Second Try Idol

With the audience seats gone, the stage expanded like magic, almost doubling in size. We had practiced with this extra space in mind, but witnessing the set that was created solely for our performance still left us utterly awestruck.

“Jin-Sung would be soaring across this stage if his legs were fine.”

“Right? He's been pouring his heart into vocal practice, yet he can't shake off that gloom. He's become so much quieter."

“It's a tough break. From dancing in the skies to being tethered to vocals… He wouldn’t be satisfied with that. But I think it's the guilt toward us that’s weighing him down more than anything," I said. Well, his vocals and rap had significantly improved, a silver lining to his cloud of sadness.

As Yoo-Joon and I dissected the situation, Joo-Han joined us and let out a deep sigh. Yoo-Joon then teased him with a sly smile, “What's up, Joo-Han?"

“Hey, stop calling me only by my name. You should call me ‘hyung,’ dude. I'm in a serious mood here. I'm worried he'll carry that somber expression right into the performance."

Jin-Sung, who would usually bounce back quickly, had been devoid of smiles for days now.

“But what can we do?" I said, more to myself than anyone.

“Being relegated to the stage's corner, singing alone... Of course, he’ll feel isolated like that."

Considering the changes made to the performance because of him and the loneliness of watching his fellow members move energetically while he remained still, he had to feel quite low now.

“Or maybe we put him right at the center." Yoo-Joon threw out the idea.

“Place Jin-Sung in a chair in the center and let him sing from there? …Oh."

Yoo-Joon was typically stoic, but even he couldn't help but be impressed by his own suggestion. Joo-Han and I joined in the chorus of awe. “That's a brilliant idea. Where's Yoon-Chan?"

Joo-Han quickly brought Yoon-Chan into the fold, and we whispered together.

“Let's surprise him."

***

In a spur-of-the-moment decision, we whipped up a simple but meaningful surprise for the dejected Jin-Sung. When we proposed it to the manager and the director, the director's face lit up with an enthusiastic “yes”, while the manager tried in vain to stop the flow of his unnecessary tears.

“Alright, Chronos, time to head in."

We get on the set along with the dancers. When Jin-Sung took his place on the designated chair, the rest of us steadied our nerves and readied ourselves for the “Moon Sea” stage.

“Ah, these pants. They're so tight that sitting is a chore," Yoo-Joon grumbled, kneeling and adjusting his position.

Tight leather pants, buttoned-up shirts, and stylishly wrapped harnesses around our necks comprised a bold set of outfits chosen by our stylist. She believed the fans deserved more “service” after the last music show.

“Please remember, this is a live broadcast. It’s a one-take deal, so stay focused for the next thirty minutes. We'll need quick set changes between songs, and make sure there are no mishaps during the costume changes. Just follow the rehearsal script."

The lights dimmed to a near shadow, and some mist filled the stage floor. This marked our first venture into such an extended performance. We were indeed nervous, but the nerves were overshadowed by the confidence we had built from relentless practice.

“Three! Two! One! Cue!"

Without any prior announcement or preamble, the intro of “Moon Sea” filled the air. The dim lighting that was barely enough to reveal silhouettes started to brighten slowly, and Yoo-Joon emerged from the darkness of the set.

…Sigh♪

The atmosphere instantly turned heavy. Locked in a silent battle with the camera, Yoo-Joon started his rap. While the dancers headed to the back, I just lay sprawled on the floor instead of on the bed. Then, I gazed up at the camera dangling from the ceiling and opened my mouth.

Black sea♪

As the first note escaped my lips, I rose to meet the gaze of the unseen audience. While I sang, the other members readied their synchronized steps on the opposite side of the camera along with the dancers. With no physical audience and the spacious stage, our possibilities for stage expression had multiplied, like a vast canvas for us to paint our performance on.

Abandoning you in the sea♪

I sang the final verse and let my gaze drift down. At the same time, the camera pivoted to the opposite side, catching the other members as they launched into their well-rehearsed choreography. It was a dance executed by just three members, without Jin-Sung and me.

