Chapter 1111: Lemon Boys... Jump with all your might! (3)

Gulp.

Gye Hongju swallowed nervously and carefully opened the door.

"Is anyone... Oh. No one's here."

"Nobody?"

The members of X Busters poked their heads in behind him before filing into the practice room.

This was the large studio where today's evaluation would take place.

"Wooooow..."

The debut team, who had practically lived in DNS Media's practice rooms for years, stared around with wide eyes.

This is insane.

These facilities are ridiculous.

The ceiling stretched high overhead.

The room was enormous.

It could comfortably fit over forty people rehearsing at once.

Now they immediately understood why Hanjo had said it was perfect for practicing year-end performances.

One member stomped lightly on the floor.

Thunk.

Thunk.

The others copied him before looking at one another.

"Whoa... even the flooring is amazing."

"My knees would never hurt practicing choreography here. This place is unbelievable..."

It was exactly what they'd always imagined a major entertainment company's practice room would look like.

For a fleeting moment, envy crossed their faces.

So this is where Lemon trainees practice.

Then they quickly came back to their senses.

Cameras surrounded the room.

"Of course the headquarters are nice, but I still think our cozy practice room is better!"

"Exactly!"

"Mmm~ This place is almost too perfect. It doesn't have enough character!"

"DNS forever!"

The members of X Busters rallied themselves in front of the cameras and began warming up.

One of them turned to Gye Hongju.

"Oh, right, Hongju hyung."

"Hm?"

"You know anything about Lemon's trainees?"

"Not really. I only know Jihyuk..."

Hongju scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

Aside from Kim Jihyuk, whom he'd met during the survival show, he knew almost nothing about Lemon Entertainment's trainees.

"I heard a little from Jihyuk..."

"...He said they're really strong."

"...?"

The others tilted their heads.

"Strong...?"

"Hmmm..."

None of them could imagine what that meant.

For a moment they pictured hulking bodybuilders breathing fire.

Then they gave up.

...Maybe he meant they're mentally intimidating?

That seemed much more in line with the image they already had.

Lemon Entertainment Trainee Recruitment

Competition Ratio: 2,378:1

Among trainee communities, Lemon Entertainment was considered the most elite destination imaginable.

Even more desirable than the established major agencies.

If the traditional Big Four agencies were like landing a coveted job at a huge corporation...

Lemon Entertainment was the mythical dream workplace.

"Their revenue split is incredible. I heard NewBlack and Scarlet started receiving settlements immediately after debut."

"What about trainee debt?"

"Apparently... there isn't any?"

In this industry, it wasn't unusual for successful idols who everyone assumed had earned millions to reveal on television that their bank accounts were still negative.

The absence of trainee debt alone was an enormous advantage.

And there was more.

"Look at that lineup. Yoon Chanhyuk. Scarlet. NewBlack."

Yoon Chanhyuk, one of Korea's top ballad singers.

Scarlet, one of the nation's top three girl groups.

And NewBlack...

Who needed no introduction.

Lemon Entertainment had successfully launched three consecutive major acts.

Its planning ability was held in extremely high regard.

After all, one of the biggest reasons trainees sought out major agencies was confidence in their planning.

Of course...

Planning meant nothing without money.

"But small agencies don't have capital... right? Big companies can keep supporting you until you finally break through."

Even if an artist stumbled at first, major agencies had enough financial strength to keep releasing albums until they eventually succeeded.

That financial power was the foundation of everything.

And Lemon had money.

Not merely enough.

An absurd amount.

This year alone, NewBlack's tour had generated roughly 300 billion won in revenue.

Combined with income from broadcasting companies and production studios, Lemon Entertainment now possessed unmatched financial resources.

Naturally, everyone wondered about Lemon's trainees.

What kind of people are they?

Several members of X Busters had even auditioned for Lemon themselves.

Competition rates hovered between two and three thousand applicants per spot.

Even before Lemon became the industry's largest agency.

It truly was the dream workplace.

