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Chapter 109: Blue Room Party (6)

“Where at?"

“Reina’s Hot Evening Radio. You have heard about it, right?"

Everyone knew Reina’s Hot Evening Radio was a big opportunity for new singers. It was the go-to platform for hotshot artists dropping fresh tracks, but invitations were not extended to just anyone. The guests had to have made a substantial buzz, so for rookies who got on Reina\'s Hot Evening Radio, it was a sign that they had really made it.

It was tough to get a spot, but once you did, it became a goldmine of airtime and UTube clips. The show was selective about its guests but treated them like royalty, always cooking up special segments for each. And the UTube hits? Through the roof. It was a sweet deal for newbies and big names alike.

“Chronos is going to do live sets of ‘Blue Room Party’ and ‘Parade,’ and solos for Hyun-Woo, Yoo-Joon, and Yoon-Chan."

“Really?"

“Yeah, they\'re setting up solo live spots for the three of you. Start thinking about your cover tracks."

“...Okay!”

True to the reputation of the host Reina, there was always a special event when a skilled idol group appeared on her show. It was called “Today\'s Live,” a part where the vocalists of the guest group could perform cover songs. While time constraints meant not all members could participate in the live performance, the group’s popularity generally dictated the amount of airtime they would receive. Given that Chronos secured three slots for this section, it seemed that they received quite the exceptional treatment.

“Joo-Han and Jin-Sung will get plenty of spotlight too, so don\'t sweat it."

“Eh, I\'m cool with that," Joo-Han said, all smiles. Having just topped the charts with his song, he was probably buzzing from the fame and the cash. He seemed happier than anyone else.

“That’s fair. I am cool to know they\'re looking out for us." Jin-Sung seemed chill with the whole thing too.

“Blue Room Party” had kicked off with a bang. The debut was spot-on, and now we were diving into the follow-up frenzy.

***

Opportunities always had a way of popping up when you least expected them. Therefore, I had to be ready to grab them, but it seemed like my timing was a bit off this time.

“Have you been doing well, hyung? You\'re pretty late."

“Told you I\'d be late."

As my adversary sat across me, I shot him a glare loaded with all the feeling I could muster. He shot one right back and sneakily flipped me off by raising his middle finger, which was unnoticed by the others.

Kim Jin-Wook and I were chilling at the coffee shop in YU Entertainment\'s building, and I came here to meet him for a reason.

“You call me here and then glare at me? What\'s up with that?"

“If you said you\'d come, you should\'ve been on time. I don\'t have a lot of free time to burn."

Kim Jin-Wook looked at me and countered, “You seem pretty free to me."

“You might not know, but we\'ve kicked off our follow-up promotions. I\'m just off today."

‘Well, actually off for a week.’

After a never-ending back-and-forth, Kim Jin-Wook finally clammed up and let out a sigh. “Why\'d you call me? Looking for a fight?"

Would I really bother Ji-Hyuk to get Kim Jin-Wook’s number just to pick a fight? That would have been too much of a hassle.

With a hint of hesitation, I asked, “Can you help me out? Think about the time we spent together in the past.”

After all, when it came to rap, Kim Jin-Wook was the first name that popped into my head. Chronos\'s rappers were Goh Yoo-Joon and Lee Jin-Sung, but Goh Yoo-Joon was busy with a cover for the radio, while Lee Jin-Sung was not quite there with writing lyrics.

Kim Jin-Wook frowned and scoffed at my polite question. “No."

“Seriously?" I was peeved. “Do you remember how I helped out when you were flailing around in the competition?"

“So?"

“Ah, come on, I\'ll buy you coffee."

“I\'m out." Kim Jin-Wook directly stood up to leave, and I thought, \'That bastard!’

“Ah, but why are you talking to me informally?" I asked.

“Then you should do the same, if you care."

“Hey, Jin-Wook!"

He flinched and then gave me the most pitiful look he could muster. I knew it was a bit childish, but I had to get him to sit back down.

“I came to you because I think you\'re the best at writing raps out of everyone I know."

After a bit of nagging, Kim Jin-Wook finally showed a flicker of interest. “Rap?"

The moment the words “solo live radio performance” echoed in my ears, the first thing that leaped to mind was the song gifted to me by Joo-Han. I had broached the topic of the lyrics with Producer Do and managed to scribble down a few lines as they flowed from my thoughts.

Yet, there remained one elusive section. It was a part where the music, accompanied by the strum of an electric guitar, took a steep and sudden turn. I hadn\'t asked Joo-Han about his intentions, but it was glaringly obvious that this segment was tailor-made for rap rather than singing.

I felt somewhat confident that with Producer Do\'s assistance, I could cobble together the song lyrics. But rap, with its rhythm and beats, was a beast of a different nature that I couldn\'t tame.

In our group, Goh Yoo-Joon had dabbled in lyric writing, but even he would find writing rap a formidable challenge, especially while preparing for his own solo live. It seemed unfair to burden him further. Tormented by the desire to present the best live performance on the radio, I found myself seeking out Kim Jin-Wook.

