Chapter 37
Chapter 37
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 37
Chapter Title: Even as a Villain, I Want to Debut
-----------------------------------------------------------------
After the meeting wrapped up and we'd settled on the arrangement direction, we dove headfirst into full-scale practice.
This stage was all about showcasing our individual positions, so there wasn't much need for us to sync up on group choreography or harmonies.
Sure, that made things convenient in a way, but even when we were all gathered in the practice room, it felt like we were just practicing separately.
Something about it doesn't feel like a team at all.
Won Ji-an was glued to the mirror, focusing solely on his dance practice, while Kang In-hyeok sat in the corner, earphones in, muttering his rap lines under his breath.
Everyone just diligently working on their own parts. For an individualist like me, it was the ideal scene.
But...
As that thought crossed my mind, I noticed the cameras mounted around the practice room.
I had to consider how this would look on camera and how it might get edited.
If they portray our team as cold and lacking teamwork compared to the harmonious other teams, that could be trouble.
Our team was made up of relatively high-rankers, but that didn't guarantee favorable editing.
Of course, the production crew wasn't insane enough to deliberately sabotage us, but nipping potential issues in the bud wasn't a bad idea.
"Ji-an, you doing good?"
With that, I started going around and chatting with the team members.
Something I'd never do under normal circumstances, but what could I do? As the leader, I had to take responsibility.
"This is the first time for a stage that's all about dance, so it feels a bit burdensome."
"Yeah?"
Won Ji-an, standing in front of the mirror, took a swig of water and wiped away his dripping sweat.
"Still, I believe you'll nail it."
"Th-thanks."
In a situation like this, if there was anything a leader should do, I figured it was giving feedback and boosting morale.
"How about you, In-hyeok hyung? Coming along okay?"
I moved over to Kang In-hyeok, who was sitting in the corner.
He was still lost in his rap, earphones plugged in.
"In-hyeok hyung?"
He didn't seem to hear me, staring intently at his lyrics sheet.
I tapped his knee, and only then did he pull out one earphone.
"What."
"Just checking if it's going well."
Kang In-hyeok stayed silent for a long moment. His already intense face looked even more serious, thickening the chilly atmosphere.
Had I interrupted him for no reason? As I started gauging the mood, he finally spoke.
"It's my own rap. Wanna hear it?"
"Let me see."
He handed me his lyrics sheet and showed off the rap he'd written.
"Hmm..."
I was at a loss for words.
Truth be told, rap wasn't my expertise, so evaluating it was tricky. But from a general audience perspective, it wasn't bad at all.
"Yeah, it's not quite there, huh?"
Before I could even respond, Kang In-hyeok asked in an anxious tone.
Why's he so withdrawn?
He'd taken on the rap position this time and had to write an original rap, but he seemed seriously lacking in confidence.
People had said his cynical tone would make him great at rap, and he'd challenged himself to show a new side...
He mentioned it was his first time writing one.
That explained why he looked more insecure than usual.
"Does it feel kinda cringy?"
"No, I think it's good."
"You're not just saying that to be nice, right?"
I shook my head and praised his rap sincerely.
"I like it."
"Hmm..."
Even so, Kang In-hyeok didn't seem convinced yet.
I was starting to get worried. This was the first time I'd seen him this uncertain.
Mid-evaluation day arrived, and all the trainees gathered in the auditorium.
The masters awaited us in a solemn atmosphere.
"Hello, everyone. How's the prep going? You all ready?"
Some teams answered with spirited voices, but others couldn't.
Especially Lee Hae-won's team—the mood was downright gloomy overall.
It made sense. There'd been friction over part distribution from the first meeting. They'd forcibly patched up the divisions, so the bleeding was probably happening behind the scenes.
Poor Lee Hae-won, stuck in the middle. Hope he managed his mentality okay.
As I thought that, Raise called the first team.
"X Heroes team, come on out."
Of all the luck, we were up first.
"Let's go."
Well, better to rip off the Band-Aid early—could be a good thing.
I led my teammates out, and the masters regarded us with pleased looks.
"So this is the team, huh? Who came up with the name?"
Won Ji-an raised his hand.
A mashup of Extra and Heroes. Pretty clever idea.
One of the masters gave Won Ji-an a thumbs-up, looking impressed.
Feels a bit friendlier than before.
But Raise's gaze on me hadn't softened a bit.
The same sharp eyes from our first meeting. I'd felt targeted before, and it hadn't changed.
Why's he only like this with me? What did I even do?
No helping it. To avoid a scolding, we'd just have to give our all.
"We'll start."
With that, we performed what we'd prepared in front of the masters.
A competition song that was ambiguous for showing off. But I believed we had a winning strategy—as long as my plan worked.
"Hmm..."
My part ended, and Won Ji-an's solo dance unfolded.
Then Kang In-hyeok's rap part followed swiftly.
Wait, Kang In-hyeok...?
Tense, perhaps? There was a tremor in his voice.
A quick glance at the masters—they looked quite displeased.
Yeah, he's gonna get called out for this.
The song ended, and we returned to our spots.
