Chapter 09
The place I dragged my trunk into was a room with six bunk beds. Of course, none of the occupants were there yet.
“People usually just sleep here.”
I let out a small chuckle. It felt like I’d gone back to the military.
Well, it’s similar.
Living with complete strangers is a pain in the ass. Especially with a bunch of sweaty dudes. I glanced around and asked,
“Where should I use?”
“Take any empty spot. With the monthly evaluation coming up, some beds should be free.”
The lower bunk on the left was empty. Come to think of it, it seemed like only two people were in the room right now.
“They probably packed up and went home.”
“I see.”
“Look at this guy. You’re not scared? If you don’t show results, you’ll be packing up too.”
I shrugged.
“Why would I be scared?”
Better to spend that time practicing. I opened my trunk, took out my workout clothes, and casually started undressing.
“W-what are you doing?!”
Why was he flustered? We’re both guys. Ignoring him, I changed into my workout clothes.
“Sorry, but could you tell me something?”
“W-what? I don’t have any dirty magazines!”
I frowned. What the hell was he thinking?
“The practice room.”
“What? Practice? Already?”
“If not, I’ll at least go for a jog. There’s a treadmill, right?”
“There is. It’s in the company building, about a five-minute walk.”
“Let’s go.”
Time is money—I should use it wisely. I slipped my phone and recorder into my pocket.
“You’re bringing that too?”
I smiled.
“You went through the trouble of giving it to me.”
Auntie’s love—mysterious and overwhelming.
Too overwhelming, honestly.
“Hey, what was your name—Dowon? Don’t take life so seriously. You’re still young. If you start like this already…”
The manager clicked his tongue, but I cut him off.
“If I start like this early, I’ll probably live pretty well.”
I smiled brightly.
“Please show me the way.”
The manager shook his head and opened the door. At that moment, someone familiar stood right outside, waving with a smile.
“Oh, Minjae? What are you doing here?”
He walked calmly up to me. I forced my narrowing eyes open and smiled.
“Hyung, Minjae!”
“You’re here. Just arrived?”
“Yes, just now.”
“I live upstairs. Came to give you the door code.”
Damn it. Why would I need that?
I’m not going!
Just seeing him annoys me—why would I go to his place?
“W-what? You’re giving him your door code?”
The chubby manager looked shocked.
“Yeah. We’re close.”
We’re not.
“H-how?”
Before it got exaggerated, I cut in.
“We used to be neighbors.”
“Minjae, you have close friends? And giving out your door code? Even I don’t know it!”
Oh?
“Manager, you don’t know it either?”
“It’s a secret. I don’t want to deal with the hassle.”
“That’s allowed?”
“This is company housing, but the upstairs is my place.”
I sorted my thoughts. So he bought the place upstairs? Even the manager can’t enter?
He must be rich.
“Password’s my birthday.”
“…Right.”
I let out a small sigh and nodded. I remembered it whether I wanted to or not.
Because it’s the same as my sister’s.
We used to blow out candles together as kids.
Though it was stacked Choco Pies instead of cake…
A warm memory—so much so that it made me sick. I smiled brightly, masking the irritation.
“I’m heading to the practice room.”
“It’s probably empty, but locked. Only the vocal room might be open.”
“Really? Then I’ll just use the treadmill.”
Minjae glanced at the manager, then back at me.
“I’ll take him. You go ahead.”
“You? You two really are close.”
“Yeah, we are.”
We are not.
Minjae strode ahead. I followed like a dragged cow. As we stepped outside, he spoke.
“So you really came here.”
“I said I would.”
“I know. I was waiting. Isn’t the dorm cramped? I was going to let you stay at my place, but Director Joo said no. Said living together is part of training.”
Whoever that is—thank you.
“Too bad.”
“Hurry and make the debut team. Then you can move into my place. Just live there.”
Great offer. Still not going.
I glared at his back, then quickened my pace.
I’ll pretend to be friendly.
Might as well get something out of it.
“Hyung, tell me about the company.”
“Friends Entertainment? The funding’s decent.”
“So no shady money?”
“Nope. The CEO’s solid and forward-thinking.”
That’s why the company succeeded.
“But they cut trainees mercilessly. It’ll be tough to last.”
“Was it hard for you?”
He shook his head.
“No. I avoid conflicts. I lack talent, so I make up for it with effort.”
Good for you.
“But I’m worried about you.”
Why?
“Lots of jealousy.”
Huh? How’d he know?
“Not you—the others. Everyone’s desperate to debut. They pick fights easily.”
Figures.
So trainees fight each other?
That’s annoying.
Inside the elevator, he pressed the 5th floor.
“Practice rooms, gym, showers—all on the 5th floor.”
“Trainees use them for free?”
“Yeah.”
Good. Maybe even soap is provided. Gotta save money.
“Lots of CCTV.”
“For safety—and evaluation. Feels like you’re being watched?”
I shook my head.
“Don’t care.”
So they’re watching.
“That’s the practice room. Here’s the gym.”
He opened the gym door.
“Ready?”
“Of course.”
Then I turned my head—and froze.
What the hell is that?
“The trainees here are intense. Accidents happen more often than you’d think.”
“R-really?”
I rubbed my eyes.
That’s not a ghost, right?
A large figure was swaying back and forth—hanging from a rope, gripping it tightly with both hands.
“Everyone’s on edge. Management can’t fully control it.”
“…I guess so.”
I rubbed my eyes again.
No way…
“Hyung… there’s no kind of initiation here, right?”
“Of course not.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Why?”
I pointed.
“Then what’s that?”
Minjae followed my finger—and flinched.
“Damn it.”
I ran over and grabbed the guy’s legs.
“Hyung! Call someone—call emergency services!”
“Uh—okay!”
A woman rushed in moments later.
“Seungjun!”
My ears rang.
“Cut the rope first!”
She cut it. Minjae laid him down. I checked his pulse.
He’s fine.
No movement—like a corpse.
He was holding himself up.
Meaning—perfectly alive.
I glared at him.
“I’ll do CPR.”
I cut open his shirt.
“Do you know how?”
“Yeah.”
I did—but didn’t need to.
What the hell is wrong with you?
I pressed down on his chest.
Let’s bruise you a bit.
