Producer with no Regrets - Chapter 407



Only Noblemtl

Episode 407

“Jungji Eum is taking a negative stance on the song Baek Seol Ha chose.”

“yes.”

Hong Gyu-heon listened to the song ‘Uparupa’ sung by Jeong Ji-eum and the song sung by Baek Seol-ha once again.

Some time had passed since the first meeting, and ‘Uparupa’ was almost complete as a song.

There was also a vocal line guide for the stop sound. Naturally, his vocal skills were poor, so it could not do anything other than simply indicating the pitch.

Seongpil said carefully.

“Ji-eum said that he will write a separate guide vocal and attach the guide.”

“Why don’t you leave it to Baek Seol-ha? You’ve always left the guide to Baek Seol-ha.”

“Maybe… … I think he wants to hide it from Seol-ha.”

This is how the A&R team’s song selection meeting proceeds.

First, the A&R team reviewed all the songs that Garo Enter had been collecting for over a year. It was going to be a tedious and difficult task.

So, I narrow down the songs to 10 or less and polish them until they are somewhat complete.

And then a vote is held in the final meeting attended by the Girls’ League members and each team leader.

The results are brought up to the executive board.

“We’re going to have a vote for all of our company’s employees in the middle of the process. We’ll keep it a secret until then… … .”

“It looks like Jeong Ji-eum is really into Uparupa. It looks like he’s ready to have a showdown.”

“A showdown, that’s what it is. That’s the feeling.”

It seemed that perhaps Jeong Ji-eum had some resentment towards Baek Seol-ha.

‘I understand Ji-eum’s feelings too.’

It is understandable that he feels proud when Baek Seol-ha strongly rejects the song he created and confidently presented.

He was somehow trying to get the words ‘That’s good’ out of Baek Seol-ha’s mouth.

Moreover, Baek Seol-ha’s attitude further incited Jeong Ji-eum’s resentment.

‘Because I think Seolha Uparupa is too light.’

It seemed like she thought it was light, or playful. She was really angry at the Girls’ League, saying that such a playful song would not suit her.

“But the ‘Our Producing’ project has Baek Seol-ha in charge of the production process. Baek Seol-ha has a reason. If she keeps refusing, there’s no way Jung Ji-eum can do it.”

“No, this time it’s a little different.”

“Different? Does that mean it’s different from when Director Park produced it?”

“Yes. The first goal that Seol-ha set, that is, the starting point of producing, was… … .”

It was just a matter of finding the song.

It’s a good song.

“I was like that at first, but there was a change during the period leading up to ‘Long Four’ and ‘Arabesque’.”

“It’s the world of the Girls’ League.”

“yes.”

First of all, the song has to be good.

But one of the things that Sungpil kept in mind the most while preparing for the Girls’ League’s comeback was the worldview.

These are the colors that the Girls’ League has created.

Even if the song is good, it has to fit the color of the Girls’ League. Since that is the direction that Sungpil has been suggesting, it was easy to get rid of a song that didn’t fit the direction.

“From the moment we decided on the summer concept, we were basically left with a blank slate.”

Among them, she set a goal of finding the song first. In other words, if a good song appears, she has to give up her decision regardless of her vision.

If a song comes out that fits the summer concept and becomes a hit, what could be against it?

From the moment the concept became ‘summer’, the Girls’ League declared a break with the worldview and colors it had built up.

“Besides, Seol-ha will also be shaken. If the staff vote is by a significant margin… … .”

“Is Director Park also keeping ‘Uparupa’ in mind?”

“Right now. But the song that Seol-ha chose isn’t even finished yet, and there are still many other songs that need to be looked at.”

Snow White will now have to slowly flesh out the song.

In comparison, Jung Ji-eum had almost completed ‘Uparupa’ and was even considering the next project with the visual team.

‘Seolha hasn’t decided yet whether to go with a single or a mini album. If Seolha chooses a single, there’s only one song that Girls’ League can choose.’

The stillness is currently silent as ‘Uparupa’ is almost complete.

But as soon as Baek Seol-ha decides to release a mini-album, that is, multiple songs, the stillness will start moving again.

‘It seems like Ji-eum is also quite confident.’

They say that after three years of studying at a private school, a dog can recite poetry.

It may not be a good analogy, but the producer who Jung Ji-eum grew up watching was Sung-pil.

Although Sungpil didn’t teach him directly, Jeong Ji-eum had memorized all the producing processes Sungpil had done.

In addition, I learned Seongpil’s driving force.

“What do you think, Director Park?”

