Chapter 376
Chapter 376
Two people stepped onto the stage.
Technically, there were three, but the one trainee who had been added was so overwhelmed by the presence of the others that he was practically invisible.
In truth, it wasn't the trainee's fault. The problem was that the other two were "experienced professionals" who had already tasted the pinnacle of the industry, having even won a Grand Prize.
Cha Yu-jin and Shin Jae-hyun.
Ahem.
Even to the CEO, who was unaware of that fact, the contrast was stark.
Standing there in identical black school uniform costumes, the difference between them was striking—from the way they wore the clothes to the way they stood.
Yet, they both maintained a natural composure that showed not a hint of nerves.
Look at them, just look at them.
The CEO’s lips twitched.
In reality, the plan was for most of the Supplementary Class to be eliminated to keep the structure balanced; honestly, it would have been fine if they all failed. That way, he could push the narrative of, "Look how superior our own trainees are."
In other words, even if the Supplementary Class members showed promise, he intended to send them packing here if possible.
There was also a bit of personal bias involved.
He looks too much like a typical flashy entertainer.
The CEO, who detested the public's prejudiced view of idols, grumbled to himself. Still, he hadn't objected to Cha Yu-jin being placed in the Supplementary Class. His skills and visuals were so exceptional that it was almost suspicious he hadn't been a trainee until now. It was only after seeing the explanation that he was American that the CEO had nodded in understanding.
The balance is only right if one or two of them are good.
He had no regrets about pairing the handsome fellow who had just delivered an incredible rap earlier. He planned to eliminate him in the finals anyway and save him for a future project.
But his reminiscence ended there.
On stage, the lights went out.
“…….”
Whoosh.
Dry ice crawled across the floor as red and blue spotlights pierced the darkness.
A humming sound, like a slow descent, filled the air.
[Um, Umumum uum um]
It was a pop song by a solo female singer, famous for its melancholic, chilling tone and heavy bassline.
The intro began.
Thump.
Along with a minor-key guitar riff, the three men dropped to their knees in sync with the drum beat.
Then, the choreography began.
[His growling, howling,
raise me up]
The movements were aggressively demanding, utilizing their limbs to the extreme, before their bodies snapped upright as if pulled by an invisible string.
Shin Jae-hyun, at the center, turned his hand toward the camera.
The movement started from his finger joints and rippled through his entire body as he subtly shifted his torso and lifted his head.
Then, a flash of light accompanied a somber smile.
[To the darkness, absence…
No]
The song cut off abruptly into silence.
The formation dispersed.
After snapping his upper body and popping his waist, Shin Jae-hyun leaned back, braced the floor with his hands, and performed an acrobatic flip.
The music exploded.
[Tonight
he's gonna find your room
and
take you to the wood]
Even amidst the intense movements, his vocals remained expertly controlled, adding a raspy edge with just the right amount of pressure.
The eerie, powerful melody and movements combined with the school uniforms to create a very peculiar atmosphere.
Then came the chorus.
[Watch out!]
Cha Yu-jin burst forward from the center as if plunging down.
In an instant, all eyes were drawn to him.
[Watch out!
for wolves]
Moving his feet intricately as he stepped forward, Cha Yu-jin deliberately grabbed the camera with a sense of speed before letting go.
A predatory glint flashed in his eyes.
“…!”
The direction became part of the stage, leaving only the impact behind.
But the influence didn't fade.
The performance commanded total attention.
[Wo, wowo woof
Wolf]
A stationary move involving the shoulders and neck followed.
Then, the dance break. Using the person in the center as a sort of buoy, the two on the sides performed a more difficult sequence.
Their angles were perfectly synchronized.
However, the feeling behind the movements differed.
One was intensely predatory, while the other was exquisitely dense.
[Your guest who-o-o
comes in the dead
of the night]
Thump.
The song ended, leaving only a single dissonant piano note.
The participants collapsed to the floor, staring into the void.
“…….”
Only the faint sound of heavy breathing echoed through the hall.
And then, a beat late.
Clap, clap-clap-clap…!
Sparse applause filled the room.
It was a filming set without an audience yet, so the applause from the staff and other participants—usually given just for the atmosphere—faltered.
The CEO was slightly taken aback.
What was that?
