It should have been time to head to my meeting, but thanks to someone who absolutely can’t be satisfied unless we all do something together, I sat down for a moment.

The atmosphere was warm and friendly.

“Ri-hyeok hyung, here’s a special wrap we prepared just for you.”

“Oh, right. You should have some of this too.”

What’s going on?

The maknae and Ri-hyeok were passing around wraps of bossam and jokbal as if they were the best of friends.

And then the result.

“Puh-heh! Hey! Wang Ji-ho, what did you put in here?”

“cough! Hyung, what is this cough thing?”

Of course.

Each of them must have stuffed in so many peppers and garlic that their faces turned red and they were guzzling water.

Sometimes I wonder.

Maybe those guys are genetically programmed from birth to assassinate each other.

“Hyung, have some of this.”

Bi-ju placed the most appetizing pieces of jokbal and bossam onto my plate like a mother bird feeding her chick.

Maybe because I was a bit hungry, I initially didn’t have much appetite, but once I tasted it, it melted in my mouth.

Unlike the constant bickering of the younger line, the older line sitting opposite us were eating in a peaceful mood.

Mid-hyun, who was inhaling jokbal bone and all, suddenly looked thoughtful and spoke seriously.

“Woo-joo hyung.”

“Hmm?”

“That move you used to take down the CEO.”

Bi-ju and I burst out laughing. Bi-ju laughed so hard he nearly choked, then ribbed his peer with a smile.

“Kim Jung-hyun, why would you take down the CEO who was just standing there? The CEO isn’t a villain.”

“Oh, right. Then ambush the CEO...?”

Watching the rapper struggle to find the right word, Ri-hyeok clicked his tongue.

“Hyung, your job is rap-making, yet you’re lacking vocabulary?”

“I’m focusing on eating right now. Anyway, the move you used to slam the CEO into the floor. Where did you learn that?”

“Just from watching various things on MiTube.”

“Is that enough?”

“That hyung learns dances by watching them too.”

At the maknae’s observation, everyone went “Ah...” in agreement.

Then they resumed their chatter among themselves.

“Actually, it’s unbelievable, but after seeing so many unbelievable things, you just get used to it.”

“Even when he did the arrangement in one day at first, it was really strange. Like he was an alien.”

“Right. I was really surprised then.”

“When that hyung who’d only been here less than a week said ‘You’re all wrong’ and did the entire arrangement in one day, I thought he was a weirdo.”

“You thought that was weird?”

Oh, Seo Ri-hyeok. Are you taking my side?

“It was really weird.”

“......”

“At first I couldn’t adjust and was all dazed, but now I just think, Oh, that’s Sun Woo-joo being Sun Woo-joo.”

“Was I really that strange?”

At my mutter, the younger members answered in unison.

“You really were.”

“We thought you were an alien who came to help us.”

“You fussed about not being able to dance, then got praised for dancing well. Suddenly did a week’s worth of arrangement in one day, then at the year-end evaluation got asked by Jang So-won sunbae to collaborate. When we actually went to work, he whipped up an arrangement on guitar and that song hit number one.”

“Now that you mention it, it really is weird.”

With Bi-ju still holding his chopsticks in assent, I laughed.

Was it a compliment or an insult?

But even I thought every strange thing that happened since I joined this company—though causally linked—still seemed unbelievable.

“The only thing that might explain all of this is Director Jo Gyu-hwan’s supernatural power.”

When the maknae brought up this odd theory, I remembered the appointment I’d completely forgotten.

Ah, right.

I had scheduled a meeting with Director Jo.

“My mind is all over the place. I’m late.”

“Where are you off to?”

“I have a meeting scheduled with Director Jo.”

“A meeting...?”

I flicked my lips at the members looking at me in bewilderment, then stopped speaking.

The timing was awkward.

I figured these worries were mine alone to bear anyway.

“I’ll be back soon. See you in a bit.”

CEO’s office.

I’d definitely come up here for my meeting with Director Jo, but when I came to my senses, I was in the CEO’s office.

“Cheers~”

Middle-aged men with flushed faces clinked beer cans together.

Who was I and why was I here?

The CEO, wearing a kindly smile, held out a can to me.

“Woo-joo, want a drink too?”

“Don’t say that, CEO. He has to be on music shows tomorrow.”

Director Jo waved his hand to stop him.

While I sipped a zero-cola, Park Gyu-ho CEO fed me bossam.

“Woo-joo, you’ve worked hard. Really.”

“Thank you.”

“Ever since the year-end evaluation, it feels like things have been going smoothly since you arrived. Haha, you’re our company’s number two good-luck charm after Gyu-hwan.”

“That’s right.”

Director Jo chimed in.

“This quarter’s music revenue is expected to break all records. The head of the management support team was so excited she was singing. I haven’t seen her smile like that since her film hit ten million admissions.”

