The rookie girl group ‘Lime Some’, only a year into their debut. Though they were a girl group on the more skilled side, ‘Lime Some’ had only just begun appearing on music shows and minor variety programs. The idol industry market was tremendously large, and thus overflowing with competitors.
Still, for a group like ‘Lime Some’, things weren’t bad.
They had various music shows seeking them out for their promotional songs, and this time, they had even been cast in a new variety show by big-name PD Woo Hanseok. Hayoung, a member of said ‘Lime Some’, served as the visual center.
However, Hayoung wasn’t the type to neglect practice just because she was the visual center who trusted in her face alone.
Rather, she was quite famous as a practice addict.
Vocals, choreography, speech, and so on.
She had received considerable criticism for lacking in many areas since her trainee days.
Thus, from the day she was cast for the female part choreography of the song ‘brake’, Hayoung had practiced quite fervently. Well, she wasn’t the main focus of ‘Geubaekpeu’, a survival audition variety show, but still, appearing for even a few minutes on such a massive program—where was the shame in that?
The impact would be several times greater than appearing on average music shows.
Hayoung’s agency couldn’t possibly be unaware of this, so they assigned the company’s choreography trainers to her, teaching her the ‘brake’ dance. At this point, Hayoung’s ‘brake’ choreography was fairly high-level. Thus, when she first matched up with Number 1—no, Gang Rojun—she had been able to approach it with confidence.
PD Woo Hanseok’s advance bait had also played a part.
‘If you see anything lacking, feel free to give some light advice. Nothing too intense.’
However, the moment Hayoung met Rojun, she was overwhelmed by his visual pressure, and after their first practice together, she fell into deep shock.
‘…Wh-what? He’s good?? Similar to our choreography instructors? Maybe even better.’
Advice, my foot—Number 1’s choreography skills were already at a professional level. And what was more.
“Was it not good?”
He asked calmly with that absurdly handsome face. Did he really not know? Hayoung was confused. Soon, she steadied her rough breathing and asked Rojun,
“Uh… Number 1. Before doing this ‘Geubaekpeu’, were you ever a trainee anywhere?”
Gang Rojun shook his head as if it were nothing special.
“No. This is my first time in this field.”
“F-first time??”
“Yes.”
“You’ve never learned anywhere? Not even a dance club in school, nor an academy?”
“I haven’t really learned anywhere.”
“……”
Hayoung short-circuited even further. On the other hand, Rojun could be sure from her reaction.
‘I thought I was killing it in my own eyes, but I wondered how it looked to others. Seeing her reaction, I think I pass. As expected, ‘AI Automation’.’
The best teacher was ‘AI Simulation’.
Then Hayoung, who had retied her slightly disheveled hair, moved.
“L-let’s try again.”
“Sure.”
She played ‘brake’ again. As before, Hayoung took the cue, and timed to the beat, Gang Rojun and Hayoung launched into the choreography.
-♬♪
At the start, both walked fluidly to the rhythm. While focusing on her own movements, Hayoung carefully examined Gang Rojun’s posture in the mirror before them.
Next cut.
‘His transitions are clean. Evidence that he has thoroughly memorized the choreography. He must have practiced to the point where his body moves the moment the song plays.’
In the next cut, as well.
‘The male part of ‘brake’ has bigger, more powerful movements compared to the female part. But his dance is somehow… carefree? Yet it flows smoothly. Is his dance line pretty, or is it unique…… What is certain is that he’s good. Really good?’
Of course, Hayoung was still in a position where she had much to learn. Still, having devoted several years to dance including her trainee period, she knew far more than Rojun, and at this moment, Hayoung realized one thing for certain.
‘I… need to practice more. If I go on broadcast like this, word might get out that I was outdone by him in skill.’
A crisis had arrived.
No matter how much of a rookie girl group she was, she was an active idol. To hear that she had been outdone in dance skill by Number 1, who wasn’t even an official trainee yet?
It was a very bad look.
And so, after the second run ended.
-Swish.
Hayoung, wiping away sweat, spoke to Rojun.
“Your dance feeling is really good, Number 1. Anyway, what’s certain is that I don’t think I’m at a level to evaluate you.”
Gang Rojun became slightly awkward at the sudden praise.
