Chapter 153

"Joo Woosung, are you seriously crazy?"

Joo Woosung, who was tapping his phone on the studio's third-floor balcony, turned around with a smug smile.

"Hi, Seo Hoyun"

"I was about to get annoyed that you didn't tell me the lineup, but seriously, I can't help but admire you instead. How can you manage between those two…?"

Unable to finish my sentence, I just shook my head in disbelief.

Joo Woosung, who used to suffer just from organizing an end-of-year stage with White Cherry's Han Chae Ri, seemed to be in a good mood today.

"Do you know you only keep common sense in weird places?"

"You're the one lacking common sense in weird places, Joo Woosung."

Joo Woosung chuckled. Leaning on the railing with his arms crossed, he waved his hand while looking down at the gathering below.

"Season 2 is really chaotic, huh? My direct juniors having a party with all my ex-girlfriends…."

"…."

"And you."

Ridiculous.

"Why am I stuck in this messy situation? It's all related to you, Joo Woosung."

"You're asking knowingly, right? You're the worst in this mess."

You're probably the worst.

As I folded my arms and looked at him, Joo Woosung nodded slightly.

"Why of all things, a Lia Purple song?"

"Why?"

"Why, you ask?"

Joo Woosung let out an incredulous chuckle.

"You know it and yet you do this. Everyone who knows about the collaboration stage lineup knows. But why bring Lia Purple here again? Don't you know it will leave a bad impression on the fans?"

"Listening to this from you Joo Woosung, its refreshing."

"Do you want to die?"

In reality, Joo Woosung was going on broadcasts with both his ex-girlfriends by his side, but still, there was a reason why that guy, who had had so many relationships without getting involved in a single scandal, was doing it.

Maybe because he could secretly meet in places and never show any signs in front of the fans, no matter what.

Well, the agency couldn't afford to lose black calls, so they were thorough about preventing it.

"What if there's a scandal? What are you going to do?"

People who react overly sensitively to their own appearance in such situations are usually overly sensitive.

"Most people would think that way, wouldn't they?"

"Those who are present contribute more, right?"

I've seen countless cases like that.

"Those who have tasted everything know the taste, and those who have had it want more. The more you have to protect, the greater the greed, and it quickly reveals itself."

So, as you move up, when you have a position where whatever you do is forgiven, that's when you can truly see someone's character.

Then, what would happen if someone who's used to having their own way suddenly has their plate taken away?

"Most people are similar, aren't they…."

They're all alike in their own ways.

The self-introduction lines like "I know who I am" are not just lines from dramas, they come out so often because there are actually many people who say that.

But this time, it seemed like everyone was being cautious, so I needed a means to choose the most likely candidate to make a mistake. That's why I chose this song.

"I'm curious to see who that will be."

Indeed, who would make the most foolish mistake.

Now that the bait was set, all I had to do was wait for someone to take it.

I tapped my fingers on the railing, lost in thought.

"And it would be great if it was your junior."

If Joo woosung knew, it would be a shocking revelation.

"Well, let's just forget what we talked about earlier."

"…."

"Just let it go, okay?"

Even though I expected some sly remarks with a smirk, Joo Woosung just nodded obediently.

"Or not."

"…?"

When I tilted my head slightly, Joo Woosung patted me on the neck.

"I'll help you."

"…Excuse me?"

a backup?

Joo Woosung raised his eyebrows at my puzzled expression.

"What ridiculous thoughts are you having?! I mean skill, skill. I'll help you improve your dancing."

"…Really?"

"Seo Hoyun, did you think I came here as a mentor for nothing?"

Could it be that Joo Woosung…

My mind stumbled at the unexpected offer.

"…Hey"

…Surely not.

I don't know if it's because my brain isn't functioning properly, but Joo Woosung's words sounded as if he had come out as a mentor voluntarily to help me.

"Don't say nonsensical things just to make it sound good. Where are you digging up that nonsense?"

"Didn't you realize something strange about someone who's usually so quick-witted? Of course, the company suggested it, but did I come out here as a mentor? Usually, they assign trainers or something."

I was even more flustered by Joo of Woosung's sulking.

"Remember what I said before? I'm going to get bashed from all sides. I came out as a mentor because of my direct junior, and then it turns out my junior isn't here, but instead, I'm going to get bashed again hanging out with weirdos."

"What?"

"Well, at least I'll live a long life, right?"

As I watched the guy mumble in confusion, I slightly parted my lips.

'That's ridiculous…'

Yeah, even giving him the benefit of the doubt, if this were true…

"Joo Woosung."

"What?"

"Are you composed of DNA sequences of a sucker or a lunatic?"

That's too much.

"Fuck, I'm a sucker, you asshole."

"Well, it's a relief you know."

"You're fucking harsh."

Joo Woosung, who had been looking at me with a mixture of pity even when he was giving me a hard time, sighed deeply and took out his phone again.