“What is it?”

“Is it a single or a mini album?”

“That’s Seol-ha… … .”

“The idea of ​​giving kids autonomy as artists is great, but.”

Hong Gyu-heon carefully expressed the frustration he had felt for several days since ‘Our Producing’ began.

“There are points where we must actively intervene. Director Park, you know that, right?”

“… … .”

“Just giving direction isn’t enough.”

“As expected, the boss… … .”

“We should go with a mini album. It’s a turning point for Baek Seol-ha to show her side as an artist. Baek Seol-ha is probably out of her mind right now. It’s understandable that she would want to focus on one thing. If she sticks to one song, there’s a high chance that it will end up being a single.”

But, that won’t do.

Seongpil nodded.

“If Girls’ League makes a comeback in the summer, our girls’ hiatus will last for 1 year and 6 months.”

Girls’ League’s last album came out almost a year and two months ago.

The album released in Japan is practically a repackaged album.

Although they have been busy with concerts and everything, Girls’ League has actually been on hiatus for over a year.

The company’s financial situation has improved dramatically, but this will only be maintained if the Girls’ League’s continued activities are guaranteed.

“Releasing a single is something that even the people can’t do.”

“Yeah, at least we have to go with a mini album. Director Park, this year’s producing project isn’t just Baek Seol-ha’s.”

Seongpil is still the main producer and is working on related projects.

“A comeback in Japan. A comeback in Korea in the second half of the year. A fan meeting event that will turn into a concert performance. And if the two Korean comebacks go well, another concert.”

The album produced by Baek Seol-ha is only a small part of Garo Enter’s schedule this year.

“I understand Director Park’s feelings of directly managing and caring for Baekseolha, but let’s look at it as a whole.

“I guess we should do it as a mini album.”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

Hong Gyu-heon said firmly.

“I can’t just watch Baek Seol-ha stick to just one song forever. It’s a waste to have the whole team attached to Baek Seol-ha’s song.”

Seongpil thought back to the reason why Garo Enter had grown in size. The reason he hired dozens of employees was all for a day like this.

So that we can plan and execute multiple albums and events simultaneously.

“All right.”

Seongpil also put aside his worries of several days.

“I’ll split the A&R team into two. Even the song selection meeting.”

A team to assist in producing Baekseolha.

And two teams that will accelerate the procurement, production, and selection of songs.

“Is Team Leader 2 Jeong Ji-eum?”

“No. As a music producer, Ji-eum has to contribute to both teams. Well, even so, since I will focus on Team 1, Ji-eum will be more focused on Team 2.”

“Then, Team Leader 2, is there anyone you’re looking at?”

“This is Jaeho Lee.”

“If it’s Lee Jae-ho… … .”

Graduated from K-Pop department.

It’ll soon be two years since I joined Garo Enter.

“That guy who wags his tail just by looking at Director Son?”

“Oh, so it’s not just me who thinks that… … .”

Son Hye-bin’s loyal confidant.

A&R team member Jaeho Lee.

He is the interim head of A&R Team 2.

* * *

The day of Lee Jae-ho of the A&R team at Garo Enter begins and ends with music.

As soon as I wake up in the morning, I connect my phone to the speaker in my room via Bluetooth and play the Watermelon chart.

Even while washing, I try not to let that melody escape my ears.

After eating the meal prepared by my mother, I get dressed neatly and leave the house.

“son.”

When he had finished putting on his shoes, his mother called him.

“why.”

“How is the company?”

“Have a nice trip.”

“……okay.”

The mother did not continue the conversation, but hugged her proud son tightly.

‘I’m doing well… … .’

My mother didn’t think so.

Jaeho Lee was excited after successfully getting a job for the first time. They say that it is extremely difficult to get a job, but Jaeho Lee was able to get a job easily by utilizing his major.

But as time passed, Lee Jae-ho and his son changed.

He used to be a very playful person who enjoyed drinking with friends, but after getting a job, he hasn’t even gone out for a single drink.

‘Is work too hard?’

Simply put, Lee Jae-ho has become a much heavier and more serious person than before.

Although his mother didn’t know much, she knew that her son was doing something work-related after he got off work.

Because the music never stopped in his room.

The mother saw her son off again today with worries.

‘Let’s see.’

On his way to work, Lee Jae-ho logged into Spotify, a music streaming app that is popular overseas.

And I looked through the pop song charts and the latest hit playlists. I listened to the ones that caught my eye.

‘The country genre is popular these days.’

Country is white music. It’s the music of white Americans, to be precise.

