The S-Rank Paparazzi Reincarnates as an Idol Chapter 15

Chapter 15

 

“We’ll begin filming the ‘Cheer Me On’ theme song stage now.”

The massive stage was filled with dazzling lights, like stars shining in a night sky.

A giant screen and colorful LED panels illuminated the stage.

‘I’m really the center.’

At my feet was a piece of masking tape marked with the number 1.

The fact that I, who had expected to stand at the very end of the A-rank line, was now standing at the very front felt surreal.

‘The problem is these guys.’

To either side of me stood Kim Sunyoo and Kang Chan, who had placed second and third in the center vote.

‘Let’s check their stats.’

Ding.

 

—

[Status Window]

Kim Sunyoo (23)

‘ Looks: B

‘ Singing: B-

‘ Dancing: A-

‘ Star Quality: B-

‘ Stamina: B-

‘ Ability: ???

‘ Trait: Veteran idol with 5 years of debut experience

—

 

—

[Status Window]

Kang Chan (20)

‘ Looks: B+

‘ Singing (Rap): C-

‘ Dancing: A+

‘ Star Quality: C

‘ Stamina: A-

‘ Ability: ???

‘ Trait: GyuTube dancer from Gwangalli with 2 million subscribers

—

 

‘The dance stats of the guys standing next to me are A+ and A-?’

After the rank evaluations, the trainees spent four days preparing for the TX Network music show stage according to their assigned ranks.

The opening performance started with the A-rank trainees in a V formation, spreading outward one by one from both sides.

It was fine when I practiced alone, but once these guys joined in, the difference in dance skill became obvious.

‘Show me my stats.’

Ding.

 

—

[Status Window]

Cha Siwoo (20)

‘ Looks: A-

‘ Singing: C+

‘ Dancing: C (UP)

‘ Star Quality: B+

‘ Stamina: B+

‘ Ability: ???

‘ Status: Paparazzo who returned five years into the past

‘ Remaining Stat Points: +2

—

 

Thanks to four days of all-night practice, my dance stat had increased by one rank.

But the gap between A and C was worlds apart.

‘Can’t be helped.’

It was finally time to use the stat points I had been saving.

[Would you like to raise a stat?]

‘Yeah.’

I had spent a long time debating whether to increase my singing stat or my dancing stat.

Standing in a position where direct comparison was inevitable, trapped between trainees with A+ and A- dance stats, there was only one way to survive.

‘Put all of it into singing.’

Ding.

 

—

[Status Window]

Cha Siwoo (20)

‘ Looks: A-

‘ Singing: B (UP)

‘ Dancing: C

‘ Star Quality: B+

‘ Stamina: B+

‘ Ability: ???

‘ Status: Paparazzo who returned five years into the past

[Stat application complete.]

—

 

‘Done.’

After much consideration, I made a strategic choice.

Even if I dumped all my points into dancing, I would only go from C to B-.

Sure, people would acknowledge that my dance skills had improved significantly.

But the problem was that even with a B- dance stat, I still couldn’t beat the guys standing beside me.

‘Then I just need to change strategies.’

Since ‘Star Picking 5’ had far more trainees who excelled at dancing, I would establish my position through singing instead.

‘This makes my singing one of the best, even among the A-ranks.’

A vocal position was both important and rare for idols.

Since my role differed from the guys beside me, people wouldn’t be able to compare our dancing too harshly.

If they criticized my dance skills, I could counter by pointing out that their singing wasn’t as strong.

‘More importantly, I can establish myself as a vocalist.’

The goal was to capture viewers’ hearts early on by becoming exceptionally good at one thing.

“We’ll begin filming.”

The camera director spoke casually.

“The stage will start with the A-rank trainees in a V formation. Behind them, the B-, C-, D-, and E-rank trainees will be filmed in sequence.”

The choreography itself hadn’t changed much, but with a hundred trainees on stage, the set was filled with tension.

Naturally, the opening belonged to the A-rank trainees.

Since this was ‘Star Picking 5’s’ representative theme song, it was obvious that the PD and writers intended to push the A-ranks heavily.

That would inevitably create friction with the lower-ranked trainees.

‘Are they trying to create conflict between trainees?’

For a production team obsessed with dramatic footage, it was entirely possible.

“Once A-rank filming ends, the B-rank trainees waiting below will rise on the lift.”

“Yes.”

“Then the C-, D-, and E-ranks will come up in order. At the end, all trainees will be on stage together.”

The expressions of the lower-ranked trainees visibly stiffened.

That basically meant the E-ranks wouldn’t appear until the first verse was almost over.

It was confirmation that the lower your rank, the less screen time you’d get.

Society really was cold and ruthless when it came to value.

‘Higher ranks get better treatment no matter where you go.’

“Do you understand?”

“Yes!”

“Then let’s begin filming. Three… two… one…!”

The familiar instrumental of ‘Cheer Me On’ flowed from the speakers.

The lights moved dynamically as if dancing themselves, and my body reacted instinctively.

Keeping time with the rhythm, I began the opening while looking into the camera.

As I moved according to the timing, the pre-positioned camera immediately followed me.

‘I was always the one holding the camera before.’

Being the one getting filmed instead still felt strange, making my chest itch with nervous excitement.

‘What a weird feeling.’

The camera gradually zoomed in until it zoomed in on my face.

 

—

I’m going to tempt you.

—

 

The opening line I’d sung thousands of times flowed smoothly from my lips as if coated in butter.

“…!”

The guys on either side of me visibly flinched.

My voice rang clearly through the air without a trace of wavering.