He regarded me with an air of annoyance before reluctantly sitting again. “Rap? Why?" His curiosity was piqued now.

“I\'ve been given a solo piece, and I was hoping you\'d pen the rap part since you\'re the best among everyone I know."

Kim Jin-Wook was silent after hearing my request.

I\'d heard rumors from Ji-Hyuk that Kim Jin-Wook\'s transfer to YU had been favorable, but he steadfastly refused to debut in a group. I could somewhat understand him. His previous group experience had been disastrous, and for someone whose destiny was to rap solo, he wasn’t suitable for a group life.

However, an unknown trainee wouldn’t get many song offers, so I could imagine Kim Jin-Wook\'s frustration building by the day. Anyway, this suggestion was mutually beneficial. “Don\'t let pride get in the way. Help me out. We\'re Team D, after all."

It was an arrangement where I\'d receive a stellar rap, and Kim Jin-Wook would get the opportunity to showcase his voice on an original track. It was a win-win for both of us.

After a moment of feigned contemplation, Kim Jin-Wook finally nodded. “I\'ll do it. But I\'ll only record once. Don\'t expect me to join you live."

“Understood, of course not. I wouldn\'t dream of going on stage with you anyway. Thanks. So, about the song—" I handed over the concept and unfinished lyrics of the song to him. Despite seeming less than thrilled, he still read through the lyrics with a seriousness that belied his reluctance.

“Write it however you want, but just keep it clean for the public. No swearing, alright?" I advised.

Kim Jin-Wook scowled but nodded in agreement. “I\'m not an idiot."

“Ah, the very same non-idiot who smoked at the house, right?"

“Should I leave now?"

“No, I am just saying that your reformation is truly admirable."

He took a picture of the lyrics with his phone and got up. After that, he said, "Send the MR to me through email. I\'ll record and send it back."

“Thank you, truly. I\'m looking forward to it."

“And..." he looked somewhat hesitating.

“Yes?"

He fumbled with his phone, seemingly at a loss for words, so I just tilted my head, prompting him to continue.

“The number you called me from... is it yours?"

“No, it\'s the shared phone for Chronos."

He awkwardly extended his phone toward me and said, “Give me your number. You have your own phone, right?"

“Wow, sure. But you could just call my group’s phone if you need to." Nevertheless, I took his phone, punched in my number, and handed it back. “I really appreciate this. Feel free to reach out anytime, hyung."

Kim Jin-Wook then left without saying another word.

‘Ugh’ I knew that even if I tried my whole life, I would never truly get close to Kim Jin-Wook. I then exited YU Entertainment\'s building under the gaze of those wondering why I was there. After that, I made my way back to the dorm.

That evening, I added the finishing touches on the lyrics for my solo song, wondering when Kim Jin-Wook would send me his recording.

[1st. M4A]

After a brief wait, a recording file arrived in my inbox, and I eagerly listened to it. To my delight, the rap nestled within the file perfectly captured the essence of my lyrics and the song\'s meaning. The brilliance of it all seemed nothing short of genius. I had assumed he\'d only half-listened, but it was clear that he\'d absorbed every word.

I sent Kim Jin-Wook a gift card as I was overcome with gratitude. His lyric-writing skills seemed to have improved remarkably. People indeed flourished under the tutelage of major agencies... Kim Jin-Wook\'s rap inspired me to find my groove in lyric writing. As if all my prior struggles were a mere illusion, I swiftly brought the song to completion.

***

My first solo song was unfolding at a brisk pace. Joo-Han was the first to hear the recording, and he beamed with pride and gave me a thumbs-up. Producer Do, too, echoed his approval.

‘For a first try, this is quite remarkable.\'

Kim Jin-Wook\'s rap required no additional praise; the man was undeniably a genius. Despite having to hastily pen the lyrics, I still received commendations from Producer Do and successfully completed the song.

While I was in the company studio, finalizing the song with Producer Do, Supervisor Kim walked in and started expressing his interest in the solo song. “Is this the piece Joo-Han gifted you?"

“Yes."

“Impressive... Joo-Han and that YU trainee, Jin-Wook, did well, but what can’t our Hyun-Woo do?"

I found it puzzling why Supervisor Kim was so elated over a song that wouldn\'t even be officially released and wouldn\'t generate revenue. Furthermore, it was out of the ordinary for him to voluntarily visit the studio, as he typically never stopped by.

Just as I was suspicious of his motives, he dropped a bombshell. “The fans will adore this, don\'t you think? It\'s a meaningful gift from Joo-Han and also the first solo for Chronos. Let\'s put some effort into this."

“What kind of effort?" I asked.

“Officially invite the YU trainee. Let\'s create a video with him and release it on UTube. If it gains traction, we might even consider an official release." The thought of collaborating with Kim Jin-Wook, let alone making a video together, was repugnant to me. Yet, Supervisor Kim seemed to have his mindset, rattling off his plans one after the other.

The situation was escalating. As Supervisor Kim spoke, Producer Do cracked a smile for the first time in his presence. “I\'ve never seen Supervisor Kim so eager to spend money. Looks like Joo-Han is set to become a royalty millionaire this year, haha."