"This is a bit like time travel," Yejoon muttered to Sangwoo as they stood there behind Jiho, waiting for what Cheon was going to say. Nothing nice, judging by the look on his face. But the real time travel here was how Minjun was glaring at JB. He hadn't done that in a while now, not since they had first broken up. They had comfortably been into the 'ignoring' phase of their post-relationship, but time had turned back. And cranked it up a bit, because Minjun looked as if he was about to kill him.
Yoongi sensed that Cheon was about to speak, so he wrapped an arm around Minjun's shoulders. Less to console him and more to hopefully hold him back.
"I've decided to suspend all activities from all networks for the time being. For the whole company."
"Wha-?" Hobi honestly couldn't think of a more eloquent way to question that strange decision. "What are we supposed to do instead?"
"The youth protection act is supposed to help the youth finish school properly. You'll focus on that."
"Er, Joonie and I are pretty done with that," Hobi felt was worth pointing out, but he only got a glare.
"I'm finished with school too!" Minjun pulled away from Yoongi immediately, stepping forward to stand between Jiho and Namjoon, putting his hands on Cheon's desk. "It's not our fault that JB messed up! Why are we being punished?"
"Protected," Cheon pointed out with a roll of his eyes.
Minjun turned around glowering at JB. "Selfish bitch!"
JB wished he could say he had regrets over what he did but he didn't. He wanted to make a point and he had. And yes, he was not the most popular guy in the room right now but he stood by it and he knew Cheon did too. Well, Cheon had yelled at him for like half an hour before agreeing but whatever. He could make it up to his fans.
He didn't really care what the others said to him. Hence why he looked at Minjun as if he hadn't said much of anything too him. He just stayed where he was, head held high, not giving any shits. On the outside, at least. "Language."
Bitch was hardly an idol worthy word.
"Okay, stay calm. Junnie, you can't fight this. It's gonna be fine." Namjoon pulled Minjun away from the desk before he got into trouble and tried to keep him back so he wasn't in danger or hurting anyone important. Or himself. "Cheon-nim, I understand that the younger ones face a ban but -- me and Hobi have an album due... that's a lot of money, isn't it? Is this really the best option?"
And was that seriously on the back burner. Was that how fucking wild this was?
"Can't JB go to school and we just work on stuff until the ban is lift?" Sangwoo suggested, just trying to save Minjun from murdering JB.
"I'll give you language you little shit, I'm gonna make you regret you were ever born, you miserable, lying, plagiarising asshole!" Since JB had complained about his language, Minjun switched to English to cuss him out, even as he allowed his brother to hold him back.
Cheon let him finish, then just shook his head, focusing on Namjoon instead. "It's the best option. The company's image has suffered, it's better if we postpone your album until this has ebbed down. Besides, I have something different for you two to do."
That did not sound good. Hobi tried to exchange a look with Namjoon, clearly worried. But Cheon kept on talking.
"All of Crayon is underage, so you are all going back to school. Just like JB and Seo. Aren't you same age friends?"
"Enemies, more like," Minjun muttered helpfully, in a very constructive way.
"The girls will go to the same school. Kirin Art School. The company has bought it this morning, it will be the new place to develop KC Entertainment talent."
"Huh." He really did have a plan then. Hobi was almost impressed. Still, he lifted his hand. "What about Namjoon and me?"
"Teachers have to be qualitied, Cheon-nim..." And Namjoon was not. The other day Yoongi asked him how to get the Mac in the studio on and he couldn't get it working because he forgot the password! He couldn't impart ANY knowledge on the younger generation. Clearly. "I mean I guess we can try?"
Jiho rubbed at his temple, feeling that Minjun would never truly accept this but perhaps he could talk to him properly afterword. Talk him down a little. After all, Cheon probably had a point. They might end up boycotted after everything that went down.
"Question: If we got to school like normal students for 6 months, do we get to be like normal students?" Boseon asked curiously - mostly he wanted to know if he could use his phone again. He missed playing Angry Birds. A lot. "Oh! Can we attend school dances?"
JB looked from Cheon to Minjun, catching his eyes and wondering how he felt about it. Seemed his bandmates were more intrigued that hurt. Really, the only one in pain from this was Minjun. Heh. Good. He smirked at him. Was it a mature thing to do? God no but he did it anyway before he could stop himself.
"Aren't you qualified? Aren't you trained? Aren't you the one with the high IQ? Was that someone else? Were you lying?" Cheon felt that Namjoon had some questions to answer here. "I'd say you could do choreography, but we know you can't do that. So J-Hope can teach dance and you can... I don't know, whatever nerd thing you like." He waved his hand vaguely, shrugging his shoulders. "We have to clean up our act."
As a company, not so much Namjoon. Although Cheon remembered something about sexist lyrics, as if anyone cared. Apparently they did. He looked at Boseon and shook his head. "We will run the school like we run the company. All those pathetic students will get the chance to become idols at KC Entertainment. You just make sure you don't embarrass yourself. There'll be monthly talent showcases. We will televise those."
Well, he still wanted to keep the business going.
Seojun hissed under his breath when JB just had to provoke Minjun and rightfully so, because Minjun threw himself at JB right away, attacking without any regard for where they were. He tried to separate them, but Minjun was feisty and determined.
