I’m a Genius Idol but my Passive is Sunfish Chapter 6

Baekya spent another week no different from the last. The infinite repetition of school, practice room, and home.

 

And today was the day of the long-awaited monthly evaluation.

 

[Shin Jaehyun: You haven’t even been there long and you’re already getting evaluated…]

[Shin Jaehyun: Trainees really live hardㅠㅠ]

[Kim Yookyung: AMEN!!! YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!]

[Kim Yookyung: Go tear it up, Han Baekya (thumbs-up emoji)]

 

“Tear what up? It’s a relief if I don’t get torn up myself.”

 

Baekya muttered, looking at his phone. The area in front of the company was crowded, perhaps because it was the weekend, and seeing the slogans here and there, it seemed that fans of the agency’s artists had gathered.

 

Baekya pushed his way through the crowd and barely managed to get through the door. The lobby he had just entered was more chaotic than usual.

 

‘Is it because the people from the other company are here?’

 

Watching the busy staff, Baekya headed for the practice room. But it was just as chaotic here.

In one corner, there were female trainees who were already crying, perhaps out of fear.

 

‘The atmosphere is intense…’

 

Even kids who normally seemed completely unshakable stood around with stiff expressions.

 

“Everyone’s here early.”

 

Baekya approached the group he had become quite close to. One of them, who had been listening with a serious face, quickly pulled him aside.

 

“Hyung, there’s a huge incident.”

 

“What is it?”

 

For a moment, Baekya wondered if a celebrity judge was coming, and asked calmly.

 

“One of the debut group members got kicked out.”

 

“Huh?”

 

A face quickly flashed through his mind.

 

“…S-suddenly, why?”

 

His voice trembled a little, but no one thought it was strange. They just thought that Baekya was also shocked.

 

‘Did they get caught dating?’

 

Dating was forbidden, sure—but it didn’t seem like something serious enough to blow up a debut team that was already prepared.

 

‘Honestly, if you dig, you’ll find at least three more secret couples here, they’re just not caught.’

 

Just as he was thinking that the punishment was too harsh for the crime, Baekya couldn’t believe his ears.

 

“He got into an accident while drunk driving a motorcycle at night, and the female trainee who was with him is now in the intensive care unit.”

 

“What a crazy bastard— Gasp.”

 

A curse slipped out of Baekya’s mouth before he could stop himself, and he quickly covered it in shock. But everyone seemed to understand. They said they were also surprised when they heard, and their expressions were not good.

 

“But I heard that hyung was the main vocal. So is the debut canceled?”

 

“They’ll probably go on without him. I heard they’ve already released articles saying a new group is coming out.”

 

“Is that important right now? Because of that hyung, someone’s life is about to be ruined.”

 

“But why were those two together in the first place?”

 

After that, all sorts of speculations about the debut group ran rampant among the trainees.

 

‘So that’s why he wasn’t there.’

 

That guy named Park Harang that he had seen in the emergency exit. He had caused a huge accident right before his debut and got kicked out.

 

***

 

Apart from the noisy internal situation, the monthly evaluation proceeded as scheduled.

The evaluation method was as follows.

 

One of the randomly called trainees would nominate a trainee from the opposing company they wanted to compete against.

 

The nominated person would then compete in a 1-on-1 battle format with the trainee who had called them out. If this had been an ordinary monthly evaluation, they would have looked at each individual’s vocals and dance, but today was a joint evaluation with another company.

 

Moreover, although they didn’t show it, it seemed ID’s staff had some unspeakable internal circumstances and wanted to end the evaluation as quickly as possible.

 

“The evaluation will proceed with the category chosen by the first called trainee.”

 

And the first name was called.

 

“US trainee number 7.”

 

From the opposite side, a brown-haired boy stood up.

 

A number sticker on an oversized hoodie that looked two sizes too big. US number 7 looked like he would be a good dancer.

 

As soon as he was called, Baekya, who had finished his scan, turned his gaze away so they wouldn’t make eye contact. Quietly, just his eyeballs.

