Chapter 22.2
So, I laid some groundwork of my own.
I had no idea how Tae Rim planned to assassinate me, but it’s always hardest to target someone surrounded by other people.
I slowly built relationships not just with the staff, but also selectively approached trainees who seemed likely to debut. Though I was cautious not to appear too friendlyâfearing it might push them awayâthese teenagers, quick to grow attached, easily warmed up to me.
Winning over those around me was far simpler than expected. Just what the hell had I done in my past life that made everyone avoid me? Human hearts truly were impossible to fathom.
âTake this.â
Lately, all I’d been doing was spending time with Jang Hye Joon to gauge his ability and calling Choi Hyun Hee aside for dance practice when he was feeling discouraged, thinking he had no talent.
To my left, Jang Hye Joon held out a clearly expensive, luxury-brand shopping bag. I had no idea if it contained a watch, clothes, or a bagâbecause in my past life, I never even spoke with Hye Joon.
âHyung, are you close with Hye Joon hyung too?â
On my right, Choi Hyun Hee eyed Jang Hye Joon warily, like a queen carefully watching over a concubine. Since it was against the rules for B-Classâs Hye Joon to enter the A-Class practice room, Hyun Heeâs sharp attitude was understandable.
But standing between Hye Joon and Hyun Hee felt oddly uncomfortable. From afar, it probably looked like those two were competing over me.
Recently, Iâd grown strangely close with both of them. Holding onto two grown teenagers instead of flowers made me feel inexplicably heavy-hearted. I hadnât intended to get so close to them.
Everything had started with my curiosity about Jang Hye Joon, whom R&M was determined to send off to Ciel despite his wealthy family and connections.
I wasnât particularly interested in Hye Joon as a person, but I wanted to accurately assess his skills. Just how bad was he that the company would sell off a trainee wholesale?
So, outside of regular practice hours, I arranged to visit Hye Joonâs private practice room. I didnât go aloneâI wasn’t friendly enough to survive the awkwardness of being alone with someone I barely knew. I needed backup.
Initially, I brought Go Ha Ram. When Hye Joon offered to buy food, Ha Ram followed without a hint of suspicion. He was exactly the type whoâd get kidnapped easily.
And in Jang Hye Joonâs practice room, I received a massive shock.
Because, well… Jang Hye Joon was actually very talented. It didnât make sense for him to be stuck in B-Class with skills like that. With such a strong family background, celebrity parents, and even decent looks, why on earth would R&M push him out to Ciel?
His abilities were easily on par with the A-Class trainees. His vocals lacked in higher ranges, which was disappointingâbut since his position was originally as a rapper, that wasnât an insurmountable problem. In fact, his dancing was far better than Choi Hyun Hee, who was hopelessly awkward by nature.
âWhy isnât he in A-Class?â
âHye Joon hyung?â
âYeah. Isnât he good enough?â
âProbably because his parents objected.â
âHis parents? You mean Jang Sun Wook?â
âYes. Hye Joon hyung insisted on continuing, but both his parents are actors. They probably donât want their son debuting as an idol.â
âSo that’s why heâs stuck in B-Class?â
âProbably… The company wouldnât want to offend two big-name actors. Hye Joon hyung probably understands that too, so he stays quietly in B-Class.â
I found himâmy new member.
Looking at Hye Joon, burdened by overprotective parents, I made my decision. He had incredible resilience, guaranteed industry connections, plus solid looks and skills. Who cared if his parents opposed? If he wanted to do it, then he should.
Ever since secretly choosing Jang Hye Joon as a debut member, I started frequently visiting his private practice roomânot only with Go Ha Ram but also dragging along Choi Hyun Hee.
And that was how the unwanted concubine rivalry around me began.
caffeinecat
Unwanted concubine rivalry lmaooo