Chapter 33

33

I'm very satisfied.

'There's no need to clean my mouth.'

As I watched quietly, the other members all had expressions of surprise.

"To be honest, our debut song did fail, didn't it?"

"It failed spectacularly!"

"Recently, the single's song was really good, and the reaction was overwhelming, so we might get some points... but I just, the debut album is still on my mind."

Kim Sung-hyun's honest words darkened Jung Da-jun's face.

"You're right. Back then, we... put in a lot of effort, but it didn't work out. We were almost sleepless, practicing in the studio."

"Right. The manager... was really upset too."

"Right. I think that song was a really good one. And for the fans who have supported us from the beginning... I think it will be a good performance."

Kim Sung-hyun, very good.

His细腻的一面在这里显露无遗。我满意地笑了，因为这感人的情节会被完美地捕捉在镜头中。

(I'm very satisfied. His细腻的一面在这里显露无遗。I smiled contentedly, as this touching narrative would be perfectly captured on camera.)

"I also agree with performing the debut single."

"Then it's unanimous?"

"Let's just think of a new concept."

"Concept?"

We were watching the members of T-Dun perform the stage for "Glow."

The concept was of a naive boy making an infinite attack towards his first love.

After watching, Sung-woo gave his evaluation.

"Ah, there, the expression should have been better. I didn't get the angle of my right arm right."

"Human angle meter appears here."

Chang-ae threw a light joke at the incessantly muttering Sung-woo. The camera director, who was filming T-Dun, couldn't help but burst out laughing.

"Compared to the second chance, the performance is definitely weaker."

"Right. Since it's a competition, we need something that can grab the audience quickly."

"Are you suggesting we change the concept?"

"We... seem to lack a story. We lack the power to move people."

Oh, Jung Da-jun hit the nail on the head.

"You're right. The concept itself isn't the problem. It would be good to keep it as it is. The problem, as Jung Da-jun pointed out, is the story."

I tapped the table.

"It was ambiguous. We understand it's about first love, but we have no idea what the situation is. We don't know who we are, why the other person is good, or why the friends are trying to stop us."

Jung Da-jun, uncharacteristically frowning, fell into deep thought. We just need to fill in the gaps. What are we missing?

"The story lacks persuasiveness. That's why it lacks power."

"...I have an idea!"

Jung Da-jun suddenly raised his hand.

"Oh?"

Jung Da-jun, who had hesitated to give opinions in the first intro stage, saying it was too difficult, was even more surprising.

As Kim Sung-hyun nodded, Jung Da-jun spoke with an excited face.

"I've been watching a really interesting movie lately. It's called 'Twilight.'"

"Ah. I know it. It's an old movie, right?"

"Right! In the movie, the main character approaches the other person while hiding his true identity."

This might not even need Lee Ji-hyun.

Everyone listened with interest to the intriguing story.

"What if we apply that content to this song?"

"Then the lyrics could be written like this."

"Ah, that's good. Then this stage could have this choreography..."

With the concept in place, the T-Dun members enthusiastically planned out the details.

'I was wrong.'

These guys aren't lacking in star potential.

They just didn't have the right environment in a small agency.

I listened to even the smallest ideas and took meticulous notes, looking at the well-crafted scenario.

"Okay. We'll adopt Jung Da-jun's idea."

"Really?"

Jung Da-jun, surprised, opened his mouth wide and then excitedly started spouting ideas.

After noting everything down, I organized the schedule.

"We need to prepare the stage in 8 days. Since it's completely new, we'll need to memorize the choreography by then, and the arrangement should be completed in at least two days."

Should I use Im Hyun-soo's chance now? I feel like I'm already pushing him too much.

As I clicked the pen, pondering, Kang Eun-jae subtly checked the situation.

"Seniors. Da-jun."

"Yeah."

"Can I do the arrangement?"

What's this about? I lifted my head. Kang Eun-jae, uncharacteristically, gave a slightly embarrassed smile.

"Can you do arrangements?"

"I used to mess around a bit, but I learned a lot from the composer last time. I've tried a few times on my own since then..."

So that's why he reacted so positively to the Im Hyun-soo talk. What should I do?

I twirled the pen, evaluating Kang Eun-jae's potential. My principle is to be as stable as possible.

Despite the slight embarrassment, Kang Eun-jae's eyes showed ambition. He looked eager to try.

Kang Eun-jae's talent, and the pretty picture of a member participating in the arrangement that would be shown on TV, along with a slight trust in Eun-jae.

"I... think it's good?"

As I slowly said this, Kang Eun-jae seemed relieved and smiled.

"I don't know when you studied. Did you have the time?"

"Just a bit here and there."

Kang Eun-jae scratched his head. The decision was left to Kim Sung-hyun.

"I like it. I'm just sorry I can't help."

"Hey, senior. Don't say that. I'll do a great job~."

Kang Eun-jae smiled widely and excitedly scribbled notes.

"Then, since there's no time, I'll come up with the choreography."

Kim Sung-hyun said with a determined look. Even if there was time, it was obvious that Daepa would not spend money on choreography.