The masters watching us had thoughtful expressions.
"You went with a jazz arrangement, huh?"
"Yes, that's right."
Vocal Master Shin Su-yeol sucked in a breath, looking concerned.
"Well, I just don't get why a top-team like yours picked this song."
As expected. We'd heard something similar when choosing the song, and here it was again.
Of course, since I'd chosen it, I'd have to own it.
"[Extra Syndrome] is a musically solid song, but it doesn't really let you showcase vocals or dance in a big way, and the rap's the same."
Rap Master Kim I-rae nodded vigorously in agreement.
Then Raise spoke up.
"Do Won-woo, you're the leader?"
"Yes."
"Then let's direct a question to our leader, Do Won-woo."
Raise continued.
"There are plenty of better songs—why this one? Were you lacking confidence and avoiding the tough ones?"
Hoo...
I swallowed a sigh inwardly.
This felt aimed squarely at me. Raise had been consistent since the ranking evaluation.
He'd seen me as someone dodging real skill tests with tricks.
Honestly, back in the first ranking eval, yeah, there was some of that.
But not this time.
"First off, I didn't choose this song with that mindset."
I looked around at my teammates nearby.
"And I think the same goes for the rest of the team."
Truth be told, this was exactly why I'd hated taking leader.
But no choice. Representing the team meant shouldering the responsibility. Our impression hinged on the leader's response. A lot rode on my answer now.
"First... yes, this is a place to prove our skills, but I also think showing a stage that convinces the public is crucial."
I continued steadily, facing the masters.
"I believe it's about knowing which song best highlights your charm and style, then demonstrating your skills and peak performance within it."
The explanation was getting long.
Too long, and it'd sound like excuses, so timing the cutoff was key.
"For me personally, I chose this because it fits my vocal range and lets me show my strengths. Not to avoid tougher songs—that wouldn't be respectful."
Finishing my answer, I smiled at Raise.
A blank face might land me like Jeong Hee-min, so I had to look as approachable as possible.
...I wanna go home.
Even if I was always smiling, one second of seriousness and they'd air it—so maintaining the smile was essential.
"Alright, Trainee Do Won-woo. I heard you loud and clear. Here's hoping that choice pays off, and I'm looking forward to your stage."
Was that sarcasm? I nearly let my real expression slip from the growing irritation.
Just smile. Haha.
Next, Rap Master Kim I-rae posed her question.
"Everything's fine, but Kang In-hyeok?"
"Yes."
"Flow and lyrics—overall, not bad. But a rapper needs this confidence! You sounded way too unsure!"
Kang In-hyeok's already slumped shoulders worried me.
"On stage, think 'I'm the best' and own it with confidence. That's how you convince the audience. If you're not convinced, how can they be?"
As Kang In-hyeok bowed his head and bit his lip, Won Ji-an quietly patted his back in comfort.
"Looking forward to a great stage. Fighting."
I let out a relieved breath and led the team back to our seats.
Not bad overall. The masters were like hyenas hunting for flaws, but the criticism wasn't as harsh as I'd feared.
It seemed like they were just questioning the song choice.
I was confident those doubts would vanish after the real performance.
"Next team! Happy Sunflower team, come on out."
The next team was called, and Yun Hyun-min stood with a forced smile.
Lee Hae-won trailing behind looked like a wilted sunflower on the verge of death.
"Whoa, this one's got me hyped."
"Yeah. [End of the Wind]—super tough song. Wonder how they'll pull it off?"
The team lined up, and Vocal Master Shin Su-yeol scanned the trainees.
"Hmm, some solid performers here. Some I'm worried about... What guts made you pick this song?"
A delayed chuckle rippled through at Shin Su-yeol's words.
Then the smile vanished from his face.
"Oh? Everyone feeling chill? You all fully prepared, right?"
"......"
The laughing trainees' faces turned blank in an instant.
A familiar silence. I could practically hear the ominous BGM that'd underscore this on air.
"I'm asking if you're prepared, and no one's answering? What's with this team? Where's the leader?"
Leader Yun Hyun-min raised his hand with his usual affable smile.
"That's me."
Shin Su-yeol frowned.
"Ah, Hyun-min's the leader? Why didn't you answer when I asked if you're prepared?"
"Well, actually..."
I couldn't read his intentions.
Yun Hyun-min was savvy enough to handle a question like that.
But he hemmed and hawed, unable to respond easily, then suddenly glanced at Kim Tae-in at the end of the line.
"Uh, Tae-in's still not quite..."
Hmm?
I nearly snorted in disbelief.
Sniping like that here?
Kim Tae-in looked shocked or absurdified, just gaping.
"Tae-in hasn't mastered his parts yet. I've been helping a lot from the side, but even if it's lacking, please go easy on him."
What the hell was that?
Honestly, this was team-killing. A leader should cover for weaknesses, not throw them under the bus.
Pretending to defend a struggling member, but the outcome was obvious—they'd scrutinize Kim Tae-in even more now.
Ha...
It was a first.
The first time I'd ever fiercely hoped someone would just drop out.