First Date with Jua (1)
The first day's dance lesson had been a total disaster, and there was no miracle turnaround on the second day either.
Singing, though—at least I wasn't tone-deaf. Hell, even without any real training, my voice had a nice timbre, so I actually got some praise for that. But the brutal critique that followed threatened to shatter my fragile ego.
What kind of teacher spews that kind of venom at kids without batting an eye?
These adults were casually hurling insults at trainees who were just 17 or 18. If you'd grown up hearing that crap since childhood, you'd have zero self-esteem left.
Ki Uyeon, seeing my shocked face, dropped an even more shocking bombshell: that was actually on the milder side.
"Eh, let's not dwell on it."
What was the point of stewing over the abuse? With a date coming up, no need to pollute my mood with useless thoughts.
"You're really going out?"
It was only my second day in the debut group, right when they were deciding who makes the cut for debut. This was supposed to be peak grind time, and here I was, sneaking off for a date with a girl? Ki Uyeon freaked out, trying to talk me down.
"It's fine, it's fine."
Dates with girls leveled up my skills more than practice ever could.
"If you get caught, Manager-noona and the team lead will ream you out."
"Lunch ends at 4 for free practice time. It's just a quick meet-up—what's the big deal?"
"Ugh... Fine, I got it. I'll cover for you as best I can."
"Haha! Thanks, man."
"This is a one-time thing. From now on, you gotta practice hard with me, got it~?"
"Yeah, yeah."
What a good kid! I'll make it up to you, bro!
Trusting in Ki Uyeon's solid backup, I slipped out of the agency. Had to move carefully—no running into the manager-noona or any staff on the way.
Success!
Made it out clean without anyone spotting me. Jin Jua, who'd gotten some extra time to think about quitting trainee life until the end of the week, had beaten me to our meeting spot and was waiting.
"Ah! You came."
Her face flushed pink with excitement.
"You been waiting long?"
"No! I just got here."
Damn, she's gorgeous.
Sniff sniff—up close, she smelled amazing. I'd caught that scent the first time we met too.
She even did her makeup.
Yesterday at the company, she'd been bare-faced and natural, but still stunning. Add makeup, and she was blinding.
How the hell did a girl like this end up quitting her trainee contract? Baffling.
"You haven't had lunch yet, right?"
"Nope."
I'd offered dinner originally, but we rescheduled to a quick lunch date. Waiting till the weekend would've given us more time, but classes were too packed for that.
"I know a great spot. It's a bit far, but it's really good."
"Can't resist a food rec. Haha. Taxi? Gotta hustle back by 4."
"Don't worry—I brought the car!"
Car? A car?
She pointed, and there sat a sleek ride. No clue on brands in this world, but the vibe screamed high-end—not cheap.
"Whoa~ You drive?"
"Not mine—Mom's. Anyway, with the car, no stress getting back."
Clock said 12:23. Needed to be back by 3:30 at latest to hit 4 on the dot. Max two hours together, give or take.
Still, I figured those two hours were worth it.
That's how you build something—stealing moments like this.
Time was tight. My situation was that desperate.
We hopped in her car. About 30 minutes' drive, so perfect for chatting.
I was about to kick things off, but Jua beat me to it.
"How'd you land a debut group spot?"
Beats me. But my memo-pad had the deets.
"Street casting. Was working a gig, they said it'd be a great opportunity, no regrets, skill gaps no problem."
"Knew it! So they basically guaranteed you'd debut, right?"
"Couldn't put it in writing, but yeah, pretty much. Contract says trainee deal auto-terminates if no debut group."
They'd asked me to keep that clause secret from other trainees during signing. But she wasn't one anymore, so no harm spilling.
"Bit early, but congrats in advance."
"Debut's not the endgame. It's just the start. Honestly, my skills suck, so I'm worried."
"You'll be practicing till dawn pre-debut. Trainers can make the impossible work—no need to stress."
She dropped that terrifying line in the sweetest voice.
"...Make the impossible work?"
"Yep. Saw tone-deaf, rhythm-less kids get rehabbed into humans all the time. You're common as dirt. It's just surviving the grind that sorts debuters from dropouts."
As a trainee senior, Jua shared everything she knew freely. We chatted non-stop, all warm and fuzzy, till we pulled up at the restaurant.
Heads turned as we walked in.
"Welcome."
Murmurs everywhere—Can't believe this girl's on a date with me? Heh heh!
The attention puffed my chest right up.
"Fuck, I'm so jealous."
"She's hot enough—I could shoot my shot, right?"
"Nah."
"But that face is insane."
"And tall?"
"Shit, my type—ruined. Think she'll hit the bathroom?"
"As if, dumbass. Look at her level. They match, that's why. You squeezing in? Picture that."
The whispers snapped me back. Most customers were women. They were jealous of her dating me, gawking at me.
Life in this world, baby!
Jua must've anticipated the stares—she'd reserved ahead. After a quick word with staff, we got led to a private room.
"Their cheese spicy braised chicken is insane. Three portions. Egg custard too. Drinks? Ice-cold beer? Oh wait, classes later—no can do. Shame, pairs perfect."
"Hahat, just one? Can't get buzzed off a single beer."
After all the booze I'd pounded before, one beer? Pfft. Fine for loosening up.
"You sure?"
"Totally. Beer's basically barley tea."
"You must hold your liquor."
"Yeah. A bit."
The vibe stayed cozy even inside. Beer and food arrived—lived up to the hype, delicious.
"Whew! Haa! So spicy~!"
Forgetting I was there, Jua scarfed down the cheese-braised chicken, sauce smeared on her cheeks, sweat beading as she devoured it. A pretty girl eating with such gusto? Adorably plump vibes.
I barely ate, just watched her fondly.
"Ah?!"
She froze, eyes wide, spoon hovering mid-air like a statue.
"D-did I eat too sloppily? Long diet—good food makes me lose it."
"Nah, you eating hearty was the best."
"Eek! Embarrassing."
She covered her small face with both hands, stomping her feet.
Poke! Something stabbed straight into my heart.
Gulp—
"Hiiing. Talk to me! I'd have snapped out sooner."
"Too cute."
"W-what? Me?!"
"Yeah. Love a girl who eats well."
Beam—her shy smile. This was peak handsome guy life? She'd probably grab my hand with that smile even if I suggested a motel now.
High rising.
Meal resumed. As plates emptied, chat tapered off. Clock nearing 3.
Natural thought slipped out.
"Too short."
Wanna stay longer. In school, I'd ditch—but trainee life was do-or-die.
"I quit, but you got debut shot—go all out."
"Obviously. But schedules'll get crazier. When's next time like this? Kinda bummed."
She was free now; I was chained to debut group. Needed time for what I wanted, but I had none.
"……."
"……."
Fidget—We both knew stolen meets like this wouldn't end well. She'd need to hustle her future too; mine went without saying.
Great vibe, how'd it sour?
Shit, I stepped in it. Why say that, idiot? Loser stays loser, even here?
Self-loathing eyes squeezed shut—
Then, an unexpected twist.