Chapter 280: Moving Day
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 280: Moving Day
With the turn of the year, Spark received their first-ever annual activity plan. It was a massive leap forward compared to our previous haphazard way of doing things, where we’d just put out an album whenever I suggested it.
As Manager Dae-yeon’s probation period came to an end, we also began using two vehicles.
Manager Chan-yeong’s car would carry me and the maknaes, while Manager Dae-yeon’s car would take Choi Je-ho, Jeong Seong-bin, and Park Ju-woo.
Everyone found it awkward at first, but they seemed quite adjusted now. I suppose it’s hard not to adjust when you’re spending over four hours a day in a car.
We were frantically busy until early January, but things started to settle down by mid-month. During this downtime, we uploaded the personal content we hadn't been able to post frequently.
I heard they’d set annual sales targets and such... but I didn't ask because I didn't really want to know.
If I’m unlucky, the system will pop up anyway and say, ‘Assistant Manager Kim, have we finished organizing this year’s target revenue?’ It won’t be too late to look at it then.
And then came one of the big schedules for mid-January.
“Guys, just pack your personal belongings and get in the car!”
“Yes, sir!”
Spark’s moving day had arrived.
Moving, as I knew it, was a very tedious and grueling affair.
Packing for days, wrapping every fragile item individually, coordinating the move-out and move-in dates, and the frantic rush to pay the balance on the next place only after receiving the security deposit—it required so much effort.
I remembered worrying just the other day about how exhausting a six-person move would be when even moving alone was that hectic, but boy, was I wrong.
“You guys just take care of your personal valuables. The moving company will handle everything else.”
“What about electronics like laptops?”
“Dae-yeon and I will pack those separately and bring them ourselves.”
Other people were taking care of everything. Feeling a bit overwhelmed by this VIP treatment, I spent about ten minutes just hovering around the managers.
“So, are we going to the new dorm after practice?”
Lee Cheong-hyeon asked, his voice brimming with excitement.
“That’s right.”
“What’s the dorm like? Is it better than where we live now?”
“Cheong-hyeon, you’re going to distract the manager while he’s driving.”
“It’s much better.”
“Whoa!”
Lee Cheong-hyeon couldn't contain his excitement and started bouncing around. Our previous dorm was already nice, so hearing it would be even better was something else. Judging by the scale of the investment, it seemed UA had set Spark’s expected profit margin quite high.
Even at the practice room, Spark talked about the move incessantly during every break.
“I’ve already picked out which chest of drawers I’m going to buy.”
“Shouldn't you consult with your roommate about that first?”
“You’re definitely going to like it. I found something amazing.”
Lee Cheong-hyeon shoved his shopping cart right under Kang Gi-yeon’s nose to show him...
“I hope we can get the washing machine cleaned while we’re at it...”
“Should we run a tub clean cycle? Or we could call a cleaning service.”
...while Park Ju-woo and Jeong Seong-bin were plotting ways to further improve their living environment to celebrate the fresh start.
“Shouldn't we do a move-in cleaning after we move?”
“In my family, we just did it ourselves.”
Only Choi Je-ho and I were worrying about the storm of chores that would hit after the move.
I used to do my own move-in cleaning too. Mostly because I didn't want to waste the money.
“Ah, they said they’re calling a cleaning company today, too.”
Jeong Seong-bin delivered the good news after overhearing my gloomy conversation with Choi Je-ho.
The company provided our practice clothes, fed us regularly, and now even the dorm was getting an upgrade.
Since my regression, every aspect of my basic needs—food, clothing, and shelter—had been improving. It was a completely different path from the life of the 22-year-old Kim I-wol in the past. A far cry from the version of me who would trudge to the club room with nothing but a bass guitar on days I didn't have classes.
‘You really never know how life will turn out.’
I walked to my designated spot, following Jeong Seong-bin’s instruction to start practicing again.
“Let’s focus while we practice. Don’t get so excited that you get hurt.”
“Yes!”
The guys answered in unison. For all their chatter, they really were a diligent bunch.
“Hyung, did all your luggage arrive okay?”
“Yeah.”
I answered casually without even fully checking. It wasn't like I had much besides my suitcase anyway.
Jeong Seong-bin was amazed, saying that the items originally on his bed had been placed exactly the same way. UA must have spent a lot on the moving costs.
“But Seong-bin, are you really okay with rooming with me?”
I asked as I watched Jeong Seong-bin checking the closet. He turned around, his eyes wide and round.
“Why?”
“I just thought it might be more comfortable for you to share with Ju-woo or the younger ones.”
He was already so respectful toward the older members; I thought he should have a place where he could breathe a little easier. Since my belongings only consisted of a few clothes, a suitcase, and a chest of drawers with a call bell attached—which these guys had insisted on placing right next to my bed—switching rooms would be no trouble at all. I could just tell the fans later that we swapped rooms for personal reasons.
However, Jeong Seong-bin simply gave a soft smile.