 

‘Please, someone else.’

 

While Baekya was praying in his heart, trainee number 7 nominated another trainee.

 

“I nominate the same ID trainee number 7.”

 

Who’s our number 7! Number 7!

 

Baekya, who had let out a sigh of relief, looked around, looking for the nominated trainee. Fortunately, a friend who was known for his dancing stood up.

 

The two people stood side by side in the center of the practice room. When the host asked what the evaluation category would be, US number 7 chose dance, as expected.

 

The evaluation song that had been submitted in advance was prepared, and US number 7’s music started to play first.

 

“I’ll begin.”

 

A fast-tempo hip-hop beat. Number 7, who had been slowly moving his feet to the beat, gradually made his movements bigger and decorated the end with a flashy windmill.

 

A move where he supported his body with his upper body and arms while quickly rotating his legs. It was a move that Baekya could never do, even if he died and came back to life.

 

‘Isn’t that person a true dance magician on stage?’

 

While Baekya was having useless thoughts, ID trainee number 7’s song started to play. He was the guy who had been desperately trying to hold back his laughter while watching his Courtship Dance on his first day.

 

But since today was such a day, he decided to put aside his dislike for a moment.

 

‘They’re neck and neck.’

 

It was a song with a completely different atmosphere from the previous evaluation song.

ID number 7’s song choice was a dance-pop with a strong R&B feel. The choreography was mainly composed of smooth movements that showed off his strength, his dance lines, rather than large, powerful movements.

 

After the two trainees’ stages were over and they gathered in the center again, a round of applause poured in. It wasn’t because it was an amazing stage, but just a sign of appreciation for their hard-working colleague.

 

“I can feel that both sides have prepared a lot.”

 

Starting with the greeting from the CEO of US, who was attending as a judge, ID also gave their evaluation, which contained both praise and criticism.

 

They didn’t openly tell them which company’s trainee did better or worse on the spot, but if you listened to the evaluations, you could easily tell which side had shown a better stage.

 

‘I feel like I’m going to throw up. To think I have to repeat this every month until I debut.’

 

Trainees were one thing, but suddenly, idols who had endured all this and survived to debut felt deeply respectable.

 

In the meantime, the second name was called.

 

“ID trainee number 10.”

 

Why is no one getting up?

 

Baekya looked around. But all his friends were looking at him.

 

“What? Who is it?”

 

“You’re number 10.”

 

The same-aged trainee next to him poked him in the side. Only then did Baekya check the number on his clothes and scrambled to his feet.

 

“Y-yes! I’m number 10!”

 

When he was asked to nominate an opposing trainee, Baekya chose the most ordinary-looking guy.

 

And the category was.

 

“I’ll go with singing.”

 

It was the only area he was confident in.

 

In the center of the practice room, Baekya stood facing the judges. It was clear from looking at them head-on that, unlike the people from US, the ID staff’s expressions were not good.

 

Well, for those people, the monthly evaluation was less important than cleaning up the mess of the debut group that was about to fall apart.

 

But the debut group would debut without any issues. If the future he knew was correct.

 

‘So I just have to make a good impression on US.’

 

The staff in charge of the sound system flipped through the song list that the trainees had submitted in advance. Then, spotting an empty slot, he looked up with a puzzled expression.

 

But Baekya’s voice had just started to flow through the microphone.

 

– A sleepless night

I suddenly thought of you and opened the window

The stars that bloomed in the moonlight poured down

 

An a cappella live.

 

Everyone in the room was surprised. The unique vocal tone, which was both easy to listen to and captivating, caught the listeners’ ears. No accompaniment was needed.

 

– Did I ever tell you I like you?

I feel shy

I like you

 

And what about the high tone that went up so smoothly? Baekya never once missed a beat or sped up until the end of the song. It was a perfect 3 Kkangs.

 

“Thank you.”

