Chapter 116: The Singer in the Memories (1)

In the morning, the day unfolded differently than usual. It was Joo-Han, not our manager, who roused us awake and hurried us through our morning routine. The air was thick with unspoken tensions, a residue of yesterday's unresolved issues between In-Hyun and Joo-Han. The foreboding sensation hung over us as we noticed Joo-Han's taut expression and the manager's absence, which wrapped the dormitory in an eerie silence.

“Ah, you are up? Joo-Han did a good job waking everyone up."

“You know, Joo-Han is surprisingly tender when waking people up. I almost expected a swift kick to start the day."

Hearing Goh Yoo-Joon's jest, Joo-Han let out a scoff. “I'm not that mean, alright?"

“Nah, I am just saying that I like your hearty back slap~."

Whack!

The crisp sound of Joo-Han's palm landing squarely on Goh Yoo-Joon's back echoed, a playful punishment for his teasing. I'd always known that one day, his playful banter would circle back to him. Despite wincing in mock pain, Goh Yoo-Joon couldn't suppress his laughter.

I climbed into the car while shaking my head with a light chuckle.

“Come on, Yoo-Joon hyung, hurry up! Every single day, you are blocking the door." Armed with his crutch, Jin-Sung rhythmically tapped the ground, urging Goh Yoo-Joon along.

Meanwhile, Yoon-Chan was the silent one. He tied his hair with a rubber band and smoothly maneuvered under Goh Yoo-Joon's arm to get into the car.

“Will there ever be a day when we all get in the car without some commotion?" Despite Joo-Han's rhetorical question, the car buzzed with our usual lively chatter. But amidst the laughter, Jin-Sung, who had been playfully jostling with Goh Yoo-Joon, suddenly leaned forward from his seat. “By the way, why is In-Hyun hyung so quiet today?"

“Uh?"

“Are you feeling alright?" His voice was tinged with a deliberate sweetness, a subtle consideration for the manager who had had a serious talk with Joo-Han just the night before.

The manager shook his head and started the car. “Nothing's wrong. I'm not sick, so don't worry about me. Jin-Sung, please buckle up."

“If you are fine, then that's a relief." Jin-Sung slowly leaned back to his seat and fastened his seatbelt. The manager’s usually bright features looked worn today, but I knew that time would heal whatever was weighing on him.

Our company and dorm were just a five-minute walk apart, but now that people started to recognize us, we had to drive there.

“Isn't that Chronos's car?"

“Seems like it. They must be entering the company." Someone's voice drifted in as we pulled into the parking lot.

When we arrived at YMM's small conference room, we hesitated at the door as we sensed an unusually solemn atmosphere inside. But we had no other choice and had to go in.

“Did you have a good sleep?"

“Yes! Good morning."

‘Why does Supervisor Kim look so troubled?’

The usually welcoming faces of our company staff were etched with seriousness, as if we had stirred some trouble. With dampened spirits, we then took our seats, and the meeting started as soon as we settled down.

“The 'Blue Room Party’ has officially kicked off its promotions. The performance is stellar, and we are seeing a steady influx of fans."

“Understood."

“Now that Chronos seems to be entering a stable phase, we want to organize some events and individual variety shows for you guys."

As the discussion unfolded during the “Chronos team meeting,” all members, including myself, were engulfed in a blanket of confusion.

‘Were we usually included in such strategic discussions?’

We were always present for album meetings, but schedule discussions typically started and ended with mere notifications.

Supervisor Kim noticed my puzzled expression and paused mid-sentence. “From here onward, we plan to involve you all more in discussing upcoming schedules. As the time goes by, all of you will participate more often. Feel free to voice your opinions, okay?"

“...Okay!"

So this was what it meant to be involved from the planning stage, much like our seniors, Allure and YMM’s ballad singers. As one's career progressed, their level of involvement would increase as well.

“Let's ensure that the events are manageable and not straining the members."

Supervisor Kim flipped through his notebook. “Oh, right... Regarding individual variety show appearances, Yeong-Yee, who's been on an extended hiatus, has expressed her desire to gradually return to the scene."

The room buzzed with excitement to hear his announcement.

“Senior Yeong-Yee?"

“Yes, she's not asking for much and just wants to release a modest album."

Yeong-Yee was a name that demanded reverence. More than just being our senior, she was a celebrated veteran from the 80s and 90s. As one of the female powerhouses of the mixed-style[1] dance trio Tenten, she had reigned over the golden era of the Korean music industry.

After Tenten's disbandment, she transitioned into a ballad singer in the late 90s and early 2000s and signed with YMM, currently in a semi-retirement state. Despite the fact that we were under the same label, our paths had barely crossed during my decade-long trainee days.

“Our beloved Yeong-Yee is planning a much-awaited comeback. It wouldn't suffice to just release an album for her. We are considering lining up some variety shows for her during her comeback period."

Supervisor Kim's weary eyes shifted between me and Goh Yoo-Joon. After that, he cracked a sly smile and suggested, “How about we let Hyun-Woo and Yoo-Joon join Yeong-Yee in her schedule? It’s just a thought."

‘...Huh?’

Silence fell over the room. Everyone was likely as baffled by this sudden proposal as I was. After all, Supervisor Kim had brought this idea up out of the blue.

“Of course, not for the long term. During her promotion period, there might be opportunities to perform old Tenten songs, right? It would be good to expand Chronos's activities by having them participate as guest members for their senior."

