Chapter 61
Chapter 61
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 61
Chapter Title: A Path Forward
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The atmosphere in Creatin's dorm could only be described as bleak.
They hailed from a relatively well-known agency, had a song from a composer so famous he was nicknamed a "hit-making machine," and even choreography from a renowned dancer.
They debuted amidst high expectations, backed by the full support of their company.
But the results were disastrous.
[?? I was really looking forward to Creatin, but what is this? It’s like… they didn’t live up to the hype? Or did I just expect too much?]
↳ Same here. What is this?
↳ Isn’t it kind of bland?
↳ It’s like… they threw in a lot of flashy elements, you know? In food terms, it’s like adding MSG, all sorts of spices, and everything that looks delicious. You look at the ingredients and think it has to be good. But then you take a bite, and it’s just bland.
↳ This.
↳ This is exactly it.
↳ I don’t know if they tried too hard or if I just expected too much.
Still, Creatin didn't give up hope.
They were only in their first year since debuting.
They firmly believed there would be a next time, as they were just starting out.
However, reality was different from their ideals.
The composer, once called a hit-making machine, experienced his first major setback and fell into a slump.
Creatin’s debut song, "Prayer," objectively had all the makings of an idol hit: a catchy chorus, hopeful lyrics, and the right formula for success.
Nevertheless, when it failed to chart, even other composers became reluctant to give them songs.
"Creatin? I’m sorry. I don't think my songs fit their style."
While they didn't outright refuse, they were hesitant to communicate and even avoided their calls.
Since they needed a good song to prepare for a comeback, their preparations were continuously postponed.
A few songs from unknown composers came in, but none of them met JR Entertainment's standards.
Then, Leon, an acquaintance of their leader, Jae-hee, though not a close friend, offered them a song.
"Jae-hee. I heard from your older brother. You should have told me something like this was happening. I'll give you a song."
Of course, Jae-hee had considered it.
He had agonized over whether to swallow his pride and ask his brother's close friend for help.
But he couldn't bring himself to do it.
Precisely because they knew each other, he didn't want to be a burden.
"Hyung. Thank you. Thank you so much."
He hadn't even told his family for fear of worrying them, so he didn't know how Leon found out, but he was incredibly grateful.
As soon as Leon expressed his intention to give them a song, Creatin's comeback preparations began in earnest.
Everything went smoothly.
Once the song was decided, the concept and choreography all fell into place as if they had been planned in advance.
Then, suddenly, they heard the news that JR Entertainment had signed a contract with the survival program for re-debuting idols, RED CUBE.
The other artists at JR Entertainment didn't think much of the news, but Creatin did.
"Then what happens to us?"
For a group that hadn't even found its footing yet, the prospect of a new male idol group debuting through a survival program and joining their agency was more than unwelcome—it was terrifying.
"It's okay. It'll be okay."
Jae-hee, the leader, tried his best to reassure the members.
"We have the song Leon-hyung gave us. It'll go well this time."
"But last time was also a song from a famous composer..."
Myeong-seok, the youngest, left Jae-hee momentarily speechless, but he quickly recovered.
"That was because we were wearing clothes that didn't fit us. They say songs are like clothes; you have to find the right fit."
"You think so?"
"Yeah. Let's not think about anxious things anymore. It won't change anything. Let's only think good thoughts. Happy thoughts."
"Okay."
And so, while comforting and coaxing the anxious members, they began preparing for their comeback.
At first, none of them were confident, but as they practiced the choreography and prepared the song, they slowly regained their self-esteem.
After all, they still had too much time ahead of them to fall into despair over a single failed song.
"Guys. I called you here because I have something to say."
A sudden summons from the company.
Creatin arrived feeling a mix of anxiety and anticipation.
The moment they arrived, their anticipation crumbled.
The air inside the meeting room was too heavy for it to be good news.
"You know that comeback song Leon wrote for you."
"Yes."
"We've decided to give it to the kids debuting from RED CUBE."
"What?"
The news struck them like a bolt from the blue.
Their minds went blank at the sudden devastating news.
