Chapter 51: Words of Wisdom (Season 1 Finale)

Min-ho pulled Seo-woo by the wrist, striding down the hall toward the interview room. His expression was blank, but Seo-woo could tell he was annoyed.

Seo-woo, however, dug his heels into the floor, making them stop abruptly.

Min-ho turned to him with a raised brow. "What now?"

Seo-woo took a deep breath. "I need to say something."

Min-ho sighed, rubbing his temple. "Look, if you really want to know what happened between me and that harasser, we can talk about it later. The interviews are about to start."

Seo-woo immediately waved his hands dismissively. "No, no, no! I don't care about your personal life!"

Min-ho narrowed his eyes. "Then what?"

Seo-woo awkwardly scratched his cheek. "I, uh... I forgot to wash my hands."

Min-ho's expression twisted in disgust. "You mean... I just dragged you through the halls, and you—"

Seo-woo shrugged nonchalantly. "Hey, can you blame me? That whole scene back there was shocking! I completely forgot."

Min-ho took a dramatic step back. "You're disgusting. Do not touch me."

Seo-woo just laughed, enjoying Min-ho's genuine look of horror. "This is actually your fault for dragging me out before I could finish my business."

Min-ho crossed his arms and shook his head. "This is why humanity is doomed."

Seo-woo smirked and said, "That's my line" and pulled a small bottle of hand sanitizer from his bag. He dramatically applied it in front of Min-ho.

"Relax, CEO Clean-ho. I always come prepared."

Min-ho rolled his eyes. "Good. Now let's get to work."

When they entered the interview room, the three panelists—two music producers and a director—were already seated at a long horizontal table, reviewing the applicant profiles.

As soon as the CEO walked in with Seo-woo, the panelists stiffened in surprise.

Producer Kang was the first to speak. "Sir... who is this young man?"

The other producer squinted at Seo-woo. "Is he an applicant?"

The director chuckled knowingly. "If he's someone close to the CEO, he doesn't need to go through an interview process. He can just skip all this and sign a contract immediately."

Min-ho let out a short laugh, shaking his head. "No. That's not what's happening here."

He gestured to Seo-woo.

"This is Bi-yong, our newly signed composer and songwriter."

There was a brief silence.

Then, Producer Kang's eyes widened in shock. "Wait... Bi-yong? As in... the Bi-yong?"

The other producer gasped. "The one who composed multiple underground hits?!"

Seo-woo blinked innocently. "Oh, wow. Why am I the only one who doesn't know this?"

The director said, "Did you know that Lighthouse became famous because of their B-side songs, which were revealed to be written and arranged by someone named Bi-yong? And that composer is standing right in front of me."

Min-ho ignored his playful remark and continued, "I asked him to sit in on this audition as a judge. He has a sharp eye for talent."

The panelists immediately stood up and bowed slightly in respect.

"It's an honor to have you here, Bi-yong," the director said.

Seo-woo, a bit flustered, waved his hands. "Oh, no need for all that! Just call me Seo— I mean, Bi-yong."

Min-ho smirked at Seo-woo's near slip-up.

After exchanging pleasantries, Seo-woo settled into the seat beside Min-ho.

Producer Kang leaned forward. "This will be interesting. With Bi-yong's perspective, we might uncover some hidden gems today."

Min-ho nodded. "That's the plan."

Seo-woo grinned, secretly activating his skill to peek at the applicants' status windows.

"Let's see what kind of talents we have today."

With five minutes left before the interviews started, Seo-woo decided to check his phone.

A message from Jung-woo popped up:

"Hyung, I'll pick up the triplets later. Don't worry, focus on what you're doing."

Seo-woo let out a sigh of relief.

"Got it. Thanks, Jung-woo."

Satisfied, he scrolled through his messages and noticed something—he hadn't received any updates about Lighthouse lately.

His eyes narrowed.

"Hye-sung, why didn't you tell me what's happening with Lighthouse's career? I thought we were close. Smh. How dare you keep me in the dark?"

A reply came instantly.