Yoongi moved over there, calling out to Sangwoo. "Hey!" Really, he felt controlling Minjun was Sangwoo's job.
Sangwoo came up behind Minjun and wrapped his arms around him, trying to haul him back from JB before he broke that stupid smug bastard in half. "Minjun, chill! It's not worth it, come on!"
JB didn't back away from Minjun, he let him get as close as he wanted and found satisfaction in making him lost control. Even if it hurt. Though sometimes it was hard to tell if Minjun was trying to hit him or kiss him, if he was honest. Wasn't that different from dating.
"Come on, we're a team. We have to stick together. Don't get expelled before we even start." Sangwoo moved Minjun back to where Crayon was before letting go and putting an arm around his shoulder instead, their group gathering around. "We got this, right? Six months to create an epic album until Cheon stops being crazy."
"I hope they have a studio." Boseon mused, not wanting Yoongi and Minjun to totally lose their minds. They had to make music or they'd lose it. "And a really good canteen."
JB adjusted his jacket and looked away from Minjun, facing Seo instead. "He'll get over it. We did the right thing."
"...sure." Seo had his doubts, but he smiled anyway, because he didn't need to get too much attention from Cheon over all of this. He knew his future at the company was already precarious as was, so he had to play along with it. Go to school.
Minjun was shaking from barely suppressed rage, but he allowed his friends to calm him down, leaning against Sangwoo's broad chest and closing his eyes while his heart pounded away.
"Might get some rest in," Yoongi suggested, patting Boseon's head since he was closest to him. They could do this. he was closest to being off age from their group, so hopefully he'd not have to play along with this for too long.
"Jiho," Cheon addressed the manager, frowning as he focused on actual business at hand, "I need a short and snappy video where these teens express how happy they are to get to go back to school, have them wear their new uniforms or something. Probably best with the girls."
"Got it. I'll make it happen." Jiho knew it wasn't his fault that JB took the stage, he wasn't his manager and he hadn't been there that night but he knew that Cheon had the habit of getting into fits of rage and taking stuff out on him so he tried his best to not piss the man off or he'd end up teaching at the school or some bullshit. "JB, Seo, Minjun annnd Yoongi would be the best for PR. Boy wise." Given that they were currently topping popularity polls at the KC entertainment. "Girls would be Chinsun, Misun and Ae."
Just from his estimation. He checked his watch and then nodded at Cheon. "I'll go get the uniformed and plan the shoot." He gestured over at Seo and snapped his fingers at him. "Seo-ah! Come with me, we need to get uniforms and I need some help."
Usually he'd asked Crayon but they were falling to pieces right now so he went for the only other kid he could ask. Asking JB would make Minjun ignore him for a week.
JB smiled at Seo and reached out to squeeze his arm. "We'll be fine." Well, he'd be fine. He had no idea if Seo would be but he didn't care. He didn't want to be a duo, he wanted to be solo and this seemed like the best way to gain his independence. As Seo left, JB approached Cheon and bowed deeply to him. "I won't let you down, Cheon-nim."
"Urgh, kiss ass." Sangwoo whispered to his band before making a gagging noise.
"I hate him," Minjun mumbled against Sangwoo's shirt and since he couldn't really hear him, Yoongi just nodded his head.
"Sure, Minjun." Whatever he said. He pushed them apart gently, so they could bow as a group and take their leave. "Goodbye, Cheon-nim."
Yejoon smiled winningly, or so he hoped, after bowing, but Cheon wasn't even looking at them, just waving them off. Which meant that Minjun had the opportunity to walk around everyone else just so he could hit his shoulder against JB. So there.
Hobi laughed and grabbed a hold of Namjoon's arm. "Come on, genius, you gotta figure out what you're gonna teach. Busy, busy day."
"Hey," Yujin sat down on one of the desks in Gyungho's classroom. Seeing how he was the only college track student, it really was pretty much his classroom. A decrepit and pretty disgusting classroom, but a classroom nonetheless.
Which meant it was usually empty, making it pretty perfect for Yujin. He bent down to get his guitar case and open it up, looking at Gyungho. "Everyone's being annoying today, so you're the lucky guy who gets to enjoy my company."
"Cool, welcome to my class. Just keep your fame bullshit outside and you're always welcome." Gyungho assured the other boy as he looked up from the wall he was painting. Well, no one ever came in here or did anything here but him so he decided it needed to look different. He was painting with his hands, mostly making a very abstract and strange painting but he was liking it so far.
Paint was all over his hands, up his uniform and on his face but what did he care? Once again, no one ever came here. He was sure he was supposed to have a teacher but they just came in, wrote chapters on the board and fucked off.
Turning properly to face Yujin, Gyungho offered a half smile. "What's pissing you off today, Rocky?"
"I dunno, some kinda drama with teen idols?" Yujin could have only sounded less interested if he hadn't been so agitated about having to hear so much about it all morning. "You know, they introduced that law that means I can't get any money after ten."
Obviously that law had not been introduced specifically to spite him, but it sure felt like it. "Some idols broke the rule and now all the girls are worried they'll... I don't know. Stop talentlessly existing."
"Tragic." Gyungho agreed with as much sadness as he could muster in his voice. Which wasn't much. He took a step back from his painting, assessed it curiously and then walked over to the bucket of yellow paint. He hmmed and then turned to Yujin curiously. "Just play your gigs before ten or get a fake ID. I know a guy who knows a guy, I can get you one for fifty bucks."
