Whenever a trainee leaves an agency, the remaining trainees would just stop seeing them in classes and rehearsals. 

If you're sociable enough, you'll likely hear their departure from their former roommates, or someone who has also heard the news. 

The staff won't really announce the departure of any former trainee, but their disappearance makes everyone reach an obvious conclusion. 

When a new trainee joins however, it's different. 

Unlike the departure being somehow discreet, the new trainee is welcomed publicly by the agency.

Before any lessons take place, all trainees are gathered in one of the practice rooms, and a staff member would then introduce them to the rest of the trainees in the agencies. 

Just like what happened in the past, the new trainee, the future member of Dynamic Error, was introduced.

“Trainee Sumin-ssi will be joining you all starting today. Please treat him well.” 

When the new trainee walked in, he splashed a bright smile, exposing his dimples. 

Upon entering the room, the new trainee flashed them a smile, exposing his dimples. 

“Hi!! My name is Ahn Sumin, 18 years old!! I trained with QCORE Entertainment for 2 years.” Ahn Sumin bowed his head, “it's nice to meet everyone here!” 

His introduction caused a few trainee's eyes to go wide. There's two reasons for that. 

Without opening his mouth, Ahn Sumin gave the impression of someone who is calm and slick, contrasting the bright and energetic personality that he has. 

As for the other reason… 

“Isn't it hard to get into QCORE?” Cipher asked in a whisper. 

It's not exactly uncommon for someone who trained in top agencies to move under a mid-sized company, but the fact that he passed and trained for two years under QCOREis an impressive feat. 

Even without the trainees seeing him perform, they knew that there must've been something special. 

Ahn Sumin answered a few questions from the staff and a few trainees, but before returning to their schedules, the staff assigned a trainee to guide Sumin in the agency.

“Trainee Hansol-ssi, can you show Sumin-ssi around for today?” 

“Yes.”

The trainee named Nam Hansol sat and guided Ahn Sumin for the rest of the morning, because of that, Noah didn't get to interact with him during the classes, which he was a bit thankful for. 

The majority just observed Sumin with interest, and by lunch time, they were singing him with praises. 

“Wow… this new trainee can dance really well.”

“I know right? His voice sounds great too.”

“His rap is the real deal! Are all QCORE trainees like this?”

Ahn Sumin, who was the subject of the trainees' whispers, approached each table with Nam Hansol. After introducing himself to a few existing trainees, he eventually reached Noah's group. 

“Here's Louie-hyung, Yullei-hyung, and Noah-hyung.” Hansol introduced them, “They're in the debut lineup so they'll be our sunbaenims in a few months.”

Seeing them, Sumin bowed his head, “Nice to meet you Louie-ssi, Yullei-ssi and Noah-ssi!!”

Contrary to Noah’s worries, it was easier to face Ahn Sumin.

That's right, he was like this.

“Hello.” Noah greeted him politely. 

Ha Yullei just nodded his head, meanwhile, Cipher gave him an enthusiastic greeting. 

“Welcome to the agency, Sumin-ssi! Feel free to just call me ‘hyung’.” Cipher greeted him, “You know, I’ve been wanting to meet you since last night. Jaewon said that the new trainee is good looking, and he really didn't lie!”

“Really?! Not at all– Seriously, the three of you are far more dashing, you're basically a visual line!”

“Haha, I like your personality already!”

Cipher chatted with Cipher for a few more minutes, while Noah and Yullei just mostly ate during their conversation. 

Before he moved to the next table however, Ahn Sumin looked at them. 

“Can I call you both hyungs too? If that's okay, of course! In return, you can also speak comfortably with me.”

“Sure thing.”

“... Do as you wish.”

“It was nice talking to you three! See you around, hyungs.” 

Ahn Sumin left, continuing to introduce himself to the rest of the trainees from the other tables. 

When he was far enough, Cipher spoke again, “He seems like a good kid, really friendly too! Don't you think so, Noah?”

“Yes…”

All of it was true. Sumin is someone who is generally nice and friendly, it's just that he can speak too rashly when his emotions are high. 