"Hyung! I'm so sorry! I really wanted to call you, but everything has been so hectic after the comeback. I got caught up with promotions and interviews... I didn't mean to forget!"

Seo-woo chuckled at the sight of Hye-sung's frantic typing.

Another message followed.

"Hyung, are you mad? Please don't be mad!! TT_TT"

Seo-woo shook his head, deciding to ease Hye-sung's guilt.

"Nah, I was joking. I know you're busy. I'll visit you next time."

"Really?! You promise?!"

"Yeah. But only if you treat me to a meal."

"Deal! Hyung, you really are our savior! TT_TT"

Seo-woo grinned, amused by Hye-sung's dramatic reaction.

But his moment of entertainment was cut short when Min-ho suddenly patted his shoulder.

"Enough flirting. The interview is starting."

Seo-woo choked on air. "Wha— I wasn't flirting!"

Min-ho smirked but said nothing.

Seo-woo scowled but put his phone away, focusing on the task ahead.

The door opened, and five applicants stepped inside, guided by the assistants.

Two boys.

Three girls.

All of them stood in a straight line, nervously bowing before the interviewers.

The five judges—including Ryu Seo-woo, CEO Choi Min-ho, Producer Kang Il-young, Producer Lim Do-jin, and Director Kim Beom-seok—examined them carefully.

Seo-woo, wasting no time, activated his ability and opened their status windows.

Applicants' Status Windows

1. Yoo Ha-rin (18, Female)

Singing: ★★★☆☆ (Decent but lacks stability in high notes.)

Dancing: ★★☆☆☆ (Needs more fluidity and confidence.)

Acting: ★★★★☆ (Natural expressions. Great screen presence.)

Charm/Looks: ★★★★★ (Elegant beauty. Classy and graceful.)

Special Talent: Modeling (Could become a top visual in the industry.)

Weakness: Stage fright (Freezes under pressure.)

2. Kang Woo-jin (20, Male)

Singing: ★☆☆☆☆ (Voice cracks under stress.)

Dancing: ★★★☆☆ (Has rhythm, but lacks confidence.)

Rapping: ★★★★☆ (Great potential. Strong delivery.)

Charm/Looks: ★★★☆☆ (Has a boy-next-door charm but lacks presence.)

Special Talent: Songwriting (Can write emotional lyrics.)

Weakness: Low self-esteem (Easily discouraged.)

3. Han Mi-rae (19, Female)

Singing: ★★★★☆ (Strong vocals, good technique.)

Dancing: ★★★☆☆ (Passable but needs training.)

Rapping: ★★★☆☆ (Above average, lacks speed.)

Charm/Looks: ★★★★☆ (Cute and refreshing. Has a friendly aura.)

Special Talent: Composing (Can play instruments.)

Weakness: Inexperience (Has never performed live before.)

4. Choi Do-yun (21, Male)

Singing: ★★☆☆☆ (Not tone-deaf but weak stamina.)

Dancing: ★★★☆☆ (Good at freestyle, lacks structure.)

Acting: ★★★☆☆ (Average, but has a presence.)

Charm/Looks: ★★★★☆ (Rugged and masculine. Appeals to older audiences.)

Special Talent: Variety Shows (Quick-witted and funny.)

Weakness: Unreliable (Often late and unprepared.)

5. Song Ji-hye (18, Female)

Singing: ★★★☆☆ (Sweet voice, lacks range.)

Dancing: ★★★★★ (Exceptional. Natural performer.)

Acting: ★★☆☆☆ (Unconvincing expressions.)

Charm/Looks: ★★★★☆ (Bright and energetic. Has a girl-next-door vibe.)

Special Talent: Acrobatics (Incorporates flips and tricks into dance.)

Weakness: Overconfidence (Doesn't take criticism well.)

Seo-woo clicked his tongue as he jotted down notes in his mini-notebook.

"Interesting... Their skills are all over the place. But there are hidden talents here."

Min-ho, who had been quietly observing, suddenly asked, "What are you writing?"

Seo-woo glanced at him and grinned. "Secret."

