Translator: Chamber

  Editor: Illidan

  MG Entertainment, LA Branch.

  Director Lee HanSeo hated to move within Korea, and here he was, in a completely different country.

  He met up with Jung MinAh in the practice room.

  “A re-contract?”


  Jung MinAh’s expression stiffened when her direct superior took out something difficult to talk about.

  “Yes. I want to know what all of you are thinking about regarding a re-contract.”


  “Even I don’t know what the others are thinking. This is a taboo.”


  She evaded mentioning it directly. Actually, all they talked about every day was the extension of the contract. However, the girls did not wish to talk about it with anyone else, even if it was their direct superior that was in charge of them. Their faith in the company had hit rock bottom.

  It was now October.

  There were two months until the end of the contract.

  “Everyone’s feelings must be quite complex. Since the situation is like this and all….”


  “…….”


  “But if you wish to, the extension will definitely happen.”


  Despite the hopeful words, Jung MinAh had no words to speak. She didn’t even want to imagine that her future lay with the company. Their lives in America had utterly shattered their faith in the company.

  “Is this coming from you, director? Or is it the company’s wishes?”


  “That’s….”


  Director Lee HanSeo heaved a long sigh. Jung MinAh knew the answer.

  “So it is coming from you.”


  “Ah… Nothing is for sure yet. So have some hope and….”


  “Hope, you say. Hope, huh….”


  Jung MinAh bit her lips. Then, she shook her head.

  “It’s fine. I’ve long since given up the thought that MG will do something for us.”


  “MinAh.”


  Director Lee HanSeo found it pitiful. He had gotten attached to the girls of Eddios. However, where did it all go wrong? Things called ‘achievements’ and ‘promotion’ ruined the future of these girls.

  ‘…MG is thinking about nothing. I’m sure of it.’


  Jung MinAh had predicted already. There were 2 months until the end of the contract. At this point in time, the company should be giving the girls incentives like ‘we’ll release a new album’ or the like. However, there was absolutely nothing like that at all.

  The morale of the members had long since hit rock bottom. It wasn’t just because of their ‘position’ in Korea that was lost. Entertainers and musicians alike lived off their popularity and fame. And right now, their activities were far from such.

  At this point, even the girls who were strict with managing their image were starting to stray off one by one.

  ‘What can I do for these girls to do well?’


  Director Lee HanSeo didn’t want to see the always cheerful MinAh so downtrodden. He hated himself for being unable to stop the tyranny of the other directors. His heart ached.

  As though she realized what he felt, Jung MinAh spoke again.

  “I know that you’re different from the other directors. It was you who managed to shrink down our range of movement from the entirety of America to the few Korean towns in LA. Without you, we’d be in utter despair…. I’m thankful for that.”


  “I still couldn’t have you come back. I can only apologize for that.”


  “You can’t help it. Those people had more power than you. It was old man KangYoon that was amazing to have gone against all of them. We were only able to hold out until now because of you, director. Really, I mean it….”


  Director Lee HanSeo felt bitter. After he was given Eddios from KangYoon to take care of, he thought that everything would go well. At that time, Eddios was the best in the country. They were young but had skills to back them up, and none of them had celebrity complexes or other detrimental personality deficiencies. They were humble to top it off. They struck the peak in Korea and he thought that they’d do well anywhere.

  However, it all began when the other directors forced the girls to fly over to America. They lost both the Korean fans while not getting any American fans either, forgotten by both.

  “…I guess we can’t help it if there’s no extension.”


  She looked like someone who had given up on everything. And she was only twenty-two….

  ‘If MG doesn’t work, I need to send them somewhere else. This is my responsibility.’


  Director Lee HanSeo couldn’t let the girls be. He couldn’t ruin the Eddios given to him by KangYoon and be done with it.

  He clenched his teeth while looking at Jung MinAh so powerless.

  ***

  Autumn was a busy season for everyone in World Entertainment.

  White Moonlight now had their personal theater and was able to gradually gain popularity with regular performances. Kim JaeHoon was busy with his new album. Kim JiMin also stopped doing vocal training only and entered a general training routine for her debut.

  One common characteristic of entertainment companies was that busy musicians meant busy employees.

  “Director, there are too many receipts. Who’s going to make me leave work?”


  Jung HyeJin had a teary face as she worked over-time for a few days in a row now. Lee HyunJi, who sat in front of her, snorted.

  “Not as bad as me.”


  Lee HyunJi showed her the mountain of files on her desk as well as the pimple on her face. Due to work overload, the women at the office were screaming in happiness(?).

  “The president is such a bad guy.”


  This had gone on for days already.

  The two women had been practically forced to live in the office.

  Regardless, KangYoon was currently working with Kim JaeHoon on his album in the studio.

  “Let’s try that again. Sing ‘anything of you’ a little weaker.”
-

  Okay.

  “Oh, just a moment. Is someone talking about me?”


  KangYoon took off his headset and scratched his ears-

  Hyung, you hadn’t had the headset on for long.

  “Yeah, it looks like I’m a little sensitive today.”


  He put on his headset again and signaled Kim JaeHoon.

