#sphereent

You’re automatically taken upstairs to where only the offices are found. You go inside as soon as you arrive. It’s a small meeting room. Sitting inside is your CEO, Baek Jiyoung, and two men. “Please, take a seat,” Jiyoung says. Once you do so, she stops tapping her finger against the table and shifts on her seat.

“You’ve probably already seen the news. If not, the word is out that you’re dating.” She motions towards one of the men beside her who then slides a cellphone in your direction. The screen shows the original post showing the given information. “We reviewed the proof, and it’s even more than they usually give. It’s usually something ridiculous, or only a few pictures. This is a whole case, Sua.” Jiyoung shakes her head. Her tone isn’t angry but disappointed. “You probably know him, here,” she motions now to the other man between you who gives you a nod. “He’s one of the dance coaches at Sphere, and he has some things to say.”

The coach swallows and pushes his chair closer to the table. “After spending enough time with the trainees, you start noticing when someone’s into each other. Whenever you pass by each other… it’s obvious.” Jiyoung continues from her seat at the end of the table. “Thank you. Getting attracted to someone is easy, right? But to date, in your situation, is both brave and incredibly stupid. Haven’t you worked hard to make your way here? Don’t you think about your future?” Before she can lose herself, Jiyoung stops for a moment and pushes a strand of hair behind her ear.

“First, you’re going on an SNS ban. Don’t post anything for a month, especially not about this. Secondly, you won’t be removed from my company– not yet, anyway. I don’t know what it is like in TRC, but I want to give you a second chance. Don’t leave this room hoping for a third chance, as you won’t get one. We’ll expect more from you. The coaches won’t leave your side, and they’ll make sure that your time spent here is spent training, and not daydreaming about our artists.”

“Lastly, you’ll break up.”

If you’d like to fight about it, she raises a hand to let her proceed. “He’ll be arriving soon, and I’ll tell him to do the same with you. We’ll tell the press it was all a lie, and we’ll move on, but your relationship ends here. This could have been the end of both yours and his career, Sua.” There’s a small pause. “I’m disappointed in you.”

The air is tense in the room, and no one else seems to want to say a thing.

“Do you have anything to say for yourself?”

baek jiyoung sounds more like a disappointed mother than an angry boss, and for that reason, sua accepts the lecture.  the last thing on her mind was ever disappointing her  -  there’s a lot of things that she could say, and there’s a lot of things she’s thinking.  things along the lines of, what a fucking load of shit and i didn’t realize i was working for a bunch of cowards.  but baek jiyoung is a disappointed mother, and sua hasn’t had a mother in a very long time.  how else can she reply but accept the scolding like a child shamed?

she swallows her words with a blank expression  -  because ever since the news came out, sua hasn’t quite been herself.  (  it’s almost like watching a movie play a scene; like sua is someone else.  

but then the bomb drops, and it’s called break up.  )

that’s when sua wakes up.

The man waits, anticipating your explanation, and then when it comes, he leans back, looking up at the ceiling, arms crossed over his chest. He almost whistles, in complete disbelief. “Wow,” he utters, looking back at you again now. “Come on now, get up,” he urges you. After a moment, he speaks again: “I hope she’s worth it, Barom-ssi.”

He doesn’t say anything else. Instead, he turns his attention to the papers on his desk, turning a few pages, then grabbing a pen. He signs on one of the lines, then pushes the paperwork across the desk toward you. “Signing here indicates you understand the terms we’re parting under, and will nullify your contract with us immediately. You’ll be free to go home right away and spend as much time as you want with that girlfriend of yours, and we’ll handle the media and the effects this has on Convex.”

In case you aren’t sure, he takes a moment to explain: “You didn’t cooperate, so this, unfortunately, is the course of action we must take. We all wanted differently, Baek Jiyoung included, but if you insist on keeping the girl’s identity a secret, we have to part ways here.”