It sounded like a seductive whisper slipping through the cracks of someone’s heart.

My singing ability had improved so much that it was obvious.

It was only one line, yet even a single breath left an impression.

The moment my first line ended, Kim Sunyoo and Kang Chan stepped out from behind me.

 

—

Every moment is filled with you.

—

 

The A-rank trainees emerged one by one in a V formation as though they had been performing together for years.

‘A-ranks really are good. Their teamwork is solid.’

They danced in perfect synchronization without the slightest deviation.

I hope this moment lasts forever.

Once the A-ranks finished their assigned parts, the camera shifted toward the B-ranks.

While continuing the choreography, I let out a sigh of relief.

At least the first section had ended without mistakes.

‘Still, the difference between Singing C and Singing B is incredible.’

The gap was large enough that anyone could hear it.

The shoot continued smoothly through the B-rank section and into the highlight of the first verse.

The camera zoomed in on me once more.

 

—

Please cheer for the shining me.

—

 

The triple high note I’d practiced countless times came out far more easily than before.

“…!”

Every note resonated emotionally, as though embracing all the effort I’d accumulated until now.

A thrilling sensation, like finally being able to breathe freely, enveloped my entire body.

The vivid feeling of every breath and muscle screaming that they were alive made my heart pound rapidly.

I’ll give you everything, so choose me.

Rua and Kim Sunyoo added harmonies while the camera shifted toward the lift carrying the C-rank trainees.

The filming had been progressing smoothly until it reached Yoo Hoseung’s section.

“Cut!”

“I’m sorry!”

The camera director nodded at Yoo Hoseung’s apology after he messed up the choreography.

“We’re going again.”

The familiar ‘Cheer Me On’ instrumental echoed through the studio once more.

“Cut!”

“I’m really sorry!”

“Cut!”

“Let me try again.”

Again.

“Your breath i-is…”

“Cut!”

“I’m sorry.”

“Again!!!”

Yoo Hoseung’s face turned bright red after messing up the lyrics.

‘He wasn’t making this many mistakes during practice.’

It looked like he was simply too nervous because it was the first actual filming.

The bearded camera director rubbed his chin.

“Even if you’re trainees, how are you supposed to become idols if you keep making mistakes on stage?”

Yoo Hoseung’s face reddened even further, and his eyes started turning red.

“I’m sorry!”

‘At this rate, he’s going to cry.’

“This is why filming with amateurs is exhausting. We’ll restart from the A-ranks.”

“…Yes!”

The atmosphere grew even colder as filming continued.

The nervous trainees kept making mistakes one after another, and eventually the shoot came to a halt after three hours.

“We’ll take a short break and then continue.”

“Yes!”

The long, grueling filming session had sharpened everyone’s nerves.

The constant sighs echoing throughout the set made the atmosphere feel like walking on thin ice.

The moment the camera director and PD stepped out for a smoke break, the complaints finally exploded.

“What a nuisance.”

“That’s what happens when someone joins relying on popularity while lacking singing and dancing skills.”

Grumbling voices emerged from the exhausted trainees.

“Must be nice being born an influencer because your parents are successful.”

“Forget being born with money. He was born with influence.”

‘Kids these days are ruthless.’

It was obvious they were talking about Yoo Hoseung.

“If you’re going to get a rank higher than you deserve, at least perform well.”

Yoo Hoseung, who had been scolded the most during filming, visibly flinched.

‘Is it really okay for them to say this? They said we’re taking a break, not that the cameras are off.’

The complaints only grew louder.

When Yoo Hoseung didn’t react, the target shifted elsewhere.

“They’re only pushing the A-ranks anyway, so why are we suffering through this?”

“Seriously. Must be nice being A-rank. Lots of camera time means lots of screen time.”

“We barely appear anyway. Why don’t they just rush through it?”

“If I were handsome, I’d be high-ranked too.”

The endless complaints eventually turned into sharp jabs aimed at the A-ranks.

As jealous stares and irritating remarks began flying around, several A-rank trainees visibly stiffened.

‘Compared to online hate comments, this is cute.’

The difference between anonymous insults and saying things to someone’s face was huge.

“Yaaawn.”

After four consecutive nights of staying up and all the accumulated fatigue, my eyes began closing on their own.

‘I’m so sleepy. At this rate, I’ll die before I even debut as an idol. Let’s rest for a moment.’

The instant I closed my eyes, intending to take a quick nap in the chair…

Ding.

 

—

[A Choice Quest has been issued.]

Settle the dissatisfied trainees and finish filming the ‘Cheer Me On’ stage quickly.

Reward for Success: Filming ends within 30 minutes.

Penalty for Failure: Filming continues for 24 hours.

—

 

The sleepiness instantly vanished.

‘I’m already dying of exhaustion, and you’re saying I have to keep filming for another 24 hours?’

I’d listened to ‘Cheer Me On’ so many times that I was already starting to hear phantom versions of it in my ears.

‘There’s no way I’m letting something that could end in 30 minutes drag on for 24 hours.’

As a Korean with an impatient personality, I hated inefficiency.

The best way was always to finish things as quickly as possible.

‘Let’s move.’

Jumping to my feet, I walked toward the group where the complaints were coming from.

“Maybe those guys got their rank through agency lobbying or something.”

“’Star Picking 4′ had manipulation controversies. Maybe agency influence got involved this time too.”

“Sounds possible. I mean, we also–”

“Hey! Shh!”

A group that appeared to belong to Harmony Entertainment was chatting away excitedly.

‘You again?’

“What did you just say?”

The trainees from Harmony Entertainment, who had been laughing together, all turned around at once.