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Chapter 03
The next day at 12:50 PM, ten minutes ahead of my appointment, I arrived in front of the Music Prove agency building.
Looking at the building—which was no different from my memories, or rather, just a little less aged—gave me a strangely odd feeling. Back when I frequented the place for work, they said not a single person who used to look out for the team was left at the company. I wondered how things were right now.
If I end up joining…, I need to hold on to our ‘allies’ who supposedly resigned and prevent them from leaving. For instance,
Lee Su-bin, the New Artist Development Team Leader who left that casting comment on my video.
According to Kang Su-ah, Team Leader Lee Su-bin had gathered all the members of EVERGREET completely on her own. On top of that, the quality of their debut album being surprisingly good despite the ridiculously low budget was also thanks to her efforts.
The more allies we have in the company, the better. And what if those allies happen to be highly competent, too? That’s even better.
…Alright, since she’ll definitely be part of Music Prove until our debut, I must find a way to keep Team Leader Lee Su-bin from quitting after we debut.
Yesterday, Team Leader Lee Su-bin sent me the agency address via text and told me to wait in the lobby when I arrived. Quietly sitting on a sofa in a corner of the lobby, I waited for her to come out.
“Are you Seo Jion-yang?” “Ah, yes. That’s me.”
At the gentle voice, I reflexively stood up and put on a polite, professional smile. A woman with a warm impression greeted me with a kind expression.
“Welcome! I’m Lee Su-bin, Team Leader of the New Artist Development Team. You’re even prettier in person than in the video!” “Ah…, t-thank you! I’m a bit weak to compliments…”
Team Leader Lee Su-bin smiled softly as she watched me fidget awkwardly. …Well, still better than leaving a bad first impression, right? Having heard people say I look cold or standoffish so often, I still have no idea how to react to compliments about my appearance.
“Is that a guitar beside you?” “Ah, yes. I thought accompanying myself would be better than rushing to find a backing track. Is that alright?” “Oh no, we actually prefer it! Since it’s heavy, shall we drop it off where we’ll shoot the audition video and take a tour of the company first?”
Following Team Leader Lee Su-bin, I took the elevator to the 3rd floor. Leaving my guitar briefly in the 3rd-floor dance practice room, I followed her for a general tour of the Music Prove building. Nothing really seemed different from what I remembered.
“It’s a great company for making music. You might feel anxious because we don’t have prior experience launching an idol group…, but the working-level staff will do our best to ensure everything goes smoothly.”
Unfortunately, problems will arise. I believe this was one of the issues Kang Su-ah had mentioned before.
Still, I put on the smile of a ‘music-loving ordinary person who happens to be interested in becoming a singer.’ Unless you’re in the industry, there’s no way to know just how different launching an idol group is from managing regular singers… So I nodded with a “Isn’t it basically the same thing?” look on my face.
“Ah, Team Leader, hello! Next to… you…?”
Huh? It’s Kang Su-ah.
“What the—Seo Jion, why are you here?!” “Do you two know each other?” “Yes! We’re university roommates, we shared a dorm room this semester!”
At that, Team Leader Lee Su-bin turned to look at me in surprise.
“Jion-yang, you’re at Seojeong Arts?” “Ah…, yes. But I’m not a vocal major, I’m in Practical Music Composition.”
This situation strangely makes it feel like I did something wrong…? I chuckled awkwardly and pondered how to navigate this uncomfortable situation.
“By the way, why are you here?” “I’m a trainee here… Ah, I guess I never told you?” “Yeah, you really caught me off guard.”
First, I pretended to be surprised, as if I had no idea I would bump into Kang Su-ah here.
“I hesitated on whether to mention my university, but the timing was awkward so I couldn’t bring it up. Since I’m in composition rather than vocals, it felt a bit much to mention it first…”
I also put on an embarrassed act, as if I had simply missed the right moment to tell her.
“It’s alright. I was planning to ask while explaining things like contracts and trainee life after shooting the video, but I just found out a little earlier.”
At that, Team Leader Lee Su-bin nodded lightly in understanding. Great, managed to smooth that over nicely.
“Su-ah, could you take the others and stay on another floor for a bit?
We need to shoot a quick audition video on the 3rd floor.” “Yup!
Actually, the girls just came back from school and are still eating lunch. I’m the only one who came back a bit early…” “Is that so? Then even if the dance practice room door is closed, tell them not to barge in and just wait somewhere else.” “Got it!”
With a bright smile, Kang Su-ah ran down the stairs, but before doing so, she looked at me and mouthed softly, ‘See you later.’ I really wish she could remain that bright and cheerful in the future, too.
“Shall we head over to shoot the audition video then? Like I said earlier, there’s no need to be overly nervous. Think of it as a camera test.” “Ah, yes!”
Prompt action and a polite attitude set the tone for a first impression. Following Team Leader Lee Su-bin, I headed to the 3rd-floor practice room where I had left my guitar.
