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| January 13th, Wednesday, 2021 |

 The year only truly starts after the first group meeting with the company staff. That's when they discuss what has been planned for the next few months, what they need to accomplish in the current year and the girl's wishes, like taking part in a certain show or having a specific type of content, for example.

 This meeting would usually last around two hours, but today would be different. Flashlight would start their meeting at 8 a.m. and have it set to end at 9:30 a.m., then Stray Kids would have theirs at 10 a.m., and both groups would have a meeting together after lunch to discuss their activities together.

"I wonder how much they're planning to do given we're having two meetings."

"I know, right? Did they forget you're a senior this year?"

The two youngest walked in front.

"Hey, Boram. Are you sure you're taking the college entrance exam? I mean, I think we'll do well from now on and you also have the copyrights of your songs..."

Jaein caught up to the conversation.

"Hm. I can't be an idol forever, I want to do something after this, live like a normal person, you know? Besides, I really like studying."

The girl smiled with her dimples showing.

Lastly, Annie jogged up to them, so the group was now in a line, occupying nearly the whole highway.

"That's right! Ever since I met Boram she has talked about being an International Relations major, she's amazing."

"International Relations!? I thought you were going for Music?"

Remi yelled with widened eyes, Boram only responded with a quiet laugh as they had reached the meeting room.

"Good morning!"

"Hello!"

The room had at least one representative from each area of Division 1. The head of marketing was accompanied by someone from her team and the director of Human Resources was also talking with a coworker. There were also people from the Creative Team and two men whose positions the girls didn't recall.

Aside from the bickers of the Marketing and HR teams, it was a long and mainly smooth conversation.

 The people present decided FLASHLIGHT would put out two other mini albums this year in addition to the February single. The girls also complained about the lack of appearance on variety shows last year despite being rookies, so the marketing time was going to take care of that. Boram voiced out her thoughts about college and it caused a big commotion – also one of the reasons for the bickering mentioned before –, so it was decided she should prioritise her studies and if it got too much they'd put her on a hiatus.

"To be honest, it went better than I thought."

Remi got a plate from the JYPE Restaurant.

"Yeah, I didn't expect them to hear us out, especially Boram."

Annie followed, pouring sauce all over her salad.

"Neither did I! I was prepared to be scolded."

"Anyway, what do you guys think will be the special content with our seniors?"

● ● ● ● ●

"A reality?"

Jaein was the first to question after the marketing assistant finished speaking.

"Yes. Something similar to Running Man. Two days and one night."

All the idols exchanged glances.

"I know what you're worried about. We wouldn't suggest that without taking everything into consideration. Each group will have a separate dorm and you'll meet at the main house to eat and play."

Even after the woman's explanation, no one seemed much convinced.

 The deal was to make the groups collaborate in songs and performances, not sleep and play games together. Of course, they knew it would be fun, but only if they weren't being recorded. Some fans hated when their idols looked at someone else, what would they do if these rookies got so close to the popular Stray Kids?

It was clear who would get more hate and that's why the girls were the most worried.

"... It may seem risky, but we looked at the responses to your interactions last year and most international fans loved it! They asked for this."

"What about the Korean ones? We're Korean idols."

Annie hesitantly questioned.

"Lots of them enjoyed it too!"

"If you're expecting a career without any hate, then you'd better give up now. It will happen eventually, whether you like it or not, so you should take this as an opportunity to learn how to deal with it."

One of the male directors said sternly, taking the girl aback.

Damn.

In front of everyone?

"I-"

Han barely said a word and was quickly interrupted by a louder tone.

"I think it's a great idea for the two groups to get to know each other better. We'll do our best for our content, so you should also do your best to stop the hate comments. No one is obligated to read those. Just because we're idols we need to take that? Stray Kids still gets hate to this day because of past misunderstandings that could've been taken care of. I think we should take this opportunity not to let the story repeat itself, but to try and act differently."

Lee Know spoke calmly, getting everyone surprised as he usually doesn't speak unless it's to give ideas.

The atmosphere grew thicker and Annie held a smile seeing the effect her boyfriend had caused on the man who spoke to her earlier.

"... Thank you for the feedback, Lee Know. Why don't we take a break and finish the other topics later?"

A lady from the HR team said with a subtle smile.

"Great idea! I was in need of a break!"

One of the managers cheered to lighten the mood, causing everyone to get up after him.

"Oh my, oh my, did your boyfriend just speak up for you? In front of everyone?"

Remi tickled her friend while giggling as quietly as she could.

"Rem, shut up!"

She pushed her away, still trying her best to suppress a smile.

Such a try became a complete failure when she locked eyes with her boyfriend on the other side of the room, who had his lips slightly curved upwards.

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