Then, Mr. Seong nodded in agreement. “That's an excellent idea. Incorporating Tenten's songs will broaden the range of shows Yeong-Yee can participate in, and it will offer a valuable promotional opportunity for Chronos as well."

Yoo-Joon and I exchanged a look and then replied with bright smiles and enthusiastic nods. “We will do our best!"

“Perfect, but don't worry. The schedule won't clash with the 'Blue Room Party.' Yeong-Yee needs time to prepare as well," Supervisor Kim assured.

“Okay!”

“We will arrange a meeting with Yeong-Yee soon. Oh yeah, Joo-Han, about your solo track... are you considering releasing it on an album?" Mr. Seong asked.

“Ah, 'Once Again’..." Joo-Han shook his head. “Thank you for the opportunity, but I'd like to release it for free if possible. What do you think, Hyun-Woo?"

“I agree with Joo-Han. I'd like to release it for free as well. It might be too soon to release a solo track while we are still focused on Chronos activities," I added.

“Hmmm...” Mr. Seong looked disappointed but nodded. “I guess you have a point, though it's a shame since the song is so good."

While it was common for idols to release solo tracks, I still needed to focus more on the group than pursuing a solo career. This was also the reason I declined to become a regular member of

Flying Man

. With this, the meeting was nearing its end.

“Jin-Sung, just concentrate on healing your leg.”

“Okay!”

“That's all for today's meeting. And..." Supervisor Kim chewed his lip and let out a heavy sigh. “And... uh..."

“What's wrong, Supervisor Kim?" I asked.

His face looked extremely troubled. Not only him, but suddenly, everyone in the room reverted to the peculiar, subdued atmosphere before the meeting, including Joo-Han and the manager.

'What's going on?'

I wondered. Could it be related to the incident from yesterday?

As I was trying to gauge the mood, Supervisor Kim hesitated before finally speaking. “In-Hyun will not be in charge of Chronos any longer and will go back to taking care of the trainees."

“...What?"

“In-Hyun hyung is not managing Chronos anymore?"

“Out of nowhere?"

Was it really because of yesterday’s events? Did Joo-Han, the No Regret Revolutionary, say something to upset the manager?

However, neither Supervisor Kim, the manager, nor Joo-Han provided any details regarding the sudden change.

“We have collectively decided that it's in everyone’s best interest for In-Hyun to resume his responsibilities with the trainees," Supervisor Kim clarified.

“Umm... Did we do something wrong...?"

“No, it's not your fault. It's an internal matter of the company. It's unfortunate, though."

“But he'll stay with us until the new manager arrives, right?" Jin-Sung asked.

Supervisor Kim shook his head firmly. “No, Yeong-Yee's manager will take care of you guys until a new one arrives. In-Hyun is only in charge of Chronos until today."

Everything was happening so suddenly... not even a few days' notice?

This was too abrupt. I then looked at Joo-Han, and he simply nodded, his eyelids lowered. Before we could fully grasp our confusion, the meeting already ended.

“Dismissed. Good work everyone."

After the management team left the conference room, Chronos members and In-Hyun remained, enveloped in silence. With a particularly somber expression, Yoo-Joon finally broke the silence. “Hyung, was this decision made a long time ago?"

“No, it was sudden. I didn't have time to tell you all, except for Joo-Han."

“Are you leaving us because we didn't listen to you well?"

“No... Hyung..." Yoon-Chan and Jin-Sung's voices quivered.

“It's not that. Where would I find nice kids like you guys?"

As the other members expressed their confusion and disappointment, I had somewhat come to terms with it. When In-Hyun moved from Allure's manager to trainee care, it was a subtle warning sign. I knew I'd have to ask Joo-Han for more details, but Supervisor Kim’s unwavering stance suggested that the manager's change in role wasn't voluntary but rather a demotion.

“Anyway, sorry it's so sudden. Now, let's go for the music broadcast, and don't be gloomy because of me. I'm sorry I wasn't enough," In-Hyun said, trying to lift the mood as he stood up and rallied the members.

As the manager led the others to the parking lot, I deliberately lagged behind to speak with Joo-Han. “Did something happen yesterday?"

Joo-Han nodded and explained briefly, “In-Hyun and I were talking, and Supervisor Kim overheard our conversation about wasabi."

“Ah... so that's it."

“It was similar when he managed the Allure seniors," Joo-Han added.

“Yeah, I know.”

Joo-Han patted my back, trying to comfort me. "I know it’s too sudden, especially since you are fond of In-Hyun hyung. I'm sorry."

“It's not your fault, hyung. I am sure you must feel worse than I am now. In-Hyun hyung did genuinely care for us, but it's complicated," I said as I forced a smile to form on my face. Frankly, I didn't fully trust In-Hyun's sincerity. He seemed nice when he was around, but... well.

The person who claimed to care so much about me on the day I left YMM never personally reached out to me afterward. Was the manager really looking out for us? If I felt relieved about the change, did that make me a bad person?

I started walking again. Though I tried not to dwell on it until now, returning to the past didn't erase my disappointment toward him.

1. Mixed Style Dance fuses a mix of jazz, lyrical, contemporary and hip hop. It incorporates the technical elements of ballet with the freedom, fluidity, expressiveness and airier aspects of jazz, as well as contemporary and modern dance ☜