Humanity's greatest gift from the Almighty Creator was their superior wisdom, tenacity, and adaptability.
A downcast youth in the morning transformed into a smiling idol-wannabe, radiating a kind demeanor and bright energy as he entered the dining room.
Not long after, he cracked jokes with his friends, acting as if nothing disturbing had nearly shattered his mindset yesterday.
Yes. It was Jun. He had returned to his previous self, the version that adapted quickly to any new situation.
Three days later.
The D-Day of Best of Idol's Mission 3 arrived.
For this mission, the set used for the entrance test was reopened to accommodate all 24 contestants of BOI. Both Landers and Inhabitants, dressed in proper stage attire, gathered, forming two sides. Eyes roamed the hall to take in the changes in decor, but soon everyone focused on the 200-inch monitor, awe written across their faces.
The director played the encouraging messages left by popular Nova artists like ADAH, KAISER, and solo singers such as Leola. The contestants' hearts swelled with emotion. Hyeon-ju, in particular, teared up, and his fellow Inhabitants huddled around him for comfort.
When the last message from their successful seniors finished, the emcee stepped onto the stage, ready to begin the battle.
"Having heard your seniors' encouraging words, full of wisdom and experience, I believe all of you have become even more determined to reach your ultimate goal in this survival show—debut. I can see the fire burning in your eyes, everyone. So let us officially begin the long-awaited battles tonight, starting with the vocal group," laughed Emcee Lee.
He changed his pose, glanced at another camera, and smirked playfully. "This song dominated the charts and award ceremonies six years ago—a pop ballad about a whirlwind romance that begins and ends too soon. How do you think our courageous Inhabitants will challenge this song, which left its mark in Korean music history as one of the Perfect All-Kills of the Nation's Sweetheart? Without further ado, let us invite the Greenhouse team to perform Seven Days of Love History by Miss Why!"
Half an hour passed as the two camps completed their performances and scores were announced. The Greenhouse team performed Miss Why, while the Barren Land team chose a song from a male balladeer. Predictably, Sujin's team won. The gap was significant, but while the Landers were frustrated, they accepted the outcome without protest.
Before the next team's turn, the two vocal groups were called for brief interviews while the staff prepared the stage for the next performers.
Ten minutes later, the dance teams took the stage. The battle was tense: Kato, Min, and Juwon were all strong dancers, but across from them stood Neo, a true dance monster. Neo's teammates were no slouches either; one excelled at krumping, while the other two shone in street dance.
"The score is now one-one—a tie between the Landers and the Inhabitants! Congratulations to the Landers for winning the dance face-off!"
The emcee laughed passionately as Neo's teammates cheered thunderously.
"Neo! Neo! Neo! Neo!" Amid the applause, the name-called only smiled bashfully. Soon, the other Landers began shouting encouragement at their dance team members.
Another ten minutes were set aside for interviewing the previous batch of performers.
Sujin approached Kato and the others, patting them on the back. After the interview, the four Inhabitants' faces remained grim, understandably—they had lost.
"We're sorry," Juwon apologized on behalf of the team. The others followed suit.
"It's okay. You guys performed brilliantly," Jun reassured them.
Seth spoke from behind, "Brother, we're up next. I feel so nervous."
"Try chanting 'Om' in your mind nonstop until you calm down," Xavi suggested. "It works for me."
"Om, om, om, om." Seth misinterpreted the advice and ended up voicing it out. He looked amusing as he gently tapped his cheeks.
Jun tapped him on the shoulder repeatedly.
"Inhabitant Rap Team, please come onto the stage now," Emcee Lee announced with a smile.
Before leading his teammates forward, Jun made them form a circle and recite their chant. "Boys, what's our number-one rule?"
"BE SINCERE!" they shouted.
Jun narrowed his eyes. "Again!"
"BE SINCERE!" They yelled louder this time. He chuckled at the cringey scene but encouraged each blushing teammate with a glance.
Judges and Landers alike watched the scene with interest.
When the Inhabitant Rap Team reached the stage, Jun signaled them, and they all bowed simultaneously. They introduced themselves as a team before moving into their presentation. The gesture wasn't unique, but they hoped it would leave an impression.
After exchanging pleasantries with the mentors, the rap team moved to their positions, dressed in white dress shirts, dark pants, and simple metal accessories. Lights flickered before dimming just enough to illuminate the stage and the white smoke that slowly rose to knee height.
The flute and violin began, transforming the venue into a dreamy gothic fantasy.
Xavi and Jun stood back-to-back at the center of the slowly rotating disk. A few steps behind, a flight of stairs led down to Daeho, who sat with his head bowed. Seth sat slightly forward, a soft, reminiscent smile on his face.
When the violin paused, Xavi raised his head and faced the audience with a calm expression. His voice carried softly as he delivered the opening lines.
"I remember that day when I opened up about my dreams.My grandma looked me in the eyes with encouragement and joy.She probably finds peace at the thought that, at last,The immature me has found a passion to pursue in this life.It had taken me courage and stubbornness to take the first steps.And she also did not hesitate to take those steps for me..."
Gripping the microphone with both hands, Xavi used his story as an opening. The lyrics continued, telling the experiences of three others.
Sujin's main supporter was his music teacher, an older brother who taught him how to sing. Min, like Xavi, was encouraged by his grandparents to audition, trusting his potential blindly. Hyeon-ju auditioned with friends, who, though unsuccessful, continuously supported him with cheering messages.
As Xavi summarized their shared struggles before becoming idols, Jun's backing vocals softly harmonized, adding depth to the opening.