Min-ho narrowed his eyes, clearly not convinced.

But before he could interrogate Seo-woo further, Producer Kang clapped his hands.

"Alright, let's begin. First, introduce yourselves."

The applicants took a deep breath, ready to start their interview.

The five applicants sat nervously in front of the panel, each one a bit different from the next. Some exuded confidence, while others seemed fragile and unsure. As they took turns introducing themselves, their personalities came through in every word they spoke.

Producer Lim asked the first question, and Yoo Ha-rin was the first to speak, but there was a noticeable pause before she began. Her eyes darted around the room, and her hands fidgeted in her lap. She was clearly nervous, her throat tightening as if the pressure of the moment was too much to handle.

Producer Lim, sensing her anxiety, gently nodded at her, signaling her to take her time. But it was Seo-woo who broke the silence. With a smile, he leaned forward and spoke warmly.

"I know this feeling," he began, his tone soothing. "When I was first starting, I was always nervous, especially when I had to perform or speak in front of a crowd. But there's a simple technique I use to calm myself down."

Min-ho raised an eyebrow in curiosity but didn't interrupt.

Seo-woo continued, "Whenever I get nervous, I take a deep breath, hold it for a few seconds, then slowly release it. It helps you center yourself. And if that doesn't work, just remember: every performance is just another step toward becoming the best version of yourself."

There was a pause before Yoo Ha-rin nodded shyly. With a deep breath, she followed Seo-woo's advice and felt a little bit of the anxiety lift from her chest. She answered the first question with a much more calm demeanor than before.

Min-ho watched the exchange with interest. Seo-woo's presence was like a grounding force, settling the nerves of those around him without being overbearing. "He's good at this," Min-ho thought. "His advice might even be better than the actual interview questions."

After the first question, Director Kim raised his hand, signaling that it was time for the second. He focused on Choi Do-yun.

"Choi Do-yun," Director Kim started, "You mentioned in your profile that you're passionate about variety shows, but how do you think that skill will translate into a group setting or performances?"

Choi Do-yun sat up straighter. He answered confidently, his words clear and well-organized. "I believe that my skill set in variety shows is more than just humor. It's about connecting with people and keeping them entertained, no matter the setting. In a group, that translates into keeping the atmosphere light and keeping spirits high, even when things get difficult."

Producer Kang nodded approvingly, obviously impressed by Do-yun's clarity. But just as everyone thought the interview would move on, Seo-woo spoke up.

"It's good to see confidence and be able to connect with other people, but here's a piece of advice for everyone," Seo-woo said, his voice carrying a sense of wisdom. "If you want to be a star, you must always be on time and well-prepared to not be a burden to other people. Every moment counts. When you're late or unprepared, you lose an opportunity to shine. The industry won't wait for you to catch up. Remember, this is a business, not a hobby."

Do-yun flinched, the words striking deep. His earlier confidence seemed to waver, but he quickly nodded. Min-ho noticed, his eyes narrowing in thought. It was clear that Seo-woo had hit a chord with Do-yun, and perhaps it was a lesson the young man needed to hear.

The third question came from Producer Kang. He focused on Song Ji-hye this time.

"Song Ji-hye," Kang asked, "You've expressed a strong desire to be an all-rounder. What does that mean to you, and how do you intend to balance your talents in dance, singing, and acrobatics?"

Ji-hye took a breath, then smiled confidently. "I believe being an all-rounder means being able to adapt to anything. It's not just about doing everything well, it's about doing whatever is needed for the team. I'll push myself, learn more, and always improve."

Producer Kang nodded, his eyes appreciative of Ji-hye's sincerity.

But again, Seo-woo spoke up.

"Humility plays a huge part in being a successful all-rounder," he said, his voice carrying a calm authority. "But you can't be good at everything, and it's okay to admit it. But here's what I need you all to understand: entering the entertainment industry doesn't mean you're at the top of the food chain. Far from it. You're just beginning. If you don't stay humble, if you think that just because you made it here, you're untouchable, then you'll never grow. Arrogance will stop you from seeing your own mistakes, and you'll miss opportunities to learn. It could even cause friction with your teammates and the industry as a whole."