Expensive but that was the only way he could think of.
He threw the paint at the wall and then set the bucket down, going over to use his fingers to move the paint around in the way he best wanted. "I'm sure all idols will be fine. They're idols, after all. The company will die for them."
"If I had fifty to spend, why would I be so desperate to earn money after ten?" Seemed like a rather obvious question to ask, Yujin felt. Still, he appreciated the token effort of giving him advice, so he played a few chords to entertain Gyungho, before he started to actually strum a song. His mind was still circling around the topic. "I don't know, they are all the same, right? Replaceable. I imagine they get dropped if they are too much bother. Kinda sucks, being an idol."
He could speak from experience. Not that he ever would, he didn't want people to know about his past.
"I can imagine it does. Not sure why everyone here is hoping to become an idol but I hope they manage it." Gyungho mused as he finished what he was doing and turned around, wiping his hands on his school pants and walking over to sit on the table opposite Yujin, just letting him strum the song and express himself a little. He was probably feeling stifled again. Gyungho understood that feeling well.
"Lucky for you, it's not a worry. I doubt rockers are as strict as idols. You're allowed to be reckless and party, for a start." It was like the underground rap scene - it was better to be out of control, good for the rep and for the whole brand.
"Yeah. We'll party together." Yujin stopped playing with a grin, holding up hand horns to show just how they'd party. Right now he'd just appreciate going through a meal without idol conversation. "Life's gonna be good."
And maybe Gyungho would perform again soon. Yujin had his fingers crossed. Either way, he seemed to be enjoying college track.
Suddenly there was a flurry of steps outside and then the door was yanked open by an out of breath Taehyung, his eyes wide. "Did you hear, hyung?!"
"He already knows how great I am," Yujin assured Tae, playing a chord again, "I'll give you an autograph."
"I heard about the new re-release of Evangelion finally being on Amazon Prime but I don't have Amazon money, Tae-ah." Gyungho replied, assuming it was something dumb like that. He raised his hand, idly ruffling his hair and yes, painting it with a weird mix of yellow and green as he did so. "Now shoo, hyungs are working."
Behind Tae, there was more steps and several students hurried behind Tae, one stopping to lean on Tae's shoulder and peer in at Yujin.
"Dude, come and see! This is crazy!"
Gyungho watched the other student run off and raised an eyebrow, turning back to Tae and yeah, he was now curious. "What is it... new vending machine?"
"No! It's better!" Tae's smile had gone slightly manic and then he ran off again, while Yujin watched. Huh.
"What's better than a new vending machine?" He really had no idea. "Two vending machines? A sandwich press?" Well, here was hoping it was something he could use without cash, because he was low on that. He set his guitar down and headed for the door, waiting for Gyungho to join as he tried to figure out what was happening based on the excited chatter everywhere.
Gyungho wasn't going to go at first but when Yujin looked back at him expectantly, he realised he probably should and slid off the desk, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Fine, let's go see what the fuss is all about."
As they left the classroom, it was easy to see the chaos around him. Everyone was rushing towards the same area and chattering excitedly among themselves.
"...At our school, I can't believe it."
"I KNOW!"
Gyungho tried to piece it together as he followed the crowd, not sure what to think. He turned to Yujin and raised an eyebrow. "I hope we don't get trampled by excited teenage girls."
"Yeah, we are too pretty to die..." Yujin felt that was a valid reason to want to survive. He knew how much hard work Gyungho had put into his new and improved body and, well, he had been born beautiful, so it seemed like a shame to waste all that potential.
They reached the entrance hall and Yujin stuck by Gyungho's side, still trying to piece this together. He heard some names that seemed vaguely familiar, like 'Crayon', 'JB' and more, but then someone finally clued them in clearly as the headmaster spoke from the top of the stairs.
"As most of you have probably heard by now, Kirin Art School has been acquired by KC Entertainment."
"What the fuck?!"
"Language, Jin Yujin." The headmaster sighed and shook his head at him, then continued on. "The director of the company, Ko Cheon, is here to address you. Please don't embarrass me."
"What the hell is going on?" Yujin whispered to Gyungho and Tae, who stood next to his brother, answered.
"Wishing on a star really works." That was the conclusion he'd drawn. "I made it happen."
"I doubt your wish did fuck all, TaeTae." Gyungho mused as he wondered idly what this would mean for the school. More students meant less dorm space - he supposed he'd probably be kicked out soon. Well, Eomma would be disappointed but at least he tried to stay in college track so there was that.
"This is so scary. KC ... idols... oh God, it's too soon." Jungkook mumbled anxiously behind them as he bounced on the soles on his feet, not sure what he was supposed to do. His stomach had butterflies.
Gyungho looked at Yujin and smiled playfully. "I wonder how much idols pay for weed?"
Well, he was wondering about the real issues. The important ones. How to get money before he got expelled.
"It's coming true though." Seemed worth pointing out. Tae was bouncing as well, although there was nothing but excitement showing on his face. As opposed to Gyungho, he didn't really get nervous and he had never felt any pressure, blissfully oblivious to such concepts. To him, this was simply the best thing to ever happen.
"Charge them at least double," Yujin suggested, already unhappy and this Cheon guy had only just stepped forward.
