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Chapter 1 : Paper Stage

EunHaSu Set Production Agency

Team Nam was seen to be holding an important meeting with all its members. Head cable technician, light and sound operators, costume and prop makers, two set designers, and an assistant manager-all facing the Team Leader/director, Nam Gong Suk.

Director Nam : So, the final discussion is over, in my opinion. All your works assigned, I look forward to everyone's best work.

Everyone, in a synchronized enthusiasm, voiced an agreement to their Team leader.

Director Nam : Nice. However, there is a slight change for this project.

The conference room fell totally silent at the unforeseen news. Nervousness was transparent in their mien.

Director Nam : I am not going to be present to direct you there.

The flustered members caused a faint murmur in the room. Their confidence dropping with the supposed absense of their very Team leader.

Director Nam : There is a big theater project in Jeju, assigned to our team. The PD is a prick and would not think twice to sign another productions. So, the official meeting's tomorrow and I have to be present. If we are unlucky, it could be delayed to the day after tomorrow as well.

The immediate senior after the Team leader and designer Lee, Baek Dan Hwa, then voiced the concern of nearly everyone in the room.

Dan Hwa : But, Team Jang-nim. Even though the theoretical work is done. The team still needs practical direction on the spot. Who is going to do that?

Director Nam : You are right. Since, Designer Lee Jun is coming with me. My assistant manager, Ko Ju Won will lead on the stage building.

The addressed member of the team stuttered at the sudden weight of responsibility.

Mr.Ko : M-me? Will I be able to do a good job?

Director Nam : Aren't you the acting team leader : one who leads the team in my absence? Instead of asking, say "I will do my best".

Mr.Ko : My apologies, Team Jang-nim. I will do my best.

Director Nam, seeing the hesitance in his face, seemed to reflect for a moment- if manager Ko was really ready for this big responsibility.

Director Nam : Don't stress out too much. We will be returning by tomorrow evening at the soonest or the day next to the farthest. Lead on until then.

Mr.Ko : Ye, Team Jang-nim, affirmative. I will use this opportunity to show my best.

Director Nam : Be careful though. It maybe your first time. But, could be you last chance as well. In short, don't make a mistake. We are the people who cannot afford to make one.

Mr.Ko : Ye, I will keep that in mind.

Dan Hwa, although was a senior to assistant manager Ko, was already assigned to persuade a drama producer. To, hire EunHaSu productions for all its sets. The due meeting was scheduled on tomorrow and was orginally to be had by Director Nam.
But, due to Jeju theatre project, he wouldn't be able to attend it and trusted Dan Hwa to take his shoes.

Director Nam : Let's hear it once. What's the concert schedule?

Mr.Ko : Pick all the materials and items as per the requirements by tomorrow. Stage building starts on the day next. A fifteen hour process, from 8-9 on day-1. And 8-10 on day-2. The rehearsal, on day 2, will start at 2 in the afternoon, so we get 4 hours in hand to deal with any unexpected situation.

The director nodded in a confident approval as he concluded the conference.

Director Nam : That'll be all. The meeting is off.

The next day, Director Nam and designer Lee on a flight to Jeju island; Designer Baek on her way to the meeting with the drama producer. Assistant Manager Ko, who is the acting team leader of today, led on his team to act on the schedule.

A big hassle being the producer, Dan Hwa had to spend most of her day at the golf course. Watching him play, chit-chat with other director and producer friends, and lastly proving her golf skills to secure her productions to be hired. Finally. But, only with words.

He put forth a condition to hand in a set blueprint of a particular scene from the drama. That, she has to compete against a few other production companies. And needless to mention, has to win to get the contract on papers.

Therefore, the day when the stage building was scheduled, Dan Hwa was occupied in her office to sketch the blueprint. The deadline was till the same night. Therefore, she paid least heed to the concert team.

There was no problem either, until Director Nam informed Dan Hwa that they wouldn't make it today. That the meeting, as feared, was delayed to the next day.

Henceforth, he asked Dan Hwa to check over the stage work tomorrow, before the rehearsal starts.

Successfully, securing the contract for the drama sets, with her unparalleled skills and vigor on set designs. Dan Hwa, set off towards the concert stadium to look at the work around 10 : 30 a.m.

.

.

The spooky intuition led her to the cause. The feeling of unease doesn't come to her without a cause. The moment, she stepped up on the stage, she sensed the error.

