A rule was made that Seventeen and Seokwoo oppa promised (we decided to call it the Marvel Rule. It was made by taking one letter each from our heart and English name, Maybell).
One, two dramas per year. However, if you appear in a supporting role, it counts as half a drama.
Two, one movie per year. Guest appearances or special appearances in both dramas and movies are excluded from the calculation.
Third, set aside two days a month to do nothing and enjoy leisure activities.
Fourth, I exercise at least once a month. Exercise can include going to the gym, jogging, or walking.
Five, the album release date should not overlap with the filming of dramas and movies.
I wanted to keep to this extent because it was a rule that I could easily keep and it was made with me in mind.
“How have you been? I don’t have much time these days.
It feels like it's been a really long time since I've seen you."
On top of that, there were Marvel rules, so I couldn't go to auditions, and I became unemployed, so it was almost a month before I saw Seok-woo again.
“I’m always the same.”
Seventeen and Seokwoo oppa didn't even acknowledge the days they practiced singing and acting as days they could enjoy their free time, as they had scheduled them as such.
So, I haven't used up a single day of the two days they offered me to enjoy leisure.
“How have you been, oppa?”
“Office workers are pretty much the same, you know.
“I feel relieved to hear that you are doing well.”
I didn't want to get caught, but Seok-woo seemed to know that, as he didn't even look at me in the front mirror and just drove silently.
“I won’t go today even if you tell me to.”
“Oh, I have a prior engagement today…
With Jeongyeon and BTS seniors
“I decided to eat.”
“Then I’ll move with BTS.
“Can I leave work first?”
“Yeah, of course.”
From the restaurant where we were supposed to meet to my house, I could easily get there by public transportation.
So, Seok-woo oppa didn't necessarily need to be there. Still, it would be nice if Seok-woo oppa could watch me record just once.
I'd rarely sung in front of him before, so I really wanted to sing for him. But Seok-woo never said he'd come to see the recording.
As soon as I sent Seok-woo off and went into the recording studio, Ji-hoon immediately started picking on me, with his characteristic indifference.
“I think I just saw Jang Ma-eum leaving the house,
“I’m watching it again”
“Lee Ji-hoon, who was lazy at home wearing pajamas
"Here I am, sitting here. And he's a producer at that."
“Oh, On and Off is a bit different.”
Even though Jihoon oppa was the one who started the fight with me, I think he crossed the line by playing a prank just because it was convenient for him.
And I felt like Jihoon, who was so passionate about everything, had misled my brother. Of course, Jihoon wouldn't mind, but I felt bad for no reason, so I hastily added.
“But I’ve never seen anyone work as hard as you do.”
“I saw it, it’s a long story.”
“What should I record first?”
“Um, ?”
I always loved the smell of the recording studio, the atmosphere, even the quietness of the soundproofing. It was like a fish in water.
Of course, from my experience, music shows are the most exciting and happiest moments, but recording studios are easier to get to than music shows, so it's a bit more comfortable and happy.
The recording went smoothly, without any problems, as expected.
Even , which is just a track on the album, was so enjoyable to listen to. Serendipity means unexpected joy.
It felt so similar to my current situation. I applied for the audition because it was my only option, and being accepted and experiencing this unexpected joy was a tremendous blessing.
“There’s nothing I can do for you. Let’s move on.
I want to say, "I'm on my way to you"
Or do you want to do ?
Of course, the company would probably do a good job, but he still readily obliged when I asked him to. He must be busy with Seventeen's comeback.
“”
The song "Shadow," which captures my dark times, brought me comfort and warmth. Even without revealing the specifics, it spoke of hardship and the fact that I'm happy now. So, let's leave the past behind and live with hope for a happy future.
Shadows are an inevitable byproduct of light, so it was meant to be accepted and to live as one pleases.
When Jihoon first asked me to write lyrics, I couldn't help but be surprised.
As with acting, songwriting was an area I was completely unfamiliar with.
But Jihoon said, "This song is for you. Put in what you want to say to yourself."
