─ press conference room 'jubilee'

@◈ nicolas bang ɴɪᴄᴏ⁻ᵐᵘᵃ "Nice to meet you, Nicolas." Chris hummed softly. He pulled his hand back and hummed softly, not really sure if there was anything else to say right now. He took the contact information and nodded. "I definitely have questions... I'll contact you when I'm done here." He nodded and moved to stand next to the door, opening it for his look-alike. "Have a good day. Hopefully it goes easily." He was already thinking of questions to ask this person but he had to stop as the press conference was about to start.

@◈ christopher bang⁻ᵇᵒᵈʸᵍᵘᵃʳᵈ This was the most awkward encounter he had ever been. The spittin image of him was extending his hand out for Nico to take. "Bang huh.." Is this real life? Was this a dream? Did he enter a parallel universe accidently somehow? The alarm on his phone buzzed and beeped indicating for Nico to get going. So he took out his phone to dismiss the alarm then full attention back to Chris. "Nicolas. Nico to- to most. I- I got to get going but," Nico patted his other pocket from his jeans to take out his wallet and handed over his business card to Chris. "Contact me sometime. I'm sure we both have questions."

@◈ nicolas bang ɴɪᴄᴏ⁻ᵐᵘᵃ Chris was standing a few feet away, still watching but also keeping an eye on the door. He didn't want to think about whatever was really going on and why his face kept looking his way at times. He watched the guy pack. The name on the badge. Nicolas. He hummed softly, shaking his head a bit. "It's... It's okay... I don't really know what to say either... Except... I'm Chris... Christopher Bang. Nice to meet you..." He said, holding his hand out to the other for him to shake it. It tripped him out to think he was shaking his own hand. The soloist seemed to notice and finally caught a glimpse of their faces too, looking shocked. Not as shocked as Chris was but definitely surprised. "This... Is a little weird..."

@◈ christopher bang⁻ᵇᵒᵈʸᵍᵘᵃʳᵈ Like a painter, a skill artist, Nico was flawless making sure the idol was prepared to talk to the public. Looks were everything and it was his job to make sure everyone looked perfect and up to company standard. It was a press conference so nothing completely outrages like a photoshoot or video shoot. Eyes glanced ever to his mirrored image that placed his badge further on the table to prevent from falling. "Thanks." He spoke, his soft and gently. Kinda awkward in the mix. Because now he was faced with this problem that he rather unpack later.

When he was done with the idol, he began to pack his belongings back up and sent the idol to the sylist. The silence fell onto the artist and the guard. Only the shuffling of his bag interrupted the silence between them. "I um..." Nico slung his back over his shoulder, taking his badge before facing his life reflection. "I don't even know what to say.."

@◈ nicolas bang ɴɪᴄᴏ⁻ᵐᵘᵃ Chris was more than confused as he let the guy in to do the soloist's makeup. His eyes never leaving them after he'd shut the door. The door being shut was a safety measure he was taking in case someone tried coming in early for 'candid shots' of the soloist. He definitely didn't have a brother... Right?! His parents hadn't hid this from him? He was combing his brain, trying to figure out if this was a scary coincidence or something more than that. But he had to shake the thoughts off as he was here to do a job, not ponder his existence. He watched the badge slide off the table. "Ah-Be careful..." He sighed. He moved to pick it up, placing it further onto the table this time. He stepped back to let this... Doppelganger... Do his job. Not wanting to be in the way of that. "Mmmm..."

@◈ christopher bang⁻ᵇᵒᵈʸᵍᵘᵃʳᵈ Nico had a heavy day scheduled for him. From this gig to this gig to that gig. All of the days work and at least he'll get a hefty check. Although he didn't like to work under pressure, it wasn't the skin of his teeth when this one was last minute. But it did throw up his day just a tad as he had to be at set in about a few hours. Nico showed his badage to the personnal to grant entry to his work space. A bag was slung around his shoulder that carried all of his makeup and brushes and whatever else he needed. The soloist was waiting for him already. Hurried steps rushed through the door as his vision was tunneled to the idol in front of him, examining the face a bit to decide on what to do for them. "Yeah." He answered, not looking up to the voice that he guessed was the body guard. He showed his badage after putting his bag down onto the table.

Eyes finally glanced to the guard. What? Then a double take. He squinted looked at his face. Well, not his face. But the copy that stood in front of him. He didn't have time for this right now. Stay focused. "Um.. Sorry." Nico's attention went back to the idol. Deciding quickly on what to do, he began to get to work.

@◈ nicolas bang ɴɪᴄᴏ⁻ᵐᵘᵃ Chris hummed softly as he stood in the room with the soloist he was charged with keeping an eye on today. The press conference was supposed to be short but anything can happen in two hours. "Don't worry, kid. I've got you covered. Okay? Just sit and act like normal." He assured the soloist. He'd worked other gigs before but none of the charges ever seemed this anxious. "Your makeup artist should be up soon to get your makeup done. Just... Sit still... I'm right here." Chris always ensured his charges knew they could trust him in any situation. It was important that they feel safe under his protection. A knock on the door made him move to open it. "That should be your makeup artist now." He opened the door, not looking at the person's face immediately. "You're the makeup artist. Yeah?" He turned to look at the person and his eyes went wide. He was staring at a blond version of himself.

