Chapter 43
Translator 8uhl
Chapter 43
Chapter Title Part Allocation Setup
The setup for part distribution was the same as before.
Leader, center, main vocal, main dancer, and so on.
It was the style of attaching the trainees names next to the detailed parts.
Haha, somehow Im scared to make any rash moves.
Song Hyeongbin laughed lightly, trying to ease the tension in the room.
However, his uneasy gaze was fixed on the L sticker placed at the bottom of the table.
In this short time, I could roughly guess what was going through his head.
Whether to take that L sticker again this time, or to lighten the burden on his mind. Hes probably agonizing over it.
If it were the Song Hyeongbin Id vaguely heard about and seen before, he wouldnt have cared about the eyes around him.
He wouldve just taken the leader sticker without a second thought.
But the pressure must have built up from the leader conflict narrative that filled over 90 of his screen time during the first rounds main broadcast.
At least it was a slight relief that they had Hashimoto Ken, with his bright and sunny personality.
Part distribution is fun! Lets all sit and think about it together!
YYeah. Lets sit and think it over.
We sat in a semicircle and fell into a brief silence as we stared at the part distribution chart.
Song Hyeongbin, holding the panel in the center, swallowed hard and began the proceedings.
First off, since our team has five members, the part distribution wont be too detailed. If we just sort out main vocal, main dancer, and center, we can bundle the rest of the sub parts together.
Then, can we watch the video first?
Sure!
As per Park Jaehoons suggestion, we decided to start with the mission song video.
I clearly remembered it was a mega hit from the fivemember boy group Mayday.
But I needed to closely examine how it had been modified for this competition.
After watching the choreography video provided by the production team and the original performers stage.
Its way darker than I thought.
They went so hard on the concept that the outfits and makeup are intense too.
YYeah.
Everyone seemed a bit taken aback.
In particular, Heo Yubin was wearing an unusually serious expression.
IIf its not rude, can I say something?
Go ahead, Yubin. Say whatever you want.
From the look in his eyes, I had a feeling.
Before the abnormal status Hikikomori could kick in and tank his confidence, I gave him a subtle nudge.
I dont know much, but when I was bored alone, I studied a bit of composing.
Oh, Yubin! I didnt know you composed! Thats cool!
Ah, ahaha. ThThanks.
Heo Yubin grabbed Hashimoto Kens hand as if it were the most natural thing.
It was probably thanks to the influence of Yu Minha, the power energizer hed been with for the past few days.
It had turned into a surprisingly positive cycle.
Anyway, the original by Mayday sunbaes used a lot of slower, melodic lines in the beat. Its trap genre, but they inserted orchestra sounds in the middle and put a bridge variation here.
Heo Yubin manipulated the tablet, and a bridge emerged where the bass line was drastically reduced, and the melody rose in an eerie fashion.
He played that bridge for a few dozen seconds.
Park Jaehoon, who had been listening intently, raised his hand.
Sorry to interrupt, but the pitch range here all seems high, which feels a bit scary. Its not even true voiceits falsetto, so it seems pretty tough.
Thats exactly what I was going to say.
Heo Yubin nodded eagerly.
Could I ask what everyones main positions are?
Im good with vocals or dance.
Im more comfortable with dance than singing.
Me too, dance and rap.
Without exception, everyone said they were more comfortable with positions other than singing.
I gave a short agreement, considering my current stats.
Im still more comfortable with performance aspects.
Then the only ones confident in vocals are me and Hyeongbin sunbae. Hold on, let me look at the part distribution again.
Heo Yubin excused himself briefly and took the part distribution chart from Song Hyeongbin.
Watching him manipulate the tablet with such fervor gave me a strange feeling.
Back when we first met facetoface, he lacked confidence because hed gotten Underground rank. And now, this kid is declaring his own confidence in vocals.
It was a moment of pride, like taking a talented knight to the next level.
I instinctively wanted to clap, but I held back the urge.
In the meantime, Heo Yubin finished organizing his thoughts.
The biggest issue right now is the bridge part. Looking at the part distribution the production team gave us, this and this are marked as sub vocal 2 and 3. If I take main vocal and Hyeongbin sunbae takes the next biggest, sub vocal 1, then both of us wont get that falsetto bridge.
So that means two out of the remaining three have to do that bridge?
The production team said we cant change the part distribution itself, so yeah.
At Heo Yubins words, Park Jaehoon looked dejected.
For one, I only really do rap, so vocal parts like this.
IIts okay! Karis and I will somehow!
Hold on.
Song Hyeongbin subtly raised his hand, cutting off Hashimoto Kens positive remark.
His gaze was fixed on Heo Yubin.
Yubin, youve got more to say, right? They said we cant change the part distribution itself, which means other things are fair game.
Sharp analysis.
Heo Yubins eyes sparkled as he nodded.
We cant change the amount of parts each team member gets. But that doesnt mean we cant change other things.
