Chapter 17: 95 Line
"What's taking him so long?" A man wearing a cap and a mask said.
They were in a café sipping coffee and eating deserts. Some of them were happily chatting while the rest were taking phone calls inside the café.
These group of people were the only ones in the café because they rented it out.
"It's almost 8PM now. I wonder what happened to him." The woman was standing up while looking at the door. She was tapping her foot which made it seem like she's beginning to be impatient.
"Relax, Wheein-ah. He's probably coming back from his shoot. Besides, he's the only one who has a schedule today." Another guy said, She tapped Wheein's shoulder to stop her from worrying.
"Speak for yourself. I have to fly back to LA tomorrow for a shoot." A guy who was leaning on a wall while sipping on his chocolate shake said.
"If you're going to have a shoot tomorrow, then why are you having too much sweets?" Another guy who came from the bathroom said.
"Leave me alone… This is the only time I can escape my manager so let me have this." He replied.
"Oh look! He's here!" A guy who was keeping watch warned them.
They immediately turned off the lights and waited.
________________
"I finally made it!" I yelled as I got out of my company's car.
We were supposed to meet at 7PM but the director decided to shoot the final scene for our pair tonight. So we had to travel to the location and shoot there. It took us this long because IU-noona had another schedule to go to before the shoot. Since it was a surprise shoot, we had no choice but to wait.
"I have to apologize to them. It's 10 minutes to 8PM. I'm really late now." I checked my watch and ran off after I thanked my manager.
"Which café was it? And why does it have to be in Busan? Oh well…" Well of course, Busan is known for its cafés so it had to be here.
I saw a café but it was dark. "Did they already leave?"
My heart ached as a sense of guilt washed over me. I should have cancelled the shoot to come here. This was the only time that our schedules matched.
Well, I'm here. Might as well grab a coffee for myself before leaving.
I sighed as I entered the café.
"Surprise!" A bunch of people yelled and party poppers started popping. The music also turned on.
"Ah! You guys startled me!" I said which made them laugh.
I rarely got startled because most of them knew that I was pretty much stoic.
"What's this all about?" I asked them.
"Well since we were meeting anyway, we wanted to congratulate you for being the first among us 95 liners to ever be on a drama. And a supporting role at that!" Wheein said.
"But what took you so long? Jimin already had his 3rd shake now because of you." Sungjae teased.
"Hey! Leave my milkshake alone!" Jimin went along with the joke which made everyone else laugh.
"Glad to have you here, JayB. Why don't you eat first before we start catching up?" Minhyun said.
I patted his shoulder and replied to him. "That would be great. Ugh. I'm starving!"
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This is how we usually are. When we had a matching free time on our schedule, we would meet up. The industry can be too cruel. So we decided to be there for each other to comfort one another and to encourage one another.
The 95 liner means, idols born under 1995. There were still plenty more out there but we couldn't get a hold of them yet.
So far, our group consisted of Wheein from MAMAMOO, Joshua and S.Coups from Seventeen, Minhyun from NU'EST, Sungjae from BtoB, Jimin from BTS, Jeong Do, Dominic and Me from Alpha.
"Where's Jeong Do and Dominic?" S.Coups asked.
I turned to him while chewing on some cake. "They suddenly had a schedule to go to."
"Both of them?" Joshua asked.
"Yeah… You know how it is…" I replied which made them nod in response.
Schedules should be flexible because there would be sudden changes any time. But this time, I lied. Both Jeong Do and Matt-hyung are out on a case. They found a lead on Choiza and decided to take him down for good. They were working with Matt-hyung on this one.
We needed to get this off our backs as soon as possible because we still had to prepare for MAMA and KBS Specials in a few days.
As for Dominic, he's currently at one of his hospitals in Seoul signing some paperwork.
"Well, that's how it is. There's no permanent schedule for this industry." Jimin replied.
"Nothing we can do about it." Minhyun also agreed on it.
Wheein then decided to change the topic. "Oh yeah! How's the drama coming along? I heard that your shoot is coming to an end. Did something interesting happen along the way?"
When I heard her question… I froze.
"Ohoh? Something DID happen. Spill!" Jimin pressed.
I didn't reply and just placed a huge chunk of cake in my mouth.
But Sungjae was having none of it. He then asked. "Did you kiss the supporting female actress?"
I choked and frantically drank water. "N-nothing happened. It was just a normal day in the office. That's all!"
"Something DID happen!" All of them chorused.
"So you did kiss her? Come on! Tell us! Who's the supporting character that you kissed on screen?" Joshua asked.
"They didn't kiss. He didn't confirm it yet. Right JayB-ah?" There was a hint of sadness in Wheein's tone.
S.Coups also tried to press on. "Come on, man. No secrets, remember?"
I just sighed. "Yeah, we shot our kissing scene today."
After saying that, I immediately buried my face on my arms and stayed that way. The rest of them just cheered and there was a romantic excitement to them.
"JayB-ah… don't tell me it was your first kiss." Wheein said.
