The production assistant consulted her tablet, swiping through screens with practiced efficiency.
"Line distributions are already finalized," she said. "Production wanted to maximize each trainee's strengths based on preliminary evaluations."
She began reading names and assigned sections.
The first trainee received the second verse. Another got the pre-chorus harmonies. A third was assigned backing vocals and dance breaks.
Each announcement drew polite nods, some visible relief, occasional disappointment poorly masked.
I waited, pulse hammering against my ribs.
More names. More assignments. The chorus ensemble. The bridge support vocals.
My name hadn't been called yet.
Neither had Hyunki's.
The assistant paused, glancing up from her tablet with an expression that suggested she knew exactly what bomb she was about to drop.
"Lee Hyunki—first verse lead and first rap section."
