I think you all know this feeling. The impression of sitting on needles. The heavy tension in the air that prevents you from breathing. The unpleasant feeling of being trapped between two rocks. Being caught in an awkward situation is never pleasant. At that moment, from the deepest part of your being, you tell yourself that you need to get away from this environment. Is it a primitive survival instinct waking up inside us? Perhaps. Or is it just pure, hard rationality hitting us and making us understand that the situation is serious. If I don't do something, this group is going to have a big problem.
The day had started very well. I woke up early, as is my habit. Nam JiHo and I went running in the gym provided for the candidates in the basement. We then met Isidora when we went to take a shower in the girls' communal locker rooms. Although the connection wasn't immediate between the two, the atmosphere was relaxed. We talked a bit about Isidora's dormitory. She told us they were also four in her dorm. She lived with a Portuguese candidate, a Filipina, and a Canadian. After the shower, we took a quick trip to the cafeteria to grab a sandwich. Then we headed to the dance studio that our team had chosen as our meeting place. JiHo and I arrived first among our group members. The other candidates all arrived one after the other. Around 7:00 AM, we were all present. The conversation had started rather well.
_Has everyone been able to watch the MV and the dance video? JiHo begins.
_Yes. We replied in unison.
_Do you find the choreography difficult? Are there parts you would like to replace?
_There are sections I'd like to change, of course, but I think first we need to decide on something important for the group: the distribution of roles. Seol indicates.
_Yes, that's true. Who will be the captain? And who is going to be the center? Nathalie continues.
_Well, for the center, we should decide once we've chosen the concept. After a few rehearsals, we'll see who fits the concept best. JiHo starts. But for the captain, obviously, it's me who will be captain. I have the highest ranking.
In a few seconds, I can practically see the atmosphere freeze. It seems JiHo's decision is not unanimous. As if to confirm my thoughts, Yuki speaks up.
_Don't you think we could at least have a vote?
_The fact that you have a better rank doesn't mean you are the most talented or that you have the best leadership. It just means you had a good audition in Phase 1. Seol states. I think I would be a better captain.
What she says isn't false. Being categorized as A or C doesn't mean one is more talented than the others. Furthermore, the ranking can change at any time. However, having observed everyone's auditions and just the general atmosphere, I can confirm that Seol is a bit bitter because her audition didn't go as well and she was ranked B. From what I've heard, she was a trainee for three years in a local Korean company, so she is quite confident in her abilities. Additionally, combined with the friction between the trainee candidates and the independent candidates, the rivalry between the two could only intensify.
_We can vote if it means that much to you. JiHo sighs.
_Everyone who wants to be captain, raise your hand. I say.
Immediately, JiHo, Seol, and Nathalie raise their hands. I understand the enthusiasm to become captain. You get more screen time, and you have the opportunity to talk with the coaches as the team's spokesperson. It's normal to be competitive, but they must keep in mind that this is a team challenge. If we lose, everyone is eliminated.
_Girls, this is a team challenge. Are you ready to carry the responsibility for five people? I say, my tone heavy and solemn.
Perhaps because she understood the gravity of the situation, Nathalie slowly lowers her hand. Only JiHo and Seol remain. Both keep a firm and determined look.
_Okay, why would you be the best candidates to be our captain? I ask seriously.
_I've been a trainee for three years. I am professionally trained for these types of performances and I've always shown good leadership toward my juniors at the agency. Seol begins.
_The number of years of training isn't going to determine whether or not you succeed. But it is a good foundation. Yuki mutters on my left.
I nod to validate her point and turn toward JiHo.
_Personally, I don't have years of training as an idol. But I've been an underground rapper for these last five years. I've produced and performed my music on different stages, so I think I am qualified to guide you. she explains.