Just as elite companies hired only extraordinary applicants...

Everyone imagined Lemon trainees must be the absolute best of the best.

Just then—

Knock knock.

The door opened.

Every member of X Busters turned their heads in perfect unison like meerkats.

Lemon Entertainment's trainees walked in.

"Hello~!"

One cheerful trainee greeted them brightly before the others followed.

X Busters hurriedly stood as well.

"H-Hello!"

"Hello!"

Both groups bowed ninety degrees.

The debut team and the trainees looked equally stiff.

The members of X Busters stared with saucer-wide eyes.

Unbelievable.

Well... they are an agency famous for actors...

They'd expected everyone to be attractive.

Reality exceeded their imagination.

Each trainee wore a little yellow chick-shaped name tag.

Among them...

Jinho? He's ridiculously handsome.

The kind of person who brightened a room just by standing in it.

Tall.

Constantly smiling.

Naturally sociable.

Like an especially friendly golden retriever.

Even in a hoodie, his face seemed to glow.

They're all good-looking...

The trainee wearing the name tag VEN looked delicate, almost like an artist.

The one named Yoonsu had playful eyes framed by striking eyelashes.

And Kim Jihyuk—the most famous among them—looked every bit the model honor student.

"Wow..."

One member covered his mouth.

"Sorry for staring... but you're all seriously handsome."

"Really?!"

Jinho laughed brightly.

"Thank you! The person who said that is handsome too."

"Don't lie..."

Soon the juniors of NewBlack and Street Boys settled into easy conversation.

Different labels.

Yet somehow they already felt like family under the same roof.

Hongju and Jihyuk happily caught up after not seeing each other for quite some time.

Then—

"Ah."

One of X Busters' members suddenly raised his hand.

Pullip.

Sharp eyes beneath a headband.

Skull earrings swinging gently.

"We never properly introduced ourselves."

"We should, shouldn't we?"

"Sounds good!"

The two groups lined up opposite each other.

X Busters went first.

"One, two, three!"

"X! BUSTERS!"

"Hello! We're X Busters! It's nice to meet you!"

After their ninety-degree bow, Lemon's trainees applauded before glancing at each other.

Jihyuk called out,

"One, two, three!"

"Hello! We're Lemon Boys!"

"The team name every Lemon trainee uses before debut. Lemon Girls and Lemon Boys!"

Such an adorably simple name.

As the Lemon trainees enthusiastically cheered for themselves, X Busters applauded in return.

The atmosphere quickly became warm and friendly.

Almost too friendly.

One member of X Busters glanced nervously toward the cameras.

"...Are we allowed to get along this well?"

"You know... whenever there are battle shows, people usually glare at each other."

"Oh."

"Senior Wooju told us to just relax."

"...Ah."

The members nodded.

Of course...

Normally, the production staff would've been encouraging staged confrontations.

Apparently Wooju had shut that idea down before filming even began.

...

Even though he wasn't physically present...

His influence was unmistakable.

While they silently resolved not to end up on Senior Wooju's bad side later—

One of the Lemon Boys held out a bag of gummy candy.

"Want some?"

"Sure!"

While everyone shared snacks, the members of X Busters exchanged discreet looks.

They're... kind of harmless.

Seriously.

The Lemon Boys looked exactly as handsome as everyone had imagined.

But...

They behaved like kindergarteners.

There wasn't much of the ruthless competitive edge trainees were supposed to have.

They simply laughed among themselves.

At first X Busters wondered whether it was some elaborate strategy to lower their guard.

Hadn't Hongju said Jihyuk described them as strong?

Strong?

What's supposed to be strong?

As they chatted, one member looked around the room.

Jinho chewed on a gummy bear.

"Is something wrong?"

"Oh... it just feels like it's almost time to start."

"I wanted to check the time, but..."

He looked around.

"There isn't a clock in here."

"...Well, it's a practice room."

The Lemon Boys answered as though that were completely obvious.

...Is it?

Without giving it much thought, X Busters let the conversation move on.

