It was Wednesday, a day after the production presentation for “Rental Lover” had ended. Following yesterday, the internet was, quite literally, a feast of “Rental Lover” and “Writer Rojun.” Media and public opinion alike were spewing out issue after issue.
It was selling that well, so fuel was being thrown onto the fire without end. The public’s fingers showed no sign of stopping either.
But Kang Rojun’s early morning hadn’t changed much. He woke up earlier than anyone else on campus and began with a run. After completing his daily mission, he invested 20 coins into stat enhancement.
Then he settled into the lounge.
Rojun opened his laptop. Compared to the other contestants, he had relatively more breathing room. Starting with his fellow Room 101 trainees, the remaining contestants had to fill their entire day with practice, but Kang Rojun had already learned through “AI Automation,” or was being strengthened every single day, so he could allocate his time. The same went for the recent theme song, “Survival 100.”
‘Vocals are no problem—and once the choreography is finalized, I can learn it then.’
That didn’t mean Kang Rojun didn’t practice at all. Once his personal activities ended in the morning, he joined practice from lunchtime onward. In any case, sitting alone in the lounge, Rojun activated his familiar routine.
Starting with lyric writing, then moving on to composition, and once his composition study was finished, straight into work on the scenario he was currently writing.
For reference, the scenario was already about halfway complete before he knew it. Rojun stopped the fingers that had been tapping at the laptop and folded his arms.
‘Hmm—once I finish this, how should I try moving it around?’
He was thinking about what to do after finishing the film scenario. There were quite a few methods. He could look for a contest like with “Rental Lover,” or submit it to film companies and the like.
‘Or I could ask Producer Jeong Suryeong.’
Jeong Suryeong was a veteran with over ten years of experience, so she was bound to have connections in the film world too. Anything would be fine, but Rojun established one criterion.
‘It’s right to hide the fact that I wrote it at first.’
At present, Kang Rojun had considerable issue power. In fact, right now the internet was in an uproar over “Rental Lover.” If, in this situation, Rojun circulated a film scenario saying he had written it, something strange might happen. It was only natural people would look at it through tinted glasses, and there was a high chance the scenario wouldn’t be evaluated properly.
There was no problem with a work being accompanied by the halo of fame, but when there were too many boatmen, the boat went up the mountain.
It could easily lead to an unintended result.
‘It’s a side job, but if possible, I do want to do this writer thing properly too.’
He had only come to realize it belatedly after coming here, but in a way, for Rojun, the thing that had taken root before being an idol was being a writer. A feeling of being a bit attached to it? After pondering for a while, he resumed tapping on the laptop and murmured quietly.
“First, I’ll finish it and ask Producer Jeong Suryeong.”
Afterward.
Having completed his morning tasks, Kang Rojun began practicing with the other contestants around lunchtime. Producer Woo Hanseok’s orders were clear. The stages each contestant had shown in the evaluations so far, “Produce,” and practice for “Survival 100.” Make what they were good at shine even more, and if they were lacking, fill in the parts that felt regrettable.
Accordingly.
-♬♪
The ten contestants, including Rojun, continued practicing in various practice rooms, either gathered in small groups or individually. Kang Rojun put in his earphones and moved alone. He planned to start with “Farewell” and expand from there into “brake” and so on.
‘Is it because my stat scores have gone up? It’s become really smooth. How should I put it—my senses, and even how fast my head works.’
Doing well at something he had become good at was fun.
There were clearly still countless things he didn’t know, yet things outside vocals or choreography were being digested without much difficulty. The unfamiliar manifested according to his thoughts, according to his wishes, and even at a high level. For Rojun, who was new to the idol scene, the thrill was doubled.
While all the contestants were in the middle of sweating buckets.
-[Hello, this is Producer Woo Hanseok of “Produce That 100!”]
Producer Woo Hanseok once again sent word to the dozens of entertainment agencies that had attended the fourth evaluation. The message was fairly long, but to summarize, it was this: submit the self-PR he had mentioned at the previous meeting, which might eventually be used for broadcast purposes. It also included the statement that the introductions would be used when the final winning contestants selected you.
The entertainment agencies heated up properly.
“Emergency meeting! All department team leaders to the main conference room!!”
It was thanks to the skills the contestants had shown in the fourth evaluation, the ripple effect of “The 100 Produce,” and Kang Rojun, who was drawing the maximum amount of attention.
Then, late that afternoon, Producer Woo Hanseok, who had returned to campus, gathered the ten contestants.