  “Here it goes.”


  KangYoon played the MR. Then, a deep rock-ballad started flowing out. It was ‘Only One’, given to them by Lee HyunAh-

  I no – longer wish anything — of you–


  Kim JaeHoon was drunk with the lyrics in his hand. The deep punchy sound and his voice combined with each other to appeal to the listeners.

  ‘This is just the beginning, and it’s too strong.’


  However, KangYoon shook his head. When Kim JaeHoon’s notes made the light weaker. KangYoon turned off the music and spoke again.

  “A little weaker.”


  – Yes.

  The instruments started playing again. Kim JaeHoon relaxed his vocal cords and simply let the lyrics flow out of his body-

  I no- – no longer wish anything — of you —


  Kim JaeHoon’s notes combined with the notes from the accompaniment. The light became a little stronger than before. However, KangYoon wasn’t quite satisfied. He felt that this could be a lot better.

  “One more time.”


  And again.

  However, it didn’t make that much of a difference. They had to try several times before the strong white light that KangYoon wanted came out.

  “That should do. Let’s go on to the next bit.”


  Kim JaeHoon was also satisfied when he heard the recording. Normally, it was him that was unsatisfied by the recording and not the producer, but working with KangYoon, it was the opposite. Also, Lee HyunAh’s song didn’t seem that good at first glance, but now that he got to sing it, it felt really good. It was quite a strange phenomenon.

  Like that, they spent 6 hours on the recording. As Kim JaeHoon was someone who spent 12 hours or even 24 hours recording, this was considered very short.

  KangYoon gave Kim JaeHoon a handkerchief as he came out of the recording booth.

  “Thanks. It sure is faster working with you.”


  “It’s good to be efficient.”


  “I guess. Hey, you don’t happen to be able to ‘see’ music, do you?”


  KangYoon flinched for a moment, but he passed it over.

  “I wish.”


  “I want to see the musical notes at least. Anyway, today’s work is completely done. Oh, I heard from the director that we’ll be doing a showcase.”


  “We have a theater so we’ll make use of it. I’m planning to invest a lot and do it properly. And let’s do a music video this time too.”


  “Yes!”


  Kim JaeHoon shouted out in joy.

  A showcase!

  He was now able to stand in front of people again with his new album. This felt very new to him, as in May, he was busy digesting the hellish schedule.

  KangYoon’s words didn’t end there though.

  “If this album goes well, let’s consider doing a country-wide tour.”


  “YES!”


  Kim JaeHoon’s voice became even louder as KangYoon’s plans became larger.

  ***

  Mid-October was when the change in trees was the most dramatic, and it was also the season Kim JaeHoon’s new album aimed to release on.

  The album, the music video, and everything else necessary were finished.

  All that was left now was the showcase where he would first show his new music to the public.

  They decided Lunas to be the location since they could. KangYoon sent invitations to the members of Kim JaeHoon’s fan club as well as the record labels in the industry.

  On the day of the showcase.

  “Welcome.”


  Jung HyeJin was busy greeting the members of the fan club. The fans had brought many presents and banners and entered Lunas with excitement. These were the people who had won the fierce competition for tickets. Of course, the invitation was free of charge.

  KangYoon and Lee HyunJi were greeting the record labels.

  “Hello?”


  “Please, come in.”


  There were people in suits whose jobs were related to record labels and music streaming sites who had come to watch the showcase. Lee HyunJi’s relations in the industry, as well as Kim JaeHoon’s fame, were brought to the forefront here.

  KangYoon led them to the specially prepared seats at the front.

  “I was surprised to hear that Kim JaeHoon made a comeback recently, and now he’s doing a new album. Congratulations.”


  “Thank you.”


  These people were all surprised that Kim JaeHoon managed to return to the industry. To be exact, they were surprised at KangYoon who made that possible. Everyone thought Kim JaeHoon to be dead as a musician. Although there was the issue with his debt, the real problem was the long-term absence from the industry that included his service in the military. It was not easy to decide whether to invest in him or not. However, not only did an owner of a small entertainment company invest in him and managed to make his return to the industry, now there was a new album for him as well.

  Everyone thought that if this album went well, World Entertainment would no longer be considered a ‘small company’.

  “President Lee. Hello.”


  “President Kang ShiMyoung. Welcome.”


  (T/N: The dude that owns ‘Yerang’, and tried to recruit Lee HyunAh without the band, and tried to poach the band members when everything went wrong.)

  KangYoon greeted President Kang ShiMyoung, who, unlike the others, was wearing ripped jeans and a t-shirt. He also seemed surprised by this showcase and did not hide his excitement while looking around.

  “Nice venue you have here.”


  “Thank you.”


  “I’m envious, you have both a great venue and a great musician.”


  “Not at all. We just took our first step.”


  KangYoon led president Kang ShiMyoung to a good seat. When the others saw him, they hurriedly stood up to greet him. It was no wonder since he ran a big entertainment company.

  KangYoon had to greet several other guests after that as well. He was like a husband-to-be at a wedding. Lee HyunJi was the same.

  President Kang ShiMyoung took glances at the facilities like the stage, and the tall ceiling while greeting the others in the industry.

