The younger members unwrapped their gifts with exclamations of delight.
“Thank you, senior!” they cheered.
“Don’t mention it,” I replied with a smirk.
“It’s a bribe for today’s recording. It’s almost my first time on a big variety show like MiPro.”
“I’ll do my best for you~”
“Thank you, Jiho~”
They shook hands and laughed together, ‘Shall we shake hands…?’
Soon, Junhyeon discovered the snacks in the envelope and his eyes lit up.
“All the drinks are zero-calorie!”
“Well, I tend to gain weight easily, but I love drinks, so I imported them from the US…”
The younger ones gathered around excitedly.
“What? There’s a zero-calorie cherry cola?”
“Wow. Americans must make everything zero-calorie to be satisfied. Even this has a zero version.”
“Let’s each have a glass. Junhyeon! Bring the paper cups!”
“Just wait 10 seconds! I’ll get them from the third floor!”
Taehyun, who had stepped back, muttered with a slight tremble in his cheek.
“They’re not listening at all…”
“We’ve been dieting for over a month now.”
“Over a month? Then I understand.”
Taehyun laughed, understanding.
After a brief moment of drinking sugar-free beverages and dancing joyfully like a flock of flamingos, the younger ones munched on snacks while I greeted a guest in the corner.
“You went through a lot to bring these gifts. How did you know our kids’ preferences?”
“It was on MiTube. I’m a JapPlayer too.”
As I burst into laughter, someone giggled along, then suddenly widened their eyes as if remembering something.
“Oh, right. Now’s not the time to laugh.”
“…?”
“Hand over the compensation fee, you.”
“Hahaha!”
“You’re such a scammer, scoring 100 on the karaoke machine in the reality show!”
I gave an apologetic smile to the guy shaking me.
I had revealed the secret to scoring 100 during the reality show, recounting an anecdote from my trainee days.
The one who had brought the most ice cream back then was now indignant.
“I didn’t even realize I was being scammed…”
“Sorry~”
“After I sent the link, everyone said they thought something was off during our trainee days.”
We all worked hard to bring back ice cream.
While laughing and reminiscing about old times with the guy who was pestering me for compensation for the past scams, Taehyun said with a smile.
“Congratulations are late. I’m really happy for you, hyung, on the GymCon.”
Then he made a wistful face, like a mountain spirit living in a pond.
“You’ve grown up so much, Sunwooju. Really…”
“Thanks, but don’t look down on me disrespectfully.”
“Shouldn’t I be the hyung by now, with all my years?”
…he said, then playfully looked up at me, hunching like a turtle.
I laughed because he looked so silly, but I kept quiet, thinking he might get offended if I told the truth.
Thinking he made me laugh, he became smug, so I asked him.
“You busy these days?”
“Hmm?”
“Always the same. But it’s a bit relaxed since the full album is scheduled for the second half of the year.”
Apparently, there’s some leeway in the schedule because of the launch of a new boy group.
Then he laughed, ‘Ah!’
R𝑒ad lat𝒆st chapt𝒆rs at free𝑤ebnovel.com Only.
“I forgot to tell you. I’m releasing my first solo album this time?”
“Oh.”
“So you know?”
I smiled and replied to his hinting gesture, ‘Song?’
“I’ll try writing one if I have time.”
“Oh, really…?”
“The title and concept must have been decided by the company already.”
“Right.”
“I can participate in the track submission without any pressure.”
“Hey, that’s something.”
I laughed, watching the main dancer of TNT revel in joy.
Is it really that good?
Anyone would think I’m desperate for a song, given how much I seem to love it. But knowing the truth, I can only laugh.
What kind of company is this?
TJ Entertainment’s A&R and production team are top-notch, hailed as the best in the industry.
They receive over a thousand demo tracks a month, and just the planning staff deciding on concepts and title tracks number at least fifty.
There hasn’t been a failed project to date, just differences in timing.
The TNT members, guaranteed success even as solo artists, keep clamoring for ‘more songs, more songs,’ which is annoying yet endearing.
I may not know about the others, but I’ve promised this one I’d write a song for them someday.
“Don’t get your hopes up too high.”
“Don’t worry~”
I tried to temper their expectations, but they still beamed with anticipation.
“What if it’s not good? Just keep it and listen to it over time.”
“Why keep a failure?”
“It’s a reminder that even monkeys fall from trees sometimes, a lesson in humility.”
“If it’s a flop, I won’t send it at all.”
I shook my head at their laughter when, amidst the devils dancing and inhaling sugar-free jelly, Junhyeon gestured to me.
“Bro, catch!”
“Come on.”
Junhyeon spun the jelly like a discus, and I caught it neatly.
Taehyun looked intrigued.
“That looks fun. Can I…?”
