“Nice to meet you, I’m Heo Dong-jin from Rural Entertainment.” A man with a warm impression smiles brightly. “Yes, I’m Baek Ha-yan, the executive director of Wo Entertainment. It’s an honor to meet such a veteran in the entertainment industry.”
"Haha, I'm just an ordinary old man running a small business. Come on in."
Passing by the sweaty trainees testing their limits in the practice rooms inside the small but neat building, a faint silhouette is seen through the translucent glass window of what appears to be a conference room at the end of the hallway.
"I've sorted out what needs to be sorted out between companies, so let's talk about it. I'll go in first."
The sound of two hearts beating faster than the sound of the representative's footsteps leaving in the distance.
"Secretary Kim looks very nervous. It's not like Secretary Kim."
Secretary Kim's expression, which had been clenching her hands with all her might, becomes calm, like that of a devout religious person facing her faith.
Secretary Kim then grabs the doorknob with her hands, unable to hide her trembling.
A woman sitting in front of a door that opens with a knock stands up and greets me.
"Hello, I'm Kim Min-joo from IZ*ONE. Nice to meet you."
Slightly wavy hair, a small, flawless white face with eyes, nose, and mouth carved like a statue. It is said that the Creator personally carved it to ensure mental and physical stability and to test the limits of aesthetic beauty. The unique, resentful expression is familiar, yet newer than anyone else's.
"Yes, I've heard a lot about you. This is Baek Ha-yan from Wo Entertainment. Next to me is Secretary Kim Seong-hak. As you know, I came here because I wanted to bring Kim Min-ju to our company."
"Yes, I heard that you are gathering all the IZ*ONE members. How is the situation going?"
A charming voice that is both affectionate and resentful tickles my ears.
"Ahem, Secretary Kim?"
"Ah, yes, yes."
Secretary Kim, who had been staring blankly at one place, hurriedly takes out a notebook from her bosom.
"I'm currently in contact with all 8 agencies and this is the first time I've come to see Kim Min-ju... (omitted)...... Yes, here is the contract."
A piece of paper full of black letters is put forward.
"There are a few things I need to tell you before signing the contract.
First and foremost, nothing is certain right now."
"Mr. Chairman!!"
Two eyes looking at me with surprised expressions
"Can you tell me that?"
The already large pupils become even bigger.
"I believe that sincerity is the highest value. I'm not the kind of person who would dare to demand the best from someone who's been brought in through trickery and cunning. I need twelve members who are dedicated to their work. And Minju will be the first."
The expressions on both people's faces change from moment to moment.
"I hope you understand that nothing has been confirmed yet. It is not an easy project to bring together 8 agencies, 1 management company, and 12 members. However, I have no doubt that Minju's help will be the beginning and the foundation. I need a beginning for everything. Before everyone hesitates, worries, and searches for safety, and things just end up in the dust, we need someone who will step forward, raise the flag, and pave the way for everyone to walk."
It's cute how he looks at you with confused eyes while gesturing at you...sob sob (I'll leave out my selfish thoughts)
"Me...me?"
Crossing Pass
"No, I will do that. No, our company will do it. However, Minju, you will be the first passenger on this spaceship. The spaceship that is rushing off to that distant parallel universe. I know you are worried.
What if we get shipwrecked? What if we get lost? Perhaps that's understandable. But we'll take care of those worries. If you look at the last clause of that contract..."
132. When the failure of this project becomes clear, Party A will terminate the contract and faithfully perform the derivative contract.
Another piece of paper placed sideways
1. Party A is responsible for Party B's whereabouts and livelihood. In addition, a certain amount of consolation money is paid.
2. This continues until B enters into a new contract of his own free will.
"We will take responsibility for that worry and that gloomy future. If things don't work out later, we can either put you in the debut group of our company's new group or put you in the acting field.
"All Minju needs to do is muster up a little courage and climb the stairs. We will open the way to the universe your fans are waiting for."
The silence that followed
"I miss you, Wiz*One... My sister and my younger siblings too..."
"You said that IZ*ONE and WIZ*ONE are one everywhere. Is that still true?"
In the silence, only the sound of a pen clicking resonates.
"You made a good choice. I'll see you at work next time, Minju."
And so the long journey begins.
