A week has passed since my last call with Kim Dojun.
It wasn't because I suddenly hate him or anything, no. I simply found myself busied with Grandpa Jung's family life.
You see, Grandpa Jung isn't married, which is why he's been living alone until now. But he has sister, let's call her Grandma Jung, and has a few children of her own. Grandma Jung's children are a few years younger than me, so they're at the age of college or college graduate right now.
This is where the problem comes. Grandma Jung's eldest daughter, Lee Jimin, got hired into a well known Entertainment Company near here.
But Grandma Jung's family lives in a whole other island!
Thus, the Jung family, along with the husband's side, all agreed to have Lee Jimin stay with Grandpa Jung—at least until she raised enough money to get her own place to live.
Grandpa Jung wasn't impressed and asked for my opinion, so as a very caring person, I honestly and half-proudly stated: "Gramps, you're getting old," to his face.
Well not those exact words—I explained that it would be better for him to get an extra help around the shop, and Lee Jimin could take care of him in case anything happens and I wasn't there.
"Though, of course, I won't be going anywhere, gramps."
Anyway, I was present to do free physical labor and introduce Lee Jimin around the shop and district. I also helped her plan around the closest and safest routes to work. Turns out, she works for NEL, the same company that produced banger movies like Taxi to Busan.
I once worked with them, too.
Crazier fact, she actually knew who I was from name alone. I'm not sure why, but it seems that Grandpa Jung's family knew me as a child actor, like, everyone.
Well, anyone could just stumble upon my past, I guess.
Helping Lee Jimin move was soon cleared up, bringing us back to present me, who is currently on his way to GNet's company.
Admin-nim had texted me and said they were doing pre-interviews for every contestant on Saturday and Sunday. I decided to do it last to avoid getting possibly profiled by someone and went on Sunday evening.
That's exactly what I'm doing now. I feel a little underdressed, wearing a jacket and trousers so casually, but they said to wear the top I'll be performing in for the first shoot, and this is just that.
The outfit is simple because that's the vibes the song I'm covering has, but it's mainly because I had no plan going in for the outfit.
"If the person wearing it looks good, then the outfit is, too."
I can't recall how many times people have said that, whether as an insult or a back-handed compliment to my fashion sense.
I brushed off the thought and looked around, finally finding the building I had to go to. I pulled down my hood and walked in. There was a front desk, but I already knew where the room I need to be in is at.
And before you ask—yes. I did, in fact, walk all the way from home to here on my own will. Whatever saves me money works.
Soon, I found the room and knocked before walking in politely.
Inside was a waiting room, and there was one person sitting there.
I pulled down my hood and lowered my back slightly to greet him.
"Hello, good evening."
The person hummed tiredly. I didn't bother him and took a seat on another corner. He didn't seem like the talkative type, so I enjoyed the silence and braced myself for the possible questions.
Unexpectedly, the other guy spoke first.
"...Jung Haechan, are you?"
Does everyone just know who I am here? I didn't wanna assume something so self-centered, though. Maybe it's just a small word.
"Oh, have we met before?" I asked back in English after thinking about it.
The guy was silent for a while.
"No. Aren't you that actor?"
So it seems he just has great face perception.
I laughed awkwardly, placing glances at the guy.
"Haha. It's been years since, though. Wait, are you not that trainee from GYP Entertainment?"
"...yeah. I didn't think anyone would know me."
Actually, I knew from earlier, but pretended to only notice know. I'm sure word would spread once his face gets into the show promotion, considering GYPE had never sent someone to a survival show before.
Other than that, if I recall correctly, this guy is Indian. There's a girl group with Indian girls as a part of it, despite being a K-Pop group, but an Indian idol is still definitely a rare gem.
In fact, I only know him because he was part of the debut group according to Admin-nim. This guy must be talented, and he seems to have a calm energy, unlike Kim Dojun. If possible, I'd want to befriend him.
"Well I do. Mash...was it?"
The person nodded again.
Mash is a common nickname used by his followers and common fans. In reality, this guy's full name is, if I recall, Sastry Mahesha. When I found out this guy's name, I immediately Doodled him and found the name's meaning. Does this mean he would make a great leader[1]?
I decided to try and make small talk first, since Mahesha spoke to me on his own. If he doesn't want to, I'll stay quiet.
"Say, why go with Mash? I think Esha fits you, too."
"It just kind of happened. I don't know who started it, either," Mahesha muttered in response.
He then continued, "... I also want to be called that."
"What, Mash?"
"No," the trainee shook his head, "The name you said before that. I don't like being Mash..."
I raised my eye brows. I didn't want to have too deep of a conversation with this guy already, so I changed the topic direction.
"Then, you should debut with that! Your fans can't go against it."
Mahesha smiled at that.
"I should."
We talked a little more after that while waiting for our turns to be interviewed.
"Esha, are there anyone else besides you who's in this show? From your company, I mean."
"There is, Han Daniel. If you don't know, he's French-Canadian."
"That's cool! I wonder if he also speaks French?"
"He does, but his Korean is good, too. Talk to him once his interview is done."
"I see, you came here together. I definitely will, though. As someone without a company, I came here alone. I'm trying to find as many friends as possible!"
"That so? You should have come here when it was more crowded."
I laughed lightly at that. Mahesha's supportive personality made it easy to practice a cheerful persona.
Before we knew it, a naturally blond person came out. He had bluish eyes and a tall stature. There was this gentle air around him that supported his handsome face.
"Woah..." I couldn't help but make a sound from surprise.
This guy's visuals are unreal.
Why is he not in the line up?
[1] I only searched up for a bit, but it seems Mahesha means "Supreme king" or "Great ruler".