“If you catch it wrong, you’ll break a tooth.”
“What an unusual place this is…”
As a TNT member marveled at the younger ones, the door clicked open.
“Hello!”
In came the PBS staff, bustling to set up their filming equipment.
When Taehyun asked for a place to rest, I pointed him to the company lounge.
“Oh, by the way.”
“…?”
“Did you check the composition fee I sent right after the broadcast?”
“What fee?”
“The composition fee.”
“…You too, 5000 won?”
Right after the first broadcast, I was hit with a barrage of 5000 won requests from acquaintances.
I returned 333 won to Eunsung, who had sent 3333 won to annoy me.
From the nine-member street boys, I collected 5000 won each, a total of 50,000 won.
Hanjo [I put in plenty (๑˃̵ᴗ˂̵)و ]
Hanjo [The last 5000 won is for our concrete]
When I sent it back, they made a fuss, feeling slighted.
While kindly returning the 5000 won cultural gift voucher and the 500 won scratch card sent by the boys downstairs through the security guard.
It was odd that this one was silent.
“Did you send it? I haven’t received anything.”
“I did send it.”
“Which account?”
“Where else? Your old account.”
Checking the app, I saw a balance of 49,500 won in the account I used only during my trainee days.
The depositor’s name was clearly ‘Han Taehyun.’
“…”
I felt a strange mix of emotions.
It was the account I used to receive tuition and maintenance fees from TJ. Someone remembered it.
Looking up, the other person grinned.
“How is it? Sent it to the old account to move you, did it work?”
It was a complete surprise.
Then I asked the proud culprit.
“But why 49,500 won? Why deduct 500 won? A friend discount?”
“Oh, that?”
Taehyun smiled sheepishly.
“Interbank transfer fee of 500 won.”
“…”
“I really hate it when the numbers don’t match up in my account.”
“…”
Somehow, I found myself agreeing with that oddly convincing reason.
An hour later.
I gathered with the cast of ‘MIF’ in the practice room.
“Let’s start recording!”
With a clap from model Hong Seok, the cameras began rolling.
The members of A-TEN, who had been standing like statues, came back to life.
“Hello, viewers!”
“We, A-TEN, have returned to Lemon Entertainment for a mid-term check.”
“Wow!”
We clapped our hands and laughed.
“Have you been practicing a lot?”
“We’ve been burning the midnight oil every day.”
Starting with MC Kim Eui-ji, the members of A-TEN emphasized their intense practice sessions.
An Jae-hee spoke up.
“Now I understand why idols live in dorms. It’s quite a distance to our homes.”
“You must have had a hard time.”
“In that sense, how about experiencing dorm life? For those who wish to…”
Our married members looked on with longing eyes as we shook our heads with a content smile.
“No way.”
“Why not…!”
“You said there wasn’t enough time to need a dorm, but we have a video sent in by the writers.”
I said with a smile to the embarrassed members.
“You spent an hour just taking the MBTI test during your break.”
“Ahem…”
“Wouldn’t it have been better to practice during the time you spent checking compatibility?”
“The teacher is shooting lasers from his eyes again.”
“It’s scary. I preferred the time on the spaceship…”
We burst into laughter at their timid backbiting.
Then, Chu Gi-seok stepped forward with wide eyes.
“But you know…”
“Hey, Gi-seok. Discuss before you speak. What are you going to say to get in trouble again?”
“I wanted to talk about the MBTI. Teachers, this is…”
Chu Gi-seok said earnestly.
“MBTI is science!”
“Ha ha ha!”
“No, I’m serious! It’s really science. When you match it, it’s chilling how accurate it is…!”
For the fun of the variety show, the members had taken the MBTI test to check their compatibility, and it seemed to be spot on.
Kim Eui-ji asked.
“Do the New Black teachers know about MBTI?”
“Isn’t it something bad…?”
While everyone was tilting their heads, Bijoo spoke up.
“My sister sent me a text recently, warning me to avoid anyone talking about MBTI on the street.”
“It does sound strange when you put it that way.”
Everyone laughed at Bijoo, who seemed to think of MBTI as some sort of cult.
“So you were hiding behind Teacher Woojoo?”
“No, it’s not because of that at all.”
As Bijoo stepped out from behind me to the right, the members of A-TEN laughed.
Is MBTI really accurate? It’s been used on variety shows for compatibility tests recently.
When Rihyuk explained this to Bijoo, Jiho said.
“I’ve tried it! I’m an ESTP!”
“Oh! Teacher! That matches well with me!”
To those who laughed at their perfect match, we just smiled silently.
The cast bowed their heads.
“Yes, we’ll just focus on practicing. Understood…”
“The teachers are so scary we can’t even joke. How did we end up like this?”
“I’m more afraid of these guys than my wife.”
