translation by mourningmoor
The busy time passed by in a blur.
A miracle was happening, as I was splitting the 24 hours of a day into pieces, using them like 48 hours.
According to the original plan, the music show appearances should have already ended, but since <Promise> successfully charted, our appearances were extended for a few more weeks.
And finally, I got to attend an event.
I went to a summer festival held in Busan, and also attended a festival held somewhere in Gangwon-do.
I also took additional photos for the photo cards that would go into the membership welcome box. And I took personal photos to give as gifts at the fan club inauguration ceremony.
Of course, in between all that, the NewTube channel was progressing smoothly.
Daily practice, as well as attitude training and various other educational sessions, were intensified. Moreover, as per my request, I was frequently called into music video concept meetings.
I never forgot to send texts to check on Jaewon's well-being to his mom in the midst of it all.
And then, in the middle of this whirlwind, I got a call from the TVH entertainment department.
Originally, it was planned to shoot an episode with three parts in two days, but due to the interruption of filming, the episode length became a bit uncertain.
"So, what does that mean?"
"They want to do additional filming."
The PD, who was delivering the message, also had a somewhat unwilling expression on his face.
"Of course, it's not going to be the same format as last time."
"So, what does that mean?"
A different format from last time? Then, what exactly are they going to ask?
"They need about 30 to 40 minutes of additional footage, so they want to add one more mission."
"Mission?"
"Yes, they want to do a close-up documentary on you guys for a day and film your daily lives."
What is this, a documentary? Like one of those observational cameras that show from morning to night?
"The subtitle is 'Classmates’, so let's show what kind of lives we lead and then show our united selves on music shows. That's the idea."
"That's childish."
"It is."
It's such a predictable concept with nothing special about it. And after all the chaos, what's the point of reuniting for a music show again?
Moreover, I thought MuteSeven had already wrapped up their album activities two weeks ago. Looks like the production team is just moving around without any proper research.
"Are they offering a better appearance fee?"
"A little more than last time?"
"How stingy."
As I narrowed my eyebrows and scoffed, PD Pyo also gave a bitter smile.
"It’s stingy."
Finally, PD Pyo, sensing the situation, casually dropped a remark.
"Should we not do it?"
I know they're dying to do it, so I don't get why they're saying something they don't mean.
"Why not do it? We should."
"Really?"
PD Pyo's eyes widened. It seemed like he was expecting me to say that I absolutely wouldn't do it, so he was wondering how to convince me.
Seeing through his thoughts, I slowly stood up from my seat.
"I'll pay off the debt quickly, so as soon as it's paid off, please move me."
It was time to go back to practicing.
I glanced at the clock on the wall and casually nodded my head toward PD Pyo before walking toward the office door.
PD Pyo caught me again.
"Is the dorm... really that bad?"
Is the dorm really that bad? Doesn’t it seem pretty obvious?
"If you're curious, you can come stay over sometime."
I heard that PD Pyo lives in some fancy apartment in Banpo.
Well, in a capitalist society, you get what you earn, so I have no intention of complaining.
So, it was just a casual comment. I meant it in a good way, like if someone lives in a nice house and doesn’t know what it’s like to live in poverty, they should come experience it for themselves.
But for some reason, that comment seemed to shock PD Pyo, as he looked at me with a half-dazed expression.
"When you turn on the air conditioner because it's hot, the cold wind blows right at the person sleeping on the top bunk. It’s perfect for catching a cold, even in the middle of summer. But the main vocalist is sleeping on the top bunk?"
If it’s like this in summer, winter is going to be just as bad, no doubt.
Since I hate the cold, I had already made up my mind to move before winter hit. To do that, PD Pyo Cheonhee would have to follow through with my plan a little bit.
"And more than that, the security in the current place is weak."
The stalker fans, or "sasaeng" fans, had been constantly making their presence known ever since their first appearance.
Recently, a photo of our blue front door was uploaded to a community site. There was a black plastic bag hanging on the door handle, but since we didn’t find it, it seems someone must’ve cleaned it up.
It seemed like one of the sasaengs who had followed me and Hanjoon last time, and the thought that someone would take a photo of the front door and do something with it sent a chilling feeling down my spine.
The problem, however, was that the company had not been able to come up with any effective solutions.
"How long are we supposed to stay exposed to sasaeng without any protection?"
Moving to a place with better security would probably be the best solution.
"In that sense, moving seems like the best option."
After hearing my words, Director Pyo blinked slowly with a blank expression, nodding in agreement.
"I’ll think about it."
《Insufficient company budget》, 《Distant LIT settlement》, 《Scary Ichan's calculations》
Ah, Director Pyo. At this rate, I might start rapping.
Please, don't think it’s impossible and just go make some sales. I’ll work myself to the bone.
"Oh, and the filming should be on the fan club founding day. There’s a lot to show."
"Hey, can we make that happen the way we want? We have to do it the way they want."
