Chapter 19
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 19
Chapter Title: Caught on Record
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- Hey, Lim Joo-won. No matter what, isn't hitting your junior going too far?
The recording file started with Do-jun's voice.
It was a short file, less than ten minutes long, but as the conversation played, Lim Joo-won's face grew paler and paler.
However, Executive Director Go Moo-seo's face remained perfectly calm. Not a single twitch.
The first crack appeared on his face when Lim Joo-won said, "I never wanted to come here in the first place."
And then.
- Just you wait and see if things go well. Contract or no contract, I'm out of here. This fucking company.
"Pause it for a second."
Do-jun hit pause on the file at Go Moo-seo's words, which felt eerily calm.
"So if things go well, you'll leave before the contract ends?"
His voice was casually even, directed at Lim Joo-won. But his cold gaze made it impossible for the recipient to stay calm.
"I like how you're planning so far ahead."
It could have sounded like praise depending on the context, but it was laced with thorns. Lim Joo-won couldn't muster any excuses.
"You know, a movie line just came to mind. What was it again?"
Go Moo-seo pretended to think for a moment, then snapped his fingers as if it had just hit him.
"Ah! 'A guy who only lives for tomorrow gets killed by a guy who only lives for today.' That's a classic line. Right, Team Leader Kim?"
Kim Han-soo couldn't say a word either. Not even when Go Moo-seo's large hand patted his back.
"Maybe I'm getting old. Can't think straight anymore."
Go Moo-seo laughed heartily, but no one else showed their gums.
Finally, in this grave situation, Lim Joo-won started making excuses.
"I was just so angry, I said whatever came to mind. Those little... no, they kept ganging up on me!"
But Go Moo-seo showed no particular reaction.
Of course not. They'd all heard the recording—the hard evidence. There was no reason to believe such excuses.
"So you're saying you'll jump ship to another company before your contract ends? You're not even asking us to fix it?"
"Oh, I was going to tell you today, but they picked a fight first."
Please believe me. Lim Joo-won's voice trembled faintly at the end. His eyes were so earnest, anyone unaware of the situation might have believed he was truly wronged.
"Well, that could happen, in words."
"R-right?"
Lim Joo-won nodded eagerly, sensing a glimmer of hope in Go Moo-seo's seemingly softened tone.
It was a far more compliant attitude than before, but it didn't last.
"Then why did you flip out during dance practice? 'I'm not a dancer, why do I have to dance? I don't want to debut'?."
"To be honest, I have something to say about that too. They clearly said they'd debut me as a singer-songwriter, that's why I joined the company."
Do-jun, Kim Han-soo, and everyone else watching gaped in shock.
This crazy bastard.
Saying something like that in this situation.
They knew he wasn't right in the head, but no one expected this level.
Yet Go Moo-seo laughed loudly without a hint of surprise.
"Is that so? Well, our vice president did say it'd be nice to have a singer like that."
But in the next instant, he wiped the smile from his face and spoke lowly.
"Come to think of it, I should apologize first. For wasting a precious singer-songwriter talent on an idol debut."
Lim Joo-won's face turned deathly pale at the obvious implication.
Go Moo-seo didn't stop there, issuing a sharp order to Kim Han-soo.
"Team Leader Kim, who was the director that brought this guy in? Tell that bastard to be in my office in 30 minutes."
"Yes, sir."
"And grant his wish—no more idol work. Kick him out of the company entirely. I'll handle it with the vice president."
"W-what? Kick me out?"
Lim Joo-won jumped up, his face ashen. No matter the mistake, expulsion out of nowhere?
But from Go Moo-seo's perspective, it was only natural.
Pida had no plans to debut solo singers. Even if they did, there was no need to risk debuting a problematic trainee.
In short, there was zero reason to keep Lim Joo-won around.
"Wouldn't it be better to start fresh at another company from the beginning, without the messy mid-contract exit?"
His words were casual, but Go Moo-seo was barely holding back from yelling.
He had no intention of letting this guy—or the one who brought him in—off easy.
"Handle it today and report back. What are you waiting for? Move!"
At the fiery command, Kim Han-soo hurriedly dialed the casting team and left the break room.
But naturally, Lim Joo-won refused to accept it and rebelled.
"This is ridiculous! You didn't recruit me yourself, how can you decide on your own...!"
"Oh? Then call the person who did recruit you. Right here, right now."
"Pardon?"
"Call them. I'll show you if it works or not."
He wasn't cursing or yelling, but an inexplicable pressure emanated from Go Moo-seo.
Realizing his words weren't getting through, Lim Joo-won bit his lip hard. Things were spiraling in a completely unexpected direction.
"I'm telling you to call."
"Fuck."
He finally couldn't hold back, spitting out a small but clear curse. His previously pale face flushed red with excitement.
The most shocked at that moment was Kim Ha-woon, one of the instigators.
Did that crazy bastard just curse out loud?
He hadn't expected a simple argument to blow up like this. Kim Ha-woon nervously glanced between Lim Joo-won and the executive director.
A wrinkle formed on Go Moo-seo's forehead—the first since they arrived.
Lim Joo-won whipped his head around, glaring at me with his heated face.
"You bastard! You pissed me off on purpose and set a trap, didn't you?"
Look at that expression—like he wants to kill me with his eyes.
"What big deal did you do? Setting traps? Maybe you should've considered the possibility of a recording."
"You..."
He bit his lip tightly.
"We'll see how well you do. I'll be watching you."
"Fine by me. Just don't pirate—buy it legit, listen, hit like on my Goodstar every day if you can."
