Idol Pursuits: Legacy: Idol Pursuits, #3

Robert Rioux

Idol Pursuits: Legacy

First published by Rioux, Inc. 2023

Copyright © 2023 by Robert Rioux

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

Robert Rioux asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

Robert Rioux has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy of URLs for external or third-party Internet Websites referred to in this publication and does not guarantee that any content on such Websites is, or will remain, accurate or appropriate.

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The opinions expressed are those of the characters and should not be confused with the author’s.

For more information contact: rpriouxbooks@protonmail.com

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023951688

Second edition

ISBN: 979-8-9888565-3-5

This book was professionally typeset on Reedsy

Find out more at reedsy.com

From the Great Above

she opened her ear

to the Great Below

Contents

Acknowledgement

1. GENUINE INTEREST

2. A MOST SIGNIFICANT EVENT

3. TRANSITIONS

4. CRASHING CYMBALS

5. MOVIE NIGHT

6. STARSTRUCK

7. SIGNING DAY

8. DREAMFALL

9. INTO THE MISTY TWILIGHT

10. STARLIGHT REVERIE

11. ALL THINGS MUST END

12. THE COMING OF NIGHT

13. SPIRITUS MUNDI

14. CHASING WATERFALLS

15. SYNCHRONICITY

16. AN UNBELIEVABLE DREAM

17. A NEW MISERABLE EXPERIENCE

18. DYE MY HAIR BLUE

19. FLOWERS BLOOM

20. NOTHING TO LOSE

21. SHAKEN TO THE CORE

22. THE DOMINION LIVE FINALE

23. ARROWS PIERCE THE SUN

24. DOWNFALL

25. WISHING AND HOPING

26. TRILLIUM HOUSE

Afterword

Cast of Characters

About the Author

Also by Robert Rioux

Acknowledgement

First and foremost, I wish to express gratitude to my wife who makes everything possible through abundant patience and a huge heart. Special thanks also to Dianne Bangle, Red Warner, and Barry Klusman for their tireless encouragement, and to Mike Beda for forgetting more about math than I’ll ever know. Finally, a standing ovation to muses throughout the ages for inspiring generations.

1

GENUINE INTEREST

Punctuated by tall palms situated in a broad circle, the courtyard of the City Hall building in Culver City, California, was an inviting place to perform. A low-rise platform stage and several scores of chairs transformed the pleasant entryway into an intimate concert venue. With the setting sun had come a much-welcome cooling of temperatures. Girl group Made in Heaven, hired by the city for their free Thursday night concert series, had just concluded their band set. As intermission ended, the musicians made last-second adjustments to their outfits in preparation for the dance portion of their program.

Reflecting the diversity of the surrounding community, the general audience in attendance that evening was not the usual crowd of K-Pop fans. Retirees sat on padded cushions with blankets on their laps. Young children danced and cavorted in the open area immediately before the stage. Parents took turns comforting crying babies, while teenagers obsessed with selfies and pretended not to notice attractive peers. Few there were familiar with K-Pop, but most appreciated the novel experience. Made in Heaven saw this as a welcome opportunity to reach new fans.

One person, however, stood out. Dressed in a fashionable, cream-colored suit, the skinny, middle-aged white male kept his sunglasses on the entire time, even after dark. While most attendees enjoyed the company of others, Sunglasses kept to himself. Rarely did he stand in one spot for long. When he wasn’t engaged in phone conversations, he set about photographing and recording the performance. Grace tried not to let his presence become a distraction, but the guy was hard to ignore. She wondered intently what his deal was.

Following the show, the group met their audience near the merchandise area. Staffed by volunteers, the table was festooned with T-shirts and CD copies of their EPs. Sales were brisk. Most guests departed soon after, eager to make their way home. A sizeable minority lingered to convey their impressions and take photos with the members. Sunglasses stood patiently in the background, awaiting a quiet moment to step forward.

Revealing keen powers of observation, he must’ve surmised Grace was their leader by the deference the others offered her. Extending a hand while peering over sunglasses, he introduced himself. Alvin Parth. Voxatone Music. Have a moment?

That’s how it started.