The grumbling uncles then stood in the center of the practice room.
Though they spoke nonsense, their confident expressions filled me with anticipation.
What would it be like?
Clap, clap –
The song began with the sound of applause.
Five members turned around, and in time with the intro’s rhythm, they spun their bodies two by two from either side with a flourish.
The actors’ facial expressions were exceptional, perhaps because they were mixed in.
“Wow…”
After turning to face the center line, I flashed a dashing smile.
As five members walked off to the left, Hongseok, who had been hiding behind, stepped forward.
Hongseok, with his hand on his forehead as if looking into the distance, playfully expressed the lyrics.
The other members supported him with their choreography from behind.
“Wow…!”
You could really feel the effort they put in.
Their passion was evident, sweat flying, and it brought a smile to my face.
“Heaving…”
After striking the final pose.
Gasping for breath, they collapsed, asking with faces eager for praise, “How was it?”
We cheered with bright smiles, “Amazing!”
“Wow!”
“If you keep this up for another month, it’ll be truly spectacular!”
“Wow…”
They seemed pleased to have their efforts acknowledged.
Especially Hongseok, who appeared touched by how far he had brought the choreography.
We patted Hongseok’s shoulder in appreciation, saying, “You did well, Seok.”
“You were amazing, really. I was genuinely surprised by the first part.”
“…Thank you.”
Amidst the touching atmosphere, we all applauded their hard work.
A month since the first recording.
The sight of these thirty-something trainees, once wooden dolls, now on the verge of debut, filled me with a warm feeling.
“You did so well, truly. It’s hard to imagine how much practice you must have put in.”
“Heh.”
It seems like they practiced about eight and a half hours a day.
“You’ve all worked so hard.”
“Now it’s time for the teachers’ ‘but?’”
“Indeed. Drumroll.”
Laughter erupted at Junghyun’s dramatic drumroll.
Off-camera, Han Taehyun clutched the manager, trying to stifle his laughter.
Then, as everyone awaited the evaluation, Bijoo spoke up.
“You did so well that I only want to say one thing.”
“I’m nervous…”
“Last time I asked Bijoo for advice, he sent a 3,000-character message.”
“No! This time it’s just one thing.”
Bijoo waved his hands, saying, “Everything was great, but there’s just one thing.”
“What is it, teacher?”
“It’s noticeable when each of you rushes in or out at the start or end of your parts.”
“Ah…”
“From the moment you step on stage, every moment should be considered your part.”
The main dancer of a certain group nodded in agreement from behind the camera.
Bijoo said gently, “If you get too absorbed in your part, the overall performance suffers. If you focus only on your part, you miss everything else.”
We all nodded in understanding.
Focusing too much on not messing up our parts, we tend to weaken in the moments that aren’t ours.
The typical mistake is rushing off after our part ends or relaxing too soon if we’re not in the center or focus.
“For example, in our song ‘Masquerade,’ Jiho.”
“Yes?”
Bijoo called Jiho to demonstrate.
Even after Jiho’s part ended, he elegantly walked off while Bijoo moved to the center.
Then it clicked for everyone.
“When you’re on stage, perform as if someone is always watching you from every angle. Make every moment look impressive, no matter where they look.”
“Understood, teacher.”
After the advice on the choreography.
It was finally time to introduce the guest.
“You’re about a month away from debut, right?”
“That’s right!”
“It’s the toughest time for both body and mind, so we’ve invited a mentor to offer advice.”
“Oh.”
“Given our experience, we thought it best to invite someone more esteemed.”
While Taehyun waved to the 6mm behind-the-scenes camera with an idol’s smile, we clapped and introduced him. “Here comes Han Taehyun from TNT!” The cheers erupted, “TNT! TNT!” as Taehyun appeared, waving his hand.
Euiji Kim hugged him, exclaiming, “Good to see you, Taehyun!” “It’s been a while since we’ve all met.” “Love the hair color, it’s like mint chocolate!” “That’s why I sprayed on some mint scent,” Taehyun replied, grinning mischievously as he greeted the cast of MiP. Having been active for six years and appearing on various broadcasts, he seemed familiar to everyone.
As soon as he arrived on set, he greeted everyone warmly. Dohoon Nam asked him as he joined us, “What brings you here, Taehyun? I thought you were incredibly busy.” “Our repackaged album promotions just ended, and I was invited to appear as a mentor…”
Euiji Kim, having seen the writers’ sketchbooks, smoothly took over the conversation. “I hear one of the New Black members recommended you because of your close friendship.” “Yes, my best friend is right here.” “Woojoo avoids eye contact. He’s avoiding it.” “Exactly… Woojoo here is my best friend!” Taehyun announced, putting his arm around me with a broad smile.
