Ding! Ding!
"Updating the board, a contestant has withdrawn," a robotic female voice echoed through the building. My heart skipped a beat. No way… it can't be me.
"No! I have to turn back…" I muttered to myself and whipped my head around.
"Rank 69 Woo Seokjin!"
Oh, shit! You've got to be kidding me! My god… it's me! that's fuckin' me!
"Woohoo~~~~ Woo Seokjin, No.69 Yeah!! Hehe~ Wow~ya~~"
"Enough screaming, you kids are annoying! Huh~" the janitor barked back. Startled, I just bowed and smiled, then sprinted out of the building. My feet bounced down the steps as I swayed my hips in pure joy. Everything around me seemed to slow, like the world had frozen.
"I did it! I'm going to be an idol?!" I yelled, rushing home and collapsing onto my bed, almost out of breath. Yes! Zzzzzz…
"Hey! Seokjin!" A voice called me, shaking my leg awake in the chilly air-conditioned room. I opened my eyes to see K and the other trainees staring at me.
"Here! I'm up baby!" I raised my hand to check in.
"Didn't have coffee this morning, huh?" K teased, chuckling.
"It's so cozy in here… anyone who doesn't have air conditioning wouldn't understand," another trainee stated.
Clap! Clap! The male trainer's applause drew everyone's attention.
"All right, everyone. Let me explain the rules. You have one week to move your asses here. You're not allowed to leave the apartment until authorized. No smoking, no alcohol, and you must eat exactly the amount we prescribe. Your social media accounts are locked until further notice. You can call your parents twice a week. Anyone who violates this must return home immediately. Clear?"
"Yes, sir!" Everyone nodded.
K yawned, covering his mouth with his hand.
"Man, where are the ladies... ah, i mean female trainees?" he asked.
"Shush! Male and female are split. End of story. If I catch you stepping into their zone even 0.1 cm, not only will you be sent home, or else.... you'll get to meet this guy," the trainer said, pointing to a tall, muscular man with a fierce beard and thick brows.
He slammed his fists together, making K jump off the floor.
"Oh~ crap" everyone gasped.
"Wait… do they teach Muay Thai here too?" a trainee whispered.
"For the next year and a half, you'll live here like soldiers. We'll push your potential to the limits dancing, singing, everything. At 5 p.m. daily, you'll attend marketing classes. You must be 500% perfect any crooked teeth, dark spots, peeling skin… we'll fix it after entering the main training camp. When the time comes, I hope you all debut. No arguing, no quitting. The girls train twice as hard as you, so be proud you being pushed out with a dick!"
Bam! "Whoa! That's a motivational talk right there.... shit hits the spot!" K slapped his thighs. Everyone including me stared.
"Okay, now we'll start with introductions." the dance instructor continued.
K leaned toward me with a sly smile. From this point, training would be long and grueling, but I had to push myself for a bright future. Over the seasons, bonds between me and the other trainees grew stronger. Though some were sent home each month, our progress in eight short months was impressive.
Then, a man in a suit came in, selecting ten trainees, including me, for a special assignment: backing up a top girl group.
ACT 'Zero' LINK these girls were basically the seniors of the camp. SPI had a record of successful debuts. K and I, dressed in futuristic hanbok-like outfits, stood behind the other trainees. The four main girls walked in, styled in black and blue Korean fashion. I barely saw their faces, as we were the background. K stood beside me, handing me a soda.
"Don't you choke on that." he warned.
I sipped lightly, warming up as I bounced. "I can do this! Hoo!" Lights hit the girls, and the director shouted,
"ROLL THE CAMERA!"
The shoot went smoothly. By the end, we shook hands with the main dancers. Unfortunately, they had to leave immediately, covering their faces. Still, we sincerely shook their hands to show respect. Even though we were roughly the same age, it was a heartfelt moment. Truly unforgettable moment.