Chapter 31

Creating a Personal Skill

The debut album is a mini album consisting of three songs. I was surprised to find that two of them were my own compositions. I felt a heavy sense of responsibility and began to learn the arrangement one by one.

Arrangement wasn't as difficult as I thought. Since I already knew the basics of composition and arrangement, I only needed to learn some additional skills and tips. The producer praised me a lot, so I could learn in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Since the producer is also in charge of recording, I think we'll be seeing each other a lot.

The unexpected challenge was the lyrics. The thoughts and emotions I wanted to convey in my songs slightly deviated from the direction of the rap lyrics that Seohoon and Ji-on were thinking of.

I didn't pronounce the lyrics clearly enough for them to understand the content. I did it on purpose to avoid being caught, but I overdid it. I was worried they might realize I was the composer, but it turned out to be unnecessary.

"Wait a moment."

Since I couldn't remember it well, I decided to write down the message I wanted to convey. When I gave them a note with the content written out, Ji-on and Seohoon were surprised.

"You wrote a short story. H21."

"I didn't know the lyrics were this specific. We were frustrated because we were going in a different direction. Ewon."

They said that the lyrics, except for the rap, could be modified based on the content I provided. I didn't expect to be helpful. I should have told them the story I wanted to include from the beginning.

"This is enough for a basic sketch. I'll write the rap lyrics based on this content."

Seohoon was already jotting down lyrics, seemingly inspired. I tried to peek, but his handwriting was illegible.

"Ewon, did this song get its inspiration from us?"

"Inspiration? Yes, you noticed?"

"Of course."

Was it that obvious? Maybe because Ji-on is a rapper and is sensitive to lyrics, it was a bit embarrassing.

The concept of the album is 'birth or beginning.'

For me, the debut was a new beginning, and I felt like I was reborn as an idol. So, in the title track, I talked about the emotions of debuting as a new idol.

I covered curiosity, anticipation, and fear when facing a new world. I also incorporated how each member might react to the start, based on my imagination. I left room for interpretation and represented the situation of someone starting something new.

By the way, the song that became a track was inspired by a conversation with my parents. It expressed the feelings of my parents watching me debut as an idol, starting a new chapter. After organizing the stories I had heard, I showed them to my dad.

"Seeing Ewon, you reminded me of the day you let out your first cry. That day started at dawn…."

Dad recalled the day I was born.

I didn't think I could perfectly understand my parents' feelings, so I intended to keep it as a draft. But after refining it, it turned out better than expected, so I brought it and it became a track.

Dad was moved to tears when he heard the demo, so it didn't seem too bad.

Anyway, the title track's lyrics were progressing smoothly.

Meanwhile, the arrangement was almost complete, and we decided to receive a choreography proposal. While waiting for the choreography, we practiced our personal skills from time to time. Baekha strongly insisted that we must check each other's personal skills. He said that one person might find it fun, but others might not.

"How do you even create a personal skill?"

I never imagined I would be creating a personal skill. Would I have even thought about it in the past?

"Ewon, you have many talents, right? Like playing the violin on the spot?"

"Hey, is that always possible? Even if you carry a violin around, it's not that interesting."

"Then, what about Olan's personal skill?"

"Me? Charm."

Charm? Olan, the prickly one, using charm? The image was so hard to picture that my brain froze for a moment.

"Really?"

"Sure."

Seohoon and Chorok didn't seem too surprised. Of course, just by looks, Olan is the member who fits charm the most among us.

But considering his usual personality, it's not surprising that he would be scared. Charm? Olan?

It was completely opposite to the character I interpreted. Even if Olan is kind inside, his tone and way of thinking are cynical.

"Want to see it?"

"No way!"

I let out a silent scream and closed my eyes. The idea of seeing a dark man's charm was crazy, especially if it was Olan. It gave me goosebumps.

"Hey, Ewon, you can't stand my charm?"

Olan laughed and said he would definitely show me. He followed me around, and I panicked and ran.

After running in circles in the practice room and getting tired, I gave up, and Olan burst out laughing. The other members also found it hilarious.

"But, Ewon, Olan is a real charm machine. He has no sense of shame."

I understood what he meant by no sense of shame. The brazenness of not feeling ashamed suited Olan well.

No sense of shame means he can use charm well? Chorok's point was that while most people would feel embarrassed using charm they don't usually use, Olan wouldn't.

"Ewon, you don't know Olan's business mode yet."

"Business mode?"

"When Olan is in business mode, his energy level goes up. He can act cute and do anything he's asked to do."

"Does he change his personality?"

"Something like that."

"I believe in giving my all for my job."

"Will it be okay if fans find out later?"

"Why would that be a problem?"

