After their performance
They stepped forward as one—
And waved.
The girls in the audience waved back wildly, hands in the air, voices rising.
Near the front, a young elementary school girl bounced on her toes, waving with both arms.
Her heart raced.
Kai looked in her direction—
His eyes flashed with recognition and waved with a devastating smile.
Her breath caught.
"He waved at me," she whispered, gripping her sister's arm. "He's… really good-looking.I love him so much!!"
Her older sister didn't respond. She couldn't. Her eyes were locked on him.
Oh… She swallowed. He really is.
She had rolled her eyes the entire way here. Her sister had been obsessed—rambling nonstop about some unknown rookie group…..
She sat in her room trying to study.
High chirp laughter.
Her pencil writing furiously, wavered.
She was hoping to get some extra studying done but with her annoying little sisters giggles it's futile.
Her jaw clenched and raked her hands on her hair like a madwoman.
Slamming her hands on her desk, she marched over.
"Will you shut up!" Slamming her sister's door open.
Her little sister was laughing so hard her eyes welled with tears.
She laid on her bed, looking at her phone. "Look look look Nuna!"
She shoved her phone into her face.
It showed a utube video titled: Q&A, in the screen frame, showing a boy with wavy hair. He was nothing special, just an average looking boy with his arm slung around an AI character.
He cooed. "It's 'cause you're too hot to never have dated—oh, guys!"
His eyes lit up and his face changed,
"Hot take," He said with newfound passion. "It's always the ugly guys who've dated a bunch of women and think they're hot stuff. Like—" he gestured as if stating the obvious, "—you're still ugly."
Her little burst into a high pitched laughter. "Diego-Oppa is so funny!"
She was unamused. "You and your stupid idols! Will you shut up! That's not even funny!"
Her little sister's laughter died down before she frowned. "Thats cause you're boring,"
She made a face. "I'm boring?—more like your weird!" She pointed accusingly.
"Yet this 'weird sister' of yours has more friends than you do" She belly flopped on her bed and shooed her away. "Now get out of my room,"
Anger boiled, making her heart beat fast.
"Mom!" She called out, annoyed by her little sister's attitude. "Tell Mingee to shut up! I'm trying to study!"
Her mom passed by carrying a bin of laundry. "You've already studied enough today, why don't you watch some of those handsome idols with your sister–she's been gushing non-stop about seeing a handsome idol today,"
She scoffed. "Mom why are you taking her side? This girl is barely 11 years old–what does she know about handsome boys–besides...."
She grabbed her little sister's phone and exited out of the big screen.
"Hey!" Her sister snapped, trying to get her phone back.
"See, only 503 views–those idols that debut from no name companies are just boys good at singing but weren't handsome enough to debut in big companies, Why don't you watch the idols from the big four companies–they're way better looking than that lame group"
Her sister glared at her. "You're gonna take that back when you see my bias in person," she had said.
She didn't believe a word of it.
Now—She couldn't look away.
She was right. And she would never admit it. But deep down—
She was grateful her sister had dragged her here.
"Thank you," one of them said into the mic.
He had soft yet sharp features, milky skin and healthy hair that showed a little of his forehead. He had a good presence and stood confidently. His soft smile was absolutely breathtaking.
The leader, she assumed. He's handsome! OMG i'm so happy!
Her leg began to shake in excitement.
"That's Taeyang," Mingee gleed, "within the group is known to be nonchalant,"
He is too handsome. Heck what are those two doing at a no name company!
Are they bad singers—no that can't be it.
Out of every group that had performed that day…
This one stood out.
There was another member—boyish, bright smile, waving easily at the crowd.
And the crowd loved them.
"That's Jiwoo! He's the second youngest–isn't he so handsome!" Mingee gushed.
Another kid, less handsome, gave his mic to Jiwoo and did a black flip.
The cheers were louder now.
She connected the dots. "Is that the idol you showed me that made you laugh so hard?"
Mingee nodded her eyes hyper focus on what was in front of her.
"His name is Diego! He's the maknae and the shortest within the group,"
He enthusiastically waved and said "hello" nonstop.
Even she found herself clapping harder.
Because out of every performance—Theirs was the best. And what made it different—They were singing live. Not half-live. Not backing-track heavy.
Actually live.
"The song is kind of depressing," her little sister said, still smiling. "But it's really good. I tried to get my friends to listen, but they said it sucks."
She blinked. Sucks? This sound is good! Unlike other groups–this is the kind of music that adults would listen to.