I sighed again while still being burrowing myself on the palm of my hands. "It was…"
They erupted in cheers and teasing again. They began asking how it was and how it went, how my reaction was, what her reaction was, and if felt awkward afterwards. All those stuff.
"Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. Who's the girl?" Sungjae asked.
They all turned to me waiting for my answer. It's really uncomfortable to be in the hot seat.
I sighed. "It was… IU-noona…"
"What?!" they all yelled at the same time. Wheein squeezed my shoulder hard while Jimin stood up from his sit.
"Did I hear it right?" Joshua tried to ask again.
"Jungkook's going to be so pissed." Jimin said.
We already know of Jungkooki's crush on IU-noona.
Sungjae also added oil to the fire. "Didn't you guys hear? She called her noona instead of sunbaenim."
"What's your relationship with IU-sunbaenim then?" Minhyun asked.
"We're just friends, guys." I assured them.
They all teased telling me that I'm lying. Well I'm not! These guys just love teasing me though. They rarely see me get flustered.
"So why are you acting all flustered? It doesn't matter if it's your first kiss."
"That's not what I was thinking about." I told them.
It does matter! I was saving it up for HER. But now…
Besides, what's even worse is…
"It was her first kiss too." Which earned a squeal from the guys.
You heard me… a squeal…
Some of them fell on the ground while Jimin hugged a pole. This guys are enjoying this too much.
I sighed. "Will you guys stop?"
"Why? This is good news! Aren't you going to date her?" Sungjae asked.
"No. It would cause too much drama." I replied.
Minhyun didn't let it go. "So you ARE interested but you're afraid of what might happen?"
Aish! This guy! Why are we even friends with these people?
I just glared at him while he raised his hands in surrender.
"Don't think about it too much, JayB-ah. It was just work. We get that all the time." S.Coups assured.
The rest of the group just nodded in agreement. They comforted me by saying that when we become more popular in the future, we would encounter more of these.
"Who knows? We might work together in a drama someday?" Sungjae said.
"I'd like that. Hey, if any of you gets a project, you'd better refer me." I told them.
"Of course! We have to help each other out." Wheein said.
Joshua placed his arm over me and said. "We've got each other's backs. That's the only way we can survive this industry."
Minhyun agreed. "That's right. Speaking of having each other's backs. When are you going to give us a song, JayB-ah?"
I jolted when I heard Minhyun say that. Here we go again. Ever since we became close with these guys, they've been asking for at least one song.
Rumors began to speculate that I was a godly producer in my past life that is why all of the songs that "I have written" made it to the top of the charts consistently.
The media apparently found out about how I made songs for popular idols when I was still a trainee at SM. They even questioned me why I transferred to JYP when I was doing so well in SM.
Eventually the rumors died down on their own. But these guys knew the truth because they kept asking me if it was all true. Well, I told them that I've been writing and producing songs for the idols and that was it.
I didn't tell them about the GIRL that I was looking for.
They seem to respect my decision of not telling them because they didn't bother pressing on any further. It's just shocking that they've been persistent today.
"There are so many people that will debut next year." S.Coups suddenly brought up. "I wonder if we'll still be able to stay in the game."
"JayB-ah… please work with Woozi on writing a song for our group. We've been worried lately." Joshua said.
We decided to get serious after they brought this topic up. I assured them that I will write them each a song for next year.
"I'll give it to you before the year ends. I already have something in mind anyway." I told them.
They begin to pat my shoulder in thanks. Minhyun even hugged me and thanked me for it.
"Since you already have something in mind, at least give us a hint of what the title is?" Wheein asked.
"hmm… it's a secret." I replied.
They all groaned at my response which made me chuckle.
"You've been saying that ever since. And you still haven't given us a song." Sungjae said.
They continued to groan and complain which made me laugh even more. Finally I decided to give in and give them a little hint. "Okay, okay, okay. I'll give you guys a hint by the title name."
As soon as they heard that, they all squeezed on the couch to hear well.
"Let's start with the sunbaenim in our group." I turned to look at Minhyun. "NU'EST is good with RnB. So let's work around that. I think 'Hello' would sound great. In fact, I'll email it to you next week so you can start practicing on it. It's really a great song to start the year. So you guys do well." I told him.
"'Hello', huh? Ballad for the start of the year? Hmm? Wouldn't an upbeat song work better?" Minhyun asked.
"You're group is still adjusting to dances so let's work on your strengths first." I answered him truthfully.
He didn't deny it since they weren't really good at dancing.
"Next is BtoB," I smiled at Sungjae. "I think 'Summer Romance' would work with you. Since your group is mostly composed of balladeers. But don't worry, there is a rap portion to it. I'll also send it to you next week. It's a tricky song to learn. I'll be guiding you through it as a producer if I'll have time."
"Guiding… us? You'll do it personally?! The group would be ecstatic!" Sungjae exclaimed.
I chuckled. "I said if I have time."
"That means there's still a chance!" Sungjae was not willing to let this go. I agreed with him. And he immediately went to call his hyungs. Minhyun also did the same.
"Me! Pick me! I'm next!" Wheein was raising her hand.
