The S-Rank Paparazzi Reincarnates as an Idol Chapter 61

Chapter 61

 

“Then how about removing a few of the high-difficulty dance moves from the main performance?”

“…What?”

A sigh of relief escaped me at the unexpected suggestion.

Thankfully, this guy wasn’t trying to take the center position.

While the team members exchanged glances, Kang Chan continued presenting his idea.

“Instead, we can use props and stage equipment to make the performance look more spectacular.”

“How?”

The oldest trainee, who had been struggling the most with the choreography, brightened instantly.

“Our team still has some budget left, right? How about using that money to buy a throne and a crown, then bringing them out with special effects during the main performance?”

‘That’s actually pretty good.’

A throne and crown were props that perfectly matched the symbolism.

They would become tools that delivered the message we wanted to convey even more powerfully.

“I looked into it, and I found a really cool throne and crown that fit both our budget and concept. Want to see the pictures?”

‘He even researched the products beforehand? He really came prepared.’

The team members, listening intently, suddenly looked energized after seeing the photos Kang Chan showed them.

The throne, covered in red velvet, featured intricate golden patterns carved into its center.

Its armrests curved dynamically like a lion’s mane, while small jewels were embedded densely along the edges.

The high-quality crown had black gemstones and red rubies alternating across a five-pronged metal frame.

It was flashy, yet carried a weight that symbolized power, making it a perfect fit for the song.

“Oh! Those props look amazing.”

“If we make the changes Kang Chan suggested, we can reduce the high-difficulty choreography while still creating a flashy stage.”

“And they match the costumes and concept perfectly.”

Because it was an idea that considered the team’s weaker dancers, everyone’s expressions noticeably brightened.

‘I thought he only cared about dancing, but he actually has pretty good instincts.’

“If we use props and stage equipment like this, the main performance can still be spectacular even without extremely difficult choreography, and the center will stand out more too.”

Kang Chan glanced at Yoo Hoseung with his usual indifferent expression.

‘He doesn’t show it, but he really thought this through and considered everyone.’

His words were simple, but I could feel how much thought had gone into them.

Seeing the team members hesitate because there was less than a week left before the competition, I quickly spoke up.

“I like it. If Hoseung sits on the throne and wears the crown, it’ll definitely grab the audience’s attention.”

As soon as I cast the first vote of support, the others followed.

“I agree too.”

“Me too. Honestly, the main performance section was so difficult that I felt a lot of pressure. It’ll be much easier if we change it.”

Though his face looked exhausted from all the practice, there was more life in his eyes than before.

“Then, since everyone agrees, we’ll revise the choreography accordingly.”

“Yes.”

“There’s not much time left until the competition, so let’s all do our best!”

“Sounds good!”

The team’s morale was burning brighter than ever.

‘The atmosphere is definitely better now.’

Dance practice continued for hours, filled with motivated teammates and enthusiasm.

Only after several people collapsed onto the floor, gasping for breath, were we finally given a short break.

‘Wow… Why is dancing always this hard, no matter how much I do it?’

Of course, I had improved significantly compared to before, but I still felt frustrated by my shortcomings.

Just as I was gulping water from a 500mL bottle, feeling irritated by my lack of progress…

“Cha Siwoo.”

I looked up at the low voice.

My eyes met Kang Chan’s.

“Yes?”

For the record, despite sharing the same dorm and practicing together every day, we still spoke formally to each other even though we were the same age.

“You’re getting stuck during the verse transition, aren’t you?”

‘Wait… Was he watching me?’

“Yes.”

“I’ll help you one-on-one. Would you come over here?”

For some reason, I thought I saw a hint of passion in Kang Chan’s expressionless eyes.

“Yes!”

I nodded resolutely and followed him.

Not long afterward, I immediately regretted it.

‘Damn. This is the toughest dance practice I’ve done so far.’

The more I followed Kang Chan’s instruction, the more ragged my breathing became.

Even as I wiped the sweat from my forehead with the back of my hand, my body was already moving into the next sequence.

My heart pounded furiously, and my lungs felt ready to burst from the effort of drawing in air, but my arms and legs never stopped following the rhythm.

My chest rose and fell heavily, and my throat felt starved for oxygen, yet strangely enough, I felt refreshed.

‘Learning properly really is faster than trying to figure it out alone.’

It wasn’t a bad feeling at all.

 

☆☆☆ 

 

‘The competition is finally tomorrow.’

The thought of stepping onto a stage that would directly affect the rankings made my heart race.

One day, while we were once again practicing tirelessly in the rehearsal room, preparing for the competition stage…

BANG!

The practice room door flew open with a heavy crash.

Every head in the room instantly turned toward it.

The music from the speakers cut off abruptly, and silence settled over the sweat-filled, heated air.

‘What now?’

Bright hallway light spilled through the doorway, revealing a silhouette.

“Royal Team! Please head to the auditorium immediately!”

It was the production staff.

“Huh?”

Our sweat-soaked group stared in confusion as the cameras captured everything.

“Please move quickly.”

