Becoming An Idol Wasn’T On My Plan [EN]: Chapter 10

After all the performances, the trainees gathered on stage.

Lee Dong-seok, a solo singer from Nietzsche Entertainment and the MC [Master of Ceremonies], explained how the judges’ scores would influence the next competition and what advantages this ranking would confer.

“The broadcast of this stage will air in two weeks. At that time, all the trainees’ performances will be uploaded to the official channel, and a view count competition will begin. However, the performances of the trainees who ranked 1st and 2nd in this judge evaluation will be pre-released three days earlier. Of course, viewers won’t know why they were pre-released until they watch the broadcast.”

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone sighed. It was understandable, as the video views would significantly impact the first elimination.

The second competition stage is filmed in advance before the first competition even airs, but the elimination process is filmed three days after the first episode airs.

‘The video editors are going to die with this schedule… but it’s not something I can control.’

In that case, the 1st and 2nd place winners of this stage will compete with six days of views, while the other trainees compete with three, giving them a considerable advantage.

A stepped platform was prepared in front of the trainees, allowing those ranked 1st to 8th to stand on it.

Lee Dong-seok seriously explained that the 9th and 10th place trainees were at risk of elimination in the next round and wouldn’t be allowed on the platform.

‘…Disgustingly petty and unnecessarily cruel.’

I understand that the company and the broadcasting station don’t care about the trainees because they’re in a superior position, but it’s disrespectful to the people who support the 9th and 10th place trainees.

‘…I wish I could get 8th place if possible.’

Ideally, I’d be ranked low, but since there are people who support me, it wouldn’t be bad to get exactly 8th place so they don’t feel too bad.

* * *

As announcer Lee Dong-seok began revealing the rankings, starting from 8th place, the order felt disgustingly cruel.

Doesn’t that mean that 1st, 2nd, 9th, and 10th place will be left until the end? Do they have to be this cruel to make a broadcast? Is this some kind of custom in the idol scene?

Lost in thought and spacing out, I realized Lee Dong-seok had already called out the trainees up to 5th place and was listening to their impressions. …Um, 5th place?

I was briefly flustered because my name hadn’t been called yet. Not missing the opportunity, Lee Dong-seok smoothly continued the show.

“Trainee Ji Dong-hwa, you look a little flustered. Why is that?”

“…Actually, I was expecting around 6th or 7th place.”

That caused a strange reaction from the judges.

I don’t know why they’re reacting like that, but I’m serious.

I don’t have any particularly outstanding skills other than composing, and frankly, it’s my first time on stage, so my stage presence won’t be great, and I don’t have much talent. What am I relying on to aim for the top ranks?

Still, seeing the judges’ reaction, it wasn’t like I ruined the stage, so I think my prediction was objective.

* * *

Jun-sung was dumbfounded.

‘What, 6th or 7th place?’

Trainee Ji Dong-hwa is not only good at composing but also has decent skills in other areas. Despite the nonsense lyrics, he can make people focus on the stage, and considering him biting the microphone at the end, he seems to have a lot of talent. I don’t know what he’s thinking, predicting he’s in the lower ranks.

He should know just by looking at the judges’ reactions, but he seems unable to see his skills objectively.

Jun-sung picked up the microphone and put it down again. He was asked to refrain from speaking as much as possible during the ranking announcement.

But Lee Dong-seok saw that and thought it was an interesting scene, so he asked Jun-sung.

“Jun-sung, do you have anything you want to say?”

“…I have a lot, but I’ll postpone it until later.”

A slight question arose on Ji Dong-hwa’s cold face and soon disappeared.

‘I thought he was a smart friend, but he was just a fool with high intelligence. …Or maybe he seriously can’t see his skills objectively.’

Jun-sung barely held back a sigh and put down the microphone.

* * *

After a brief commotion, when 3rd place was finally called, the only ones left were me, Chae Ha-min, Lee Hyun-jae, and Seon Woo-hyun.

Hmm, by the way, Lee Hyun-jae doesn’t look too good. He sings well, so why is he like that?

Chae Ha-min, with his natural talent and dancing skills, can’t be 9th or 10th.

‘Could it be that I’m… below 9th place?’

