"I swear to god, taeyong. if the rookie group you produce cannot be finalised by the end of the next week, i'm afraid the top management is going to cancel your proposal and those talented will be wasted." the man, taeyong flinched, pulling the phone away from his ear.
"I'm so sorry, director kang-" "apologize won't do much. make it work or quit." "i won't let you down, sir." although they're having a phone conversation, taeyong bowed slightly as if director kang stood in front of him.
just like that, the line was cut off.
the producer dropped back down to this chair, pulling his hair in stress. "how's everything?" the familiar voice came from behind, surprised him. taeyong let out a sigh of relief when he saw one of the group guitarist entered.
"oh, jen. you're here." tried to force a smile out, but the younger was too smart to catch what's behind the disguise. "there's no hope, isn't it?" it pained taeyong to see the kids struggling so much, especially the group's leader, both professionally, and personally. he wants to help, but has he been helping much?
there was actually hope. they were perfect. almost perfect. a new band with members full of talents, artistic, aesthetic, clear goal, they had it all.
"jen-" "tell me the truth, hyung." jeno put the guitar down, staring straight into the older's eyes expressionless. taeyong was speechless. there is a truth too painful to be told. it's better not to disclose. unless the person is someone else. jeno nodded. "actually, i knew it."
the producer looked down and sighed. "we still have one week-" he paused when the younger scoffed a laugh. "one week," the mocking laugh vanished. "one week to find a replacement? you're sure you can do it?"
as much as taeyong was offended, jeno was right. what they need right now is a filler. the group used to be perfect. their debut plan was set to be earlier of next month, with debut song readied, even the recording and filming. everything went by so smooth until the rhythm guitarist decided not to sign with the entertainment at the last minute. her betrayal got everyone shocked and hurt, especially jeno personally. then picture perfect future of the band got halted.
it had already been two weeks since the dark engulfed them. taeyong barely got any sleep dealing with the production team, and the director. the other three band members signed successfully under SM entertainment.
jeno realised his word might went a bit too far. "don't blame yourself, hyung." "i should've negotiated for a better contract," the latter shook his head. "then, she would've reconsidered, none of this will happen." the younger guy looked away. "we all know that it's all her fault." he got up. "don't think too much. just go with the flow. I've talked with yangyang and guanheng hyung." taeyong looked up, interested with what the other two feel. "we're all ready for the worst. as much as it hurts that none of our hard work could pay off, we'll be just fine if the debut is cancelled." he took the guitar and left the studio.
taeyong cursed under his breath. the disappointment in jeno's eyes earlier put pressure, and guilt on him despite the younger not wanting him to be this. he felt responsible for their future. after all, he's the one who promised their families, convinced them to prioritize music than school. even worst, guanheng and yangyang left their home just because they put trust on him.
he has to make it work. he sees talents in them, the world has to be aware as well. there's no way debut is cancelled.
right there, adding salt to the wound, the power went off, reminding him that he haven't paid the bill for two months already. he almost forget he's in debt. he's been putting them before his personal problem. now, nothing goes right.
suddenly, his phone rang. "what?!" too unfortunate for the person calling, cause this man is not in his sane self right now. "calm down, bro." the very delicate, smooth, rich feminine voice greeted back in disbelief. "where are you? I'm waiting for 3 hours already."
if Taeyong's still sane, this lady is his sister who he supposed to pick up at the airport many hours ago.
