Chapter 98
Translator 8uhl
Chapter 98
Chapter Title Final Preparations and a Farewell Feast
It was a truly grueling preparation period.
While grinding through the Idol Training Simulation schedule, every round had been tough, but this final round felt like everyone was approaching it with a different mindset.
The first, second, and third competitions had all been crucial.
But the final live broadcast showdown was on another level entirely.
Even as the teams practice stabilized, they never let their guard down, constantly exchanging feedback with one another.
They skimped on sleep night after night, pushing to perfect every move.
Time flew by just like that.
After wrapping up the showcase in front of parents and friends, the final live broadcast was now just one day away.
The team seemed to have thoroughly prepared in that short time.
In particular, Song Hyeongbin in the center position and Kang Siyoon, who had snagged the main dancer spot, had firmly held the team together and led them strong.
Kang Siyoon, who hadnt even dreamed of the main dancer role in the final round last time around.
This time, the stage had come where he could unleash his skills to the fullest.
Okay, lets wrap it here. Great job, everyone!
Youve all worked hard!
Good work, everyone!
Chae Eungyu was the one whod said they should get plenty of rest the day before the final.
So today, he actually cut practice short in the early evening and gave the team time to unwind.
Everyone rolled their shoulders or twisted their waists as they headed out of the practice room.
Huh?
Hey, howd you all finish at the exact same time?
From the opposite end of the hallway lined with practice rooms, the other teams trainees came running toward us.
Kang Siyoon, leading the pack, leaped straight at me and threw me into a headlock.
Ow.
Dude, if it hurts, say it hurts more like you mean it.
It hurts a ton.
Adding one word up front doesnt make it hurt more, yknow?
Kang Siyoon grinned as he released the headlock.
You guys just finish practice now too?
Eungyu hyung said we need plenty of rest before the final.
Oh, Hyeongbin hyung said the exact same thing to us.
Everyones eyes turned to the two leaders.
Song Hyeongbin and Chae Eungyu burst out laughing at the same time.
Hahaha! Ah, it wouldve been better if youd just thought it was a coincidence and moved on.
Yeah, right, hyung.
What the you two planned this?
Is this a hidden camera?
No hidden cams, promise. We all had the same thought beforehand make sure to rest up before the final. But its not just us
The production staff said the exact same thing.
When Song Hyeongbin mentioned the production team, we exchanged glances and shrugged.
What is it?
They got something else planned?
At this point, arent the staff addicted to surprises?
Hyeongbin hyung, spill it already!
Kang Siyoon shouted, but Song Hyeongbin made an apologetic gesture and smiled sheepishly.
We dont know either. The staff just told us to finish practice by 7 p.m. and head to the auditorium.
A real surprise, huh.
They didnt bring our parents here, did they?
What could it be?
The 14 trainees, buzzing with excitement, chattered as they made their way to the main auditorium.
Just as we reached the entrance.
A few trainees with sharp noses picked up on the surprise first.
Smells like meat.
Food smells amazing!
No way, no way, no way!
Karis hyung! Karis hyung! Barbecue!
Heo Yubin sniffed the charcoal scent and looked up at me with sparkling eyes.
I ruffled his hair and nodded.
Looks like a surprise party is in store.
Meat! Meat!
The mention of meat and a party sent the trainees morale skyrocketing.
We flung open the auditorium doors with massive energy and gasped at the production teams killer gift.
Looks so good!
I skipped meals all day practicingIm starving!
We can eat now? Right now?
Every kind of food was laid out.
From charcoal barbecue that drove ravenous teenage boys wild, to Western dishes like pasta and pizza. Comforting homestyle Korean food for those missing it. Cold noodles and soba for anyone craving something refreshing.
It was a luxury buffet spread you might see at a highend hotel.
Trainees, youve all worked so hard. Keeping up with this brutal schedule mustve been exhausting physically. For tonights dinner, relax and eat your fill to recharge. Its our small gift from the production teamenjoy!
Thank you!
Really, thank you!
Well eat well!
Head PD Shin Cheolwoo came over personally to greet us.
We applauded like thunder, then rushed to the food stations, piling our plates high.
Nothing beats meat for recharging stamina.
Loaded with fat and proteinand above all, delicious.
Meat being the best was an unchanging law, even in Grand Quest Saga.
If you could spare it, it was the ultimate morale booster for soldiers.
As I built a tower of beef and pork, Heo Yubin and Hashimoto Ken watched with intrigued eyes.
Karis hyung, you gonna eat all that?
I skipped breakfast too, so Im famished. I can handle it.
You gotta eat breakfast properly. Oh, seems like theres nothing Karis cant do.
This is basic.
Once I neatly stacked ten pork ribs in a row, Hashimoto Ken even clapped.
After I carried my spoils back to my seat, the two got competitive and started building their own meat towers.
Whoa, Ken, its tilting over here!
Ththen should I put it here?