The hours of practice were evident in their every move. Standing at the center, Yoo-Joon led, with Yoon-Chan and Joo-Han following closely behind, and they delivered a performance so moving it was almost mesmerizing.

As they flawlessly completed the first verse of “Moon Sea,” the once dim lights shifted to a tranquil blue, heralding a change in melody. A majestic, cold, and solemn prelude directly filled the space.

As the camera zoomed in on Park Yoon-Chan, the song's protagonist, the dancers quietly slipped behind me to avoid the frame. Just like that, the second track, “No Nights for Me,” started.

Whatever I say♪

The moment Park Yoon-Chan's voice hit the first verse, the camera retreated. As another cameraman signaled me, I opened my mouth at the perfect time.

Silently endure through the night♪

I continued the choreography with the dancers. As the camera’s attention alternated between me and Park Yoon-Chan, the other members stepped out of the spotlight briefly, catching their breaths. When Park Yoon-Chan joined me after completing his verse, the serene blue lights suddenly turned crimson, and then a gunshot echoed through the air.

Park Yoon-Chan, the dancers, and I directly ducked down, disappearing from the frame as the camera whirled one hundred-eighty degrees to capture Yoo-Joon and Joo-Han amid the dancers.

As Team D's unit song “Need” unfolded, Yoo-Joon led the performance with Joo-Han a step behind him, reenacting the zombie-inspired performance. Meanwhile, Jin-Sung delivered Kim Jin-Wook's rap lines. His relentless practice, which was fueled by a desire not to be a burden, paid off as he effortlessly tackled the rapid beat.

As they performed “Need,” the stylists rushed out to dress Park Yoon-Chan in an animal onesie.

“...Sigh."

An animal onesie with matching ears headband. Moments ago, we were the epitome of cool, but now one was a rabbit, and I had become a cat.

“Hyung, I think I've figured out how to make this less awkward," Park Yoon-Chan murmured.

“How?" I asked.

“If I raise my pitch by three keys, it will come off as deliberately funny, less cringe-worthy," replied Yoon-Chan.

“...Ah, right." Well, at this point, it was whatever. I just accepted the weird pig doll from the stylist and took my position. Soon the lights brightened, and the prelude to “Woof Woof Meow Meow” resonated. The transformation from an apocalyptic vibe to sheer cuteness was instantaneous, almost dazzling even.

I shook my hips in a trance, feeling the attached tail sway from side to side.

Meow. Even if I'm willful, shower me with love.

I am just lonely.

Meow. Even in my fuss. All I'm hoping for is a hug, hmph♪

I suddenly craved soju. Despite my experience with ridiculous antics like wearing red capes and swapping karaoke parts, this was just too much… It was too embarrassing. Even the devil wouldn't take my soul after “Woof Woof Meow Meow.”

I am not lonely anymore.

Because I have someone to sleep with!

I might cry from missing you. But still, love me!♪

Surprisingly, Park Yoon-Chan managed to perform well. As I awkwardly navigated my part and shuffled back, Park Yoon-Chan hopped forward like a bunny, looking energetically charming with his elevated pitch. Apparently, he could execute this move flawlessly.

Next up, Yoo-Joon emerged in a dog onesie and Joo-Han in a bird one. Well, Yoo-Joon's face was flushed, clearly hit by reality.

I let out a sigh and turned to Jin-Sung, who was sitting in his chair, quietly observing the members. After Yoo-Joon and Joo-Han's stint, it was Jin-Sung's turn. He had planned to wear a dinosaur costume, but due to his injury and the necessity to keep his leather outfit for the next song, "Chronos," he ended up staying as he was.

I might be so big that people get afraid of me♪ “Huh…? Why…”

Jin-Sung started his part but soon faltered as he saw us approaching. We playfully smiled, placing all our headbands on him and giving him reassuring pats on the back. After all, “Woof Woof Meow Meow” was just a fun interlude we had thrown in. Even if Jin-Sung missed his part, or if no one sang while the music continued, it would be fine. After all, the director was content with capturing our funny moments.

