“Everyone worked hard again today. We only have one day left. Let’s do well on this evaluation, too.”
“Are you getting more used to it now?”
Tae-oh’s question drew a wide smile from Ji-ho.
“Yeah, exactly! Sol’s movements have gotten much smoother than before, and now it seems like we don’t really have to worry. Right, Deuk-yong?”
“Can I be honest with you?”
“When have you ever cared about stuff like that?”
“Well, honestly, I don’t know if he’s good because I can only see his face.”
“Hey, Kim Deukyong. What’s with that face-focused talk? Pay attention to things other than Sol’s face.”
“No, but honestly, when you see his face, your eyes just get fixed on it...”
Ji-ho grabbed Deuk-yong’s head. Deuk-yong, being taller, bowed his head, taking the hit. Whatever the underlying meaning was, in the end, Sol’s ears turned slightly red as he received compliments on his appearance. He couldn’t get used to this kind of compliment. In dancing, one had to focus more on body lines and dance lines than on appearance.
The technique of movements, how perfectly you executed them, mattered more. On the contrary, putting too much emphasis on the face had a negative impact. Sol ended up doing both bold stage makeup and avoiding it at the same time. So, because of the strong lighting, some facial features got a bit lost. But despite that, his facia features still couldn’t be hidden.
Everyone cleaned up in a similar way, as if following some set rules. Deuk-yong always threw his clothes in the same place. Ji-ho always put water in the same tumbler and placed it in the same spot. Ga-ram always packed while checking Tae-oh. There was a distinct pattern, and now Sol was included in that pattern.
As if it had become a habit over the past few days, Ga-ram picked up his bag and extended his hand to Sol. Ga-ram always helped Sol to stand up since he often sat down to manage his fatigue.
“I’ll stay and practice some more today.”
Everyone looked at him in surprise, except Tae-oh. In that momentary exchange of glances, Sol felt embarrassed and absentmindedly rubbed his face with the back of his hand. The warmth and sweat made his cheek rough, and the flushed cheek felt tingling against his hand.
“Oh... really?”
The atmosphere was peculiar. Except Tae-oh, the three people exchanged glances, silently communicating with each other.
“Alright, then I’ll join you.”
“Huh? That... I’ll just practice with Tae-oh and go back with him.”
The form of address was still awkward, and not properly sorted out. Tae-oh and Ga-ram, being the same age and close friends, used informal speech with each other. However, even though they were quite comfortable with it, Sol found it hesitant and awkward to call them by their names directly. Even though they were of the same age and on the same team, it felt awkward for Sol to use ‘씨’ (ssi).
“It will be fine. Yeong-ho hyung can just go ahead and we will just take a taxi later.”
“I can stay.”
“You should rest.”
Tae-oh interrupted Ga-ram, who volunteered to stay.
“Don’t worry about it. Just practice.”
Despite the encouragement to practice comfortably, Tae-oh’s expression didn’t seem very relaxed. Sol tried to compose himself and encourage everyone, but the atmosphere turned somewhat dull. It seemed like his words, meant to lift the mood, had unintentionally made things uncomfortable. He could sense that practicing more might inconvenience others.
“Did I do something wrong?”
“Oh no, Sol, it’s not like that. Practicing is good!”
In this strange turn of events, Sol tilted his head in confusion, wondering if he had missed something. Ji-ho patted Sol’s shoulder with a smiling face, as Deuk-yong silently raised his thumb, seemingly in agreement. Sol approached Ga-ram, who was adjusting his bag, and quietly asked about what he might have missed.
“Um... Did I make a mistake or something?”
“Huh?”
“Am I not allowed to stay?”
“Oh, it’s not that. Tae-oh practices until late at night and goes out for personal reasons the next night. Today is his night out, so you have to go back to the dorm alone. That’s why.”
“Personal reasons? Well, I can go back alone. I’ve memorized the way now.”
Sol, without thinking, echoed Ga-ram’s response and then tilted his head in surprise. Asking about someone’s personal reasons when you’re not directly involved might be impolite, he realized. Ga-ram’s forehead slightly furrowed, making him think he might have crossed a line. But the other’s reaction was because of something else he said.
“Didn’t I tell you not to go alone? Yeong-ho hyung will give you a ride. No, just contact me before you leave.”
“...But I don’t have your phone number.”
“Ah!”
“Did we not exchange numbers with Sol?”
“Uh... well... yes.”
The relaxed atmosphere quickly became awkward. Perhaps they expected Sol to run away within a day or two, so they didn’t even think about exchanging contact information. However, the situation was a bit different now. Even though it had only been a few days, Sol had diligently practiced, put effort into filling the gap with the other members, and showed a different attitude compared to before.
Regardless of what happened, Sol exhibited a noticeably different attitude from the previous people. The tensions that had arisen were slightly eased, making Ga-ram and Ji-ho exchange awkward glances. They felt a bit embarrassed about their somewhat immature actions.
“I’ll go get our phones from Yeong-ho hyung. Wait here.”
Ga-ram hurriedly ran out of the practice room. Coincidentally, it was time to finish practice and tidy up, so voices of conversation between Ga-ram and Yeong-ho could be heard in the hallway. A moment later, Ga-ram returned with everyone’s phones and distributed them to their respective owners.
The five of them gathered, heads close together, looking at the phone screens. Starting with Tae-oh, then Ga-ram, Ji-ho, and Deuk-yong, they entered their numbers into Sol’s phone.
