It had been two days since Roh Yoon-ho disappeared from home. When he reached Seoul he bought a new phone and changed his number in attempt to hide traces of his current location. The only person he contacted was his music teacher and informed him of his decision. Although he didn't support the idea of running away from home,he was glad the boy was finally standing up for himself and making his own choices. He somehow felt proud of him.
As much as parents had rights to whatever concerned their children,Roh Yoon-ho's mother made his home to be a very toxic environment and sooner or later he would develop mental health issues and might find it hard to cope with the world. The music teacher assured him that he would step in as his guardian incase parent's consent was required during the auditioning process.
During the two days ,Roh Yoon-ho settled at one of the hotels in Seoul and only went out to buy a few snacks that he needed. The trauma that came along with being under constant watch of his mother made him glance over his shoulders from time to time making sure no one was keeping an eye on him. He double-checked his left and right sides whenever he wanted to enter convenience stores. At some point he felt like a suspect.
---------------
Park James was seated cross-legged in the living room of his brother's apartment watching TV while drinking whiskey. His agile hand encircled the bottle's neck as he gulped down the contents inside.It was not even sunrise but it was a little bustling with his brother moving here and there while getting ready for the big day - the day of the auditions.
"How can you drink on such an important day?" Park Seung-ho snorted in disbelief at his brother's actions.
"Whiskey has always been the medicine to my soul. Besides one bottle won't get me drunk,"he sassed.
"We both know you will end up drinking another bottle,"Park Seung-ho mocked him.
"Will you be part of the adjudicating panel?"Park James looking at his brother lazily.
"Yes,"Park Seung-ho replied fixing the cuffs of his shirt.
"You look even more nervous than the ones going to audition,"Park James said teasingly.
"Who said I'm nervous? I'm just a little late so that's why I look a bit disoriented."
"But you're always punctual. What happened to you?"
"We were busy planning till two in the morning and I was exhausted from all the arrangements."
"Makes sense."
"Make sure you come on time to the auditions,"Park Seung-ho reminded him as he slipped his feet into a clean pair of shoes.
"Don't interfere with the selection and favour me just because I'm your brother. I can manage to succeed on my own."
"Of course I won't. I believe in your talent. You've always been more talented than me. Anyway see you at the auditions,"Park Seung-ho picked up his briefcase and walked out of the apartment.
---------------
Park James sat at the dressing table styling his blonde hair. As he stared at the mirror his fingers trailed down his face examining his face. Looking at his own reflection in the mirror he felt satisfied with himself. His facial features were clearly highlighted to showcase his natural beauty- his clear porcelain skin,his upturned light blue eyes that was so far the most attractive thing about him,the well curved thick eyebrows,his well defined cheekbones and jawlines ,his upturned nose and his thin peach coloured lips that were now twisted to form a proud smile. His outfit was just simple but he still looked hot. He wore something flexible to allow him to dance freely at the auditions. Something that would not limit his movements.
---------------
In big companies,auditionees were required to submit recorded videos of them singing and dancing to the company's website. Then they would choose the best to proceed to the live audition. But small companies like Infinity Beats Entertainment which was just taking its first step in the K-pop entertainment industry,they disregarded such requirements and planned to carry out live auditions only that there was a time range during which the trainees were supposed to check in at the auditioning venue.
Many youngsters queued outside the auditorium waiting for their chance to check in at the registration desk. They then collected their audition numbers and the audition schedule. Information packets with guidelines, rules, and tips for the audition process were handed out. The opening ceremony started with a welcome speech by the company CEO Bae Seong-min. Introduction of the judges and their credentials was done followed by explanation of the audition process and expectations.
For the dance audition, participants performed a one minute dance routine - either freestyle or pre-choreographed. Judges evaluated based on rhythm, creativity, technique, and stage presence and a short feedback session for each participant was conducted afterwards. This session was very interesting because of Park James with his captivating dance moves that left the judges speechless. His breakdance was one of the best they had ever seen.
For the vocal audition,participants sang a two minute segment of a song - either acapella or with a backing track. Judges assessed vocal range, tone, pitch, and overall performance and then a short feedback session for each participant.
Vocal audition was a little less interesting given that most males weren't good with their vocals but one individual of interest emerged who happened to be Roh Yoon-ho. At first,the judges were dubious of his vocals given that he had chosen a complex song with an upbeat tempo and powerfully high notes. But he proved them wrong by hitting all the high notes effortlessly . His vocal technique was impressive with excellent control of pitch and dynamics. His breathing was solid and the performance was heartfelt conveying the emotions of the song beautifully. His articulation was clear and precise leaving the judges impressed.
During lunch break light refreshments were provided for the participants and they were able to relax and interact with each other.
After the lunch break participants performed a one minute rap verse .Judges evaluated the flow, lyrical content, delivery, and stage presence and most importantly last but not least; a short feedback session for each participant.
Afterwards participants showcased any additional talents such as playing musical instruments and acting. Judges assessed the uniqueness and potential of each talent.
Given that the company wasn't stable enough to carry a few more rounds of auditions,they declared they would choose the best six from that day's audition and all of them would receive emails whether they had passed or not.
To conclude the ceremony,closing remarks were given by the company CEO and the participants left leaving themselves to the hands of fate to decide whether they would make it or not.