The room fell silent, the weight of Seo-woo's words settling on everyone's shoulders.

"Never stop learning. Never stop improving," Seo-woo added. "And always listen. Even if the feedback is hard to hear, it's a gift. You'll learn more from criticism than you will from praise."

There was a moment of pause before the interviewers began to exchange glances.

Director Kim was the first to speak. "Well said, Bi-yong. I think we could all benefit from that reminder."

The other panelists nodded in agreement. Even the applicants seemed to consider his words.

Min-ho watched as the room absorbed Seo-woo's advice. His fingers tapped on the table as he smiled to himself. Seo-woo had always been a bit of an enigma—an unpredictable force who seemed to move with an air of effortless confidence. He wasn't just a natural talent, he was a wise mentor, whether he realized it or not.

"I made the right call," Min-ho thought, watching Seo-woo interact with the applicants. "He doesn't just see the surface. He gets to the core of things. These kids will learn something important today."

As the interview continued, Seo-woo's words of wisdom seemed to create a lasting impact on everyone in the room. Even the other interviewers couldn't help but listen a little more carefully, taking mental notes of the advice he'd shared. Min-ho chuckled softly, feeling a bit of pride swell in his chest.

Seo-woo wasn't just here to pick talent—he was here to shape it.

---

At Sunshine Kindergarten, the triplets were sitting at their table, happily munching on their lunch. The bento boxes their father had made for them were neat and appetizing, each meal meticulously crafted to look as adorable as it was delicious. The three of them—Seo-jun, Seo-min, and Seo-jin—sat there with delighted expressions, taking bites of their favorite foods.

Seo-min, the cheerful and talkative middle child, was the first to notice that his two friends, Tae-bin and Jae-hoon, were eyeing his lunch with longing. They were sitting beside him, but their lunches didn't seem as appealing as the neat, colorful boxes his father had packed for them.

"Tae-bin, Jae-hoon, you want some?" Seo-min asked with a grin.

At first, the triplets had been stingy with their food, not wanting to share, but when they saw the pitiful, almost pleading faces of their friends, they finally gave in. After a short debate, they offered them cute octopus-shaped sausages—one for each of the boys. Tae-bin and Jae-hoon immediately devoured the sausages with delight, their faces lighting up with excitement.

The scene was adorable and lighthearted, but suddenly, Seo-min's expression changed. His face twisted slightly as he suddenly felt the urgent need to pee.

"I need to go!" Seo-min exclaimed, standing up abruptly, nearly knocking over his half-finished lunch. Without waiting for anyone to respond, he raced toward the bathroom.

Inside the bathroom, Seo-min quickly entered one of the cubicles, relief evident on his face as he hurriedly used the toilet. After he finished, he flushed the toilet and turned to leave—but just as he was about to step out, a sharp knock echoed from the outside of his cubicle door.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

A deep voice followed. "Are you done in there? I am a school janitor. I need to clean the cubicles." The voice was low and gravelly, sending a cold shiver down Seo-min's spine.

The young boy froze, his heart pounding in his chest. Something wasn't right. His gut told him to stay quiet. Not replying, Seo-min held his breath, trying to suppress the panic rising in his chest.

With shaking hands, he pulled out his tiny walkie-talkie, the one he and his brothers had bought together at the mall just last week. They used it for fun, but today, it was about to become a lifeline. Seo-min frantically pressed the button, his voice shaky as he tried to reach his brothers.

"Seo-jun! Seo-jin! Help!" he cried into the walkie-talkie.

But the knocking intensified. Knock! Knock! Knock! This time, the force behind it felt more aggressive. The voice from the other side of the cubicle door was demanding. "Hurry up. Open the door."

Seo-min's fear escalated, his heart racing. He started crying, his tiny hands trembling as he clutched the walkie-talkie even harder. The tears started flowing freely as the knocking became more forceful, each strike sending a ripple of dread through him.

