Reality Show

"Ya! You good?" Minhyun-ie came over and snapped his fingers in front of me. I must have looked like I was in deep thought.

We were in our new clubhouse for the 95 line. I drove here together with Jisoo since we just finished hosting together on Inkigayo. It was pretty much tiring after the show. There were a lot of fans who came and asked for autographs. Of course, since I wasn't in our fans signing events this year, I happily obliged. The exhaustion hit me like a wave. After going back to our dressing room, I slipped into my casual clothes to prepare for the party. Jisoo was having her hair and make up redone beside me. Little did I know that as I was having my hair and make-up being retouched, I fell asleep on my seat as she was doing so. I almost ended up sleeping the entire time if it weren't for Jisoo coming over to check if I was ready to go.

Now, we're here with the rest of our 95 line friends. It wasn't just a welcoming party for the new guys who just became part of the 95 line, nor was it just a welcome back party for me and Kei, but it was also a celebration for our new clubhouse called Tree House. When Joy went home after we dealt with my uncle, I asked her to go with Sungjae to scout for a clubhouse for the 95 line. Our group was getting bigger and it was harder to meet up because of the schedules. To make matters worse, our café was far away. It was hard to travel to our café in Busan every single time. It takes hours. So I decided to sell our cafe, buy a property in Seoul, and turn it into our clubhouse. Luckily, they found the perfect place for us. It was located in Myeongdong, but not in the busy section of it.

It was a pretty nice place. It has a big land with a small house in the middle. We had it renovated and we designed the place to look like it was made out of a tree trunk. The inside had pretty much everything we needed. An indoor pool, multiple practice rooms in the basement, two recording studios in the second floor with complete instruments inside it, a huge kitchen with its dining room, a large open balcony, a large living room and a small gym. And oh, we also have our own rooms for sleeping. Basically, it's a place where we can crash any time.

"Ah. Sorry, you were saying something?" I asked as I snapped out of my thoughts.

He sighed. "What is wrong with you?"

"What is wrong with who?" Jimin-ie came over and joined in on the conversation.

"Oh. Nothing. I was just thinking of something that happened earlier." I replied.

"Thinking of what happened earlier or thinking about WHO was with you SOMEONE earlier?" Jisoo-ya strutted towards us as she placed a spoonful of cake in her mouth before placing the plate on my table.

I rolled my eyes. "It's nothing. You guys are overreacting. And Jisoo-ya… watch your mouth. I told you that I'm fine with her."

She raised both of her hands before she quoted her sentence with her fingers. "Fine. 'You're okay with her'."

"Fine with who?" Minhyun-ie asked.

"No one!" I replied before eyeing Jisoo-ya to shut up.

"I warned you that you'll soon find out. I'm taking it that you're not processing things well?" Jisoo-ya added which made me angrier now.

"Is it related to your depression?" Jimin-ah asked.

I snapped my head towards him. "What? No! And what? You know that I didn't REALLY go through that. Remember?"

"Then it must be about something else." Sungjae-ya approached our table together with Joy.

Sooyoung-ie then smirked at me. "True. The last time I saw you like that was when you were thinking hard about what to do with your love life."

"Ooh. Do tell." Kei-ya joined in on the conversation as she turned her chair towards our group. She was sitting behind me while silently enjoying herself as she was eavesdropping on us.

I slammed my hand on the table. "For the last time. I'm okay."

"Ooh. Feisty. You obviously aren't. Now spill." Kei added. Obviously not threatened by my anger, she continued to press on.

What is up with these people?

Why are they ganging up on me again?

Sooyoung then patted my shoulder. "You can tell us. You know that, right?"

Looking at their eyes, I could see that they were just genuinely concerned. It was actually nothing. I just had a question in my mind. "Fine…"

As soon as I said that, they started sitting down, leaning in closer to hear me clearly. I decided to bring them up on the balcony to talk better. The music here wasn't doing us any good. So we made our way up stairs and onto the balcony.

"Okay. Now that we're here. You can tell them about what happened earlier with IU-sunbaenim." Jisoo decided to spill the beans.