Dan Hwa, squating down, knocked on the floor and at once from the sound of it, realized the material is wrong.

Dan Hwa : This... Who picked this material for the stage?

Manager Ko, absent in the scene, raced towards the designer at a coworker's immediate alert.

Dan Hwa : Who was the incharge?!

Mr.Ko : It was me, Baek Designer-nim. I bought all the materials.

She folded back to her height, stretching her arm out to Manager Ko.

Dan Hwa : Show me the file.

After running a quick scrutiny over the officialized item number with the one tiled over the stage. She caught right on the bug. There was no way, the team could've made this mistake in material selection.

Dan Hwa : What is the unit number?

Mr.Ko : #RO775.

Dan Hwa : And, what's written here?

Dan Hwa flashed the papers in his straight sight, almost like figurative slap. The trembling coordinator before her, simply pronounced the information out to her like he was asked.

Mr.Ko : Uh-... Stage ma-material unit : #RO7-... RO725.

It was the moment of epiphany to the Assistant manager and a cold sweat glistened his dry skin.

Dan Hwa : Where did you sell your brain while getting these materials?! Did you not know this unit is never used for concert stages?

Mr.Ko : I apologize. I read it wrong. Seeing it cheaper than the estimated price, I hopped right into it. I was on too many things, I didn't look at the details properly.

Dan Hwa : Is this the "best" work of yours! And what? Cheaper? All right. What are you going to do with the budget that you saved? Receive an award or something?

Mr.Ko : We pitched that into the sound system. It was having some technical glitches today.

Dan Hwa : Tec-...That's the contract. Technical issues are not considered under the assigned budget. Meaning, the client has to pay when there is one, under terms and conditions.

Mr.Ko : I apologize, I didn't know about that.

Dan Hwa : You didn't read through the contract? Not even once?

Mr.Ko : I did, I did go through it. But, I seem to have missed out on that clause.

Dan Hwa : Let's say you did forget it. But, is this how bad you wanted to stay in budget? How are you going to reason yourself; how are you going to sound responsible when the stage jolts down during the damn concert?!

Mr.Ko : I apologize. I couldn't think that far. I am still learning about the material units.

Dan Hwa : Your apology wouldn't fix this. Change the entire stage floor. Do it now.

"But, Baek Designer-nim, there's a problem," remarked an unfamiliar face grabbing Dan Hwa's attention.

Dan Hwa : Who are you?

??? : Ah, I am Intern Ryu Na Hui.

Dan Hwa : Oh, all right. What's the problem?

Ms.Ryu : Ye, the stage rebuilt would take ten hours to the least. And the replacement is not here too. The rehearsal starts in about three hours. It's not possible to change the floor even if we all join hands.

Dan Hwa : So, you want the performers to dance on this paper stage!? We...

She scoffed holding her composure in that unbelievable situation and glared at Manager Ko.

Dan Hwa : Don't you remember Team Jang-nim's words? "We are the people who cannot afford to make a mistake."

Manager Ko alongwith Intern Ryu, had their heads hung low as Dan Hwa slapped them with the bitter truths of set productions.

Dan Hwa : Because, one mistake from us could cost the artist's life. If not, their art form. It is as harsh as it sounds. Doctors and set producers are never allowed a mistake.

The newbie with an upset tone of speech expressed her helpless state of confusion and unsettlement.

Ms.Ryu : What do we do, Baek Designer-nim? They shouldn't perform on this stage.

Dan Hwa : And about the assembling team? Didn't they look at the unit before building it? They should've known.

Mr.Ko : They did, now that I think of it. But, I was too adamant that I affirmed on continuing with the assembling.

Dan Hwa sighed a big one, rubbing her forehead in exasperation. Manager Ko was now in tears and was trying not to show it, by fixing his sight down on the floor.

Designer Baek, too occupied figuring a way out, didn't notice him. And prioritized taking care of the stage first. She, upon concluding to a propable way, advanced towards the concert manager— Han PD.

Dan Hwa : Han PD-nim, can the concert be delayed for a day?

Han PD : What are you talking about? Delay the concert? All the reservations made, schedules are on cue. People have tickets and have been waiting for days, only for us to delay the concert?!

Dan Hwa : Yes, I am not asking to cancel it. Tickets, schedules, reservations–everything runs as it is. Just a day late.

