The S-Rank Paparazzi Reincarnates as an Idol Chapter 57

Chapter 57

 

“How about the song ‘KING’?”

‘That’s actually a pretty normal choice of song?’

“KING” was a song released five years ago by a boy group that had little recognition at the time. It became a huge hit and received tremendous love from the public.

‘In the end, that boy group successfully entered the top tier.’

It was a song that carried the narrative of elevating a boy group into the first tier, while also fitting this concept perfectly.

‘Honestly, it’s the best song that’s been suggested so far.’

“I like ‘KING’ too.”

The moment I voiced my agreement, Kang Chan stared straight at me with his expressionless face.

“…?”

While I was wondering about it, the other team members also started agreeing.

“Honestly, it’s good.”

“Yeah. I don’t think there’s a song that fits better than ‘KING.’”

“Does anyone want a different song?”

Even the oldest trainee seemed to like it, shaking his head.

“Then our team’s song is officially decided as ‘KING.’”

“Waaaah!”

‘At least choosing the song went smoothly.’

“Then let’s continue the meeting.”

Countless opinions poured in, and only when the whiteboard was filled did the meeting finally begin to wrap up.

‘Feels like three hours have already passed.’

Meetings truly were thieves of time.

Yoo Hoseung showed no signs of fatigue, maintaining the same smile while leading the discussion.

‘Being young really is nice.’

“Now there are only three things left: stage effects, choreography, and the center position.”

“First, does anyone have any stage effects they absolutely want?”

Regarding stage effects, I, the proud owner of a mere 300,000 won budget, kept my mouth shut.

‘I really have no right to say anything here.’

I briefly considered dropping to the floor with a grand bow out of shame, but held myself back after looking at Kang Chan.

“I think we should decide on the stage effects after checking how much budget remains after costumes and props.”

As soon as that team member finished speaking, my chest tightened.

Nobody had pointed at me or blamed me, yet I still felt guilty for some reason.

“Then let’s decide the stage effects later and move on to choosing the center.”

The atmosphere in the meeting room twisted instantly.

It felt as if someone’s emotions had scattered through the air like sparks, an invisible current running through the room.

Since the center was the face of the team and received the most spotlight, competition for that position was always fierce.

The person who became the center had a dramatically higher chance of climbing the rankings, making it an extremely important role at this stage.

“I want to be the center.”

The oldest team member spoke first.

His eyes were already burning with determination.

“Me too. Honestly, when it comes to dancing, I’m more confident than anyone.”

Kang Chan’s calm voice echoed through the room, raising the tension even further.

‘As expected, everyone wants to be the center.’

Then, a system window appeared.

‘Don’t tell me…?’

Ding.

 

— 

[Subquest (9): Place Yoo Hoseung in the center position during the Royal Concept Stage. A reward will be granted upon success.

Failure Penalty: All stats will drop to Grade D.

(Success condition: Yoo Hoseung must be in the center position on the day of the performance.)]

— 

 

‘What’s this? Have you changed?’

[…Excuse me?]

‘You’re telling me to put Yoo Hoseung in the center instead of myself?’

[Correct. Cha Siwoo, aren’t you a little too self-centered?]

‘Hey. Weren’t you the one who told me to debut and become a world-class top-tier idol? Then obviously I should be the center. Why are you telling me to push someone else?’

This thing had definitely changed.

[Cha Siwoo. A world-class top-tier idol is not something one person can become alone.]

‘…!’

[Build bonds with your teammates and establish a foundation that can maintain a stable group.]

‘You’re deeper than you look.’

[That’s a little hurtful considering you can’t even see me.]

‘It was a compliment, though?’

[…Anyway, Subquest (9) will only be considered complete if Yoo Hoseung remains the center all the way through the competition stage.]

‘Got it.’

[Good luck.]

The translucent blue window vanished.

“Does anyone else want to apply for the center?”

Kang Chan’s voice snapped me back to reality.

I immediately raised my hand, causing everyone’s gaze to focus on me.

“…Cha Siwoo?”

The team members looked at me with curiosity and caution.

“I’m not applying. I’d actually like to make a recommendation.”

“A recommendation? Who?”

“I strongly recommend Hoseung for the center.”

Caught completely off guard, Yoo Hoseung’s already large eyes widened even further.

Pointing at himself with his index finger, he tilted his head.

“Me?”

“Yeah.”

‘Yes, you.’

“Why me…?”

‘Because it’s a quest, obviously.’

“Because I think you’re the person who fits the center position for the Royal concept best.”

“…Really?”

“Hmm…”

Seeing that neither Hoseung nor the team members seemed convinced, I quickly started thinking.

I had to persuade them somehow.

‘Alright. Let’s start with some buildup.’

“Everyone, you know that this stage practically decides who debuts, right?”

“…What?”

“The final stage is only about a month away.”

I pointed out an important fact for the members who didn’t understand.

“When our team’s performance airs, it’ll probably be the episode right before the final stage, the point where we’ll receive the most decisive votes for debut.”

“…!”

That was right.

Based on analyzing the broadcast schedule so far, this concept battle would definitely air one or two weeks before the final stage.