“I’m fine with it. Are you uncomfortable, hyung?”
“Not at all.”
I’m a man who was roommates with Choi Je-ho. You’ve got a long way to go before you become as uncomfortable as him. Though even he’s much better these days.
“Is there anything specific you’d like me to be mindful of?”
See, it’s this side of Jeong Seong-bin that makes me feel uneasy. The kid never rests.
“Seong-bin.”
“Yes, hyung.”
“I’m twenty-two this year, right? And you’re twenty.”
“Right...?”
“I’m a full-grown adult, and if there’s something I need or a favor I want to ask, I can speak up for myself at any time. Whether it’s to you or someone older than you. So don’t walk on eggshells. Got it?”
At my words, Jeong Seong-bin smiled and said he understood. I couldn't tell if he actually meant it or not. Haha.
After checking our own luggage, we had a tour of each other's rooms. We all joined in because Lee Cheong-hyeon said he wanted to do it.
Choi Je-ho and Park Ju-woo’s room was modest to a fault. Aside from the basic furniture, all they had were their bedding and music CDs. Amidst that, only the area around Choi Je-ho’s bed was flashy with fairy lights.
“You actually put these up?”
“Lee Cheong-hyeon came by earlier to monitor me and see if I’d put them up.”
Choi Je-ho grumbled. When he pressed the button, a soft orange light enveloped his bed.
“It’s got a nice vibe.”
At my comment, Lee Cheong-hyeon wiped away a fake tear and laughed.
On the other hand, Lee Cheong-hyeon and Kang Gi-yeon’s room was packed. It was as if they’d intentionally filled the space with things that matched their tastes.
“Where are you guys going to put all this?”
When I asked out of concern, they said they’d ordered a set of storage cabinets. Do these kids have any sense of financial responsibility? Should I make them play a market game with fake money? I’m worried they need to realize how important a month’s worth of emergency savings is.
“So, does anyone want to use the Alpha Room?”
Lee Cheong-hyeon asked us. When everyone shook their heads, he asked if they could use it, and we told them to go ahead.
“Is it... too small to turn into a proper little studio?”
“If you did that, the equipment might fit, but Cheong-hyeon might not.”
“Can you even call that a studio?”
Park Ju-woo, Choi Je-ho, and I had a serious discussion as we watched Lee Cheong-hyeon excitedly carry things into the Alpha Room. In the end, the Alpha Room simply became the maknaes’ treasure vault.
Spark’s move was officially complete once we placed the whiteboard with the dorm rules on top of the TV stand.
“They say you have to eat jajangmyeon on moving day.”
“Cheong-hyeon, you know how many calories jajangmyeon has.”
At my remark, Lee Cheong-hyeon walked confidently to the refrigerator.
“That’s why I secretly ordered this! Konjac Jajangmyeon!”
I was momentarily speechless at the sight of six servings of Konjac Jajangmyeon. I didn't eat it since it was night, but we were able to start the next day by eating the Konjac Jajangmyeon Cheong-hyeon had prepared.
Publicly traded companies submit disclosure reports every quarter. These reports list revenue, net profit, operating profit, and explain the reasons for fluctuations in sales and where the operating profits were generated.
Reports in the entertainment business look a bit different. In addition to general disclosure reports, they use performance presentations to announce which artists will make a comeback and when, how much revenue was generated through which singer’s concert, and what the expected future earnings are. Instead of corporate projects, artists and their activity histories are listed.
Since UA wasn't large enough to be listed, they had previously only set plans to the extent of coordinating manageable internal schedules.
However, the method had completely changed starting this year. The comeback and activity schedules for all company artists, including Spark, had been fixed at the end of last year.
While there could always be changes, having a guideline would prevent the kind of internal scheduling conflicts we saw during Nyuri’s time. In that sense, I was very satisfied with this change.
Min Ju-gyeong’s explanation continued.
“So, for Spark this year...”
Reviewing the annual schedule. That was the reason I was currently at the dedicated team meeting with Jeong Seong-bin.
With the series of year-end stages, we were on the verge of achieving our KPI. Thanks to that, I wasn't feeling rushed, but I came anyway because I get anxious if I don't see how things are running. The other guys had entrusted their voting rights to me and Jeong Seong-bin.
‘Two comebacks a year.’
Compared to last year, the cycle between albums had lengthened significantly, but external events had increased. There were also quite a few variety shows with confirmed appearances.
It was good that our recognition had grown, leading to more opportunities for external activities. However, it would be a problem if the company tried to dungeon Spark. The memory of that nightmare-like 14-month hiatus was still vivid in my mind.
I suppose Cheong-hyeon needs time to write songs, so should I settle for this much this year? I was deep in thought.
‘It would be great if someone could get a fixed spot on a variety show. Or if there was some other route to bring in more fans...’
I was staring seriously at the screen when I noticed a schedule highlighted in red for the first week of December.
[Concert]
It was a concert—something Spark hadn't achieved until their fifth year in my past life.