"Does this mean we can finally be on the same team?" Jisung asked, bouncing in excitement.
"It depends," June said.
June would like to pick an easy song this time. He already went through so much hell because of Mermaid Melodies, so he's going to take it easy on this mission.
Amidst the excited and nervous chatters, Mentors Jihyun and Minho began to explain the details of the XX Position battle's song choosing.
Kang Minho's voice rang out, "Beyond this wall are twelve songs of varying styles and genres. They would be divided into three categories: rap and dance, vocal and dance, and vocal and rap. Each category has four songs to choose from."
"Now, here's the catch. The number of group members allowed for each song varies. The highest limit would be eight members, while the lowest limit is four members. It is, therefore, crucial to choose a song that emphasizes the group's strengths and members' individual abilities."
Some trainees exchanged glances, starting to discuss amongst themselves as they mentally calculated the best strategy.
"Let's team up again," Akira said, nudging his shoulder. He was near behind him, so he was able to reach June.
June shrugged. Akira was one of the trainees who were on a similar wavelength as him. Their voices complement each other well, and they aren't the most talented at dancing. "Sure," June said.
"Unfair," Jisung called out from in front of them.
Akira chuckled. "Sorry, kid. Your music taste isn't the same as ours."
"June's the same age as me! I think he's even younger by months," Jisung defended.
"He seems older than all of us, though," Akira retorted.
"Let's just see where it leads us," June said. Ultimately, he'll pick a song that suits him well and would be the easiest to perform.
"Remember, like the first mission, this mission is a combination of individual and group battles. The highest-voted individual from each team will receive 100,000 stars, a reward for showcasing their personal talents. And for the ultimate challenge, the team with the highest overall votes per category will earn another 100,000 stars!
"200,000 stars for one person?" Jangmoon exclaimed. "That's more than what I had during the first eliminations."
"Damn, that's like securing a spot for the third mission."
"I probably won't get the personal benefit, but I need that group benefit."
Determination and excitement swept across the room.
Jihyun smiled warmly as she continued, "This is your moment to shine, to prove your skills and unity. Select your songs wisely, practice diligently, and give it your all. The fate of your team and your individual success rests on your shoulders."
"This is how you're going to pick the songs," Minho said. "Each of you will go behind this wall, one by one, and stand beneath your song of choice. So, line up according to the order of your rankings, starting from the last-placed trainee."
Whispers of excitement rippled through the lower-ranked trainees while confused statements were heard in the upper ranks.
"Hell yeah!" Jangmoon screamed. "It's finally our time to shine, my fellow losers," he clapped, causing the auditorium to laugh at his antics.
"Trainee Jangmoon, please come to the front," Minho said. Jangmoon trudged to the front with a smug smirk.
June shook his head. Jangmoon was quite an innocent lad. There's definitely something more than what meets the eye.
Azure wouldn't have a change of heart overnight and suddenly display the principle of equity to the low-ranked trainees.
"Do you have a position in mind?" Jihyun asked.
"I do," Jangmoon said. "But then, I kind of wish that the higher-ranked trainees would go first."
"Why?" Minho asked.
Jangmoon playfully smiled. "I want to be on the same team as big brother June!" he proudly said.
The trainees sent June amused glances and chuckles. June sighed and gave out a thumbs-up.
He was determined to stay away from C-Jay and Jangmoon at all costs.
These two were his good friends, but becoming their teammates would be very frustrating.
"Shall I go now?" Jangmoon asked. "I can't wait to see the songs!"
"You may," Jihyun said. "But before you choose, remember that each song has a maximum limit of group members. If the team is full, the higher-ranked trainees have the opportunity to push the lower-ranked trainees out of the team."
And there's the catch.
The lower-ranked trainee's expression shifted from excitement to disappointment. Jangmoon's shoulders slumped, his dreams of having the first choice were crushed, and the reality of the competition's dynamics sank in.
"Now, you may head inside," Minho said.
With a disappointed sigh, Jangmoon went inside and looked at the song choices with wide eyes.
'Forever Young by BLACKBUNS under Vocal and Rap.'
'Bodylicious by JAY KIM under Rap and Dance.'
'Beside Me by THRICE under Dance and Vocal.'
Jangmoon smiled and went to his first choice. However, he stopped when he remembered June scolding him during the first mission.
He loves to dance.
But he has two left feet.
So, to spare his future members' blood pressures, he decided to stand under the 'Forever Young.'
But, wait.
He really loved to dance.
Whatever, he's the last place! He'll pick a song that he would love to perform. So, in the end, he picked 'Bodylicious' by JAY KIM.
As Jangmoon finished choosing, the next one in line stepped forward, and the process continued. Each trainee grappled with the weight of their choice, weighing between the song they'd like to perform and the song they could truly excel in.
Akira entered the room and saw the 'Vocal and Rap' and 'Rap and Dance' teams unusually full. It seemed like nobody wanted to pick 'Vocal and Dance' since it was more difficult to sing in a stable voice with choreography.
There were already a few trainees among all the song choices, but Akira picked the safest choice.
Jangmoon and C-Jay appeared to be on the same team. They tried coaxing Akira to join them under 'Bodylicious,' but Akira shook his head and stood under the first song on 'Vocal and Dance.'
'Beside Me by THRICE'
It was a cheerful band song that could showcase his vocals well, and it wouldn't be that difficult to choreograph since it already had a cheerful and rhythmic beat.
Several choices and "kicking-outs" later, the time for June to pick a song finally came.
Jihyun giddily picked up her mic and looked him in the eyes.
"Trainee June, you may now go beyond the wall."