Lim Joo-won glared murderously before turning on his heel.
"Fuck!"
He stormed out of the break room, face about to burst. Go Moo-seo didn't stop him this time.
BAM!
The door slammed hard enough to break. Go Moo-seo clicked his tongue.
"Team Leader Kim, what are you doing? What did I just tell you?"
"I'll call the casting staff right away."
"Good. And you guys..."
Go Moo-seo trailed off, seeming to think.
"For now, stay in the practice room. Don't say anything if the others ask."
"Yes, sir."
Hearing my response, Go Moo-seo left the break room with Kim Han-soo.
Click.
As soon as the door closed, Kim Ha-woon clutched his chest dramatically.
"Whoa... I thought I was gonna die of fright."
The other members didn't say it, but they felt the same.
Do-jun stared at the still-paused phone screen and let out a low sigh.
And so the storm passed.
❤
I barely slept. Even though things went as I wanted, with the executive director involved, there was no guarantee we wouldn't face backlash.
I wasn't the only one who tossed and turned—Kim Ha-woon showed up to practice with bags under his eyes.
As soon as everyone gathered, Kim Han-soo called us not to the practice room, but to the Management Team 2 office. Specifically, the innermost conference room.
Click.
Kim Han-soo's expression was a bit stiff. Seeing the change from his usual self, I could guess what was coming.
A quick glance at the others—they all looked tense. Me too, of course.
What if this messes up our debut for real? Just try it. See what happens—I might lose it.
After the radio appearance, coin gains had slowed dramatically. Even singing boosted it only briefly.
But the time ticked down steadily.
If only the time decreased as slowly as the coins sometimes do? It's so unbalanced. Always the same pace. Right?
But the system, as always, gave no response.
So heartless, as usual.
Anyway, if debut gets delayed further, things could get really tight.
What then? Should I start a YouTube channel now?
Lost in random thoughts, Kim Han-soo spoke up.
"You all must have been pretty shocked yesterday."
His words began with a light sigh. I snapped to attention.
"To cut to the chase: you'll debut as four."
"Yes! For real?"
Kim Ha-woon beamed, throwing his arms up like he was on a ride. Park Tae-hoo didn't show it much, but he was pleased too.
Great news for me too. The company had our backs, at least for now.
I couldn't hide my grin.
"Aren't you all too happy?"
Kim Han-soo squinted at our excitement, cooling the mood instantly.
Oops, too obvious?
"Regardless of the situation, Ha-woon, you weren't entirely blameless. You know that."
"Yes... I won't do it again."
Kim Ha-woon drooped, head down at the reprimand.
But fortunately, what followed was playful words and a soft smile.
"Secret, but... I felt relieved too. Honestly, good riddance."
Kim Ha-woon brightened instantly, mixing sincerity and jest.
"Team leader, when I said that guy was bullying me, you told me to just endure!"
"Couldn't help it then. Can't cut someone just a week in."
"It was no joke, seriously. Right, hyungs?"
Laughter erupted at his cute complaint. But amid it, Lee Jae-ha's face seemed dark.
What's wrong? Some issue?
As I moved to ask him, Kim Han-soo continued.
"That said, Joo-won hasn't left the company, so stay cautious—no fights."
The laughter vanished. Hasn't left? Didn't Go Moo-seo say to fire him outright yesterday?
"I don't think it will, but never start anything. Never."
That confirmed it—Lim Joo-won had backing.
Otherwise, with the management executive director stepping in, it wouldn't end like this.
A bit uneasy, I asked,
"What if Lim Joo-won starts it?"
"Just record like last time—don't fight. That's best."
Kim Han-soo smiled kindly, adding,
"Especially Do-jun. You've got a fixed radio guest spot request, and a drama audition soon. Be extra careful."
"Huh?"
What? Fixed radio guest and drama? Out of nowhere.
Stunned by the unexpected news, Kim Ha-woon jumped up, cheering like it was his own.
"Whoa! Hyung, you're amazing!"
His eyes sparkled at me. Park Tae-hoo nodded beside him with the same expression.
Feeling awkward and embarrassed, I grumbled gruffly.
"Amazing? Just lucky."
"Luck is skill. This fame will make post-debut TV gigs way easier."
"Wooo!"
Kim Han-soo's words were like fuel on fire. Even reserved Park Tae-hoo got excited, asking questions.
Why's Kim Ha-woon more hyped than me?
After that, he outlined our debut schedule.
Hearing the title track was done and practice dates set had us all buzzing.
We wrapped the cheerful meeting and left the conference room. Kim Ha-woon skipped ahead, excitement lingering.
With Lim Joo-won issue resolved and debut safe, why was Lee Jae-ha still gloomy?
Too nagging to dismiss as mood. Talking privately now might seem suspicious.
What to do?
The Weight of the Crown
👑 Objective: Gain leader recognition from group members!
📈 Unlock: Perks upon full recognition
📊 Progress:0/3
What the hell is this?
The system, silent earlier, popped up on its own whim.
Leader? What leader nonsense.
I never said I wanted to be leader. Demanding recognition for something undecided.
No guide on how, vague "perks" reward.
Pass.
[Failure to gain leader recognition will slightly increase shop prices.]
Hey.
I said it during radio last time too. You've been semi-forcing these lately. I have pride, you know.
Treating me like a puppet has limits. Why pretend there's choice? Just gut me already.
I'm short on time, not pride...
[Leaders receive perks + activity subsidy of 80 Coins.]
...I'll do it. What exactly do I need to do to gain leader recognition?
Tell me in detail.