While speaking in a clipped, impatient manner, he grabbed her attention with a confident tone and an energetic pitch. Handing over a business card, he requested their contact information. All attempts to be passed onto their management team were shrugged off. Once Alvin extracted a promise that Grace wouldn’t ignore the inquiry, he slipped into the night with the rest of the decamped crowd.

After daily workouts the following morning, Grace called Alvin. They spoke for a full hour. The other members could only catch bits and pieces of the conversation. They’d whisper excitedly whenever Grace uttered something interesting. She had to shush them on multiple occasions when their frenzy boiled over. After hanging up, she reported on their exchange. He’s super enthused about us and thinks we can go far with the right management.

What about Magnus and Cesar? asked Sun-hee.

Grace frowned. That’s the sad part. Voxatone insists on managing its own artists. We’ll have to part ways if we sign this contract.

They got us this far. It seems wrong to cut them loose now, said Erin.

Unfortunately, that’s how this business works. Managers must know that better than anyone, said Mindy.

We can worry about that later. First, we should question whether this is even the right deal for us, Heather said.

Voxatone is no joke, said Grace. "Alvin said they’ve been considering a move into K-Pop for some time now. They want a group that will appeal to the U.S. market. That’s why he’s so high on us.

What’s this guy’s rep? asked Mindy.

He’s signed some big-name acts in his career. I talked to people who know him. They say he secures sweet perks for his artists.

Can we trust him? asked Vanessa.

You could ask that about anyone in the biz, responded Grace. He seemed genuine.

I say no.

Why do you always have to be a contrarian, Ness?

I’m not being a contrarian.

What are you being, then?

Correct.

I don’t have the energy for this.

For what?

This. Grace waved her arms around in a vague gesture. Everything. She assessed the group once more. There seemed to be genuine excitement but also significant doubt. At some point, we’re gonna have to trust someone, you know?

We need to hire a lawyer to review the contract, at least, cautioned Mindy.

Grace nodded. I’ll make some calls.

* * *

Made in Heaven gathered at the St. Ignatius University dance studio that evening to film a new YouTube video. The project was designed to capitalize on their upcoming festival appearance. Earning an invitation to a concert of K-Fest’s magnitude marked the group’s most significant milestone thus far. The event weighed heavily on their minds. Even though they’d be relatively small potatoes in the grand scheme of things, this gig would be different from anything they’d ever done. Instead of square pegs squeezing into round holes, their audience would be appreciative and knowledgeable K-Pop fans. This was both a blessing and a curse.

On the positive side, a good showing here would boost their profile with a dedicated K-Pop audience, their most important demographic. Alternatively, a significant screw-up could prove ruinous with the very same people. Grace knew it would be difficult, if not impossible, to recover from a substantial slip-up in such a high-profile setting. The concert was to be televised in Korea. Anything less than flawless was unacceptable.

So significant, in fact, was the occasion that band members scheduled time off from their everyday jobs to rehearse ad nauseam. Lacking vacation pay, working members reasoned that the hit on their already stretched finances would eventually be alleviated by the festival appearance fee (their most lucrative thus far). As for the students among them, the timing was fortunate. The event fell during the early part of the semester, providing adequate time to make up any missed assignments later.

The K-Fest contract stipulated that Made in Heaven was to perform four songs. Only the dance unit would be required, as there was no time to set up band instruments. Marielle Brodeur, whom they’d worked with previously, was hired to create outfits befitting a cheerleader concept (black miniskirts with orange trim, orange crop top blouses, and white high tops). Rehearsals focused on synchronization since they were already familiar with the requested songs.

More time-consuming were the ancillary tasks. To leverage the gig, two new initiatives were launched. The first was a crowdsourcing effort for a new mini-album to be released shortly after K-Fest. Entitled Queen Bee Infusion, their latest comeback would collect all the songs written during and after their Soundscape Showdown experience of the previous year. The promoted single would be Elixir, a lively dance number co-written by Heather, Grace, and Sun-hee. This album would feature a complete set of offerings, including a music video, a photo booklet, and a collectible card set. The fundraising target was substantial enough to make it their most ambitious project yet.

