Grab the Regressor by the Collar and Debut! Chapter 14

Chapter 14. The Trainee Who Refused to Debut (5)

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“I… why am I already exhausted….”

“You used up all your energy teasing Eunchan hyung.”

“…….”

We didn’t actually begin our official “bomb disposal” meeting until two hours after arriving at his place. Ever since we first met, we’d done nothing but practice until our mouths tasted sweet from exhaustion—but apparently, I got along surprisingly well with these brats ten years younger than me.

Is that a good thing?

Since my first regression up until now, I hadn’t really had a chance to laugh like this. My head kept telling me this wasn’t the time—but my body instinctively chased after bright, lively energy.

“Alright. Now let’s really talk.”

“Yes.”

“First, we need a standard.”

“A standard?”

“Yeah. A standard. Who are we taking down—and how far are we taking this?”

My line came out of nowhere, and the two of them—mid–chicken wing—froze.

“What you want— is it the Director and the parachute trainee gone? Or just a fair debut without a parachute?”

“…….”

“It may not seem different, but it is. Your goal changes the methods. Think carefully before answering.”

I watched them think. No matter what they said, I planned to remove the Director anyway. That was part of my quest.

But the parachute was a different matter.

Their opinion mattered. They were joining my Director Removal Project, after all.

“I…”

Joo Eunchan finally spoke, fingers still wrapped around his cola glass.

“I just want someone qualified to receive fair treatment.”

“If I can’t debut because I’m lacking or I’m not what the company wants—that’s fine.”

“But if someone’s dream gets crushed for reasons unrelated to ability… that’s not right.”

What a hopeful, idealistic thing to say.

And yet his expression was completely sincere.

“Taehyun hyung too… he works really hard.”

“Seo Taehyun?”

“They call him ‘Switch.’ He’s always the one turning the lights on and off in the special practice room. But he’s always excluded from the special class benefits.”

“…….”

“Just because the Director doesn’t like him, he doesn’t get opportunities. That makes no sense.”

Once, I used to believe in things like that too—good defeating evil, justice winning, karma returning. That effort would be rewarded.

But twenty-nine-year-old Kang Hajin knew better.

Still—

“I just want the people who deserve to debut to debut. I want to be evaluated on my ability.”

Even so… twenty-year-old Kang Hajin faintly remembered that sometimes, ideals are what move the world.

“…Alright. I understand.”

“…….”

“So your debut doesn’t have to be guaranteed?”

“Yes. As long as the opportunity is fair—I’m confident.”

I finished calculating in my head and took another bite of chicken.

“…So what’s the plan?”

“I’m thinking. I’ll explain when it’s clearer. For now, give me more info.”

“Info?”

“All battles are information wars. Fourth Industrial Revolution era, you know.”

“I understand you’re innovating jokes now,” Eunchan muttered.

“Why did Cha Minseok go to Rene?”

“…Ah.”

For example—rumors about his transfer.

“We’re on the same boat, right? Tell me everything. I need data.”

“Taehyun hyung would know best,” Eunchan said. “We only heard bits.”

Seo Taehyun again.

“Taehyun hyung actually came to Miro because of Minseok hyung. Minseok called him.”

“What? They knew each other?”

“Same academy for years. Then Taehyun went on Boy’s World, Minseok joined Miro.”

“Minseok was originally in Enderway’s debut lineup. But after a back injury, he got pushed back. Then the parachute showed up… the lineup changed… and Minseok left for Rene.”

“Some say the Director even helped him move.”

Interesting.

Later That Night

After the younger ones fell asleep, we passed out in the living room. For once, despite the unfamiliar space, I fell asleep instantly.

Meanwhile…

Rain poured outside.

Director Son Hyeonggu cursed internally while heading to the smoking area. His anonymous proposal for the next debut group had received 13 rejections out of 15 votes.

Nothing had been going his way lately.

I need to finish everything before full debut prep starts…

He kicked the ground in frustration.

“…Hello, Director.”

Seo Taehyun.

“Do you smoke?”

“No. Just throwing something away.”

“Hmph. Doesn’t matter now, does it?”

The Director smirked.

“As long as I’m at Miro, you’ll never debut. You know that, right?”

Silence.

“If you’d just listened to me, life would’ve been easier.”

“…I’ll be going.”

“Cha Minseok was smart. Found his way out.”

Taehyun flinched.

Three years. No activities. Just a faded survival show star.

When the Director left, Taehyun bit his lip until it nearly bled.

I want to run.

“Hey.”

He startled.

It was the new trainee—Kang Hajin—soaked from the rain.

Before Taehyun could even process it—

“Do you have some money?”

“…What?”

Was he getting shaken down?