SCENE START]
INT. PRODUCER'S STUDIO - DAY
The atmosphere is heavy with unspoken questions. HYUN-WOO and the PRODUCER sit opposite each other. The producer's gaze is a weight, cold and dissecting.
PRODUCER (Leaning forward) "A memory of a life he never got to live." You said that. (Pauses) Tell me more.
Hyun-woo feels his heart pounding. He's been here before, in a different life. He's learned that you have to sell a story.
HYUN-WOO (He meets the producer's gaze, holding his breath) He was an idol. He had everything. But a scandal... a misunderstanding... it took it all away. He lost his group, his fans, his family. And he was alone. A ghost, wandering a world that had forgotten him.
The producer's eyes widen slightly. He recognizes the story, a story he's heard before.
PRODUCER (Muttering to himself) A ghost... it's him. (Looks at Hyun-woo) The song has soul. It's the kind of song you can only write if you've been through hell. (Pauses) I'll buy it. But I want a new one. And I want to see you write it, from scratch, in front of me. (He hands Hyun-woo a contract) You'll be my exclusive ghostwriter. You'll work only for me. I'll pay you handsomely. But no one, not even your agency, can know about this. You're a secret.
Hyun-woo feels a mix of triumph and fear. He's passed the first test, but now he's in deeper than ever. He signs the contract, his hands trembling.
HYUN-WOO (He looks at the producer) I won't let you down.
The producer smirks, a cynical, dry sound.
PRODUCER (He leans back in his chair) I know. That's why I chose you.
[SCENE END]
INT. ACADEMY PRACTICE ROOM - DAY
The group is rehearsing. The energy is low. MIN-SU is slumped on the couch, scrolling on his phone.
MIN-SU (Sighs) I told you we're not ready. We can't compete with Min-jun's group.
Hyun-woo takes out his phone and opens a text message. It's a notification from his bank account. A large amount of money has just been transferred.
HYUN-WOO (He puts his phone in his pocket, a glint in his eye) Don't give up. Not yet. I have an idea.
The group members look up. Min-su's eyes are wide.
HYUN-WOO I sold my first song. To a famous producer. He said it was 'too good for a rookie.' Now I'm writing another one. For us.
Min-su's jaw drops. The other members are speechless.
MIN-SU (Sputtering) You... you sold a song? To who?
HYUN-WOO Doesn't matter. What matters is that we have an opportunity. An opportunity to show them what we're made of. And that 'heart' I was talking about? It's our secret weapon. Now let's practice. I'll be back soon with a new song.
[SCENE END]
EXT. DORM - NIGHT
Hyun-woo is walking back to his room. The campus is quiet, the air cool. His phone buzzes. It's the producer.
PRODUCER I've transferred the money. One more thing. That dream you told me about... tell me more about it. You see, I had a friend who had a similar dream. He lost his way a long time ago. He went by a different name back then. You look just like him.
Hyun-woo stops dead in his tracks. A shiver runs down his spine. The past he tried to outrun is still there. He's not just playing with fire; he's dancing with a ghost of his own. The crypto wallet on his phone now shows a significant amount, a small victory, but the chilling text message reminds him that his past life is not just a dream, but a debt waiting to be collected.
[SCENE END]