Unable to resist any longer, I scribbled down the lyrics. They were heartbreaking yet sweet, sad yet bright. Because they were about my story, the writing progressed faster than I expected, finishing in three days. And without any revisions, I've been recording ever since.
“Okay, that’s it!”
“I knew it when you started practicing like crazy.
I didn't know you'd finish it this quickly."
"You said you knew, but you didn't. It doesn't make sense."
“That’s right.”
“So are you going to meet BTS seniors now?”
“Yeah. I think I’ll go home after dinner.”
Jihoon listened to me and then smiled with his characteristically indifferent yet affectionate tone of voice.
“It’s okay to eat dinner and then go play for a bit.”
Unlike a few months ago when I was just lingering, not knowing what to do with my affection and emotions, I knew that it would definitely give me freedom.
“Thank you, oppa.”
“But please contact me sometimes.
“Even so, I’m still a little worried.”
I looked at Jihoon, who was smiling faintly before me, and thought to myself, "From the moment I met Jeonghan, every blessing I could call 'inbok' had poured down on me. Thanks to that, I could be happy now."
After receiving a message from our leader, Rap Monster, saying that we should meet in the company reception room, I wandered around the reception room and waited for BTS seniors to arrive.
The restaurant had already been reserved by my senior, and their instructions, not orders, were for me to just show up. They told me to just figure it out myself, since they'd be going home the moment I tried to buy anything. It was a postscript.
Well, as a rookie singer who hasn't released a solo album yet, it was something I should be thankful for.
There wasn't much to do in the living room. I was just connected to the company Wi-Fi and watching Seventeen performance videos on YouTube. It felt like YouTube was a shackle, but it hadn't been long before the BTS seniors arrived, one by one.
“What are you looking at so funny?”
“Oh, senior.”
"You look so happy. Is it rude to ask?"
"No, I was just watching a Seventeen video."
“Oh, you’re close with Seventeen.”
But I didn't feel the need to reveal it now. I don't know if they've seen my interview video, but I knew they had to know eventually.
As a member of the same agency, or as a senior-junior relationship, it is natural to protect what needs to be protected.
But not now. Today was our first meeting, and it wasn't too late to bring up heavy topics.
Judging by the way Suga-senpai treated me, he didn't seem like the kind of person who would scold me for speaking late, or not pay attention to such things, or not worry about them, and thus not listen to what I had to say.
“Yes, we’re pretty close. We became close right after our debut.”
“Aren’t you close with EXO’s Chanyeol?”
“I guess it’s because we debuted together…”
Although he wasn't a distant senior, he was still a big senior to me, so it was natural for me to be nervous, so I kept my words short in case I made a mistake.
“…Oh, I was too picky. I’m sorry.”
“No, if you have any questions, feel free to ask.
But… other people”
“Oh, I’ll be down soon.
I'm working so I decide on my own
“I came down early, the kids were practicing together.”
“I’m talking to my senior, you know.
“We’ll be at the same company for at least 5 years.”
“Oh, right. You said it right.
It's probably been at the same company for at least 5 years.
“Speaking of which, can you please change your title?”
I don't know if my attitude was frustrating or if it was similar to my desire to be comfortable, but everyone I met asked me to change my title.
“Then, all of you BTS seniors, just use your real names
Should I call you oppa? If you want, I can say so.”
“Yeah. But… if you’re uncomfortable
“First of all, just change the title and don’t change the words…”
“It’s okay. Anyway, I,
“Even senior actors born in 1985 speak informally to me.”
“Oh, you’re adapting quickly.”
“I think you’re really friendly.”
“You are the one.”
It was a bit absurd because there was no reason, but it was a compliment that made me chuckle.
BTS seniors… no, now they’re BTS oppas. Anyway, the oppas didn’t have to wait long and came down to the living room right away, and since BTS and the Seventeen members have similar characters, it was easy to become close.
So, the BTS members were just as comedic as SEVENTEEN. Perhaps they liked the fact that I, with my low humor barrier, was laughing, but they looked at me with affection and favor on such days. The car Seokjin-oppa drove to the restaurant they had reserved was filled with laughter.