That’s a bit unfortunate. It doesn’t matter to me if I can’t even get on the platform, but I feel sorry for those who decided to support me after watching that short video of me.

“Now, finally, only 1st and 2nd place, and 9th and 10th place are left.”

Lee Dong-seok starts to drag it out, trying to create tension.

Repeating what he said is either a custom in this entertainment industry, like team leader Jang Hae-jin, or it’s just boring.

Seon Woo-hyun and Chae Ha-min are sighing next to me, probably nervous, but Lee Hyun-jae is making a resigned expression. So, it seems like I’m the only one who finds this farce boring.

“Then first, we’ll reveal 2nd place and 9th place.”

Finally.

“The trainees in 2nd place and 9th place are trainee Chae Ha-min and trainee Seon Woo-hyun.”

Oh my god, I’m 10th place. With Lee Hyun-jae’s singing skills that I heard in the practice room, it’s hard to believe I’m 10th place.

I wanted to be eliminated, but being 10th place doesn’t feel very pleasant. I also feel a bit regretful thinking about the effort I put into composing ‘Wiener Schnitzel’ and practicing the choreography and singing.

But what can I do? The stage is already over. I just have to accept it.

Chae Ha-min and Seon Woo-hyun, who stepped forward at Lee Dong-seok’s call, are briefly introducing their trembling hearts.

“Then, we’ll reveal the 2nd place trainee first.”

Come to think of it, even the way he introduces them is extremely provocative. Does he want to see scenes where joy and sorrow intersect?

“2nd place is… congratulations, trainee Chae Ha-min!”

That’s within the realm of possibility. Chae Ha-min is 9th place? All I can say is that the people sitting in front of me lack professionalism.

After another brief impression time, this time Lee Hyun-jae and I stepped forward.

“Trainee Ji Dong-hwa, you said earlier that you predicted around 6th or 7th place. How do you feel now?”

“Um, since my stage was right after trainee Lee Hyun-jae’s stage, I didn’t get to see trainee Lee Hyun-jae’s stage because I was preparing. So it’s hard to say anything, but since I know that trainee Lee Hyun-jae’s singing skills are usually excellent, I can humbly accept even 10th place.”

Then, once again, there was a reaction from the judges’ seat, especially from the handsome man sitting in the middle, who showed a slightly disapproving expression.

No, please tell me what you’re disapproving of.

Lee Dong-seok looked at Lee Hyun-jae this time and asked.

“Trainee Lee Hyun-jae, how do you feel now?”

“…I saw Dong-hwa hyung’s [older brother or close male friend] stage.”

…What kind of impression is that? It’s a short answer after much thought, and it doesn’t answer anything.

But it seems that I was the only one who thought so, as the handsome judge from earlier nodded as if he understood.

Wait a minute, let’s deduce. I stopped thinking because it was annoying, so the reaction is excessively incomprehensible.

So, in this atmosphere, with that reaction… wait, there seems to be only one plausible conclusion.

While I was thinking, Lee Dong-seok continued the show and was already about to announce 1st place.

“The 1st place trainee is…….”

Come on, no way. Leaving aside that kid who sings so well, and even that handsome kid with a fox-like face, there’s no way I’m going to be 1st place…….

“It’s Ji Dong-hwa trainee!”

It is. Okay, I accepted it.

I calmly accepted the situation and stood on the platform. Then, that handsome man opened his mouth.

“Wow, I can finally say it now. No, trainee Ji Dong-hwa, were you serious earlier?”

Then would it be a lie?

“I really, wow, how can you do that stage, and after doing that kind of stage, don’t you feel like you did well?”

I’ve always been extremely harsh on myself.

“At first, I thought it was a concept for the broadcast, but I felt that you were serious, so I was even more embarrassed. It was hard to understand you talking about 6th and 7th place, but 10th place?”

Hmm, by the way, it’s my turn to speak. What should I say?

“…I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s not something to apologize for, ha.”

The handsome man, no, it’s hard to keep calling him handsome. What’s his name? Lee Dong-seok must have said it, but I was thinking about other things, so I didn’t hear it properly.

“Jun-sung, calm down. Let’s hear trainee Ji Dong-hwa’s impressions.”

It was Jun-sung.

“…Um, first of all, I don’t think I’m standing here because I’m the most skilled.”