Eventually, Jin-Sung lowered his microphone and looked down with a bashful look.

“Is Jin-Sung crying?"

“Is he actually?”

“Nah, no way, right? No, no."

“What's there to cry about!? I'm not crying! It's just... too embarrassing...!"

“Hey, hey! Don't make the youngest cry! Back to our spots. Hurry up."

“Okay!"

“Ah, hyung!"

We teased Jin-Sung to our heart's content before returning to our positions. Momentarily speechless, Jin-Sung chuckled and watched as we disappeared off-camera before picking up his microphone again.

“…Ah, I forgot the lyrics.”

With Jin-Sung’s momentary lapse, “Woof Woof Meow Meow” drew to a close. After performing “Chronos,” “History,” “Goblin,” “One”—Street Center’s cover song, and “Parade” non-stop, we barely had thirty seconds of break to catch our breath and slip into new outfits for “Blue Room Party.” Soon after, we were back in front of the camera in our distinctively colored short-sleeved shirts and slacks. The air of relaxation was palpable.

Jin-Sung was the one to lead off the “Blue Room Party.”

Hey, no need to roam afar,

Beach? Summer? Outdoors?

I'm all for the air conditioner♪

Jin-Sung casually pointed right while facing the camera with a flick of his hand. Following his cue, the camera panned right to find Yoo-Joon, who seemed to be taking the camera on a stroll.

The lapping of waves from the radio,

Glasses clinking in the blue light glow,

The cool fizz and barbecue,

Blue Room Party♪

Next, the camera's gaze shifted to me. As rehearsed, I took the cameraman's hand and walked in tandem with him. The broadcast was likely capturing just the clasped hands and our synchronized steps.

As the sun sets outside the window,

Embrace the cool evening air,

Among people basking in the warmth,

Savor a city break, laid-back and fair,

Blue room, blue room party♪

I handed off the cameraman's hand to Joo-Han, and subsequently, Park Yoon-Chan took the reins. Our rendition was leisurely and emotive. It was a trendy pop not weighed down by seriousness, akin to watching a sunset on holiday.

As we eased into the rhythm and let go, our faces naturally softened. When Park Yoon-Chan finished his verse, we quietly gravitated toward Jin-Sung.

“Why are you all coming here?" Jin-Sung became bewildered once again, and we grinned at him without saying a word. We then arranged ourselves around him, forming a formation as Park Yoon-Chan made his way toward us.

Pour memories into the deep glass,

Feel the thrill as the night surpasses♪

Park Yoon-Chan approached at a measured pace, left the camera’s view, and found his spot amongst us. We then started the chorus, with Jin-Sung at the center. Every member's gaze rested on him.

As Jin-Sung sensed the moment, he bit his lip, glanced around, and lowered his head again.

Cradle the coolness between your lips,

Ignite the thrill, relish the chill,

This moment too shall be etched as a keepsake,

Blue room party♪

I couldn't see Jin-Sung's expression as he looked down, but from the way he kept pressing his face down, he seemed to be holding back tears. The poor kid had been through so much.

We continued our dance, our smiles unwavering.

Then came Jin-Sung's solo part. He lifted the mic to his lips, but no sound emerged.

“Jin-Sung, how about we sing it together?" Yoo-Joon's voice boomed, and amidst our collective laughter, we all joined in the chorus for Jin-Sung's part.

Now, only the song's finale remained. With a serious effort to suppress my chuckles, I sang the final lines.

Ignite the thrill, relish the chill,

This moment too shall be etched as a keepsake,

Blue room party♪

This moment too shall be cherished,

Blue room party♪

“Huff… huff…" Frozen in our final poses, we awaited the director's signal of approval. Honestly, I was beyond exhausted, so I was silently pleading for that cue to relax. The stifled breaths of my fellow members buzzed through our earpieces.

Then, at last.

“Okay, cut! Great job, everyone!" At the director's voice, I allowed myself to collapse, embracing the stage floor.