Wednesday, the day after the production presentation of 'Rental Lover'. Following yesterday, the internet was, quite literally, a festival of 'Rental Lover' and Writer Rojun. Media and public opinion alike were igniting the buzz.

Since it was such a sellable issue, fuel kept being thrown in endlessly. The public’s fingertips did not stop either.

However, Kang Rojun’s early morning had not changed much. He was the first to wake up on campus and started with running. After completing the daily mission, he invested 20 coins into stat enhancement.

Then he settled into the lounge.

Rojun opened his laptop. Compared to other participants, he had relatively more leeway. While his fellow 101 dorm mates and remaining participants had to fill their day with practice, Kang Rojun could manage his time thanks to having already learned via 'AI Automation' and through daily enhancement. The same went for the recent theme song 'Survival 100'.

'Vocals are no problem - I can learn the dance when it's confirmed.'

That didn’t mean Kang Rojun skipped practice entirely. Once his personal morning routine ended, he also joined practice from lunchtime onward. Regardless, sitting alone in the lounge, Rojun initiated his familiar routine.

Starting with lyrics writing, then composition, and once composition study ended, immediately into script writing.

For reference, the script was already about halfway finished. Rojun stopped typing and folded his arms.

'Hmm - once I finish writing this, how should I work with it?'

He was thinking about what to do once the movie script was done. There were plenty of methods. He could search for a contest like 'Rental Lover', or submit it to a film company, for example.

'Or I could ask PD Jung Soo-ryeong nim.'

Given that Jung Soo-ryeong was a veteran with over ten years of experience, she likely had connections in the film industry. It didn’t matter either way, but Rojun had set one clear principle.

'It's right to hide that I wrote it initially.'

At the moment, Kang Rojun had significant buzz. In reality, the internet was in a frenzy over 'Rental Lover'. If, in this situation, it came out that Rojun had written a movie script, things could get strange. People would obviously wear tinted glasses, and it meant the script might not be properly evaluated.

It was one thing for the work to gain prestige from fame, but too many cooks spoil the broth.

It could lead to unintended consequences.

'Even though it’s a side job, I still want to do it properly if I can.'

Though he came to realize it late, in a way, Rojun had established himself as a writer before being an idol. It felt a bit like an attachment? After pondering for a moment, he resumed typing on the laptop and murmured quietly.

“First, I’ll finish writing and then ask PD Jung Soo-ryeong.”

Later.

After finishing his morning routine, Kang Rojun joined the other participants around lunchtime for practice. PD Woo Han-suk’s instructions were clear. Each participant had to practice the performances they had shown during the previous evaluations, as well as 'Produce' and 'Survival 100'. If you were good at something, it should shine brighter, and if something was lacking, you should make up for it.

Therefore.

-♬♪

The ten participants, including Rojun, practiced either individually or in small groups across several practice rooms. Kang Rojun, wearing earphones, moved alone. Starting with ‘Farewell’, he planned to extend to ‘brake’, and so on.

'Is it because my stat score increased? It’s gotten really smooth. The sense, or rather - my head works faster too.'

It's fun to be good at what you've become good at.

Although he still had plenty left to learn, things beyond vocals or dance weren’t too difficult to handle. Unfamiliar elements manifested just as he envisioned, just as he desired, even at a high level. For Rojun, who was new to the idol scene, the thrill was doubled.

While the other participants were drenched in sweat.

-[Hello, this is PD Woo Han-suk from 'Produce That 100!']

PD Woo Han-suk sent out another urgent notice to dozens of entertainment companies that had attended the 4th evaluation. The content was quite lengthy, but to summarize, it was a request for a self-introduction PR that might be used for future broadcasts, as discussed in the previous meeting. It also included a note that this introduction would be used when the final winning participants make their selections.

The entertainment agencies got fired up.

“Emergency meeting! All department team leaders to the main conference room!!”

Thanks to the participants’ skills shown in the 4th evaluation and the ripple effect of 'Produce That 100!', plus Kang Rojun, who was stirring up maximum attention.

Later that afternoon, PD Woo Han-suk, who had returned to the campus, gathered the ten participants.

“First, I’ll inform you in advance about what’s been decided regarding ‘Survival 100'. For reference, the producing of ‘Survival 100’ has been handled by Judge Lee Da-mi.”