"With who now?" Sungjae blurted out as he snapped his head towards me. The rest did the same. They had a look of disbelief. I knew this look. I keep telling them that I've moved on already and that I'm slowly trying to get close to the girl that I like.

"JayB-ya… I thought that you were over her?" Sooyoung asked.

My eyes widened. "It's not what you think. Okay? I HAVE moved on. I was just curious as to what Jungkook-ie was doing there in the studio earlier tonight. I even saw them walking towards her dressing room together."

There was silence from everyone. They were trying to look anywhere else but me. It was as if they were avoiding this topic. What's up with them?

Minhyun-ie sighed. "And that got you all deep in thought?"

I nodded. Jimin then patted my shoulder. "Don't be surprised about what we're going to tell you, JayB-ya but…"

"IU-unnie and Jungkook-ssi are dating." Kei blurted out while crossing her arms. The rest of the people glared at her. "What? He's going to find out anyway."

I raised an eyebrow at Kei. "And you know this how?"

She rolled her eyes. "Unlike you who solely focused on taking down your uncle, I had a life."

Jimin sighed. "I'm sorry, man. They've been dating for 3 months now. I hope you're okay with it."

It took a while to sink in. Did it hurt? No actually. It somehow stung a little when I heard it from Kei, but after a while, I was genuinely happy for her. She's finally moved on. Besides, Jungkook has been crushing on her in both worlds now. I think it's time that they actually get together.

I smiled at them. "You have no idea how happy that makes me."

The rest of my friends sighed in relief. Only Sooyoung had a look of worry in her eyes. "Are you sure you're okay?"

She smiled after I gave her a nod. Jimin then placed his hands over my shoulder before putting me on a light headlock. "Don't worry, JayB-ya. There are plenty of fish out there. Who knows? You'll end up with one of the 95 line. Should I introduce you to some of the new girls? How about Kwon Eunbi-ya? She said she knows you already. Or Kim Seolhyun-ssi? If not, then how about Kim Namjoo-ssi?"

"I guess this is why Jeongyeon-ie hates you so much." I told him.

"Huh?! What are you talking about? I Ah- AH! Stop it!" He tried to rebut but Sungjae and Minhyun dragged him away.

"Ya! What are you guys doing out there? Come down and meet some of our hoobaes!" Dominic shouted from the inside of the house. Mina was standing beside her. I gave her a wave in return.

"Let's go?" Sooyoung wrapped her hands around my arm.

"Sooyoung-ah!" Sungjae pouted. He must've been jealous. Sooyoung does that by instinct since we've been together for a long time now.

I chuckled at how cute they were. "You guys go. I'll catch up."

She gave me a peck on the cheek to cheer me up before grabbing onto Sungjae's arm and played it cute. Sungjae wasn't too happy about it but let it slide anyway. As soon as everyone left, I went into deep thought again. Then a conclusion came into mind which brought a smile to my face. "If she moved on. Then I guess it's finally okay for me to make a move on HER."

________

"Are you okay, JayB-ya? What the hell happened to you?" PD-nim leaned closer as he placed his hand on my forehead probably to check my temperature.

Last night was crazy. We partied really hard with the other 95 line members since most of us didn't have any schedules the following day. I also let loose since I haven't really had a party after we put my uncle in jail. The vacation was also full of missions and unwanted sad moments. Highlight the phrase unwanted sad moments. Especially on our 2-day mission-free vacation back in Hawaii. Definitely cried a lot there. It was more stressful than relaxing since there were also cameras pointed at you all the time.

The only time I got to relax was last night. No pretending, no cameras, no fans, just the 95 line members, their partners, and some of the members of their respective groups partying like crazy. It was totally a blast. It was definitely a night to remember. Good thing, Kei was there to stop me from drinking too much. Now, Twice and I were here with PD-nim as we were going to talk about the plans for next year. We just entered the season for the year-end shows which will start in a few weeks. So this was a great time to meet with other artists that I'm producing for and plan for the next year. Sadly, my headache is getting in the way.