They should have argued with the company, but they weren't in the right state of mind.
They were too confused.
"This kind of thing is more common than you think."
"Yeah. Besides, that song suits them better than you guys. You've only been debuted for a year. A brighter concept fits you better at this stage."
The company staff offered them absurd words of comfort.
"We'll find you a better song. For now, just take a break."
The words "take a break" meant they were being pushed back.
And so, Creatin had to return to their dorm, carrying the weight of despair.
A text message arrived from Leon.
[I tried to do something about it, but I'm sorry. I'll definitely keep my promise to write a song for you. And don't worry too much. Your comeback might be delayed, but it shouldn't majorly affect your activities.]
Reading the message, Creatin knew that Leon had tried to fight for them.
"How long are we on break for?"
This time, even the leader, Jae-hee, couldn't answer Myeong-seok's question.
Fearing it might be because their skills were lacking, they went to the company every day and devoted themselves to practice.
Although they were officially on a break due to having no activities, it could hardly be called a rest.
"RE-V has to debut first, I guess. There's no way they'll pay attention to us during RE-V's promotional period."
Oscar, the second oldest in Creatin, spoke up.
"Still, they'll probably have us make a comeback this year. They'd be at a loss too if they just left us like this."
This brutally realistic take actually helped Creatin avoid imagining the worst-case scenario.
"The popularity of RED CUBE is honestly incredible. M-chive charted right away."
"True."
M-chive was the group that debuted after Kang Ju-hyeok, who had consistently ranked high on RED CUBE, voluntarily left the show.
They achieved the feat of charting immediately upon debut.
Not only that, but their performance videos from RED CUBE spread internationally through YouTube, and they gained overseas fans before even officially starting their activities.
But the word "envious" never left Creatin's lips.
They had seen, albeit indirectly through RED CUBE, the long and arduous time the contestants had endured.
They could only spend their sleepless nights hoping that they, too, could endure this time and reach a happy future.
***
The morning of the music video shoot dawned.
Last night, I'd overheard something I shouldn't have at the company, and it had cost me a good night's sleep.
"Haaah..."
No matter how hard I tried to hold it in while getting my hair done, yawns kept escaping.
"Did you not sleep well last night?"
The hair stylist asked in a gentle voice.
"Yeah. I guess I was a little nervous."
"That's understandable. Would you like a cup of coffee?"
"Thank you."
The hair stylist briefly stepped away to get the coffee.
Even now, thoughts about Creatin wouldn't leave my mind.
'If only I could just forget about it.'
The situation was a bit different, but it kept reminding me of my own past.
Moreover, a wave of anxiety washed over me, a fear that if I pretended not to know the truth, this good fortune I'd been given might just fly away.
"Hoo..."
As someone who hadn't even debuted yet—technically still a trainee—there was nothing I could do for them.
I had debuted once before, but because it had been such a spectacular failure, I didn't know any composers or producers.
And it wasn't like I was skilled in lyricism and composition like Leon.
"Haaah..."
My frustration grew, and sighs came out naturally.
Since sighing wouldn't change anything, I shook my head vigorously, trying not to get swept away by my emotions.
'Isn't there some other way I can help?'
I had to find a way, not just sigh in frustration.
I had no skills or connections, but I knew the future.
The story of the next five years.
With that, I should be able to find a solution to help Creatin.
'Right. There must be something.'
I quickly sifted through my memories.
There had to be something that could launch them into the spotlight at once, just like RED CUBE.
I just hadn't remembered it yet.
'Wait a minute... Now that I think about it, there was that one thing. Why didn't I think of it sooner?'
If it's that, it could definitely boost Creatin's recognition.
I might even be able to carefully suggest it.
"Yoon-seul. Here's your coffee."
Just then, the hair stylist returned with the coffee.
"Thank you."
"But your expression seems to have brightened up in the short time I was gone getting coffee. Did something good happen?"
"I guess my nerves are finally starting to settle."
"That's a relief."
"It is."
With that, I took a sip of the coffee.
It was a light coffee, just barely smelling of Americano, as if she already knew my tastes.