… 

It's best not to recall those moments. 

==========

Rather than having a group practice in the afternoon, it was a mutual decision for the three to allot the time for the preparation for their solo performances for the monthly evaluation. 

Despite the evaluation being three weeks away, it was better to prepare as early as they possibly can. 

Truthfully, Song Noah couldn't recall what songs he performed that day, but he tried to make a deduction based on the performances he had. 

By listing down all previous songs that were already in the USB drive, he can classify them as songs that had already been performed in previous evaluations. 

Similarly, by writing the remaining songs he recalled, it narrows down the potential songs to select from. 

There weren't many options since they'll debut in almost six months. In fact, he only had five sets of songs for vocals, and another five for dance. 

It became much easier to deduce when he eliminated the performances he could recall based on events or any forms of feedback he could associate to the performances. 

After determining the exact song he performed, Noah first worked on the song for the dance evaluation. He remembered a large portion of the choreography, however, it was still far from being polished. 

Song Noah intended to practice only for the dance for the rest of the afternoon, however, while waiting for his turn on the company's smart TV, a staff member called for his name. 

“Is Trainee Noah there? Please go to the trainee development office.”

Since Ha Yullei was called the day before, the rest of the trainees in the room didn't make as much of a commotion. 

Song Noah tried to remain calm. He had the assumption that it may be connected to Yullei, or the task that was recently given to them, but as soon as he entered, he saw his phone placed on top of the development manager's table. 

“Noah-ssi, please have a seat.” 

Following the development manager’s command, Noah sat in the chair in front of him. 

“One of our staff saw this message on your phone, can you please explain what this means, Trainee Noah? Are you struggling with something?”

-------

KHC Mental Health Clinic

1:35 PM

This is a reminder that you have an appointment at KHC Mental Health Clinic with Dr. Kim Sanghoon at 8:00 AM at 08/08/2XXX. Please reply Y to Confirm, and R to reschedule. Failure to confirm would count as a cancellation. 

-------

...

Sh*t.

The possibility of the clinic texting a follow-up confirmation failed to cross his mind.

Thankfully, it didn't mention his name. 

“Manager-nim, I think someone must've accidentally placed their number incorrectly.” 

“You didn't make this appointment?”

“... No, I did not. I don't even know where that clinic is located.”

“Is that so?” The development manager stared at him suspiciously, not appearing fully convinced, “How have you been getting along with your new roommates? Were there any conflicts?”

“They've been very kind to me, there hasn't really been any issues so far.”

“A few staff members and instructors have noticed a change in your demeanor for the past few days.” he informed him, “We also received statements from a trainee about Yullei frequently subjecting you with insults, and him physically grabbing you during a session at our agency's gym. It's very concerning to hear since you're both candidates for debut, so I'd appreciate it if you'll be honest.”

“There's been a misunderstanding.” Song Noah said, “Yullei has only been giving me criticisms necessary to improve my skills, and as for the gym incident, he's just helping me work out.”

“Is that the truth?”

“Yes.”

“Are you really not just covering-up a fellow trainees' actions?”

Noah nodded his head. 

He didn't know if the development manager was finally convinced, but seeing him deny everything, the older man breathed a sigh of relief. 

“If that's the case, is there anything else you need help with, or anything you're struggling with?” he asked again, “Try not to worry too much Noah-ssi. We just want to know if you've been well. We really value our artists’ mental health, and that extends to trainees.”

Can he really ask for help? 

No. If the company found out that he developed a fear of standing on stage… 

He could get removed on the line up. 

“I really am okay, manager-nim.” 

“It's the weekend tomorrow, why don't you give your family a visit? Some trainees see their families every week or every few weeks. The instructors have been worried about you since you've been looking gloomy, seeing them might help.”

“Yes, I'll visit them one of these days.”

He didn't really have a family to visit, but saying that might worry the development manager more. 

“You're free to return. I appreciate you for your time, Noah-ssi.”

If he can't get help, he'll find other ways.