There wasn’t much special about the practice room where the audition video was being filmed. Just a tripod with a camera, and another employee from the New Artist Development Team sitting nearby.
Although I had tuned it yesterday, I checked the guitar’s tuning one last time just in case. E2, A, D, G, B, E4. Once I verified that every string produced a clear, accurate pitch, I adjusted the strap length appropriately and slung the guitar over my shoulder.
“I’m all ready.” “Great. Once the camera turns on, state your name, age, and the title of the song you prepared, then start right away.” “Starting the recording now.”
At the voices of Team Leader Lee Su-bin and the staff member,
I naturally tensed up a bit. It felt like it had been a really long time since I sang in front of someone in such a formal setup… But since it was a casting call anyway, I felt a bit more at ease realizing I wouldn’t fail unless I completely blew it.
The camera powered on. It would be recording from now on.
“Hello, I am twenty-year-old Seo Jion. The song I prepared is ‘Yourself’ by Chloe Beans.”
Phew. One, two, three, and.
A cheerful guitar melody—so familiar I could play it with my eyes closed—flowed out from my fingertips.
The audition seemed to end fairly well. When she asked if I had any ballad or rock style songs I could perform, I sang two more tracks, and the Team Leader seemed to like them even more than expected.
“…So, if you end up debuting, we’d like to assign you the main vocal position, Jion-yang.”
To think she’d say such a thing, when I never considered myself particularly exceptional at singing. I always thought my vocal style was more the ‘likable’ type rather than the ‘technically skilled’ type. This was truly unexpected.
“Since you’re twenty, you’re legally an adult and technically don’t need parental consent… but rather than making a decision right this moment, it would be better to discuss it with your parents first.”
Because one shouldn’t sign these kinds of contracts recklessly. Team Leader Lee Su-bin let out a warm, genial laugh.
Parents…, parents, huh. Hearing that made me think about my parents for a second, but I quickly dismissed the thought. Instead, I recalled a certain professor who emphasized the importance of contracts in every single lecture.
A single mistake on a contract can strip away your copyright!An adult who rushes you to sign a contract quickly is a very bad adult!!Every contract must be read thoroughly to check for absurd poison pills, and you must think twice before signing!!!
It was the ‘Did you think before signing?’ series constantly emphasized by a professor who taught harmony in the Practical Music Department at Seojeong Arts.
The professor told us every day to always be careful with contracts. Contracts are like wordplay, so getting scammed will piss you off to no end… Surprisingly, things you need to watch out for in life are pent-up anger and stress. The professor’s voice reminding us to check contracts carefully so we wouldn’t have reasons to be furious resonated vividly today.
Team Leader Lee Su-bin is undoubtedly a good person. Still, contracts ought to be reviewed thoroughly and pondered over for a long time before signing…
Receiving Team Leader Lee Su-bin’s personal contact info, business card, and a copy of the contract, I politely took my leave from the Music Prove building, saying I would contact her within a few days. Ah, right. When I asked if they had a trainee dorm, she mentioned I could move in if I wanted. Looks like my housing issue might be resolved soon, too! A dorm is five thousand times better than a goshiwon, after all…
[▷ Tutorial Quest: Join the agency ‘Music Prove’. (Time remaining: D-8)]
I stared intently at the text on the semi-transparent panel. Since I still had about a week to spare, I planned to take a reasonable amount of time pretending to deliberate before getting back to her.
— Seojeong 2N Vocal Kang Su-ah: Don’t go — Seojeong 2N Vocal Kang Su-ah: Seriously wait — Seojeong 2N Vocal Kang Su-ah: I’ll buy you dinner!!! — Seojeong 2N Vocal Kang Su-ah: (Emoticon of a rabbit begging desperately)
Opening my mobile messenger, a barrage of messages from Kang Su-ah poured in. Did she send these in a rush right before going into practice? A smirk escaped my lips at the oddly desperate texts.
— LOL OLOL — Got it, kkk — Starbacks next to the building — I’ll be there LOL
Since she begged so earnestly, there was no reason to ignore her and leave. Plus, whether I liked it or not, I had to maintain a good relationship with her moving forward… Well, getting a free dinner sounded pretty good to me anyway.
“Hello. Su-ah unnie said she’d buy me dinner so I followed her along, but she didn’t mention she had a friend here…” “She’s a trainee at our company. It’s fine if she eats with us, right?”
…I definitely didn’t foresee this situation, though.
Standing beside Kang Su-ah was a trainee who looked at least 5 centimeters taller than her, with a well-maintained, lovely physique and a face that looked as though she had heard she was handsome her entire life. If Kang Su-ah gave off a “Wow, she’s really pretty!” vibe, this girl was closer to “You’re seriously handsome!” Her sharp, distinct facial features—defined more by straight lines than soft curves—gave the impression of handsome good looks.
Not an unfamiliar face. Go Hyeon-seo. Was she one year younger than me? I hadn’t seen her as often as the other members, but her face was unforgettable once seen, so I remembered her.