Lee Da-mi, though originally from a first-generation girl group, was currently running a mid-sized entertainment company. She was a perfect fit for producing the theme song.

“Starting with vocals. Basically, all ten of you will have vocal parts. Among you, the lead vocalist is Si-hoo.”

Baby perm 58Si-hoo widened his eyes. Seeing this, Woo Han-suk chuckled.

“The lead vocalist must have stable pitch and a graceful tone. Also, they must be able to support the flow just before the song’s climax. That’s why we chose Si-hoo.”

Soon, PD Woo Han-suk’s gaze landed on Kang Rojun.

“The main vocalist is Rojun. You all know why, right?”

All the participants looked at Rojun and gave a small round of applause. A vibe of unanimous recognition. 26Do-kyung muttered casually to Kang Rojun.

“Hyung, I figured you’d be the main vocalist. Honestly, no one’s got vocals like you.”

Behind them, PD Woo Han-suk continued his briefing on the song parts and soon changed the topic to dance.

“We’ve received confirmation from Judge Lee Han-na that the choreography is completed. The dance announcement shoot will be tomorrow. Also, Rojun and Si-hoo.”

Calling out to Kang Rojun and 58Si-hoo separately, Woo Han-suk made a request.

“For the Japanese version recording of ‘Survival 100', I’d like you two to help your teammates a bit.”

The new theme song 'Survival 100' currently had two versions: Korean and Japanese. Though the choreography would remain the same, vocal recording had to be done separately due to the language difference.

“Since there are ten members, individual vocal parts are few, but everyone except Rojun and Si-hoo are new to Japanese.”

Kang Rojun and 58Si-hoo nodded in understanding. PD Woo Han-suk, expressing gratitude, turned to Rojun.

“Once we go to Japan, most of the commentary will likely be done by you, Rojun. Is that okay?”

“Ah- yes.”

After staring closely at Kang Rojun’s face for a moment, PD Woo Han-suk spoke.

“As expected, I think it’s best for Rojun to be the team leader.”

At the same time, at Song Min-geun’s Recording Studio.

Veteran singer Park Hyun-jung, who had been singing passionately in the recording booth, stepped outside. She stretched her neck from side to side, looking tired.

“Ha-”

Slumping onto the sofa, she stretched her limbs out wide.

“It’s doneee!”

Apparently, the recording had ended. As she took off the hat she’d been wearing with a satisfying motion, the chubby Song Min-geun sitting in front of the equipment shook his head. Regardless, Park Hyun-jung, her face radiating sexiness, suddenly.

“.......”

She recalled the song she had just sung, ‘Black and White Sound’. More specifically, the lyrics written by Kang Rojun. Considering yesterday’s overwhelming production presentation, it made sense that she brought up Rojun.

“That kid Rojun is seriously something. He’s a lyricist, a writer, even an actor?? I’ve seen idols who also compose or act, but I’ve never seen anyone do so much. And he hasn’t even officially debuted as an idol yet.”

Agreeing, Song Min-geun stroked his chin.

“From the first time I saw him, he was something else. You should’ve seen him sing ‘Farewell’ in person.”

“What’s really absurd is, it’s not just his side jobs that stand out. His talent as an idol, including vocals, shines the most. Having too many side jobs can be a risk, but with him, you can feel that music is the main thing. Did you see him during the guide recording? His eyes were sparkling.”

"Why? Does it remind you of when you were a rookie??"

“......Anyway, I’m really coveting Rojun’s tone- do you think he'd if I ask him to do a feature?”

“I knew it.”

“Knew what.”

“It’s obvious you’ve fallen for Rojun’s vocals, it shows.”

Park Hyun-jung pouted her lips. Soon, Song Min-geun, who also happened to be a judge on 'Produce That 100!', calculated something in his head and replied.

“It’ll be up to Rojun to decide, but if it’s featuring in Park Hyun-jung's song and not just any singer, he’d probably accept. But isn’t it a bit early right now?”

“Right?”

“Yeah. His name’s only just been announced, right? He should at least earn the title of an official idol. If he wins the final round of ‘Produce That 100!’, that wouldn’t be bad.”

"What? Oppa is confident that Rojun will win?"

