Chapter 42
Translator 8uhl
Chapter 42
Chapter Title Joining Song Hyeongbins Team
There are already seven trainees who started ahead of me.
All seven of them are ranked higher than me, too.
A level where you could say our skills and recognition are about even.
But theres no getting around the sheer weight and presence that comes with numbers.
Never imagined two would be assigned to the 2010s song.
I paused for a moment in front of the entrance, taking in the scene unfolding before me.
Standing under the leftmost songfor five memberswas Song Hyeongbin, the No. 1 from the first ranking announcement.
The mission song was a mega hit from a fivemember boy group.
The center songfor six memberswas still completely empty.
And the final song at the far right, limited to six members, had already snagged a whopping five picks.
Song Hyeongbin, the No. 1, and Ji Yooncheols group, whod earned the special benefit from the first roundtheyd all gone for the 2010s song.
I was a little thrown by the unexpected situation, but I quickly sorted through my thoughts and weighed the possibilities.
For starters, the one no one had picked? No thanks from me either.
It was a huge hit with its fresh vibe and cute charm, but digesting that in the body of Karis von Waldenwho stood at a towering 185 cmwould be a stretch.
Sure, some people love mismatched images, but with my current abilities, it felt like too much of a burden.
The song Ji Yooncheols group had chosen was toptier in terms of vibe and concept.
After all, Melodicthe owners of that trackwere direct seniors to BoLu, who dominated the current idol market.
Picking that one right here wouldnt cause any real issues, but there was one thing nagging at me.
Its a spot opened up because someone dropped out from what was originally a full sixmember team. Joining that and blending well with the others? Getting favorable edits? Thats a gamble.
The last thing I wanted was to create a scene where the rolling stone dislodges the cornerstone.
And above all else.
Im no fool to ignore the presence of the No. 1 seed.
Song Hyeongbin, whod been leaving a good impression so far.
He hadnt shown perfect leader material in the first round, but the editors had focused on the uncooperative teammates.
He might try to prove his leadership again this second round.
Or he might pass the role altogether.
If he goes for leadership, I just play along nicely, and there wont be any friction in editing. If he steps down, it opens the door for me to demonstrate mine.
Every advantage tilted toward Song Hyeongbins side.
The mission song there had a solid concept too. Hard to tell without seeing the full arrangement, but a slight tweak to the existing vibe would work fine.
Once Id made up my mind, I slowly stepped forwardand felt six pairs of eyes in the room lock onto me.
Some might find it burdensome.
But I just grinned, savoring the tension.
As the crown prince of a nation, Id long grown used to the masses adoring gazes or the nobles wary stares.
Thats right. Focus even more on my every move.
I approached the spot.
Song Hyeongbin, whod been standing there with his hands clasped, widened his eyes.
YYoure really coming over here?
Looking forward to working with you.
I took his hand for a quick shake.
His palm was slick with sweathed clearly been pretty nervous too.
Fresh.
In the previous round, Id barely exchanged words with Song Hyeongbin.
Never been on the same team. No time for personal chitchat.
So this handshake gave me a subtle insight.
No matter how much he was sitting at No. 1 now with great edits, he couldnt easily shake off the memories from that team battle.
The public saw no issues, but mentally, he took a bit of a hit.
Once I firmly took my place beside him, Song Hyeongbin finally let out a sigh of relief.
I was a little tense. Thought youd go for the 2010s team.
That songs great too, but Im more familiar with this one.
Ah.
He nodded at the mention of familiarity with the song.
No outward sign, but his eyes held a hint of regret.
I paused deliberately before adding,
And I wanted to share a stage with you, Hyeongbin. Youve been so impressive since the level testtons to learn from you.
Really? I was hoping youd end up on the 2010s team too!
My read on his psychology hit the mark perfectly.
He wanted to team up with me that badly?
I watched closely for any lip service, but it seemed genuine.
Oh, righthow old are you, Karis?
Twenty this year.
So youre a year younger. Im twentyone.
I almost instinctively said twentyeight.
Feel free to talk casually.
IIs that okay?
No issue at all.
While Song Hyeongbin and I quickly switched to casual speech, the stragglers started filing into spots.
A cheer erupted from the next room overthe 2000s one.
Guess the desired trainees teamed up.
Timingwise, it was probably around the midtolate teens in the top ten now.
Right then, a familiar voice rang out.