“Thank you. You’re amazing too, Hayoung.”
At that moment, the smartwatch on his wrist vibrated. When he glanced at it, a notification had popped up.
-[Hidden Mission ‘Receiving First Praise from an Idol Senior!’ has been achieved! You have been granted 10 Coins as a gift.]
Hayoung, unaware that she had given him a gift, continued.
“S-so, overall, how should I put it, your dance line is really smooth… But I tend to receive criticism for being a bit stiff? How do you dance so… sleekly like that?”
“I think it’s just… removing all my strength and surrendering my body to the flow? Something like that.”
Honestly, Rojun didn’t really know either. However, he wasn’t lying. He truly was doing exactly that.
“Remove strength and surrender to the flow. Whew—let’s try again! If I keep watching your choreography, I feel like I’ll understand what you mean!”
“Is there nothing you see that I should fix?”
“Something to fix? Choreography-wise, I don’t think there’s anything in particular. If I had to mention one thing, it’s your expression.”
“Expression?”
“Yes. Should I say your face is too immersed in the choreography? When you’re on stage, expressions are part of the choreography too. You decide which cut to smile at, which cut to make what expression, and then go in. So from now on, practice smiling while doing the choreography.”
Expression. Gang Rojun had read about it while studying too. That even expressions had to look cool in choreography. Furthermore, expressions could become a powerful performance.
‘Hmm— for expressions, I want to handle it myself without the ‘AI Automation’. Would a relaxed, enjoying-it kind of feeling be enough? Let’s just try.’
Then, the third choreography run.
-♬♪
Hayoung was surprised once again.
‘Wow— his expression improved right away?? Is he a sponge or what?’
It was thanks to Gang Rojun’s absorption ability.
After that.
Hayoung, who had finished matching with Rojun, finally boarded the company van around the afternoon. But she didn’t return to the dormitory—she headed to the agency’s practice room.
‘Let me absorb what I saw today. By the time of the actual filming, I should be a bit better.’
Gang Rojun, who had only entered this scene a few weeks ago, had essentially lit a fire under Hayoung. And so, exactly two days later on the morning of the 23rd, she visited ‘Geubaekpeu’ again.
This time, it was to match choreography with Number 10.
Before meeting her, the red-haired Number 10 was in the middle of a brief interview with the production crew.
“Hello, Number 10.”
“Hello—”
“How has the dormitory training been?”
“It’s nice~ The participants treat me well and the food is delicious.”
“What about training?”
“It’s totally great. I was able to fix flaws and postures I didn’t know I had. I can also hear tips from senior sunbaes.”
“Who is the person you’re most conscious of in ‘Geubaekpeu’ right now?”
“Ah, it’s definitely Number 1. He’s so unusual, right? I’m supposed to face him in the second evaluation, and also— just look at Number 1’s face. Probably all the participants here are most conscious of Number 1.”
“How do you think the second evaluation will go? You’ll soon be in a choreography survival match with Number 1.”
“It’ll be tough, but I have to win. Honestly, I think I’m a bit ahead in choreography.”
Having finished the interview, Number 10 met Hayoung in the practice room. Number 10 bounded about as he shook hands with her.
“Wow— Hayoung! Hello!”
“Ah, yes. Hello.”
“You’re so, so, so much prettier in person than on TV!”
“Thank you.”
From the start, Hayoung compared Number 10 with Number 1.
‘Number 1 had an overwhelming face and overall aura, but— this one is just a bit unlikable?’
But work was work. She couldn’t slack off just because she found the person somewhat unpleasant. Hayoung maturely led Number 10.
“Shall we try if you’re ready? The first verse, right?”
“Yep!”
The song ‘brake’ soon filled the practice room.
-♬♪
And around the middle of the choreography, Hayoung, who was matching with Number 10, was slightly surprised inwardly.
‘Wow, he’s better than I thought?’
Unexpectedly, Number 10 was skilled too.
‘He’s definitely 180 degrees different from Number 1. If Number 1 has a slightly wild? free-spirited? feel, this guy is elite.’
Hayoung wasn’t one to recklessly judge who was better or worse, but she had her honest impressions.
‘But to me— I definitely prefer Number 1’s style.’