Which meant this stage would inevitably have the greatest impact on voting.

“Honestly, I’m human too. Of course, I want to be the center. Isn’t that how every trainee feels?”

“…That’s true.”

“But do you know why I’m giving up and recommending Hoseung instead?”

I stood up from my seat as the team members looked puzzled.

“What do you think the most important quality of a center is?”

The answers came one by one.

“Overwhelming charisma?”

“Unshakable dance skills?”

“Elegant expressiveness?”

“All correct. But you’re missing the most important thing.”

“…What is it?”

I walked over to Yoo Hoseung and lifted his chin with my index finger.

As his sharp jawline followed the movement of my cold fingertip, everyone’s gaze naturally focused on him.

“Visuals.”

“…!”

“Hoseung is ridiculously handsome and already super popular!”

Seeing how long the meeting had dragged on, I chose the direct approach.

Anyone with a conscience would have a hard time denying this fact.

After years as a paparazzo seeing countless celebrities, Yoo Hoseung was genuinely handsome enough to rank in my top five.

“Our team already has the cheat code known as the most handsome guy around. To be blunt, is there really a better choice for the team’s overall success?”

“…!”

The team members flinched at my straightforward question.

‘Guys, let’s just ride the easy bus.’

With Yoo Hoseung’s looks and popularity, people would obviously be mesmerized during the live audience vote and smash the voting button enthusiastically.

And the moment a thumbnail featuring Yoo Hoseung as the center was uploaded to GyuTube, it was guaranteed to rack up overwhelming views.

‘Because every Star Picking 5 video with Yoo Hoseung in the thumbnail has gotten high view counts so far.’

The appeal was simple:

Let’s board a safe bus, fuel it with our skills, and race together.

The team members began to waver.

‘It’s true, so what can they even say?’

The best strategy was to acknowledge reality quickly and turn it into an advantage.

Looking at the conflicted members, I delivered the finishing blow.

“And if our team wins first place in the audience vote, the benefit is five million votes, right?”

“…!”

“Five million votes practically guarantees survival and puts you in the highest ranks. Honestly, doesn’t that sound tempting?”

What were the highest ranks?

The debut zone.

A position every trainee desperately wanted.

After some hesitation, the members finally nodded.

“…Sigh. I admit it.”

“Honestly, everything you said is true.”

“Looking at it strategically, this is probably the best option for the team.”

‘Got them.’

I suppressed the grin threatening to spread across my face.

“Right?”

Yoo Hoseung looked extremely flustered, his eyes darting around.

“But there are people who dance better than me and people who sing better than me…”

‘I thought he’d immediately accept. He’s more self-aware than I expected.’

For someone who had consistently occupied the center position throughout the competition, Yoo Hoseung’s reaction was surprisingly humble.

‘Well… getting him into the center spot is what matters right now.’

I put on the gentlest professional smile I could manage.

“Hoseung, in my opinion, you’re the person on this team who can capture people’s attention best and fulfill the role of center.”

“Siwoo hyung! But still…”

“It’s all for the team. Please!”

‘Actually, it’s for me.’

If I failed this quest and all my stats dropped to D-rank, my debut would be over and my life would be finished.

‘Hoseung, please save me.’

Maybe the emotional appeal worked.

After thinking for a while, Yoo Hoseung reluctantly nodded.

“Okay.”

“Good! Great choice!”

‘Whew… at least I secured the center position!’

“Thank you, everyone, for giving up a role you probably wanted yourselves.”

Yoo Hoseung bowed forty-five degrees toward the team.

“I’ll work really hard and do my absolute best, so I won’t be a burden!”

“Yeah. Just don’t push yourself too hard.”

“Yes!”

“Then Hoseung is officially our team’s center.”

‘Done! This quest is easy.’

Fortunately, there wasn’t much resistance in the center competition.

With the center settled without major conflict, the meeting finally approached its conclusion.

“Now, shall we decide the choreography?”

The moment dancing was mentioned, life returned to Kang Chan’s previously expressionless eyes.

‘This guy… really only cares about dancing, doesn’t he?’

“I think the dance lines should be precise and convey the feeling of an absolute ruler.”

“Hmm… Kang Chan, could you explain in more detail?”

Kang Chan quietly rose from his chair.

“This is the kind of Royal concept choreography I have in mind.”

His voice was low and composed.

But the moment his body started moving, everything changed.

His toes brushed across the floor, drawing straight lines.

His fingertips rose toward the sky.

Every movement was disciplined and flawless, carrying the dignity of an absolute monarch wielding a sword from his throne.

‘An A+ Dance stat really is different.’

His dance lines were more than mere performance.

Every glance and every step felt like a command from someone who ruled over others.

Though they were in a small meeting room without stage lighting, the immersion was so powerful that it felt like a real stage.

“Wow!”

“That’s amazing!”

‘It really felt like watching a king.’

Clap. Clap. Clap.

The meeting room filled with sincere applause for his extraordinary aura.

“Let’s use the style Kang Chan just demonstrated as the foundation for the choreography.”

“Yes!”

‘It’s definitely cool… but can the rest of us actually pull that off…?’

 

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