Hard Mode Idol

A few days after Ilhan joined our practice sessions, we were ushered into a van and headed to a studio. The manager informed us that our debut album concept would be a refreshing vibe. It was similar to the route most idol groups take for their debut concepts – neither overly adventurous nor unique, just a plain, safe concept. But refreshing is something you miss out on once you get older, making it precious while you can pull it off.

I’m not sure why it took so long to decide on this concept though.

“Let’s go for a refreshing concept since it’s their debut.”

“The refreshing concept might not work as well once the kids get older or their image becomes overexposed.”

“Alright then.”

“Sounds good. Let’s go with a refreshing concept.”

Didn’t it basically just conclude like that? It’s a presumptuous thought, but the outcome does lend it some credibility, doesn’t it?

So, we stopped by the studio to get our hair and makeup done. After an initial awkward period admiring each other’s unfamiliar appearances, we boarded the van again and headed to the photo shoot location.

“You need to smile and greet them when we arrive, got it?”

Unexpectedly, the manager had good rapport. He quickly became friendly with Yoochan and Seoho in particular. Only the three shy members, including me, couldn’t treat the manager casually. If Yoochan hadn’t paved the way by saying “We’re all young, so feel free to be casual with us, hyung!” the atmosphere would have been strange.

Being casual with some while respectful towards others. How odd that would have been.

Upon arriving at the photo studio, we trailed after the confidently leading manager. Yoochan seemed distracted by the burden of having to take responsibility for us. Ilhan was visibly tense, while Kanghyun appeared nonchalant. Seoho was too excited, constantly looking around curiously.

Our entrance – more precisely, the manager’s entrance – drew everyone’s attention. The intense presence and oppressive aura of the wild bear-like manager made people freeze, noticeably swallowing dry gulps.

Don’t worry, despite his appearance, he’s human.

Only two of us could comfortably smile and engage in social niceties here – Yoochan and me. Seoho wasn’t being socially active, he was just genuinely enjoying himself.

This was the winter and spring strategy. After witnessing the manager’s ferocious appearance that made one’s blood run cold, seeing the brightly smiling members behind him would create a sense of warmth, wouldn’t it? It wasn’t my intention, but it effectively turned out that way.

Thanks to the wild bear manager, Ilhan’s initially intimidating delinquent vibe was softened, and even Kanghyun’s rather aloof first impression was tempered to avoid seeming arrogant.

“Photographer Jung, it’s been a while.”

The manager greeted the photographer in a friendly manner. The photographer beamed, “Oh! Mr. Jeong! You moved to SR Entertainment?” It seems his connections really are extensive. Impressive.

“With you taking the photos, our kids will look their most beautiful. I’m reassured.”

“Aish, if you put it that way Mr. Jeonggon, it’s so much pressure. Did you have to phrase the request for good photos like that?”

“Hahaha.”

“You sly dog. The kids are quite pretty though. Their characters don’t overlap either. And this concept, it definitely suits that one over there. That friend, right?”

Simultaneously with those words, the photographer’s eyes met mine directly. Instinctively curling my lips upwards, I nodded my head slightly. The manager briefly glanced back before replying “Yes, that’s right.” A question mark formed in my mind. What could it be?

“Did you hear something?”

Seoho whispered to me. So I softly murmured into his ear in return.

“No.”

“Ack! Why are you whispering in my ear?”

Seoho narrowed his eyes at me while rubbing his ear. I was just trying to reply quietly, but I suppose not. Last time, he relentlessly tickled me, so I assumed he wasn’t ticklish.

“Is that your weakness?”

I curved the corners of my eyes in a playful smile, causing Seoho to shudder and back away from me. He quickly hid behind Ilhan, whispering “Hyung, protect me……” Of all people, Ilhan who would likely just obediently hand me over if asked.

“Alright, kids. No time to play around. Hurry up and move. Go change clothes first.”

“Yes.”

The manager drew our attention back. As if waiting, a staff member approached to lead us to the changing rooms. The clothes handed to us were sky blue school uniforms. Refreshing school uniforms are a surefire hit.

They’re shorts.

Knee-length shorts paired with shirts, jackets, and neckties – the full set.

Yoochan’s classic school uniform look suited his scholarly vibe.

For Ilhan, no necktie or jacket, with a few buttons undone, causing him to exude a delinquent aura even more. A sexy delinquent, perhaps. Though I’m not sure if that vibe fits the refreshing concept.

Kanghyun’s was similar, but he loosened his necktie and left his jacket unbuttoned, creating a defiant atmosphere. However, his good looks overshadowed that rebellious aura, leaving one simply in awe.

And Seoho, like me, was put in shorts. With a vest over his shirt, his fresh and adorable charm was further accentuated. I don’t know who the coordinator is, but they nailed the individual points well for each member.