The performance wasn't of the quality he expected from trainees. It felt more like a year-end stage from a major broadcasting station.
In fact, because of those two, the third person hadn't even registered in his mind, making it impossible to tell if he had dragged the quality down.
It was a total eclipse.
No, surely they didn't plan the composition with that in mind…
…No, if they were that capable, they’d be the ones sitting in the CEO’s chair!
The CEO brushed aside his stray thoughts and looked at the two on stage with genuine admiration.
He was serious. He hadn't expected them to be this good.
It must be a matter of luck and synergy.
Regardless, he was extremely satisfied to have gotten such a high-quality stage out of this.
After reading the summary of the practice process provided by the production staff, the CEO made up his mind.
He showered each person with grand praise before picking up the microphone again.
“Who chose the song?”
“We chose it together,” Shin Jae-hyun replied smoothly, having immediately tidied his clothes upon standing.
“A pop song could have been an advantageous condition for Cha Yu-jin.”
Shin Jae-hyun merely offered a faint, knowing smile and didn't argue.
Whatever he said would have been ambiguous anyway.
Smart fellow.
The CEO continued, feeling quite proud. He shared his honest impression.
“But… why does Jae-hyun look like the original to my eyes?”
“…!”
It was true.
At first glance, this intense stage seemed exactly like the kind of thing Cha Yu-jin would prefer.
Flashy and challenging.
However, the message of this song was actually more multi-layered.
Depression.
Shin Jae-hyun thought simply.
The song spoke of the narrator’s fear and resignation regarding deep depression.
And Shin Jae-hyun could express that as naturally as breathing.
It wasn't because he had performed this specific song many times. In this strange world where time was distorted, the song selections had changed as well.
It was just that…
Even if it wasn't this exact song, he had done similar things countless times.
Dark concepts like this had been a steady seller for VTIC, something they made sure to include at least once a year starting from their fourth year.
And most decisively…
Because this is the LeTi CEO’s taste.
He didn't even bother turning his head to check his competitor's face.
Cha Yu-jin.
He possessed overwhelming power, star quality, and dazzling talent that seemed capable of devouring the song itself.
But those weren't the only evaluation criteria.
“Why do you think that is, Jae-hyun?”
Shin Jae-hyun raised his microphone.
“If I had to find an answer… I think it’s just a matter of atmosphere. I’ve practiced this kind of vibe for a long time.”
The correct answer.
The perfect response.
“You’re right.”
The CEO smiled.
“I think the image Jae-hyun showed on stage today was the most ‘LeTi-like’ performance.”
“Thank you.”
Shin Jae-hyun deliberately bowed his head slightly to show his gratitude.
Then, the CEO glanced over.
Cha Yu-jin was just standing there. Despite that, the afterimage of the contrasting feeling he’d shown on stage remained.
Hmm.
He changed his mind slightly.
This would make for a good narrative.
“I will announce the results.”
The stage lights dimmed, and the background lit up.
The result appeared as if it were a given.
[<Elite Class> Shin Jae-hyun - Win!]
[Confirmed for Elite Class!]
“Congratulations.”
It was Shin Jae-hyun’s victory.
However.
The CEO picked up the microphone again.
“However, I have exactly one authority granted to me by the production team.”
Even if he were to drop him in the finals, he had to keep him for now to see more of this contrast effect!
“During the course of this program, I can nullify the risk of elimination for exactly one trainee, without any conditions.”
“…!”
The CEO had decided.
Let’s keep him for now and at least try to mold him.
If he saved him here, the boy would surely be moved by the feeling of being ‘recognized’ and would try to develop himself to suit the tastes of the person who acknowledged him.
And if that didn't work?
I’ll just make sure he can’t enter the market.
He could just connect him to some small agency that would never see the light of day. The CEO finished his calculations, seriously interlacing his fingers.
“Cha Yu-jin lost, but I definitely see potential in him. The potential to become a great LeTi artist.”
“…….”
“Therefore, by my authority, I accept Cha Yu-jin as an extra-curricular participant.”
Bang.
Text appeared on the screen behind them.
[Boss Pass!]
[<Supplementary Class> Cha Yu-jin - Confirmed Participant]
“You’ll make sure I don’t regret my choice, right?”
“Of course! Thank you!”