They wouldn't understand what that answer truly meant...

Until only a few hours later.

One of the KNet staff carefully clipped a microphone onto my clothes.

"All done."

"Thank you."

After making sure everything was secure, I joined the others waiting in the hallway.

Hanjo gave me a small nod.

Meanwhile, the PD in charge of the reality show explained today's first shot.

"We're filming the judges' entrance. Just walk in exactly as you're lined up."

In front of Ri Hyuk and me stood CEO Park Gyuho.

In front of Hanjo and Giwon stood CEO Lim Hyunsik.

The PD looked at the two CEOs from the front and smiled.

"Hahaha! Great expressions!"

Then he added,

"But you don't have to look quite so serious. At this rate the viewers might think you two genuinely don't get along."

...He had no idea they genuinely didn't.

Just looking at the wrinkles gathering on the back of CEO Park's bald head told me exactly what kind of expression he was making.

CEO Lim wasn't any different.

His fists were already clenched.

"So..."

The PD continued.

"Maybe both of you could smile a little?"

The two CEOs forced smiles.

I leaned slightly to peek around.

Two middle-aged men stared ahead with terrifyingly unnatural grins.

The PD immediately gave up.

"...Let's just go with your normal expressions. Rolling!"

As the camera operator backed away, we leisurely followed behind the CEOs.

"Feel free to chat while you're walking! We won't be using the audio."

CEO Lim immediately spoke.

"Baldy."

"...Please avoid insults!"

"President Park."

"What is it, President Lim?"

"You'd better brace yourself today."

"Our kids came here to crush yours."

"Hahahaha!"

CEO Park's eyes flashed.

"You never know who's longer or shorter until you compare."

"You don't even need to compare. Anyone can tell."

"But what if the shorter one secretly has a spring inside? Press it and boing—it shoots out."

"But what if the longer one is a kilometer long? Like the Great Wall?"

While the two CEOs argued like children...

We started talking among ourselves.

"Lee Hanjo."

"Yeah?"

"A loaf of bread went to a ranch."

"Why?"

"Because it wanted to become soboro."

"...!"

"Aren't dad jokes a required skill for anyone born in '93?"

We exchanged respectful looks.

He's good...

Hanjo looked at me.

"What animal hates cats?"

"Meerkats."

"...!"

We immediately shook hands in mutual admiration.

Watching us, the two main vocalists sighed before shaking hands themselves.

"Let's enjoy a good competition today."

"Absolutely."

Since the audio wouldn't be used, everyone maintained perfectly serious expressions while saying complete nonsense.

Then we entered the practice room.

"WOOOOOOO!"

The room erupted into applause.

The members of X Busters stared in surprise when they saw Ri Hyuk and me.

"Hello."

We greeted the younger artists as we took our seats at the judges' table.

"It's been a while, hasn't it?"

"I think I briefly met the members of X Busters during The Spirit."

"Yes!"

Last year, when Scarlet competed on the girl group survival show with my song Not Fine, I'd briefly crossed paths with them.

Back then I'd disguised my identity and pretended to be Kim Jihyuk.

Thinking about that, I glanced toward the real Jihyuk.

Now there actually was one.

"Senior! You got even more handsome!"

"Thank you."

I smiled at Gye Hongju.

"It's been a while since Next Mission."

"Yes."

"I'm looking forward to your performance today."

After delivering a few standard judge comments, I took a sip of water.

The trainees smiled brightly for the cameras despite their obvious nerves.

CEO Park Gyuho picked up his microphone.

"Well then."

"It's wonderful to have the Lemon Entertainment family gathered together today."

"Ahem! Lemon and DNS."

"I'm delighted to see the Lemon Entertainment family all together."

"Hahaha."

"I hope both sides put on wonderful performances. It may be a friendly match, but I hope you'll approach it like the real thing."

"Yes!"

Both teams answered loudly.

The performances began immediately.

As the Lemon Boys lined the wall to watch—

The members of X Busters stood together.