"Thank you for a warm welcome at your school," Cheon started, while the students looked up with a mix of excitement and confusion. Ugh, he hated kids. Hopefully there was at least some potential here, "As you all know, Kirin Art School used to be the number one music school in the country. My company will bring it back where it belongs, producing stars every year. That means that any of you could be the next stars."
"Yay," Yujin muttered sarcastically, but he was drowned out by everyone else cheering. This was the worst.
"In order to bring the school up to the standard my company requires, there will be a few new rules and a change to the curriculum. Nothing you can't handle, I'm sure. Especially since you'll have some new schoolmates to lead by example."
"Haha, you're going to become an idol." Gyungho teased Yujin, smirking playfully at him. It was pretty funny. Maybe he'd have to actually take dance class. Oh God, he wished he was back in the arts exclusively to watch Yujin have to dance in an idol way.
The crowd was far too eager at the idea of a curriculum change and the clapping was pretty loud, it was easy for Gyungho and Yujin to get away with talking shit.
"New school mates?"
"What does he mean?"
"Oh my God!"
Gyungho looked around at the students all getting excited and yawned lazily, rubbing the back of his neck before looking back at the company guy. "Oh shit..." This was definitely going to become an idol school. Well, at least Tae would be thrilled.
"Don't laugh just yet, curriculum change? You'll be back on stage before you know it, with those natural smokey eyes idol looks." Yujin was going to suffer, he already saw that coming, but - damn it - he was not going to suffer alone.
"Starting tomorrow, you'll be joined by the young idols of my company, some of you might be familiar with them. Misun, Chinsun and Ae from SH33R," Some girls were cheering, sure, but there were mostly several boys who looked as if they'd been hit with a hammer between the eyes just at imagining all that feminine beauty. Yujin rolled his eyes and Cheon was already continuing on. "Minjun, Yoongi, Sangwoo, Yejoon and Boseon from Crayon." This time, the cheers were pretty split between genders. Yujin had never heard of any of these people. "And, lastly, Seo and JB."
"JB!" There was one girl who seemed to just about lose her mind there, but since every other girl was doing much the same, it wasn't even that noticeable. Huh.
"I'll need earplugs if they keep screeching like that." Yujin was just saying.
And Cheon smiled, satisfied. "I'm sure you'll give them a warm welcome. The new rules and changes will be announced tomorrow. Please give your best. I want all of you to be stars."
"Urgh, man, it's gonna be an idol school." Gyungho cursed as he uncovered his ears from all the screaming. Who the fuck was JB and why did all the women lose their minds? He only knew like ... Crayon? Out of the list. Not bad though he did think any rapper in an idol band was probably a sell out so he didn't overly respect them much.
As the crowd started to move, splitting up and going off to loudly fangirl and get excited, Gyungho turned and looked at Yujin.
"Wanna join me in college track? It's the only way you won't be idol dancing." Gyungho playfully did a bit of a routine he remembered from Tae before bursting into laughter. "You're gonna look like such a jackass! Can I come to all your dance classes? Pretty please!"
"Oh, fuck off." Yujin looked unhappy, because he was, even more so since everyone else looked so very excited, chattering on about this as if this was the best thing ever. The headmaster and the evil corporate dictator had left to indubitably hatch out more evil plans and Yujin felt a lot like venting his frustrations. "What are you all so happy about, huh?! They are going to suck you dry! Turn you into soulless husks! You gotta fight the Man, not join him!"
"Which man, hyung?" Tae was confused, but not for long, because then he turned to hug Jungkook, leaving his brother to be weird with Yujin.
Who hung his head low, feeling blue. "This is gonna suck."
"I think your time is up in here." JB had been trying for about three days to get into this damn studio after class and practise and every single time, Yujin was in here. Always here. No matter what. And he ruined the studio too, it was filled with all his take out cartons and old drinks cans. It was revolting. Who did he think he was?
Just seeing him again, after all of those years, made him feel small again. Like he was that awkward idiot in his audition once more. He hated that feeling and perhaps that's why he came at Yujin more aggressive that he probably meant to.
Standing there, shoulders straight and eyes focused ahead, he tried his best to seem intimidating. "Get out."
"Yeah? That's funny, I didn't see your name on the sign-up sheet." Which made a lot of sense, given him and Gyungho had ceremoniously burned the sign-up sheet the day this stupid idol school take-over had been announced. "What was it again?" He looked up from the chair he was sitting in, even spinning around to face JB. "'J... R'? Like Junior?"
Seemed about right to him. "Look, idol boy, you don't have to be in here to plagiarise a song again. Don't pretend."
"There is no sign up sheet. There should be so I printed one - I asked Cheon-nim if that was okay and he agreed. So I signed us both in, cause I'm very generous, and your slot has ended." He presented the new sign up sheet to this asshole and then pinned it back on the wall where it belonged.
He was not going to be chased out of this space by some disrespectful punk. "And watch what accusations you hurl around without any evidence." Well, there was but he didn't want to be involved with it. He wanted to write his own songs - which meant he needed a studio. "Get out."
"Riiiight." Yujin got up slowly, the slowest anyone had ever gotten up. Then he presented the chair to the idol boy with a flourish, before stepping away. Well. He took one step away, then leaned against the desk and crossed his arms, watching him. "You have to double click on the icon to start the programme."
Hey, he was just helping an inexperience songwriter. "Do you know G-minor?"
