Inked

Chapter 3 - First view

I was immersed into the files of the idol groups that I needed to tailor a strategy for. There were files over files about their performances, numbers, reports, development assessment, trainee days and so on. Over the years some groups accumulated alot of data. I knew that having a look at the present status will not help me find a solution since I needed to know the root they had. Where did they come from, how were they trained and why did they join? Through my studies and previous job I knew how to handle this types of data and by 6pm I was done assessing the groups and write down some important information. I looked at my notes and sighed. As I looked up I saw people outside of my office and whispering. At least they tried to but failed because I could hear every single word. There were rumours about me and that I will be fired soon because I was speaking up against the CEO. I guess I was the first one to do so but these people added their twist and turns to the story. The human species is an interesting species. You never understand why people do the things they do. It has been hours since I started working on this challenge and the countdown was ticking. I knew that a perfect strategy for the problem can only be found when I get an impression of the groups but that might be a challenge since I can not met them without Ju. By now he should hate me and file my leaving letter. Still I would do everything possible to help those young artist- no matter what. I myself was one of them so I know the struggles and pain too well. Before I had the chance to debut I quit. Back in the days I was young and naive. They nearly broke me and I started to hate music. Something that was so special to me was destroyed by them so I decided to leave and never look back. My experiences never left me and my love for music was still there so I decided to study music to be able to produce and stay behind the scene. As I was young I asked myself often whether the system was broken because how could something that shines so bright to outsider be so cruel and demolishing. Money rules the world which is why I wanted to learn the buisness aspect of the industry and soon I understood some things better but not all. The entertainment company I joined back then was small and they shut down 5 years ago. Interestingly I realize that it did not matter whether it is a small company or a big one. At the end of the day they all work the same way and treat their artist they same way. There were alot of paralleles in their pratices and methods.

I locked my computer screen and decided to go for a walk. A different setting would help me to find a solution. People kept staring at me as if I was an alien so I decided to change the floor. The elevator took me to the fan cafe and I grabbed  two coffes and caked and headed to the underground floor to surprise Uka. He had texted me a few hours ago that the other engineer left and that he has the studio 2 for himself. To make sure I did not disturb him I knocked and he opened the door right away.

" Oh hey. My favourite customer. Please come in Noona", he sang and led me inside.

I entered a big studio and was impressed with the amouunt of brand new and quality gear inside. There was a small seating area in a corner so we both took a seat there,

" This time I brought some cakes and coffees", I said as I placed both bags on the table.

" Ah nice. Thanks!", he said as he unpacked the content of both bags humming.

I took my coffe cup and took a sip. Uka brushed though his hair and put his black cap on and looked at me.

" So how was the day sor far?", he asked me interested.

I placed my mug on the table and leaned back.

" Well I think they will fire me soon. I dared to talk about the obvious things in the meeting and the CEO wants me to find a solution in 4 days. If I can not come up with something convicing then you will need a new coffee buddy", I said half sacrastic and half honest.

Uka laughed and smiled at me: " You will find a way. You alwayds do. When they fire you then it is their loss but when you fight like a tiger than they will not. Be creative as always".

Although we were just two people that had coffee together from time to time he kind off grapsed my personality very well so far. He never asked me any private questions which was in my favour but he did not need to ask. From all the people I knew I felt like I was vibing very well with him.

I was immersed in my thoughts as the door opened and a two girls entered panting.

" We need help. Can you help us. One of our group mates collapased", a very fragile and petite girl asked us and Uka and I jumped up and followed them to one of the dance studios.

A group of girls was hovered over said collapsed girl. Their head turned towards us and one of the girls frowned.

" Yah I told you to get a nurse and not some random people", she yelled out.

She must be the leader of the group juding from her attitude but I could also tell that she felt conflicted. For one one of the girls in her group collapsed on her watch and she needed to protect the rest from some strangers like us while keeping her cool. I walked over to the girls and examined the passed out girl.

" When did she last eat or drink?", I asked as I felt her pulse which was normal.

" I do not know. She did not eat with us for days", one of the girls that fetched us confessed.

Jihyo did not know about this and was shocked by the statement. She collapsed becasue of malnutrition and dehydration. As we were talking the girl gained consciousness. Immediatley she got told of by the leader and Uka who excused himself earlier came back with a light meal and a water bottle for her.

" You are too young to die like this", he said smiling as she hesitated to eat but then eventually she did.

In the end she was happy that none of the staff knew about this incident. The leader took me and Uka by side and bowed.

"Thanks for the help and sorry about my tone earlier. I am the leader of the group TWICE. Could we keep this between us please? We have been under alot of pressure for the comeback so...", she said almost pleading.

I put my hand on her shoulder and smiled.

" It is fine. We were never here and never saw anything. Promise", I said as Uka and I headed back to our offices.

I was shocked about the condition the hottest girl group at JYP was in. This is the insight I needed to write down a solution. I just digged up the first layer and there was so much more. So much more that needed to be discovered. So far this was just a first view on the groups.