Could there have been any other answer? Was there an option that doesn’t chance either of their positions if they were both allowed to stay in their groups once he gave a name? There isn’t, not with complete certainty and he can bet his own life away. He has on a few occasions, but he can’t do that with Seungah. He’s bet on enough with her, confessing that night on the beach knowing that it could’ve been the end of everything between them. Years down the line, they’ve been together for this long when he didn’t think they would get together one day in the first place. He could hope but he couldn’t know, not without considering her own fears and insecurities. Everything she’s worked hard to deal with up til today. He could see it all being wiped away like that no matter what route he took. 

If he said her name, she could be punished, stripped of her title as leader or given less lines and that’s stage death as a main vocal. If he didn’t, she’d blame herself and that he can prepare for, that he can convince her is worth it because it’s her. That, he’s sure he can bring her back from. Anything else, he’s not too sure he’d be enough. 

Standing and following the directions he’s given, he realizes this: it seems they were prepared for this to go either way as well and he knows he’s expandable in that sense. He knows he’s let her down and he wishes he could say he could do it without regret but as important as Baek Jiyoung had been to him in this stage of his life, as much as he respects her even now, she can’t exceed Seungah in his eyes. “I’m deeply sorry, sir. Thank you for your honesty and your courtesy.” 

Because this could’ve been worse, could’ve taken a more severe turn, but he thinks this way is more unsettling, his nerves on edge, his stomach lurching, and his heart sinking when he thinks of moving out of the dorm and not having a better explanation for the members. “Please let everyone know I wanted differently too but… I cannot choose something I love over someone I love.” He doesn’t say it but he hopes that one day companies understand being in love, being in a relationship doesn’t mean you can’t perform well; doesn’t mean that you’re not as dedicated and loyal, but that you have another reason to be the best person you can be. One day. Until then, he knows she is worth it. If only he could tell her what happened as easily as he comes to this decision. 

he’s curled up in bed with yoongi when he gets the call, groaning as he reaches over the other male to grab his phone from the bedside table. jeongguk answers the phone and draws it to his ear without even checking the caller id. “hello?” it’s only a few moments before he’s detangling himself from his boyfriend and shooting straight up, free hand reaching down to grasp yoongi’s tightly as he listens.

“oh, thank you so much,” he says before the call ends. his phone gets tossed to the floor, jeongguk staring at his lap in disbelief before turning to yoongi and laying back down with him. he’s got this big grin on his face as he leans in to kiss the older male. “i made it, yoongi! holy shit. they’re offering me a contract–” jeongguk wraps his arms around him and presses his forehead to yoongi’s, pressing another soft kiss to his lips and smiling as he pulls away.

“we both made it, finally.”

@rookieskrp: 

As soon as the casting notice is posted on the morning of the 20th, the news spreads like wildfire around the company. The whispers of “Baek Jiyoung CEO is debuting a new group!” spreads from one person to another, trainees and coaches alike, until there’s barely a soul who hasn’t heard what Sphere Entertainment plans to do before lunch break ends. Rumors abound about the concept, quickly exaggerated and easily argued over, until Park Heungsoo, one of the company’s vocal coaches, calls for attention in the middle of the bustling cafeteria. Once the room is quiet, he informs the group that all male trainees are to be called out by their trainers individually beginning after the lunch period. “Attendance for these meetings are mandatory,” he emphasizes loudly. “As they concern your future with the company, I advise you not to be late.”