"Ugh, it's pointless. A guy like Sunghyun... not even a cute taste like him. No backbone, no skill, can't even dance properly. What's pretty about that? I must be crazy."

"Stop talking nonsense."

"Seo Hoyun, I really, really, really don't understand why Nana and Cheongbeom noona treat you like a sucker."

I don't know. Aren't you guys the suckers?

I don't know what expression he had, but Ju Woo Sung, after looking at my face, raised one corner of his mouth.

"So, you're the one who's being used, you crazy bastard."

"…."

No, but now this guy is starting a fight.

---

After selecting the competition song, the schedule for Shining Star Season 2 progressed quickly.

"Sigh..."

"Why are you sighing like that?"

"No, it's nothing!"

This time, they decided to increase the density of the broadcast, so the frequency of filming and the amount of preparation increased compared to the previous season.

As a result, a tight schedule was given not only to the cast but also to the production team.

They even had to bring in staff from the culture department because they were short of staff to interview the members.

And that was the youngest assistant director of the broadcasting station who was endlessly sighing right now.

"Ugh..."

While following Kim Hee-young around, he remembered his cousin who was whining while setting up the camera at the designated place.

'I have to get a high-five sign...'

Being a genuine High Five fan, he kept contacting her until she accepted, regardless of text, KakaoTalk, or phone call.

He wanted to deal with it quickly and get rid of it, but the first shoot happened to fall on the side of The Dun.

'Ah, it's annoying.'

Kim Heeyoung PD said never, never to show fan feelings during filming, but isn't it possible to get a sign at least?

He pouted his lips and wished he could finish filming The Dawn quickly and meet High Five.

"Hello?"

"Hello, nice to meet you!"

However, such thoughts flew away the moment The Dun entered.

'Wow, are they the same human?'

He had seen many celebrities while working at the broadcasting station, but the idol he faced up close was so unreal that he didn't feel like the same human.

He had heard that they were popular these days. Seeing their long legs and faces that could beat actors, he understood.

'Not anyone can be an idol...'

However, he was an assistant director who often heard stories about celebrities' bullying from his seniors. He tried hard to keep his mind sharp so as not to be criticized.

Even Seo Hoyun, Kim Seonghyun, and Kang Ichae looked scary just by keeping a poker face.

After greeting the staff, the members gathered in the middle of the practice room and started talking.

"Let's listen to Lia Purple's song first and then start."

"Okay."

[I get this Feeling, I might look like a light-hearted person

But I'm already drawn to you]

Although Lia purple had become famous recently due to their retro comeback, the assistant director, who had no knowledge of idols, had no memory of ever hearing this song before. That meant it was likely a song that even ordinary people wouldn't know.

'Is it a bit sexy, or more on the cute side?'

But it was strange from the beginning.

"Why did they even choose a girl group song?"

Of course, one could see it as being included to give other idols a chance to be picked.

But if he ended up choosing it, he'd be at a loss. Ultimately, "The Dawn" had chosen the note from "The Dawn" to pick "The Dawn."

Then why not just choose a safe option, like a male idol group such as the Kings of Black Call, to leave a good impression? '...Seriously, what's this?'

It was a concept that exuded an overwhelming sexy and cute vibe.

[Even if you mistake me for an easy girl, there's plenty of time, so touch me slowly, Easy Tempo One and Two]

The lyrics weren't famous for nothing. In this day and age, it was a sentiment that wouldn't sit well—wanting to look pretty to you, pretending to be demure, but ultimately knowing you'd come to me.

It wasn't just the youngest assistant director who thought this way. Even veteran staff who had been around the block shook their heads in disbelief.

[Don't rush, Easy Tempo One and Two, don't come hastily without confidence]

"This? On Shining Star? From a boy group? As the first choice?"

"Why LiaPurple again, after avoiding scandals?"

The thought of LiaPurple's outfits at the time made it even more surreal. They wore tight black leather skinnies.

"Looks good. Shall we go with this?"

"Yes, ma'am!"

"....!!"

But the members of "The Dawn" were completely nonchalant about it.

Just then, the studio door suddenly opened, and someone walked in.

"The awesome senior is here~!"

'...Why is he here again???'

It was none other than Ju Woo Sung, who had been difficult to deal with.

Despite his cool and melancholic image on TV, he was known to be sharp-tongued and assertive in real life.

So, even though the broadcasting station had assigned Joo Woodung as a mentor, they saw him more as someone who occasionally appeared on screen and boosted ratings.

Everyone was puzzled by the unexpected guest, but Seo Hoyun reacted particularly indifferently.

"Want a drink?"

"You're like a shuttle, senior."

"If you don't want a drink, you can turn around and leave."

"Seo Hoyun, do you know that?"

"What do you mean?"

"I'm not angry anymore."

"...."

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