“The win itself doesn’t really matter. Just based on recognition, he’s already surpassed rookie idols. At this rate, he’s enough to threaten top-tier idols. Anyway, if it ends up being Park Hyun-jung’s song featuring Rojun... if that’s finalized, I’ll work on the production.”

“I’m already excited.”

“More than that, we need to start with the fact that Rojun is the lyricist for this Park Hyun-jung song.”

With a slight laugh, Song Min-geun felt goosebumps rise on his arm.

“First a writer, now a lyricist, he’s really a non-stop headline machine.”

Thursday late morning, 'Produce That 100!' campus.

In the wide hall where the stage was set, PD Woo Han-suk and dozens of staff were gathered. The filming setup was already complete. The cameras were focused on the ten participants. Among them, the black-haired Kang Rojun stood out.

“.......”

Rojun wore a very serious expression. The other participants were the same. In front of them stood Lee Han-na, her toned, lean muscles standing out. Wearing a confident expression as a base, Lee Han-na spoke to the participants.

“Before explaining anything, let’s watch the porformance first.”

As soon as she finished speaking, a few people went up on stage. Five men with visibly flexible bodies. Some wore hats, others had strikingly red hair. They were members of Lee Han-na’s dance team. The dancers immediately assumed poses according to the set formation.

A brief silence.

Then.

-♬♪

A familiar melody spread through the hall. The new theme song 'Survival 100', featuring Kang Rojun’s voice. The intro had a rhythm similar to a fast heartbeat. Soon, the dancers, who had been still, stomped the floor in unison several times. Then, positioned at even intervals, they stretched their arms and legs and brilliantly performed the dance.

Several participants softly admired the dancers.

"Wow-"

"Amazing."

What the 'Produce That 100!' participants were witnessing was the finalized dance choreography for 'Survival 100', and the dancers showed off their professional prowess on stage for several minutes. In the eyes of participants like 58Si-hoo and 26Do-kyung, a bit of fear appeared. Even at a glance, the dance was high-level.

'‘Produce’ was seriously on the easier side...'

Indeed, the dance choreography for 'Produce' had elements that were simple and clear. Back then, the participants’ skill levels and the large number of members were taken into consideration, so Lee Han-na had crafted simpler moves.

But this time was different.

The detail was considerably deeper, and the movements and gestures had increased. From head to toe, no part of the body went unused. It was essentially at the same level as idol group dance. So, naturally, the participants couldn’t help but feel intimidated. On the other hand, Kang Rojun, like the others, recognized that the dance had gotten harder, but he didn’t feel nervous, he just found it fascinating.

'It definitely sticks in your memory.'

Despite the difficulty, he had a feeling that he could somehow follow along.

It was only natural.

Kang Rojun was steadily growing in both real life and through stat enhancement. Just then, the dancers on stage came to a halt. The 'Survival 100' track had ended. As the dance wrapped up, the participants applauded.

-Clap clap clap clap clap clap!

Lee Han-na thanked the dancers for their efforts and then turned to the ten participants.

“What you just saw is the choreography you’ll need to learn and master. There were five dancers, but since there are ten of you, the positioning will be denser than what you just saw. It won’t be easy, but I believe everyone here can do it.”

Next, a practice dance video was distributed to the ten participants including Rojun, and Lee Han-na instructed them to spend the whole day practicing individually.

“Tomorrow morning, I’ll be checking each of your dance levels one by one. After that, I’ll decide how to structure the training going forward.”

Individual practice was important, of course, but group practice was necessary as well. It needed to be better than 'Produce'. Moreover, the participants couldn’t focus solely on dance choreography, they also had to consider vocals for 'Survival 100'. There was recording too. The workload had suddenly become immense. But the participants had to handle it all. Even if it meant staying up several nights in a row.

Therefore.

'Hoo- It’s okay, I can do this.'

'Don’t be scared. Just go for it.'

The participants were filled with both anxiety and fighting spirit. PD Woo Han-suk’s words only fanned the flames further.

“Although this project won’t be included in the evaluation, it will still have an impact in a broader sense. Depending on how good the gift to viewers is, the number of votes later could be affected.”

With that, the participants left the hall and each headed to their preferred practice rooms.

Except for one.

For some reason, only Kang Rojun.

'First, to my exclusive practice room.'

His destination was the restroom.