Chapter 44
After the leader was decided, the distribution of parts was done very easily.
"Then, I'll take a look at the center's applicants. Is anyone interested in trying it?"
A center that takes up an overwhelming amount of space.
It takes center stage in the chorus and even has a solo shot in the highlight part.
So honestly, I thought it wouldn't be strange if all five applied to the center.
"... Are you really not going to do it?"
"I realized this while listening to the song. No matter what anyone says, the center is Karis."
"Karis nim is the best! He's a perfect fit!"
"Ken, aren't you Japanese? Where did you learn the expression 'perfect fit'?"
"My friends at my agency told me a lot of different things."
I was the only one who applied to the center.
I was even surprised that Song Hyeong-bin gave up so cleanly.
"I wanted to be sub-vocalist 1 the most. And as I said earlier, after listening to the original song two or three times, I felt that this was the song that suited Karis the best."
Even though he says that, Song Hyeong-bin is probably internally controlling his feelings of burden.
It's already attracting everyone's attention.
If you are both the leader and the center, the perfect conditions will be created for the antis to stick to you.
'You can look down on him by saying that he is greedy and doesn't care about the other trainees while being number one. This is a completely reasonable choice.'
I was very happy to get the center part without a big problem.
I secretly hoped that this time, a hidden mission to secure the center would appear, but the system remained silent.
Once the vocal and dance positions were confirmed, Song Hyeong-bin immediately put on his earphones.
"Then let's divide up the roles and get going quickly. First, I'll do the choreography and flow, so everyone takes turns getting used to your parts, okay? "
"I, I, I, I! I may be lacking in skills, but I will do my best to help you as much as possible!"
Heo Yu-bin raised his hand, trembling.
The rest of the team burst into laughter when they saw that sight.
"You don't have to be so nervous! Yubin sings much, much better than me. Please take good care of him!"
"Tha, thank you."
I smiled faintly and quickly came to my senses.
This is not the time to just smile.
Securing the center means there is a lot to prepare, as there is a lot of volume.
'It would be best to maintain my current stats and increase my proficiency.'
No matter how many skill points I've saved up, I can't just waste them all in an instant.
The higher the level, the more proficiency/skill points are required.
I would like to quickly increase to A-level stats, but if I do that, my proficiency gauge will go up to a level that I can't handle.
'The required number for A is 60, but if I think about it being multiple, my head gets dizzy. It's not urgent right now, so holding on for now would be the right choice.'
And if I feel really in dire straits, I can use the lucky draw shop.
However, the problem is that since it is a gacha format, variables can occur here as well.
Last time, I got lucky and got an amplifier item. If luck doesn't favor me...
I shook my head.
'Let's stop thinking about useless things and start practicing singing.'
I had a day of work getting to know each other.
Song Hyeong-bin silently followed the choreography and movement and instructed us to practice repeatedly.
The rest of the members gradually got the hang of it with the help of main vocalist Heo Yu-bin.
And at night, another scene opened up.
"Karis hyung-nim. I tried mixing synth-pop and rock, like I mentioned back then. Would you like to hear what it's like? "
Heo Yu-bin, who was alone in the composition space, operating the electronic piano and laptop, called me at around 2 AM.
Despite his tired appearance, he had a very proud expression on his face, so I went there with anticipation.
"Hmm."
"How is it? Was it okay? "
After listening to the chorus,.
"... It's better than I expected."
"Yes?"
"You did a wonderful job."
Without realizing it, I patted Heo Yu-bin on the shoulder hard.
I always try to remain calm where there are cameras.
After listening to the arranged version, such caution was erased from my mind.
"You created it exactly as I imagined. Is this the result of just one day? "
"Yes. I just kept it simple...."
"I want to hear the finished version soon."
The person in charge of the arrangement, Heo Yu-bin, would know best what these words mean.
A maddening energy began to flash through his eyes.
"Yes, it was effective to adjust the tempo quickly while maintaining the dark atmosphere! I'm really glad that it's similar to what Karis hyung-nim had in mind! "
It seemed like he wanted to get back to composing right away.
Looking at Heo Yu-bin like that, an idea related to the concept suddenly came to mind.
"With this kind of atmosphere and lyrics.... The costumes could also be like this."
"How?"
When I added an explanation about the costume, Heo Yu-bin even applauded.
"I've always wanted to try this concept in my life! Ah, but would it be possible for someone as frail and weak as me to do this?"
"It has nothing to do with body type."
I nodded my head as I looked at the relatively short and skinny Heo Yu-bin.
How many young princes like this were there in
Because even Ray von Walden, the younger brother of Karis von Walden, had this image.
In the first place, a prince is a prince from birth.
It doesn't matter how tall you are or what your body type is.
"Yubin, come with me."
"Where to? "
"It is natural to report these work results and ideas to the leader."
We headed to the choreography practice room.
As expected, the lights were still brightly lit.