This was exactly the kind of song kids of Mingee's age would listen to.
It wasn't loud. It wasn't flashy.
There was a subtle beat—almost like a soft DJ track.
It was the kind of song you listened to alone….or at a club. Late at night. A vibe.
Compared to the other performances—over-the-top, flashy, trying too hard—This song was good.
"The song isn't that good," a girl in front of her giggled to her friend. "But they're cute… so I'll give them that."
She frowned slightly.
This song is being broadcasted to the wrong audience.
She stared at Kai and Taeyang. These drop dead gorgeous men are accessible! She can easily spend a lot of money to get to know them and maybe become friends with them.
She stared longingly at Kai.
--
Backstage
The moment they stepped offstage—
Manager Jo was already waiting.
Beaming.
"Good job!"
He moved down the line, high-fiving each of them.
Energy still buzzing in the air. Adrenaline hadn't faded yet.
"Where's my milk and bread?" Diego asked immediately.
Manager Jo laughed. "I can't even get a second"
He handed over a small bag.
Diego's eyes lit up like a child on Christmas morning.
He tore it open—
And started devouring it instantly.
"Remember the elementary girl at our debut?" Kai asked
"Next up—interview," Manager Jo said, checking his watch. "Let's move."
"Wait—" Diego mumbled through a mouthful.
"No. Fifteen minutes."
Diego froze.
"…No break?"
Manager Jo smiled.
"No break."
Diego looked down at his half-finished food.
Then back at him.
"…This is cruel." Diego said with a whimper.
"Where's our cameraman?," Minho asked.
"He said we have enough footage for our vlog today," Manager Jo said, sighed with relief. "Those cameras make me anxious,"
"Wait!" Kai blurted. "I haven't finished---did you guys see that little girl? She was--"
"Forget about that! I can't even enjoy my food!" Diego complained
–
First meeting with Beautism Manwha Cast.
Byoungho arrived an hour early to the meeting.
"Good afternoon actor Byoungho," one of the staff said, instantly recognizing him. "My name is Gayoung, The main screenwriter for the show,"
Byoungho recognized her, she was on the panel for his audition.
Embarrassment made him shift his eyes quickly from her and bow.
He's awfully withdrawn. Gayoung observed. He's charming!
"Let me guide you to your seat–you're early!"
"Thank you," Byoungho said in a husky voice, gratefully for the hospitality.
Gayoung felt shivers down her spine as she registered his voice. Gosh his voice is sexy!
Gayoung shook her head. Focus!
"Here's your seat, these are your lines–they're revised from last night's version for scene 1 so make sure you go over it–some parts may be the same and others changed.
Byoungho sat down and grabbed the script.
Beautism.
Byoungho read in his head. He flipped through the pages, reading it one by one.
He frowned. Other than a 5 second introduction, he had no lines or visual shots.
What's the point of being here if I don't have any lines is not the purpose of this meeting to go over lines.
He looked up and saw Gayong and the other stuff were busy trying to accommodate the other seats.
Closer to where the directors of the movie will sit are the A-list actors.
Bo Gum
Souyin Park
And Drum.
With nothing to do, Byuongho leaned into his seat, crossed his arms and shut his eyes.
One staff member saw this. "You know, I saw his picture and I thought it was photoshopped–everyone looks better on pictures but in real life….I thought it will the same for him but he really is good looking–isn't he a rookie?"
Gayoung smiled as she shifted her eyes towards him.
He looked totally at peace and handsome with his demeanor, he greeted her very coolly as if he were a veteran actor.
"He is but he is a former HY-PE trainee,"
"It doesn't make any sense why is acting so unbothered to a meeting where all Alist actor will be–heck Drum is on the list!"
"Maybe the shock of it all hasn't died yet," another member offered.
Gayoung frowned. "Shock?"
"I mean–he will be working with our country's most beloved celebrities," The staff member added.
Gayoung realized. Why am I gossiping?
"Get back to work!" Gayong flicked her hand.
Everyone immediately quieted down and returned to their work.
"Good morning, Sanbin!"
Byoungho opened his eyes.
Several staff members greeted someone entering the room.
Another actor.
As the newcomer stepped into view, so did his appearance.
"Your seat is right here," Gayoung said.
He was chubby, wore thick-rimmed glasses, and had a bowl cut that made him look exactly like the character he had been cast to play.
He stopped beside Byoungho.
"Hello." He smiled nervously.
"Hello," Byoungho replied.
The young man bowed politely."My name is Sanbin. I'll be playing Duki."
