Embrace The Chords & Strings | ZEROBASEONE

Some trainees return to the life they had forgotten.

In the pockets people submerged themselves into, the world outside is daunting. While they isolated for their dreams, life continued. He heard from other trainees that they were visiting schools, others coming into contact with their companies, and other experiences that were barred due to participating in Boys Planet.

Labyrinth Hub was his home and his workplace. The company that now centralized many forms of entertainment was once quiet and in the shadows. But with several prominent figures, they were now on center stage. And he didn't expect anything less than the sight he was greeted with. His manager and publicist were busy setting up his meeting today that they'd just sent a driver to pick him up from Planet Camp.

The ride on the way was nice. The tinted windows and moments of privacy were a few things he missed since joining a survival show. He found peace in the moving vehicle that the driver had to gently wake him before they arrived.

Many entertainment staff and actors and idols were lined up in the reception area. Most of them arrived or were scheduled for consultations and collaborations. He found the energy to bow to a few who noticed his arrival. His eyes tried to figure out the artists from their masked faces but barely had time as he was notified by a text from his manager. They needed him in the conference room as soon as possible.

With the urgency pressed on to the message, he used the exclusive elevators to arrive. And when he opened the door to the room, he didn't expect confetti or a great number of people greeting him in casual clothes. "Welcome Back, June!" On the table laid a feast instead of the paperwork he expected. And the room was decorated with his face.

Leon and Stray Kids' 3Racha crowded him to pull him into a chair. The idols congratulated him on his appearance on Boys Planet 999. "We wanted to bring all the kids but Leon said you might get too overwhelmed." He appreciated their visit. But more so Leon's knowing gestures to him, June was tired and socializing wasn't his forte, so to bring a fewer number of people was the comforting thing.

»--•--«

In the music world it was never quiet too long. And so he didn't even batt an eye when they had to finalize his plans after the welcoming party. His publicist lead the meeting, presenting charts and the like of his appearance on Boys Planet and how his streams were affected. Many star creators grew curious about his solo music and began listening to his songs. And in turn, it increased the views and his fans. "We want to pull loyalty from your Korean fans but also show that you remember your English audience too. To achieve this, releasing a Korean and English song will be our way. And not just translations of each other — two different songs."

They had many English songs reserved. It wasn't trouble to choose a heartfelt one and work toward it. But there were complications that June couldn't help but raise. "Would the channel even allow me to do this? And I don't have any songs in Korean — will we have time?" June's uncertainty on his debut had him cautious about making calls. Thus, having a great team behind him that covered the ground where his doubts lay was greatly beneficial.

"It's handled. With a few promises and future promotions or appearances, they ultimately agreed. We just have to release the songs before the final. It won't be any good if you have a solo track when the one who only has that privilege is supposed to be the first place." Sometimes it passed his mind how intimidating his company is. The global Labyrinth Hub solidified its place and has earned a great reputation. But often, it is their great reputation that allows them to leverage over other companies without explicitly wording their influence. "Plus, we're confident that you can debut. And you won't be able to release these songs if you become a member of the group — so now's only the time."