Embrace The Chords & Strings | ZEROBASEONE

Disclaimer: With the answers from the previous chapter, there can be major changes to the rankings in each round. Kindly take heed. In the same manner, the debuting group will consist of 10 members instead of 9 in this narrative.

The platform they stood on was no stage. It was the dirt of the world, lathered with rough hills and slopes. And it was easy to fall quickly when someone else took another's fate in their hands. When the mentors entered with news of a possible change, he knew that amidst the hope — it was mostly gore that would take place. "This is not the final level."

A few people he made friends with further dropped down the line. And he could only hold on to Park Hanbin's hand to not make a remark. He wanted more to be with him in the purple studded light. But for today, it was mostly stuck in the whirlwind of bad news.

Until Park Gunwook.

Maybe he had a special connection with those holding the surname Park. But upon hearing the boy grace them with a rise, he jumped up and down quietly, as if he was the boy himself. And when the boy transferred to their side, he had to give the younger a big round of applause. "You work so hard to do well, Gunwook-ah." In the light of the cameras, they were strangers. Maybe to project that most of their motivations were purely for benefit in the competition. But maybe those with empathetic eyes watching the show knew that trainees can support each other because they understood each other's struggle more than most.

»--•--«

The darkness can enhance the silver linings, as exhibited by the stage. It's four levels highlighted the ranking in skill determined. And inevitably, those at the top get to shine the most. Somehow in those perceptions, June can have a larger portion of the spotlight. "All stars please head up first."

Those robed in purple took on the height as the other levels stepped on their stages. The dome was majestic for one performance. But this must be the taste of success in the industry. Allow the trainees to see the greatness to push others to demand space for them to debut.

Never did he believe he'd stand on a stage as grand as this with so many supportive people. Trainees who would understand the bitter fight to the top. "It's amazing." His eyes zoned in on the lights, the features amplifying the performers. His guitar and a microphone held much soul. But this set-up was one his heart rested in, it was the peak of his satisfaction.

Most of the other levels were being oriented about the moving stages. Most movements kept the same but with a different pace and pause. He could see the no-stars running in and he along with the rest cheered loudly. Even if their skill set isn't at par with what the masters expected, their bravery was also unparalleled.

"Hi!" As both K group and G group combined, he saw faces he hasn't conversed with yet. And as he kept to his corner, meeting the eyes of Jiwoong most of the time, he brooded a bit. That was until someone called out to him with a dashing smile that made his serious face break into shy joy. "Hello, you're Haruto?" A question posed in his tone but the other took no offense as he nodded. "You remembered me? I can't believe Mr. Boyfriend Material remembers little old me."

The other boy was quite energetic and knocked on his isolating qualities. But he embraced the warmth of someone wanting to talk to him to cover this feeling. It was refreshing to hear the boy code-switch between English and Korean. It somehow reminded him of America when he was with those like him, different colored skin making their way in the West lands. "You're very lively like a cartoon character."

The comment June gave broke Haruto's speech. And lead the boy to uncharacteristically to blush in his ears. It was out of the blue and even those who could hear had to pause. "Ah — don't do that to me."