"I'm great, PD-nim. I'm just having a slight headache." I replied as I removed his hand and massaged my forehead. My stomach is turning right now. But I don't want to puke in front of Twice and PD-nim. That would be embarrassing.

"You don't look so well. You're very pale AND cold." He nagged.

Mina giggled across the table. "If you just listened to Kei-unnie last night, you wouldn't be suffering much."

"Yeah. What was that? 'I just want to get wasted tonight!'" Sana added fuel to the fire as she tried to mimic me.

If there's one thing that PD-nim hates is that his artists would go drinking without their managers to watch over them. Especially if they get wasted. These two were with Dominic and Jeong Do last night so they saw EVERYTHING while I barely remember a thing.

"Shut up you two." I fired back jokingly.

Sana then smirked. "Why did you even drink THAT much? Is it because…"

"I'm warning you. It's not what you think. If I knew that we would have an emergency meeting today, I wouldn't have drank that much." I glared at her.

PD-nim cleared his throat. "Alright. That's enough. Let's get started."

We immediately stopped and turn to PD-nim and listened to his reports. "The first three episodes of 'Away to Escape' are a hit. Apparently, they've been looking for JayB-ya in the first few episodes that's why the ratings were high. Twice was also one of the few highlights together with Monsta X and Day6. Your sunbaes were also doing great especially 2PM, CNBLUE, SISTAR, Baek A-yeon and Wonder Girls. Unfortunately, their groups will be retiring unofficially next year. But they will continue to be under JYP Entertainment as solo artists and will also be pursuing acting careers and other careers."

We were surprised with the sudden announcement. These people were basically the founding groups of the company's roster. It was hard to see them go now. But it doesn't mean that it's the end for them. They were just going to pursue a different path. Technically, these groups would still exist, but their group activities would be limited or at least would be very few. I wonder how Suzy-noona and Taecyeon-hyung are doing. I should probably check on them.

"Why the sudden retirement, PD-nim?" Chaeyoung asked out of the blue.

PD-nim turned to her and smiled. "Well, there are various reasons, Chaeyoung-ah. First, most of the boys from 2PM and CNBLUE have been called for their army enlistment. So they decided to take care of that first. Secondly, your sunbaes have decided to do this to make way for their hoobaes."

"That's very noble of them. But we still prefer to work with them here." Momo said.

PD-nim nodded. "I understand. But I also agree with their decisions. Since, many members of Wonder Girls want to pursue solo careers in music and acting, I believe that holding activities as a group would be difficult."

I sighed. "There's nothing we can do about it then. I can see that they've already made up their minds about this."

"That's right. I also wanted to go against it at first but seeing their resolve to do this, I decided to do otherwise." PD-nim responded.

Jihyo then raised her hand to get PD-nim's attention. "When are they planning to hold a press conference for this? And when will 2PM-sunbaenim enlist?"

"We'll announce it early next year. As for their enlistments, they are planning to go on the last week of May next year." PD-nim answered. After answering all our questions, he then moved on to the next agenda. "Now, let's talk about Twice's important schedules for next year."

We all focused ourselves on him as he was about to announce something important. "Next year, you'll only have one full-length album comeback. To be precise, around March perhaps."

My eyes widened. "It's an album PD-nim. Don't you think that it's a little bit too rushed of we release it at that time. Plus, they'll only have one album, so they can still do it in the latter half of the year. Why rush? "

He smiled. "Alpha only has one comeback next year around April too. So while Twice is promoting, you are also busy preparing for your comeback. Besides I know you already prepared their songs." He responded.

Twice's members turned to me with their mouths gaped and their eyes widened in surprise. Jeongyeon then spoke, "But it's only been a month and a half since you came back from hiatus. You can't be possibly done with the album. It's a full-length album with more than 10 songs. How could you possibly be done with that amount of time?"

I smiled wryly at her. "Actually, I just finished it yesterday and have the title track on my phone. I also have the EP here on my phone."

They were still shocked as I played the demo for 'Knock-knock' and 'Signal'. PD-nim decided that they'll be promoting the Album on March and the EP on May. It was going to be tough for them to master the choreography after all.