"I play Kenzo."
Sanbin nodded unsurprised.
"The casting directors really did a good job."
Byoungho wasn't sure what to say.
Silence settled between them.
Sanbin rubbed the back of his neck before speaking again.
"So... how much acting experience do you have?"
Byoungho cracked his neck.
"...Three years."
Not really. But years as an idol trainee required plenty of acting.
Sanbin's eyes widened.
Only three years? He looks older than me... I would've guessed at least seven or ten. But, then again with that much experience he would have been already well-known....that face is truly blessed.
"That's good." Sanbin smiled warmly. "I've been acting for seven years. I hope we get along."
Byoungho nodded, forcing a small smile.
Inside, Sanbin was screaming. I'm sitting next to one of the leads. On Beautism. This is actually happening.
His eyes drifted around the conference room.
Nine chairs.
Nine nameplates.
Daniel Park.
Little Daniel.
Zoey Park.
Jay Hong.
Zac Lee.
Mira Kim.
Jiho Kim.
Kenzo.
Duki.
Every role from the original webtoon.
His knee bounced uncontrollably. I already know who's playing Kenzo.
The quiet, intimidating guy beside him.
Tall.
Broad shoulders.
Even under a plain white shirt, Sanbin could tell he had the physique of someone who trained every day.
But who's Daniel? Jay? Zac?
I can't wait.
Tap.
Tap.
Tap.
Tap.
Tap.
Byoungho exhaled slowly.
The constant bouncing was beginning to annoy him.
Before he could say anything, another voice echoed through the room.
"Welcome!"
Byoungho looked over.
A young woman entered.
Long dark-brown hair framed delicate features that looked almost unreal.
"Please sit over here, Heemang," a staff member said.
"Thank you."
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear before taking her seat.
Sanbin's heart skipped.
Several male staff members exchanged knowing glances.
She's beautiful. Is she mixed? Maybe Russian? There's no way someone naturally looks like that...
Her warm caramel eyes curved into crescents as she smiled.
Sanbin stood and bowed.
"Hello."
"Hello," Byoungho followed.
"Hello." She smiled politely before sitting beneath the nameplate marked Mira Kim.
Sanbin couldn't believe it.
She looked exactly like Mira had stepped out of the webtoon.
Then the atmosphere shifted.
Souyun Park walked in.
Her heels clicked confidently across the floor.
She removed her sunglasses with practiced elegance before brushing her hair behind one shoulder.
Every eye followed her as she took the seat marked Zoey Park.
"Heemang!" She exclaimed.
Heemang waved excitedly."Hey, girl!"
Souyun grabbed her hand. "Our dreams came true!"
Heemang giggled behind hand."They really did!"
The door opened once again.
Conversation died instantly.
Drum walked into the room.
For a brief second, even the staff forgot to greet him.
Tall.
Broad-shouldered.
Movie-star handsome.
He carried himself with effortless confidence, his smile bright enough to make half the room smile back.
Then everyone snapped back to reality.
"Welcome!"
"Good morning!"
"We're honored to have you!"
Staff hurried toward him almost in a frenzy.
Several of the younger employees exchanged excited glances while trying to hide their smiles.
Gayoung couldn't help but admire him. No matter how many times I see him... his presence is unreal.
"Hello." Drum bowed politely before taking the center chair.
Daniel Park.
Everyone stood. "Hello."
"You look good," Souyin said with an elegant smile. "Have you been working out?"
Drum raised an eyebrow. "Did I look skinny before?"
Souyun froze. "N-No, I didn't mean—"
"I'm kidding." His laughter filled the room.
The staff blushed at the beautiful sound.
A moment later another actor entered.
Compared to Drum's commanding height, he looked smaller, but there was something impossible to ignore about him.
Soft doe-like eyes.
Hair brushing against his forehead.
An easy smile that made people smile back without realizing it.
Han Kim.
The rookie whose breakout performance in Parasitic had turned him into one of Korea's fastest-rising actors.
"Hello, everyone!"
"Hello." The room greeted him warmly.
He took the seat marked Jiho Kim.
"So..." Han looked around with a grin."Are we excited?"
Silence.
The actors exchanged awkward glances.
"...Yes," Sanbin answered quietly.
Han clicked his tongue dramatically.
"Then I guess you and I are going to have all the fun."
Laughter spread through the room.
Even Drum smiled.
Han pointed toward Heemang and Souyun.
"I heard you two wanted to work together."