However, instead of a school emblem, each outfit had a different flower embroidered where it would typically go. Mine looked like a daffodil or something slightly different, I couldn’t quite tell. Just as I was wondering what flower it was, we were ushered onto the set.

“Haon-ah, you go first. You have additional studio shots, so you’ll need to change makeup later.”

“Ahh, I see.”

“Photographer Jung, could you start with Haon please?”

“Yes, of course.”

Somehow I ended up going first. Since this is the case, I need to properly show what I can do, unlike the inexperienced other members. Unlike them, I’m an experienced one. I have the know-how accumulated through efforts in my previous life.

That is, letting go of my own identity.

Discard any sense of identity and just do as instructed, and the photos will turn out well. In my previous life, the more time was spent because of me, the worse the atmosphere on set became. Whether the director or photographer, they would openly show their annoyance, with subtle bullying from staff members an added bonus. Like a punching bag for stress relief.

That’s why I had to outperform everyone else. If I finished quickly and left, everyone would be more at ease. Of course I practiced expressions and poses whenever alone, but I also diligently scrapbooked photo references – all because of that. With my current self, I was confident I could do even better than before.

Since it’s a refreshing concept, I just need to smile brightly. I am the most lovable person in the world, I fervently suggested to myself as I smiled.

“Oh my, the camera can’t even fully capture you. Haon, you’re too pretty. Did you used to be a model? Your expressions and poses are so natural.”

Well, I did do it in my previous life. But of course I couldn’t say that, so I just smiled innocently and said “Thank you.” The photographer kept marveling with each pose change.

“They’re all keepers, with nothing to discard. The subject is too good.”

This atmosphere and these compliments are too sweet. If I become a fan and try to lick you, Photographer, what will you do?

“Even your embarrassed reactions are adorable.”

Ah, got me. When I bit my lower lip shyly and acted awkward, she eagerly snapped away, saying even that was great.

Is this really considered acting? The system is quite generous. Since the experience requirement for F is just 1, I’ll gladly take it. For reference, F+ is also 1. At this rate, I might graduate from F by the end of today’s concept photo schedule.

“Great! That’s a wrap. You did well. Who should we do next?”

The photographer gave the final okay sign. I wanted to see my own photos too, but it seems we don’t have that privilege before debuting.

I was immediately led by the manager to another studio and changed into a white short-sleeved blouse with a collar, black berm shorts, knee-high socks, shiny black dress shoes, and a slim necktie.

Following instructions to wait, I went to a corner chair that had been prepared. Soon, the hair designer and makeup artist noona came over.

From a distance, I observed the members being photographed, occasionally glancing at their eyes. It seemed Yoochan was up next. Initially stiff with an awkward expression and poses, he gradually became more natural over time.

The worrisome one was Ilhan, though he was clearly trying his best. Moving the typically inexpressive facial muscles, he somehow managed to smile. But the awkwardness never fully went away, dragging out the photo session.

In the meantime, my hair and makeup touch-ups finished, so I rejoined the other members. As soon as Yoochan saw me, his eyes went wide.

“Whoa. They turned you into a doll.”

“Damn, Jin Haon. You look kind of creepy.”

Of course, Seoho wouldn’t let me be. But I lightly ignored him, too distracted by my fluttering faux lashes. I wonder why they made me look like this.

“Like an articulated doll.”

It seemed novel to Yoochan. He kept twisting his face this way and that while observing me. While I was most curious about why they made me look this particular way, it didn’t seem to cross his mind. At least he found it interesting.

“Oh, Haon. You got your makeup retouched.”

“Manager hyung, why did you make me look like this?”

“Ah, we need Polaroid doll photos for the music video’s easter egg. I considered using an actual doll, but decided to have you in makeup instead to include it as an easter egg.”

I see. As the manager said, it really was full-on makeup artistry level. My eyes aren’t naturally this large, nor is my skin this pale. I look like a rice cake. With my hands painted stark white too, I felt uncomfortable even touching anything.

So the concept that was supposed to just be a straightforward ‘refreshing’ vibe also incorporated music video planning. Does that mean the song and lyrics are already done? Or did they just settle on the music video concept?

At that moment, Ilhan, who had returned looking utterly drained after finishing his shoot, froze when he saw me. My thoughts shifted towards him.

“……Jin Haon?”

“Yes, it’s me Haon.”

“Ah……”

It seems Ilhan also found me novel. Unlike Yoochan’s overt reaction, he kept sneaking furtive glances at me. To be honest, my first impression after getting this makeup was that it looked creepy. So Seoho’s reaction felt the most realistic, but it appears that to these hyungs, the novelty outweighs the creepiness.