Song Hyeong-bin was seen wearing a hoodie and diligently practicing the choreography.
I said, tapping the wall of the practice room.
"Mr. Hyeong-bin, are you very busy? "
"Huh? Oh, no! Come in. What's going on? "
Song Hyeong-bin took off his earphones with a smile.
His sweat-soaked bangs hinted at how long he had been following the choreography.
When Heo Yu-bin gave his opinion on the arrangement and costumes, Song Hyeong-bin gave a thumbs up.
"It's only been a day, and I never imagined we'd come this far. It's so good. I want to hear more soon."
"Thank you! The brainstorming we had together yesterday was very effective."
"You were the one who created something out of nothing with that idea, Yubin. You can give a little more credit to yourself."
"Won't it make me sound overly proud? "
"Not at all."
Song Hyeong-bin watched carefully as Heo Yu-bin and I had a natural conversation.
Even without realizing it, I could feel his gaze instinctively.
"Now that I think about it, those two seem to get along really well."
"That's because we've been using the same cell and performing on stage together since the level test. Actually, I was really shy from the beginning, but I was always grateful because Karis hyung-nim was so friendly to me."
"You're flattering me, Yubin."
Song Hyeong-bin's gaze was still fixed on me.
Just when I was wondering how long he would stare like that, Song Hyeong-bin stretched and stood up.
"Then, when everyone wakes up in the morning, we'll tell them the arranged version and the costume ideas. You guys should also go in and rest. You must be tired."
"You too, hyung-nim, go to sleep quickly! "
"See you tomorrow."
I moved out of cell 31, where I had grown attached, and now to cell 12.
Although Heo Yu-bin was still there as a roommate, Ken Hashimoto was sleeping soundly in Kang Si-yoon's place.
"Will Si-yoon hyung be doing well? "
Heo Yu-bin, who was getting ready to wash up, asked me.
I guess he was thinking the same thing.
"Wherever Siyoon goes, he'll do his part. You don't have to worry too much."
"I guess so... ."
* * *
The practice went very smoothly.
Thanks to Heo Yu-bin's early arrangement, all schedules were able to proceed one beat faster.
The process of learning choreography and vocals also went smoothly, as planned.
A few days passed like that, and there was only one day left until the judges' midterm evaluation.
'If I prepare to this extent, I think I can avoid harsh criticism.'
Today, as usual, I practiced until 3 a.m. and came out.
I returned to the cell with my tired body.
Heo Yu-bin and Ken Hashimoto, who had finished their personal practice a few hours ago and entered first, were already in dreamland.
"Koooo...."
I washed my face while listening to the sound of someone sleeping soundly.
After drying myself off, I finally lowered myself to lie down on the bed.
Knock knock.
"Karis. Karis, are you there? "
Someone knocked on the door of cell 12.
"Yes, I am here."
When I opened the door, Song Hyeong-bin, with slightly dark circles under his eyes, was waiting for me.
I studied his face for a moment.
'Hmm, it certainly doesn't seem like you came here because you were in a good mood.'
I was going to ask because I was curious what was going on.
Song Hyeong-bin opened his mouth first and wiggled his fingers.
"Can you help me? "
An unexpected word came out.
Currently ranked #1 in
An all-rounder who has been the leader for several consecutive years.
Song Hyung-bin, who is popular among the trainees for his pleasant personality, asks someone for help.
But I kind of expected this situation.
"Of course I can help you. Where can we talk? "
Song Hyeong-bin and I came down to the lounge on the first floor of the dormitory.
Sitting on a soft chair, I fixed my gaze on Song Hyeong-bin, who was in silence for a moment.
"... I'm sorry for suddenly calling you out like this. But it's really nothing."
"Anything is fine. Feel free to tell me."
Song Hyeong-bin slightly raised the corners of his mouth.
"You told me to talk to you comfortably, but why do you still talk to me like a teacher? It's frustrating."
"I'm used to using polite language with people who are a year older than me. So, I'll just use Yubin's words and call you hyung-nim."
"Okay, do that."
What on earth is the topic that makes you want me to start talking comfortably?
"It's not really a big deal. I'm just a little worried about it, so I wanted to confide in a friend I can trust."
"Do you trust me that much, hyung-nim?"
"I think you're the most knowledgeable person on this topic out of all the people I've ever met."
Song Hyeong-bin turned the water jug he brought around.
"I was the leader in the first round. And as you know, I had a hard time maintaining teamwork."
"I think the problem was the team members, who only cared about their own selfish desires."
"Hahaha. I guess it's okay if you look at it that way, but I still regret that I wish I had done a better job of mediating in that situation. After all, those guys wanted to survive, so they did that. I wish I had been a little more eloquent and led them better; that's what I think."
As I continued to look at Song Hyeong-bin, his status window suddenly popped up.
The status abnormality written under the dazzling stats, 'Indecisive', began to blink.
I let out a small sigh in my heart.
'I guess I should get straight to the point without beating around the bush.'
—