As the contract overview wrapped up, Manager Yoon quietly cleared her throat. While Park Sungho had been informing the Yeong couple about the contract, she had been quickly scanning Damien's file during the meeting.
It was part of the agency's routine due diligence, especially vital given recent industry scandals. Agencies had become more cautious in verifying a new trainee's history in light of multiple idols facing accusations of school bullying and violence years after debut.
No company wanted to be hit in the head by a scandal lurking in a trainee's past.
With a polite smile, she spoke up, addressing the family. "You see, I just need to confirm a few details for our records." She glanced at Damien then to Mina. "You mentioned previously that Damien just finished his Year 11."
"Yes," Damien answered. "I'm in my second year of high school."
Manager Yoon nodded and looked at Damien's parents. "Could you confirm the name of the school he's attending? We have it here in the file, but I want to ensure our information is up to date." She kept his tone light. This was a standard question, yet everyone in the room understood its weight after the mention of the conduct clause.
Yeong Taehyuk folded his hands calmly on the table. "Certainly. He is attending Fujimori Academy."
"Ah yes, Fujimori—"
The effect was subtle but noticeable to those paying attention. Park Sungho's polite smile froze for just an instant, eyes widening almost imperceptibly before he regained his expression.
Manager Yoon raised her eyebrows slightly, exchanging a quick glance with Park Sungho. She quickly checked Damien's files again and there it was—Fujimori Academy.
For a second, the conference room was filled with silence.
"Fujimori…Academy," Manager Yoon repeated. She tried to maintain a professional poker face, but could not hide her surprise.
Fujimori Academy? Was it the same one I know by reputation? It was not a school I expected to see on a typical trainee's profile.
In fact, the name carried significant weight.
Fujimori Academy, as she recalled, was an extremely exclusive boarding school—essentially a private academy for the ultra-elite. The kind of institution where tuition cost as much as a small house and where students often are the children of billionaires, diplomats, and even royalty. This wasn't just any high school; it signalled that Damien's family background was far more lofty and well-connected than the agency had assumed.
Manager Yoon composed himself. "Ah, I see. Thank you," she replied smoothly, as if it were just another school. "And that school is overseas, correct?" She inquired mildly. The name sounded Japanese; indeed, Fujimori Academy was located in Japan, though it catered to an international audience.
Yeong Taehyuk answered calmly. "Yes, it's a boarding school abroad. Damien has been studying there, but we have arrangements for him to take a leave for training, and he will continue his studies remotely for now." This response was delivered easily, almost rehearsed in its precision.
"We've always prioritized his happiness," Yeong Mina added. "We're supportive of him taking this opportunity." She gave a small, affectionate smile toward Damien.
Damien bowed his head slightly, playing the role of a grateful son. "I'm thankful my parents are allowing me to follow my dream." That part wasn't an act—he truly was thankful to be here (especially without too much hassle)—though the "parents" he thanked were not the ones in this room.
The staff at the table took in this information with polite nods. Outwardly, the moment passed pleasantly. Manager Yoon smiled, saying, "Fujimori Academy must provide an excellent education. I'm sure that academic discipline will serve you well in training too." Her words were complimentary, and her tone remained warm, but there was a new deference underlying it. She sat a little straighter now, treating the family with the kind of subtle respect typically reserved for important clients or senior colleagues.
"Thank you," Yeong Taehyuk replied graciously. "We believe in strong discipline, both in academics and now in his artistic training."
Meanwhile, Park Sungho, the legal representative, gently cleared his throat and spoke in a respectful tone, "We will coordinate with you regarding the continuation of his education. Many of our trainees attend Eunhwa Performing Arts High School, as it is closer to the main building and close to the career path they're taking."
Under the table, Damien flexed his fingers to release tension. He had noticed the fleeting reactions. He was perceptive (well, at least tried to be). It was a trait honed by navigating high society circles in his childhood. He saw Manager Yoon's momentary surprise and intrigue as well as Park Sungho's heightened attentiveness. He understood exactly what it meant.