Then Jun-sung starts making a fuss again. He’s going to break the table.

Anyway, I’m going to use this opportunity to firmly establish my nerd image. Then maybe my ranking will drop a bit. Fan reactions are 70 percent of the score. But considering that it’s an impression, let’s subtly appeal to them.

“I’ve only been doing trainee life and studying for exams, so it’s my first time standing on stage and singing happily like this. Maybe it’s because of that joy that you gave me high scores even though my skills are lacking. Thank you.”

Then Lee Dong-seok nods and asks Jun-sung again.

“Do you feel a little relieved now?”

“Not at all. I’m even more frustrated. I want to have a debate with trainee Ji Dong-hwa about his skills for just one hour.”

Oh, a debate. If it’s a different topic, it’ll be fun in its own way.

* * *

After the ranking decision was over and all the judges had left, only Lee Dong-seok and I were left on the stage, and the introduction to the next competition theme began.

“The next competition theme is a 5-on-5 team battle. Trainee Ji Dong-hwa and trainee Chae Ha-min here will be given an advantage in team selection.”

Hmm, what is it? Do they give us priority in song selection or something?

“You can each choose exactly one trainee you want to be on your team and form a team with them.”

That’s a useless advantage.

“Then, is it impossible for me to be on a team with Dong-hwa?”

“Um, unfortunately, yes.”

Ha, that’s even more annoying. The only people I’ve gotten to know and talk to here are Chae Ha-min and Ryu I-deun. Chae Ha-min has to be on a different team according to the rules, so only Ryu I-deun is left, but am I crazy to be on a team with that machine? I’ll be tormented even more.

First, Lee Dong-seok told the 1st place Ji Dong-hwa to choose first, so I tried to ignore the gaze of Ryu I-deun, who was staring at me intently. Who should I pick? If possible, I’d like someone as quiet as me.

“I’ll go with trainee Lee Hyun-jae.”

Then there was a slight reaction of bewilderment among the trainees. You shouldn’t be so obvious. That friend will be hurt.

Anyway, after briefly observing him in the practice room, Lee Hyun-jae is one of the few quiet friends. Of course, he sometimes runs out of the practice room with a dumbfounded expression.

“What’s the reason for your selection?”

It’s time to lie.

“…Because I believe he has good singing skills.”

Then there was a reaction from Lee Hyun-jae’s side this time. A look of emotion. I wish they’d get that away from me. Why are they so touched by stating an objective fact?

Are you going to be touched even if water boils at 100℃ [212°F] at 1 atmosphere?

I thought that wouldn’t happen this time because I’ve been through so much with Chae Ha-min, but there was another guy who was touched by something trivial.

“Okay. Then who will trainee Chae Ha-min pick?”

“Um, I’ll go with trainee Seok Jun.”

Hmm, he’s already become close to someone who seems so serious and sincere in everything. I thought he would pick Ryu I-deun, but it’s unexpected. That way, I can avoid the misfortune of being on a team with Ryu I-deun.

The team composition was done by putting me and Lee Hyun-jae, Chae Ha-min and Seok Jun together, and then Lee Dong-seok MC randomly drew balls from a container.

And the moment Lee Dong-seok drew the first ball and my team member was decided, Ryu I-deun’s name was loudly called.

‘…Ha, God is dead.’

I know that Nietzsche didn’t mean it this way, but the thought of being tormented by that machine kid throughout the practice period made me think of that.

Ding—!

Oh, it’s been a long time since I heard that sound. This time, it’s not like it’s trying to control this survival show one by one as if it’s above me, is it?

While the team members were being called out, I briefly paid attention and read the notification window.

[Respecting your opinion, we have changed the quest to proceed in a different way.

Main Quest 1 ‘Glamorous Lighting’ has occurred.

You finished your first stage with a great report card of 1st place. But don’t stop there, go a little further!

Completion Condition: Win this team battle.

Reward: ???]

Hmm, this time it’s reasonable in its own way. Compared to the way it used to act like it was telling me who should pass, it’s definitely a conversion.

Since I’ve decided to do my best only during the survival show, the completion condition and my own determination are the same in the end.

I hope I can get a clue about this bizarre phenomenon of space-time travel through this quest.

Of course, I can’t win just because I want to.