  ‘It shouldn’t have been easy for a company like World to invest so daringly. I’d rather build an office instead if I had the money. Did he get some loans? Who knows?’


  Money sufficient to build this building may be better invested in building a completely new office. However, KangYoon had gone against that common sense. He himself would never do this.

  ‘Were those words actually true? These kinds of facilities at that price should definitely be tempting. Hm….”


  President Kang ShiMyoung held his chin and fell into thought.

  Time flowed and the lights started dimming. Then, the stage lights turned on. At the same time, today’s MC, comedian Park ChanHyung, came up on stage. Park ChanHyung was a trendy comedian who created many popular punchlines recently.

  “Hello, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to Kim JaeHoon’s 6th mini album showcase!”


  “Waaaa—”


  The applause from the audience signaled the start of the showcase. Park ChanHyung pulled some jokes to set the mood, and when he deemed that the audience was ready, he shouted.

  “I present to you, today’s main character! Kim.Jae.Hoon!”


  “Kyaaa—!”


  “Waaa—!”


  Along with the shouts that filled the entirety of Lunas, Kim JaeHoon entered the stage from the back. Then, all the lights turned off before a spotlight shone down on him. The quiet accompaniment started flowing out and Kim JaeHoon put his mouth to the mic. This was the title song for the album ‘Time with You’.

  “I long — for the person — in my heart — in my memories –”


  Kim JaeHoon’s rich voice rang across the theater. His deep, yet thin voice was unique to him and him only, and made the audience wave their hands. The wonderful orchestra-like accompaniment and his voice mesmerized the audience.

  “I loved you — and because — my heart — ached –”


  His periodic vibrato in the chorus made the hearts of the audience flutter. His voice became deeper. Not to mention the audience, even the people from the industry were surprised.

  ‘That’s a good song.’


  ‘It feels different from his past songs, but in a good way.’


  Kim JaeHoon’s characteristics were preserved, while still following the latest trend.

  This was their evaluation.

  Even when the accompaniment died down, Kim JaeHoon’s voice continued without changing. He then sang powerfully, as if to shout something on the part leading to the climax.

  “I am an idiot — who never, ever told you — but now I shout — I love you—”


  Then the accompaniment suddenly came to a halt.

  The light also dimmed a little before it suddenly turned bright again along with a burst of sound. At the same time, Kim JaeHoon’s voice rang out as well. This was the climax part.

  “I love you-…”


  “I love you–”


  The audience was already singing along the song. They were happy to listen to Kim JaeHoon’s new song.

  Then, his voice slowly faded out until the song ended.

  “Waa——!”


  “Kim.Jae.Hoon! Kim.Jae.Hoon!”


  Everyone shouted out his name at the amazing song. Kim JaeHoon bowed towards the audience with an awkward smile.

  “Thank you.”


  “Waaa—-!”


  Kim JaeHoon’s title song for his 6th mini-album, ‘Time with You.’


  It made its debut in the world.

  ***

  “Hahahahaha!”


  Park ChanHyung’s smooth emceeing made the audience laugh. Kim JaeHoon scratched his chin awkwardly. His awkward expression made the audience more cheerful.

  “He doesn’t have a lover. Well, then. Anyone interested?”


  Lunas became more cheerful when many people raised their hands. Of course, all of them were half-joking.

  Park ChanHyung called upon a few that raised their hands to the stage and had Kim JaeHoon give them a hug. This was, of course, all fan service.

  Kim JaeHoon gave out autographs and gave them a light hug. The ones that got picked to stand on the stage received the envy of other audience members.

  They then talked about Kim JaeHoon’s life stories – what he did in the 4 years of absence, what he did after joining the new company and stuff like that. The audience cried when they heard how he joined his new company. They were glad to find out that he regained all the copyrights and that his former boss was now serving time in prison.

  Someone else unexpectedly came into attention, KangYoon. He was watching the showcase from behind the stage and he was suddenly pointed at by Kim JaeHoon who said that KangYoon was his savior.

  “Haha….”


  When KangYoon made an awkward expression, Lee HyunJi giggled on the side.

  “It’s a good thing. Come on, give them a wave.”


  When KangYoon still did nothing, Lee HyunJi grabbed his arm and waved it at the audience. Then, the audience applauded while cheering.

  Like that, the fan meeting-like event was over, and it was time to showcase the next song.

  Park ChanHyung had a look at the flashcard before speaking.

  “So your next song is titled ‘Only One’. What kind of song is this?”


  “This is slightly different from the songs I sang until now. It’s a rock ballad.”


  People cheered at the word rock. This was a genre they didn’t expect from Kim JaeHoon.

  “Rock, huh? Aren’t you someone who’s unrelated to rock?”


  “I was. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t really like it either. But, the president recommended that I do it. So, I ended up getting this song from HyunAh, someone who’s also from the company.”


  “Now I’m looking forward to that. Well, then, everyone. Give him a round of applause. ‘Only One’.”


  “Waaa—!!”


  The audience cheered and Kim JaeHoon stood up from his seat. The accompaniment flowed out and his second song, Only One, began.