Team Aglet quickly went backstage as their name was called.
June looked at his teammates and frowned when he noticed their nervous energy.
Compared to their confident selves just a while ago, they looked stiff. Even C-Jay, who was usually confident, appeared to be having doubts.
And as Team Risers went down, it only got worse.
Zeth, Casper, and Jaeyong genuinely wished them good luck, to which June nodded in acknowledgment. The other members were kind enough to give them encouraging smiles.
However, as Lin Zhi approached, June couldn't help but feel annoyed.
"You should have performed before us," he said in a teasing tone, but there was an underlying seriousness in his voice. "Then maybe the expectation for your stage wouldn't be too much."
Sehun pursed his lips before smiling. "You guys did great."
"Of course," Lin Zhi smiled. "And I'm sure you'll do great…especially you, June," he said, glancing at the nonchalant trainee.
June ignored him and faced his teammates instead.
Fortunately, Zeth pulled Lin Zhi back to the trainees' area, leaving Team Aglet all alone.
Once again, June observed his teammates' faces. Then, he let out a deep breath.
"You're nervous," he said his observation.
"I can't help it," Sehun said. "This is the first time I'm performing last on the show. I've always performed in the middle—where the audience doesn't expect much yet."
"Me too," Jakob shakily said. "I don't think I've ever been this nervous before."
C-Jay silently nodded, appearing paler than before.
June sighed and massaged the bridge of his nose.
"You guys have worked hard for this," June said, his voice carrying a soothing yet commanding tone. "This is your moment to shine. You need to show the people what you're capable of."
"But how do we get rid of these nerves?" Haesoo asked.
"Channel that nervous energy into anger," he advised. "For all the people who looked down on you, for all the doubters and haters, turn that fear into fuel."
The others exchanged glances, absorbing June's words. Sehun's apprehensive expression gradually shifted into one of determination. Haesoo's clenched fists relaxed, and Jakob's trembling hands steadied.
"And then," June continued, "perform with that anger. Let it fuel your passion, your energy, and your every move on that stage."
As June spoke, the faces of his teammates eased a little bit. Worry was replaced by resoluteness, and annoyance crept in, directed at all the obstacles they had faced and all the doubters who had ever underestimated them.
June was elated as he saw the fire light up in their eyes. "Remember," he added, "we're not just performing for everyone who's ever doubted us. But we're also performing for ourselves—our dreams. Let's show them what we're made of."
C-Jay finally cracked a smile. "You always know what to say, don't you? But wait," he worriedly said. "Your voice is still a little bit hoarse and deep. Must be from all the sleeping you've been doing."
June smirked. "It's just perfect."
***
The atmosphere inside the dimly lit studio was electric, charged with anticipation as the audience continued to talk about the last performance. Kang Minho walked back to the stage, his sharp features highlighted by the soft glow of the stage lights.
"Zeth was crazy! How could he improve every week?"
"Casper was the star of the show. Did you see how he annihilated Zeth with that rap?"
"Lin Zhi was the best. He sang that high note so well."
"I think he lip-synced it?"
"Shut the fuck up. You don't know what you're talking about."
"I want to steal Steel."
"Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen," Minho announced, his voice resonating through the venue. "We're down to our final performance of the night, and it's a special one. But before we get to that, let's give it up for all the incredible teams that have graced this stage tonight!"
The crowd erupted into applause, showing their appreciation for the talented trainees who had already performed their hearts out.
Minho continued, "Now, for our last team of the evening, we have something truly remarkable in store for you. A performance that's been months in the making, created by none other than the famous rap producer duo known as 'GROOVYTUNES'!"
The mention of GROOVYTUNES sent a ripple of excitement through the audience. The duo had a reputation for producing chart-topping rap hits, and their involvement in this show sparked immense curiosity.
"Groovytunes?" Jia asked. "Don't they only produce rap songs?"
"They do," Bora frowned. "Which is strange since June hadn't performed yet. I wonder if the production crew were lying when they said he's going to perform this week. Maybe he's still in the hospital."
Jia frowned, too. "That's what I thought. Unless June raps?"
"I don't think so," Mimi said. "We've never heard him rap throughout the show. And with vocals like that, it's pretty obvious that he focused a lot on that aspect."
"Yeah, and he didn't write 'rap' under his Rising Stars' profile," Bora added.
Jia let out a disappointed sigh. "Then, does that mean we came here for nothing?"
"I guess so."
"By the way," Jia said, changing the topic. "Aren't you going to take off your jacket?"
Mimi shook her head. "I'm fine!" she exclaimed, despite sweating buckets inside the thick sweatshirt.
As the cheers died down, Minho continued, "This song, 'Tie Me Up,' is an RnB rap masterpiece that's sure to leave you speechless. This song, unlike others, required the involved trainees to write their own rap lyrics. So, without further ado, let's welcome our final team of the night!"
The stage lights shifted, focusing on a group of seven trainees dressed in all-white outfits.
Each member exuded a unique charisma, and they stood at the center of the stage, ready to make history.
Their all-white outfits glistened under the soft, ambient stage lights, creating an ethereal contrast against the dark backdrop. Each member's attire was a unique expression of their individual personalities, yet all shared the common theme of pure white.
"June's here."
"Oh my gosh. June is really here."
"I can't believe it. I really thought he died."
"June's rapping?"
Jia's eyes widened in surprise as she stared at the trainee on the side of the formation. "He's here," she whispered.
Mimi, too, looked at him, captivated. "June looks...sexy?"
The audience erupted into whispers as they continued to stare at June.
June wore a silk polo shirt that matched the theme, its fabric catching the light with a subtle sheen. The shirt was unbuttoned at the first three buttons, revealing a glimpse of his chest.
Then, amidst their whispers, a thumping bass line filled the air, stunning the crowd to silence.