“You did something amazing, Woo-joo. Manager Yoon must be proud too.”

“Oh, it’s all thanks to you, CEO and Director.”

“What credit is that of mine? Woo-joo does well, the kids do well. It’s the result of everyone doing well, ha-ha.”

“If you hadn’t settled things with Huy Ent., would any of this have been possible?”

Every time Manager Yoon’s tongue ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ wagged, a smile blossomed on the CEO’s face.

As expected.

This hyung didn’t get that position for free either.

While Manager Yoon was busy with polite conversation, the CEO’s attention shifted elsewhere.

“By the way, you’ll be getting a lot of money now. Have you thought about what you’ll do with the royalties?”

“Not yet.”

I answered with a smile.

“For now, I plan to save it. I’ve never managed this much money before.”

That’s how trainee life usually is.

The money just piles up.

You don’t know how to spend it, and there’s nowhere to spend it.

“If I had to spend it, I’ll probably use it for my grandmother.”

“That’s a good idea. When I got my first big hit, Director Jo, what did you do?”

“I did buy my parents a house eventually, CEO. But first I got them a car.”

“That’s right.”

While the adults talked about real estate for a bit, I quietly ate my bossam.

There was no topic in their conversation I could join.

Someone poked my side, and I saw Manager Yoon giving me a certain look.

I nodded.

“Um... I’m sorry about earlier, CEO. Is your back okay?”

“It’s a bit sore, but it’ll get better. A patch of pain relief will do.”

“I’m really sorry.”

“No, I was the one who grabbed your shoulder to surprise you. They say it’s all a good experience, right? Ha-ha!”

Fortunately the CEO let it slide with a friendly laugh.

I quietly looked at Victim Number Two wielding his chopsticks.

“And you, hyung?”

“I’m a herniated-disc patient, man.”

“...I’m really sorry. If anything happens, I’ll take responsibility.”

“Come on, you. Just stay healthy yourself.”

While Manager Yoon waved his hand gruffly, the CEO interjected with a warm smile.

“I heard this time was supposed to be for your meeting.”

“Oh, yes.”

“Since it’s turned out this way, could we all listen in too?”

I didn’t ponder long.

Whatever I said to the director would surely reach the CEO’s ears anyway.

No matter what I said, it didn’t matter.

I cautiously voiced the concerns I’d been carrying.

The slightly tipsy trio of gentlemen listened quietly.

When I finished, there was a brief silence.

Director Jo was the first to speak.

“You want to show the members doing well on songs?”

“Yes.”

“Is that really necessary?”

“Huh?”

He said to me as I blinked.

“The streaming chart rankings are record-breaking, and music show rankings need no mention. The media even calls it a long-reign. It’s not like your debut song; these are project tracks. They weren’t even planned, yet they’re popular. Isn’t that enough?”

Director Jo Gyu-hwan finished with a somewhat indifferent expression.

It felt like I needed to answer well, but I replied honestly with my true thoughts.

“Well... I’m quite greedy. And I think now is the time to be greedy. Even if the popularity wasn’t planned, the chance won’t come again. I want to make the most of it.”

Director Jo stared at me.

Had I misspoken?

He watched my eyes as if trying to figure something out, then cracked a smile and downed his beer.

“That was a good answer.”

He looked around.

Only then did I notice the CEO and Manager Yoon watching me fondly.

By the time I realized what was happening, Director Jo said:

“I was just curious what you’d say, sorry about that.”

“Ah......”

“Actually, it’s a little fascinating.”

He laughed.

“Manager Yoon and I were worrying about the same thing.”

“Really?”

“It’s a chance to shape NewBlack’s image, but without Ri-hyeok, there’s no spotlight on you. And as you said, their skills are more than comparable to most singers.”

True enough.

Did the adults not think about my concerns?

“We agree with you. In showbiz, if you get a chance, you have to seize it and make the most of it.”

Others nodded in agreement.

“Manager, please tell Woo-joo as well.”

“Of course.”

Manager Yoon stood up and pulled something from his briefcase.

A document titled NewBlack Activity Plan was filled with neatly organized strategies.

“I was going to tell you once the schedule was fixed, but I’ll let you know first.”

“What is it?”

“We thought hard about how to address what you said. And we found it.”

They’d already found a solution?

Curious, I watched while Manager Yoon answered.

“To meet our conditions, we need to introduce NewBlack to people.”

“That’s right.”

“We can’t go on variety shows. Definitely not broadcast TV. There’s nowhere to get screen time without Jang So-won, and you still lack stories to share.”

That made sense.

Entering the competitive variety show scene without any hooks would be like a newbie joining a pool of veterans.

“But there’s one place where you can shine musically without burden. You can show off your singing skills too.”