"I know how to work the programme." JB dismissed as he came over to the chair and eyed it up, as if Yujin had left it a mess or something. He eventually sat down, logged in and turned his head to the pest that was still hovering around. "Look, I know that my magnetic personality is very attractive and compelling but I would like some private time. Though I can sign something first."
He winked at Yujin and then turned back to the computer, pulling up the program and starting a new file so he could get to work. He was a little rusty but he could remember the gist of what he'd learned.
"Uh-huh." Yujin watched him for a while longer, then reached out to poke his cheek. "How much make-up are you wearing? What's up with your skin?" It looked flawless, even up close. That had to be some kind of trick. Make-up or whatever. Maybe surgery? Could surgery fix pores? He honestly didn't know. "Don't you have any people that actually know how to write songs at your company? Why don't you steal something from them?"
Seemed more economical, frankly. He stopped poking and straightened up. "You're so slow too. Is that what girls like about you?"
JB grabbed his hand when he went to poke again and held it tight, looking up at him with a death glare. "Don't touch my face with your gross hand." He shoved it away from him and exhaled in annoyance, trying to focus on what he was doing but it was hard when there was a pest annoying him. "I just have naturally good skin. I also wash it often, I think that helps, Maybe you should try it some time."
That and he moisturised but he wasn't going to share that with him. "I'm trying to work. Go bother someone else." He tried his best to ignore him, opening up his sample files from the USB and trying to not let Yujin deter him. He wasn't a song thief... his manager was.
"You're in my spot." Well, it was true. He pretty much lived here. Or actually lived here, there was a rolled up sleeping bag in one corner for a reason. Still, he was the one doing the most work here, so he felt he'd earned it. "Ah, such a waste of time."
He looked up at the sky as if that could help, sighing dramatically. "Please, you don't even know what real music is, why do you pretend you can write any?"
Almost as good a question as the skin one, he'd say.
"I know what music is, I work with it all day. My life for the passed four years has been all music. You wouldn't know that. Look at you, you aren't even qualified to do what I do yet you think you can lecture me?" Pfft. Loser. He shook his head and rolled his chair back, because apparently he wasn't allowed to have any time to work on this. Not as long as Yujin was here.
"What does it take to get rid of you?"
Well, he would do it at this point - whatever the fuck it was. Cause this was just slow and painful.
"Ah, you are a true professional, is that it?" Yujin grinned, pulling himself up so he could sit on the desk and kick his legs a little. He was having a good time. "Just show me your song-writing skills. I want to learn from you, teacher-nim."
He glanced at the clock in the corner, then gestured to it. "All right, arrange something. You've got fifteen minutes. I could do it. Show me what you can do and I'll leave."
"Fine but you have to shut up. And maybe clean some. I can't stand this mess in here." How were there so many chip bags around? What was he doing in here? It was like a rat. Just living, eating, leaving stuff everywhere in a mess. He huffed in annoyance and tried to block out Yujin, arranging the beat he had on his USB and changing it around in the ways he wanted.
It had to be something good to dance to. And now he had his own work - not stolen, not plagiarised, not bought from a better writer.
He played the beat aloud and leaned back in his chair, smiling up at Yujin. Ha. He did it.
"That's gonna be a really nice project to hand in for your evaluation in junior high. You'd get a C, if the teacher likes you," Yujin said in a very encouraging and, therefore, obviously fake voice. He had spent the time on his phone, that he had illegally smuggled in, blatantly not cleaning anything up, ever. He was determined to make more of a mess as soon as he could.
But for now he moved, leaned over JB and graciously saved his current work as 'mediocre draft'. Then he took over, creating an arrangement of his own quickly. He let it play and looked over to catch JB's eyes. "Here, I made you an A-student. Do you want to pay me to tutor you?"
"I just wish you'd stay out of my personal space. I would pay you for that but there's cheaper ways to get rid of a pest like you." JB huffed as he reached out to turn the music off and yeah, he was annoyed because it did sound better and he fucking hated it. Not that he'd give that away. "I wouldn't give it an A, personally. It's too -- rough. What do you call it? Indie?"
He huffed out a laugh and shook his head, gently shoving Yujin away from the computer. Damn, he was a solid. Like fucking brick. "Very uninspiring. Now, if you're done ruining my music, kindly get lost."
"I'm leaving, doll-face." Wait. He had meant to say that as an insult, but now it almost came out like a very, very weird endearment. Yujin frowned and tried to move past it, finally straightening up and shaking his head. "If you want to write music people care about, you gotta have a soul. So try and win that back from your company, huh? Or you'll keep producing the same crap as everyone else."
He doubted he could get through to him, but hey. He had tried. "Real music is about what you feel. Not what they tell you to do."
"Real music is music. Don't be elitist. The songs I sing, I care about them. Otherwise, I wouldn't sing them." Not always true, sometimes Cheon made him do stuff he hated but he always found a way to love it. His father had told him that if this was his passion, he had to embrace all of it and he had. Even some awful, stolen songs he didn't really want.
"Go on, tell me, what's real music to you? You clearly hate my stuff so what's better?" What was the superior music?
"Something from the heart. Something you gotta get out because you'll explode otherwise. Raw feeling, true emotion. Having that one thing you care about so much you have to sing about it." Taking on the challenge, Yujin moved over to get the second chair. He spun it around and sat down right by JB, getting his headphones.