Meanwhile.
While Hayoung was busy matching with Number 10, Gang Rojun was preparing to go out. Today was the day he had arranged to meet with PD Jeong Suryeong.
‘A mask and a cap. This should be enough to cover up.’
Room 105 only had Gang Rojun. The other participants were all in training or practice. Then Rojun sat on the edge of a single bed, waiting for the production crew’s call. He had planned to take a taxi, but with good timing, he was able to catch a ride with some staff who were heading out.
While waiting, Gang Rojun opened the ‘AI Simulation’ app.
He had already completed today’s mission in advance.
-[Held Coins: 344]
Having checked his coins, he invested 10 coins in singing ability while he was at it. While checking the changes, a staff member came to get him, and Gang Rojun comfortably left the ‘Geubaekpeu’ campus and headed straight to SBC.
About an hour later.
As Gang Rojun arrived at SBC, he saw PD Jeong Suryeong standing near the entrance. With her dull brown hair loose, she approached and waved.
“It’s been a while, Writer? The mysterious concept again today?”
“Hello.”
“How about we talk outside this hectic broadcasting station today? Have you eaten breakfast?”
“No, not yet.”
“Then shall we eat first?”
PD Jeong Suryeong guided Gang Rojun with familiarity. It was a budae jjigae restaurant near the broadcasting station; she seemed close with the owner, greeting her before immediately moving to a small room. Having taken her seat, Jeong Suryeong rubbed her hands together.
“It’s delicious here. I usually come here to nurse a hangover, but the broth is amazing. Since it’s a private room, you can maintain your mysterious concept too, Writer.”
“Thank you.”
Rojun gave a slight bow and removed his mask and cap. Jeong Suryeong, who had been pulling out tissues, exclaimed.
“But really…… It’s like God poured handsome all over you, Writer. I usually don’t get surprised by just any visuals, but you surprise me every time.”
Just then, the owner lady entered carrying a budae jjigae pot. The interesting thing was,
“Oh my? Who is this young man?? An actor?”
That the owner lady showed interest the moment she saw Rojun. Jeong Suryeong chuckled.
“No. He’s a writer, a writer.”
“Really?? Ah, you’re lying. He’s an actor, an actor. Where is there such a handsome writer? Oh my— he’s really handsome. Here, let me give you some extra ham.”
“Wow— guess you gotta be handsome. The stingy owner is pouring out freebies.”
Indeed, the owner lady brought out a rolled omelet as a service too, along with the extra ham. Gang Rojun was purely delighted.
‘Being handsome is the best. Thrilling.’
Then both Jeong Suryeong and Gang Rojun began to eat. Only after about 30 or 40 minutes did Jeong Suryeong set down her spoon.
“Ugh, I’m going to burst.”
“Thank you for the meal.”
“What are you talking about? Thanks to you, I got to receive service here.”
Jeong Suryeong downed a few cups of water and changed the subject.
“Let’s see. First, ‘Rental Lover’—as I mentioned on the call, production is confirmed and I’m taking on directing. We’ll start pre-production in a few days. Ah, have you heard of pre-production?”
It was a term Gang Rojun had seen before. He had come across it while searching writer-related terms.
“Yes. It’s the preparation stage.”
“That’s right. Simply put, consider it the period where we do all the preparation before production. Anyway, we’ll assemble staff within this month, and since the script is already out, we just need simple revisions and supplements. It’s about 2-3 episodes’ worth, so would today be alright?”
“It is.”
“Okay— then that’s settled. We’ll probably start putting actors on the shortlist while assembling staff, but as you know, A-list actors don’t attach to one-act dramas. The production budget is tight too.”
This was something Gang Rojun knew as well.
‘Don’t they usually use rookies?’
Jeong Suryeong spoke again.
“Well, occasionally—through connections— a decent actor does a one-act drama. But that’s only if the actor happens to like the script, and virtually never happens. So usually we circulate scripts to agencies and mainly cast rookies.”
“I understand.”
“Yeah, but do you happen to have any actor in mind while writing?”
“……”
Rojun, who had been silent for a moment,
replied indifferently.
“No, there isn’t an actor I had in mind, but.”
“Is it possible for me to appear?”