Suddenly, I noticed something from PD-nim. He was cramming all the comebacks on the first half of the year. "PD-nim, why are you pushing the comebacks for most of artists to happen on the first half of the year?"

He smiled at me before he replied, "I knew nothing would escape your sight. Yes, I have major plans for both of your groups next year since a lot of your sunbaes are retiring."

"And what is that?" Nayeon asked.

"As you know, GOT7 just started their world tour last month. IU-ssi will also start her tour next month. The rest of your sunbaes will have their last tour by the start of the year which means you guys will be holding yours soon." He replied.

We were all surprised by this information. This means we'll all be busy. But wow! Our first world tour!

"You're kidding, right?" I asked again just to be sure.

He shook his head. "Nope. Twice will debut in China and Japan first by June. This will help raise their popularity more before they start going on tour the following year. Alpha on the other hand will start their first world tour this coming June as well."

I stood up as I was shocked with the announcement. "Is this the reason why you've been asking for those songs with specific themes?"

He nodded in response. "That's right. Everything that happened in 'Away to Escape' was a test. It wasn't just for nothing. For the spontaneous songwriting, I was seeing as to who was ready to write their own songs and those who are ready to have a solo debut. Clearly, JayB-ya, you have what it takes."

I rolled my eyes. "There's no way in hell that I'm doing a solo debut. I'd rather stick with my members."

"Oh but your members say otherwise." He smirked.

"What did you just say?" I asked in surprise.

He chuckled. "I spoke with them earlier and asked them what they think about letting you have your solo debut. Surprisingly they were very supportive of you, saying that it would benefit the group more. Especially since you just came back from hiatus."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

He sighed. "You've gained a lot of haters over the past few months, JayB-ya. This solo career would really help you. Besides, your members have been saying that you're putting yourself on the sideline too much. They know that you can do well as the main vocal of the group but chose not to."

"I did it for the team." I responded.

"Now they're doing THIS for you." He fired back which placed me in deep thought.

Jihyo held my hand. "The performance from last year's song festival is still stuck in my mind. I never thought that you could hit so many high notes JayB-oppa."

"Not to put down my boyfriend, but you are really better than him in terms of singing." Sana said.

Everyone's response made me sigh. "I'll think about it. Anything else?"

"Let's move on to the next agenda. Before the year end shows next year, we'll be holding a JYP Nation concert in 15 cities. These cities are still to be discussed." This announcement was the best one of all. Although this would be the most exhausting year ever, we would be performing with our fellow label mates which was something that rarely happens. We continued to discuss more about it as the rest of us got more excited.

_________

"Finally! We're free!" I shouted I stretched my arms while passing the hallway towards the company's lobby.

"Come on, oppa. You have to take it down a notch." Momo complained.

"What are you talking about?" I asked all confused.

She crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. "You know. Pushing yourself to the limit. You keep overworking yourself."

Dahyun scoffed. "I'm still pretty much worried about him being assigned to a new survival show again."

I halted my steps and snapped my head towards her. "What do you mean 'again'?" Did you find out about SIXTEEN? When? How?"

"Does it matter? Just make sure to make it fair this time." She said before walking away. We also started heading towards the lobby as we continued chatting.

"She's still mad after all that." Nayeon sighed.

Jihyo patted my shoulder. "Don't mind her. She's just upset that the company is holding another survival show next year. We just thought that Monsta X's survival show was the last one."

"Oh I get her. I don't want to be a judge for next year's survival show but I'm technically bound by contract. So I have no choice." I replied.

Sana rolled her eyes "We ALL know that you're much more capable than that."

I chuckled at her. "I can't abuse my power anymore. It's not that I can't. It's just that I won't. After SIXTEEN. I promised that I'd treat everyone fairly. But PD-nim still hears me out though. All of the member line-ups that I gave him became successful after all."

"You're still unbelievable. You know that?" Mina shook her head.

"MIXNINE, huh? I hope those trainees won't be too devastated." Tzuyu uttered.