“I’ll put you in the group chat, too.”
“Okay.”
“Hyung doesn’t even reply in the group chat.”
“That’s because I’m not used to it.”
“This hyung’s profile picture gives off the same vibe as Ji-ho hyung.”
“Why? Because there’s no picture?”
In response to Deuk-yong’s words, Ji-ho pressed on the profile of ‘Sol’ that appeared on the list of new friends. A default background with a default profile picture. Apart from the name ‘Sung Sol,’ there was no other information.
“What about Ji-ho hyung?”
“Ah, the last company I was in didn’t allow the use of phones at all. That’s why I rarely use or look at my phone. So, if there’s an urgent matter, contact Deuk-yong or Ga-ram instead of me. Or maybe Yeong-ho hyung or Tae-oh? Anyway, anyone but me.”
Sol nodded vaguely. During practice, he had heard Ji-ho mention that he was originally a trainee from a different company.
“We’ll go ahead first. Contact me later, and I’ll come pick you up with Deuk-yong.”
“Yes, thank you.”
After a brief commotion, the three people left the practice room, leaving Tae-oh and Sol alone. Tae-oh cleaned up the traces left by the other members. Meanwhile, Sol checked his phone’s contact list. In addition to the unknown director’s number and Yeong-ho’s, four more numbers had been added. In the empty messenger window, a group chat had been created.
DK: Tae-oh hyung, please buy one ice cream when you return.
As Sol checked each member’s messenger profile, a new notification popped up on his phone. Tae-oh who was busy cleaning didn’t notice the message from Deuk-yong.
“Deuk-yong suggests buying ice cream.”
He was practicing how to initiate a conversation. Sol gathered the courage to read the message Deuk-yong had sent to Tae-oh. Tae-oh momentarily stopped his hand movements and glanced at Sol. His expression was so stoic that it was impossible to discern his thoughts.
“Tell him it’s not allowed.”
Sol nodded, entering Tae-oh’s words verbatim.
“Tae-oh-yah!”
Yeong-ho’s cheerful voice echoed in the practice room. Carrying a small crossbody bag, Young-ho opened the practice room door and greeted Tae-oh and Sol with a wave. Tae-oh feigned ignorance, diligently packing his belongings. It seemed there was a reason for the excessive luggage he had today.
“You’re here? I’m done. Just a moment.”
“Yeah. Sol-ah, are you staying to practice? I’ll take Tae-oh, and I’ll be right back.”
“It’s okay. I decided to contact Ga-ram instead.”
“Oh, really? The kids are coming to pick you up? Then Tae-oh doesn’t have to worry. That’s good.”
“I’m done here, hyung.”
“Yeah, okay. I’ll start the engine.”
It seemed like Tae-oh finished cleaning up, wrapping shopping bags and a black bag around. Yeong-ho waved once more at Sol, which rattled his car keys, and then left the practice room first. Tae-oh, who was walking towards the entrance, suddenly stopped and locked eyes with Sol. Since making eye contact was still awkward, Tae-oh spoke up as Sol subtly avoided his gaze.
“Don’t push yourself too hard. Take it easy and then go back. Make sure to call Kang Ga-ram and Deuk-yong.”
“I will.”
Tae-oh, standing still, once again advised Sol. As Sol nodded in response, Sol nodded his head in agreement, and Tae-oh left the practice room with another reminder to ‘be sure’ to contact the others.
Being alone, the practice room suddenly felt empty. It was filled with energy just a moment ago. After having a late dinner and resting for a while, Sol headed to the company’s cafeteria with the intention of lowering fatigue and preparing for more practice.
Sol had never liked the atmosphere of school cafeterias, even when attending university. However, in a state where Sol was not yet familiar with the area and had no money, and was unable to roam around freely, it was an inevitable choice. Upon arriving at the company cafeteria, even though it was already past closing time, many people resolved their late dinner with available cup ramen, retort pouches, or delivered food. Still, after spending a few days exploring and getting used to this place with the members, Sol felt fortunate.
While Sol was hastily filling his stomach with cup ramen alone, a dark shadow cast over him. Feeling a bit threatened by the looming shadow, Sol flinched and looked up.
“Hello, Sol.”
“Hello, sunbae.”
“Wait, why does your face look like that? Did someone beat you up?”
“No, it’s not like that. I just fell. I’m okay.”
Eun-gyeom, whom Sol hadn’t seen in a while, immediately noticed the dark bruise on Sol’s forehead and started talking about it. Sol laughed awkwardly and, like he had with the other senior singers, got up from his seat and greeted the other. Eun-gyeom objected to the polite greeting that seemed out of place among friends.
“Come on, didn’t we agree to be friends? Now I look like an old man.”
“Uh, uh... yes.”
“Wow, I’ve never seen this kid before. His face is really small.”
“Hello.”
Sol glanced at his companions, faintly smiling in response to Eun-gyeom’s words. When Eun-gyeom sat next to Sol, everyone greeted him with smiles and took seats around him.
“Don’t mind them. By the way, why are you alone?”
“Ah, I was going to practice with Tae-oh, but he had something to do.”
“Really? Oh, is today the day for the hospital visit?”
“Hospital?”
Upon hearing Sol’s response, Eun-gyeom mumbled while eating the fruits he brought, as if speaking to himself.
