Chapter 53: The Last Time (3)

Chapter 53: The Last Time (3)

- I was told that I wasn’t unique enough during the debut group auditions. Without working hard, I’d just fade into the background in any group. As you can see, I don’t possess striking looks or extraordinary talent.

In the VTR, Han Jun shared his inner thoughts with an embarrassed smile on his face.

- They say you are quitting being a trainee, is that right?

- Umm, yeah. I held on for a while but started thinking maybe there was a line I just couldn’t cross, no matter how hard I tried. Seeing the Chronos members shine after joining the debut group made me think that way.

- Hyun-Woo and Yoo-Joon seemed really sad about it.

- I am really grateful that they encouraged me to continue training. We are close, you know. We used to sneak out for ice cream after practice every day, and we said we'd perform on the same stage even if we debuted separately. But here we are, together this way.

Han Jun spoke candidly, but his expression was full of regret.

‘If he's that regretful, why not try a little longer? Nobody's forcing him out. After all, the judges in the debut group auditions are just harsh on purpose.’ I was fiddling with my in-ear monitor, wearing a troubled expression when he continued.

- It feels really cruel. I said I was quitting, and then I got this chance to perform. Everything that seemed boring suddenly became fun. Maybe it's because I'm doing it with Hyun-Woo and Yoo-Joon. I'm having so much fun that I want to keep going.

I looked at the screen, which had now shifted to Il-Seong.

- Chronos members are showing a lot of consideration toward us. After all, there are better dancers out there, and sharing parts among the trainees isn't easy.

- How does it feel to perform with the Chronos members?

- It's strange to think that the friends I practiced with will soon debut. But I'm giving it my all, supporting their beginning. I hope they will shine even brighter!

The screen shifted to Hye-Seong.

- What's your personal goal, Hye-Seong?

After hesitating a bit, Hye-Seong replied to the staff's question.

- I have to debut someday too.

- Any words for the Chronos members?

- It's hard to say because we are so close, haha. A bit cringy.

The screen alternated between several members responding to the writer's question. I then heard what Woo-Jae-Seok had to say.

- They will debut soon, and we as trainees will continue to work hard. I hope to debut next time and meet them again.

Han Jun smiled.

- Thanks for holding onto me. I think I can keep going a bit longer.

Then, the screen zoomed into Il-Seong’s face.

- Thank you so much. Let's do our best in this last round with all fourteen of us. No matter how, I hope we can meet again after we debut.

The video seemed to be wrapping up, but all of our eyes were still glued to the screen.

"We'll get ready for Chronos’s stage." Just then, a staff member lightly tapped my shoulder.

"Hyun-Woo."

"Yes, I'm going." I finished adjusting my in-ear monitor, which I had stopped fiddling to watch the video, and headed to the stage.

"Don't think about the rankings. Just enjoy it, Hyun-Woo." I could hear Joo-Han encourage me, so I just nodded and walked onto the stage alone[1].

The mood took a noticeable dip as Goh Il-Seong made his appearance, even to a casual observer. Before anyone could understand why Goh Il-Seong was stepping out ahead of other Chronos members, another trainee leaped onto the stage and started to dance behind me and Kang Joo-Han.

"That's Han Jun, right?"

"Hyun-Woo and Yoo-Joon's friend?"

"Yeah, the one from the video who was talking about quitting."

Han Jun seemed awkward and shy in the interview, but he was now dancing expressionlessly on stage. He seemed to be trying not to stand out too much, focusing on elevating the presence of me and Kang Joo-Han. After a bit, the lengthy intro ended before even half of the trainees got on the stage.

We turn back to the past, time and time again?

Kang Joo-Han took charge of the first part of the song, a departure from our usual routine in Pick We Up. I then seamlessly joined him to continue the next part.

In the meantime, Lee Jin-Sung, Goh Yoo-Joon, and the rest of the members entered the stage, finding their designated spots. Following the planned sequence, Lee Jin-Sung and Goh Yoo-Joon delivered their parts, paving the way for Park Yoon-Chan to make his entrance and take over the vocals.

With all the performers now on stage, the distinctive quality of the song "Chronos" became evident. The dance mood underwent a distinct shift with each member's turn to sing, even though the accompaniment remained constant.

When Park Yoon-Chan’s soft falsetto voice rang out, even the accompaniment quieted down, and the spotlight focused on him. The other members either slowed their movements or paused altogether, ensuring all eyes were on Park Yoon-Chan's captivating performance.

Where has the film, filled with spaces, disappeared to? Try entrusting your body somewhere your heart is drawn to?

The subdued accompaniment underwent a dramatic transformation as Lee Jin-Sung energetically initiated a powerful and precise dance alongside four other trainees. However, as Lee Jin-Sung's dance segment reached its climax, the song abruptly ceased, and the stage went dark.

"What?"

It was a performance designed to accentuate the overall visual impact. Fans with their mouths agape stared at the darkened stage, murmuring in confusion.

"It's not over, right?"

"No way it ends like this. Impossible."

The performance was too short for that. In that moment of doubt... “Sigh."

The audible sigh echoed with familiarity, resembling Goh Yoo-Joon's trademark. However, the figure occupying an antique wooden chair beneath the soft glow of purple lights wasn't Goh Yoo-Joon—it was Kang Joo-Han. He appeared fatigued, his gaze fixed on the emptiness before him.

It’s okay if you think of it as an obsession?

In a gentle transition, Goh Yoo-Joon took the microphone from Kang Joo-Han and seamlessly continued the part.

Even if you abandon me the moment we are touched?

The camera then panned out from Goh Yoo-Joon. Positioned at a calculated distance in the center, I and some trainees awaited our turn. As the camera zoomed in on me, I started to sing, my mouth forming the words with precision.

Let's meet again?

The lighting reversed, signaling the onset of the second dance break featuring me and the trainees. In contrast to Lee Jin-Sung's dynamic moves, my dance exuded elegance. The movements were consistent with the earlier solo, carrying a subtle but sorrowful undertone. Distinct from Lee Jin-Sung's style, my unique dance approach wasn't innate but rather the result of my deliberate effort to set myself apart.

Having showcased our individual talents through various stages, we ultimately gathered at the center of the stage, with each member popping up one by one. I stepped back after the last part and dance break, and Lee Jin-Sung took my place.

The audience erupted with applause, reaching a crescendo as Lee Jin-Sung set the stage ablaze. At the peak of the cheers, Kang Joo-Han intervened, grabbing Jin-Sung’s shoulder and pulling him down. Lee Jin-Sung then knelt, bowing his head.

As the stage and audience quieted, Kang Joo-Han extended his hand toward the close-up camera, covering the lens as if expressing annoyance. As a result, the bright lights gradually dimmed, bringing Chronos's performance to a close.

"Wow."

It marked another legendary performance, following in the footsteps of "Moon Sea.” Still basking in the aftermath, the audience belatedly erupted into applause.

However, the stage wasn't over yet. Suddenly, the lights brightened.

"What, wow!"

The audience wondered what happened during the blackout. The once dark and somber stage, along with the members' costumes, had undergone a transformation. A new song, "History," started.

1. Prob because he is the one starting the stage. ?