Chapter 33
I was very satisfied.
No need to say anything.
As I watched quietly, the other members all had surprised expressions.
To be honest, our debut song was indeed a flop.
It was a huge flop!
Our recent single had a great song, and the response was overwhelming, so well get points for that but Im just worried about our debut album.
Kim Seonghyeons honest remark darkened Jeong Dajuns face.
Thats right. Back then, we tried so hard, but it didnt work out well. We practically never slept and stayed in the practice room constantly.
Right. Our manager was really upset too.
Yes, I think that song is also very good. And for the fans who have been with us since the beginning I think it will be a great stage.
Very good, Kim Seonghyeon.
He showed his delicate side here. I smiled contentedly at the tear-jerking story that was caught perfectly on camera.
I also agree with doing the debut single.
So, unanimous agreement?
Lets just think of a new concept.
Concept?
We watched The Dawns Glow stage.
The concept was a naive male student making endless advances toward his first love.
After watching, Seong Jiwon gave his evaluation.
Ah, there should have been a better expression there. I didnt get the angle of my right arm right.
The human protractor has appeared.
Seong Jiwon was murmuring without a break, so Kang Ichae made a light joke. The camera director filming The Dawn couldnt help but laugh.
Compared to the Second Chance, this performance was weak.
Right. Since its a competition, we need something that can be grasped tightly.
Do you mean changing the concept?
I think our story was lacking. And it needed impact.
Oh, Jeong Dajun hit the nail on the head.
Youre right. The concept itself isnt the problem. I think its fine as it is. The problem is, as Dajun pointed out, the story.
I pounded the table.
It was vague, we knew it was about first love, but we had no idea what the situation was. We didnt know who we were, why the other person was so great, or why our friends were trying to stop us.
Jeong Dajun frowned as he sank into deep thought. It didnt suit him.
We just needed to fill in the gaps. But what were they?
Theres no persuasiveness in the story. Thats why it lacks impact.
I have an idea!
Jeong Dajun suddenly raised his hand.
Oh?
It was even more unexpected. After all, it was Jeong Dajun, the one who hesitated to give his opinion during the first intro stage and was instead rolling on the floor because it was too difficult.
As Kim Seonghyeon nodded, Jeong Dajun spoke with excitement.
I recently watched a really fun movie. Its called Twilight.
Ah. I know it. Its an old movie, right?
Yes! In that movie, the protagonist approaches the other person while hiding their identity.
This could work even without Jihyeon.
Everyone listened intently to the interesting story.
What if we apply that to this song?
Then we can write the lyrics like this.
Ah, thats a good idea. So, for this stage, the choreography would be like this.
The Dawn members excitedly went ahead with their own planning as soon as the concept was decided.
I must have been mistaken.
They werent lacking in star quality.
Being stuck in a small-to-medium-sized agency, they just didnt have the environment to express themselves.
I listened to even the most minor ideas and carefully wrote them down in my notes, looking at the seemingly complete scenario.
Okay. Jeong Dajuns idea is adopted.
Really?
Jeong Dajun was so surprised that he opened his mouth wide, then started pouring out ideas excitedly, asking about this and that.
After writing down all of that, I organized the schedule.
We have to prepare the stage in 8 days. Since its entirely new, well have to memorize the choreography by then, and the arrangement should be completed in at least two days.
Should I use Lim Hyeonsus chance now? It seemed like I was already using too many.
As I was thinking and clicking my pen, Kang Ichae glanced at me.
Guys, Dajun.
Yeah.
Can I do the arrangement?
Whats this about? I quickly looked up. Kang Ichae gave an awkward, slightly bashful smile.
Do you know how to arrange music?
Well, I dabbled a bit and learned a lot from a composer recently. After that, Ive tried it a few times on my own
So thats why Lim Hyeonsu was so enthusiastic about it. What should I do?
I twirled my pen as I considered Kang Ichaes potential. My principle was to be as stable as possible.
Although he was slightly embarrassed, ambition shone in Kang Ichaes eyes. A face that yearned to give it a try.
When Kang Ichaes sensitivity and the participation of one of the members in the arrangement were revealed, it would make for a beautiful picture on the broadcast. Plus, there was a very slight trust towards Ichae.
I think its a good idea?
As I spoke slowly, Kang Ichae seemed relieved and smiled.
I dont know when you had time to study that. Did you even have the time?
Its just, you know, Ive tried a little bit.
Kang Ichae scratched his head. The decision was passed to Kim Seonghyeon.
Im fine with it. Im just sorry I cant help.
Hahaha, hyung. Dont say it like that. Then I will really bring the best~.
Kang Ichae scribbled on a memo with a bright smile and excited aura.
Since we dont have time, Ill arrange the choreography.
Kim Seonghyeon said with a determined expression. In fact, even if we had the time, it was evident that the broadcasting company would not pay for creating the choreography.
Whether Kim Seonghyeon knew it in advance or volunteered for it, our worries about the choreography were put to rest. He had been arranging choreography all along.