In the United States, music genres are categorized by race. For example, hip-hop is black music, and rock is white music. This is a characteristic of the United States where the listener base is clearly divided by race.

In between is the pop genre, which is not limited by age, race, or age.

‘It feels like pop stars are also trying out country.’

Lee Jae-ho was lucky enough to get a seat on the subway, which allowed him to enjoy the music more intently.

‘Wait a minute, the person who is the producer for this label is… … .’

After joining Garo Entertainment, thanks to the special training he received from Son Hye-bin, Lee Jae-ho went far beyond simply listening to music.

I have memorized the lives and careers of famous singers, the history and characteristics of record labels, and even the producers involved.

His act of listening to music was far beyond the public eye. He could be called the A&R of A&Rs.

Jaeho Lee walked to work with a stern expression every moment.

If I drive to work, I can’t get information like this by looking at my phone, so I endure the hell of commuting.

He had no choice but to have a stern expression and be serious.

Jaeho Lee stood in front of the office and put his cell phone in his pocket. He took a deep breath and opened the door.

“hello!”

Greetings came back from here and there.

Lee Jae-ho sat down in his seat. Then he checked the people who had come to work within the A&R team partition.

Among the A&R team, Jaeho Lee arrived at work the earliest. Feeling a sense of satisfaction that had become a habit, he went to the break room to make coffee.

“hello.”

Shin Jun-seong from the new development team greeted me. Lee Jae-ho greeted me and had coffee next to him.

“Is something bad happening?”

“yes?”

Lee Jae-ho asked back, not knowing English.

Is something bad happening?

“I heard you don’t look so good.”

“Me? No, nothing bad happened… … .”

I was just thinking of songs that would be suitable for Girls’ League’s next comeback.

Among the songs that Garo Enter had accumulated so far, there were bound to be songs that fit the ‘summer’ and ‘love’ that Baek Seol-ha had suggested.

Yesterday, I listened to about 30 of them, including samples. Each of them dozens of times.

“Mr. Jaeho… … .”

Shim Jingsheng smiled slyly.

“I guess you’re weak in the morning.”

“Me? I’m kind of tired in the morning.”

“Not to that extent. Sometimes you just laugh and run around in the hallway, jumping up and down. You’re just frozen in the morning, aren’t you?”

Running around laughing, jumping up and down?

‘Oh, was it when I was praised by Director Son?’

I’m embarrassed.

Jaeho Lee just smiled kindly. Then he asked a question to continue the conversation.

“How are the trainees?”

“Hmm.”

Shin Jun-seong immediately slumped his shoulders. I thought that he was a person with a rich and diverse range of emotions.

“It’s been quite some time since we received trainees, right? It’s natural, but the affection we give to each trainee is different.”

“Haha, are you showing favoritism?”

“I know what teachers think when they are students. Should I say they want to pay more attention to the students who are good at something? No, it’s not the students who are good at something.”

Shin Jun-seong kept making the sound ‘eum, eum’ to find the right expression.

“Oh, I see that.”

“What is it?”

“Desperate… …? Those who think, ‘I’m not a real idol or I have no future,’ I can see it. They don’t lie at all and there’s a spark in their eyes.”

“Fireworks… … .”

“I’m in the position of training them. What about the schedule the kids have? If you ask me to do it, I absolutely can’t do it.”

Shin Jun-seong laughed loudly.

“I see that again… … .”

Suddenly, Shin Jun-seong’s laughter stopped.

“It’s sad. Because one day, we’ll have to let all of them go except for a few. Among them, there will be some who think, ‘I have no future if I’m not a real idol.’ It’s rewarding to see them grow, but it’s not always a happy thing.”

“Is that so?”

Lee Jae-ho thought that Shin Jun-seong was a very talkative person. Isn’t it a talent to be able to say things so naturally without being asked?

‘Do you call this kind of person a swindler?’

With this kind of personality, he could be a good fit for a rookie development team where personal interaction with trainees is important.

The two left the break room together.

Shin Jun-seong was waiting until Lee Jae-ho finished drinking his coffee.

The two of them tore apart as they went up to the second floor. Shin Jun-seong waved his hand as he went up to the third floor, which was the male trainee area.

“Fighting today too!”

“Yes, cheer up.”

Lee Jae-ho headed to the office. Then he thought back to what Shin Jun-seong had said earlier.

‘I see flames… … .’

They say that a desperate person’s eyes show a spark. Lee Jae-ho also knows that spark.