The response was lukewarm. “You don’t look close at all.” “Look at Taehyun doing the shoulder hug while Woojoo folds his hands. They’re not close.” “No, it’s just that…” I laughed as Taehyun became flustered. “We’re close friends privately, but since this is a public setting, we’re keeping our distance.”
“Don’t pretend to be close?” “Oh, no! No!” Taehyun and I jumped around playfully as the entertainers teased us. “Huh? Are you really close? Your jumping style is similar.” “Then, we’ll accept that.”
During the laughter over the baseless acceptance, Giseok Chu suddenly warned, “Taehyun.” “Yes…?” “Just so you know, if you’re targeting Woojoo… he’s our private property.” The younger ones jumped in, “He’s our private property!” “Right. A-Ten is currently renting him to New Black TV, so don’t even think about it.” “Off-limits! Off-limits!”
I was dumbfounded, and Taehyun protested, “No, I really came because we’re friends!” As the writers held up their sketchbooks, the entertainers’ eyes gleamed sharply. “Did you send 5,000 won after the broadcast or not?” “…I admit it. I sent it.” The entertainers clapped and laughed, and the staff burst into laughter too.
Taehyun skillfully continued the mood. “But sending money isn’t a crime, is it?” “However, being caught with impure intentions is.” “Ah… Seniors, you promised to treat me well if I came on the show. Are you really going to do this? Shall I leave?”
The members held onto the seventh-year idol throwing a tantrum, saying, “Don’t go!” Moobeom Ju asked, “But what’s the real relationship between you two?” After I recounted a story I had once shared, everyone reacted with awe.
Euiji Kim spoke to the camera on behalf of everyone, “It’s wonderful. Having our senior Taehyun here feels like gaining a mighty army.” “The star of Asia has arrived!” Taehyun, embarrassed, fanned himself as the entertainers teased him to no end.
“Now that you’re here, you should promote your album. Show us some moves from your latest song before you go.” “All of a sudden?”
“Alright! Now, let’s witness the dance of Han Taehyun, the star of Asia and one of TNT’s main dancers!”
“No, yes. I understand.”
Taehyun stood in the center with an awkward smile.
And then.
As the music flowed, he removed the hand that had been covering his face.
The air in the studio seemed to shift instantly as his gaze and expression changed.
When the writers clapped like seals at the sight of his languidly relaxed face riding the wave of the music.
‘Bijoo.’
Bijoo and I exchanged glances and jumped in to back him up with our dance moves from behind.
At first, he hesitated as if surprised, but then he laughed and naturally synced up with us.
Meanwhile, the other juniors joined in, fueling the excitement.
“Wow!”
After the choreography ended, Taehyun high-fived us with a genuinely surprised look and laughed.
He seemed truly happy.
“Thank you. How did you prepare the choreography…?”
“We prepared it in advance knowing you were coming, senior. It was originally meant just for us to show you…”
“Really? Thank you so much, New Black.”
The timing was perfect.
The entertainers and producer Shin Mu-rok smiled contentedly, pleased with the joint choreography.
I said with a feigned serious expression.
“Of course, it wasn’t free.”
“What?”
“It was a paid service!”
We burst out laughing and then told Taehyun.
“We’ll ask you for a favor later, like joining our point dance challenge, senior.”
“I understand. I’ll definitely do it.”
While we all smiled warmly, the entertainers marveled at how well New Black managed social interactions.
After the guest introduction time.
The members of A-ten turned their attention to Taehyun.
“Didn’t our senior Taehyun come today to give us advice?”
“That’s right~”
“As idols about to debut, what should we keep in mind?”
“I have about seven key points to share.”
“Ooh.”
Taehyun said with a smile that oozed seniority.
“Firstly, ‘a stage isn’t built overnight.’”
“…?”
“Secondly, it’s about people’s reactions…”
I stifled a laugh at the familiar words and their order.
The entertainers’ eyes narrowed as they hummed. An Jae-hee quickly took the lead.
“Isn’t that the second of our teacher Woojoo’s Ten Commandments, ‘Don’t lend your ear to gossip. Listen only as much as your ears are meant to hear.’?”
“Uh…?”
“You haven’t seen the broadcast yet. We’ve already received the teachings from the original source.”
“The Ten Commandments…? Not seven?”
As Taehyun’s eyes darted around in confusion, everyone chuckled.
Taehyun tilted his head and whispered.
“When did it become ten?”
“It’s been a while.”
“Quick, recite numbers 8, 9, and 10. I’ll pretend I made them up.”
I smiled slyly at the urging of the original junior.
And then.
With a mischievous look, he flashed an idol’s smile.
“It seems there’s been a mix-up, but actually, these ten points are from a collection of famous sayings I created.”
“Senior! So what’s number eight?”
Everyone burst into laughter as Taehyun evasively looked away.