Chapter 8


    Professor I feel burying myself in the schools backyard would be faster than graduating. Why do I have to go to school?


    No and why isnt ck Call making aeback? Dont you want to work with the agency anymore???


    A graduate student who posted on SNS today cursed their professor thoroughly.


    They said being a fan in theter stages was scarier and that meeting Joo Woosung of ck Call, an idol she used to casually fangirl over as a student, changed her.


    This kid Hes good-looking


    She shed tears thinking that for thest three months, all she had re-shared on social media was Joo Woosungs rice cake photo.


    ck Call was a male idol group that was ambitiouslyunched by a major nning agency a few years ago and was undoubtedly a top-tier idol in Korea.


    Although she was initially known as a muggle fan, she had be a true stan after getting into it once.


    She was posting while annoyed and cursing the agency when a notification from Joo Woosungs SNS appeared.


    Huh?


    Crazy, was it finally happening?


    This guy who constantly posted #Ads #Brand Name without properly showing his face made her feel like she would die.


    But today, he finally posted his own face!


    As she happily scrolled through, the graduate student frowned at the next video that was uploaded.


    Whats this?


    ***


    Daepaseong Entertainment.


    It had only been two days, but because he had done so much, it felt like he hadnte in for a long time.


    After seeing Joo Woosungs apartment once, thepany building looked even more dpidated, and he sighed. But on his phone, he had a powerful weapon hidden.


    As he walked into the building, he saw Jeong Dajun limping anxiously in the lobby.


    Hyung?


    Yeah.


    Jeong Dajuns eyes widened, and he hurriedly ran towards him, grabbing his arm and stretching it out.


    Why werent you answering my calls, Hoyun-hyung?


    Um Your diction is good.


    Oh, hyung!


    Wah, I was unsure if it looked like blood came out of my ears as he kept asking me questions.


    I pulled my arm away from him and asked, How have you been?


    How have I been?


    Kang Ichae popped up beside us. He shook his head like a crazy person.


    It was crazy the past two days.


    Seonghyeon-hyung was going crazy The atmosphere was really tense. Jiwon-hyung covered for that No, thats not important. Did you finally give up?


    What did I give up?


    Huh? You didnte because you couldnt get the song, right?


    These kids really didnt trust me enough.


    I squeezed the back of Jeong Dajuns head as he looked up at me innocently. In the blink of an eye, Jeong Dajun let out a cry of pain that he couldnt help but make, and Kang Ichae met my gaze. A fleeting expression in Kang Ichaes eyes seemed to say, No way.


    Kang Ichae may act like a lunatic, but hes quick-witted.


    Really?


    Yeah, really.


    I replied sullenly. Kang Ichae still doubted me but obediently headed to the practice room.


    There, I saw Kim Seonghyeon and Seong Jiwon having a serious conversation. They both stood up abruptly when they caught sight of me.


    You came back?


    Kim Seonghyeon nced at me, and I could also feel Seong Jiwons embarrassed gaze.


    Why did they both seem so gloomy?


    Hey, Hoyun.


    Seong Jiwon hesitated before approaching me.


    Youve been through a lot, huh?


    Huh?


    I heard thatposer Lim Hyeonsu has a rough personality and a sharp tongue Did she say anything harsh?


    This was an unexpected development.


    Seong Jiwon wasforting me under the assumption that I failed.


    I heard it.


    What What did she say?


    Crazy bastard, idiot, son of a bitch You name it, I heard it.


    Lim Hyeonsus mouth was still bitter.


    As I objectively listed the words I heard, the practice room atmosphere, which was already about to explode, became even tenser.


    Hyung


    Oh dear


    Jeong Dajun cried as if the world hade to an end. Kim Seonghyeon, who I thought would be sarcastic, surprisingly kept his mouth shut and tried to console me.


    Well, you did a good job. Dont be too disappointed that we didnt receive the song


    What are you talking about? When did I say I didnt receive it?


    Huh?


    Of course, I received it. I said I would bring it.


    Everyone had a dazed expression, unable to ept reality.


    I walked past them and connected my phone to the speaker. The speaker was quite worn out. Ill have to buy a new one when I get paid.


    Then I yed the audio file I had received on my phone earlier. I remembered what Lim Hyeonsu had said when she called and sent me the file.


    Hey, I really suddenly got inspired by something. Could it be that my talent is crazy?


    Yes


    <em>Is this asshole even listening?</em>


    At first, it was garbled as if underwater.


    And after a moment, the sound began to be heard properly with a beeping noise, as if waking up. An intense electronic beat began.


    As I kept going, I got excited and put in various things. There are still parts I dont like, so I will change them.


    Anyway, she was a perfectionist. At the same time, I didnt expect her to do it, but Lim Hyeonsu herself sang the guide song. Temporary lyrics were added to match the concept I had conveyed.


    She had a husky womans voice, but there was no problem changing it to a male key.


    <em>Say it once more. Its the beginning for us,</em>


    <em>I wille back every time,</em>


    <em>Dont be afraid of this strange feeling,</em>


    <em>No need to worry.</em>


    <em>The lyrics fit surprisingly well.</em>


    Even without saying it, it was obvious that this was a Blue Tiger song.


    These were Lim Hyeonsus favorite beats, songs, concepts, and styles.


    She whined, but she created a great beat and melody.


    <em>You did well, Lim Hyeonsu.</em>


    Three minutes and forty seconds passed, and the song ended.


    It turned out well. All that was left was to add more detailed nning and story and ask Lim Hyeonsu to modify the lyrics.


    What do you think?


    I turned towards the members with a subtly satisfied expression. I expected them to be jumping with excitement, but they were all


    It was silent.


    Why are you all like that? Are you still suspicious?


