Three months had passed since that disastrous monthly evaluation in April. All the trainees were improving in spades, thanks in part to the proper attention that was afforded to them.
Tessa and Song-il petitioned for a few more choreographers and vocal teachers to be hired, which the board granted but only temporarily. Even if it was still on a test run, Tessa’s trainee department was determined to show great results.
Also, in the last few months, Soonyoung and some of his team members were more visible around the trainee headquarters.
Although it was mostly just the performance team with S.Coups and Vernon, seeing the active idols significantly improved the morale of the younger hopefuls. In turn, it increased their will to become better at their craft.
By now, Seungcheol figured out the real reason why Hoshi almost certainly forcibly convinced the performance team to revisit their old haunt and churn out other performances in the trainee building. He suspected something was up the second he heard about it and so, he took it upon himself to visit them in this building.
The first time he became privy to seeing the CEO’s daughter waiting in the practice room, it all became clear to him.
He was not opposed to it, though.
Soonyoung had continued to fulfill his responsibilities to the team and then some. In fact, his choreographies seemed to become even more inspired. In interviews, he was so much more charming and in photoshoots, his eyes conveyed depths the likes of which Seungcheol had not seen before.
His friend was happy and his friend deserved that happiness.
Seungcheol liked Tessa. She was her own woman. Fiercely independent for sure, and she knew what she wanted. She was kind but not a push over. Her life did not revolve around Soonyoung but it was plain to see that she enjoyed his addition to her life.
So when Soonyoung asked Seungcheol for one Saturday off, the SEVENTEEN leader happily obliged.
And today was that Saturday.
Hoshi helped Tessa carry her overnight bag into the waiting coaster van. He had convinced her to take the eight members of Group A out on some bonding activities. In the past few months, Tessa, Soonyoung and sometimes Song-il took the trainees out for dinner and meals.
Having those memories thankfully helped the eight grow closer together and form a tighter bond. Slowly, they were becoming a team.
Tessa sat at one of the two seats in the front row while Soonyoung sat beside her. By now, Group A had gotten used to seeing the idol around them. They were by no means any less starstruck but they were much more comfortable having him around. These days, Tessa and Soonyoung seemed like a matching set.
On this trip, there were no managers and no staff. It was just the ten of them.
The driver closed the door to the coaster and maneuvered out of the parking area.
Next stop, Jongno-gu.
Five minutes later, the group was disembarking from the coaster.
“My showers take longer than that ride.” Byeongho joked.
“You can walk the way back then.” JiCheul replied.
“I was clearly joking, hyung.” Byeongho pouted.
“I’m not sure if I was.” JiCheul teased.
“Hyung!”
The group chuckled as they assembled outside the coaster.
“What are we doing in front of this Palace, Tessa-Noona?” Heesong asked.
“We’re just here to admire the front door.” Daejung deadpanned. “What else do you think we’re doing here?”