Han PD : The world wouldn't run a day late, Miss. Baek. What's the matter that you concluded delaying as the only alternative?

Dan Hwa : My apologies. The stage is in a bad condition. My subordinates picked the wrong material for it.

Han PD : The stage?! Are you kidding me? So, how bad is it that you-...

He was riled up in seconds with an eye of threat shooting at her and expected her words to come around as a joke.

Han PD : Please, tell me this is a prank.

Dan Hwa : I am sorry, I admit it was our fault but-

He instantly cut her off by the moment he read her expressions and words spelling in no language, that she was fooling around.

Han PD : Miss.Baek, listen carefully. We cannot delay the concert/ today's rehearsal nor afford to risk the lives of our artists. Do whatever. I don't care. Whether you reconstruct the stage or wound your magic spell, you have got 2 hours and 58 minutes to cover for your fault.

Intern Ryu and Manager Ko, from a distance overheard their conversation, thanks to echos. And sped towards Dan Hwa as soon as the PD left.

Ms.Ryu : 2 hours and 58 minutes? Isn't he kidding us, right now?

Mr.Ko : It's all my fault. I messed up bad.

Dan Hwa : Quiet! Let me think for a moment in peace.

Although, it was not a daily situation she has in hand to handle. Dan Hwa flipped the pages of her acuity and requisition, concerning the matter.

Dan Hwa : Ryu Intern, how many spare pillars do we have?

Ms.Ryu : About ten to twelve, in the store.

Dan Hwa : Take me there. Quick.

Minutes later, in the store, Dan Hwa scrutinized-the pillar quality; strength and measured the thickness with a tape.

Dan Hwa : Twelve of these are not enough.

As the senior designer folded out to her height from the squat, she singled out with the only resort left. However the risk it bore, the show must go on-Dan Hwa recited in her mind.

Dan Hwa : Gather our entire team right now.

Ms.Ryu & Mr.Ko : Affirmative.

While the two decided to run towards the sound system to make a loud and big announcement for the assembly. Dan Hwa dialed a few numbers to arrange more pillars and supportive bases for the stage.

As soon as she was done, Dan Hwa rushed out to the stage to attend to the team.

Dan Hwa : Sound and lights, all good?

Sound Team manager : There's no issue now. Lights and sounds, everything's in best condition.

Dan Hwa : Good. Everyone. We have got a situation here. No questions asked. Just take my lead and move by my words.

There was a visible change in their countenances at the news. But as they were asked, the figures stayed silent and grew more attentive.

Dan Hwa : Within the next hour, all the materials we need will arrive. We will have less than two hours to create a supportive unit under this stage. Every hand needs to work together, we are short in time.

Ms.Ryu : But, supportive units can only-

Dan Hwa : Exactly. It can only endure upto a limited time. But, it will be enough to bear the rehearsal smoothly. That's the hope.

Mr.Ko : What about tomorrow?

Dan Hwa : What do you think?

Mr.Ko, sealing his lips together, looked down with her glare.

Dan Hwa : We will have to replace the entire floor before the concert tomorrow.

Ms.Ryu : However, the rehearsal itself ends by 7 tonight. And there's a morning practice tomorrow as well.

Dan Hwa : Right. We are pulling an all nighter. Before the entire stage is done, no one is going home or getting any sleep. Acting Team Leader, Ko will take responsibility. If anyone has a but, come at him.

As time ran at its pace, slowly but rather quickly, the work on the base commenced at the soonest possible.

And just like the designer had imagined the process, the stage was stable now. And securely above the supportive unit, with everyone's extreme labor due to thin time.

Soon the strung and worried manager of the concert, walked up to Dan Hwa whether the matter was resolved.

Han PD : What did you do? How is the stage now?

Dan Hwa : Oh, Han PD. There will be no problem during the rehearsal. I give my words.

Han PD : And the concert?

Dan Hwa : We decided to reconstruct the floor before the concert, infact before the morning rehearsal. Ensuring best safety for the artists.

Dan Hwa could read Han PD's expressions, transforming from wrinkled tension to a big relief.

Han PD : This is because of your unprofessional team. We wouldn't be paying a single extra penny on the new stage.

Dan Hwa : Yes, we apologize once again.

Soon they were interrupted by one of the spot boys, informing Han PD about the arrival of their artists.

Spot Boy : BTS is here, PD-nim.