He put them on JB and then turned on the music. He had a mix on, so he wasn't even sure where in the playlist he was. Some original stuff, some old school rock, some other, newer stuff. "Listen to that. Really listen."
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Yoongi sensed that Cheon was about to speak, so he wrapped an arm around Minjun's shoulders. Less to console him and more to hopefully hold him back.
"I've decided to suspend all activities from all networks for the time being. For the whole company."
"Wha-?" Hobi honestly couldn't think of a more eloquent way to question that strange decision. "What are we supposed to do instead?"
"The youth protection act is supposed to help the youth finish school properly. You'll focus on that."
"Er, Joonie and I are pretty done with that," Hobi felt was worth pointing out, but he only got a glare.
"I'm finished with school too!" Minjun pulled away from Yoongi immediately, stepping forward to stand between Jiho and Namjoon, putting his hands on Cheon's desk. "It's not our fault that JB messed up! Why are we being punished?"
"Protected," Cheon pointed out with a roll of his eyes.
Minjun turned around glowering at JB. "Selfish bitch!"
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He didn't really care what the others said to him. Hence why he looked at Minjun as if he hadn't said much of anything too him. He just stayed where he was, head held high, not giving any shits. On the outside, at least. "Language."
Bitch was hardly an idol worthy word.
"Okay, stay calm. Junnie, you can't fight this. It's gonna be fine." Namjoon pulled Minjun away from the desk before he got into trouble and tried to keep him back so he wasn't in danger or hurting anyone important. Or himself. "Cheon-nim, I understand that the younger ones face a ban but -- me and Hobi have an album due... that's a lot of money, isn't it? Is this really the best option?"
And was that seriously on the back burner. Was that how fucking wild this was?
"Can't JB go to school and we just work on stuff until the ban is lift?" Sangwoo suggested, just trying to save Minjun from murdering JB.
Who still hadn't said anything. Fuck that guy.
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Cheon let him finish, then just shook his head, focusing on Namjoon instead. "It's the best option. The company's image has suffered, it's better if we postpone your album until this has ebbed down. Besides, I have something different for you two to do."
That did not sound good. Hobi tried to exchange a look with Namjoon, clearly worried. But Cheon kept on talking.
"All of Crayon is underage, so you are all going back to school. Just like JB and Seo. Aren't you same age friends?"
"Enemies, more like," Minjun muttered helpfully, in a very constructive way.
"The girls will go to the same school. Kirin Art School. The company has bought it this morning, it will be the new place to develop KC Entertainment talent."
"Huh." He really did have a plan then. Hobi was almost impressed. Still, he lifted his hand. "What about Namjoon and me?"
"Oh, you'll be teachers."
"What?!"
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Jiho rubbed at his temple, feeling that Minjun would never truly accept this but perhaps he could talk to him properly afterword. Talk him down a little. After all, Cheon probably had a point. They might end up boycotted after everything that went down.
"Question: If we got to school like normal students for 6 months, do we get to be like normal students?" Boseon asked curiously - mostly he wanted to know if he could use his phone again. He missed playing Angry Birds. A lot. "Oh! Can we attend school dances?"
JB looked from Cheon to Minjun, catching his eyes and wondering how he felt about it. Seemed his bandmates were more intrigued that hurt. Really, the only one in pain from this was Minjun. Heh. Good. He smirked at him. Was it a mature thing to do? God no but he did it anyway before he could stop himself.
"I'm excited for school. Aren't you?"
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As a company, not so much Namjoon. Although Cheon remembered something about sexist lyrics, as if anyone cared. Apparently they did. He looked at Boseon and shook his head. "We will run the school like we run the company. All those pathetic students will get the chance to become idols at KC Entertainment. You just make sure you don't embarrass yourself. There'll be monthly talent showcases. We will televise those."
Well, he still wanted to keep the business going.
Seojun hissed under his breath when JB just had to provoke Minjun and rightfully so, because Minjun threw himself at JB right away, attacking without any regard for where they were. He tried to separate them, but Minjun was feisty and determined.
Yoongi moved over there, calling out to Sangwoo. "Hey!" Really, he felt controlling Minjun was Sangwoo's job.
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JB didn't back away from Minjun, he let him get as close as he wanted and found satisfaction in making him lost control. Even if it hurt. Though sometimes it was hard to tell if Minjun was trying to hit him or kiss him, if he was honest. Wasn't that different from dating.
"Come on, we're a team. We have to stick together. Don't get expelled before we even start." Sangwoo moved Minjun back to where Crayon was before letting go and putting an arm around his shoulder instead, their group gathering around. "We got this, right? Six months to create an epic album until Cheon stops being crazy."
"I hope they have a studio." Boseon mused, not wanting Yoongi and Minjun to totally lose their minds. They had to make music or they'd lose it. "And a really good canteen."
JB adjusted his jacket and looked away from Minjun, facing Seo instead. "He'll get over it. We did the right thing."
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Minjun was shaking from barely suppressed rage, but he allowed his friends to calm him down, leaning against Sangwoo's broad chest and closing his eyes while his heart pounded away.
"Might get some rest in," Yoongi suggested, patting Boseon's head since he was closest to him. They could do this. he was closest to being off age from their group, so hopefully he'd not have to play along with this for too long.
