Chapter 62: Chronos History (6)
“Wouldn’t it be fun to find our chorus in the song?” Goh Yoo-Joon expressed his enthusiasm about our voices being woven into the entire song. He proudly shared his excitement with the camera as we made our way back to the dorm.
Shortly after finishing the recording of the first title track, the instrumental version (MR) of the song arrived. In the meantime, we dedicatedly rehearsed the choreography in between recording other tracks. With the ongoing music sessions, dance practices, and frequent meetings, there were more cameras around us more often than initially planned.
How did we, who once could barely survive a day without our phones, adapt to the ceaseless presence of cameras? The answer lay in our escape—immersing ourselves in the irresistible rhythms of the dance game, Just Dance.
Hey, hey. You, you! I don’t like your girlfriend! No way, no way! I think you need a new one! Hey, hey. You, you! I could be your girlfriend!?
Grooving to the catchy tune, I playfully nudged Yoo-Joon's shoulder. Our ‘pair dance’ was simple, just moving forward and backward, but it was a blast.
Park Yoon-Chan and Jin-Sung joined the game, dancing alongside us. “Ah, look at them go. This is Chronos at its finest!" exclaimed Joo-Han. Seated on the couch, he clapped along enthusiastically to the rhythm.
“Phew... Huff...! This feels like a full workout."
“I could probably do this dance in my sleep by now." Even with our strong work ethic, we were split between intense debut preparations and our newfound obsession with Just Dance.
We were currently living with the goal of mastering all the songs in the game, and I couldn’t help but worry about how this would be portrayed on the reality show. The dorm footage was probably going to be filled with scenes of us eating, Joo-Han working on songs, and playing Just Dance.
“Hyung, shall we try the most difficult one next?”
“What’s the most difficult song?”
“It’s ‘Rasputin!’”
“Alright, let’s do it.”
“Just give me a moment to catch my breath.”
Having just danced to three songs consecutively, including "Girlfriend", we were left as drained as we would be after an intense dance practice. I tried to sneakily sit next to Joo-Han but got yanked back to my spot by Jin-Sung. Then, the legendary “Rasputin” started.
“I’m exhausted...” I said, but my body moved on its own, following the on-screen dancer. That was the power of habit.
Right as we were wrapping up “Rasputin” with fervor, our manager stepped into the living room, looking bewildered. “Still at it? You guys have endless energy. Maybe we should extend practice hours."
Jin-Sung was panting but managed to ask, “Why are you here, hyung?"
Just as the manager reached for the remote, I protested, “No! Don't turn it off, only thirty seconds to go!"
“We need to leave now."
“Where to?" I asked after pausing the screen. It was obvious that the manager was trying to dodge the question, and he turned off the TV.
“Ah!"
“Let’s get moving."
Ignoring our collective groans, the manager led us out of the dorm. Joo-Han watched the door for a moment before standing up. “Let’s go. If In-Hyun hyung is being this secretive, it must be related to the show."
“Seriously, if he’s going to be this obvious, he might as well just tell us." We grudgingly set down the game sticks and headed to the parking lot. Despite our complaints about the abrupt departure, we were used to such surprises from our Pick We Up days and climbed into the car without much fuss.
“Where are we heading?"
“We’ll drive for about an hour. Use this time to rest up and recharge," replied our manager. As expected, cameras were hidden all over the car, and our manager remained tight-lipped about our destination.
‘Guess we'll find out soon enough.’
I leaned back, closed my eyes, and decided to take this chance to rest, especially after the energy-draining “Rasputin” session. “Shh, Hyun-Woo hyung is trying to sleep," Jin-Sung whispered, finally hushing as the car embraced a tranquil silence, suggesting that the others were also settling into slumber.
***
Knock, knock.
Director Lee looked at me and Jin-Sung.
- But where's the fun in just riding the carousel? We've prepared a game. It's an individual competition, though you will move in pairs for convenience.
“What kind of game?"
- We've prepared missions for each ride. Complete them with any member and score points individually.
This news brought a glow to the faces of the ride-loving trio. “So, being good at rides is an advantage?"
- Indeed.
“What about Jin-Sung and Hyun-Woo?"
- But wait!
The teasing members suddenly fell silent after seeing Director Lee's meaningful smile.
- You should have a different partner for each ride, and both must succeed to score points. Only after pairing with everyone can you reset and pair up again.
The trio’s eyes sneakily shifted toward me and Jin-Sung. They anticipated the penalty for those less adept at rides.
Director Lee beamed and nodded.
- Yes! Everyone must team up with Jin-Sung and Hyun-Woo at least once.
‘Who plans this program? Maybe it's Director Lee.’ As the members' expressions soured, he laughed even harder.
Park Yoon-Chan cautiously asked, “Is there a prize for winning?"
- Of course. The top two get to be music show MCs for an episode.
After we heard the director’s grand announcement, our eyes widened in shock. Our faces were the very picture of astonishment.
“A music show MC?”
“Wow, that’s crazy!”
“Seriously? We get to do that?” Director Lee nodded affirmatively to Jin-Sung’s question.
- Of course, but remember, the last-place member will face a penalty.
“What might that penalty be?”
- That is a secret. I have full faith in Chronos to deliver a fierce yet fun competition.
The reward was so enticing that the thought of a penalty barely crossed our minds. The chance to be a music show MC, even if just for one episode, could open doors to future opportunities, maybe even catch the eye of other broadcasting directors. It was an incredible chance, but I couldn’t help but wonder if I could actually place in the top two. The odds seemed stacked against Jin-Sung and me.
- Are you all ready?
“Yes, sir!”
- Then, let the game begin!
As I was lost in my worries, the director signaled the start of the game. The others immediately scattered, reluctantly grabbing the nearest person.
“Wait, what about me... Oh...” In the midst of this, I found myself standing alone, unclaimed.
- Haha, looks like Hyun-Woo is even worse than Jin-Sung, huh?
Director Lee chuckled heartily, and I scowled and muttered under my breath. “We are pretty much the same.”
Goh Yoo-Joon took Jin-Sung, obviously to take care of the younger one.
I dragged my feet forward with a heavy sigh. “Ugh... Where is the carousel, Director?”