True to the vocal trainer’s words, one of Sphere’s dance coaches, Lee Suhyun, calls you to her office several hours later. Seated behind her desk, Suhyun greets you by name when you arrive and offers up a warm smile. “As you might’ve already heard, our delightful CEO intends to put together a new idol group. Luckily for you, you’ve already caught her eye as a possible member for it.” The trainer reaches for a paper on her desk which happens to be your company profile. She reads over the listed information with a critical eye before switching her attention back to you. “My question to you, Yixing, is whether you’re interested in this opportunity and, if you are, where it is that you see yourself positioned in this group. Main dancer? Or perhaps as a lead vocalist, or even as a rapper? Maybe even the leader?” Suhyun places the paper aside, staring at you intently. “If you are interested in being in this group, know that I will immediately arrange to place you in a special training regimen to prepare you for the demands of this group. This may mean singing lessons if you are lacking in that, or even dance lessons if I also want you to improve in that area.” Leaning back against her chair, Suhyun nods towards the door. “Think over this proposition carefully and get back to me with an answer by the end of the week. You may go.”

he’d have to be outrageously oblivious to not know what’s going on by now but yixing feels confused from head to toe. a new group? male or female? not until he’s led all the way to the notice does he realize what’s going on and everything feels like a blur. questions fill the air around him until they’re suffocating him. he has no answers to give, no words to say yet. he’s shaken by his shoulders for attention but he’s not in control. he’s lost his voice until the trainer in charge of helping them hone theirs makes an announcement. mandatory meetings, yixing wants to ask where he thinks any of them are going once they’re inside sphere. they’re here. they’ve been here and yixing realizes park heungsoo-seonsaengnim has a point. yixing hasn’t been there in weeks, not properly and not at all times. 

You receive a call from Sphere Entertainment: “Hello, Ms. Joo. We were quite impressed with your photoshoot for The Samsung C&T Fashion Division’s casting process, and we’d like to offer you a contract with Sphere Entertainment. Can you visit the office this week?”

Like any average day, Minhee answered the unknown phone number then replied in formal greeting not knowing who it was until the voice began to speak. The female eyes widen began to widen in confusion somewhat shock she already knew that she did not win the contest and proud of her unnie getting one the prizes. Was this prank call or something??? She tried to muster up some words as was not sure on how to reply as felt too unreal.

“I-I…Uh…wait..Is this real? I mean, of course. I would love to come visit the office this week. Thank you very much for opportunity and I look forward to this chance and I’m sorry that I sound little tongue tied at moment. I’ll make arrangements to come to office tomorrow, is that okay? I need moment to get things order. Once again, thank you and thank you very much. Have nice day and evening…” 

Once the call ended, she stood there in complete utter silence in the middle of the kitchen at the family restaurant just looking stunned at the mobile, her parents looked at their daughter in worry like something bad just happened. Is this really happening?? Why on earth does Sphere Entertainment wish to offer her contract?? This is completely insane. Is this really happening to her? Why would they want someone like her? She is just pretty face and not very talented at all unlike Jieun unnie.

“Minhee-ah? Are you okay sweetie?” The mother asked worriedly placing her hand on the shoulder, tilting her head looking at the child curiously. The daughter cleared her throat turning to her dear mother before parting her lips, “I-I that’s sphere..they want me to visit the office this week…wanting to offer me a contract..me…a contract…like actual contract..” The mother looked so proud quickly spend the news to her father getting all celebrating happy their child meanwhile Minhee still in shock and her mind turns to think about how life changing this would be. Inside her mind, she began to write list of pros & cons about this. There were many pros about this situation but there is one con, her lips muttered “Simon..” she knew that would have end if she wanted to pursue this new career path. 

The female put on bright smile as seem her parents seem more excited than herself even mother called up to arrange family meal because she had big news to share. Later on in the evening, Minhee grabbed her phone to start texting the news to childhood friends and new ones too about what call she just had. Simon already invited to the family meal so she can share the news in person and talk about what they were going to do about that situation too. She knew in all contracts there was dating ban but there is always that cost to pay for sure and she knew Jieun would have plan on how to deal with that situation too because Minsoo & Jieun  relationship status. There so many mixed feelings on this situation, is this what she really wants to do? or not?