“First, I’ll inform you in advance of what’s been decided regarding ‘Survival 100.’ For reference, Judge Lee Dami has taken charge of producing ‘Survival 100.’”
Lee Dami was from a first-generation girl group and was also running a mid-sized entertainment agency. She was perfect for producing the theme song.
“Starting with vocals. Basically, all ten of you will have vocal parts. Among them, the lead vocal will be Sihu.”
Baby-perm 58 Sihu opened his eyes wide. Seeing him, Woo Hanseok smiled.
“The lead vocal has to have stable pitch and an elegant tone. On top of that, they need to be able to support the flow before the song’s climax. That’s why we decided on Sihu.”
Soon, Producer Woo Hanseok’s gaze landed on Kang Rojun.
“The main vocal will be Rojun. You all know why, right?”
All the contestants looked at Rojun and gave a small round of applause. The atmosphere was one where everyone acknowledged it. 26 Dogyeong muttered indifferently to Kang Rojun.
“I figured you’d be main vocal, hyung. Honestly, there’s no one whose vocals are crazier than yours.”
After that, Producer Woo Hanseok continued briefing them on the song parts, and before long, changed the topic to choreography.
“I received word from Judge Lee Hanna that the choreography has been completed. Tomorrow, there will be a choreography announcement shoot. And—Rojun and Sihu.”
Woo Hanseok called Kang Rojun and 58 Sihu aside and made a request.
“For the Japanese version recording of ‘Survival 100,’ I’d like the two of you to help your fellow contestants a bit.”
The new theme song, “Survival 100,” currently existed in two versions: Korean and Japanese. The choreography could proceed the same way, but because the vocal recording was in a different language, it had to be done separately.
“There are ten people, so the individual vocal parts are short, but aside from Rojun and Sihu, it’s everyone’s first time with Japanese.”
Kang Rojun and 58 Sihu nodded as if they understood. Producer Woo Hanseok expressed his thanks and then moved close to Rojun.
“When we go to Japan, I think most of the comments will be made by you, Rojun. Is that okay?”
“Ah—yes.”
Producer Woo Hanseok stared fixedly at Kang Rojun’s face for a short while, then replied.
“As expected, I think it would be best for Rojun to take the role of team leader.”
At the same time, in Song Mingeun’s recording studio.
The great singer Park Hyeonjeong, who had been passionately singing in the recording booth, came outside. Looking tired, she tilted her head from side to side.
“Haa—”
She flopped down onto the sofa and stretched out wide.
“Finished!”
It seemed the recording had ended. As she briskly took off the cap she had been wearing, the plump Song Mingeun, seated in front of the equipment, shook his head from side to side. Whether he did or not, Park Hyeonjeong, whose face held a mix of sexiness, suddenly—
“……”
She thought back to the song she had just sung, “Black-and-White Sound.” More precisely, to Kang Rojun, who had written the lyrics for “Black-and-White Sound.” Since there had also been that outrageous production presentation she had seen yesterday, she brought up Rojun.
“I think that kid Rojun is really something. A lyricist, a writer, and even an actor?? I’ve seen idols who act or compose on the side, but this is the first time I’ve seen someone do that many things. And he hasn’t even officially debuted as an idol yet.”
As if agreeing, Song Mingeun stroked his chin.
“I’m telling you, from the first time I saw him, there was something absurd about him. You should’ve seen him sing ‘Farewell’ in person.”
“What’s really ridiculous is that it’s not just his side jobs that are outstanding. His talent as an idol, including his vocals, shines the most. If someone has a lot of side jobs, they can easily go off track, but with him, you can feel that music is the main thing. Did you see him when he recorded the guide? His eyes were sparkling.”
“Why? Does it remind you of when you were a rookie?”
“……Anyway, I really want Rojun’s vocal tone—if I ask him to feature, would he agree?”
“I knew it.”
“What.”
“It’s obvious you fell for Rojun’s vocals. Totally obvious.”
Park Hyeonjeong pouted. Soon, Song Mingeun, who was also a judge on “The 100 Produce,” calculated something and answered.
“Rojun will be the one choosing, but it’s not just any singer—it’s a Park Hyeonjeong feature, so he’d usually do it. But isn’t it a bit early right now?”
“Right?”
“Yeah. His name was just revealed, wasn’t it? At the very least, he should have the label of an official idol. If it’s at least after he wins the final of ‘The 100 Produce,’ that wouldn’t be bad.”
“What? Oppa, are you sure Rojun is going to win?”
