Chapter 30

Isn't it my responsibility?

The debut date has been set for January 12th next year. With less than four months to go, the schedule is tight. Today is the day to select the songs for the album, tentatively titled 'Theora.' Once the title track and the remaining songs for the single album are chosen, the debut preparations will accelerate.

The meeting room, which I've visited a few times, now feels familiar. I went inside and waited for a moment, and then the CEO, along with the staff and A&R team members, entered and took their seats.

"Finally, the music collection is complete, and we have narrowed down the songs for the album."

The collection period was extended, so many songs were submitted. The A&R team leader even joked about how his hearing was dulled from listening to so many songs.

Initially, the A&R team selected the songs, and only those that made it through are here today.

"Today, we will listen to the 15 songs that passed the first round of screening and choose the title track and the other songs. We'll select the title track first, and then the other songs. Please refrain from reacting while listening to avoid influencing others."

Each person had a few small voting slips in front of them. The A&R team leader started playing the songs without hesitation. Could we find a song that would captivate both us and the staff?

"This is the first song, a lively tropical-style track."

We had to consider whether the song matched the concept and suited the singers. Of course, the most important thing was that it was a good song. A solid and beautiful melody was essential for the song to become perfect with additional arrangements.

While listening to the 15 songs, the A&R team leader provided explanations. The people in the meeting room took notes and analyzed the songs seriously.

Despite the slight differences in atmosphere and genre, all the songs were dance tracks suitable for an idol group. A few songs sounded good, and some made us flinch, but only for a moment.

"Now, please vote for the title track."

The meeting room was quiet. Everyone seemed to have a song in mind and didn't hesitate. While the votes were being counted, people started discussing their impressions.

"Can you feel the vibe of a hit?"

"We got some good songs this time. I acknowledge the A&R team leader's skills, but this is exceptional!"

"Thank you for the compliment. Please wait a moment longer."

"The established composers' songs don't seem to be hitting the mark. Is it a change in style?"

"Arrangements can make a difference, but good songs stand out."

We watched the staff chatting, feeling out of place as this was our first song selection meeting.

"...The voting results are in. The song that received the most votes for the title track is number 11."

"Of course!"

"I thought it would be 11."

"It stood out in terms of completeness. The guide singer did a great job."

"Can we hear it one more time?"

The reaction to 11 being chosen as the title track was unsurprising. Everyone acknowledged the result and sat up straight to listen again, swaying to the beat.

I was the only one who was flustered and didn't know what to do.

Why this song? Was it really that good? I didn't even send it under my real name, and it was voted on anonymously. I couldn't believe it.

After all, song 11 was the one I wrote!

I knew our members' tendencies and abilities better than other composers, so I thought I could write a song that suited them. I also knew the specific concept the company wanted. In many ways, it was advantageous for me.

Despite these advantages, I didn't think I could compete with professionals. I sent the song just for the experience and didn't expect this result.

I thought it might make it as a B-side at best...

Should I say something? If I don't reveal it now, it will be awkward when I'm contacted later. But how can I say it without sounding strange?

"Um..."

I raised my hand subtly among the people engrossed in the song. People looked at me curiously due to this unusual movement.

"I need to say something. This song..."

Before I could finish, the A&R team leader interrupted, reacting sensitively.

"Why? Have you heard it somewhere before?"

"What? I have heard it."

"Things are turning out this way. I had a feeling it would go well..."

Huh? What does he mean? I naturally heard it because I wrote it...

Some staff members covered their foreheads with their hands, rubbing their temples and sighing deeply.

What's going on? Did I say something wrong? I needed to clarify quickly.

"Um, it's not that. I composed it..."

"Right. You must want to try and save a song you liked. If you have a demo, show it to us."

"..."

The conversation was getting more confusing. Lose a song? Demo? The song is already here, so why ask for it again? The misunderstanding seemed to be getting worse.

"A&R team leader, the song playing now is mine. I composed it."

"What?"

Everyone's heads turned to me. Our members looked at me in disbelief. Seohoon, Chorok, and Olan, who knew about my midnight outings, finally understood and had expressions of realization.