Evening arrived, it seem all the family came around for mother group meal, she is pretty sure they were all here for her mother cooking mainly as seem completely aware not really care on what the big news that she had to say. The brothers were up to their usual tricks threatening to beat each other while Sangmin being very protective of her wife who was due to give birth any day now. Minhee couldn’t help smile seeing her family all together again even cousin Mino & her aunt & uncle appeared at this family meeting. It was crazy on how fast mama arrange this so quickly, she probably had to shout food for get the family running to come over.  

Finally, Simon was last guest to arrived for the family feast, placing himself next to her while Mino was on the other side. It was really nice to see everyone eating together passing the food from one to other laughing joking sharing what been happening in their lives. These moments make her cherish her family even more and appreciate the closest. She was completely lost in thought until her big brother Dongwook broke her train of thought, “Minhee! Earth Minhee! Piglet! Yah! I said what have you been doing with your time?? I haven’t seen you, don’t tell me you hanging out with this kid all this time?” He said before playfully glaring at Simon before grinning cheekily at the kid in teasing manner. “Tch, leave him alone…You are big bully…I have been doing things…like working at the restaurant and well…I went to my first photoshoot for modelling gig with Samsung…and…I going to sphere entertainment tomorrow as they called today asking me to come to their office…” she mumbled the last part feeling actually somewhat flustered about this news making it feel more real.

Everyone seem to looking at her not sure what she said as mumbled it but the two next to her heard it perfectly clear. Simon expression look like a mixture of proud and complete shock, Misook ( minhee mother ) took the chance to announce it louder to everyone to explain what happened. Everyone start celebrate this good news, once everyone too busy drinking eating, Minhee slipped away taking Simon to her old room in the house so they could talk about what it meant for them. Before she even got the chance to say anything, Simon started to say “I know I asked you to be my girlfriend, but if we need to not be ‘dating’ and just seeing each other, with our hearts devoted to only each other so you can follow through with this, I’ll stay by your side.” She couldn’t believe what he was saying yet made her life so much easier with the decision, Minhee’s lip curved into bright smile taking in a deep breath as listen  to his sweet words. “You gave way for me and my job. It wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t do the same for you.” The words he spoke were true and she did really want to do this, this would be perfect life changing thing she would need to pursue her goal of becoming a person who can change the world for better maybe she could use the idol platform for good use. 

“Ok! I’ll do my best! I’ll work my hardest and make you and others all so proud. I’ll make sure Sphere won’t regret making this call..but what if they meet me in the office and don’t want me no more?? Anything can happen, y’know” she said as thought about the negative parts on what could happened tomorrow. Simon took her hand and kissed the back of it, before pulling gently to kiss her lovingly, then pulled back to rest his forehead against hers, “Just be your amazing self and you’ll do fine. Have fun. If you worry too much about making mistakes, then you’ll make mistakes. Where’s that beautiful woman that I loved and sang her heart out on the streets on me?” The words sooth her soul feeling her worries just melt away making her heart leap for joy. “Right in front of you silly, Ok. I’ll relax stay in my happy place and just be myself.” She announced proudly with full confidence. 

The rest of the evening just flew by, every just laugh joke full of merriment before everyone headed home and Minhee decided to stay in her old room instead heading back to the apartment. She wanted sleep in her old bedroom, her mother kept it clean always the same just in case when Minhee came home to visit them she could always sleep there if need be. Not even Dongwook allowed to be come in here which is quiet amusing and has deal with this small room. The daughter help clean up after the dinner before getting kiss on head before heading off to her bedroom for good long rest preparing for tomorrow which could be the beginning of whole new chapter in her life. 

The morning came around, the female headed out after having some nice home breakfast and good luck wishes from her parents. Minhee took a deep breath making sure she well dressed like she heading out to some interview and ready to present herself to the people at sphere. The buliding loomed over her as looked up at it feeling her hand was shaking with nerves yet fire in her stomach. She took a deep breath before taking each other closer to the door with every step she took, her heartbeat quicken literally feeling like it was coming out of her chest like one of those alien things. 