The person who always had a spark in his eyes during A&R team meetings and at every task was none other than Seongpil.

Seongpil was the main producer, director, and head of the A&R team. He is also called the icon of working overtime. He always has a sparkle in his eyes.

“You’re here.”

Lee Jae-ho flinched as soon as he entered the office.

Because the man with the sparkle in his eyes, Sungpil, was right in front of me. He had called the A&R team members together and was standing in front of them as if he was about to give a speech.

Jaeho Lee looked at his watch.

It wasn’t too late, but he felt guilty because he thought that Seongpil and his teammates had been waiting for him.

“sorry…….”

The moment I was about to apologize and head to where my teammates were huddled together.

“Jaeho, your seat is here.”

Seongpil grabbed Jaeho Lee’s shoulder and made him stand next to him. Jaeho Lee looked at Seongpil in confusion. Then Seongpil also looked at Jaeho Lee.

Lee Jae-ho met the sparkle in Seong-pil’s eyes.

“Everyone, starting today, we’re dividing the A&R team into two parts.”

Lee Jae-ho glared at him.

‘A&R in two parts? In such cases, usually… … .’

When does a single A&R team split into two? When there are multiple artists in charge.

‘Seo, are you already preparing the next group?’

Jaeho Lee felt great anxiety.

‘I still want to take charge of the Girls’ League!’

If I were to be transferred to a team preparing for the next group, I would be extremely depressed for a few days.

Lee Jae-ho had been watching the efforts and growth of the Girls’ League from the side, so naturally he had special affection for them.

“The next Girls’ League comeback will be a mini-album. Everyone probably knows about ‘Our Producing’ so I’ll skip the explanation. Team 1, where Seol-ha will sit as the main and focus on overseeing the entire process. And Team 2, who will compose the mini-album songs separately from Seol-ha. It’s divided like that.”

Jaeho Lee felt relieved after hearing that explanation.

No team will ever be apart from the Girls’ League…

“Team 2’s leader is Jae-ho.”

… … .

“… … Huh?”

“Everyone applaud!”

The applause from the A&R team members echoed throughout the office.

Inside, Lee Jae-ho was still dumbfounded.

“Uh, yeah, huh? Me?”

Lee Jae-ho.

It’s been almost two years since I joined Garo Enter.

Put on a team leader.

* * *

“Hello, Director!”

“Oh, hello Seolha.”

Seongpil went to Jeong Ji-eum’s studio to meet with Baek Seol-ha. As soon as he sat down next to her, she asked him.

“Uh, did something bad happen to you?”

“Me? Ah… … .”

As he tried to comfort Lee Jae-ho, who was almost on the verge of tears and protesting, “How could a poor country bumpkin like me take on such an important responsibility?” Sung-pil’s face was covered in fatigue.

Seongpil wiped his face with his palm and blew away all the fatigue. Instead of his stiff expression, a bright smile took his place.

“When Jaeho was promoted to team leader, he shed tears of joy.”

“I see. That’s amazing. A team leader in your late 20s.”

“It’s temporary though.”

Among Garo Enter’s A&R team, there are some who have professionally studied composition or the music business.

If the A&R team is to be split and a team leader appointed, some may think that the team leader should be someone with that kind of expertise.

Lee Jae-ho graduated from a K-pop department, but the department’s courses were not specialized in any one area. Lee Jae-ho even learned K-pop dance and vocals in college.

‘But Jaeho was not just your older sister’s assistant… … but he went through special training and gained outstanding insight.’

Although there isn’t much of a difference from the other team members, he has the highest seniority.

Unless they bring in an external expert, it is highly likely that Lee Jae-ho will take the real position as team leader in the future division of the A&R team.

‘If only Jaeho could prove his ability this time.’

This was like a test given by Seongpil.

“Brother, you came early.”

Jeong Ji-eum showed up in the studio right on time for the appointment. He sat down in his usual seat.

“Shall we take a look right away?”

The composition meeting for the song chosen by Baek Seol-ha, tentatively titled ‘Apple Crush’, has begun.

The reason why the title became ‘Apple Crush’ is because the idea that Jang Ha-yang came up with was so shocking that it naturally became the title.

It has gotten to the point where when people hear Baek Seol-ha’s song, the first thing they think of is ‘apple juice’.

Referring to an apple as ‘you’ and wanting to peel it, squeeze the juice out of it…

‘I should say that it’s like Hayang, who wrote the lyrics for Epitaph and Domino. She has a special sensitivity towards love.’

The stop sound first showed the melody lines that had been commissioned to several top liners (composers who create melodies).

