Jihyun's eyes remained fixed on June as he walked to the front, her thoughts drifting momentarily. As he got closer, his appearance seemed to be getting better. "He's really handsome," she mused silently to herself, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips.
As June approached the wall to make his selection, Jihyun's curiosity got the best of her. "Do you have a position in mind?" she asked, her voice soft as she leaned closer to him.
June's cold gaze met Jihyun's, and he nodded. "Yes," he briefly replied.
Minho chuckled. "Is that all?"
June nodded.
"Mind telling the other trainees what it is?" Jihyun asked.
June silently shook his head. He wanted to pick peacefully.
"Oh," Jihyun disappointedly said. She secretly hoped that he'd pick something that had to do with vocals so she could mentor him.
As their conversation ended, June walked towards the wide entrance.
He had already made up his mind.
He's going to pick 'Vocal and Dance.'
It would be a shame for him not to showcase his improvement in dancing while highlighting his singing abilities.
As he went inside, his eyes focused on the 'Vocal and Dance' column. He didn't even glance at the other categories despite Jangmoon's and C-Jay's attempt at calling him over to 'Bodylicious.'
"Over here, brother!" Jangmoon screamed. "Let's rap together!"
C-Jay smiled and gestured enthusiastically for him to perform the same song.
June shook his head.
These two picked a song that they'd be horrible at once again. June was already wishing their new teammates good luck.
June stood at the center for a moment, just taking all the song choices in. His gaze settled on the first option: 'Beside Me' by the group THRICE. It was a band song with a good rhythm, and it would be a safe choice to perform.
It is quite melancholic and yearning in the beginning, which can showcase the rawness of his vocals. There are also lots of chances to add in harmonies since the melody is easy to follow, with the gentle strumming of the guitar forming the backbone of the melody.
Moreover, he looked at the people under the song's name and saw Akira, who was smiling at him and coaxing him over. June glanced at the other team members and saw that they, too, were pretty decent.
Eight people were needed in the group, so joining the team means he'll be completing it.
However, he took the time to consider the other songs.
The second song was entitled 'Electric Pulse' by the idol group VIBELOCITY. The title alone hinted at an energetic and electrifying track. It is a pop-rock anthem known for its addictive chorus and powerful bridge. If June recalls, the song began with a techno piano riff that gave off a retro feel.
One downside to the song is its repetitive chorus, with the words 'Electric Pulse' being said over eight times in a span of thirty seconds. As June considered "Electric Pulse," he couldn't help but imagine the energy and excitement that their performance would bring to the stage. However, it's quite an overplayed song, so it might trigger other people's annoyance.
The third song on the list carried a different vibe compared to the previous choices. However, it was still quite upbeat. Titled 'Midnight Craze,' the track was by the renowned DJ duo SYNTHESIS. The mere mention of the song evokes images of neon lights and pulsating energy, setting the stage for an EDM festival experience. It has an upbeat energy and vibrant electronic sounds. What made the song special was the vocal arrangement. The high notes were a highlight, soaring above the male range.
June could reach it, for sure. Yet it would be difficult for him to accomplish this while dancing on stage. As the song echoed in the back of his mind, memories flooded back to him.
June could practically hear the song playing in the background as he recalled the nights he visited the White Tiger Gang's bars and auction houses.
June's eyes strayed to the last choice, and he immediately recognized the song: 'I Love You, Leave; I Don't Love You, Don't Leave.'
He immediately disqualified it from his choices. Even the title was enough of a red flag. Who names their song such a long title? Out of all the choices, this was the most different, too. It leaned more toward a subdued ambiance compared to the upbeat track. It was almost like a ballad.
No, it's definitely under the ballad category. It has a delicate piano sound that seemed to carry a sense of nostalgia.
As June looked at the title, his memories surged forth. He knew this song all too well, as the original artist hailed from China. This wasn't a well-known fact, by the way. It's mostly known as a song by 'Yoo Ji-hwan,' otherwise known as 'Hwan.' The legendary Korean soloist, who had been in the industry for more than twenty years, imbued it with his own touch, creating a version that became popular all across Asia.
However, the familiarity of 'I Love You, Leave; I Don't Love You, Don't Leave' was a bittersweet memory for June. It was a song he had sung countless times during his day as a gang member, often at the karaoke. The memories associated with it were pathetic, representing moments he had left behind.
Aside from that, the 'ballad' quality of the song practically made it impossible to choreograph, so June quickly rid his mind of any lingering memories and focused on the three choices instead. He weighed his options once more before walking over to the safest choice.
With a nod of resolution, June walked over to 'Beside Me.' Its rhythm, emotions, and arrangement all aligned perfectly with his intentions to showcase his improved dancing and singing abilities. He believes his teammates wouldn't give him a hard time too.
And with him being the highest-ranked among them, there's a higher chance he can get the 100,000-star personal benefit.
"Glad to see you here, brother," Akira smiled. "Let's make another legendary stage together."
