What I got from Dojun's confining was this: his company, wanting him to be in the debut line-up, pointed Dojun to be the leader of the temporary unit and told the other trainees to follow as he says. They hated the favoritism and retaliated through going against Dojun instead, completely disregarding his opinions even as a member.
That's straight up immature, though. What are they, five?
Seeing my friend like this over such stupid people, all I wanted to do was comfort him. But despite how he acts most of the time, Dojun preferred real solutions over soothing words.
I brushed my hair back as I sighed.
"Well, there's nothing we can do about what's already done. You don't have to stay close to them just because you're in the same company, remember?"
Dojun nodded. It wasn't exactly advice that I gave him, but he was partly cheered up.
"It doesn't sound like the dislike came from just there. If you keep going around, teaming with them, their reactions might risk evil editing."
Evil editing: a commonly used term especially in reality shows where the show director and editors manipulate a shot or scene so it could be misinterpreted by the viewers, often making the victim seem like the villain in a situation. Though I'm sure the producer would do anything to make Dojun stand out in good light, Dojun himself isn't aware of that.
Dojun finally looked up after hearing that. He seemed to really think my words through before smiling, thanking me.
"You're right. I can show my skills with other people now!"
I nodded, simply glad that this guy returned to happy mode again.
"Chan!! If I had my laptop, no, even a phone with me, I would have showed a beat that appeared in my head already!"
"Then I guess you'll just have to wait. I'm sure GNet would include that into the show somehow."
Spoiler alert, they are, indeed, including that. I have insider powers here, after all.
Speaking of insiders, I remembered to call Admin-nim right after Dojun left. He wanted to hang out with me, but I told him to go to bed instead.
Now I'm left alone in the empty, dark hall.
I took the phone tucked in my shorts' pocket and pressed the contact number on top, pressing call.
It didn't take two rings before my call was answered.
The first thing I heard was Admin-nim clearing her throat very gruffly into the microphone before greeting me, "Uhm- Hello, Jung Haechan. You did well in the shoot for the first episode and bonus episode."
"Yeah, thanks. Are your people editing already?"
The fact that this lady I only saved as "Admin-nim" has already seen my actions for both parts of the show could either mean she was present during the filming or she's part of the editing staff. Not sure why someone in that position would have the role in making contracts with a clown like me, so perhaps she has a whole other power...
"I was just told you did well, is all."
Right, because I totally believe that. Although, I might have to consider that it's possible, since she didn't even comment on my persona.
"Never mind that. Why did you call me?"
"Why, I can't? You sound like you have plenty of free time."
"..."
Just say it was good; laugh or something, dang it!
I sighed, getting to the point, "Episode two is shot tomorrow, right? The one for the theme song. What do I need to do?"
Admin-nim finally grasped what I meant. There was a moment of silence where she was probably thinking up a plan.
"First off, I want you to stick near your roommates—make sure we can use plenty of scenes in the dormitory and on set—and have them teach you the choreography, even if you already remember it. I will send you the song tonight, so make sure to memorize it well."
"Are you telling me to remember everything by tomorrow? And you're giving the song now?"
Admin-nim cleared her throat. I didn't sound pissed, I think, but it's obviously impossible to a newbie like me.
"You're not supposed to know it that well, anyway. Also, you're good at memorizing lines," the lady stated like it's the most obvious thing in the world.
If the reason she said that is because I used to be an actor, then she must have ass for a brain because it's been over a decade!
But, if I shouted that, it's the same as talking to the black hole—I'll be left on heard.
"Whatever, fine. You said first off, so what else is there?"
"Second off, make sure you interact with everyone else. There will be private interviews everyday after filming for the theme song, so make sure people have positive things to say about you."
This one felt a bit weird.
"About me? Not those in the line-up?"
"Yes, you," Admin-nim answered this question immediately. I thought it was best not to argue.
"Kim Dojun is placed in a different grade—a whole other place—and Sastry Mahesha has that tall friend with him. It's even better if you get to know David Smith now, but you don't have to push it. As long as it seems natural."
"Okay, I got it all. Anything else?"
"No."
"Then I'm hanging up. Good night, Admin-nim!"
"... Good ni-"
I hung up.
There was that feeling where I needed to scream and let out stress, but I convinced myself everything was fine and returned to my dorm. It was no more than a five-minute walk to the dormitory area.
Just as I was about to enter, a hand grabbed my left arm, pulling me slightly to the nearest wall. I was startled enough to not make a sound, immediately looking upwards. I just spoke to Dojun like a minute ago, so the only other person I know who's tall enough to practically tower over me was...
"Daniel? What are you out so late for?"
For some reason, this cold guy with a refreshing look is pinning to the wall.
No, more importantly, let me go first! What is he doing?
"Whatever it is, I'm not ready..!"
This guy is leaning his head down like a flirt.