Chapter 93: Two Sides of the Day
The next morning felt calm and sharp.
After hours of intense exercise, Dayo woke up feeling refreshed. To his left, he saw Luna still sleeping soundly — worn out from yesterday. He smiled, wrote a small note, ordered room service, and left after giving her a gentle peck on the forehead.
Meanwhile, the contestants were called to gather in the hall for an announcement. The room was full but quiet. Everyone looked ready.
A man from production stood at the front and smiled. "Good morning, everyone. I’m Mark Zark, and I’ll be your director for this stage. Welcome once again. Today’s announcement is about the theme for this round. You are to either create an original or use an existing song, but whatever you decide, the single requirement is that it should be about summer."
While the host continued talking about the schedule and judges, Dayo walked in. Almost immediately, everyone turned toward him, wondering where he had been. Dayo just kept his head down and ignored the stares before walking toward his friends.
Min-Jae leaned over. "Bro, where were you? You didn’t sleep in the room and you also missed breakfast."
Dayo shrugged and smiled. "I went to see someone. Just a quick visit."
Min-Jae grinned. "You went to see someone, huh? Tell me who this someone is?"
Dayo laughed and shook his head. He didn’t say more, and the two of them kept it light. No one pushed.
The host finished explaining the rules and called out the practice and stage order. People made notes and began heading out to warm up.
Min-Jae pulled out his phone and started scrolling. "Hey, did you go online today?" he asked.
Dayo shook his head. "Not yet. I stayed off."
Min-Jae’s face changed as he looked at his screen. His eyes widened.
"Bro, your song just got verified," he said quietly. "Guinness verified it. Fastest rap record, man. It’s official."
"....."
For about five seconds, Dayo didn’t move. Then a small smile formed on his face. The room suddenly felt louder.
"That’s crazy," Dayo said, laughing and shaking his head. "Free promotion for my songs, haha."
They were loud enough that a few contestants heard them. Soon, everyone started checking their phones. Some congratulated him, while others just watched in silence — a little jealous. The news spread fast: Dayo’s performance clip had been confirmed as the fastest rap in a song.
Dayo stayed calm and let the news sink in. Min-Jae smiled and lightly punched his shoulder. "This is good, bro. This is big."
The host called everyone to attention again and reminded them about the rehearsal schedule. The contestants lined up and began heading to the practice rooms.
---
Clara adjusted her bag nervously as she and Lois walked into JD Records. The whole building felt heavy. Everyone they passed looked busy, but a few still turned to glance at them.
It had been two days since they signed the new deal with MM Label, and now they were back — not to work, but to end things.
Clara had worked with JD Records for a long time. She had built friendships there, especially with Valery. So walking through those familiar halls with this kind of news made her chest tighten.
When they reached Valery’s office, she was already inside, going through files. The moment she looked up and saw them, she smiled.
"Finally!" Valery said. "Where have you two been? I’ve been calling since yesterday. You’ve got shows lined up, interviews waiting—"
She stopped when she saw Clara’s expression. "What’s wrong?"
Lois hesitated for a second, then glanced at Clara, silently asking her to explain.
Clara took a deep breath. "Valery," she said softly, "we came to talk about Lois’s contract."
Valery frowned slightly. "What about it?"
Clara looked down. "She’s signed with another label."
The room went silent.
Valery blinked slowly, thinking she heard wrong. "I’m sorry... what?"
Lois spoke this time. "I’ve joined MM Label. Michael reached out. It’s official now."
Valery just stared, frozen for a few seconds. Then a short laugh escaped her lips — but there was no joy in it. "You’re joking, right?"
Lois shook her head. "No. I’ve already signed."
Valery leaned back in her chair, speechless. "Unbelievable. You just released an album under JD barely two weeks ago — an album still climbing the charts. And now you’re telling me you’ve left?"
Lois crossed her arms. "I appreciate what the label did, but I need more freedom. I want to grow beyond this. Michael’s team understands that."
Valery looked at her quietly. "Freedom?" she repeated. "Lois, you had everything here — control, support, visibility. You got songs Dayo himself wrote for you. Songs that helped your album break records. And you call that not enough?"
Clara stepped in calmly. "Valery, I tried talking to her. She made up her mind."
Valery sighed and rubbed her temple. "You two have no idea what you’re getting into. You think MM Label is doing this because they love your music?" She looked straight at Lois. "They’re doing this because of Dayo. You’re part of a game you don’t even see yet."
Lois frowned slightly. "Whatever game it is, I’m ready to play it. I’m not afraid."
Valery gave a tired smile — the kind people make when they already know how things will end. "You will be," she said quietly.
She opened a drawer and pulled out a few documents. "If you’re serious about this, you’ll need to clear your contract and pay the buyout fee."
Without hesitation, Lois nodded. "I’ve already transferred it."
Valery checked the receipt, then signed the termination papers. Her hand moved slowly, as if each stroke hurt. She stamped the final page and pushed it across the table.
"It’s done," she said softly. "You’re no longer part of JD Records."
Lois took the papers and stood. "Thank you, Valery."
Valery didn’t look up. "I hope you don’t regret this."
Lois said nothing more. She and Clara turned and walked out.
When the door closed, Valery finally exhaled. She stared at the empty chair where Lois had been sitting and whispered, "She really did it..."
Her chest felt heavy. She wanted to be angry, but mostly she felt sad — sad that someone she helped build was now walking straight into a trap.
After a long silence, Valery picked up her phone. She opened Dayo’s contact but didn’t press call. She just looked at the name on the screen, then dropped the phone back on the desk.
She leaned back in her chair and whispered, "Dayo... I hope you’re ready for what’s coming next."
"Because it seems Michael is done playing hide and seek with you."