"We did," Heemang admitted.
"Then why didn't you answer my question?" Han teased. "Was it all talk?"
"No!" they answered together.
Han burst into laughter.
Sanbin stared in amazement.
He's talking to them so casually...I would've been too nervous to even say hello.
Another actor entered.
He was slightly chubby and looked just as nervous as Sanbin felt.
He quietly introduced himself as Juhoon before sitting beneath the nameplate for Little Daniel.
Sanbin felt relieved. I'm not the only rookie here.
Finally, the room stirred once more.
Bo Gum entered alongside Jangmoon.
The two men looked like they had stepped straight out of a luxury fashion campaign.
"Hello." Their smiles were effortless.
Bo Gum crossed the room and shook Drum's hand while Jangmoon greeted everyone with one hand tucked casually into his pocket.
Even that simple gesture made several staff members blush.
Bo Gum sat beneath Zac Lee.
Jangmoon took Vick Jin.
Now every seat was occupied...
Except one.
Jay Hong.
Sanbin couldn't stop glancing at the empty chair. Who could possibly be playing him?
He slowly looked around the room.
Award-winning actors.
Top idols.
Beloved celebrities.
People he had only ever watched through a screen.
And somehow...He was sitting among them.
For several seconds, nobody spoke.
Even the staff seemed overwhelmed by the sheer amount of star power gathered in one room.
The excitement that had filled the room moments ago had transformed into something else.
Pressure.
Expectation.
Awkwardness.
Finally, Drum cleared his throat.
A bright smile appeared on his face.
"Since we're all here," he said, looking around the room, "why don't we introduce ourselves?"
Immediately the tension eased.
Several actors laughed softly.
"I know most of us have met before," Drum continued, "but there are definitely some new faces."
His eyes briefly landed on Byoungho.
Then Sanbin.
Then Juhoon.
"Let's get to know each other before the directors arrive."
Sanbin nearly stopped breathing.
The introductions were starting.
Drum rested his hands on the table."I'll start."
He smiled with the effortless confidence of someone who had done countless press conferences. "My name is Drum. I'm twenty-eight years old, and I'll be portraying Daniel Park."
Light applause filled the room.
"Please take care of me." He bowed his head before gesturing to the woman beside him.
Souyun smiled elegantly. "Hello, everyone. My name is Souyun Park. I'm twenty-six years old, and I'll be portraying Zoey Park."
She gave a small wave. "I hope we can work well together."
Again, the room applauded.
Han leaned forward with a grin. "My name is Han Kim. I'm twenty-four years old, and I'll be portraying Jiho Kim."
He scratched the back of his neck. "I've watched this webtoon for years, so... honestly, I'm trying really hard not to fangirl right now."
Laughter rippled around the table.
Even Bo Gum chuckled.
Juhoon swallowed hard as all eyes shifted toward him. "H-Hello."
He stood so quickly his chair nearly tipped over. "My name is Juhoon..."
His face flushed bright red.
"I'm twenty-six years old, and I'll be portraying..." He looked down at his name card before smiling sheepishly. "...Little Daniel...I'll do my best."
The room applauded a little louder this time, encouraging him.
Sanbin smiled. "My name is Sanbin. I'm twenty-six years old, and I'll be playing Duki."
He bowed. "Please take care of me."
Nervous energy radiated from him, making several people smile.
Then every pair of eyes turned toward Byoungho.
He rose without hesitation.
Unlike the others, he didn't look nervous.
Nor excited.
His expression remained calm.
"My name is Byoungho." His deep voice carried effortlessly across the room. "I'm nineteen years old…."
Byoungho suddenly felt something was off and stopped.
Silence.
"..."
Han blinked. "...Nineteen?"
Several heads snapped toward him.
Byoungho nodded once. "And I'll be portraying Kenzo."
Another beat of silence.
Then Han burst into laughter. "No way!"
He pointed at Byoungho in disbelief.
"I swear I thought you were at least twenty-eight."
Jangmoon laughed. "I was going to say thirty."
Bo Gum shook his head. "I remember thinking the same thing when I saw him..." He looked Byoungho up and down. "...I was surprised."
More laughter spread through the room.
Byoungho simply blinked. "I get that a lot."
Sanbin covered his face with one hand. "I knew it..."
Everyone turned to look at him.
His face instantly turned red under the sudden attention.
"Um... I've been speaking to him in honorifics this whole time because I thought he was older," Sanbin admitted, scratching the back of his neck.
The room erupted into laughter.