Phew...
He felt a mix of relief and wariness. Relief because perhaps they've accepted his background; wariness because he didn't tell them the whole truth. If this were found out, it could result in a major scandal. But for his goals, he's willing to go to any lengths, even if he has to take down a company with him—he'd do it.
Manager Yoon said brightly, "He's a mature young man. I'm confident he can handle it." She exchanged a quick look with the elder beside her, a look that said 'let's make sure to handle this trainee with care'.
The mutual awareness in the room had risen clearly, though it was all veiled under smiles and cordiality.
Everyone was reading between the lines now.
Park Sungho, tapping a few final notes, kept his expression neutral and friendly. Inside, however, he was recalibrating his approach.
The son of such a prominent family…No wonder they've been a bit guarded. It all fit now. The impeccable manners, the quiet confidence, the family who were almost too polished. Why hadn't I noticed it earlier?
As a legal representative, Park Sungho prided himself on quick judgments and experience. He made a mental note to double-check if the company's higher executives were aware of who they were signing today. For now, though, he kept that to himself.
Then, Park Sungho and Yoon Jieun exchanged glances one more time, this time more cautiously. The weight of unspoken understanding passed between them.
Would it be okay to ask if Damien had any problems, especially at school? How would they tread that conversation in a non offensive way...?
Manager Yoon Jieun felt hesitant, fear of provoking a family that might be well connected.
Still, they had a responsibility—especially now.
Legal representative Park Sungho leaned forward, his expression shifting just slightly. Still polite. Still professional. But just enough gravity in his tone to signal this wasn't a filler question. "Damien," he said, folding his hands over the contract, "there's one last matter I'd like to bring up. It's something we ask of all our trainees. A precaution, you could say. I hope you don't take it the wrong way."
Damien met his eyes calmly. "Of course. Go ahead."
Park Sungho nodded once. He chose his next words with careful consideration. "As you may know, there's been increased scrutiny lately regarding school violence—especially bullying. It's something the public cares very deeply about, and something agencies can't afford to overlook. We understand no one's perfect, but…" he softened his voice, "…we do want to make sure there's nothing in your past that could cause misunderstanding later on. Either with classmates, teachers, or schools."
Yoon Jieun stepped in gently then, her voice warm. "Even if it's something minor, like a misunderstanding or a conflict that was resolved, it's better if we hear it from you directly, so we know how to support you if anything ever comes up."
There was no accusation in their voices. Only caution. And behind it, a very real fear of what a single headline could do.
Damien took a slow breath, thoughtful rather than defensive.
"I understand," he said. His eyes flicked to the contract, then back to them. "I've never been involved in any bullying. No suspensions, no reports. I kept to myself, mostly and focused on studies. But, I can give you the contact of my former homeroom teachers if needed."
Yeong Mina added softly, "He's always been quiet and polite. The type to help other students rather than harm."
Yeong Taehyuk simply nodded in agreement.
Damien's voice remained even. "I'm aware that even rumors can be dangerous. But there's nothing on my record, and nothing I've hidden."
Manager Yoon smiled again, this time more sincerely. "That's all we needed to know."
Park Sungho nodded once more. Internally, he'd decided there would be no need to press further. The boy was sharp. The guardians knew what they were doing. And if there was anything hidden—well, there were better ways to find out than pressing a kid further with his parents beside him.
Still, for protocol's sake, he murmured, "We may ask the school to send over a basic behavioural statement, just for documentation."
Yeong Mina took out an envelope from her bag. "We already have a formal letter from his school, in case it was needed. It's sealed, but you're welcome to include it in his file." Not only had they anticipated the question—they had produced the perfect response. The envelope bore the golden insignia of Fujimori Academy.
How prepared... Damien thought.
System: [Of course, host. They are your proxy parents after all.]