Dan Hwa slightly bowed as the PD instantly made his way to welcome the singers. She climbed down the stage and secured at a corner of the arena.

Although, it wasn't the first time she has worked for a BTS concert stage. This time, Dan Hwa sure felt a little anxious because of the stage condition.

After about a 15 minutes of straight warm-up, the boys were on mark to rehearse their first song, ON.

It was a power choreography. With extra background dancers and heavy strenuous steps. Within the first minute through the song, Dan Hwa raced towards the backstage and made her way under it.

Dan Hwa : How is the condition?

There was finally a faint light of relief glowing through his smile.

Mr.Ko : It is bearing out very well.

Ms.Ryu : But, shouldn't we atleast alert the artists about it? So, they can be careful?

Dan Hwa : It will only make them conscious and their performance will get effected.

Her words and expressions didn't match at all. Although, she didn't want to unnecessarily meddle with their mental states. Partly, she just wanted to honk a safety alarm on them.

Dan Hwa : Ryu Intern, you will accompany me.

Ms.Ryu : Okay.

Dan Hwa : And, Ko manager, don't step out from here even for a second until I am back. If you notice any weird movement, call me right away.

Mr.Ko : Understood.

Dan Hwa : Network might hinder, considering the area we'll be heading to. So, if you can't reach me. First, stop the rehearsal immediately and call Nam Team Jang-nim. I will alert him about the matter on the way.

Mr.Ko : Ye, roger that.

Trusting him for a few hours, Dan Hwa set off with the Intern to get the RO725 unit.
Solid with her words, as soon as they started out, Dan Hwa made a call to the Team leader and explained the situation.

After a long drive and being herself, the designer picked only the best quality materials and the unit. In simple words, prioritizing quality over cost.

Ms.Ryu : Han PD didn't seem to be paying. How are we buying these? By any chance, is it from the EunHaSu funds?

Dan Hwa : Yes, you are smart.

Ms.Ryu : (-goofs-) Thank you so much. I can be good with the factual stuff.

Dan Hwa : Keep that up. And well, EunHaSu funds exist only for an occurance like today's. But, the CEO will have the nip of his sword at me, for even getting into a situation like this in the first place.

Ms.Ryu : Ouh~ What will we do then?

Dan Hwa : What can we do? Take responsibility, and that's all.

She focused her attention to the shopkeepers and inquired the necessaries.

Dan Hwa : How long will it take to reach the stadium?

Shop Worker : Well, checking on the unit before packing it up on the truck and with all the paperworks. It will take atleast 5 hours from now.

Dan Hwa mumbled to herself counting the hours, "Let's see, it's 3 : 30 now, so it should reach by 8 : 30. Perfect."

Dan Hwa : All right. Proceed with the shipment right away.

Having all the requirements on the call, Dan Hwa with the Intern returned back to the stadium with burgers and other refreshments for everyone. Only to find, they were already on such a break.
But, it was nice to double the amount, so her orders were added in with grateful hearts.

Food in the empty stomachs, revitalized all the faces with new sachets of energy and zest.

Within the next half an hour, the rehearsal continued once again with Manager Ko and a few of his subordinates under the stage. Keeping a close eye, on the supporting base unit.
And Dan Hwa with Intern Ryu, in the arena, being watchful from the outside.

After the break, the first call was for Jimin's solo stage. He was effortlessly swaying along the music with his background dancers, while practicing his vocals.

Ms.Ryu: Gosh, I have seen them perform so many times. But, it's never the same to watch it so close. It feels like the first time.

Dan Hwa : It does feel like the first time.

Dan Hwa did not mean it rhetorically. Too absorbed into Jimin's moves, Ms.Ryu could not catch her senior's tone however.

Ms.Ryu : The supportive unit is holding on better than expected. Don't you think so too, Designer-nim?

Dan Hwa : Don't be so sure yet. There's still two hours, that it has to work just fine.

Dan Hwa's intuition was mostly on point. Thus, the anxiety she had been harboring all these time, bloomed in full finally.

The clock ticked at 6 : 37, BTS were practicing a group song, Dionysus. Another high power choreography, with heavy movements and extra prop weight on stage.

Dan Hwa received a call from Manager Ko, not far long. She nervously pressed her phone against her ears, as the line spoke in a perturbed voice.

Mr.Ko : Baek Designer-nim, there's a problem here!

