The stage was set for the most awaited audition yet. The mentors' expressions shifted into a mix of curiosity and anticipation. The crowd murmured in excitement as the trainees from the renowned company stepped onto the stage.
Zeth Kim and Ren Yuan.
"I've heard about Zeth. He's the best rapper and dancer in the show."
"Ren's voice is so good. Have you seen his covers on YouWatch?"
"It must be good to be talented and be in a famous company."
"Who hasn't heard of Zeth and Ren? You must be living under a rock if you don't."
June didn't know them. He, indeed, was living under a rock. If it wasn't for his sister, Mei Ling, he would not even know what idols were.
However, as he saw their status windows, he had to do a double-take.
[Ren Yuan, born in 2000
- Vocals: A-
- Dance: B
- Visual: A
- Rap: F
- Charm: B+]
[Zeth Kim, born in 2001
- Vocals: B-
- Dance: A
- Visual: A
- Rap: A
- Charm: A+]
These kids were extremely good. They have the best stats out of everyone else yet. June was looking forward to their audition.
"Good day, mentors. We are the trainees from Top Star Entertainment!"
"I am Ren."
"And I am Zeth."
"Please look forward to our stage," they said in unison.
The mentors leaned forward, their attention fully focused on the performers.
"Top Star," Minho muttered. "They must be good. I'll judge them more harshly."
The music started, a pulsating beat that filled the air. The two trainees burst into action, their moves precise and energetic. Despite having only two people on the team, they filled the stage with their presence. They executed the intricate dance formations flawlessly, their synchronization a testament to their rigorous training.
"Step on the scene, feel the heat rise.
I'm the one they watch, I'm the prize.
Got the moves that make them all go wild.
When I dance, I make it worth their while.
I'm the shining star, can't you see?
I'll never back down and won't let it be.
I'm on a mission, gotta take control.
Gonna show the world, watch me reach my goal."
The trainees were enthralled as they effortlessly transitioned into the vocal and rap part of the performance. Their harmonies were spot-on, their voices blending beautifully. The room reverberated with undeniable talent.
June nodded to himself. This was the kind of trainees that he had expected to face—the ones who were most likely to debut.
"They're incredible! As expected from Top Star," Gun whispered.
"Their stage presence is remarkable. It's no wonder they come from such a famous company," Hyerin added.
"I'm the best, no doubt, no question mark.
Gonna light up the stage, like a walk in the park.
I'll keep pushing harder, never gonna rest.
Proving to the world that I'm the very best."
Zeth and Ren continued their performance, showcasing a variety of skills, from rap verses to acrobatic flips. The room erupted in applause as they finished their performance, their breaths labored but smiles still plastered on their faces.
Jisung nudged June's shoulder. "I'm scared, brother. They're so talented."
June nodded. It couldn't be denied. He was sure that everyone in the room thought the same. They were in the midst of great talent.
"Zeth and Ren. The two of you get five stars."
As Top Star exited the stage, another famous company entered.
Prism Entertainment.
Jisung gasped. "It's Casper's turn already. I can already see him getting five stars!"
Four trainees entered the stage. The first person June noticed was Casper Park.
[Casper Park, born in 2000
- Vocals: B+
- Dance: A+
- Visual: B+
- Rap: A-
- Charm: A+]
He was another trainee to look out for. His dancing skills were the best that June has seen, even better than Zeth's.
A sexy piano tune filled the hall, and the dark performance captivated the trainees. They were going to perform a song by a girl group? More specifically, Undone Love by STARDUST.
It has a sexy concept that enchanted the hearts of both Asian and Western fans.
"In the shadows, we dance so close.
A forbidden love nobody knows.
Temptation pulls, like a spell, we're bound.
In this dark romance, our desires profound.
Whispers in the night, secrets entwined.
Passions ignite, bodies intertwined.
Yearning for release in this sinful flight.
But deep within, I long to see the light."
Zeth and Ren watched their performance backstage. In contrast with Zeth's Golden Retriever personality, he had a serious look on his face while watching Casper.
Ren glanced at Zeth and took a step back. It was rare to see him so serious like this.
"Dark love, burning bright,
In the depths of the night.
But I crave the touch of the sun.
To heal the wounds, to become undone."
The judges exchanged glances, clearly impressed by what they'd just witnessed.
"I have to say, that was one of the most polished and professional auditions we've seen so far," Jihyun said into the mic.
"Absolutely. Your skills are undeniable, and your potential is immense," Bone added.
"Casper and Jinsol, five stars!"
As the end of the auditions started nearing, June started feeling sleepy. It was true that he had been transported to a 20-year-old's body, but he still felt like he was 28. During this time, he'd usually take a nap in their den.
However, as the next company was called, his sleepiness all drifted away.
'Phoenix Entertainment' flashed on the screen.
"Phoenix—they're really good, too."
"This is the first time they sent their trainees to Rising Stars. I wonder what happened?"
"I love the idols from Phoenix Entertainment, especially CHAOS!"
Three trainees entered the stage.
June's eyes widened slightly.
Three? They were only two when they first came in.
Jisung hummed. "I think the other trainee's late. It's the first time I've seen him here."
Alex and Hyunwoo entered the stage, and behind them was a trainee whose face couldn't be seen. As they lined up in the middle of the stage, the last trainee's face was revealed.
Lin Zhi.
June held onto his head as he felt a sudden pain. Alex and Hyunwoo were definitely strangers, yet there was something about them that triggered a sharp pain in June's head. He winced and instinctively gripped the edge of his chair, trying to make sense of the overwhelming sensation.
He then focused his gaze on Lin Zhi; fleeting glimpses and images flashed in June's mind. Snippets of memories, disjointed and fragmented, flickering like a damaged film reel.
Lin Zhi?
At that point, he realized that it wasn't just Choi Joon-ho's memories that flashed in his mind, but his.
Because June, as Chen Jun Hao, knew who Lin Zhi was.