Park Sungho gave a small bow as he accepted it. "Thank you."
The mood relaxed just slightly. Damien exhaled once, quiet. His back still straight, his tone still measured. "Anything else you'd like to ask?"
And both staff, nearly in unison, replied, "No, that will be all."
With all questions answered and details confirmed, the formalities were nearly complete. Park Sungho slid the original copy of the contract to the Yeong couple and Damien. "If you're satisfied with everything, we can proceed to sign. Mr. Yeong, Mrs. Yeong—as Damien's guardians, I'll need your signatures here," he indicated a line for the parents' consent. "And Damien, yours here, as the signee."
Yeong Taehyuk and Yeong Mina each took up a pen. They signed in neat, fluid handwriting. Then, Park Sungho quietly verified the names against the identification documents in the file.
Damien was last. He took a moment, pen hovering over the contract. A faint tremor of excitement ran through him.
This is it. The start of my trainee life. And finally the completion of this damn mission.
He signed "Yeong Myeong-ho" in Korean characters, then "Damien Yeong" in English beside it.
Park Sungho and Manager Yoon added their signature before producing an official company seal stamp. With a firm press, they stamped the contract pages, leaving the inked emblem of the agency next to the signatures. The contract was now officially executed.
"Congratulations, Damien. Welcome to our agency as an official trainee," Manager Yoon stood up and offered her hand for a shake.
[Ding! Task Mission Complete!]
[Calculating Rewards...]
Damien stood to accept the handshake, bowing in return. His heart fluttered at the words. He was now officially a trainee.
Yes! Finally!
System: [Congratulations, host! The rewards are still being calculated based on your performance, please wait a few moments.]
Park Sungho stood as well, handing a folder to Yeong Mina. "This is an information packet for new trainee families. It has our contact numbers, guidelines, and the class outline for Damien's training program. This may change, however, as the agency caters to its trainees' strengths and weaknesses."
Yeong Mina accepted the folder with both hands. "I see. Thank you very much." She leafed through it briefly, showing a calm interest.
Damien remained quiet, absorbing the moment. A subtle shift had occurred in the room's dynamic since the mention of Fujimori Academy. The staff's smiles were just a bit tighter at the corners, their bows a degree deeper. The proxy parents held themselves with the same composed grace, but Damien could tell they, too, recognized the shift.
"Shall I show you out? And Damien, we'll introduce you to the training center briefly, if you have a few minutes," Manager Yoon said. As a casting manager, it was her role to transition him into the trainee life.
Yeong Taehyuk glanced at Damien. "We have a little time, certainly." Turning to Manager Yoon, he smiled, "Please, lead the way."
As they exited the conference room, the staff and the family walked side by side.
Manager Yoon engaged in pleasant small talk as they headed down the hallway. "Damien, we'll get you a schedule to accommodate your schooling very soon. How are you with learning choreography? You wrote down on your profile that you have a background in ballet and hip-hop dance."
He answered earnestly, "Yes, I've been dancing ever since I was a small child so I'm comfortable picking up choreography quickly."
She nodded, impressed. "That's excellent. It will give you a good foundation."
Manager Yoon had kept a professional expression but in inside, her mind was spinning. A multilingual, well-educated trainee with dance training and a golden pedigree to boot—he could be a star trainee in the making, if managed properly. Their casting director really had good eyes.
As they reached the lobby, the meeting concluded with one more round of thanks and farewells. Damien bowed deeply to each of the agency staff members.
With that, the Yeong family and Damien walked towards their waiting car, maintaining their poised, gentle-parent act until out of sight.
The agency staff lingered for a moment as the trio departed, each lost in their own thoughts.
"Quite a morning," Manager Yoon murmured.
Elderly Park Sungho exhaled, then laughed quietly. "You can say that again. He's going to be an interesting one to look after."
Manager Yoon was silent for a few moments before replying,
"I believe so too…"