~ April 15th, Saturday ~
The events of the last two-three months felt distant at the time of the long-awaited comeback. What I had learned during my one full year as an idol was that you always have something going on, and that comeback season hit you hard if you hadn't been exercising and sleeping enough before it.
But we were in high spirits, not only because we had had cake and all kinds of fun events and U Lives for our first anniversary, but because we were confident in our new mini album. We still performed our beloved "Don't Mind" and other songs made by Mr. Han and other producers but Songmin's EDM infused yet sentimental style gave our typical pop concept some spice and kick. This was a significantly bigger change than between debut and first comeback, and even the CEO made a careful estimation in sales. But at the moment we valued our teamwork and passion for performing more than numbers and profit.
However, when the album was released yesterday, no one could deny the success. The first hour was nothing exceptional on WeTube and streaming charts, but after a little while the audience's interest grew exponentially. "The Ocean" peaked first in top 5, then in top 3, and by midnight it had climbed up to the very top. I think Songmin cried a little.
– Are we famous now? Haneul gasped, this time dropping her comedic act as the news sunk in.
The following morning was exciting. No new songs had been released to battle with ours, and we were still first, and we were going to celebrate it with our fans.
– Someone tell me where my shoes are!
Haneul ran around the dressing room, escaping the frustrated stylist while trying to find her suede ankle boots. Jiwoo asked around for some help with her shirt zipper and back bow, and an earring got stuck on a strand of Hyejin's hair.
This was our third fanmeet, but undoubtedly the biggest one. The venue was larger than last time, and it was filled up to the edges. As soon as we stepped on stage and prepared for the individual greetings the fans started to scream and cameras flashed non-stop. I only heard indistinctive shrieks but it was clear everyone knew how well our album was doing on charts. It was humbling, and all six of us had difficulties holding the tears in.
We continued by dancing to "Ocean" (the fanchant was so awesome), and by answering questions about the comeback preparations and our latest interests in TV shows and food. Halfway done, we had an announcement.
– As you all know, we made our debut a little over a year ago. We are forever thankful for all the support you have shown us, Songmin started.
– So we decided to gift you with a fandom name, as well as our official colors.
If they were excited before, the fans were ecstatic now, they hadn't expected a surprise like this. We moved to the sides of the stage to give space for the slideshow on the white screen behind us. Jiwoo had professional looking cue cards.
– Let's start with the colors. The first color is Plum Purple.
– I don't know if we are allowed to reveal this, but this was the initial color we were assigned with when we debuted, Hyejin smirked.
– Because we have a sexy concept.
– Is it sexy? I thought it was girl crush! Haneul voiced her opinion, making us argue about it for a while, leaving everyone guessing what our real concept was.
– Okay, calm down, everyone! The other color is this pretty orange, Autumn Orange.
– Why is it Autumn? I asked with a smile.
– It's a secret, Jiwoo simply answered.
Hyejin shuffled the cue cards, seemingly ready to move to the next topic.
– Oh, I'm so sorry! We still have one color to show you! she exclaimed in fake shock, earning a few laughs.
– Dear fans, the third color is... Morning Yellow!
– I have an explanation, Yeongja stepped up, her face lit up in an excited smile.
– We all participated in "New Morning", right? This yellow color represents the rising sun of our journey, the morning of our story.
The fans first gasped and then gave us a round of applause. Hyejin took a quick look on the cue card before continuing.
– Now we can move on. The story behind our fandom name is very interesting. Has anyone ever wondered why we're called Lucky Number when there is just six of us? Usually seven is the lucky number. But we'll explain it now. Hana and (SName) here have studied languages more than I have, and they came up with a smart idea of 'the seventh month'.
– September is in fact the ninth month, but the English name comes from an old name meaning the seventh month, Yeongja added.
– We members are the first six months, but the seventh month are you, the fans.
I couldn't contain my emotions and jumped around a little while Jiwoo prepared to reveal the fandom name.
– From here on, the official fandom name of Lucky Number is...
We imitated a drumroll by stomping with our feet, while our hands were busy holding microphones.
– Maple!
It was silent for a few seconds, and then a soft murmur filled the room. For a blink of an eye I feared the fans didn't like it before they burst into applause, accepting their new name.
– Nice to meet you, Maple! We greeted them, and Haneul and Hyejin made all the possible heart poses there were.
After the grand announcement we played around while talking about the new album, introducing our favorite songs and singing a few lines of each. As a surprise we handed out signed albums to a few lucky fans.
– Number 279, please show yourself!
I had the honor of calling out random numbers based on the tickets. This fan took a little longer to show up.
– J-just a moment! a young woman apologized and continued by talking to someone in a hushed voice, telling them to 'just go'.
A moment later a man in his twenties weaved through the crowd, pushing his glasses up with shaky hands. He walked up the few stairs, bowing politely as he hesitated to come closer.
– Hello, what's your name? Songmin asked with a smile.
– Kang Junho, he mumbled, carefully raising his gaze from his shoes.
– How long have you been a fan?
– Since your debut, he gained more confidence, and even smiled a little.
– I watched "New Morning" as well, and I was so happy to see the familiar members debut after a long time.
– Who's your favorite? Haneul popped a question after being silent for a while.
– Ya, do you want to fight? Jiwoo shushed her and Haneul apologized before running away from her.
Mr. Kang didn't hesitate, immediately answering '(SName)', and explained that I had been the most talented and relatable member from the beginning. I tightened my grasp of the mic and felt my face heat up a little. This was the first time I had heard someone say I was their favorite member without listing the other members right after me, and I felt both happiness and confusion.
– Aww, she's all flustered! Hyejin shrieked.
Because the others thought it would be fun, I handed out the signed album to him, and we had an awkward moment bowing one after another and exchanging our thankful thoughts.
The rest of the event went smoothly, we had a lot of fun talking with the fans, even about the most mundane things such as high school graduations and our dream travel destinations. The staff members had to practically drag us down the stage and out of the doors because we didn't want to leave.
– Don't stay up too late! Yeongja reminded everyone before saying her goodbyes.
– Stay hydrated, Songmin added.
– Eat well! Haneul grinned.
– Have fun and never give up, I made a quick heart pose.
Lucky Number Official Colors