This was something the A&R team gathered and brought in this morning. Among them were melody samples that Garo Enter had purchased in the past.

The static sound said.

“‘Apple Crush’ has the same structure over and over again. It’s already been concluded before, but it’s definitely poisonous to just keep pulling the same melody.”

Baek Seol-ha nodded in agreement.

“So, we decided to keep the rhythm and chords and make changes to the vocal line, but there are this many.”

Jung Ji-eum turned the laptop towards Baek Seol-ha and Seong-pil. There were dozens of melody lines created by numerous composers.

Now I had to go through the process of placing these melodies into the appropriate places.

Intro A it’s this, in middle B it’s this, in middle D it’s this and that, and so on.

In this way, there could be several composers for a single song, as many as a dozen. It was a composition method that could be called the crystallization of capital.

“Seolha, let’s do it.”

“yes.”

Although we receive melodies from many composers, the work of combining them must be done by a few people.

This is because the emotion of the song must be pushed steadily and persistently in one direction. This is something that cannot be done by many people, and it is where Baek Seol-ha’s creativity can be displayed.

Snow White picked up the guitar and sang the vocal lines that fit each part.

“Here, I’ll try legato (playing or singing continuously without stopping the notes).”

“Legato? In song?”

Jung Ji-eum asked in a puzzled tone.

“Is it strange?”

Snow White answered in a sharper tone than usual, as if she were a porcupine crouching down.

Jung Ji-eum furrowed his brows, delaying his answer with a ‘hmm… ‘

“No, I’m not sure what to do. Can you call me?”

“yes.”

I tried singing a melody on the bridge of Snow White legato.

Jeong Ji-eum’s eyes widened as he heard her singing style, in which short notes rose and fell steeply and quickly like stairs.

‘Wow, really, like this… … .’

Certainly, vocalists with a wide range of skills see songs differently. Jung Ji-eum was once again impressed by Baek Seol-ha.

The work went like this.

With the help of Baek Seol-ha and Jeong Ji-eum, the blank page of tracks was filled with melodies.

By the time I got some results, three hours had passed.

Snow White hummed the entire song. When the demonstration was over, Seongpil applauded.

“Wow, this is really good? Seol-ha is the best.”

“Hehe, it’s the power of capital… … .”

All kinds of composers have put their heart and soul into creating melodies that are connected. Each and every one of them is like a jewel, so it can’t be bad.

Of course, if you make it carelessly, it’s bound to turn into rags.

Needless to say, the fact that the song has such a beautiful form is due to the skills of Baek Seol-ha and Jeong Ji-eum.

“It’s lunch time now. I’ll wait for the kids, so hurry up and go.”

“ah…….”

Snow White showed a slight hint of regret. She wanted to continue working.

But she put down her guitar, greeted them politely, and left the studio.

As soon as she left, Jung Ji-eum opened her mouth.

“Brother, this is good. It’s good, but… … .”

“You felt it too.”

“I felt it… I felt it from the moment Seol-ha first chose the melody.”

“This is what you asked of Seol-ha.”

Although Jeong Ji-eum is pushing ‘Uparupa’, he is not ignoring the ‘Our Producing’ project.

He is cooperative with Baek Seol-ha. That is why he made a condition to Baek Seol-ha. If she is serious about ‘Apple Crush’, she must keep this condition.

“Highlighting of all parts.”

Every part of the song will be strong like a highlight, and there will be no boring parts.

That was the condition that the stop sound set.

Idol songs are basically dance songs. ‘Apple Crush’ is no different in fundamentals.

In order to make a AAA-structured song into a dance song, a refreshing and exciting song that symbolizes summer, it is essential that every part be strong like a highlight.

This is more difficult to make than a song with a normal structure.

‘The fact that every part has the same intensity as a highlight means, conversely, that it is difficult for every part to stand out.’

It is virtually impossible to use contrast, the most basic way to express the highlights of a song.

It’s a tricky approach, although it has its merits.

“I asked for it, but please take a look at the song design that Seol-ha made.”

Seongpil smiled bitterly.

“Aren’t these techniques that Seol-ha can do because she sings them? No, kids can do them too… … It’s just a deteriorated version of Seol-ha. I think it would be better if it was Seol-ha’s solo song.”

Jeong Ji-eum didn’t stop talking even though she was watching Seong-pil’s expression.

“The strengths that idols can have, the unique part distribution, cannot be shown. This is just… … Seol-ha’s song.”

“You think so?”

“… … What, yes?”

“Ji-eum-ah.”