    Did they still doubt that its a Blue Tiger song? I even considered making a video call with Lim Hyeonsu to prove it, but Seong Jiwon nodded. It seemed like he understood.


    I trust you.


    Then why? What was with this silence?


    How did you get it? How do you know each other Those things are secondary.


    Meanwhile, Kim Seonghyeon opened his mouth. He seemed hesitant.


    Its ours, right?


    Of course.


    No need to say it was received as a talent donation.


    After a long silence, Kang Ichae spoke up.


    The song is good.


    Suddenly, Jeong Dajun sniffled at those words, startling everyone. I was the most surprised.


    Are you crying?


    No, Im not crying Ugh, its so frustrating.


    Why are you crying?


    Its amon thing that people who were crying often had no answer when asked why they were crying. But I couldnt help but ask because it was so absurd.


    Instead of Jeong Dajun, who was busy pretending not to cry by sniffling, Seong Jiwonforted him and exined to him.


    Maybe its because the song is so good. We received a song that we can only get from a big nning agency. Its unbelievable.


    Wow


    Dajun has been struggling for a year.


    Ah, at least he didnt say he disliked it.


    Jeong Dajun continued to cry while Seong Jiwon offered affectionate words to him.


    Suddenly, Kang Ichae stood up and pped.


    Lets all p. Apuse for us who have escaped from the curse of Pineapple. And apuse for that bastard Seo Hoyun!


    At least the atmosphere changed a bit. It was fortunate that Kang Ichae had a strong mentality.


    No one said anything, but I could tell from their eyes that they were grateful to me. Even Kim Seonghyeon.


    Thank you


    He didnt directly say thank you until the end.


    <em>Ugh</em>


    I quickly revised the image in my mind.


    <em>These guys might end up guaranteeing something they cant handle</em>


    Theyre all too innocent. I waited for this sudden warm atmosphere to calm down. And when Jeong Dajun stopped sniffing, I pped my hands.


    Okay, guys. Lets talk.


    They were afraid of what I would say next, but they just looked at each others faces without saying anything.


    I nodded my head and threw them a printout that I had prepared. Kang Ichae, who was nearby, caught it deftly.


    Whats this?


    Data.


    What data?


    Its not just about picking a song. Choreography, lyrics, nning. Ive gathered all the current trends.


    So what?


    When Jeong Dajun was still bewildered, Kang Ichae and Kim Seonghyeon seemed to have noticed and were already scanning the data.


    Yes, idols had to be quick-witted.


    n it ording to the song, and then we will all look at it.


    Huh?


    We cant apply Pineapples n here. Ill tell the CEO that we need topletely revise it.


    Usually, the first step was to n, and only when it wasplete could you move on toposing, lyrics, and choreography, but we only had one month left.


    Its better to assume were dead.


    Everyone seemed to be determined, nodding their heads like crazy.


    Well work hard.


    Yeah! Lets do it!


    Its already two oclock, right?


    Yeah!


    I looked at my phone.


    Ille back by three. Then well go to the nning meeting.


    You guys had to pay for your meals now.


    Thats ridiculous


    No, well do it.


    While the manager and Jeong Dajun were speechless, Seong Jiwon suddenly stood up with a fierce look in her eyes.


    Ill leave this to you.


    I gestured toward the manager.


    Come with me.


    Me, why?


    Huh? Where are you going, Hoyun-hyung? Arent we supposed to be doing this together?


    Nope. Of course, as a former PD, I could n with my eyes closed, but there was something more urgent now.


    I pointed up in response to Kang Ichaes question.


    To meet with the CEO.


    Everyone was speechless.


    Thats ridiculous?


    We have to start over from scratch, so yeah.


    Hoyun, Im sorry for making you the scapegoat.


    <em>Ding!</em>


    [Um Hmm]


    Even the system window that had been sulking lost its words and sighed towards these innocent members.


    Its okay.


    I turned my head and grabbed the manager, walking briskly to the CEOs office.


    The manager was speechless, but we had business to attend to.


    You said you fixed all the contracts, right?


    Uh, well, but theres no need to call the CEO


    We must consult him about the nsplete overhaul.


    Is actually an excuse.


    I needed to face off with the CEO alone.


    When we arrived at the CEOs office, the man I had seenst time was still looking at documents with a serious expression.


    What is it?


    Hello, Im Seo Hoyun.


    Ah


    Did you want to talk about the contract?


    The CEO narrowed his eyes.


    Yes, thats one of the reasons.


    Please contact me in advance next time. You keep showing up suddenly


    I cant trust this damn entertainmentpany that hasnt done anything even though we had about a month until oureback date.


    As I stayed still, the CEO sighed and gestured to the manager.


    The contract.


    Yes!


    The manager brought it over in a hurry. I quickly nced over the contents of the contract while sitting in front of the CEO.


    Usually, people in their early 20s, and especially those who trained in practice rooms as idols, didnt even know what this and that were, so they just stamped their seal on it and were done with it.


    The search revealed that there was still no properly written contract, so I made a new one ording to the standards.


    The manager exined to me in detail while I dryly flipped through the document consisting of about 10 pages.


    I asked, Did you tell the CEO Im going to overhaul the n?


    Uh? UhI roughly mentioned it, but


    Looks like they skipped over it slyly.


    Overhaul the n? Why?


    Because its a waste of time.


    I looked at the CEO, hoping to see a frown on his face. He probably thought it was just arrogance.


    Suddenly, the manager next to me started tapping his foot.


    H-Hoyun is not just saying this! He brought a song from Blue Tiger!


    <em>Oh, damn it.</em>


    These were the words I was going to use at the crucial moment, the words I was going to use to encourage him, but they didnte out.


    I gave the manager a cold nce and turned my eyes to the CEO, who looked interested.


    From Blue Tiger?


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