It seemed like Director Pyo's mind was still tangled up with thoughts of the budget, but now he was finally coming to his senses.
"We're powerless."
"Why? Because we're a small company?"
I threw out a quick remark, and Director Pyo's face crumpled into a gloomy expression.
"Please, let's get rid of that small company mindset."
"No, if you keep saying 'small company' like that, the small company CEO will get discouraged."
It wasn’t just pride that was hurt—he seemed genuinely wounded.
His round face and the long, slanted corners of his eyes drooped downward.
《Ugh, what is this? Why can't I move in front of him? I should've just made the decision with my CEO authority to approve the appearance, why did I ask him and end up hearing about being a small company... Ah, it's breaking my heart.》
Well, if you really hate hearing about being a small company, why don't you just grow it into a big one?
With a short sigh, I was about to leave the office, but then I threw in one last tip.
"Instead of the schedule manager, call the head writer directly."
At that, PD Pyo's eyes widened in surprise.
"The head writer... You mean Kang Jihoon, right?"
"Yes, that's the one."
Looks like now I have to teach even the company CEO.
"He'll probably help out. He's quite favorable towards us."
* * *
I didn’t get back to the dorm until 3 a.m. today.
It was a really busy day, and the schedule was tough.
And finally, tomorrow is the day of the fan signing event.
[Everyone, get some sleep early so you can look good in the photos tomorrow. Drink plenty of water.]
Gyuhyung, who dropped us off in front of our place, said he would pick us up tomorrow morning and left.
The kids, who came out of the shower in order, knew they should sleep quickly, but they couldn’t fall asleep easily.
Hanjoon was reading, Siu was listening to music, Roa was analyzing dance videos, and Jaewon was doing skincare. The kids were easing their nerves and excitement about the fan signing event in their own ways.
At that moment, Jaewon pushed a face mask right up to my face.
“Hyung, do you want to put on a mask too?”
“A mask?”
“Yeah, to look good on camera tomorrow, your skin needs to be in good condition.”
You’re the one who needs that, not me.
“I don’t need that, my skin’s fine without it.”
I flicked the face mask away with my fingertips and opened my laptop.
Jaewon, puffing out his lips, slid down from his bed.
“If you’re too careless, you’ll be caught off guard in one shot.”
He couldn’t resist saying something and then forced a face mask onto Hanjoon’s face, who was reading his book.
I glanced at the scene and couldn’t help but chuckle.
One shot, huh? Who do they think I am?
Before long, the kids each drifted off to sleep.
With everyone asleep, the bedroom filled with stillness.
I quietly cast the Time Dilation spell.
A bluish light filled the room, and time began to move slowly.
"Well then, shall I start studying now?"
* * *
GWANGHWAMUN HITTRACKS DEX HALL, 2 PM.
It was the time for the fan signing event of the rookie idol group L.I.T.
However, the outside had been in chaos for the past two hours.
Fans, including the home master, had gathered to take pictures of the members arriving for the fan signing event.
Yoojung, who had secured a good spot early, set up her camera and leisurely waited for her idols.
From her, there was an air of professionalism mixed with the scent of an experienced home master. Maybe that's why, a few younger home masters recognized her and greeted her first.
"Unnie. We meet again since Music City, huh?"
"Oh, you're that senior from last time, right? Not studying and here again?"
"Hahaha, unnie, you didn't prepare your thesis and came again too."
They threw a little playful jab at each other, but it wasn't meant with malice. After all, they were already like blood brothers, bound together by their shared love for L.I.T.
"Hey, are you sharing the pictures you took today?"
"Of course."
The high school senior fan nodded and hurriedly pulled out her phone.
"Ah, unnie. I'll give you the link to the chat room. It's a L.I.T home fan community... You should join too."
"Okay. Just send me the link first."
Like this, L.I.T fans quickly built close friendships and strengthened their bonds.
As official fan club members, they were filled with a sense of superiority for being part of the first-generation Filament, and with a sense of duty to spread the word about L.I.T, they burned with determination to help the group grow.
Just as they were deep in conversation.
Yoojung suddenly raised her hand, signaling the fans to stop chatting.
"I have a feeling."
"A feeling? What kind of feeling?"
It was her instinct. And her instincts had never been wrong.
"I feel like our little ones are about to arrive."
Then, as if she hadn't been talking and laughing just moments ago, Yoojung focused all her attention on the camera angle.
Soon after, just as Yoojung had predicted, two black vans slowly entered the parking lot.
The sound of shutters erupted from all around.
To the fans, even their idol's car was something to be revered.
Admiring the shiny, polished black car, the fans clicked their shutters repeatedly.
Then, the door finally opened, and the members of L.I.T stepped out of the car.
Oh my goodness, it's L.I.T. No way. It's crazy.
The shutter sounds that had been erupting so loudly seemed to grow even more frenzied, as if the madness itself had taken over.