"Jiho," Cheon addressed the manager, frowning as he focused on actual business at hand, "I need a short and snappy video where these teens express how happy they are to get to go back to school, have them wear their new uniforms or something. Probably best with the girls."
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Just from his estimation. He checked his watch and then nodded at Cheon. "I'll go get the uniformed and plan the shoot." He gestured over at Seo and snapped his fingers at him. "Seo-ah! Come with me, we need to get uniforms and I need some help."
Usually he'd asked Crayon but they were falling to pieces right now so he went for the only other kid he could ask. Asking JB would make Minjun ignore him for a week.
JB smiled at Seo and reached out to squeeze his arm. "We'll be fine." Well, he'd be fine. He had no idea if Seo would be but he didn't care. He didn't want to be a duo, he wanted to be solo and this seemed like the best way to gain his independence. As Seo left, JB approached Cheon and bowed deeply to him. "I won't let you down, Cheon-nim."
"Urgh, kiss ass." Sangwoo whispered to his band before making a gagging noise.
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"Sure, Minjun." Whatever he said. He pushed them apart gently, so they could bow as a group and take their leave. "Goodbye, Cheon-nim."
Yejoon smiled winningly, or so he hoped, after bowing, but Cheon wasn't even looking at them, just waving them off. Which meant that Minjun had the opportunity to walk around everyone else just so he could hit his shoulder against JB. So there.
Hobi laughed and grabbed a hold of Namjoon's arm. "Come on, genius, you gotta figure out what you're gonna teach. Busy, busy day."
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Which meant it was usually empty, making it pretty perfect for Yujin. He bent down to get his guitar case and open it up, looking at Gyungho. "Everyone's being annoying today, so you're the lucky guy who gets to enjoy my company."
He flashed a quick smile. "You're welcome."
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Paint was all over his hands, up his uniform and on his face but what did he care? Once again, no one ever came here. He was sure he was supposed to have a teacher but they just came in, wrote chapters on the board and fucked off.
Turning properly to face Yujin, Gyungho offered a half smile. "What's pissing you off today, Rocky?"
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Obviously that law had not been introduced specifically to spite him, but it sure felt like it. "Some idols broke the rule and now all the girls are worried they'll... I don't know. Stop talentlessly existing."
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Expensive but that was the only way he could think of.
He threw the paint at the wall and then set the bucket down, going over to use his fingers to move the paint around in the way he best wanted. "I'm sure all idols will be fine. They're idols, after all. The company will die for them."
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He could speak from experience. Not that he ever would, he didn't want people to know about his past.
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"Lucky for you, it's not a worry. I doubt rockers are as strict as idols. You're allowed to be reckless and party, for a start." It was like the underground rap scene - it was better to be out of control, good for the rep and for the whole brand.
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And maybe Gyungho would perform again soon. Yujin had his fingers crossed. Either way, he seemed to be enjoying college track.
Suddenly there was a flurry of steps outside and then the door was yanked open by an out of breath Taehyung, his eyes wide. "Did you hear, hyung?!"
"He already knows how great I am," Yujin assured Tae, playing a chord again, "I'll give you an autograph."
Not impressed, Taehyung ignored Yujin. "Hyung!"
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Behind Tae, there was more steps and several students hurried behind Tae, one stopping to lean on Tae's shoulder and peer in at Yujin.
"Dude, come and see! This is crazy!"
Gyungho watched the other student run off and raised an eyebrow, turning back to Tae and yeah, he was now curious. "What is it... new vending machine?"
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"What's better than a new vending machine?" He really had no idea. "Two vending machines? A sandwich press?" Well, here was hoping it was something he could use without cash, because he was low on that. He set his guitar down and headed for the door, waiting for Gyungho to join as he tried to figure out what was happening based on the excited chatter everywhere.
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As they left the classroom, it was easy to see the chaos around him. Everyone was rushing towards the same area and chattering excitedly among themselves.
"...At our school, I can't believe it."
"I KNOW!"
Gyungho tried to piece it together as he followed the crowd, not sure what to think. He turned to Yujin and raised an eyebrow. "I hope we don't get trampled by excited teenage girls."
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They reached the entrance hall and Yujin stuck by Gyungho's side, still trying to piece this together. He heard some names that seemed vaguely familiar, like 'Crayon', 'JB' and more, but then someone finally clued them in clearly as the headmaster spoke from the top of the stairs.
"As most of you have probably heard by now, Kirin Art School has been acquired by KC Entertainment."
"What the fuck?!"
"Language, Jin Yujin." The headmaster sighed and shook his head at him, then continued on. "The director of the company, Ko Cheon, is here to address you. Please don't embarrass me."
"What the hell is going on?" Yujin whispered to Gyungho and Tae, who stood next to his brother, answered.
"Wishing on a star really works." That was the conclusion he'd drawn. "I made it happen."
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"This is so scary. KC ... idols... oh God, it's too soon." Jungkook mumbled anxiously behind them as he bounced on the soles on his feet, not sure what he was supposed to do. His stomach had butterflies.
Gyungho looked at Yujin and smiled playfully. "I wonder how much idols pay for weed?"
Well, he was wondering about the real issues. The important ones. How to get money before he got expelled.
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"Charge them at least double," Yujin suggested, already unhappy and this Cheon guy had only just stepped forward.