You’re pulled aside by a TRC staff member early in your day, right after you finish breakfast. The reason behind this is unclear, but you’re led down Seocho’s hallways to an unfamiliar office, where a man sits. “Hello, Bora-ssi,” he greets you, despite you never seeing him before. “I’m a representative of Samsung Entertainment. I’m involved in the relations between all five companies under Samsung,” he explains, and he pauses for a moment, either to let you process it or to decide how to word what comes next. “There’s a deal we’d like to offer you. Lately, Sphere Entertainment has been on the search for new female trainees, and they’d like you to join them. Tiger JK agreed that this would be beneficial to you after a long talk with Sphere’s CEO. Should you choose to accept this offer, your contract will be transferred to Sphere Entertainment, effective immediately. You can start training as a Sphere trainee as early as tomorrow, but if you need some time to decide, by all means.”

when she’s pulled aside by a staff member, immediately her suspicions go through the roof.  a puzzled expression mars her visage, but she says nothing about the situation  -  just crosses her arms and follows the trc staffer as she’s expected to do.  follow orders, always obey  -  it’s an unfortunate mess that she’s gotten herself into here at trc.  perhaps it’s part of the reason why she feels so caged in, wanting more but always stifled to the point of suffocating.

as she walks, she thinks.  maybe they’re planning on ripping up her contract? that’d be nice, but then she would have wasted all this time for nothing.  they hadn’t found out about her and hyun, have they? the further they walk, the longer the halls seem and the more her suspicions grow.  each of her ideas for this meeting only grow more wild than the next, but in the end, it always comes down to this: either trc wants to get rid of her, or someone has found out something about her and hyun.

sua has gotten a long way on her instinct alone, but the news that they break to her is .. definitely not what she’s expecting.  the suspicion only further makes her tense  -  what, exactly, had she done to catch the eye of sphere entertainment? she’s done nothing remarkable in trc, even she knows that much.  the idea that perhaps, they want to move her because of her relationship with hyun persists but she knows better than to ask that flat out to a representative of samsung.  

all she’s sure of, is that if they’re actually looking for new female trainees (  and not just saying that to keep her mouth shut about hyun  )  then something must have happened to their golden girls.  luna and eve? was that their names? sua can’t help the frown that pulls down her lips, the furrowed brow and the suspicion that still lingers in the back of her mind.  

“ beneficial ...”  it’s the first and only word that sua speaks, her brow raising quizzically at the samsung rep before her.  if her own ceo thinks this is a good idea for her, something really must be happening behind the scenes.  it’s just frustrating that she’s just not sure what that is.  sitting back in her chair, she tries to think of pros and cons.  the fact that she doesn’t know what the reason for all this is a major con.  leaving heejin? that would be a major con.  (  what would the younger girl say when she finds out that she’s leaving?  )

but maybe sphere has more opportunity for her than trc does.  maybe she’ll feel less stifled, maybe she’ll be able to spread her wings.  they’ve always been known as a company well versed in expressing creativity.  (  she wonders what hyun will think, when she tells him.  )  the potential for opportunity is just too pretty to pass up.  “ if you say so.  let’s give it a try.”

if this only ends with less air to breathe, then she’ll be the one to rip up her contract first.

A Sphere staff member interrupts your rehearsals early in the morning, pulling you aside. She leads you down familiar hallways until you arrive at an office. She guides you to a chair in front of the desk, then takes her leave. After you wait for a couple minutes, a man enters, displeasure clear on his face. He takes a seat, his eyes boring into you, hands clasped on his desk for a long moment before he finally speaks: “So, Yu Barom, we’ve received some information, and we at Sphere are not happy. That information is that you are dating someone. Is it true?” The way he says it indicates he’s already made up his mind that it is. “Who is it?” he asks, gaze still intense, not breaking eye contact with you for a moment. “Do you think our trust in you is a joke, Barom-ssi?” 