Back in the classroom, Seo-jun was sitting at his desk when he suddenly heard a disturbing sound through his own walkie-talkie. His face drained of color when he recognized his younger brother's voice crying for help. The connection wasn't clear, but it was enough to make Seo-jun's heart skip a beat.

Without thinking, Seo-jun bolted from his seat, his twin brother Seo-jin right behind him. Both of them ran through the hallway toward the bathroom.

As they rushed, they passed Mr. Seo, the faculty member who immediately recognized the urgency of their movements. Mr. Seo, having heard the cries and seen the panicked expressions on the boys' faces, quickly grasped the situation.

Seo-jun said hurriedly, "Seo-min's in trouble! He's in the bathroom! I think someone is trying to harm him. We heard loud knocks on my walkie-talkie."

Mr. Seo said, his face turning pale with concern, "I'll call the guards!"

Mr. Seo called someone inside the faculty room to accompany the boys immediately to the bathroom.

Seo-jun and Seo-jin barely heard him, their focus entirely on reaching the bathroom as fast as they could. The walkie-talkie was still crackling with static, and Seo-min's faint sobs echoed through it, urging them to hurry.

When they reached the bathroom door, they saw a man standing outside, his face obscured by a hood. In his hand, he held a syringe—the gleaming needle reflecting the harsh fluorescent light of the hallway. The man looked as if he had been about to enter the bathroom when he saw the boys approaching.

Seo-jun instinctively stepped in front of Seo-jin, his protective instincts kicking in. Mr. Kim, who had accompanied the two, asked the strange man, "Who are you? What are you doing here?" He demanded, his voice sharp.

Mr. Seo appeared behind them at that moment, having arrived with the school guards in tow. He shouted for the guards to detain the man, who immediately turned and fled, disappearing around the corner with alarming speed. The guards pursued him, but not before Mr. Kim managed to grab a glimpse of the man's face.

"We'll get him," Mr. Kim reassured the boys, his expression grim.

Without hesitation, Seo-jun and Seo-jin burst through the bathroom door. What they saw made their blood run cold.

Seo-min was slumped inside the cubicle, unconscious and lying on the floor. His face was pale, his small body limp. But the worst part was the bloodstain on his elbow. It was clear that the man had pricked him with the syringe.

"Seo-min!" Seo-jun shouted, dropping to his knees beside his brother. He gently shook Seo-min, his hands trembling. "Seo-min, wake up! Please, wake up!"

Seo-jin stood frozen for a moment, his mind racing. He was terrified, but he forced himself to think clearly. Before he could say anything, Mr. Lee, their homeroom teacher burst into the bathroom, having heard the urgency in the boys' voices. He immediately assessed the situation, his face tightening with concern.

Without a second thought, Mr. Lee rushed to Seo-min's side, lifting him effortlessly into his arms. His face was grim as he turned to Seo-jun and Seo-jin. "I'll take him to the clinic. You two go back to your classroom and I will call your father."

Seo-jun opened his mouth to protest, but Mr. Lee's expression left no room for argument. He nodded at the boys and rushed out of the bathroom, carrying Seo-min in his arms.

The boys watched as Mr. Lee hurried down the hall toward the clinic. Their hearts raced, but they couldn't afford to waste time. They needed to stay calm, to think logically.

Seo-jun squeezed his eyes shut for a moment, trying to control the fear that was creeping up on him. They had to stay focused, had to trust that Seo-min would be okay.

The bathroom door swung shut behind them, leaving them in a dreadful silence. The heavy, quiet weight of the moment seemed to press in on them as they stood in the now-still, empty bathroom.

As time dragged on, Seo-jun's thoughts raced. Was Seo-min going to be alright? Why was someone trying to hurt him?

"Please, don't leave us, Seo-min," Seo-jun whispered, his words barely audible. Seo-jin just hugged his eldest brother and went back to their classroom.

They hadn't realized just how much danger was lingering around them, not until now. Something bigger than they had ever imagined was at play.

---------------------------------Season One Ends----------------------------------