<In the waiting room before the position competition stage of Targeting Star.>
Logan, who had received harsh criticism during the midterm evaluation for looking “unmotivated even though it wasn’t his strong suit,” was…
“Logan, no! That’s not how you do it. Again, again. From the part where you say, ‘Even if it feels like I’ve hit rock bottom…’”
“Holy. Hwa Sung, didn’t I just do it right?”
…He had clearly improved since our conversation.
Whether it was because he thought this would be his last performance, or because he decided to deal with the future later, I didn’t know. But for now, he was doing better.
“If what Kim Chunyong told you helps, that’d be great.”
“…I feel the same.”
If President Do Jae Chan’s covert strategy against Director Shin worked out, the performance Logan was about to show today would be crucial.
And at that moment, as if someone had scripted it…
“Just doing well won’t cut it! Oh, seriously. You’ve definitely improved since the midterm evaluation, but—”
“T-trainee Ji Hwa Sung.?”
“It’s not enough to go on a music show… “Huh? Writer?”
“Can I take Logan with me for a second?”
“…What? Me?”
“Yes, the PD says it’s something important…”
Logan, who had been fully immersed in practicing his part, was suddenly called out by a junior writer, looking bewildered.
“They’re only taking Logan? …Why aren’t they calling the other rap trainees?”
“Hmm, I guess there’s something specific they need to tell him.”
I pretended not to know and brushed off Ji Hwa Sung’s curiosity, but I had seen this scene before.
During my previous experience on Targeting Star.
‘I’m so sorry… I’m so, so sorry…’
Logan had been called out like that before, returning with a face like he was about to die, ruining the stage completely. And the very next day, he left the show with a statement citing “personal reasons.”
So, this summons was undoubtedly related to Logan’s exit.
At the time, I was too busy worrying about my own performance and ranking to think much more than, “He must’ve gone back to England.”
But this time was different.
Just a little different?
No. It was vastly different.
“Whoo.”
I adjusted the harness around my waist and took a deep breath.
“…I’m heading back to my waiting room. Good luck, Hwa Sung.”
“Hyung, where are you going? You have to play with me!”
“Go play with Gao Yan, kid!”
“Alright, Hwa Sung, it’s time to hear my rap. Behold, the rap god, Gao Yan.”
I tossed the clingy Ji Hwa Sung over to Gao Yan and quietly slipped out into the hallway.
Of course, sneaking out like this wouldn’t change anything big, but I wasn’t the type to just sit around doing nothing.
“Oh, Trainee Kim Chunyong, where are you headed? If you move around too much, it’ll be hard to keep track of your movements.”
“Oh, Writer. I’m just heading to the rooftop for a bit.”
“What? Why are you going to the rooftop?! You’re not thinking of—”
“No, no! I’m just going to get a drink!”
“Hmm… Alright.”
I smiled awkwardly at the junior writer, who eyed me suspiciously, and hurried along.
It wasn’t strange for him to react that way.
After all, when people working at the Music Days broadcasting station went to the rooftop, it was usually for one particular reason.
“Whoo…”
I quietly opened the door to the rooftop, making sure it didn’t creak.
The smell of a cigarette recently smoked hit my nose.
…The smoking area tucked away in the rooftop garden.
A place where broadcast staff often took short breaks during long, overnight shifts, it also served another function.
It was the hub of rumors.
And this time, it wasn’t just playing that role.
“Why are you doing something so foolish, PD Joo?”
There stood the cold-faced Director Shin.
“And who’s to say whether it’s foolish or smart? No one knows yet.”
Facing him head-on, not backing down, was PD Joo.
This was what I had hoped for, but to see the main players directly was surprising.
Isn’t this what they call a eureka moment?
I quickly crouched behind the vending machine next to the glass wall of the smoking area and held my breath.
The two men, unaware of my presence, exchanged sharp words.
“If it could’ve been solved with simple persuasion, they wouldn’t have come all the way to Korea. Can’t you understand that part?”
“You’re not even certain yourself, Director Shin.”
“I’m not certain about a minor taking their legal guardian’s hand and leaving? PD Joo, have you lost your mind?”
‘Huh.’
The shocking conversation made me blink and lightly press my forehead.
So, that’s why Logan’s exit was decided so suddenly.
…His parents had come to the broadcast station.
Well, that makes sense. Knowing Logan’s personality, if his parents hadn’t shown up personally, he would’ve held out until the end. Normally, that is.
I strengthened my legs to avoid collapsing from the sheer exhaustion, focusing back on the conversation.
“We should talk more in-depth after this is over. As I’ve said repeatedly, the investment in Targeting Star is—”
“That damn investment, investment! Anyone listening would think you’re the one making this show. Let me make it clear. In the end, I am the one producing this show. Don’t forget that.”
Bang!
The sound of something being violently kicked echoed, and PD Joo Cheol Yeong stormed out of the smoking area without looking back.
Was it fortunate that he didn’t notice me, or was it bad that someone about to shoot a show was that riled up?
I couldn’t dwell on it, though.
That’s because I heard something right after, a low murmur from Director Shin as he left the smoking area.
“…Who’s there?”
YOU ARE READING
TMMIB!
Random**Story not mine** Title: The Malicious Member is Back! Nicknamed the worst malicious member in idol history, called 'Trash-Rex.' Stage name Rex, real name Kim Chunyong. As he was urgently arrested, with only the entertainment world waiting for him...
