Jin Sohyang is easily influenced by others. She's what people call soft-eared—someone who sways quickly.
The truth is, the reason she even became an idol was because her friend said she wanted to become one. It wasn't because she was deeply passionate about it. It was more like: "It's popular, it looks fun, my friend is doing it." So she became an idol.
By luck, she became a trainee, then debuted. After debut, she simply went with the flow. She did what she was told: be careful with behavior, go on popular variety shows, follow the company's instructions.
Even the reason she speaks formally to her classmates is the same—she was told not to cause unnecessary controversy and to keep her distance. So she uses formal speech with her classmates.
It's not that she has anything she wants to do. But that doesn't mean she half-asses idol activities. In fact, she worked desperately hard. She knew very well she lacked the natural talent to be an idol. So she tried.
It's not like the idol industry is an easy place where you can slack off and still survive. When schedules are packed, sleeping three hours is considered a lot. Preparing an album meant dancing until her knees felt destroyed. There were times she practiced singing until her voice completely gave out.
And yet, her singing never truly improved.
No—that's not right. Her skill improved. Her basics became solid. But the things you're born with—you can't obtain those. A special tone, high notes, vocal power—she lacked all of them.
At best, she was like a regular person who could sing kind of well. Far below what a singer needs. She knew this better than anyone.
Even just looking at line distribution in Hwayangyeonhwa's songs, she was always dead last by a landslide. But she didn't get hurt by that. Because she knew it couldn't be helped.
So she gave up. She stopped having pointless expectations and accepted her level. And oddly enough, that made her feel a bit at peace. She stopped craving the spotlight.
The stage isn't mine anyway. As long as I don't drag others down…
That's what she thought.
At least, until she saw that stage.
『Blame』.
The stage she saw at the freshman concert. The girl named Han Goyo who stood there—she was on a different level. Amazing visuals, and no doubt, someone who would be very beloved in the future. Someone incomparable to herself—who would be nothing without Hwayangyeonhwa.
But what fascinated Jin Sohyang was not just Goyo's voice. The stage direction. The way the stage and the song became one. She was mesmerized.
I want to stand on a stage like that.
For the first time, she wanted to stand on a solo stage. But due to Hwayangyeonhwa's current situation, that was nearly impossible. Even if it were possible, being the youngest member, a solo debut would come much later. And realistically, she might never get a solo at all.
So she tried to erase that thought.
…She tried.
But she kept thinking about it. Whenever she listened to music she liked, whenever she watched other singers' stages, she kept imagining herself standing on that kind of stage.
Then—a chance came.
The opening stage of the Contemporary Music Concert. A stage for first years. Normally, it was supposed to be a student named Kang Seonghun. But he refused.
Normally, she would have refused too. Hwayangyeonhwa was preparing a new album—this was a rare break, and she wanted to rest her exhausted body.
But she felt greed. She wanted it.
So she accepted. Her company was delighted—great promotion. Her older members cheered her on. But that was as far as it went.
She had no idea how to build a stage. She had always just done what the company prepared. And she couldn't rely on the company this time either.
Hwayangyeonhwa's label is tiny. Almost no trainees, and the only debuted group is them. All songs are made by the CEO, who used to be a composer. But right now, the CEO is busy preparing their next album.
That's when she thought of the owner of that 『Blame』 stage.
Not Han Goyo.
The one who made that stage—Yoon Hajun.
A shaggy-haired guy who already looks frustrating. Eyes half-lidded and lazy. He doesn't look like someone who could direct something like that.
But she couldn't underestimate him. Even during the school trip (which she couldn't attend), he apparently put on an incredible stage.
"Wait, so you're saying you are doing the opening stage?"
"Yes. Han Goyo goes first, and I go second."
"Goyo first, you second…"
Hajun trailed off. It wasn't hard to guess what he was thinking.
He was probably pitying her. You have to go after Han Goyo? People will compare them. Goyo will take the spotlight. The audience will laugh at her. She's an active idol—why is her level so low?
But she didn't care. People already mock her online all the time. Being compared to other members and insulted is nothing new. She was used to it. She wouldn't throw away what might be her last chance just because of some strangers' insults.
"So I was hoping you could help me."
"Help how?"
"With the stage direction. The song is fine. I plan to use an existing song."
"Which song?"
"『Rough』."
Currently, Hwayangyeonhwa's representative track. Hajun nodded.
"How much will you pay?"
"About…"
She told him the amount she had considered.
And Hajun… smiled.
A smile so pure, it almost looked childish.
Huh?
"Alright. I'll do it."
"…What?"
"I said I'll do it. Let's start with the contract."
"...Ah, yes."
Sohyang nodded. Her expression was awkward.