"Thank you for a warm welcome at your school," Cheon started, while the students looked up with a mix of excitement and confusion. Ugh, he hated kids. Hopefully there was at least some potential here, "As you all know, Kirin Art School used to be the number one music school in the country. My company will bring it back where it belongs, producing stars every year. That means that any of you could be the next stars."
"Yay," Yujin muttered sarcastically, but he was drowned out by everyone else cheering. This was the worst.
"In order to bring the school up to the standard my company requires, there will be a few new rules and a change to the curriculum. Nothing you can't handle, I'm sure. Especially since you'll have some new schoolmates to lead by example."
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The crowd was far too eager at the idea of a curriculum change and the clapping was pretty loud, it was easy for Gyungho and Yujin to get away with talking shit.
"New school mates?"
"What does he mean?"
"Oh my God!"
Gyungho looked around at the students all getting excited and yawned lazily, rubbing the back of his neck before looking back at the company guy. "Oh shit..." This was definitely going to become an idol school. Well, at least Tae would be thrilled.
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"Starting tomorrow, you'll be joined by the young idols of my company, some of you might be familiar with them. Misun, Chinsun and Ae from SH33R," Some girls were cheering, sure, but there were mostly several boys who looked as if they'd been hit with a hammer between the eyes just at imagining all that feminine beauty. Yujin rolled his eyes and Cheon was already continuing on. "Minjun, Yoongi, Sangwoo, Yejoon and Boseon from Crayon." This time, the cheers were pretty split between genders. Yujin had never heard of any of these people. "And, lastly, Seo and JB."
"JB!" There was one girl who seemed to just about lose her mind there, but since every other girl was doing much the same, it wasn't even that noticeable. Huh.
"I'll need earplugs if they keep screeching like that." Yujin was just saying.
And Cheon smiled, satisfied. "I'm sure you'll give them a warm welcome. The new rules and changes will be announced tomorrow. Please give your best. I want all of you to be stars."
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As the crowd started to move, splitting up and going off to loudly fangirl and get excited, Gyungho turned and looked at Yujin.
"Wanna join me in college track? It's the only way you won't be idol dancing." Gyungho playfully did a bit of a routine he remembered from Tae before bursting into laughter. "You're gonna look like such a jackass! Can I come to all your dance classes? Pretty please!"
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"Which man, hyung?" Tae was confused, but not for long, because then he turned to hug Jungkook, leaving his brother to be weird with Yujin.
Who hung his head low, feeling blue. "This is gonna suck."
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"Enjoy your classes, Rocky." Gyungho gave him the horns and then turned away and walked off back to his class, wanting to finish his painting.
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Just seeing him again, after all of those years, made him feel small again. Like he was that awkward idiot in his audition once more. He hated that feeling and perhaps that's why he came at Yujin more aggressive that he probably meant to.
Standing there, shoulders straight and eyes focused ahead, he tried his best to seem intimidating. "Get out."
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Seemed about right to him. "Look, idol boy, you don't have to be in here to plagiarise a song again. Don't pretend."
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He was not going to be chased out of this space by some disrespectful punk. "And watch what accusations you hurl around without any evidence." Well, there was but he didn't want to be involved with it. He wanted to write his own songs - which meant he needed a studio. "Get out."
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Hey, he was just helping an inexperience songwriter. "Do you know G-minor?"
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He winked at Yujin and then turned back to the computer, pulling up the program and starting a new file so he could get to work. He was a little rusty but he could remember the gist of what he'd learned.
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Seemed more economical, frankly. He stopped poking and straightened up. "You're so slow too. Is that what girls like about you?"
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That and he moisturised but he wasn't going to share that with him. "I'm trying to work. Go bother someone else." He tried his best to ignore him, opening up his sample files from the USB and trying to not let Yujin deter him. He wasn't a song thief... his manager was.
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He looked up at the sky as if that could help, sighing dramatically. "Please, you don't even know what real music is, why do you pretend you can write any?"
Almost as good a question as the skin one, he'd say.
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"What does it take to get rid of you?"
Well, he would do it at this point - whatever the fuck it was. Cause this was just slow and painful.
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He glanced at the clock in the corner, then gestured to it. "All right, arrange something. You've got fifteen minutes. I could do it. Show me what you can do and I'll leave."
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It had to be something good to dance to. And now he had his own work - not stolen, not plagiarised, not bought from a better writer.
He played the beat aloud and leaned back in his chair, smiling up at Yujin. Ha. He did it.
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But for now he moved, leaned over JB and graciously saved his current work as 'mediocre draft'. Then he took over, creating an arrangement of his own quickly. He let it play and looked over to catch JB's eyes. "Here, I made you an A-student. Do you want to pay me to tutor you?"
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He huffed out a laugh and shook his head, gently shoving Yujin away from the computer. Damn, he was a solid. Like fucking brick. "Very uninspiring. Now, if you're done ruining my music, kindly get lost."
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He doubted he could get through to him, but hey. He had tried. "Real music is about what you feel. Not what they tell you to do."
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"Go on, tell me, what's real music to you? You clearly hate my stuff so what's better?" What was the superior music?
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He put them on JB and then turned on the music. He had a mix on, so he wasn't even sure where in the playlist he was. Some original stuff, some old school rock, some other, newer stuff. "Listen to that. Really listen."