“Winning itself has no meaning. In terms of recognition alone, he’s already surpassed rookie idols. At this rate, he’ll threaten even top-ranking idols. Anyway—Park Hyeonjeong’s song featuring Rojun…… If that’s confirmed, I’ll work on it.”
“I’m already looking forward to it.”
“More than that, we need to throw out the fact that Rojun is the lyricist on this Park Hyeonjeong song first.”
Song Mingeun chuckled and felt goosebumps rise on his forearm.
“After writer comes lyricist, huh—that guy’s issues just never stop.”
Late Thursday morning, “The 100 Produce” campus.
In the vast hall with the stage, Producer Woo Hanseok and dozens of staff members had gathered, and the filming setup was complete. The cameras were focusing on the ten contestants. Among them was the black-haired Kang Rojun.
“……”
Rojun’s expression was quite serious. The other contestants were the same. Standing in front of them was Lee Hanna, whose firm lean muscles stood out. With an expression founded on confidence, Lee Hanna opened her mouth toward the contestants.
“Before the explanation, let’s watch the stage first.”
As soon as she finished speaking, several people climbed onto the stage. Five men whose bodies looked flexible at a glance. Among them were people wearing hats or with bright red hair. They were members of Lee Hanna’s dance team, and the dancers immediately took their positions according to the set formation.
A brief moment of silence.
Then.
-♬♪
A familiar melody spread through the hall. The new theme song “Survival 100,” with Kang Rojun’s voice inserted into it. An intro with a rhythm similar to a rapid heartbeat. Soon, the dancers who had been standing still stomped the floor with their feet several times at the same time. Then, scattered at intervals of one step, they stretched out their arms and legs and unfolded the choreography in dazzling fashion.
A few of the contestants quietly exclaimed as they watched the dancers.
“Whoa—”
“That’s killer.”
What the “The 100 Produce” contestants were watching now was the finalized choreography for “Survival 100,” and the dancers swept across the stage for several minutes, showing off their professional side. In the eyes of the contestants, including 58 Sihu and 26 Dogyeong, a slight fear settled in. Even at a rough glance, the dancers’ choreography was high-level.
‘“Produce” was actually really easy……’
Certainly, there had been simple and clear aspects to the choreography for “Produce.” Considering the level of the contestants at the time, and because there had been a large number of people, Lee Hanna had choreographed it simply.
But this one was different.
The details had become extremely deep, and there were more movements and gestures. There was nothing from head to toe that went unused. It was truly at a level no different from the choreography for an idol song. So the contestants had no choice but to be intimidated first. On the other hand, Kang Rojun recognized, just like the other contestants, that the choreography had become harder, but he wasn’t intimidated. He was simply feeling fascinated.
‘It definitely—sticks properly in my memory.’
The choreography was clearly difficult, but he had the sense that he could somehow manage to follow it.
It was only natural.
Because Kang Rojun was growing steadily both in reality and through stat enhancement. Meanwhile, the dancers onstage stopped. The “Survival 100” song had ended. As soon as the choreography finished, the contestants applauded.
-Clap clap clap clap clap clap!
After telling the dancers they had worked hard, Lee Hanna turned her body toward the ten contestants.
“What you just saw is the choreography you need to acquire and digest. There were five dancers, but there are ten of you, so the paths will be a little tighter than what you saw. It won’t be easy, but everyone here can do it.”
Then the ten contestants, including Rojun, were given practice choreography videos, and Lee Hanna instructed them to practice individually all day today.
“Tomorrow morning, I’ll check each of your choreography levels one by one. After seeing that, I’ll decide how to run the training-style practices going forward.”
Individual practice was important, but group practice was necessary too. More deeply than “Produce.” On top of that, none of the contestants could focus only on choreography, and they also had to think about vocals regarding “Survival 100.” There was recording too. The amount they had to do had increased tremendously all at once. But the contestants had to accomplish all of it. Even if they had to stay up for days and nights.
Accordingly.
‘Whew—it’s okay. I can do it.’
‘Don’t be scared. Just go for it first.’
Worry and fighting spirit surged within the contestants at the same time. Producer Woo Hanseok’s comment set an even greater fire under them.
“This project won’t be included in the evaluation, but if you look at it broadly, it will have an influence. The number of votes later will depend on how generous the gift you give to the viewers is.”
And so, the contestants left the hall and each moved to the practice room they wanted.
But only one person was different.
For some reason, only Kang Rojun.
‘First, my private practice room.’
His destination was the restroom.