@Θ ohm pawat Ugh, he truly was just the perfect little bean. Like a perfectly crafted angelic prince up there on stage, answering questions with grace and finesse that couldn't be compared to any other in the industry. Okay. Maybe she was biased because he was hers (not in a creepy way, stop thinking like that you s behind the fourth wall), but he truly was doing great.

"Ock Ahyeon for Asia Today," a woman called, arising from her chair with a raised hand, the other curled around a notebook and pen. "Speaking of choreography...The track includes some heavy dancing and choreography that you also perform on stage live, along with singing live - how did you prepare for this kind of performance? It takes a lot of stamina, did you have a personal trainer or choreographer?"

@❖ seo joohyun ˢᵉᵒʰʸᵘⁿ Seohyun stepping in only confirmed what he had already known, some had come in with malicious intentions. he had been prepped and prepared for this. He’s okay. And gives a very subtle nudge to get the hint across to seohyun before answering the next question

my favorite? begin and bambi, both were vocally challenging for the pitch, some of the high notes had me struggling for real but with the help of our vocal team, they instructed me on how to strain my voice less. but begin is the hardest but most fun to perform. The choreography is unreal especially while trying to sing but i love to dance so it makes it fun. I love challenges hahaha.

@Θ ohm pawat Feeling the questions getting a bit too edgy for her liking, Seohyun took the opportunity to stand beside Ohm, offering the audience and various reporters a smile before she leaned into the microphone. "I'd like to take this opportunity to open up the floor about questions about the track list in question. Does anyone have a question related to the music itself?"

She counted backwards silently from ten, praying someone would take the bite. Thank god... Someone did. "Park Soowon representing the Korean fancafes, user Jannamja from the Janus fancafe asks: Which song on the album was your favourite to work on, and which is your favorite to perform so far?"

@❖ seo joohyun ˢᵉᵒʰʸᵘⁿ he looks over at seohyun , feeling a gentle hand pressed to his back. he gave a grateful smile in return and a little nod to assure his manager that he okay. however, he didn’t quite like the tone or the way the next question was presented. he doesn’t let it show, though.

because I’m thai. because before i am a kpop artist , I am a thai artist who is proud of where he comes from and his culture. I have two homes now. Korea and Thailand, and I’m grateful the Korean industry has taken me in, I haven’t forgotten my roots. Like i said, I make music for all people. Plus, it’s broadening a bigger audience. maybe more thai fans will be interested in korean music and more korean fans will be interested in thai music, and maybe even internationals will be interested in both.

@Θ ohm pawat While Seohyun would never understand the hardships that Ohm had to carry on his shoulders from being of a different ethnicity to the classic k-pop mould, she had vowed to herself to protect him. Seeing him fidget up on the stage encouraged her enough to stride closer, standing just behind and to the left of him where he stood at the podium to put a reassuring hand on the small of his back. She feigned pointing to another reporter to act as if that's why she'd crossed half the stage to get here, pointing out the man clad in a pin striped suit with a tape-recorder in his hands.

"Good afternoon, Gong Minju of Allkpop Media," he introduces himself with a shallow bow. "Since we're on the subject of merging Thai and Korean culture in the industry, half of your album holds Korean tracks, and half Thai tracks. Why did you feel it necessary to include the blend if you're now a k-pop idol promoting in Korea?"

@❖ seo joohyun ˢᵉᵒʰʸᵘⁿ uh-oh. this one had his stomach in knots. the truth is that south korea had been kind to him because of his looks and good shape only but the moment he mentions he's thai they immediately turned their noses at him and even called him dirty once. he can't say that though, can he? can he say the truth when he's in an industry to promote korean culture? no, he was there to promote himself.

I feel like South East Asians aren't represented enough in the media. I believe Asian has a diverse and broad range of talents that all deserve the same spotlight. I am happy to carry the torch for all the past Thai idols and to help future Thai artists. I do think that there are stigmas that come with any ethnic group. one thing I have had to face in particular though was how people doubted me because I come from Thailand and because I had been an actor first. I don't believe there's an expiration date on chasing your dreams regardless on where you're from, how old you are, and what you have done first in your career.

@Θ ohm pawat Finally, these questions were beginning to actually be about the music and his career rather than his personal life. Seohyun felt a bit like an over protective mother where she stood on stage, palms pressed together and biting at the insides of her cheek. Before she could even call on the next reporter, they were already up. She'd noted they'd been conversing in the back corner for a bit, about what who knew, but they were sure to find out.

"Hi, Myun Minyun of Daily Kpop. A few of us have some questions relating to your previous career in Thailand, and its influence on your career now in Korea. My question for Ohm is if you feel any pressure being the first South East Asian to debut in the K-pop industry. There must have been some stigmas you've had to face on your way here?"

