Kim Seo-jun slowly read the trainee contract over and over again and signed his name. The contract stated that the company will bear the expense of the trainee. JYP will train them the skills (vocal, dance, etiquette) to be a proper idol, will give them a dormitory to live in and many more.
With that signed up, Park Jin-young slowly hugged him. The other idols in the room were flabbergasted. Jin-young was friendly and was like a brother but this was the first time he was so open towards someone and adored someone.
"I hope JYP will be a new family to you, Seo-jun. If you face any problem, you have us." Park Jin-young spoke to him softly. By now the other idols in the room knew, Seo-jun was the darling child of JYP now. He was the future. I mean, where else do you get a 14 year old songwriter. He was handsome, had amazing vocal to be a perfect idol.
Seo-jun smiled," Yes, hyung. I will also try my best to not fail you."
Ok Taec-yeon, who was beside Jin-young playfully added, "You also have us. If anyone bullies you, just tell us. We got your back."
Behind him, Jay Park did a V-pose with a confident smirk. Sunmi, seeing the opportunity also added, "Since everyone is so caring, I also want to say something. If you face troubles in dance, come to me. Noona will teach you."
Seo-jun, after a long time felt such care from others. They didn't pity him, they valued his talent. His story was an extra matter entirely.
He replied, "I will, hyung & noona."
Park jin-young suddenly clapped and grabbed everyone's attention," Alright, everyone. Now that the interview is sorted out, please go back to your own practice room and practice diligently. I need to talk with Seo-jun about some important matters."
Hearing that, all the idols started going back. Seo-jun walked towards Jin-young who pointed to a chair for him to sit on.
"Seo-jun. I think your voice range is already at G2 to C5. This vocal range not only fits the comfort zone of a male voice but also fully reproduces the emotional layers of the original song. This is usually the safest choice for most professional ballad singers. So, I don't think you need that much vocal training. However, you yourself said that you are not good at dance."
At this point, Seo-jun was quite confident. "Yes, hyung. I think I shall just keep practicing my vocal so that it doesn't fall down. As for dance, well, I don't know why I'm just not that good at it. But, I will try my best to learn dancing. After all, to be an idol, its a mandatory right?"
Jin-young pondered, "Hmm. Well, let me be frank, I want you to become a soloist. In fact, more specifically, I want you to become a singer-songwriter. You are very fluent in Japanese. Maybe, you will achieve success in Japanese market. I remember you also said you are good in English. Who knows I might try you in American Market. The future is always unpredictable. For now, hone your skills and tell me if you need something."
Seo-jun nodded excitedly. He liked going solo and that's what he had in mind. Debuting in group, sharing his songs, getting lower paychecks, getting small part in music was not his forte. Although debuting in a group guarantees a huge audience but there were obvious disadvantages. He knew his shortcomings.
"Hyung, for now can you please arrange someone to teach me how to produce and compose songs. I am confident that I will be able to produce my own album when I debut. As for other things, can you help me to rent my apartment in Busan. Seung-min ahjussi said that apartment could easily bring me about 2-3 million won. Moreover, I think if you can arrange me a part time job such as bar or hotel singing or playing the piano in a hotel, I'll be able to live freely and not incur more trainee debt."
Hearing this, park jin-young pondered a bit. After all, bar singing at 14 could be dangerous.
"I will contract a trusted real estate agency in Busan. I believe they will be able to arrange everything for you. They might deduct a fee. JYP can manage that fee for you for now. As for singing or playing piano in a bar or hotel, forget about that for now. Once, you turn 15 or 16, I will arrange you a part time job. You are still too young. You do not need to bear everything all at once. For now, rest today in your dormitory. Tomorrow, you will meet your trainers along with the trainee director. I'll let him know about you. Seo-jun, if someone bullies you for your Busan accent, just let me or the trainee director know. Don't get overconfident but you are pretty much a debut candidate."
Seo-jun laughed a bit. "Hyung, then I will see you tomorrow." He calmly stood up and left the interview room. He already knew the location of his dormitory. JYP gave him a nice single room of around 350-400 square feet. There were all the necessary furniture present so he didn't have to toil hard. The bathroom was also surprisingly clean. He just needed to bring toiletries and he would be good to go. As far as he knows, JYP cafeteria is also quite good. Seo-jun wondered if he got this room because of his abilities. He knew trainees usually get a mixed room where 2 or 4 trainees live together although in that case, they get a large room.
Just when he laid down in the bed, a strange blue screen with letters popped up in front of him.
[IDOL System activated. Condition for activating the system met. Condition: Becoming a trainee.]
[Name: Kim Seo-jun]
[Age:14, Date of Birth: March 9, 1995]
[Characteristics-
Health: 70/100 (Host is a bit tired, please take a rest)
Physical Fitness: 75/100, Cognitive Ability: 85/100
Height: 167 cm, Weight: 54KG
Charm: 54 (Appearance 7, Figure 6, Voice 8, Temperament 6, Experience 5, Communication 8, Confidence 7, Knowledge 6, Wealth 1, Fame 0)]
[Professional skills:
(Singing: 75, Dancing: 30, Acting: 37, Songwriting: 47)
Instrument: Guitar (Mid), Piano (Max), Violin (Mid)]
[Note: Other people can't see the system. Only the host can see the system screen.]
[Reward for being a trainee: Composing ( Beginner), Producing (Beginner), Complete song "BTS-I need you girl", "Beast- Fiction"," Big Bang- Loser".]
[Note: Songs that are given will no longer be available for the original group or people]
[Note: Dancing skill is too poor for "Beast-Fiction". It is Suggested to enhance dancing to atleast 50-55 to cover this song. ]
[Next reward will be given when host debuts]
Seo-jun slowly read the whole screen. He mumbled to himself, "Who is BTS and Beast? I haven't heard these names. Do they belong in the future? If so, did I just get three future songs just now? What the hell is this idol system?"
He listened to the songs he was rewarded and found out all of the three songs were of excellent quality. Especially the song "Loser" grasped his heart.
Once all the songs were played, he wondered, "Did God grant me this 'system' just to make amends for the pain he put me through? If so, there is no need. I am grateful for this 'system of rewards' but I can shine on my own.
With both confidence and gratefulness, Seo-jun closed his eyes.