Heemang covered her mouth to hide her smile.
Han leaned back in his chair. "So you're telling me..." He pointed between himself and Byoungho. "...I'm older than him?"
"Yes."
Han sighed. "...I don't like that."
The room burst into laughter again.
"How tall are you?" Han asked.
"190."
Drum tilted his head.
As I thought. He's taller than me.
Heemang studied Byoungho again.
When she'd first heard an inexperienced actor had been cast as Kenzo, she'd imagined someone with exceptional acting talent.
Instead, she might think he was casted because he looks like he stepped straight out of the webtoon.
Tall.
Broad shoulders.
Athletic.
Sharp features.
He fit Kenzo almost perfectly.
Too bad...He's only nineteen. Otherwise I'd have liked to be friends with him.
Han nodded in appreciation.
"Mind sharing some of that height with me? I'm only 175 centimeters."
Laughter rippled around the table.
"And while we're at it..." Han looked Byoungho up and down. "You're seriously handsome."
Heemang caught herself before nodding in agreement.
The men weren't nearly as reserved.
"He's right."
"Seriously."
"Perfect casting."
The remaining tension in the room melted away.
Byoungho gave a small bow. "Thank you. I'm honored to be part of this project with all of you."
He sat back down. For the first time since entering the conference room...
Maybe...Working with these people won't be so difficult after all.
Jangmoon cleared his throat, still smiling.
"My name is Jangmoon Kim. I'm twenty-five years old, and I'll be portraying Vick Jin."
He bowed slightly before sitting.
Bo Gum followed. "I'm Bo Gum. I'm twenty-nine years old, and I'll be portraying Zac Lee."
He glanced toward the empty chair beside him.
"Unfortunately, the actor cast as Jay Hong came down with a severe flu this morning, so he couldn't attend today's meeting."
Several cast members nodded sympathetically.
"Hopefully he'll recover quickly."
Everyone applauded as the introductions came to an end.
Just then—
The conference room doors opened once again.
Every conversation stopped.
The directors had arrived.
–
"And this is our final question." The interviewer smiled. "What is music to you?"
Minho licked his lips and glanced at Taeyang.
Taeyang didn't look back.
Next to him, Jiwoo smiled and subtly nudged his chin toward Minho.
I don't want this question. This belongs to Taeyang.
Minho slowly lifted the microphone.
"Uh... music is..." He swallowed. "Everything, you know? I mean... it's life and... nature."
He nodded to himself. "It's good for you."
The interviewer blinked."What do you mean by that?"
"..." Minho's brain went blank. "Well..."
He looked desperately at his members.
Seunghyun gave him a thumbs-up.
Kai nodded encouragingly.
Diego smiled as if to say You've got this.
These absolute traitors.
Minho faced the interviewer again. "Music is life and nature....erm..."
"It's... everything." He said finally.
The interviewer smiled patiently. "And what does that mean to you personally?"
"...Personally?"
"Yes."
"..." Minho stared into space. "It means everything."
She waited.
Minho tried to think of any word. "It's our life."
She nodded.
Minho's back began to sweat"It's what we do..."
She kept waiting.
Minho panicked. "It's like drinking coffee!"
"...Coffee?"
"Yeah." He was committed now. "If you don't drink coffee..."
He paused."...life is bad....But if you drink coffee..." He nodded with complete confidence. "...life is good."
The interviewer blinked twice. "I see..."
"So..." Minho continued, refusing to quit, "our coffee is music."
Silence.
"And music is a necessity."
Another pause.
"And necessities are life."
The interviewer looked at him for a long second before smiling professionally. "That was... certainly memorable."
"Thank you."
The interview ended. She quickly grabbed her stuff and exited.
The door clicked shut.
Silence.
Kai slid out of his chair and hit the floor.
THUD.
"Ain't no way!" he wheezed.
Jiwoo folded in half, pounding the table.
"Coffee?!" he gasped. "Coffee?!"
Even Taeyang had both hands over his face. His shoulders shook uncontrollably. He was laughing too hard to breathe.
"Gosh, hyung!" Diego slapped Minho's shoulder. "We've been blessed."
He stood."Future generations will study those words."
He raised his hands in glory "Our coffee is music."
Seunghyun wiped tears from his eyes. "No, wait." He pointed at Minho. "Explain the nature part."
"The what?"
"You said music is nature."
"Yeah."
"...Why?"
"I don't know!"
The room exploded again.
Minho shot to his feet. "All of you are fake."