The second initiative focused on pre-K-Fest activities. These were designed to take advantage of the visibility boost anticipated by the appearance. Goals included polishing the Made in Heaven website, producing a robust selection of videos for their YouTube channel, and recording short and snappy clips for social media. Managers Magnus and Cesar also urged regular vlogging of their private lives to charm and captivate fans. In support of this latter effort, the group’s current task was to record a dance practice video of Try Me (a B-side single). By the twelfth take, group spirits were flagging. Bodies were tired and aching.

Grace felt compelled to ask a simple question, but Erin beat her. Does this get any easier?

No, answered a mildly annoyed Mindy. It only gets harder the more exhausted we get.

I want to see fresh faces, said Steve Shepard, their friend and director for this project. That last take was dire enough to put everyone to sleep.

We probably should call it a night at this point, suggested Grace. Let’s try again next week.

Why are we doing it this way again? asked Erin. Usually, these dance practice videos are one and done. She eyed the gimbal stabilizer Steve held with suspicion. His specialized equipment made highly mobile shots possible but at a price. Steve’s presence amidst the dance formation required them to relearn steps that had become rote. Erin, the youngest (maknae) and least experienced member, struggled to adjust.

Heather rose to the challenge of defending what had been her idea. I always liked eye contact versions. They offer a sense of intimacy that normal practice videos lack. Easier to convey each of our distinct personalities too.

It’s hard enough to get the synchronization right without having a camera in the way every five seconds, argued Erin.

We can do it. We’re almost there.

Maybe if you showed her the video, it would help, Steve suggested.

Good idea. Heather mirrored her phone to the studio monitor and played a demonstration video for reference. AOA pioneered these eye contact videos, she explained. See how the camera weaves inside the formation, almost like it’s one of them?

They make it look easy, said June, shaking her head in admiration.

Charisma. That’s what’s missing here, said Steve. Think of the camera as your audience, but only inches from your face. This is your opportunity to express yourselves in ways you can’t on stage.

I’m too busy figuring out where I’m supposed to be, said Erin. And you keep stepping on my heels!

I have to catch June’s line in time, retorted Steve. You’re not even on camera at that point!

Calm down, you two, interjected Vanessa, the group’s lead dancer and choreographer. Here, I’ll demonstrate. She stood next to Steve and assumed Erin’s position. In one deft move, she maneuvered around him. Practice this, and you’ll be golden. Close enough to slide into position on cue, but out of the way otherwise. Consider it a one-time modification, like when one of us gets sick.

Let’s do this. I want to see some energy this time, said Steve.

We’re pooped. Can’t you give us a few? asked Grace.

Sensing that the time was ripe for a break, he decided to grab a meal before the student commons closed. Be ready to show me something else when I get back.

The girls sat in a circle in the middle of the dance floor and snacked on energy bars. Grace suggested a Never Have I Ever game to ease tensions. Heather didn’t care much for the idea but played along for harmony’s sake. At first, the questions were tame, sticking to mundane inquiries like stealing pens from work or regifting things. Soon, though, the mood lightened. Questions became more probing. Vanessa, for instance, admitted she had never been in love.

How is that even possible? asked June.

Not only is it possible, explained Vanessa, I have no intention of ever doing so.

Why?

I have stuff to do, she responded. Who has time for that?

So the idol no-dating rule suits you just fine? asked Sun-hee

I wouldn’t go that far, said Vanessa with a snort. We’re talking about love, right?

Numerous surprises were revealed throughout the game. Predictably, Erin’s list of nevers was the tamest overall. Even then, she startled everyone by admitting to hitchhiking once during a thunderstorm.

You’re the last person I’d expect to hitchhike, said Grace. Everything scares you.

Have you seen the size of hailstones in Oklahoma? Erin asked. She held up her (admittedly small) fist as an example. Getting smacked by one of those babies will put you in the hospital.

Quiet and modest Sun-hee, the group’s keyboardist/vocalist, admitted to simping on her friend’s father as a young girl.

Now we’re getting somewhere, said Mindy, rubbing her hands excitedly. Hopefully, you didn’t act on it.

No! Sun-hee’s eyes widened dramatically. I wasn’t that dumb. However, I once accidentally texted my mom, thinking it was a boy I had a crush on. My text asked if we were more than just friends. The results of that blunder were…shall we say…embarrassing.

