"No way. Suu Jin, your voice… I could never sing it better and I didn't know it was your song. I wouldn't have sung it otherwise."
"Just call me Jin," the pink haired man let out a soft laugh, "There are places for improvements and don't worry Shun. I didn't sing it. I wrote it," he tilted his head slightly to the side and watched the young artist.
"You sang with such emotions, Shun. What were you thinking about?"
Shun looked away for a moment as those missed moments replayed in his mind.
'No, not missed. Not like he liked men like me anyways…'
"Just thinking about my own lost chances…"
Jin nodded and reached out to hold his arm.
"Putting your emotions into your music is good, Shun. It was well sung. Let's work on the technicality of your voice and tone."
He smiled and he followed closely to what Suu Jin said. Singing from the chest, singing from the head, the changes in tone, and working with the texture of his voice. Before he knew it, someone entered the space to tell the idol it was time for him to leave.
"Thank you, Senior Jin, for your time," he bowed low.
"I'm not that much older than you…" Suu Jin sweatdropped with a smile.
"But you are more experienced," Shun laughed and headed to the front door with the idol, "Should I come tomorrow?"
"I'll be free at night tomorrow. I should be here 18:00. Is that late for you?"
"I'll come whatever time you are free Senior Jin. I appreciate you," he bowed in thanks again before leaving the nice home to head to the studio. He noted the screen said his singing went from 20%-> 23% and his confidence increased from 42% -> 48%.
*Reached Level 2: Singing- Vocal Color*
"What does that mean?" Shun questioned.
*Vocal Color*
"Even the witch doesn't even know," he shook his head as he headed to the studio.
Suu Jin smiled and entered his car when the young trainee left his home. His driver took him to the photoshoot to find his fanclub was already there with signs and flashing cameras. Reporters were also there ready to get any words from him and he sighed. His two bodyguards stood before his door and he stepped out with pasted smiles. He waved and threw heart kisses to his fans.
"Suu Jin," one of the reporters called out, "Have you found a girlfriend yet?"
"Suu Jin," another asked, "Taki stated you attacked him, is that true?"
"Suu Jin, what do you say to Lisa's interest in you?"
"I do not have a girlfriend and Lisa is beautiful. I would love to work with her in future projects," he smiled showing his left dimple, "As for the attack Taki accused me of, that is something being taken care of privately."
"Suu Jin, Suu Jin," the reporters called out and he excused himself into the building.
His hair was fixed and his outfit was chosen for him. Posing the way they wanted him to. Smiled the way they wanted him to. Everything… the way they wanted him too.
Always for them.
==
At the studio, Shun was proud that he could just about follow the song as well as the others. Well, not as great as Tee or Wen Dong, but well enough that he didn't stick out like a wet noodle. Even the managers noticed.
"Great news everyone!" Manager Ling Mei spoke up, "The recruiters will arrive sometime next week, so practice hard but be sure your health is in good condition. This is your last chance to get into the show."
"Wow, really?!" "I can't wait!" "Let's keep practicing."
The young men were buzzing with excitement and Shun laughed when Ping grabbed onto him, jumping up and down. Heading home, he showered and found himself smiling. It… Becoming an Idol Popstar like that witch said was pretty fun for him.
The screen popped up and a red flashing *Update required* glared at him.
"How do I update you? I can't even touch you," Shun furrowed his brows.
*Update now?*
"Yes."
*One moment*
He saw the loading symbol and he wondered if there was an issue with the thing. The screen flickered before the loading sign disappeared.
*Update completed. New tasks available. Completed task- gain singing lessons from Suu Jin. Earned points. Completed task- increase dancing ability with Tee. Earned points. Miscellaneous added.*
"Can you show me what the new tasks are?"
*New tasks: Create Weebo account. Add 100 pictures to Instame.*
"Just 2 new ones? Let's see… I still have to get into the show..." Shun sighed and decided to make a Weebo account. "A selfie… eh, I'll do it tomorrow. What is the Miscellaneous?"
*Miscellaneous category: Confidence 48% Charisma 34% Memory 29%*
He nodded through the yawn and went to bed.
Heading to the studio the next day, he danced and told his friends he wanted to take pictures.
"Pictures? Aren't you the paranoid guy avoiding social media?" Wen Dong quirked his brow.
"Well, if we are going to be idols, I will have to get used to it. Besides, it is the best way to make fans, right?"
In the end, he took five pictures with his friends before heading to meet with Suu Jin. Knocking on the door, he waited and waved at the people watching him. The door opened and he saw the pink haired idol smiling tiredly at him.
"Come in, Shun."
He entered and waited for Suu Jin to show him where to go.
"I hope you don't mind. I'm just going to grab something from the fridge."
"You didn't eat at all?"
"Had a busy day," Jin offered a comforting smile, "A shake will be enough."
"Wait…" Shun frowned, "You could make dinner, Senior Jin. I could sing while you cook."
"Well…" Suu Jin hesitated and scratched his cheek, "I don't really know how to cook."
"…"
"Don't worry, Shun. I will just-"
"But… you have money. You could hire a cook…"
Green eyes searched his face and his lips straightened.
"No."
"…"
"Maybe you should leave, Shun."
"I did not mean anything by it. Please forgive me, Senior Jin," Shun bowed and his eyes brightened, "I will cook for you!"
Suu Jin stared with blinks at the young man.
"What?" He questioned softly unsure if he heard right.