Ueda Tatsuya gave a clean, refreshing smile. He had no regrets because he had given it his all.
"Since you beat us, you better keep your word and win the whole thing."
"Hey, you guys were great too. We'll handle your grudge for you."
He had just killed their chances and now he was talking about handling their grudge? What kind of nonsense was that? Yet, that attitude was exactly what made them Enfants Terribles.
"Yeah, you guys are really something."
Ueda Tatsuya might have lost the match, but he had gained friends with whom he could share music. Together, they walked down from the stage.