Easy does it! Yeah, like that!
I watched my two friends enjoy their little side quest and dug into the feast.
Soon, Kang Siyoon arrived with a plate balanced with veggies and meat and sat next to me.
Those guys are having fun.
Yeah. But stacking it that unevenly? Its gonna collapse.
Youre analyzing their tower while you eat?
Kang Siyoon laughed in disbelief and nudged my arm.
No major issues with your team? Looked like you guys were practicing hard at the showcase.
We had some early sync problems that slowed us down. Got called out a lot in the midevaluation, but we powered through. Now were cruising, as you saw.
Same here. You dont know how bad the midevaluation wrecked us. Everyones mental almost broke... Haha, but we sorted it out somehow.
I nodded while chewing meat.
Sounds like their team had it about as rough as ours.
Good thing its sorted now. We leveled up big after our midevaluation too and fixed most issues.
Our choreographys brutal cause its the final stage. Hyeongbin hyung suffered a ton as leader.
Choreo gave you grief too, huh. Same with us. Eungyu hyung put in the work.
End of the day, both teams pulled through.
Kang Siyoon set down his fork for a moment and looked up at the auditorium ceiling.
Ah, man. Tomorrow its really over.
...Gonna miss this place a bit.
Yeah. Haha, I still remember it clear as day. When we first gathered here, I saw your back and just said hi. Remember?
Of course.
Hahaha! Back then, I legit thought you were a Korean with dyed hair. Then I find out youre from Estonia? My brain was full of question marks.
Talking about the level test.
Only two and a half months ago on the calendar, but it felt like ancient history.
Thats how fast time had flown during Idol Training Simulation.
Hey, Karis.
Yeah?
No matter what the results are tomorrow, you got no regrets? Like, you gave it your all?
I met Kang Siyoons gaze headon.
His eyes were steady as he looked at me, but my sharp vision caught it clear.
The faint tension lurking in his pupils.
...Honestly, I think I did my absolute best.
Yeah.
Thats true for everyone. Yubin, Minha, Hyeongbin hyung, Eungyu hyung. And you too, Siyoon.
Kang Siyoon closed his eyes briefly and let out a small breath.
Then he nodded.
Yeah, youre right. Deep down, I know I gave my best every moment.
If you feel that way yourself, thats what matters. And if you gave your best, the results will follow no doubt.
I patted his shoulder lightly.
So for now, focus only on the stage. We can face the results after.
Haha, you always nail exactly what needs saying. Its crazy. Gimme some of that skill.
Afraid its a trade secret.
Boss is too stingy.
Every trainee got a solid calorie boost before the final round thanks to this.
With cameras rolling daily, wed always managed our weight and portions.
So unrestricted gorging for once? Everyone looked satisfied.
We ate well!
Im stuffed!
Ahyuksi welfare is the best!
Just as filming seemed to wrap up.
Hey, Ive got a great ideamind if I suggest something?
Song Hyeongbin raised his hand with a meaningful smile.
Every eye in the auditoriumtrainees and staff aliketurned to him.
Todays our last night in the dorms. How about we all sleep here in the auditorium? Like a sleepover vibe.
Sleepover?
Staying up all night hanging out, just us?
Pajama party feel?
Sounds good!
Isnt this like the last night of a retreat?
Gonna be fun!
I never even went on a school trip or retreat.
Song Hyeongbins idea got a huge thumbsup from the trainees.
When we all stared at the production team, Head PD Shin Cheolwoo conferred briefly with the staff.
Finally, they gave the okay.
Were good with it. Its the last day, and youre probably feeling all sorts of emotions. Hope you share stories and greet tomorrow morning together. Just dont stay up so late youre exhausted for the stage tomorrow. Auditorium work for the spot?
Thatd be great, thank you!
Well clear this up first and set it up for you to crash. Come back down around 10 p.m.?
Got it!
The staff jumped into clearing the buffet tables.
We hurried out to avoid getting in the way.
Hyeongbin hyungs full of ideas today.
Its not much of an idea, but honestly, Ive wanted to all crash together on the last night for a while.
Really?
Yeah.
Song Hyeongbin scratched his head sheepishly at Yu Minhas words.
Weve all grown so close, and itd feel wrong to just practice till the end and leave. Wanted to gather one last time, chat about everything.
Our Hyeongbins got a soft, sentimental side, huh.
Feels like you wouldve suggested it if I hadnt.
Chae Eungyu looked like hed been hit right in the feels.
I recalled the trait listed in Song Hyeongbins status window and nodded slightly.
Song Hyeongbins trait is Leader. His ability to bring people together is showing unconsciously.
This development was pretty fresh to me.
No sleepover like this when Id entered as Han Jihyuk.
A chance to hear what the trainees had felt and gained? Definitely intriguing.
Song Hyeongbin grinned as he headed toward the dorm wing.
Everyone, grab your pillows and come down.