Yikes. I would have buried myself in my closet for a week after that, said Erin.

It wasn’t long before Mindy owned up to some discomfiting experiences of her own. Her list included flirting with a cop to evade a speeding ticket, slapping a best friend in school, and breaking a valuable object at her uncle’s house without telling him.

Typical drummer, said Grace in mock derision.

Careful what you say. I beat things for a living, you know.

June’s most unusual admissions stemmed from her time fleeing North Korea as a refugee. Unique to the group, she admitted to climbing out of a window to escape capture and cutting her hair like a boy as a disguise. On a lighter note, she was one of only three who had never sexted.

With all your followers, I’m surprised by that, said Heather.

Oh, they try. Trust me. I just don’t see the point of it.

When pressed for details, Grace told a funny story from childhood about first learning the origin of babies. To say I was a bit confused about the process is putting it mildly. The next day, I sat with my family, waiting for the school musical to start. Much to my parent’s dismay, in that packed auditorium, I asked aloud, ‘Is daddy’s sperm still inside me?’ In the dead silence that followed, you could hear Appa’s soul leaving his body.

This admission produced an extended fit of laughter. Your poor dad, said Sun-hee.

No amount of explaining could save him. To this day, he still shudders whenever someone mentions it. And I can’t believe I just told you. I vowed never to share it outside the family.

I’ll note for the record that this exercise was your idea, said Mindy.

The things I endure for team bonding, Grace responded, shaking her head.

As the questions grew more salacious, Heather was frequently the only one to raise her hand. On several occasions, doing so with great reluctance and accompanied by profuse blushing.

A Ferris wheel? Seriously? How does that even work? asked Erin.

It was a slow day. The ride got stuck, and the neighboring cars were empty. We were gonna be there a while, she responded, exasperated. Why am I admitting to all this?

Forget carnival rides. Dish more deets on Mr. Anaconda, said a mischievous Mindy.

Heather cupped hands around her chin and said, You all realize how unfair this is, right? I was going through a phase back then.

Unfair for us.

Yeah. We’re living vicariously through you, said Grace.

That’s all behind me now, said Heather.

Funny you should mention behind, said Vanessa. Guess what the next question’s about.

"We are not going there."

Fortunately for Heather, Steve returned to the studio just in the nick of time.

Saved by the bell, said Erin.

Steve tossed an empty soda cup in the trash. Did I interrupt something?

No! responded Heather, with a tinge of flush lingering on her face. We were eagerly awaiting your return.

Why do I always get the sense I missed something good with you guys?

As Steve redeployed his camera gear, the girls resumed positions on the dance floor. Their next take was a keeper. Timing adjustments were made, and the effort was much more professional. Flush from the previous conversation, the girls drew upon restored energy.

* * *

On the way home from the dance studio, the girls stopped at Tiny’s Diner for a late-night meal.

Have you heard the latest reveals for K-Fest? asked Erin. She pulled up the festival website on her phone and read the press release highlights. We’ll be on the same stage as Neon Magnolia, GND, Kickstars, M*Brais, Sevenfold Pretty, Blushing Violet, and PRIZM. All hot new groups.

And don’t forget 37-G’s very own Glimmer Blue, said Grace.

Believe me, I haven’t, said Heather glumly.

While they all looked forward to the experience of opening for the likes of super popular Glimmer Blue, to Grace and Heather, the opportunity meant something entirely different. Both had been trainees at Seoul’s 37-G Entertainment when the agency formed their new girl group. Both departed shortly before the final lineup was chosen. Since then, Glimmer Blue had achieved global fame. That fact alone was enough to tear a hole in Heather’s soul every time their name was mentioned in her presence.

What made it all the worse was knowing that her dismissal had nothing to do with a lack of talent or unwillingness to do the job. It all stemmed from an inappropriate advance made to her by one of the company’s leading financiers. As a prominent investor, Mr. Lee presented an offer he assumed she wouldn’t refuse. He was wrong. Since that incident, Heather revisited memories of a day that drastically altered her life. While never regretting her choice, she struggled mightily to make sense of the injustice of it all. Each of Glimmer Blue’s successes and every one of her current group’s failures subsequently twisted the knife a bit more.

