Idol in a Gender-Reversed World

I went to the district office to receive a support grant of 1.5 million won, following Joo-ah advice.

To my surprise, it was correct that the country was giving me money just because I'm a man.

Even more surprisingly, because I'm an orphan, I ended up receiving 1.83 million won.

Since I turned 20 in January, until now, in April, the missing amount of 7.32 million won was deposited into my account.

I had 15.61 million won in my account, and with the 7.32 million won added, it became 22.93 million won.

"Wait, what? Is money being duplicated?"

I was so shocked, I couldn't say a word.

"I think I can finally start to love this world."

"What do you mean, hyung?"

"I just think life is really beautiful."

"You must have lost focus while practicing or something."

These guys were born into such a good world that they couldn't understand how incredible it was to receive additional support grants.

They just thought, "What's the big deal?"

Anyway, they're lucky.

If they were born on Earth and went through some hardship, maybe they would understand how happy this world is.

Instead of bringing people from Earth, maybe we should bring them to Earth and make them struggle for just a year.

Especially if we send them to the army?

They'd probably get all excited just from looking at women's skirts and try to increase the male population.

"Fortune? Did you get your fortune read? Come with me!!"

"Why are you even talking about fortune-telling? You're already looking for it at such a young age."

"Don't dismiss it as superstition. It really works. I was thinking of going, do you want to go with me? It might be good to check our compatibility, too."

I quickly distanced myself from Woo-yeon.

"Why would I care about my compatibility with you?"

"You don't have to look down on me like that! It's a bit too much, seriously~! If we debut together, our chemistry has to be good, that's what I meant!!"

"...Well, you're right. I admit it. Sorry for the misunderstanding."

Woo-yeon made a playful comment as if he was upset, but I blocked him out with my hard defenses.

"Hyung, we're done resting, should we start?"

"Phew~ Okay!"

I jumped up, ready to take my position for the group formation.

Since I'm part of the debut team, I couldn't avoid the end-of-month evaluation.

The latest hit song by a boy group started playing.

No matter how much I worked hard to collect coins and improve my dancing skills, I couldn't skip time.

Among the trainees here, there wasn't anyone worse than me.

Even compared to Jae-hoon, who had a brief nervous moment when I accidentally hit my ankle while dancing, he dances better than I do.

Yet, I wasn't anxious.

Wasn't I showing off a decent performance with these guys, even though I struggled to align my steps at first?

There's something I need to keep in mind.

I had only been practicing with the debut group for three weeks.

"Wow~ You're doing even better than yesterday."

"...You've definitely improved."

"Today was the day!!"

When the music stopped, and everyone was catching their breath, the eyes of the trainees who had danced with me turned toward me.

Lately, their hobby seemed to be "watching Jin Hae-sol's growth."

They were amazed at how quickly I was improving and checked out my progress.

The sharp Woo-yeon even noticed a pattern of my skill improving slowly but then suddenly taking off.

"He's annoyingly sharp."

Once he realized this pattern, Woo-yeon started calling it "the day."

"Wow~ I really envy you. I want to grow like that too."

"Like bean sprouts growing fast."

"At this rate, you're going to catch up to hyung, aren't you?"

"Stop flattering me. I know my place. I'm struggling not to be a burden."

I couldn't arrogantly respond to the trainees who were praising me, even if they were just joking.

I knew that they were actually serious inside.

At first, they were cautious about me, then relieved by my poor skills, but now they were feeling a sense of crisis as they saw me growing quickly.

Until the debut group was confirmed—and even after—I needed to be cautious.

The trainee ecosystem at Honey Entertainment was a cutthroat place where even the slightest slip could send you flying.

Thanks to Gi Woo-yeon's help, I had learned to read the atmosphere.

"It's true that I'm still lacking."

Woo-yeon agreed with me, and then added more, concerned I might really get discouraged.

"Of course, you've grown too. Just yesterday, when we practiced freely, your arm wasn't even in the right angle. But now, you've figured out how to make the angle work."

Anyone can follow choreography with enough time and effort.

But when compared to those who really dance well, you instantly realize the difference.

Ah, that's what real "dancers" look like.

"Now, try to pay attention to the details a little more, hyung. It'll look much better."

"Got it. Really, I owe my survival to Woo-yeon, I swear."

"Ehehe!"

Woo-yeon, after receiving a storm of compliments, proudly lifted his nose.

"Woo-yeon really is kind."

"I had a hard time adjusting at first, but Woo-yeon stuck by me and made it easier."

"Wow, all these good stories about me! I'm such an amazing guy."

Woo-yeon, who didn't reject the praise, even crossed his arms and raised his chin, which made the other trainees cheer even louder.

