#happynuyear

Of course there were worrying moments. There are fandom disagreements, within and beyond our communities. There’s times where we doubt ourselves. What if we don’t do as well? What if we failed our expectations? What if?

But nerves, nerves are good, because it means you care. 

And LOVEs do. To see a group and fans rebuild itself over the course of the years, from its foundations of discography and hard work to the last two of new-found popularity, I have never been more proud. The same could go to Minhyun, who tried his utmost best in Wanna One. Both NU’EST W and Minhyun had shown how much they have grown over the years, creating so many new, treasured moments in just the last 18 months.

We see members having not just one, but two solo songs. We see them gaining interest on television, becoming rising variety rookies. We see love calls from CFs, groups and solo, and we see them taking on new genres, new cover stages, new challenges. Every day, we see an improved version of themselves, and everyday, we grow.

Yes, even LOVEs too. 

Sometimes I like to think that being in a fandom is like opening a cafe. The cafe is homey - think warm cocoa in cold winters and refreshing grapefruit ades in summer. There’s beanbags on the floor, tables and chairs nearby. A tiny reading corner perhaps. Maybe even a second floor to accommodate everyone. All different kinds of flavors and scents, welcoming people in and out on a day to day basis. 

There are regulars. LOVEs who have made their camp in the cafe with their favourites. Some of them prefer grapefruit ade all year round. Others changes flavor when the mood hits. It’s alright, everyone have their preferences, and there’s other things to talk about. The latest music, the latest news. Someone would turn on the tv, and everyone would gather round.  

There are those who frequent the shop. Faces you’d see once in a blue moon, maybe. Sometimes it felt like they’ve been here, but maybe not. It doesn’t matter. The cafe is cosy, and they found their spots. Occasionally they’ll say something, and others would chime in. But even if they don’t, the silence is comfortable - coffee machines whirring in the background, soft music playing in the air, and outside the windows, the sun is shining in.

Sometimes, there’s disagreements. Raised voices across the tables, people leaving. It never lasts long however, because when you’re so accustomed to a place you could almost call it a second home, it’s worth more than that moment of quick tongues. Because ultimately, like friends ( like family ), there’s more in common than to fight against for.

Sometimes, there are times where we have to put the foot down. Being welcoming is different from being a pushover. And in this cafe, there is a ‘no rudeness to employees and customers’ policy. Still, not all things are black and white, and this balance is something we all have to learn about. What draws the line, what doesn’t? This is a ruler that each and every one of us has to hold, and be accountable for our own actions.

And sometimes, there are new people. Chairs are shuffled into places, beanbags realigned. It’s not always we get passerbys entering, but when we do, we like to keep it homey. Safe. A place for people with the same interests to gather. So we ask the curious, but unsure faces as they take a seat: blueberry smoothie, grapefruit ade or americano for you?

In 2019, we’d be seeing a lot of new faces. People who got curious of the cafe around the corner, people who was hoping to give it a try but never found the time to do so until now. Many of them would turn up, some so shy to walk in that they had to knock on the door, or peer in, waiting for signs of welcome. 

I imagined a loud chorus, a friendly wave. Someone picking up the magazine and pointing them to a seat. Others quickly going through the menu of the day. “What’s your favourite?” they’ll ask, and people would gather round. They’ll answer questions, and they’ll talk others if there’s no queries. The tv would be on full blast, fighting with the music in the air. 

The quiet cafe wouldn’t be so quiet after all, but it’s okay. It’s a little messy too, but it’s okay.

We all make do. And love it while we do.

Sooner or later, some would leave. Maybe the drinks aren’t up to their taste, but they’ve tried and tasted. And it’s alright. But some would stay. And maybe, they’ll grow fond of other things too. The occasional sweet cakes served. The random parties behind closed doors at night. Trying new flavors. Learning new things. New regulars. Some frequent comers. A few who we don’t really see, but turn up from time to time.

And it all starts with opening the door.

In 2019, I hope all LOVEs are ready to open the door. I’ve seen a lot of welcoming posts, and honestly it’s great to see how we’re becoming bigger with new potential and opportunities at every corner. Let’s us leave the unhappiness in 2018, the feuds, the little discords. What’s done is done; instead, there’s new things to look forward to.

A new year, a new beginning. Like the five blossoming flowers, NU’EST Newsletter wishes all LOVEs health and happiness, and we will see you down this road this year as well.