…This is not what she expected. She thought someone who directed such a stage would be a proud, picky artist. She prepared all sorts of reasoning and negotiation. But he accepted so easily?
"Oh, and can you pay part of it upfront?"
"I can."
…This should be fine, right?
§ §
"This is amazing."
Grinning from ear to ear, I stared at the contract. I just earned more than I could make working all summer.
It wasn't huge money, but considering the kind of part-time jobs a high schooler can do? It was excellent. And on top of that, I'd get professional stage experience, and a chance to let Suyeon watch a pro's performance.
Damn. What kind of divine gift is this?
"With this much, I can even buy Mom a gift…"
As I thought about how to use the money, I recalled Sohyang.
In my previous life, the opening stage was done by Kang Seonghun and Han Goyo. But now it would be Sohyang, not Seonghun.
He said Kang Seonghun refused.
Why did he refuse? Was it because of me?
He hasn't shown up lately. Probably preparing something. I shook my head.
Eh, he'll figure it out. He's good at everything. He doesn't need me to worry.
The real issue is schedule management.
The Contemporary Music Concert is at the end of July. That means we have about three weeks. In that time, I have to direct the stage and rearrange the song.
Sohyang wants to use 『Rough』 as-is, but I have no intention of leaving it unchanged. This is one of the rare opportunities to work with an active idol. I'm not dumb enough to waste it.
So, while working on songs with Suyeon, I'll also rearrange 『Rough』…
But how should I rearrange it?
『Rough』 is a song full of loveliness. That awkward age between minor and adult—a song about worrying what to do for the person you love who's a bit older.
But that song lacks impact for a solo stage. And the fact that the stage right before is Han Goyo's? That's a huge problem.
Goyo and Sohyang—
I'm sorry, but comparing them is almost cruel.
If they go back-to-back, Sohyang will only make Goyo look even better. So I need to cover that gap as much as possible.
Actually, if I'm doing it, I might as well aim to surpass Goyo. I'm getting paid a lot, after all.
And who knows? If I make a killer arrangement and stage, some other entertainment company rep in the audience might notice me. I don't plan to join any company—but as a freelancer, I'd welcome more gigs.
"Alright, time to make a schedule."
"Hm?"
Suyeon blinked as I spoke suddenly. I took out a schedule sheet and said, "You have academy classes, right?"
"Yeah."
"Then you can't work during those times."
"Right."
"So let's plan it out. When do you go to academy, what time to what time? And you need time for homework too, so we'll leave space for that."
"Okay."
As she told me her schedule, I filled in the chart. She spends more time in academy than I expected. Well, she's not like me—she hasn't given up on studying. She's a model student.
"Oh, and Suyeon."
"Yeah?"
"About the Contemporary Music Concert—we might not be together the whole time."
"Why?"
She frowned. Clearly unhappy. I cleared my throat.
"I agreed to help someone who's performing there."
"The person who sang 『Blame』?"
Suyeon's tone sharpened. Again with this… she's conscious of Goyo. Does she see her as a rival? Or someone she admires? I'm not sure, but it's not a bad sign.
"No, not her. Someone else."
"Who?"
I grinned and said, "Jin Sohyang."
Suyeon's eyes widened. She frowned like she was thinking deeply. Huh? Not the reaction I expected. I thought she'd be happy I was working with Sohyang.
After thinking, Suyeon nodded.
"If it's Jin Sohyang, it's fine."
So Sohyang is okay but Goyo isn't? What kind of logic is that?
"Then are you going to keep working with her?"
"No, just the stage. Oh, and I'm taking you with me."
"Me? Where?"
"To the stage where she's practicing. You're going to watch."
Even if her singing is weaker, Sohyang is a pro. Her stage experience is on a completely different level compared to other students our age. Just watching a pro prepare a stage is a huge learning opportunity.
"Then I'll get to see her in person?"
"Yeah."
"I can say hi?"
"Probably?"
"Kyaaaaa!"
Suyeon jumped up and down. That's the reaction I expected.
Smiling at her, I went back to finalizing the schedule.
"While you're at academy, I'll practice with Sohyang. And when you come home, I'll work with you."
"Where are we working? You said we'd go around different places."
"Let's start with a café. You know that café you like to go to with your friends?"
"Okay!"
"After that—places you like. Fancy shops, drugstores, movie theaters—whatever you want. Take me everywhere. And tell me how you feel in those places."
"Yeah."
We finished the schedule and wrapped up our talk. It was late, so Suyeon headed out of my room.
"Good night," she said.
"You too."
She left and closed the door.
Tomorrow is the start of vacation. It's going to be even busier than I expected. But I'm sure it'll be a vacation where I gain a lot.
"Alright."
I can do this. I'm doing well.
I told myself that, and closed my eyes.
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