Seohoon was worried, but it didn't seem to be an issue for Ji-on, who had lived abroad for a long time.

"Of course, I'll be in work mode whenever there's a camera, but eventually, it will be revealed. People might say I'm fake or that my real personality is bad. But I just want to do my best professionally."

It's hard to predict the public's reaction and easy to sway. We'll see how it goes. Personally, I found it impressive. The effort he puts in is commendable.

"I think it's admirable."

"Fans might be surprised."

If fans find out about his real personality, they might be shaken, as Seohoon said.

"But if you genuinely care for your fans, it should be fine. If your love for fans is fake, they'll feel betrayed. But if it's not, you can also be seen as professional."

After some thought, Chorok said.

"Of course, you need to make fans believe your sincerity."

Olan was given a task. He thought about it, and we also pondered how to approach our fans. It was a topic we needed to discuss someday.

"But, we haven't even debuted yet! How did we get here? We were talking about our personal skills?"

Baekha tried to change the mood by hitting the nail on the head.

"Then, I'll show you first! It's voice mimicry!"

Baekha imitated a famous line from a noir movie. The scene he imitated was completely different. It was so off that it was funny.

"Don't do that. It'll ruin the mood."

"Too much. Should I try charm like Olan?"

"Just show your face."

"Hehe, so even Olan acknowledges my good looks!"

He was full of confidence in his appearance. How could he be like that? Baekha was no ordinary person.

"I don't think it's that impressive."

"Does that mean you like it? Thanks for the compliment!"

Seohoon stepped forward confidently.

"I want to recite a poem."

"Poem? Like 'Looking up at the sky until the day I die'? No, absolutely not!"

Baekha strongly opposed. Olan laughed at the sight.

I widened my eyes. A poem... a shocking choice. Seohoon, you're clueless.

In such situations, I'm not completely clueless. I read the atmosphere well, but there's a slight error in the output.

"Poem? Why? It's not bad, though."

Baekha grabbed his neck in confusion. Where was Ji-on's sense of the situation? Or was he just clueless?

"Hey! We're idols! What kind of idol uses a poem as a personal skill?"

"That's only done at national events. Like March 1st, Memorial Day, or National Foundation Day."

Chorok subtly opposed.

"Seohoon, how about something physical? You're good at any sport."

"Sport?"

"Like kicking a shuttlecock 100 times in a row? Or doing push-ups with one hand while standing on your head? Or skipping rope while doing a cartwheel?"

"Is that simple? Everyone can do it with a little practice."

It sounded strange.

"Really?"

"Uh-huh."

It seemed genuine. Olan, the smallest among us, was bewildered.

Not just Olan, but none of the other members thought it was possible. It was scary to even attempt. What was Seohoon's agility, strength, and power like?

"That's enough, Seohoon."

"…Okay, got it."

Seohoon nodded, as if accepting it for now. I could see the challenges Chorok would face as the leader, leading our unique members. I patted his shoulder.

"My turn? I want to do fast rapping."

"Come on, Ji-on! That's not fun! I have a recommendation!"

"Go ahead."

I had a feeling it wouldn't be ordinary.

"Sexy gaze!"

"What?"

"Ji-on, you're not using your vibe. Just say one line in a low voice and look deeply into their eyes!"

Ji-on's face contorted. I understood what Baekha meant. He wanted Ji-on to use his unique, seductive aura to charm people.

I heard both of his parents are Korean, but strangely, Ji-on has a mixed-race appearance. His deep-set eyes cast a heavier shadow, and his features are sharp.

He's still a bit chubby, but he'll grow into someone who can easily charm people.

"Inappropriate. Ji-on is still a minor."

"Why not?"

With a free-spirited mindset, Ji-on found it hard to understand Korea's conservative atmosphere. We'll have to wait until he's an adult.

"Too bad! I was going to share a secret."

"Next is me?"

"Chorok, you're fine! You can do voice mimicry or impersonation. And you can eat a lot!"

"Being a good eater is common. Compared to food vloggers, it's nothing special."

"Then, eat and pretend you didn't."

We burst into laughter. We understood immediately. For example, with a rice roll, you just push it aside when you're full. It disappears without a trace, not in your mouth but in your stomach.

It's like magic; it's hard to catch Chorok eating. He eats so discreetly.

"Baekha!"

"Sorry! I was wrong!"

Chorok was about to get angry, but Baekha apologized immediately. To survive, he had to.

Among our members, Chorok is the scariest. I initially thought he was just kind, but I gradually realized the truth. There was a reason he became the leader.

In the end, I couldn't decide on a personal skill. I received a few recommendations, but none of them felt right. I wanted something groundbreaking.

Olan kept suggesting I use my face and charm. Use my face to attack? When I asked, Olan just shook his head.