This made us chuckle. "Fine. No worries. So for MAMAMOO, the trend next year will be a little sexier. You guys can't afford to be left behind as well. In terms of Rapping, Singing and Performance, MAMAMOO is the complete package for a girl group of 4. So I guess 'Um Oh Ah Yeh' works well. You got to have your comeback before BtoB does. But I'll be sending it to you probably during Christmas. I'm still finalizing some things."
"'Um Oh Ah Yeah'? Sounds sexy and mysterious." She replied.
I nodded in agreement. "The song would depend on Solar-sunbaenim's vocals. You also have your part to play. So you guys really have to practice hard on this song."
She nodded and she also went away to call her company. Big Hit and Pledis are going to enjoy their time next year.
"Seventeen, huh? Your group highlights performance over all. So an upbeat song works with you. Although you'll be using this song after summer break, an after-school concept would sound nice for this song. That's why 'Mansae' works best for you." I told them.
"Woah! Sounds fun!" Joshua said.
"And oh, I'll do the choreography personally. So once you're done recording the song, contact me immediately so I can arrange my schedule during that time." I told them.
They both jumped from their seats in surprise.
S.Coups' mouth started opening and closing as if he was about to say something. He finally said something. "A song… and now a choreography from you? It would be an honor!"
I shook his hand and he began calling Woozi for it. Joshua was as excited as S.Coups with the announcement.
I turned to Jimin who was grinning like a happy kid. That look made me chuckle. "Finally, for BTS. You guys still don't have much of your own brand and marking. So let's make one. This will take you to new heights. 'I Need U' is a song that can highlight each member easily. March or April would be a good month for a comeback. This song will need your voice to be at its 100%. So do well."
He didn't say anything except his thanks and immediately stood up. I stopped him and he turned to me. "Is there something else?"
I hesitated at first but I decided against it anyway. "It's nothing. Say 'hi' to the guys for me. And tell them…"
I started to choke up as I was about to cry. These memories of the previous life still reminds me of what I did to them.
"Everything alright, JayB-ah?" he asked in a concern tone.
"Ah… yes… just tell them I'm sorry it took so long. And I'm finally here so they don't have to worry about it." I continued as I swallowed all the sadness away.
He looked confused at first but he shrugged it off and gave me an okay sign before he went to the bathroom to call his company.
As soon as everyone left to call their groups and companies, I went back to the table to have another slice of cake.
But when I started eating, I realized that I was already full. I started playing with the cake using my fork thinking about what I could do for these groups.
I sighed. "I wish we discussed the business aspect of our lives later. I suddenly feel so alone here."
Minutes later. They all came rushing back to me. They all had one question. "What's the catch?"
I chuckled because their faces showed like I was about to ask for the most impossible price from them. "I'd be needing your group's help sometime soon. Please be available by then. Don't worry. I won't let you guys do something illegal. It's something as easy as singing."
They all had doubtful looks. They told me that this is a song that we're talking about. These guys asked if I wanted to have even a tiny bit of the share from the earnings. I told them that 3% is good and it's all I needed.
Again, they still had questioning and confused looks. I assured them that if I wanted to scam them, I would have approached their companies instead.
They knew me very well that's why they were doubtful at first. But they realized that I was telling the truth. I just want them to sing their songs from the previous world.
Sure, they are thriving with the songs that they have right now, but none of them came close to what they produced from the previous world.
After finishing up their calls, we decided to wrap the party up and call it a day. Jimin still had an early flight to LA tomorrow.
"Minhyun and I have our cars at the parking lot. We'll drive you guys back to your dorms. What do you say?" Jimin said.
We all agreed and divided ourselves accordingly.
Minhyung decided to drive Joshua and S.Coups to their dorm because Pledis had their artists' dorm in one compound.
Sungjae, Wheein and I were in the same car with Jimin since they were all Big Hit entertainment's artists. They just wanted to drop me at my dorm.
While we were happily chatting and laughing in the car, a call suddenly came in.
"Hello?" I answered.
"Hyung, we have an emergency meeting and practice tonight at the company. We have a sudden schedule tomorrow." Woo was the one who's calling.
I chuckled at his lazy tone. "Say hi to everyone first. You're on loud speaker."
He then gasped. "Oh! Why didn't you say so? Hi everyone! I'm one of the Maknaes of Alpha, Jiwoo. Please take care of my hyung since he easily gets flustered."
Everybody laughed in agreement. I immediately changed the topic. "What schedule are you talking about? I thought we had nothing to do for the next 2 days?"
"That's what we're going to meet about. I don't know what happened but we suddenly got invited over for a variety show at the last minute." He replied.
I got confused. Didn't JYP PD-nim ask us to stay put for a while and relax before our practice for MAMA?
"So what's the show?" I asked Woo.
"Oh you're going to love it!" he replied excitedly.
I smiled at his excitement. If he's excited, then it must be somewhere good. I then asked, "Really? What's the show that got you this excited?"
"It's Weekly Idol!" He replied.
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AN: So in the industry, idols are often categorized according to the year that they have been born. There are actually more. But I realized that having too much characters in one scene makes it difficult to highlight each of them. So I settled with some of the familiar ones.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
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