“Fine by me, but if there’s going to be someone else at the meetup, do let your companion know in advance. Ah, I’m Seo Jion, her friend and college roommate.” “Is there no friendlier title than ‘roommate’? Sounds way too business-like.” “We are roommates, what else?” “Wow… Seo Jion definitely saved my contact as ‘Seojeong 2N Vocal Kang Su-ah.’ Seriously so cold, zero affection!” “Oh, hit the nail on the head. Saved as ‘Seojeong 2N Vocal Kang Su-ah’.” “…Are you a T?” “Why ask the obvious again?”
Go Hyeon-seo watched our banter silently before letting out a quiet chuckle. It must be funny, seeing an unnie who brought her along for a free meal bickering with her friend over being a ‘T’ or not…
“That unnie asks me if I’m a T every single day, too… I’m Go Hyeon-seo. I’m 19, and you can speak comfortably with me.” “Is that alright when we just met today?” “Aren’t you older than me, unnie? Then dropping honorifics makes me feel more comfortable.”
This girl, back then and now—or rather, in the future too? In any case, she was a natural at steering conversations her way. I smirked softly and replied that I’d speak comfortably then.
“So what are you buying us?” “I have a place in mind! Just follow me.” “Unnie, are you going there again? You said you went yesterday, too.” “…Hyeon-seo-ya, can’t you just follow this unnie without asking…” “Jion unnie, do you like sushi? There’s a Japanese restaurant Su-ah unnie goes to all the time.” “Yeah, I like Japanese food.” “Then that settles it.” “…Why am I being treated like this?! Both of you are so mean, honestly…”
Watching Kang Su-ah pouting slightly made me laugh out loud. Yeah, you’re better off being a little naive and playful like that.
“Are you laughing?!” “Yeah, it’s funny.”
So mean! Comforting the whining Kang Su-ah, the three of us arrived at the restaurant. Is this Japanese restaurant that place? The delicious spot nearby that eventually closed down. I had wanted to try it back then, but I never imagined I’d come here like this.
By the way, Go Hyeon-seo was still at Music Prove during this time. In the previous timeline, the first time I met Go Hyeon-seo was much later, around the time I started producing for EVERGREET and she stopped by near the agency to visit the members.
‘Honestly…, as you know, unnie, the company… Life was just too tough to only chase a dream. I felt I had given it my best shot.’
When Kang Su-ah showed me her practice video boasting about how amazing she was, I was surprised and asked why she had quit, and that was her reply. Since I didn’t know the exact time she quit, I couldn’t be sure, but if she had no intention of quitting yet, she was definitely someone I had to hold onto. Although EVERGREET’s leader was Kang Su-ah, she claimed she only took the role because she was the oldest. She mentioned there was originally another trainee expected to be the leader, and circumstantially, that was likely Go Hyeon-seo.
“Hyeon-seo is famous. She made it all the way to the survival show finals, you know?” “Well…, that was because I got cut from my original agency’s debut group, which led me to join it in the first place.”
I just nodded along listening to the conversation passing between the two. It was my way of showing I was listening.
“Besides, failing at the end makes it kinda meaningless anyway.” “Who says it’s meaningless?! Who is it, name them! I’ll go beat them up right now!” “…No, that’s just how I feel. You gonna beat me up?” “…Well, no…”
Seeing Kang Su-ah’s fighting spirit instantly deflate, I chuckled to myself. Give it up. Even if you mature, you won’t win an argument against Hyeon-seo.
“Is the name of that survival show by any chance ? On V.net. I was a high school senior last year so I couldn’t watch it, but I heard my juniors talking about it.” “Yeah, . It wasn’t a super high-profile program, so I didn’t think you’d know it.”
I put on a surprised expression, as if I had just guessed it out of nowhere… Even though I knew all about it from hearing it in the past.
Go Hyeon-seo was a trainee who made it into the top 18 finalists on V.net’s girl group survival audition . At the same time, she was a member of the 1st cover song mission performance , which was considered legendary on the show.
[Exclusive/Vertical Fancam] Go Hyeon-seo oneN:D ♬Bad problem_Team 2 @Team Battle Mission #DreamGirlsProject 810,000 views · 1 year ago @Vnet TV
[Episode 4] ‘Confident in 1st place’ Be The First │ oneN:D ♬Bad problem_Team 2 @Team Battle Mission #DreamGirlsProject 8.44M views · 1 year ago @Vnet TV
To give you an idea: her individual fancam view count ranked #1 among all individual fancams across the entire competition during the 1st round—a powerhouse dancer who wouldn’t lose even against main dancers of active girl groups. Her stage presence and charisma completely mastered and reinterpreted —a hit song by 2nd-gen top boy group oneN:D that usually drew lukewarm responses no matter who covered it.
The future may be uncertain, but of this one thing I am sure: if she joins, Go Hyeon-seo will unconditionally be an invaluable asset to the team throughout her career. This is the second reason why I must bring Go Hyeon-seo along all the way to our debut.