“A radio show?”

“No, a music show.”

What was he talking about?

If he meant the music show we appear on every day?

Blinking, I watched as Manager Yoon pointed to the program name on the paper.

“Ha Seung-ju’s Music Cafe...? Ah!”

Ha Seung-ju’s Music Cafe.

A late-night music show on PBS that airs past midnight.

Hosted by pianist-composer Ha Seung-ju, Music Cafe boasts high ratings despite its late slot.

His skill as an MC and the high quality of the live stages are well known.

Appearing on Music Cafe means your ability is assured.

For us, it was the perfect opportunity.

Unlike simple music shows, Music Cafe’s MC brings out the invited artists’ charms through talk.

It was the best chance for rookie NewBlack to leave a good impression.

But.

“Can we really appear?”

Music Cafe is notorious for being picky.

Rumor has it even hugely popular singers get cut if their live skills aren’t up to par.

“It won’t be hard. Seung-ju hyung and I know each other, and Manager Yoon is acquainted with the PD.”

“We’ve greased the wheels for days.”

“Now it’s just up to you to show a good performance on air. How do you feel? Has your worry eased?”

“Yes.”

“But you know, Woo-joo.”

Director Jo Gyu-hwan smiled gently.

“Did you discuss this with the members before talking to us? From what you said, they don’t know anything.”

I felt like I’d been slapped.

Oh no.

Of course—I’d made a mistake.

“You’re the leader. When you speak, people assume you’re speaking for the team.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No need to apologize. You did it for the team. But next time, talk with the members first.”

He said with a smile.

“NewBlack isn’t a one-man group.”

Not long after, Manager Yoon returned with good news.

“You’re confirmed for Music Cafe.”

Time flew by.

Our slot was only about ten minutes, but preparing for it took a considerable period.

We needed pre-interviews with the writers to create talk topics and prepare a unique stage for live performance.

We spent almost every night sharpening and reshaping our repertoire.

It was tough, but what choice did we have? Opportunities are seized by those who work for them.

Some music shows take twelve hours to prepare a three-minute stage, so this wasn’t too strenuous.

Backstage at the music-show green room.

“Music Cafe?”

Of course, NewBlack would be appearing jointly with Jang So-won.

Without Something, we still didn’t have our own song.

She greeted us warmly as she had already teased us during our consultation sessions.

“Oh my, that’s great.”

Jang So-won was eating soufflé and coffee as she beamed.

“I’ve lost count of how many times I replied to ridiculous comments under your posts. This time, show them up so no one ever calls you background decorations again.”

“Thank you for appearing with us.”

“Appearing with you? Once this activity ends, we might not see each other much. Might as well get your fill while you can.”

She smiled.

“Anyway, I’m looking forward to our stage. What have you prepared this time?”

PBS Broadcasting Station Public Hall.

Early April, when spring flowers were beautiful, was the day of Music Cafe recording.

In the meantime, we’d wrapped up our music-show activities.

Though we still held the monthly number-one spot on the Mango chart, we’d slipped from the top candidate position in week four to a comeback soloist and a popular idol.

Both agencies judged it time to conclude the activity.

And we had arrived at this project’s final destination.

“Wow... it’s huge.”

When we left the green room for rehearsal backstage, we gasped at the stage size.

It was on a different scale.

The tension was multiplied.

Bi-ju bit and released his lip repeatedly, and Ri-hyeok dabbed sweat from his palms with a tissue.

Normally, I’d tease Ri-hyeok about being nervous, but even our maknae sat there with his mouth agape.

Only Jung-hyun remained serenely peaceful, like a bodhisattva.

Even when I threw the CEO over my shoulder, unlike the others who were surprised, he just thought, Oh, that move is awesome. No wonder he’s unfazed by strange things.

An FD pushing through the busy staff called us.

“NewBlack team.”

“Yes!”

After listening through his intercom, the FD looked at us.

“Who is Woo-joo?”

“I am.”

“You’ll go up first for rehearsal. We’ll check the piano sound. We’ll run about two minutes, then proceed directly to the team rehearsal. Don’t forget the stage directions we warned you about.” 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

He rattled off safety instructions for another minute at rapid speed, then vanished.

“What did he just say?”

“I... must have forgotten because I’m nervous.”

“Jung-hyun, you heard it, right?”

“Oh, I was thinking about something else.”

My confused members naturally—or I don’t know why naturally—looked at me.

I sighed and handed over my phone.

“Here.”

“......?”

“I recorded it. Listen.”

They looked at me as if I were their savior, and I waved before heading up to the stage.

A grand piano set center stage.

Below, writers with notebooks and production staff monitoring screens searched for things to fix.

I checked camera positions.

Feeling the piano bench’s cold seat, I closed my eyes.

And began to play.