 

After finishing his song, Baekya bowed deeply. Watching him, ID’s vocal trainer shook his head as if exasperated—in a good way.

 

Judging by the satisfied smile on his face, it seemed Baekya had done more than well.

 

Baekya stepped back slightly to make room for the next trainee. The eyes of the US staff were shining as they looked at him.

 

‘I did it!’

 

Unlike our CEO, who didn’t even show his face, look at the CEO of US who has graced another company!

 

It seemed the rumor that they were putting together a debut group wasn’t just a rumor. Otherwise, a big shot like that wouldn’t have moved himself.

 

Baekya turned his head to hide the smile that was creeping up on his face without him realizing it. Then he made eye contact with Jiho, who was looking at him.

 

Jiho was looking at Baekya with his mouth agape, and he looked quite cute.

 

‘I was worried I might have gone too far in my attempt to stand out, but… I’m glad the reaction seems good.’

 

For the first time, Baekya felt like things would go well.

 

***

 

‘But was it just my delusion?’

 

As soon as the evaluation was over, a stranger appeared from somewhere and kidnapped Baekya.

 

“Baekya-gun! Come up with me for a moment!”

 

“Ah, no, I…!”

 

Dongman suddenly grabbed Baekya’s wrist and dragged him off. Even the US staff member who had been approaching froze in surprise.

 

The US CEO, who had kept glancing at Baekya during the evaluation, the ID staff, and even the employee who had just been walking toward him—everything pointed to one thing. There was a very high chance this was a trade offer.

 

‘I have a hunch! I can feel it!’

 

But he couldn’t say it out loud. Baekya could only hope that the US CEO would wait for him without leaving until he returned.

 

‘But why are they suddenly looking for me?’

 

After rushing over and hauling him away, they left Baekya locked inside a large conference room.

 

‘Did I make it too obvious?’

 

Leaning over the desk, Baekya reflected on his behavior. He was a very excellent sunfish.

 

‘I mean, I did glance toward the US side a lot, but isn’t that normal…?’

 

Every trainee fought tooth and nail for debut, but for him, this really was a matter of life and death. People could call him disloyal if they wanted.

 

‘If ID hadn’t finalized their debut team so quickly, I would’ve tried my hardest here.’

 

Just then, the door opened and a familiar face appeared. It was the head of the new artist development team and Dongman, who was on the verge of a promotion.

 

“I didn’t expect to see Baekya-gun again so soon. Have you been well?”

 

“Ah, yes. Hello.”

 

Baekya stood up and bowed politely. From the moment he entered, Dongman had been staring straight at Baekya, looking eager to deliver the news they’d brought.

 

But Baekya’s impression was a little different.

 

‘Super burdensome. A huge burden.’

 

First impressions really did last. Baekya’s face visibly stiffened.

 

“Please make yourself comfortable.”

 

“Yes…”

 

At the team leader’s words, Baekya sat down again.

 

“Well, to get straight to the point—we’ll need to rewrite your contract.”

 

An internship termination contract was slid across the desk toward him. Baekya’s eyes filled with betrayal as he looked at Dongman.

 

‘After chasing me around like that, and now…!’

 

Dongman, oblivious to Baekya’s feelings, gave a wink.

 

‘This guy, I’ve had enough!’

 

At the rapidly rising blood pressure, the corners of Baekya’s lips twitched slightly.

 

“Contract termination… Did I do something wrong?”

 

Was the Courtship Dance the problem? My talent is still D grade, so maybe they judged me to be unattractive…

 

In an instant, Baekya’s face turned pale. Seeing this, the team leader hurriedly slid another document across the table, clearly flustered—he hadn’t meant to scare him.

 

“And this is the new contract we’ll be signing today. Would you like to take a look?”

 

It was an exclusive artist contract with ID Entertainment. Baekya’s eyes widened.

 

“Baekya-gun, you’re debuting. Congratulations.”

 

“Wow~! Congratulations, Baekya-gun!”

 

The team leader and Dongman clapped as if on cue.

 

—