You're the Real Deal
“...It's not a day I'm supposed to work today.”
“I got a call from the boss. Can't just sit around doing nothing.”
“...Anyway.”
Choi Tae-seong and the OnlyOne members were devouring the USB I'd brought—chewing it up, tearing into it, savoring it, reveling in it. There weren't even that many tracks on it, but the way they had it blasting through the practice room...
Guess they really like it.
The demo tracks I'd brought must've hit the spot.
“It's not too much, right?”
“Of course not.”
“Like I said last time, we've gotta go at least 30 years together.”
Bae Sol turned to me, her eyes burning with passion.
“I'm dead serious, Jisul.”
“...Yes, ma'am.”
“To make it 30 years, you can't swing too hard right out the gate.”
She said it casually, patting my shoulder.
“But... I don't think you're the type to give me headaches like this. Writer's block doesn't hit that easy.”
Her trust in me ran deep. Proved by Seong Haein's album, no doubt.
She gave me way too good a shot.
If Bae Sol had been some closed-minded type, I'd never have gotten that chance. But she was all about merit and open-mindedness.
“That's that...”
Thwack. Her fist slammed into my arm. Well, “slammed” might be generous—the power was kinda weak. But yeah, she punched me.
“Since when are you so tight with Dain? Had no idea she'd come up here with you.”
A shady smile curled her lips. I knew that look all too well. The scheming grin of someone plotting mischief.
“Same class?”
“Yeah, same class.”
“So that's why you're buddies?”
“Not as close as you're thinking.”
“Close enough to hang out on weekends.”
I couldn't exactly say Kwon Dain was scared to come to the company alone.
“Even that electric guitar? Dain asked me to hook you up.”
“...What?”
I'd wondered how the company knew I needed an electric guitar.
Thanks to Kwon Dain?
Never would've guessed. But even knowing the full story, parts of it still didn't add up.
'Kwon Dain asked the company and got me the electric guitar.' Sounded like a ton was left out. But I decided not to dig deeper. Bae Sol probably didn't know the details anyway. Better to ask Kwon Dain later.
...What does she even like? Maybe get her a thank-you gift.
“Oh, and that electric guitar? Just keep it, Jisul.”
Music to my ears, cutting through my stray thoughts.
“We've got tons here. Your tracks killed it, so consider it a bonus.”
At least a hundred grand model, from what I know.
I bowed deeply in thanks right away. What a boss. Must be all that accumulated wealth—makes her generous.
“Enough chit-chat... Time to head up. Can't leave Dain hanging forever.”
She stepped forward, drawing all eyes.
“Alright, everyone, kill the music and pay attention.”
Her charisma was intense, towering over the average Korean guy.
“I was gonna stick around, break the ice a bit, but something came up. You guys loosen up and take it from here.”
She waved and slipped out of the practice room. The vibe got awkward for a sec.
Just when I thought it'd drag on...
Thankfully, Choi Tae-seong took the reins.
“...High schooler?”
“Yeah.”
“You look young, but I never imagined high school. A student making tracks like that...”
The awkwardness spiked again when I mentioned my age during intros. But it passed quick.
“Kinda weird saying this to the guy who worked with Senior Seong Haein...”
“Speak freely.”
“When we work together, tell us exactly what you want. Like you're consulting on the whole track. Don't hold back.”
“Got it.”
I'd planned to anyway, even without his nudge. Bae Sol said this single was all mine. Testing my range from composer to full producer.
“But... the kid who worked with Haein Senior won't get outshined by us.”
Choi Tae-seong gave a wry smile; the OnlyOne guys behind him nodded the same.
...What's with their self-esteem? They'd crushed charts before—OnlyOne was recent.
“I'm still super nervous right now?”
To survive this industry, you need luck and talent. But that's not enough. Personality seals the long run.
“I studied your tracks hard as reference. Meeting people I only saw on TV as a kid... Kinda thrilling.”
So I showered the seniors with respect, sincere like with Bae Sol.
How could I not reference their stuff when composing?
Choi Tae-seong dominated late 2000s to early 2010s idols. OnlyOne's one of the top third-gen boy groups, still killing it.
Hearing my genuine respect, their eyes shifted.
“Not Fuzz... Jisul.”
“Yes?”
“You're the real deal.”
He laughed heartily, slapping my back hard. Hurt a bit, but felt great. Pure joy, gratitude for the respect.
How many rude newbies must they deal with?
One warm nod from a junior, and they're beaming. Personality matters.
“Swap contacts. Follow on Insta too.”
“I can give my number, but no Insta. Deleted for the pseudonym—music accounts only.”
“Ah, number's fine then.”
Swapped with everyone. Bae Sol and Seong Haein's numbers felt unreal at first. Now my contacts filling with celebs? Hitting me: I'm in the industry for real.
Time to set some goals.
Living short-term now, but long-term targets fuel motivation. One goal...
Billboard #1?
Top the pop world once, why not.
“During the project, call me anytime you need. Even 3 a.m.”
Choi Tae-seong pledged; OnlyOne guys chimed in. They're active now, though...
“Not just work—even drop my name if you need clout.”
...No way.
One moment of respect flips them like this?
Someone'd think I hypnotized them.
“Let's crush it. Been a while... Makes me greedy. Wanna feel that #1 rush again.”
His words lit up the room. Everyone buzzing for the project.
Wasn't half-assing anyway, but...
Now I've gotta pour everything in.
“She's late.”
Waiting for Kwon Dain at the cafe in front of the company. Got her DM that the talk with Bae Sol was done...
Ten minutes ago.
“More to say?”
Still going?
“...What the hell is this.”
Ominous as fuck. Obvious typo...
“Not a trainee.”
“An inactive actor at HS? Gotta be a trainee.”
Kwon Dain shook off the guy's grip on her wrist. She was pissed, showing it clear—but he didn't give a damn.
...Just bolt?
Didn't know who he was, but probably a trainee. Worst case, no violence here.
So run?
“Just give me your Insta and I'll go. Fellow trainees getting friendly—why the fuss?”
She gritted her teeth. After this, tell Bae Sol everything.
How's this guy aiming for celebrity?
Her phone buzzed nonstop. Probably Jeong Jisul.
He's waiting...
Head spinning—with this mess, and Jisul waiting.
She chose: give the Insta. Block after.
She rattled off her ID.
“Oh, there it is.”
Just as he hit follow—
“Why so late?”
Jeong Jisul approached from afar.
“...Min Ji-won?”
With OnlyOne's leader, Min Ji-won.