"So, the composer of song 11 was H21?"

When I was deciding what name to use, the first thing that came to mind was H21, the composer of team 'Hamjeong.'

"That's right. Hamiwan, H21. I changed my name to numbers."

It was a simple naming method that anyone who knew my name could easily guess. The team leader didn't seem to doubt it, but it would have been hard to guess if they didn't know I composed.

"Oh, I thought it was plagiarism... Things are turning out well! Hamiwan, let's work together."

The A&R team leader extended his hand for a handshake. I shook it, a bit taken aback.

"You should have told us about your composing skills earlier!"

The team leader expressed frustration about delaying the schedule to gather title track candidates but was also pleased to have found a good song.

"Hamiwan! When did you learn to compose? We never heard about it! You should have told us!"

I thought of composing as a hobby and never considered myself skilled enough to mention it.

The head of the new talent development team, who needed to assess the trainees' abilities, was almost in tears, complaining that he would have dedicated time to commission compositions if he had known. He blamed his own negligence.

I apologized several times before I could leave.

In any case, the title track was confirmed to be the song I composed.

"How did this happen? Hamiwan."

Ji-on, still not understanding the situation, asked.

"I went out for a couple of hours every night to work on the song. I sent it just in case, and it became the title track. I didn't expect it..."

"Hamiwan, you're too modest. You can brag about your song being amazing."

I was relieved that Ji-on was happy. The song was written with each member in mind, incorporating my interpretation of them. It was designed to showcase their abilities to the fullest.

For the debut title track, a trendy song would be good, but focusing on the message made it a bit unique and experimental. However, it could be adjusted with arrangements.

My goal was to express what I wanted to say, and I achieved it, so I had no regrets.

"The voice isn't yours, though?"

"I changed it. I didn't want to be recognized and thought it would be rejected."

"There were lyrics, right? The rhymes didn't match, but..."

I just mumbled what came to mind, and they considered it lyrics. I couldn't remember exactly what I said, but it was about the emotions of facing a new world.

I removed the singing parts for Seohoon and Ji-on, thinking they could write their own rap lyrics. The A&R team leader must have understood my intention.

"Seohoon, Ji-on, are you interested in writing the rap lyrics?"

Bingo.

"Since a member wrote the song, it would be good if the members wrote the lyrics too. There might be something that resonates among you, and you could claim it as a self-produced track."

"I want to write the lyrics myself."

"I'll do my best if you let me."

Trying it ourselves first and seeking help when we hit a wall would be beneficial for our growth.

"We'll polish the lyrics together. How about the arrangement?"

"We can either hand it over to a professional producer or do it ourselves. Can I ask you something?"

The A&R team leader asked when I started composing and how long it took to write this song.

"I never formally learned, so it's hard to say when I started. I think I made my first proper song around the age of twelve. This one took about a day. I had been practicing a few times before that..."

"You made this quality song in a day without formal training? You're a genius!"

People in the entertainment industry are generally generous with compliments. It didn't bother me, but I had to restrain my smile from growing too wide.

"Do you want to try arranging it yourself?"

"I've never done it properly."

"Then we'll assign you an experienced producer to learn from. Even a casual comment from you could be helpful."

"Thank you."

Learning arrangement could be useful in the future.

I would continue composing as an idol, and naturally, I would want to arrange my own music. It feels awkward when someone else touches my music during a conversation.

You mentioned practicing. Could you share those too?"

"Why the practice songs too..."

"I have a feeling your practice songs might not be practice to us. Please share them. It's not difficult, right?"

"...I'll polish them and share them."

The A&R team leader clapped to get everyone's attention.

"Alright. We'll delay the voting for the other songs until Hamiwan brings the practice songs."

Including the practice songs as candidates? Is this okay? I looked around and saw that no one had a negative expression, so I relaxed. It seemed there was no major issue.

Two days later, I brought two polished practice songs. One of them was selected as a B-side for the album.

I don't want to worry unnecessarily before the debut.

But if the debut album fails, isn't it my responsibility...?