@❖ seo joohyun ˢᵉᵒʰʸᵘⁿ he gazes at the sea of reporters and flashing camera lights, it wasn't anything he was unfamiliar with. still. this was a much larger scale and the room was filled with people waiting for him to slip up and say something controversial. he toyed with the ring adorning his fingers, twisting them just to fidget with something as the next question was asked. one of which he was all too happy to answer despite the nerves

as soon as management had told me that I was going to be a solo act I immediately started writing and looking back at my old song that i had wrote prior. I had always wanted to be a singer/songwriter. I love to write and it's a good way to get my thoughts out and release whatever I need to. So, I wrote or had something to do with all of the songs on my album except Bambi. Romeo sunbaenim was gracious enough to give it to me because I really liked it and Hyunjin sunbaenim helped me a lot too. As for the concept, I got to be in control of how I wanted my concept teasers to be with the approval of management. we were all on the same page. it was really fun and awesome.

@Θ ohm pawat When their gaze meets across the stage, Seohyun offers him a dazzling smile rather than the double thumbs up she wants to offer him. She remembers being in his place twenty odd years ago when she had first debuted with Girls Forever. Thankfully, being one of many girls, she didn't have to stand on stage solo and officiate every answer like Ohm was. Still, with two questions down, he continued to impress her, and the gang of reporters too as another popped up from the crowd to be seen above all the other raised hands.

"Yes, you?" Seohyun directed.

"Hi, I'm Satori Saya, representative for the Janus Indonesia fancafe. Our member JiminnieCricket wants to know how much creative decision you had on the album and your debut overall? Was it all pre-planned or did you get to work on it hands on?"

@❖ seo joohyun ˢᵉᵒʰʸᵘⁿ the next question was a good one, one that he was hoping to get and not any useless questions regarding his personal life and the smile on his face showed for it as well.
I wanted an album that all people can listen to, like i said. that also includes whatever kind of love you, my audience, are also feeling. Again, my korean needs a little bit more work and being able to genuinely express what I want to. the producers were kind and really helped me. One of the main themes- actually the concept of this album would just be 'love' and what it means to love someone.
he looks back off the stage once more after finishing his question hoping that he answered appropriately, and when his eyes meet seohyun's he feels a little more at ease. alright two questions down. not bad.

@Θ ohm pawat With Ohm's answer being as delightful as it was thorough, Seohyun could only stand and listen in admiration, proud of the man that stood on stage with his eloquent answers. He handled it easily, and before they knew it, another hand shot up in the audience, drawing their attention to the next topic as quickly as the flashes on the cameras from the press. "Yes? The gentleman in the back there?" she called upon the raised hand, pointing out the suited figure with his notepad.

"Hi, Byun Yonghee of MBC TV. Talking about how you want your music to speak to anyone you can picture, we want to know what kind of concept exactly you were thinking of for this album? What were the main themes you were drawing from?"

@✵ nakamoto yuta⁻ᴾᴿ ᵐᵃⁿᵃᵍᵉʳ ohm fidgets a bit in his seat as he stares at the sea of slashing lights, recording cameras and media sharks who sat in attendance all for one man: him. he spares a glance at the pr manager who had been in charge of this even's event, yuta, who had been fairly new but ohm still found his presence grounding.

the conference started after a brief monologue by the manager and as soon as the room was open for questions it seemed like all the media sharks smelled blood , hands immediately in the air to get their question in first. his hands fidget with the pen he had been given anxiously as Jung Hyejin states her question and Ohm almost wants to laugh because of course THIS would be his first question but he was grateful because he had answered this question so many times in the past. "Uhm, thank you for your question! I make content for everyone because I know I have a diverse set of fans and I want them to feel connected with the things that I make. In my title track, which I hope you all like by the way, I never specify any gender or true description of the person I am 'singing to' because when my fans or even you or your friends listen to this song, I want you to be able to envision who is your person in this song." Ohm nods his head to conclude his answer, finishing on a strong note despite how his voice was wavering in the beginning. He looks off to the side briefly to where yuta was standing backstage in the wing area hoping to get a look of approval.

@Θ ohm pawat diamond soul factory's conference room veto had never been more packed. well, at least in yuta's opinion. he hasn't been there long enough to know what it looked like during other conferences, but it was exciting to see so many people here and interested in upcoming solo artist ohm's debut. as he makes his way to the podium near the soloist in question, reporters and camera people begin to settle in their seats in preparation for the event to start. "welcome, everyone, and thank you for coming," yuta says, garnering all the attention of the crowd and giving them a moment to quiet down fully. he goes into the rules of the conference then details all the dos and don'ts of both the questions and the general etiquette. once that's done, the crowd claps and he opens the floor to questions.

one person raises their hand almost immediately and the audience's mic is handed over to them. "hi. jung hyejin of soompi media," they say to introduce themself. "in the past you have advocated for gay rights and have even played gay character roles some of which have won you awards, does this type of thing have significance to your artistry even as singer/idol?"