Chapter Twenty: Tomorrow, I’ll Come Find You
“Me, go to JYP?”
“What am I supposed to do at JYP?”
Lin Shouxia didn’t wait for Lee Jimin’s reply and instead received a notice from his manager. SBS had just announced the third batch of performers for the year-end music festival, and naturally, due to his company's backing, he was selected.
Soon after came the news that he was to go practice at JYP. He found it puzzling—his own company had rehearsal rooms where he could practice singing and dancing. Why was he being sent to another company?
“It’s SBS’s request. Kim Woosuk has other commitments, so you’re replacing his solo. There’s also a duet stage that needs you.”
His manager wasn’t upset by his surprise; instead, he smiled, took the artist’s hand, and patiently explained the details.
Getting two stages on your first year at the music festival was a rare privilege.
He had a feeling this rookie before him might be his chance to turn things around in his career.
“A collaboration stage?”
“With Stray Kids or…”
Lin Shouxia recalled the awkward incident a few days ago when he had insulted the seniors’ looks and felt a bit embarrassed.
If he were collaborating with those charming idols, it would be quite awkward.
“What’s the point of collaborating with guys?” the manager looked at him puzzled, then dropped a name that made his heart race.
“You’re going to meet ITZY. As for who you’ll be paired with, that depends on them.”
At the year-end music festival, the theme was all about having fun. Besides interactions within their own groups, the organizers often mixed artists for collaborative mash-ups.
It wasn’t a big deal.
But in the current climate where any interaction between male and female idols sparks rumors, few dared to play this way.
“Pack your things and dress nicely for your first meeting. I’ll take you to JYP for the handover shortly.”
“It’s not a blind date…” Lin Shouxia was speechless. He was still waiting for a reply from Jimin, thinking he’d get some rest after the recording, but the company’s sudden move only added more trouble.
“It’s basically the same. They’re looking for suitable members. Be careful they don’t dress up Seo Jangbin and shove him at you as a dance partner.”
His manager emphasized the importance of this trip again, only stopping his chatter when he saw the newcomer dressed fashionably and neatly.
Their car slowly pulled into the garage beneath JYP’s new building amidst curious gazes from fans.
Lin Shouxia put on sunglasses and the baseball cap gifted by Lee Jimin, then followed his manager to a practice room.
Leaning lazily by the door, he listened to the flattery and pleasantries exchanged among the managers, but his mind had already wandered far away.
Why hasn’t nuna replied yet…
Page 2
Had he been too blunt and scared her off?
Should he have chosen his words more carefully?
Or had she already blocked him?
Idleness bred wild thoughts. Lin Shouxia was so bored he began thinking about what to say to cover himself. The liaison finally finished.
“Shouxia, right?”
“The ITZY members are rehearsing in the room. I’ll have them open the door.”
The manager naturally had access to open the practice room door, but everyone familiar with girl group rehearsals knew the scene inside—sweaty, barely dressed in light clothing.
To avoid awkwardness, some privacy should be maintained when outsiders were present.
She knocked on the door. The music abruptly stopped, followed by a flurry of footsteps. A fresh-faced girl peeked out.
“Yeri, is now a good time?”
“Uh…” The girl named Yeri glanced at the manager, then at the dazed Lin Shouxia standing nearby, and quickly pulled back inside.
“Who saw my shirt?”
“Where’s my towel?”
“Yuna, don’t toss your clothes around like that…”
After a chaotic commotion, the door reopened. The five members of ITZY lined up neatly and greeted the unfamiliar man.
“Lin Shouxia, an artist from Loen, here to prepare for the stage,” the manager cleared his throat and introduced both parties.
After that, the work was relatively straightforward.
In the modest rehearsal room, a variety of people gathered to evaluate possible duet pairings.
“Empty streets, desolate and dim,
With melancholy, I open the glass window,
Reaching hands catch raindrops falling,
Carrying memories flowing in my heart...”
Under the watchful eyes of half the room, Lin Shouxia and Shin Yuna finished the final part of the song and slowly set down the microphone.
A senior artist named Lin, sitting cross-legged on the floor, immediately applauded and began to cheer loudly.
Page 3
Though the oldest artist in the room, she showed no signs of maturity or composure. Like Shin Yuna, she loved the lively atmosphere.
Lin Shouxia thought if sunflower seeds were allowed in the rehearsal room, there would be a pile of shells scattered in front of Lin Nayun.
“So, what do you think?”
Park Jin-young was just joining the fun. He didn’t give his opinion immediately but turned his head to look at Bang Chan and Lim Yuncho beside him.
Rather than listening to the group leaders, he wanted to hear Stray Kids’ thoughts.
“If you ask me, a main vocal with a main vocal is definitely the best match.”
“But Lia and Shouxia don’t have any chemistry,” Bang Chan pondered, fixing his gaze on Hwang Yeri.
“Yeri, huh…”
“Yeri won’t work either,” Lim Yuncho anxiously interrupted. “Yeri and Shouxia don’t have any chemistry either.”
Who was this irresponsible leader? Knowing his feelings, yet randomly pairing his girlfriend with someone else.
“Then tell me, who do you think is the best fit?”
“Yuna. I think Yuna performs especially well.”
Passing the blame, it could be anyone as long as it wasn’t Hwang Yeri.
“Alright, Yuna it is.” Park Jin-young ended the audition with that decision.
He himself intended for Shin Yuna to represent ITZY on the duet stage.
At the year-end music festival, with dozens of stages and hundreds of idols performing in just a few hours, the key wasn’t always skill but chemistry.
Either the stage presence was flawless, enough to make fans replay fancams endlessly, or the performer was stunning enough to capture everyone’s gaze and leave a lasting impression.
ITZY was currently struggling to attract new fans. Compared to solidifying their existing fanbase, they leaned more toward the latter method to gain new supporters.
Lin Shouxia didn’t mind who his partner was. He smiled at the red-haired girl chosen by others, opened his backpack, and took out a water bottle to sip some lukewarm water.
In a forgotten corner of his bag, his phone vibrated.
The peaceful picture on the screen now bore an unread message.
“Tomorrow, I’ll come to Loen to see you.”