<Episode 24>
“Let’s meet today’s nominees for first place. First, Spade Joker.”
As soon as the MC finished the introduction, Cain raised the microphone.
“Two, three. Hello, we are Spade Joker.”
“Yes, nice to meet you. These days, the popularity of [I] is really hot. How do you feel?”
“We’re still a bit dazed, but also very happy.”
Heeseo answered while smiling slightly.
“Do you think you might win first place today?”
“That would be great, but even if we don’t, it’s okay. Just being nominated for first place already makes us very happy.”
“With such humility, how could anyone not like you? Then, what do you think is the killing part of your title track [I]?”
“We think it’s definitely the chorus.”
“Then could you give us a short performance of the chorus?”
[Toward that sky
Woo Woo hoo
Toward that sky
Woo Woo hoo]
As soon as the MC finished speaking, Spade Joker performed the song a cappella.
The MC clapped softly.
“Wow. Maybe because your vocal harmony is so good, it sounds even sweeter without music.”
“Thank you.”
Spade Joker nodded shyly.
“Is there a time you would recommend listening to this song?”
“Since [I] is a refreshing song, we’d cautiously recommend listening to it when traveling or taking a walk.”
“When traveling or taking a walk. Got it. I’ll make sure to listen to it then. Lastly, if you win first place today, could you make a promise about what performance you’ll show?”
“If we win first place, we’ll switch parts while singing.”
After finishing the first-place nominee interview, Spade Joker returned to the waiting room.
“Phew… I thought I was going to die from nerves. When will we ever get used to this?”
“Humans are adaptable. We’ll get used to it quickly.”
Zen answered Heeseo.
“Right?”
“Yeah.”
“But being nominated for first place… It’s really amazing.”
“I feel like I finally understand what it means to walk on clouds.”
“By the way, I just got a call from the CEO. He said we’ll soon start filming a reality program.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
At Manager Kim Jawook’s words, the members of Spade Joker were genuinely happy.
“And apparently there’s a subway advertisement for Spade Joker.”
He showed them a photo he had prepared in advance.
“Wow.”
“Aren’t those expensive?”
“They are. I heard they cost several hundred.”
At his answer, the members’ mouths fell open.
“Who are we to deserve this…”
They suddenly felt sorry for their fans.
They hadn’t really done anything, yet they kept receiving so much… it made them feel undeserving.
“That’s why we need to work hard and win first place. We have to earn a lot and repay them.”
“Right.”
“With that in mind, I hope we win first place today. If not today, then at least before this promotion period ends.”
***
“Hello, CEO!”
As soon as he entered the practice room, the trainees greeted him stiffly, as if they were in the military.
“Alright, don’t be so nervous. I just came to take a look.”
He said they could relax, but he knew they wouldn’t.
Even employees feel pressured when the CEO suddenly shows up; how much more so trainees?
Sure enough, they nodded awkwardly with forced smiles.
‘The practice room has definitely improved a lot.’
There used to be no windows, making ventilation difficult, but now there was an air purifier, so there wasn’t even a musty smell.
The dim lights had been replaced with LED lighting, making the room bright.
Long sofas were placed by the entrance so they wouldn’t have to lie on the floor when tired.
Next to them was a mini fridge, useful for storing food, coffee, or drinks.
‘Han Suseok must’ve worked really hard.’
He mentally applauded Suseok.
All he had done was install a suggestion box and give instructions; everything else was Suseok’s effort.
‘When things calm down, I should treat him to something nice. Maybe buy him clothes too.’
“Do you know the variety show ‘Let’s Take a Look Together’?”
“Yes.”
“I’ve seen it.”
“Me too.”
Most of them seemed familiar with it, so there was no need to explain further.
“I’ll be appearing on that show, and next week the filming team will come here. They’ll also film the practice room.”
“Then… will we appear on TV too?”
One trainee raised her hand to ask.
“Yes. That’s why I came to tell you.”
The room instantly became noisy.
“Then should I put on makeup?”
“What should I wear that day?”
“Should I tie my hair or leave it down? Should I curl it? I need to look pretty.”
Their chatter reminded him of high school girls, and he let out a small laugh.
“Don’t wear makeup. Just come in your training clothes like now.”
“What?”
The trainees looked devastated, as if struck by lightning.
‘Is it because they’re young?’
Their average age was around seventeen.
He tried to recall what he was like at that age, but nothing came to mind.
‘Looks like I really can’t remember anymore.’
Memories of his previous life as Kang Hajin were gradually fading.
He didn’t feel nostalgic or want to go back.
In fact, sometimes he preferred living as John Raid Lombardi.
Except for the part where he returns to the past whenever the company falters.
Also, after more than twenty years, including repeated regressions, it would feel unfair to abandon everything he had built.
Still, it was strange how even ordinary memories were fading.
‘That got too sentimental.’
“Can we really not wear makeup? It’s a broadcast. Wouldn’t it be better to look pretty?”
“If you come overly styled, people will say it’s staged and criticize your authenticity.”
The trainees pouted.
But no meant no.
If controversy broke out, they’d start their careers with a bad image even before their debut.
Especially since launching a girl group would already invite criticism.
‘No need to add more risks.’
“If you come with makeup, you’ll wipe it off here. If your outfit is too flashy, you’ll be cut from filming.”
He needed to be firm.
“Got it?”
“Yes…”
They responded weakly.
Still, it seemed unlikely anyone would show up overly styled.
“You all look pretty as you are.”
“But they say people look twice as ugly on camera.”
“If you debut and don’t look like that in real life, wouldn’t that be worse?”
Only then did they fall silent.
‘By the way… where is Kang Seoah?’
She was supposed to be a key member of the new girl group.
Without moving his head, he searched with his eyes.
‘There she is.’
She stood at the very end, fiddling with her long, straight hair, likely out of nervousness.
“And we’ll select a few trainees to feature briefly. Monthly evaluation… You get the idea, right?”
Their expressions changed instantly.
‘Of course. They’d want it. Appearing on a broadcast is practically a step closer to debut.’
He had already chosen who to feature.
But exceptions always exist.
Unlike the previous run, many things had changed… premium items unlocked, Han Youngjoo recruited, comeback accelerated.
So there was no need to follow the same path.
‘In the end, the talented ones last.’
“We’ll hold a test the day before filming. It’s a short time, but prepare well.”
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