He pointed accusingly around the room. "I looked at every single one of you for help! But NOOO--You all smiled! You all nodded! You watched me drown! DISGRACEFUL!"
Kai was still on the floor. "I thought you'd be amazing at interviews because you're so good at arguing..." He looked up, barely able to breathe. "But that..."
He burst into another fit of laughter. "...that was the greatest disaster I've ever witnessed."
Jiwoo wiped tears from his eyes. "I almost interrupted because I thought you were building up to something."
"I WAS!"
"There wasn't anything!"
"There was!"
"What was it?"
"...Coffee."
Diego clutched his chest. "I'm gonna pass out."
Taeyang finally managed to breathe again."Guys..."
Nobody listened.
"I said..."
Still laughing.
"Guys."
Everyone looked over.
"We're performing at an elementary school in twenty minutes."
Seunghyun groaned dramatically. "I can't perform."
"Why?" Taeyang asked.
"My abs hurt."
Kai patted him on the shoulder. "No."
He pointed at Minho. "You just need coffee."
The room erupted into laughter all over again.
Minho dropped his head into his hands. "I hate all of you."
–
"Hello," Jaehyun said, bowing deeply.
The rest of ARCANE bowed in unison.
"Hello."
The greeting echoed throughout the conference room.
For a brief moment—
Silence.
Everyone looked at the rookies.
The members of XEXO sat nearest the head of the table.
Girls Revolution occupied the opposite side, their presence elegant without trying.
Triples sat together quietly, while ZCT casually observed from the far end.
Only RunWish smiled immediately.
"Good to see you guys again," their leader said with an easy grin.
The tension eased just enough for ARCANE to breathe.
The leader of XEXO stood first.
"Welcome."
His voice was calm, carrying the confidence of someone who had spent over a decade at the top.
"I'm Minjae."
No introduction was necessary.
Everyone knew who he was.
"It's nice finally meeting you all."
Jaehyun bowed once more.
"The honor is ours, sunbaenim."
Minjae's eyes drifted across the six rookies.
Leader.
Main vocalist.
Maknae.
Then—
They stopped.
Rowan.
For the briefest second...
Minjae forgot what he was about to say.
So the rumors weren't exaggerated.
He had watched the debut showcase online.
Even then he assumed clever lighting and expensive cameras had done half the work.
Apparently not.
The kid looked unreal in person.
Across the room, Kora from Triples quietly blinked.
"...Wow."
The word escaped before she could stop it.
One of her members leaned over.
"You too?"
"I thought the internet edited his face."
"They didn't."
Girls Revolution exchanged subtle glances.
Loona smiled.
"So that's Rowan."
Wonyoung rested her chin on her hand.
"I understand the reaction videos now."
Nearby, one of ZCT's members folded his arms.
"Forget his face."
He nodded toward Jaehyun.
"The leader has presence."
Another member agreed.
"The red-haired one too."
"Haejin?"
"Yeah."
"He hasn't spoken once."
"Exactly."
"He looks confident."
Meanwhile, Woojin stood perfectly still.
Too still.
His shoulders were stiff.
His hands locked behind his back.
Daehyun leaned over slightly.
"Breathe."
"I am."
"No, you're vibrating."
Woojin looked down.
His entire body was trembling.
Rain bit the inside of his cheek.
Don't laugh.
Don't laugh.
Too late.
A small snort escaped him.
Woojin shot him a betrayed look.
Immediately several senior idols smiled.
Loona laughed quietly.
"He's adorable."
"That's your maknae?" Minjae asked.
Jaehyun nodded proudly. "Yes."
Woojin bowed so quickly that he nearly lost his balance.
"I-I'm Woojin! Please take care of me!"
The room erupted into soft laughter.
Even Rowan smiled.
The tension that had filled the room only moments earlier completely disappeared.
"Relax," Minjae chuckled.
"We don't bite."
Just then—
The conference room doors opened.
Every conversation stopped.
The CEO entered.
Behind him followed several executives carrying thick presentation binders.
He looked around the room once.
Satisfied that every artist had arrived.
"Good."
He placed a folder on the table.
"As all of you know..."
"...SW Entertainment is celebrating its twentieth anniversary."
Several idols straightened in their seats.
The CEO smiled.
"For that reason..."
"This year, every artist under SW Entertainment will participate in one project together."
Silence.
Then—
Rain slowly turned toward Seojun.
"...Every artist?"
Even XEXO's members looked intrigued.
Whatever this project was...
It wasn't ordinary.