EX BUSTERS

While solving problems from the new CSAT prep books I'd bought, I'd binge-watched their reality show.

Their name came from adding the prefix Ex, as in extraordinary, to Busters.

Ri Hyuk had explained that, like Ghostbusters, a "buster" was someone who destroyed or took something down.

Anyway...

Their concept was—

Hackers.

More specifically...

Hacktivists.

Hackers fighting for social causes.

If Street Boys had been rebellious delinquents smashing society's conventions with baseball bats...

X Busters wore hoodies, wandered the streets spraying their logo across walls, or hijacked giant digital displays to broadcast it instead.

Their styling reflected that rebellious image.

Black outfits.

Oversized hoodies.

Ripped jeans.

"Let's see what you've prepared."

At my cue, X Busters moved into formation.

Their song choice:

Cycle.

One of TNT's early hits.

The song they'd performed at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony.

A song built around youthful rebellion.

The sound of a motorcycle engine roared through the introduction as the formation exploded apart.

The cycle repeats.

Uh, you're always the same.

Covering your eyes like a coward.

Pullip stepped forward for the deep, sexy opening verse, pointing directly at the camera.

LB's younger brother...

I vaguely remembered his stage name came from his real name.

Then I focused completely on the performance.

Ri Hyuk and I exchanged a glance.

They're good.

Really good.

There was a reason Street Boys had confidently introduced them as their successors.

The rap delivery was crisp.

The choreography was clean.

At first glance, they looked exactly like a well-produced hip-hop idol group.

That wasn't to say everything was perfect.

"Hmm..."

Both Ri Hyuk and I began writing.

First...

I honestly didn't understand why they'd arranged the song in a way that worked against their own strengths.

Unlike TNT, whose members naturally possessed thunderous vocal power...

This group's vocal line felt noticeably lighter.

The original charm of the song lay in hearing the singers' voices cut cleanly through the loud rock instrumentation.

Instead—

[Instrumental overwhelms the vocals.]

The backing track was simply too loud for their vocal projection.

Instead of highlighting the singers, it buried them.

I was jotting down my thoughts when—

Scratch.

Hanjo quietly reached over and wrote across my evaluation sheet.

[Sorry... I helped with the arrangement...]

"..."

Then he quickly added—

[But I said the same thing about the vocal volume...]

I looked at his sheepish smile before returning my attention to the stage.

The arrangement felt busy.

The members focused more on the choreography than communicating with the audience.

A few looked slightly under-rehearsed.

There were certainly things to improve.

Overall, though...

It was an excellent stage.

Judging them not as professionals but as rookie idols...

I'd easily give it ninety out of a hundred.

The kind of performance that would immediately earn them a reputation as monster rookies once the fancams were uploaded.

"So?"

CEO Lim applauded proudly.

"Hahaha!"

"President Park."

"You saw our kids, didn't you?"

"Mr. Wooju."

"What do you think?"

"This is what our team can do."

Hanjo and Giwon applauded with obvious pride.

As for Lemon Entertainment's reaction—

"Heh heh heh..."

"Heh heh heh..."

We simply smiled and clapped calmly.

Our trainees looked at me with bright puppy-like eyes.

I gave them a small nod.

Kids.

Yes.

Go.

The Lemon Boys trotted forward.

X Busters, having finished their performance, crouched down smiling to watch.

Then—

The expressions on our trainees' faces slowly changed.

Their cheerful smiles disappeared.

The bright, playful expressions melted away.

In their place—

Pure determination.

Eyes burning with competitive fire.

Hanjo and Giwon blinked.

"...What?"

Hanjo muttered,

"Their faces just went from sweet potatoes to Paleolithic stone tools."

Startled by the sudden transformation, he looked at me.

I leaned closer with a grin.

"Watch carefully."

"..."

"I raised these kids."

A solemn, almost sacred melody filled the room.

TeenSpirit's Archangel.

At last...

The moment my juniors spread their wings before the cameras for the very first time had arrived.