But Cha Yu-jin, whom the CEO expected to be overcome with emotion, simply grinned and replied.
His attitude was as if he’d known he’d be saved, or perhaps he just felt pure joy at being able to continue. It was refreshing.
There was no sense of debt or overwhelming gratitude.
…Look at him, just look at him.
The CEO maintained his composure as he watched Cha Yu-jin shake hands with and pat the backs of his other team members.
Typical for those who’ve tasted the American air.
It seemed the staff would have a hard time breaking his habits. But since he had already used the pass and couldn't take it back, the CEO simply gave a dignified nod.
He’ll be useful for boosting Shin Jae-hyun.
Since there was synergy, he assumed such a high-quality stage was possible, even if it was just luck. That was his assessment.
Soon the stage was cleared, and by the time he had settled his thoughts, the next team came up.
The participant's name appeared on the screen.
[Elite Class: Ryu Gun-woo]
Hmm.
This time, the atmosphere was quite different from before. The three wearing white jumpers looked nervous, but there was no sign of them being wary of each other.
Instead, they kept looking at the trainee in the center, adjusting their formation and positions according to his hand signals.
Oho.
The guy who sang that atmospheric jazz is doing this…?
Recalling the summary of each team's practice process he had received earlier, the CEO looked at their outfits.
It was the kind of look every rookie idol goes through at least once.
A marine look, combining blue collars with white clothes.
One of them was even wearing shorts. The CEO almost let out a hollow laugh.
“Looking at the costumes, it seems like a cute concept. Is that right?”
“We’ve organized it with a new feeling in our own way.”
Ryu Gun-woo, who naturally took the microphone, glanced at his competitors, then simply gave a faint smile and continued.
“Including cuteness.”
At that, the guys around him chuckled. It was so heartwarming that one might believe it was a team match.
Hmm.
After skimming the summary, the CEO gave a nod.
“Let’s begin.”
He felt like he needed to see the stage for a storyline to emerge.
“Yes!”
The trainees bowed and soon took their positions around a sofa placed in the center of the stage.
The one from the Supplementary Class sat, the one from the Lower Class stood.
And Ryu Gun-woo perched on the edge.
[Umm!]
The moment the accompaniment started.
To a refreshing beat, the people around the sofa bounced like cushions.
[Oh, Ohoh Icy eyes
It’s cold, but I still like it!]
He subtly changed the rhythm and altered the pitch of the ‘Ohoh’ ad-libs.
Thanks to that, instead of the somewhat burdensome pulling sensation of the original, the staccato-like pronunciation felt bubbly and popping.
[Your words that sting like carbonation
Your gaze as solid as ice]
They sat on the sofa and stood up, moving as if they were flying over it before syncing their choreography.
[Oh, so pretty!]
Unlike the original song, high notes exploded, but the jumps were kept high with precise angles.
The song and dance flowed pleasantly with a light, cheerful rhythm.
[I see the butterflies
Like bees flying in my chest
A complicated feeling]
Oh.
Chae-yul was placed in every killing part where a close-up was likely, using gestures effectively.
And he handled the parts with surprising precision.
[It’s still okay
But it’s so icy, please melt for me]
These lyrics didn't feel cringeworthy.
What is this?
Then the chorus returned.
[Oh, Ohoh Icy eyes
It’s cold, but I still like it]
Surprisingly, Ryu Gun-woo sang the chorus with incredible naturalness while maintaining his facial expressions.
It was strange how well the round hat suited him.
[Oh, Ohoh Icy Ice
Your gaze is cold]
The high notes were clean as expected, but the refreshing brightness, which he thought might be awkward, blended in perfectly.
…??
Only the CEO, who didn't know that this man had survived in the idol industry for five years with the nickname 'Puppy,' was bewildered.
[When I approach and reach out
Meet me with warm eyes]
The tempo accelerated, and with the sofa behind them, they performed even more complex choreography at the front of the stage.
The center for the dance break was another trainee.
And the next chorus was split between this trainee and the one from the Supplementary Class.
Hmm.
The CEO nodded inwardly.
And finally.
[So cool!]
The part Park Moon-dae had bluffed about being ‘intense’ covered the stage like bright, cheerful fireworks.
[Oh, Ohoh Icy eyes]
Jumps, high notes, and clear original tones of appropriate height balanced with the harmonies, filling the stage completely without a single jarring note.
