The Second Chance of A Suicidal Idol

Producer Troubles (6)

Joon-woo slipped on the faux black leather dress shoes that he had worn the day before. He also wore the same stage outfit he had worn the day before. It was how the Producers illusioned everything being shot in one day– though most things were. Sometimes recordings started at 8 A.M. and ended at 11 P.M.! Really, on those days it was the worst.

When he stepped out of the small dressing room, he was immediately bombarded with the sight of three different make-up artists. Their faces were determined and their hands equipped with various brushes and make-up types. Joon-woo pursed his lips. Really, this was ridiculous.

The show's make-up artists often fought or bickered over who got to do Joon-woo's make-up for that day. They professed their love for how easy it was to do his make-up and how little he needed. The sight often made Joon-woo second guess whether acted manly enough to pass as such. He contemplated acting difficult while getting his make-up done like the other contestants to seem more man-like, but ultimately found it too much effort.

Joon-woo let himself get pulled away by the quicker make-up artist, much to the others' clear dismay.

"Joon-woo-ssi, aren't I your favorite?" She asked, awkwardly flaunting the fact that Joon-woo had picked her to her sulking co-workers. Other contestants watched the scene with narrowed eyes. They had gotten used to their obsession, but Joon-woo knew they only found it more reason to see Joon-woo as a rival.

"I don't have favorites." Joon-woo replied, letting her dab a brush of paler concealer over Joon-woo's natural eyebags. He sat completely still, not even flinching to the touch as the other contestants did.

It was then Baek Du-Ho and Ryeo Hyun exited another set of dressing rooms. The temporary bleach and dye in their hair was starting to fade, less so than Joon-woo's of course. They also wore the same stage outfits as the day before. Reggie and Song Chunghee were always the last to be ready.

Ryeo Hyun spotted Joon-woo and led Baek Du-Ho and himself in Joon-woo's direction. Baek Du-Ho almost watched Joon-woo with... admiration? Was he doing anything admirable?

"You two should take note from Joon-woo-ssi." The make-up artist scolded. "He doesn't flinch or awkwardly shift... You two could learn..." She spoke.

Joon-woo sighed, watching as Baek Du-Ho and Ryeo Hyun nodded rigorously, keeping their eyes panned onto Joon-woo's blank and unmoving face. Ridiculous, he thought, so damn ridiculous.

–+–

Sat in their team seats, Team One took their place. Many jealous eyes were on them, contestant wise. Cameras were yet to be rolling and the others' took this as a perfect time to get their jealous anger out. Team Three, Mi Yong and Jung Hyun-Ok's team, was going through the same thing.

They were known fan favorites, PD favorites, and every other favorite there was. Though Joon-woo disagreed with his status as the PD's favorite... But as if the fire wasn't already budding, Mi Yong and by proxy Jung Hyun-Ok, stood and walked over to their Team One table. Joon-woo's eyes widened in surprise.

"Good morning my beautiful Dongsaengs..!" Mi Yong greeted loudly with a curt wave. He was intentionally provoking the others'.

Not catching on, Reggie waved Mi Yong's way. "Ah, good morning Hyungs!" He replied, American accent slightly showing.

Jung Hyun-Ok took a comfy, but not-too-close seat next to Joon-woo. "Did you eat breakfast this morning..?" He asked Joon-woo in a whisper.

Joon-woo clicked at his tongue. He hadn't. But why did he care so much? Jung Hyun-Ok sighed at Joon-woo's silence. Joon-woo felt the need to prove himself when it came to someone as observant as Jung Hyun-Ok or Ryeo Hyun.