In other words, it boils down to going ahead with an arrangement.
The moment I quietly stated the conclusion, everyones gazes fixed on me.
The current problem is the mismatch between our team members main positions and the original part distribution. The falsetto bridge that goes high is the biggest obstacle. So if we modify just that bridge in some other way, the root issue gets solved. For example, turning the bridge part into rap instead of singing.
Yes! Exactly!
As soon as I finished, Heo Yubin pounded the practice room floor energetically and shouted loudly.
The reason for this falsetto bridge is that the original paced itself that way. In short, if the songs genre or vibe changes, the mood and pace change too. Then we can modify the existing bridge to fit the new details!
So we can put rap in there too?
Yes! If we mix in a genre that suits rap.
Wed end up with a result that keeps the original dark vibe but emphasizes performance.
It was a solution reached in an instant.
Hashimoto Ken, who had been watching Heo Yubin and my brainstorming with his mouth slightly agape, started reacting.
AmAmAmazing! Its so spoton, I got chills!
No, anyone could think of.
Good thing we have Yubin who knows composing! Thanks!
Ken straightup grabbed Heo Yubins cheeks with both hands.
Heo Yubin, whose face had turned into a round bun, gave up on stopping him and continued.
My first thought looking at the lyrics and melody was that we absolutely have to keep this dark vibe. And if we want to keep the existing melody lines as much as possible while arranging, synthpop genre would probably be the best fit.
Synthpop is a genre thats common in existing idol songs, so that should work.
If we want to add a slightly different feel, we could throw in a guitar riff. Or even mix in rock.
The discussion progressed at lightning speed.
I quietly nodded as I glanced at the trait listed at the bottom of Heo Yubins status window.
Trait CorneroftheRoom Genius Producer.
Heo Yubin must have been able to catch those flashes of inspiration and ideas thanks to this trait.
Though it probably came with special conditions attached.
Like, it only activates in relaxed, confidenceboosting situations, like composing in the corner of his own room.
Heo Yubin really needs to stay under my wing no matter what. Its such an excellent trait, and also.
Heo Yubin, who briefly met my eyes, flashed a bright smile and thrust his fist toward me.
Karis hyung! I finally did something! I feel so proud right now!
Yeah, didnt I tell you? Youve got every reason to be confident, Yubin. This idea is something only you could come up with.
No way. Karis hyung pinpointed the key part, so I could think of it faster. It wouldve been impossible without you.
If Heo Yubin had a tail, itd be spinning like a propeller right now.
He follows me really well too.
With the rough meeting wrapped up, it was time for the detailed part distribution.
Park Jaehoon picked up the L sticker in front of him.
So, who should get the leader sticker?
Yubin led the meeting this time, so how about he does leader?
No way, absolutely not! Even if the world ends, no!
Too bad.
Hashimoto Ken actively recommended Heo Yubin, but it was blocked by the person in questions extreme rejection.
Heo Yubin, who had been waving his hands frantically, turned his gaze toward me instead.
PPersonally, I think Karis hyung would be good too. Even last time, he quietly took care of us from behind and has center experience.
Oh, I think Karis would be good too! For starters, his face is too handsome!
I had no idea what visuals had to do with being leader.
As my two juniors enthusiastically recommended me, I slowly opened my mouth.
Im fine doing leader. Ive got plenty of confidence and experience leading people. Hmm, but.
But?
I trailed off slightly and glanced at Song Hyeongbin.
He was maintaining a poker face, but I could sense a subtle tension in his fingers and legs.
Yeah, this is the way to go this time.
I quickly pieced together words in my head.
But I feel like my skills are still lacking to take on leader in a spot like this. A true leader needs the capacity to look after those falling behind and develop their skills. In that regard, I cant yet shoulder the weight of leader. Instead.
The narratives that had played out on broadcast so far.
The tension he was feeling now.
And the gaze Id subtly felt on me during my exchange of ideas with Heo Yubin.
I had to act by synthesizing all of it.
With his prior experience as leader and proven skills, I think Hyeongbin should take this sticker.
The moment I finished, Song Hyeongbins fingers twitched.
Light returned to his slightly darkened pupils.
I think Hyeongbin doing it would be good too.
Me too!
Thanks, everyone. Honestly.
Song Hyeongbin slowly opened his mouth.
Honestly, I wanted to try leader again too. But after thinking I did such a bad job as leader in the first team round, I couldnt bring myself to say it. Thanks.
No problem!
From what I saw then, you seemed to struggle the most, so what are you talking about.
Ill do way better this time. Promise.
And so, the leader sticker went to Song Hyeongbin.
I clapped as I smiled inwardly.
Yeah, this was one of the scenarios I had in mind.
However, a few days later.
The day before the judges midcheck, I never expected this situation.
Karis. Karis, you there?
Yes, Im here. Whats up?
Song Hyeongbin spoke to me with a slightly hesitant expression.
Could you help me out a bit?