Then Ill consult with Ichae and decide on the vocals.
Ill filter this and pass it on to the planning and production teams.
Honestly, our teamwork was good. It felt great to be so in sync after so long.
Jeong Dajun rolled his eyes.
Then, what should I do? Should I cheer? Or run errands for you guys?
Dajun.
I gently placed my hand on his shoulder. It had been a million years since I called him so affectionately, and his eyes shook from the surprise.
What do you mean? Youre the center.
Me?! Not Jiwon-hyung or Hoyun-hyung?!
Its obvious with this concept.
Ah, I was thinking of Dajun too.
You have to set the mood well.
As the hyungs playfully teased him, a clueless Jeong Dajuns face turned pale with pressure. Suddenly, his eyes sparkled with determination, and he clenched his fist tightly.
I will become the face of this team!
Thats right, youll make us proud.
I chuckled as I scanned the finalized plan.
Preparations for the stage were complete.
Ding!
[Dont do anything strange]
When did I ever?
Now, all that was left was to scheme.
***
Uh, huh?
Hello.
I approached the Maze member with a smile. Was he the center, or was it the lead vocal?
Anyway, the Maze vocalist, whom I met at the broadcasting station, greeted me with a surprised face as I approached.
I heard The Dawn members had already left. Whats going on?
Ah, I have something to ask you, sunbae.
Sunbae um, just speak comfortably. Were the same age, right? I will also speak informally.
We communicated more smoothly than I thought. No, I actually approached him because I knew we could get along.
I sat on the bench where he was and handed him a can of ion beverage.
Yeah, why not. Want a drink?
Uh, thanks.
Why is he being like this? he seemed to think. But I could be friendly to people when I needed something from them.
Are your preparations going well?
Did you come to me just to ask that?
No, this is for breaking the ice.
What? Haha, youre really straightforward.
The Maze vocalist widened his eyes and burst into laughter. He was known for his easygoing personality, and it seemed accurate. I silently smiled and took a sip from the can.
What do you want to ask after breaking the ice?
I was curious about something.
What?
I saw it last time. You badmouthing the Today members.
Thats right. Maze was the one caught badmouthing when Today won first place on a show.
To be exact, he had said, Why do people like those guys? Their personalities are just bad.
Why did you say that? Im curious.
I said it calmly. Mazes vocals looked at me with eyes filled with suspicion, as if he was wondering what my intentions were.
Why are you so curious?
I just dont like them either. I want to talk behind their back, you know.
Of course, there was another purpose. His eyebrows raised in suspicion.
Speaking of which I remember you almost got into a physical fight with them last time. That was satisfying.
That sunbae really seems to dislike me.
Yeah, well, everyone knows I dont get along with Today anyway. Its public knowledge.
Really?
What could come out of this?
Todays members are infamous for their terrible personalities. They treat their fans like personal ATMs, yet the fans just suffer and die for them. All because they dont want to damage Todays image.
Ah, what was love, really?
Fans covered for their idols even when they were treated like money-making machines Its just I couldnt help but feel sorry for Todays fans.
But theres more. Theyre regular club-goers. They cant possibly behave themselves there. If you dig deeper, youll find more.
Club, Today, and
Ah. I think I got the gist.
If I check out the club once, Ill quickly find out whether its a source or not.
I remembered someones number in my head. Even with just these keywords, it should be enough to dig deeper. After all, poking around where gossip lived will make people laugh.
Of course, I was making good use of it as well.
Wow, they really are such disgusting and pathetic people. Thanks for telling me.
The Maze member didnt seem to know that Today was the frontrunner yet. But there was no need to tell him that. I was about to wrap up the conversation when he grabbed my arm.
But why are you asking me?
Huh?
You could ask Seong Jiwon. He would know better.
Seong Jiwon was in the same agency but probably knows nothing about Today now.
No, thats not what I meant.
He locked eyes with me, glanced around, and then scrunched his nose.
You dont know, do you?
What did he mean?
As I frowned, he looked pretty uncomfortable and hesitated before finally whispering.
Todays members are involved in sponsor problems, you know. Seong Jiwon was originally in a powerful debut group, but he left because he didnt like that. Its quite well-known.
He quickly wrapped up the conversation.
Talk to Seong Jiwon. Its better than hearing it from someone else. Just dont tell him I said it.
Alright.
Yeah, lets both do well in the competition.
I stayed sitting on the bench for a while after Mazes vocals left.
It all made sense now that Seong Jiwon thought this was his last chance, even though he had the face and talent. Its all because of those awful people.
Parallel universes or whatever, the evil in society still ran rampant, and it made me furious. I was desperately craving a cigarette right now.
There are so many scumbags in this field.
Why did I suddenly feel so disgusted?
Instead of pulling out a cigarette, I downed an electrolyte drink in one shot and threw it in the trash can.
I needed to talk to Seong Jiwon.
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