The stage was set, the atmosphere crackling with excitement as Guitarman, the most awaited artist of the night, stepped into the spotlight.
The audience held their breaths as they waited for the intro of his song to play, wondering what masterpiece he was going to create this week.
June was situated backstage, sipping some warm water through his mask. Beside him was Jay, who was still very much in character as Thongman.
"You know, if you wanted to wear panties on your head, you should have just gone with that," June said, not even able to look at him.
"What do you mean?" Jay asked, not finding anything weird about his costume.
"I mean--don't wear thongs on your schlong next time," June said, glancing down at the thong just right over his jumpsuit.
"It's trendy," Jay shrugged, not fazed by June's comment.
June shook his head and focused his gaze on the screen instead. The crew was just making some final preparations before Guitarman's performance officially started.
"I've only realized now," June started off. "I haven't actually seen any of Guitarman's performances."
Jay nearly dropped the donut that he was eating through the multiple thongs covering his face.
"You haven't?" Jay asked. "Have you been living under a rock?"
"I've seen some clips on Navel," June said. "But I never really clicked on them. I was supposed to watch an episode with Akira and Jisung, but we just talked most of the time, so I didn't get to watch his performance."
"Well, you're in for a surprise," Jay said. "Guitarman won for ten straight weeks for a reason."
June nodded, not expecting any less from him.
Fortunately, the intro of the song finally started, and the audience held back their squeals when they recognized the classic song.
The first chords of 'Drunk Words' echoed through the venue, the people closing their eyes to feel the weight of its sound. It was a song that was usually sung in karaoke, especially by drunk men who got their hearts broken.
So, it was a song that not only made women bawl but also made men weak on the knees.
As the white light surrounded Guitarman, he began to sing, and at that moment, June also understood why he had been the reigning champion for the past ten weeks.
"In the dead of night, with whiskey in my hand,
I stumble through the darkness, trying to understand.
My words, heavy on my tongue,
But they slip through my fingers, like the setting sun."
His voice spoke of his experience, and truly, he sounded like a veteran singer with every note he sang.
The audience's reaction flashed on the screen, showing their smitten expressions for Guitarman.
They swayed side to side, already loving the performance despite only hearing a single verse.
However, despite June's amazement at Guitarman's vocal skills and portrayal, he couldn't shake off the nagging feeling inside his mind.
June…knew this person.
"In my haze, I find the courage to speak,
Because of my words, you chose not to believe.
I'm drowning in regret as the truth remains unheard.
For in the sober light, my love is just drunk words."
As he sang the chorus, it became all too clear.
"So, it's you," June smirked, crossing his arms in front of his chest.
Jay snapped out of his daze once he heard June utter those words.
"What do you mean by that?" he asked.
June turned to Jay. "I think—No, I definitely know this person."
"What?" Jay asked with wide eyes. "How were you able to guess his identity when you've only heard him sing once? I've been guessing for the past ten weeks."
"That's because you're stupid," June seriously responded.
Jay pursed his lips and paused for a while before nodding.
"You're not wrong about that. When you sang a while back, I almost forgot it was you! In the end, I was doing a guessing game in the waiting room," he chimed.
June shook his head in amusement.
"Well, who is it?" Jay asked.
June leaned into Jay's ear and whispered the identity of Guitarman.
Jay recoiled in shock, even covering his mouth in the process.
"You're right, man! You're so right. I'm so stupid for not noticing it before," Jay said, bonking his head.
"Well, it's unexpected for him to join a competition like this," June said as he leaned against his chair, staring at how Guitarman devoured his stage.
"Drunk words, sober thoughts,
But you're a distant memory in my heart's vaults.
I'm shouting into the void, but you refuse to hear,
My love laid bare, crystal clear."
"This is going to be tough," June muttered, thinking of a strategy to secure his victory.
If he loses, his vocal skills would automatically be reduced by two grades, which meant there was a lot at stake for him.
"What were you going to sing again?" Jay asked.
"Funkytown," June answered hesitantly, suddenly doubting his song choice.
"Oooh! That funky song? That'll be fun. It's a different color from what Guitarman is singing right now."
"Different color…right," June muttered.
"Yeah," Jay answered. "If you do it right, then the audience will have a harder time picking a winner from two varying performances. That's what most of the past challengers had been doing. Since Guitarman's forte is ballads, they believe they can't compete with him in the genre. So, most people try to stray away from ballads during this round."
Just then, June stood, realizing what he had to do.
"But…what if somebody can compete with him?" June asked.
Jay frowned in confusion. "What are you insinuating?"
"Thanks, Jay," June said. "You gave me an idea."
"I did?" Jay asked. "You're welcome, I guess?"
June nodded and, without any word, left Jay to go to the production crew.
If his guess about Guitarman's identity was right—which, he knew was most definitely the case, then he believed he'd have more of a chance to win if he sang the same genre he excelled in.
Water against water.
Fire against fire.
June arrived at the sound team, tapping the shoulder of the person in charge.
"Can I make a last-minute change to my song?"