Seongpil looked at the notes of ‘Apple Crush’ that came up in the composition program. He swiped the screen as if he could feel the music by touching it.

“You know what Seol-ha is called by the kids.”

“‘Teacher’?”

“That’s right. I’m Seol-ha’s vocal trainer. I know their vocal ranges, singing habits, and strengths much better than you do.”

That’s probably true.

But the sound of the stop was momentarily annoying.

Music producer Jung Ji-eum knows about Girls’ League very well. She knows it very well.

Seongpil has identified all of the vocal ranges, habits, strengths, and even weaknesses that he cited as examples.

But Baek Seol-ha knows that better than Jeong Ji-eum herself… … .

“To be exact, I can see things that you can’t see.”

“But isn’t it true that the ‘Apple Crush’ that Seol-ha just filmed is not something that the kids can digest? Hyung, what we’re preparing right now isn’t just a summer comeback album.”

Japan comeback.

Fan meeting concert.

Comeback in the second half of the year.

A concert tour followed.

“I think you’re considering improving the kids’ skills, but it’ll take time for them to reach a quality we’re satisfied with… .”

“Have you ever seen how the kids practice these days?”

“… … .”

At that moment, the voice of Shin Jun-seong from the new development team passed through Jeong Ji-eum’s head.

When we met a long time ago, he said this to me.

‘Please come and see the trainees’ evaluations sometimes. They are the ones that the PD will produce in the future. It will motivate the kids more.’

Jung Ji-eum answered ‘yes’ at the time, but thought it wasn’t necessary.

As a music producer, what Jung Ji-eum wanted was the trainees to fully grow. He thought that watching them grow was meaningless.

He just wanted the default values.

Like the Girls’ League in his head… … .

“Let’s go see it.”

“Right, right now?”

“huh.”

Seongpil led the stop.

I went up from the basement to the first floor, where Jeong Ji-eum’s studio was.

As he left the dark studio, Jung Ji-eum frowned. It had been a long time since he had left the studio for anything other than eating.

Jeong Ji-eum came up to the second floor with Seong-pil. At that moment, Jo A-ra came running from far down the hallway.

“mister!”

Joara smiled awkwardly and clung to Seongpil. Seongpil got scared and fell away from her.

“What do you want! Why are you doing this to me!”

“Buy me dessert. Coffee. At a cafe. No?”

“You’re richer than me. So why should I buy it for you?”

“Hey, don’t do that.”

Jeong Ji-eum looked at Seong-pil in confusion. It seemed as if she was criticizing him.

Seongpil was no less ridiculous than Jeong Ji-eum, if not more so.

At that moment, the sound of a door closing was heard from around the corner of the hallway. Jo Ara’s face turned pale and she began to pester Seong Pil even more violently.

Seongpil was so shocked that he felt like he was going to faint.

“You, do you think I’ll fall for you or like you if you rub your body against me… …!”

Huh? Really? Do you think I’ll like it? Huh? See? Huh? Do you think I’ll react? Huh? Sure! Huh?!

“I’ll buy it! Do you want to go if I buy it? I’ll buy you whatever you want to eat, mister!”

“Hyung… … I really respected you, hyung… … .”

“No, Imma! Our Ara, why are you like this!”

“Our Ara… … ?”

“Oh, no, Ara! I really don’t know why she’s like this!”

Seongpil grabbed Joara’s shoulder and pushed her away. But she still wouldn’t let go, so Seongpil had to push her face away as well.

“Mister, please take it from me!”

“what?!”

“No, take it out… …!”

“Araya.”

A chilling voice was heard from around the corner. Joara flinched and looked back.

A smiling Snow White was sticking her head out.

“Where are you going? Come quickly.”

“Uh, uh… … .”

“Should I practice?”

Joara grabbed Seongpil’s clothes and pleaded.

“This is ridiculous! Seriously, do you know what the teacher makes us do? He tells us to dance like we have perfect pitch and he won’t let us leave work until we can do it…!”

Baek Seol-ha, who had come closer without her noticing, grabbed Jo Ara’s shoulder.

“This is a violation of human rights aaaaaaaaaaaaa!”

Baek Seol-ha bowed her head to Seong-pil and Jeong Ji-eum, then took Jo A-ra into custody and disappeared into the distance.

Jeong Ji-eum was so shocked that she just stared at the spot where Jo Ara had disappeared.

“Ji-eum, did you see that?”

“… … .”

The silence did not answer.

Only Joara’s screams remained in the hallway, adding to the desolation.