Karisnim! Karisnim!
A shout with a slightly awkward accent.
Hashimoto Ken, slowly entering the 2010s room, covered his mouth with both hands in rapture.
Im so happy!
You can take it slow
Ignoring my attempt to calm him, Hashimoto Ken sprinted fulltilt toward our sign.
He didnt even glance at the other mission songsimpressive focus.
Felt good the moment I saw 2010s come up, and it really worked out!
Good for you.
It really did! Ah.
Ken, whod been shaking my arm, finally spotted Song Hyeongbin chuckling beside us.
Even with Hashimoto Kens solid social skills, teaming up with the No. 1 from the ranking announcement felt like a bit much.
HHello! Im Hashimoto Ken from Japan. Pleased to meet you.
Hey, Song Hyeongbin here. Whoa, no need to bow that deep.
No, no! I said something weird right off the bat!
A showdown formed one side kept trying for 90degree bows, the other trying to stop him.
Stuck in the middle, I kept a blank expression, waiting for the next trainee.
The rooms on both sides were growing noisier.
After about five minutes, Song Hyeongbin and Hashimoto Kens greeting battle finally wrapped up.
Can I cry now?
Things were about to get even louder.
Heo Yubin came charging at our team with both arms outstretched.
Then slammed a fullbody tackle right into my gut.
Urk.
Just like you said, hyungnim! If you wish for it hard enough, it happens!
Got it, so could you let go of my stomach for a sec?
Nope!
The guy who usually seemed so scrawny was channeling elite monster strength right now.
After an awkward greeting with Song Hyeongbin, Heo Yubin teamed up with Hashimoto Ken to claim my arms.
Koalas on a tree branch had nothing on us.
Following Heo Yubin, a slightly familiar name joined up.
Hey, Park Jaehoon here. Nice to meet you!
Nice to meet you!
Pleased to meet you!
I paused to think why the name rang a bell.
Oh, right. The first trainee I took down in name tag elimination.
The memory still fresh, apparentlyPark Jaehoon sneaked glances at me while shaking hands.
Lets make a great stage.
YYeah, lets.
And with that, our team was complete.
I looked around at the nowbustling group.
Even with No. 1 Song Hyeongbin, it doesnt feel like Avengers.
The socalled Avengers team meant a group stacked with highrankers.
But excluding Song Hyeongbin and me, the rest of ours were all doubledigit ranks.
The team next door was in a similar boat, and the 2010s one had no one in the top ten except Ji Yooncheol.
The other era rooms must be like funeral parlors.
No format announced yet, but high odds itd be every team competing. Like last round.
But sharing space with a powerhouse team naturally deflates you.
Team assignments and selections are complete. Trainees, please grab your chosen mission song signs and come back out front!
We exited the structure and returned to the open area.
Everyone was scanning around, checking who ended up with whom.
That teams insane.
How many top tens?
My motivations tanking.
As expected, the Avengers team hailed from another era.
The 2020s mission song was loaded with firepower.
Chae Eungyu, Baek Sihwa, Yoo Minha, and even the ninthplace guy.
Four out of six in the top ten, three of them in debutzone top seven.
My eyes met Yoo Minhas beaming smile.
She thrust both thumbs up at me.
Come to think of it, Yoo Minha and Baek Sihwa are teamed up again.
The subtle tension between them Id glimpsed on broadcast.
Buried under other trolls last time, but something more might surface this second round.
Karis! Whyre you over there?
Says the guy who ditched us solo for that team, Siyoon.
Right, hyung! Youre the one in the wrong!
Kang Siyoon, stuck in the 2000s, reached out pathetically. Clearly angling for a skit scene.
Heo Yubin stuck out his tongue in a goofy face.
Nyah.
YYubins corrupted!
Choi Sia tapped her mic twice, then flashed a smile.
Idol Training Simulation second round team selection is complete. Youll now have eight days of practice before the main competition kicks off. Head to your practice rooms with your mission song signs.
Yes!
Everyone replied with energy.
We moved to the practice building opposite the main hall and entered the huge room labeled for our song.
Whoa, its massive!
Looks like weve got it to ourselves this time.
No need to watch our backs.
The trauma from sharing with the rival team in round one ran deep.
Song Hyeongbin, with a faint smile, walked toward the table set up in the center of the practice room.
The smile vanished from his face.
Part distributionlets start.