Whether Kim Sung-hyun said it preemptively or volunteered, the choreography worry was off our minds. He had been coming up with choreography all along.

"Then I need to consult with Eun-jae about the vocals."

"I'll sort this out and pass it to the planning team and production."

Honestly, the teamwork was good. It felt great to have everything click so well after a long time.

Jung Da-jun rolled his eyes and asked.

"Then, what about me? Should I cheer? Or do some errands for the seniors?"

"Da-jun."

I gently placed my hand on his shoulder. It had been a million years since I called him so affectionately, so Jung Da-jun's eyes widened.

"What do you mean? You should be the center."

"Me?! Not Senior Ji-hyun or Senior Ho-yun?!"

"For this concept, it's obviously you."

"Ah, I was thinking of Da-jun too."

"You need to set the right tone."

As the seniors teased him, Jung Da-jun, unaware, gradually turned pale with the growing burden. Then, suddenly, his eyes lit up, he clenched his fist, and resolved.

"I will... be the face of this team!"

"Right, you'll be our team's pride."

I chuckled and scanned the organized plan.

The preparations for the stage were complete.

Ding!

[Don't do anything strange...]

'When did I?'

Now, only mischief remains.

***

"Huh?"

"Hello."

I approached the MARS member with a smile. He was the center or lead vocalist, I think.

Anyway, the MARS vocalist, whom I met at the broadcasting station, was startled and greeted me as I approached.

"What brings you here? I heard the T-Dun members already left."

"Ah, I have something to ask Senior."

"Senior... Well, just talk casually. We're the same age, right? I'll be casual too."

It was easier to communicate than I thought. Actually, I approached him because I knew him well.

I sat on the bench where he was sitting and offered him the sports drink can I had brought.

"Sure, why not. Do you want to drink this?"

"Yeah... thanks."

His face said, 'Why is this guy doing this?' We had only exchanged greetings and passed by each other before. But I'm usually friendly to people I need to talk to.

"Is the planning going well?"

"Are you asking me that?"

"No. This is just to lighten the mood."

"What? Ha, you're really honest."

The MARS vocalist, known for his amiable personality, laughed with wide eyes. I silently smiled and took a sip of the can.

"What are you trying to do by lightening the mood?"

"I want to ask you something I'm curious about."

"What?"

"I saw you last time. You were talking badly about the Today members."

That's right. On the show where Today took first place, MARS was caught saying bad things.

Specifically, he said, "Why do people like those guys? Their character is completely ruined."

"Why did you say that? I'm curious."

I said calmly. The MARS vocalist looked at me with very suspicious eyes, wondering what my intentions were.

"Why are you curious?"

"I don't like them either. I just want to talk bad about them."

Of course, I had a different purpose. The MARS vocalist's eyebrows raised.

"Well... You almost got into a fight with them last time. It was satisfying."

"That senior doesn't like me."

"Right. Anyway, I know I don't have a good relationship with Today. Everyone knows it."

"Really?"

What will come out?

"Today, they're known for their bad character. They treat their fans like ATMs, but the fans just suffer and die. They don't want to tarnish Today's image."

Ah, really. What is love?

Treating fans like money machines, yet being dragged by old feelings and covering for them... I felt sorry for Today's fans.

"But there's more. They're club rats. They don't play nicely there. If you dig deeper, more will come out."

Club, Today, and...

Ah. I get it.

If you dig into the club once, you'll quickly find out if it's a 'window' or not.

I recalled a number that came to mind. With just these keywords, it would be enough to dig out the information. If you poke a tabloid once, they'll laugh with their mouths wide open.

Of course, I use them well too.

"Right, they're really dirty and despicable. Thanks for telling me."

It seems MARS doesn't know that Today is an insider. But there's no need to tell them that. I nodded and was about to wrap it up when the vocalist grabbed my chin.

"But why are you asking me?"

"Huh?"

"You could ask Sung-woo and know better."

"Sung-woo and I are from the same agency, but he probably doesn't know anything about Today now."

"No, that's not what I mean..."

The vocalist met my gaze, glanced around, and wrinkled his nose.

"You don't know."

"..."

What does that mean?

As I frowned, the vocalist made a very awkward face, hesitated, and finally confessed.

"...Today, they have a sponsorship issue. Sung-woo was originally a strong debut candidate, but he became famous for leaving because he didn't like it."

The vocalist rolled his eyes and quickly wrapped it up.

"Talk to Sung-woo once. It's better to hear it from him than from others. Ah, don't say I told you."

"...Okay."

"Um, then let's do our best in the competition."

After the MARS vocalist left, I sat on the bench for a long time.

It all made sense now. Sung-woo thought it was his last chance, and with that face and talent, he ended up in this no-name group. All because of some scumbags.

Whether it's a parallel world or not, the social harm of these people still exists, making me furious. I desperately wanted a cigarette, which I had quit a long time ago.

"Scumbags are everywhere in this industry..."

Why do I suddenly feel so dirty?

Instead of taking out a cigarette, I downed the sports drink can and threw it in the trash.

I needed to talk to Sung-woo.