It was a refreshing stage that made one feel good just by watching.
It was a stage befitting two trainees with short periods at this agency and one non-trainee.
There’s no LeTi feel to it.
It certainly wasn't the LeTi CEO’s taste, but it wasn't bad.
A good stage is good regardless of personal preference.
[But I still like it!]
The final movement, synced with the melody full of small beats, fell perfectly into place, and the stage ended with bright, smiling faces.
Oh.
Clap clap clap clap!
This time, pleasant applause erupted from all over.
It wasn't as overwhelming as the previous stage. However, it was a high-quality, dense, and good performance that pulled at the heartstrings in a pleasant way.
The CEO willingly picked up the microphone.
“I really enjoyed watching that. The three of you have great chemistry… it’s very good.”
After tossing a few words of praise to each individual, especially the one from the Supplementary Class, he got to the main point.
“How was practice?”
The trainees, their faces brightening, answered quickly.
“It was really fun, and we worked hard!”
“Yes. Hyung led us so well… we all had fun practicing.”
Ryu Gun-woo looked a bit embarrassed but didn't deny it and nodded. The CEO laughed.
“I thought so.”
The trainees' faces lit up.
This was the moment.
“But ironically… that’s also the problem, isn't it?”
“…!”
The CEO turned back to Ryu Gun-woo.
“Why don't I see any desperation?”
“…!”
“Gun-woo, I don’t think this is what you’re best at… this is our second stage, right?”
“…Yes.”
“Then isn't this a time when you should be appealing and showing off what you’re best at? You even gave away all your parts.”
The CEO spoke while making serious eye contact.
“Instead of just unilaterally accommodating your younger teammates, you should have been more ambitious to show yourself. This was a deathmatch.”
On the contrary, the two participants standing nearby seemed intimidated by fear and worry, but Ryu Gun-woo only swallowed once.
The CEO liked that gutsiness too!
“This job isn't something you can just do because it’s ‘fun.’ You need desperation.”
So, like a lion pushing its cub off a cliff, he intended to make a move.
“You did well, but today, you were only good. That’s the kind of praise a student gets, not a professional.”
Ryu Gun-woo had an expressionless face, but his shoulders visibly flinched.
Yes, that’s it.
You need to be stimulated.
You, and the viewers!
Suppressing a triumphant smile, the CEO pressed the button with a face full of agony.
“Announcing the winner.”
[<Supplementary Class> Jin Chae-yul - Win!]
[Confirmed Participant!]
Chae-yul.
“Congratulations. You are now a participant.”
“…! T-thank you…….”
Despite saying thank you, he was staggering as if in shock.
“And Ryu Gun-woo is at risk of elimination.”
The CEO wore a triumphant smile.
It was at that moment.
Huh?
It passed in an instant, but for some reason, it felt like Ryu Gun-woo had caught a glimpse of a smile.
…Is it out of hollow despair?
But looking again, it seemed it was just his imagination. The CEO shrugged his shoulders and picked up the microphone again with a serious air.
“You may head back. Good job.”
And so, the evaluation ended.
*
Behind the stage.
Cha Yu-jin found Park Moon-dae, who had just sent off a sobbing Jin Chae-yul after comforting him in a way that looked good for the cameras.
The cameras were already gone. So he approached and tapped him.
“Hyung!”
“Yeah.”
Park Moon-dae looked relatively unfazed. Even though his face had changed, that calm yet peculiar expression remained the same.
And even his subtle kindness.
“Are you disappointed that you lost?”
“No.”
Cha Yu-jin shrugged. Then, looking up at the stage, he grinned.
[The one who judges the real win or loss isn't that one old man, is it?]
“…!”
His hyung seemed taken aback for a moment, but he probably understood the situation soon enough.
Something like, ‘This guy… he did that on purpose.’
And that was the correct answer!
[It’ll come out soon. That I won.]
“Is that so?”
Cha Yu-jin deliberately tapped his shoulder. As usual, Moon-dae slunk away to avoid it.
“Are you disappointed, Hyung?”
“No.”
How could I be?
Park Moon-dae gave a small laugh.
“Same here.”
The filming for that day ended like that.
And not long after, LeTi’s in-house survival show, Wise, finally hit the airwaves.