At the staff’s firm instruction, we hurried out of the practice room.

“What do you think they’re doing?”

Yoo Hoseung naturally walked beside me.

“Hm.”

As I thought about it, only one possibility came to mind.

“Ah! Today’s Episode 9 broadcast day, isn’t it? They’re probably going to film us watching it together.”

That’s right.

The day before every competition was Friday, the day ‘Star Picking 5’ aired on TX Net.

“That’s true. Looking at the time, the broadcast is about to start.”

While chatting with Hoseung, we eventually arrived at the auditorium.

A lot of trainees had already gathered there.

Once every trainee had assembled, the supervising PD quickly picked up the microphone.

“Everyone, the competition is tomorrow. Are your stage preparations going well?”

“Yes.”

“Yeees~”

The exhausted trainees forced reactions for the cameras with their red recording lights.

Some were drenched in sweat, while others looked like they had rushed out in the middle of a shower.

The sight was quite a spectacle.

“Everyone, we have a surprise announcement.”

The sudden announcement stirred the crowd.

“Immediately after today’s Episode 9 broadcast ends, the National Directors’ Third Voting Round will begin!”

That’s right.

Another vote meant another ranking update… and more eliminations.

Life returned to the trainees’ faces.

Their eyes sharpened.

The determination to win was written all over them.

‘That definitely wakes you up.’

Despite being exhausted from sleeping only five hours a day while enduring the brutal schedule, I suddenly felt completely alert.

“Looks like it’s time. Could everyone head inside the auditorium first?”

“Yes!”

Following the staff’s instructions, we entered the auditorium.

The dark room was illuminated only by a giant screen.

TX Net was already playing on it.

“Be careful moving around. It’s dark.”

‘It’s darker than I expected. Why don’t they just turn on the lights?’

“Trainees, watch the person in front of you and be careful not to trip.”

At last, every trainee had entered the auditorium.

“Turn on the lights!”

At a staff member’s shout, powerful lights blazed on all at once.

POP!

‘Didn’t expect to get flash-banged here too.’

“Agh!”

“You scared me!”

“What the heck?!”

Cameras were positioned everywhere, and on the right side of the giant screen appeared a live chat window.

“Trainees! Today, we will be livestreaming your reactions while watching Episode 9.”

“…!”

“What…?”

‘Looking like this?’

For reference, I was running on severe sleep deprivation, with dark circles hanging all the way down to my cheekbones.

In short, I looked terrible.

“Oh no!”

“I didn’t even put on makeup!”

The other trainees were equally panicked, and chaos instantly erupted inside the auditorium.

As if enjoying the situation, the chat window on the right side of the screen began scrolling rapidly.

 

> [LOL]

> [The kids look shocked]

> [So this is what they look like normally]

> [Cute]

> [Hoseung, let’s debut!]

> [Did they really not know this was live? Their reactions are hilarious LOL]

 

“Is this really a live broadcast?”

“You mean the fans are seeing us like this…?”

Watching the mentally shattered trainees react, the PD happily picked up the microphone.

“Yes. Your genuine reactions are being broadcast live right now. Before the program begins, could everyone please take their seats?”

The live viewer count displayed in the corner had already surpassed 500,000.

The steadily increasing number seemed to delight the PD, whose grin only grew wider.

“Everyone, please sit according to your name tags.”

Apparently, they weren’t seating us by teams this time to prevent spoilers.

“The broadcast starts soon, so please move quickly.”

Following the staff member who kept checking the time and urging us forward, I finally found the name attached to my chair.

“Hey, Siwoo. Feels like it’s been a while since I’ve seen you.”

Turning toward the familiar voice, I saw Rua sitting beside me with a bright smile.

“Don’t tell me this seating arrangement…”

“Looks like we’re right, doesn’t it?”

I turned to the left.

Kim Sunyoo was sitting beside Yoo Hoseung.

“Looks like it.”

The seating had clearly been arranged so that the highest-ranked trainees sat in the front row, where the cameras could capture them best.

‘Consistent as ever.’

Still, that kind of childish tactic worked surprisingly well in survival shows.

“Trainees, Episode 9 will begin in one minute. We look forward to your lively reactions!”

In other words, ‘give us good reactions on camera.’

At last, all the trainees took their seats, and the TX affiliate commercials came to an end.

The chat was already scrolling too fast to follow.

‘Episode 9 already… Time really flies.’

When I first received the quest, I wondered:

‘Can I really survive an idol audition show?’

Still, I had done everything I could to survive, and now the results of that effort were airing on television.

On the giant screen appeared the unfamiliar sight of me wearing full makeup.

“Pffft!”

“Hahaha!”

Laughter erupted throughout the auditorium.

At the same time, Rua started smacking my arm.

‘I’ve noticed this before, but this guy hits surprisingly hard.’

Dodging Rua’s hand, I turned my attention back to the screen.

A close-up of me standing in front of the claw machine, holding a Heartping bread and looking utterly devastated, filled the display.

‘…Why did they have to zoom in on that part specifically?’