I also agree with her. It was already hard enough for me to go through Alpha Project when we were still trainees. I witnessed SIXTEEN's participants go through a lot of hardships not just in this world but also in the previous one. So I had to go through the pain of watching them suffer TWICE. No pun intended. I also had to watch my own sister, Chungha go through it in our sub company and be part of IOI. Now, I have to watch our future hoobaes fight against each other in a new survival show. Definitely not cool.

"I'm pretty sure they can handle it. The trainees nowadays are really-" Before I could finish my sentence a girl who was running towards the lobby bumped into me.

I turned to her and helped her up. "I'm sorry. I should be more careful. Are you okay?"

"No, I'm so sorry. It's totally my…" As I was helping her up, she ended up staring at me with wide eyes.

"Lia-ya! Choi Lia!" Her friend came running towards us and tried to help her stand properly as well.

"Oh? Ryujin-ah! What are you doing here?" I was surprise to see Ryujin here. The trainees were in another building after all.

She giggled. "Oh, JayB-oppa! We just had a meeting with JYP PD-nim about an incoming survival show that we'll be taking part in. But we also heard that MBS and TvN collaborated and are looking for sign-ups for their show."

"Oh I see. Well, you guys be careful." I reminded them.

Ryujin nodded but she forgot that she was with her friend. "Ah! Oppa! This is my friend, Choi Julia. But you can call her Lia."

I extended my hand toward hers. I then spoke in English. "Lia? Are you… Canadian perhaps?"

"Yes, that's right. How did you know?" She also responded in English.

"Well… you cursed at me in English. Your accent sounded a bit different so I thought you might be Canadian." I lied. I totally knew who she was. She's the Main Vocalist of ITZY. Of course I know her!

She shyly touched her elbow. "Sorry about that."

"No problem. I deserved it anyway." I said as I gave her a smile.

She smiled wryly at me. "Well, we're off now."

I nodded. "You guys take care."

Sana elbowed me. "Another girl in the books, huh?"

"Or should we say 'girls'." Momo harrumphed.

Mina sighed beside me. "No wonder I easily fell in love with you back then."

"Oppa, you really are a playboy." Chaeyoung added.

"Wha… no I'm not! What are you guys commenting about? I did nothing!" I tried to explain the situation but it fell on deaf ears.

"Let's go girls. He's too dense to sense things." Nayeon added.

I face palmed before I tried to run after them, but a person stopped me from doing so. "Excuse me, are you JayB-ssi from Alpha?"

I turn to the person and saw that he looked like he was from a major company. I turn towards the members of Twice who were waiting for me near the exit. They gave me a gesture to talk to the guy first and that they were willing to wait. I turn to the guy once more and smiled at him. "Yes, that's right. Is there anything that I can help you with?"

He then got his wallet and handed me his business card. "As a matter of fact, you can. I've been trying to get a hold of you but you were on hiatus, and I didn't want to disturb you after you just came back. Let me introduce myself first. My name is Han Hae-deok. I'm MBS and TvN's representative for the upcoming shows that we've been working on. There are two shows that we're currently working on."

His card seems legit. Plus the number of idol groups in the lobby who were filling out some forms made sure of how real this guy was. Otherwise, the guards wouldn't have let him in. "So what do I owe the pleasure, Han Hae-deok-ssi?"

He smiled at me, "I was wondering if you're interested in joining one of our upcoming reality TV shows? All you need to do is to fill-out the survey given my staff. Plus, we still need to filter it out so not everyone can actually join this. But I'd be happy if you'd say yes to either of these shows."

"It's not a survival show or anything, is it?" I asked.

He shook his head and waved it off. "Oh no! Definitely not! I know how hard it is for idols to go through that."

I thought about it and I think that this would be helpful. It was already hard to get a project for myself because I just recently came back. Since this still needs some sorting out, I had less of chance of being on it. So I'd rather take the shot now. Besides, the writer and producer himself came to approach me. "Alright. So what are the shows called?"

He gave me a wide and excited grin. "I'm glad you asked! It's called 'The Romantic and The Idol' and the other show is 'We Got Married.'"

________