Something’s off. Rehearsals interrupted and it’s jarring to walk down this hallway again. He knows it, could walk down it blindfolded [anyone could, it’s a straight enough line if you’re not drunk but he stands by his point], but the reason why doesn’t connect with him. He bows his head when someone enters the room but when the man uses his full name, his full Korean name, is a staggering blow and he forces himself to seem attentive instead of surprised. Information? What information? Dating. What kind of information could they have for this to come up? What did he do? Was it what he posts? What he says? Did he open his mouth too much in front of the wrong person? But he wears his heart on his sleeve and anyone with half a brain back in the day could tell who he was in love with. When they ask who, that’s his only hope and he clings to it. “What do you mean who?” 

“Don’t play dumb with me, Barom-ssi. I already made myself perfectly clear,” the man spits, face still twisted in displeasure, and perhaps even more disappointment now that he’s heard your response. “You didn’t deny it, which would be the clear response if it wasn’t true, so I can only assume it is. You don’t expect me to believe you aren’t dating after that post on Instagram, do you?” It’s a rhetorical question, and he clearly expects you to know exactly what he’s talking about.

He snorts in disbelief, then shakes his head. “Yes, you’ve certainly showed how highly you think of this company with your behavior and by going against a very simple rule of your contract in dating. Baek Jiyoung is not happy, and neither are we. I’ll ask you one more time Barom-ssi, who are you dating? This is your final chance to defend yourself, and make it good. Your fate in this company hangs in the balance, and I have express permission to terminate your contract should you not comply.”

The tone is one he’s familiar with. It could be a complete stranger and he’d recognize it. The staff member in front of him already knows the answer, already knows he’s dating someone and a sigh of relief threatens to break through when he feels certain Sphere doesn’t know who. His post on Instagram? Brows furrowing, he tries to think back to it, what he’d said, and truth be told, he thinks he’s said worse on other posts, older posts, but he doesn’t want to open that to discussion too. He doesn’t want Sphere to dig deeper into his Instagram and Twitter to find traces he didn’t delete it. bits and pieces he wanted to hold onto of his girlfriend now that he can’t easily talk to her publicly. “No, sir.” 

He’d faced this before, the disappointment, the annoyance, and the stern order. If he closes his eyes, he could pretend he’s still the fourteen year old kid kneeling in front of his father asking for permission to attending a performing arts high school even though his mother gave him the clear, enrolled him, and his backpack was surprisingly already fixed up for the first day. If he closes his eyes, he remembers the arguing he could hear from the other room and how close he came to giving up each time he heard it start up again. With his eyes closed, he can imagine he’s holding the university acceptance letter again just before he tore it up. 

[His mother told him only last year that it was a copy because she didn’t trust her son not to let her take a picture first. Curse of having a photographer for a mother, she wants to capture everything.] 

This time, he feels like his contract is what’s in front of him. He doesn’t know how to explain himself without outing or giving more hints as to who he’s dating. If he says it’s been years, go back far enough and it’s obvious who he’s known for years in Seoul. Look closer and it’s obvious to tell that he’s shown his love for her in as many small ways as he can without being caught. At least, he tried until now. “You don’t know her.” 

Because he truly believes that. No one knows her the way he does. How it feels when she sleeps in his arms, how her entire face will light up over the simplest things and he falls in love again the way he did the first time he saw her smile and heard her laugh. Part of him wonders if their CEO is too upset with him to speak to him herself. It’d make sense and it makes what he says next more difficult to swallow. “I don’t want to lie to you but I can’t give you a name.” 

He can’t bring her into this, not after everything else she’s been going through. Member changes, ugly comments online, being apart in the first place. For being caught, it was his own fault; his own excitement and nostalgia after being sent the picture that made him post it like an idiot. “I’m sorry, sir. I am, but I wouldn’t be able to live with telling you. Please pass my apology on to Baek Jiyoung-sajangnim.” To everyone.