Now, for the first time ever, both groups were scheduled to appear on the same stage at the same show, though under drastically different circumstances. As openers, Made in Heaven, the local unknowns, were destined for little more than babysitting early arrivals as they found their seats. Glimmer Blue, on the other hand, were the headliners, the main reason many bought tickets in the first place. According to manager Magnus, the venue had sold out within minutes. Such was the anticipation.

Aggravating the situation was Heather’s intimate familiarity with Glimmer Blue’s members. As fellow trainees, they had all shed blood, sweat, and tears together in the physical and emotional gauntlet that was life at the K-Pop agency. She counted most as friends. All but one, to be exact. Nae Mi-ok.

While the singer’s timely arrival at 37-G right before Heather’s dismissal always seemed a bit suspect, one thing remained certain. Adding a candidate of Mi-ok’s ambition to the delicate mix of finalists made everyone’s position more tenuous. Before that, Heather was viewed as a shoo-in for the center position, with a status unrivaled among peers. Once her rival entered the picture, however, that all changed. Equally talented, the newcomer was not only an ideal candidate for Glimmer Blue but could, and eventually did, replace Heather as the most prominent personality at the agency.

Grace didn’t have a much smoother time. As the agency’s best rapper, she too was in the running as a finalist. After Heather’s dismissal, though, she left in solidarity with her friend. It was an act of loyalty that Heather never forgot. Silently, however, she blamed herself for robbing Grace of a life-changing opportunity. Each of Made in Heaven’s many subsequent setbacks pained her. She continued to bear guilt for Mr. Lee’s crimes.

Heather calmed the group’s fears as they waited for their meals to arrive at Tiny’s Diner. Whatever happens at K-Fest, I know you’ll give it your best. It’s all I could ever ask. In actuality, she was trying to reassure herself as well. The future of the band hinged on that one concert.

2

A MOST SIGNIFICANT EVENT

The time spent backstage at the three-day K-Pop convention was like living in a new world. Even the four members with previous idol training, Heather, Grace, Sun-hee, and Mindy, were star-struck.

Heather. Can I see you a minute? We need to talk. The concerned look on Grace’s face suggested a matter of grave importance.

A flood of potential horrors ran through Heather’s mind. Her initial reaction was self-blame. Did I do something wrong? she asked when they stepped into a quiet corner out of earshot.

Grace looked over Heather’s shoulder to ensure they were alone. Nah, she responded, now sounding much more at ease. But I want you to look over there. Grace physically turned Heather’s chin until her eyes faced the desired direction. It’s effing J. Y. Park! she whispered excitedly.

Heather began baby-jumping in place, barely managing to contain a delightful squeal. I know. Can you believe it? We’re backstage with K-Pop royalty.

We’re unworthy.

The pair gave each other a moment longer to melt into schoolgirl fandom before casting aside their giddiness and reassuming the refined demeanors of true professionals. It’s terribly unbecoming of you to get carried away like that, admonished Grace as they stiffly walked away.

It shan’t happen again.

One thought that had occupied all their minds in the days leading up to the event was how they’d be received by other groups. As a local indie act, Made in Heaven’s accomplishments were little known outside of Los Angeles. Compared to even the most obscure peers on the same billing, they were minnows swimming in a vast sea.

Immediately upon arrival, one thing became crystal clear. The formal backing of an entertainment company offered huge advantages. Agency acts, even small ones, enjoyed ample support staff with every one of their needs diligently attended to. Whether the requests were intrinsic to the show or born out of personal whimsy, employees were on hand to realize them.

On the flip side, as an indie act, Made in Heaven had to do everything themselves if they wanted anything done. Sure, they had Magnus and Cesar, their management team, and two trusted stylists, Chloe and Rita, often hired for these occasions, but other than that, nothing. Most of the time, the girls just chose to do without. As a result, their assigned dressing room was relatively quiet compared to the bustling hives of activity seen elsewhere.

Six members chatted nervously, biding time until their assigned rehearsal slot. The one exception was June, who gazed obsessively at her reflection in the mirror. While others would tweak details with their hair and makeup, June mostly sat and admired herself. Heather noticed this behavior had become increasingly