Honestly, I expected since a while ago that preparations for the second album would go smoothly. This was because the working staff of the agency had worked like hell during the preparation of the debut album which is why they tried to start the preparations for the next album early without fail.

"The options for the b-side tracks are almost filled, and within those combinations of songs, the plan is to select and form them according to the album's concept. The rest will be taken out or dropped on the next album."

"Yes."

The only problem was that the director didn't want to throw away his self-produced version.

"We have plenty of time this time so please discuss on the title song thoroughly and slowly tell us."

"Thank you."

"All right!"

It was because the production of the title song was unhesitatingly delayed this time.

'...Is it because of the success of the debut album?'

He obviously thought that his ideas worked well even in the entertainment industry.

However, it was fortunate that we had plenty of time this time. The deadline was set for more than two months and the song was already almost done.

Thanks to that, the members' complexions looked very good.

"Let's pick a good song this time, too."

"I'm already looking forward to Raebin's arrangement."

"Thank you."

Even if the concept was still undecided and we were asked to pick three songs out of twenty songs for the title, the atmosphere was hopeful.

...However, after a few days, I came to think that producing it by ourselves would be better.

* * *

"...A collaboration?"

"Yes, that's right!"

I had a weird feeling when the director suddenly called us, but I didn't think such a bomb would be dropped on us.

"May I... ask what kind of collaboration you are talking about?"

"Now, look at this."

The director handed out the documents with a confident expression on his face. The big letters caught my eye.

"...?"

"It's a game developed by a venture acquired by T1 as a subsidiary, and this feels like it's going to be perfect. The timing is also perfect. A collaboration with our TeStar would create a good synergy. Right? It's a game, so the concept is easy to grasp. How great is that!"

The director, who poured out his words, added the last words with a pleased face.

"This is an internal document, but I'm showing it to you because I believe in our TeStar. Just look at it from here, and don't talk."

It didn't even fucking matter.

'A mobile game...?'

I wish someone would please tell me this was a dream.

Next to me, Ryu Chungwoo asked in the calmest voice possible. As someone who wasn't familiar with mobile games, this seemed less shocking to him.

"...By any chance, what kind of collaboration do you have in mind...?"

"Now, think about it. When the game releases, you will also make a comeback jointly. And if you think about a picture where the game and you promote each other, the interest would double, wouldn't it."

I didn't know where this bullshit-sounding idea came from. Did the pituitary gland in his brain produce saliva instead of hormones?

'What the hell can you expect from a mobile game...'

Or did he receive a request from them?

No, few people would be happy to release something that was deeply related to an idol album unless it was for the sake of being an advertisement model for a commercial.

'Since that idol image will eat them up.'

If the game was to be released in two months, then it would have already been almost completed, but to insert content to promote unfamiliar idols in addition? That was perfect for a mess.

If this was pushed from the other side then it meant that they were really trying to take money from TeStar's fans and take advantage of that... I could see the future of TeStar's brand image being destroyed.

'We'll be stuck with mass-produced ruined game memes.'

No, in the first place, how are we going to include the contents of promoting the game in the album?

It's also a mobile game.

I didn't know if the director was tricked or pushed into this. Either way, it was bullshit.

"I set up a meeting on Friday afternoon so prepare yourselves."

"...Director, is this decision already closed?"

"I've already told you everything from the upper management and got it organized. Our TeStar only has to work hard."

"...Alright."

It was like a confirmation gun down. Saying that you didn't want to do it here would only create an emotional fight with the agency and you could only grin and bear it.

'Fuck, seriously...'

Should we just prepare the next album in advance and bring it in for confirmation? This is making me insane.

"..."

Like that, we were on our way out after finishing the meeting with the director. I checked to see if anyone understood the situation properly.

'Except for Lee Sejin, they're all annihilated.'

I expected it from Keun Sejin but Lee Sejin was unexpected.

'Did he have a hobby of playing games?'

Either way, the other four had an atmosphere around them that seemed to say 'I'm a bit confused but I'll do my best.'

'They'll understand when we go to the meeting on Friday anyway.'

At that moment, Keun Sejin tapped my side with his elbow.

"...Hey, what do you think?"

"We're screwed."

"Haha."

Keun Sejin laughed slowly, and eventually a look of annoyance passed over his face.

"It's really like that this time, isn't it? ...This isn't something that can be solved with effort."

"...You're right."

"This is too much, seriously..."

Keun Sejin was going to continue his words but shut his mouth, perhaps realizing that his voice had gotten a little loud.

'He made a smart choice.'

I checked Lee Sejin's reaction instead. He was walking while looking down at the floor with a pale face.

"..."

Did he look like that because of this situation? I had never seen him look distressed like that ever since .

Sure enough, Cha Yujin, who was right next to him, tapped on Lee Sejin's back a few times.

"Hyung! Are you sick?"

"...! No... I'm fine."

He's talking fine.

'Should I dig it up from him?'

I thought about it for a moment but then gave up the thought. He wasn't a kid and could take care of himself.

Right now... it was more urgent to come up with a solution to this damn situation.

'...If we add a bonus track and use it as the game theme song...'

That wouldn't even work for the director. Damn it.

I racked my brain all the way back to the dorm but I couldn't (obviously) come up with any solutions.

However, at that moment, this game collaboration situation snowballed due to an unexpected incident.

It wasn't just TeStar who was divided by this.

* * *

The first thing that started this incident was when T1 Stars Ent. finally registered on 'Job Universe' and allowed people to write corporate reviews.

Several staff members, who had left the company due to burnout from preparing the debut album, wrote scathing reviews.

This was the most recent review written. With one star.

This screenshot roamed around various internet communities since the review of the employees of a famous agency received quite a lot of attention.

All the more, everyone became rather talkative since TeStar's debut activities were successful.

And this screenshot had even entered an anonymous app for office workers.

The lamentation continued in one way or another. However, just before this post disappeared from the front page, a person in question suddenly appeared.

The short and bold answer contained many things.

People were stuck and asked questions, and in the end, the company's staff got angry with the gradation and left a lot of things up.

Soon after, this comment was deleted after it appeared in the 'Hot' posts, but this time, the screenshot remained and circulated.

Naturally, the fans who were waiting for the next album with excitement suddenly felt like they were covered in cold water.

The fans who felt a sudden chill rushed to re-watch the second episode of the reality show.

And they began to feel strange about the second episode and its behind-the-scenes videos, which seemed like a heartwarming production diary filled with passion.

The fans who were on fire soon became cold-hearted due to worries about the future.

Frightened fans contacted the company by phone and e-mail. The question was, 'There is a story on the Internet that the concept of TeStar's 2nd album, which is recently being prepared, has already been decided. Is it true?'

At first, a consistent answer came back, as if it was an automated answer, but soon the content and format became slightly more polite due to the pouring volume.

Of course, it definitely wasn't reassuring at all. This was because whether or not the album's concept was decided or if TeStar was taking charge of it themselves would have already been confirmed.

Fans eventually began to act a little more extreme.

And this choice produced tremendous consequences.