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_______

For anyone who's confused, the chapter started from a few months back. When, Dan Hwa was yet to become the director of her team. ^^

Anyways! See you soon.

Behind the scenes :
During the long ride to get the unit #RO725, designer Baek and intern Ryu had their little bonding session.

It was a tedious ride, hence after the call with Director Nam, there was silence inside the car. The intern, being bubbly natured, couldn't help remain quiet, nonetheless.

Ms.Ryu : Team-Jang-nim hasn't returned from Jeju yet?

Dan Hwa : No. He would be late. If they miss the last flight today, then tomorrow morning.

Noticing the intern's sulk over the news, Dan Hwa was spot on with the feelings that flourished in the former. Who, was trying hard not to be obvious but was an open book then.

Dan Hwa : How long has it been since you joined?

Ms.Ryu : Yes? Ah, it's been a month. I have been training throughout. This is my first project. And being it a concert stage of BTS, I love it more.

Dan Hwa could not bottle it anymore and spoke after a few minutes.

Dan Hwa : Don't confess.

The intern visibly looked nonplussed and overwhelmed by her sudden words that weirdly enough hit her right in the spot. Yet she attempted to try projecting an arrow of oblivion, just incase.

Ms.Ryu : Ye! What are you talking about?

Dan Hwa did not mind hitting the nail straight in her head without any needless circles of conversation to get to the point.

Dan Hwa : I mean, don't confess to Team Jang-nim. It would only ruin the work environment. And he has a girlfriend for ten years now. He will soon get married too.

Ms.Ryu, for a moment, went silent and wished she could disappear into thin air. Dan Hwa was known to be savage and arrogant with words, speaking her mind right on the face. However, she was also the kind, to realize it seconds after of her harsh delivery and reflect on it.

Dan Hwa refrained; maybe she was a little too straightforward. Therefore, the senior tried to lighten the mood.

Dan Hwa : B...BTS's concert, have you been to one before?

Ms.Ryu : Im! I am an Army ever since they debuted. And have been very dedicated as well. Merchandise, albums, posters- have them from all seasons. Been to a few concerts as well.

Dan Hwa : What about a fan meeting, did you go to one? Did you personally get to meet them?

Ms.Ryu : Yes, just once however.

Dan Hwa : Hey, don't frown at that. There are people who didn't even get to attend a single concert yet.

Ms.Ryu : Right? I should be grateful. There was this one time, when I went to their concert, feeling all lost. I was really stressed out, because I didn't know what to do with my life. I don't even have a dream.

Dan Hwa : So, did they help you get an answer?

She nodded with a timid smile.

Ms.Ryu : Actually, that was the first day when I saw him. By coincidence. He was handling a speaker issue in the corner, where I coincidentally had my seat. It would be too much, if I say it was love at first sight. But, Team Jang-nim looked really cool that day.

Dan Hwa : He could've just picked any other day to look cool. He is annoying sometimes.

The intern cracked up into a grin by Dan Hwa's funny note of vex.

Ms.Ryu : It's okay, I am fine. I lowkey hunched that he might already have someone.

Dan Hwa : All right, carry on. Your story doesn't seem like it's over.

Ms.Ryu continued with her cue and had the same blushed smile, as she spoke her senior through the little tale.

Ms.Ryu : Later, I found out that he was the one to build that stage for the concert. It was really pretty. And watching them perform that night really comforted me. Without that stage, BTS wouldn't have performed there that night.

Dan Hwa was urged to say, if it wasn't Director Nam, someone else would have made that stage and BTS would have still performed that night. But, she held it in and zipped her mouth.

Ms.Ryu : Before that night, I never knew about the hardwork, these behind the scene workers pull off. Only to make a concert possible. I felt a certain respect, developing towards them.

Not like she was craving for acknowledgement, but knowing that people like Intern Ryu-realize their hardwork, brought a slight smile on Dan Hwa's lips nevertheless.

Ms.Ryu : Soon, I grew to like the workings of it. Just like I comforted from their concert that night. I wanted to make stages so they and artists like them could perform for someone else. And might as well translate the same comfort. Hence, I entered EunHaSu.

The senior designer liked the sentiments the new intern came in with, and genuinely wished her success.

Dan Hwa : So, is this your dream now?

Ms.Ryu : I don't know. I still don't know about that. But, for now, I know this is the work, I want to do the most. And build a cool stage like Nam Team Jang-nim one day.

▪︎♧▪︎

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