Beyond the Spotlight | Volume: 1

9

H O N G J O O N G

The CEO's office was brightly lit and spacious, with modern decor. Hongjoong sat at a conference table, his hands folded in front of him, waiting with a mix of anticipation and curiosity.

Hongjoong glanced at the clock, feeling a flutter of nervous excitement. The CEO had asked him to meet the six trainees who might soon become his new team. He took a deep breath, reminding himself that this was an opportunity to shape the future of the industry.

The door opened, and the six trainees filed in, their eyes widening in shock as they recognized Hongjoong. Almost immediately, the room was filled with squeals and excited chatter.

**Trainees (squealing, almost in unison):** "It's Hongjoong! Oh my gosh, it's really him!"

Hongjoong couldn't help but chuckle at their excitement. Their energy was infectious, and it warmed his heart to see how much they admired him. He stood up and gave them a friendly wave.

**Hongjoong:** "Hi, everyone. It's great to meet you."

The trainees quickly composed themselves, though their excitement was still evident in their bright eyes and wide smiles. They bowed respectfully, one after another.

**CEO:** (smiling) "Hongjoong, let me introduce you to our brightest new talents. This is Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung, and Jongho."

Each trainee stepped forward as they were introduced, bowing again and looking up at Hongjoong with admiration.

**Yunho:** "It's such an honor to meet you, Hongjoong-sunbaenim."

**Yeosang:** "We've looked up to you for so long."

**San:** "We can't believe we get to work with you."

**Mingi:** "This is a dream come true."

**Wooyoung:** "Thank you for inspiring us."

**Jongho:** "We'll work hard under your guidance."

Hongjoong smiled warmly at each of them, feeling a sense of pride and responsibility. "Thank you all for your kind words. I'm really excited to get to know each of you and see what we can achieve together."

The CEO nodded approvingly. "These six have shown exceptional talent and potential. With your leadership, Hongjoong, I believe they can become something truly special."

Hongjoong looked at the trainees, seeing a reflection of his own early days in their eager faces. "I'm looking forward to it. Let's work hard and create something amazing together."

The trainees nodded enthusiastically, their faces beaming with determination. Hongjoong could feel the beginnings of a strong bond forming between them, and he knew this was the start of an incredible journey.

The CEO gestured for the trainees to take their seats at the conference table. They settled down, their excitement now tempered with curiosity and a bit of nervousness.

**CEO:** "I'm glad to see all of you here. There's something important we need to discuss regarding the future."

The room fell silent, all eyes on the CEO. Hongjoong glanced at the trainees, noting their attentive expressions.

**CEO:** "As many of you know, Seonghwa has decided to leave Celestial to pursue opportunities in the fashion world. His departure marks the end of an era for our company."

The trainees exchanged glances, the news clearly surprising and saddening them.

**CEO:** "However, with every ending comes a new beginning. We have decided to debut a new group, and you six have been chosen for this opportunity."