"Gi Woo-yeon! Gi Woo-yeon!"

"Gi Woo-yeon! Gi Woo-yeon!"

"Wooo! Gi Woo-yeon!"

"Ugh, come on! Why are you all doing this? Hehe."

After receiving a loud cheer, Woo-yeon seemed satisfied but shy, and everyone laughed.

After the fun, we got back to serious practice.

Clunk!

"Jin Hae-sol."

"Yes?"

"Come out."

The manager appeared and called for me.

Since it wasn't the first time, I calmly stopped practicing and stepped out of line.

"Woo-yeon too."

"Huh? Me?! Okay!"

"And Kang Joon and Jackie, Gyeong-tae, come out as well."

"Yes."

"Hmph."

I was the first to step out, followed by the others.

The manager looked at us with a sharp gaze.

Gulp—

I couldn't figure out what about his gaze made us so nervous.

To be honest, I was a little intimidated too.

"You guys, let's take a group photo today."

"Is it for a profile picture?"

"You'll see when you get there."

The manager didn't answer my question directly and led us.

But seeing who had been called along, I realized the final lineup for the debut group was being determined.

'So, are we debuting with this lineup?'

Jin Hae-sol, Gi Woo-yeon, Kang Joon, Jackie, and Kang Gyeong-tae.

'It's such a small number.'

I had expected at least 8 people, but only 5?

When I thought about the skills of the other trainees, it felt like a miracle that I was part of this group.

Is this the power of visuals?!

As we followed the manager, the others exchanged glances.

"I think this is it, right?"

"Of course. But I didn't expect it to be only 5."

"Yeah, it's a shock how small the group is."

"Hmm."

"Gyeong-tae hyung looks really happy."

"Of course he is."

Kang Gyeong-tae was someone who was extremely ambitious about debuting.

In a world where it's easier for men, not many are as hungry and dedicated as Gyeong-tae.

"It's probably not decided yet."

"Since they've called us, I think they want to see the vibe in the group shot."

"If it doesn't work out here, we might get eliminated, right? That's scary."

"Just thinking about it gives me chills."

Being chosen for the debut group was a happy thing, but there would be many difficult paths ahead.

Even if you weren't lacking in talent, you could still be eliminated for not fitting in with the group.

Woo-yeon knew many scary rumors, and since I didn't know much about this world, he shared them with me without hesitation.

Because of that, I also felt nervous.

'Come to think of it, is this my first time standing in front of a camera?'

Gulp—

My body stiffened.

Is this the greatness of a major entertainment company?

Inside the building, there was even a small studio for taking photos.

"Where is this place?"

"It's a place used to help trainees get used to being in front of cameras."

Woo-yeon quickly explained.

'He's quite the talker.'

"I've never seen it before today. Have you been here before?"

"Yes. Not often, but I've been here 1 or 2 times a month to take pictures."

"So, what about me?"

"You're unlucky. We did it the week before you came."

"I trained in C-class for a month..."

"...C-class doesn't do this. Only trainees in the debut group get to do this."

Such discrimination.

But I guess it makes sense; the equipment looked really expensive.

Besides, this kind of distinction probably motivated the trainees to improve and move up to a better class.

"Can you give me some tips? I'm nervous since it's my first time in front of the camera."

"Hmm, just relax your facial muscles. And just do what you're told. If you try too hard to do well, it'll come out looking weird. So, don't overdo it, just stick to the basics."

"Don't overdo it. Okay, thanks."

"Your face is already good, so you'll look great just by following the basics. Don't worry. The manager knows this is your first time."

"Okay."

'It's only been 3 weeks, so it's fair to get help. Hmph.'

While I was listening to Woo-yeon tips, the manager, who had left us alone in the studio earlier, returned.

"First, Hae-sol, you're last. It's your first time in front of the camera, right?"

"Yes."

"You'll get a feel for it by watching the others. Don't waste time goofing off."

"Yes!"

Thanks to the manager's considerate decision to make me last, I had time to prepare!

"Let's start with Gyeong-tae."

"Yes."

Gyeong-tae moved first to get his makeup done.

The rest of us had nothing to do but wait.

'By the way, my face feels so hot. Why are they staring at me like that?'

The staff helping with our profile photos seemed to be giving us glances.

Especially the one holding the camera, who seemed to be admiring me like they might eat me up with their gaze.

'Does that woman have an interest in me?'

In the past, I would have thought that when a woman's gaze fell on me.

But now, I didn't think like that anymore.

Because of Joo-ah, my standards had risen tremendously, and I realized that her gaze wasn't of a 'sexual' nature.

'Hmm, is it strange to feel a little disappointed here?'