"I meant that I wanted to watch it once. But, it doesn't seem good according to the reviews." As Jun tried to cover up his mistake, Daniel was puzzled and looked at the PC Tablet again, "really? There are more positive reviews here."
"Maybe, I read about another movie, then. It happens." Jun gave an excuse and quickly changed the topic so as to not to make him feel suspicious, "anyway, what's the deal with those two? Do they know each other?"
"You mean Yoongi-Hyung and Hanbin-Hyung? I heard that they knew each other for like four-five years. I guess they were close," Daniel replied to him. Remembering something, he added, "Yoongi-Hyung is especially hard to talk though. I'm a shy person myself and don't easily get close with others but he was on whole another level.
But, when he started singing, his personality suddenly changes as if he had this split personality. He was a good rapper though. And Hanbin-Hyung…"
Jun silently listened to his rant and nodded once in a while.
The same day, Afternoon;
On the 48th floor of the Headquarters, Jun, Daniel, Suga, and Hanbin were standing in the CEO's office.
Except for the four idol trainees and the company CEO, no one is present.
They were told to sit and everyone took a seat.
"Now that your final member is also here, I think it is time that all of us start making real preparations for your debut." The CEO informed the four of them.
As the trainees sat like students, the CEO took the marker and started explaining on a whiteboard like a teacher, "Basically, for other idols, we take 6-12 months of preparations but the four of you are different. Training-wise, you are ready to debut at any time. All of you are also used to the camera. No worries over there.
So, we need to focus on other things.
First, Photoshoot. All of you will take brief modeling lessons to learn how to pose in front of the camera in all kinds of situations.
Second, Acting. The music video doesn't contain just dancing or singing. Expressions won't be enough. All of you need to attend them too and get an okay from your instructor.
Third, music covers. Instead of monthly evaluation, you will have a weekly evaluation, where each of you will perform a dance, sing a song, and finally, a group performance. Eight weekly evaluations before we are sure that we can proceed with announcing the debut to the public. If even one of the four of you will receive a personal score below par or if your group score isn't above par, then, I'm afraid we will have to postpone the debut date.
We'll record those performances and attach them to your files. Along with your introduction teaser, the best one will be uploaded. As for the remaining, we'll upload it slowly one by one after the debut."
After hearing the explanation, Jun raised his hand, "But, my solo debut is in eight weeks."
"Yeah, I'm coming to that. Be patient." CEO Hwang then started to write the dates. 3/11, 3/18, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8, 5/20, 5/27, 6/3.
"It may be a bit difficult for you, SungJun-ssi, but this is the best we can come up with. If you had joined, at least two weeks ago, the schedule would have been a bit easier but this is life. We have to plan according to the situations we face.
Anyway, let's get back to the plan. The fourth and the biggest preparation we have to make is the real stage experience.
Thankfully Min Yoongi-ssi and Hanbin-ssi were experienced enough. They can handle the pressure.
On the other hand, Sungjun-ssi and Euigeon-ssi, both of you had only sung in front of a small audience so far. We just need to make sure that neither of you will be overwhelmed by the audience.
I'll have both of you busk around a few times. Your group manager will take of all the arrangements.
The four of your faces were already exposed to the public. So, we don't plan on hiding you until debut either. Instead, we'll try to publicize as much as possible."
Looking at Jun and Daniel, she further said, "You can see people are talking about the two of you as the Treasure Campus episodes are being aired. Maybe, if you can pull enough crowd, your debut stage will also go smoothly."
Both of them took a look at each other and nodded to her.
Once she was finished with the plan, she went back to her seat and her expression turned serious, "lastly, I wanted to remind all of you that we are betting on a huge success on this project. Teddy-ssi and even Bang Sihyuk-ssi are working together on your group debut.
So, I hope the four of you understand how much serious we are and all of you can be expected to be monitored very strictly, from your diet to your sleep during these 17 weeks. Please refrain from doing anything else that wasn't recommended."
Everyone also firmly nodded as they also took it seriously. How can they slack off when the company is doing so much for them?
After they were done at the CEO's office, Daniel, Suga, and Hanbin returned to the dorm while Jun was told to go and meet YG.
It was only after he stepped outside, Jun remembered that he doesn't know where YG's cabin is.
Should he go and ask at the reception? Even then, was YG even at his cabin? Or was he outside?
YG's personal number was stored in Jun's phone. So, Jun directly made a call to him.
In two rings, the call was lifted.
"Hello?"
"YG-nim, it's me, Han Sung-Jun," he informed him.
"Jun-ah, I was just about to call you. Have you arrived at HQ? Your trainee days will start from today." YG appeared to be in high spirits, based on his tone.
Jun informed him about his arrival and the meeting with the CEO, to which YG replied, "Great, I was still in my cabin. Come to the 37th floor. 3rd room, on the right. You can see a board outside with my name."
Jun took an elevator and went to his destination. He stopped before the door and knocked on twice.
"Come in." A voice was heard.
Jun opened the door and entered the room to find YG also has a whiteboard ready at his desk to explain something, although he appeared to be searching the drawers at the moment.
"YG-nim?" He called out.
YG raised his head a little bit and told Jun to take a seat in a casual tone and continued to search for a while before finally taking out a Pen drive.
Putting the marker aside on the table, YG took his seat and spoke, "Okay, here's what I planned for your solo debut. It will be a single album with two tracks. Considering this is your debut, we don't want to take any risks. So, the management decided to specifically choose for you, instead of letting your compositions.
But, CEO had promised that you can add your originals for your comeback, which will probably be in December, or maybe, January. It depends on how well you click in the market."
Jun was a little bit disappointed by it but then, he remembered about the six-month contract that he had with the company as a songwriter. He thought it would be best if he keep the top hit songs to himself, for now.
Meanwhile, YG continued, "Anyway, the main track was already selected. As for the second track, there are a few suggestions but I think I'll leave that your decision."
He inserted the Pendrive into the laptop and gave the headphones to Jun, playing the song.
Jun doesn't know how to feel about the song. The song was good, contemporary R&B, it was roughly 3 minutes and there were a couple of high notes at the end, although not extreme. However, Jun wasn't sure whether it was his type of song.
"What do you think?" YG asked him in anticipation.
"I feel like the song has this sexier vibe. I never perform such type before." Jun gave his review truthfully what he felt like.
"To make you distinct from other members, Jun," YG explained to him the reason behind this specific song chosen for him. "If you start your career as emotional type, it'll be hard for the fans to accustom to other genres. And your group debut will have an explosive performance for sure. This is why this soft and sexy type of song is chosen for you.
Moreover, you have a height advantage, have a good physique, on the masculine side regarding the features. If you can work out further and develop muscles while making sure not to get bulky, you can distinguish yourself from other idols."
"Just like Kai, huh!" Jun blurted out unknowingly.
"Kai, who?" YG asked him curiously. He never heard of the name before.
"Ah, no one. Just someone I used to know from a Gym," Jun hurriedly waved his hands and gave an excuse, remembering that Kai isn't an idol in this world.