Although her attitude is a bit cold and she lacks a bit of tact, it is clear she is the best candidate. Her experience is the best option for winning. And if I'm honest, I didn't like the way Seol rolled her eyes when JiHo said she was an underground rapper. I don't know what problem they have together, but I am biased toward JiHo. So, at the time of the vote, Yuki and I voted for JiHo, and she became captain. The good news is that everyone was a good sport. Once the hierarchy issue was settled, we decided on the concept. We stayed with a "party," but we told ourselves it would be a birthday party that turns into a nightmare. The noisy kind where the neighbors call the cops. The main colors are pink and red. JiHo will arrange the music to allow me to do an ad-lib. And Yuki and Nathalie offered to change the steps we decide to remove.
And so begins the training from hell. All morning we dance non-stop, in the afternoon we practice vocals, and at night we dance until late. I barely have time to eat and see Cat, who tells me he's getting along well with his roommate. Indeed, one of his roommates speaks Japanese, a language Cat learned because he is a huge fan of anime. The two speak this language together and discovered they have the same tastes in anime. I am happy for him. Besides me, he finally has someone else to communicate with. He could originally communicate with the other Thai candidates, but it seems they hadn't clicked. They get along, but not to the point of being best friends.
The following days pass like a blur; we are always practicing from 7:00 AM until midnight. Finally, after an ultra-busy week, the mid-term evaluation knocks on our door. Each group is scheduled during the day on Monday to present their performance behind closed doors. When it's our turn, we enter the evaluation room. The five coaches are already present, ready to watch our performance. The room is soundproof so that it remains a surprise for the other groups. We get into position, the music starts, and so does the performance. We are in perfect coordination with one another. Vocals and harmonies are perfectly mastered. The only issue is that we still haven't decided on the center. So the choreo looks less vibrant. And the judges do not fail to point it out to us.
_I couldn't identify the center in your performance. Was that intentional? JYP begins.
_We haven't been able to decide on who will be the center yet. JiHo states. We wanted to evaluate who fits the concept best and then decide.
_You must decide quickly because there isn't much time left.
_Plus, I find your choreography lacks personal elements; it lacks impact. You've already adapted the choreo well, but something more is missing. Kany continues. You can do it girls! I believe in you!! She shouts.
_But I'd also like to note that your vocals were incredible. I really liked the ad-lib you added during the bridge. The harmonies were well-controlled. Karol explains.
_I expect a lot from you girls. You have a good combination. I think you can create something incredible. Ejae explains.
They continue giving us some hints about our placement in the choreography and advice on the vocals and rap in the song. We thank the coaches for their feedback, bowing slightly out of politeness before leaving the room. The next group replaces us as soon as we are outside. Nathalie turns to us to suggest a meeting. So we go find an empty dance studio to talk. Sitting in a circle in the middle of the room, the silence isn't awkward, unlike the first meeting we had together. I decide to speak up to facilitate the process.
_I know I am already the main vocal, but I think this song suits me well and I would like to be the center. I announce. Who else wants to be center?
We need to stop beating around the bush with this subject.
_I would like to be center too.
I am surprised to see Yuki volunteer. Among all the girls in our group, she has had the least presence until now.
_I think I could do well. She explains.
_So you've got no choice but to clash. JiHo announces.
One after the other, Yuki and I perform the choreography with the background music. We give it our all to have as much impact as possible, and the energy we radiate is incredible. I can't believe Yuki can let loose like that too. Although I want to win, it would be good if along the way, everyone could show their good side to the fans. An opportunity like this isn't common.
_After deliberation, we have decided that A... JiHo begins.
_Wait! I interrupt.
They all look at me surprised, as it is clearly not like me to do that.
_Sorry to interrupt you, JiHo. But I think instead of having one center, why not have two? It could be our surprise element. Plus, I just thought of a combination of steps that will give the impact the coaches wanted.
_Really? Are you sure? Because we had decided you would be the center.
Yuki looks at me hesitantly. I feel she wants to hear my idea. But she also wants what is best for the group.
_I know, but listen and tell me if it's doable. We'll have to change the choreo a bit, but I think it will give more impact. I explain.
_Explain your plan. We're listening.
___
Reference:
_This chapter was inspired by the song Abracadabra by Felizz. You can listen to this song while you read if you wish.
Thank you for reading and have a good day.