Embrace The Chords & Strings | ZEROBASEONE

The commendations given that all three vocalists of the group started their practice with Solji right. Her affirmations of their distributed parts gave them the security that they were practicing and dedicating efforts in the right direction. Hopefully, nothing had to change. "Rappers step out." May the coaches see that their great risk to front a vocalist as their main rapper will pay off.

The responsibility of taking the role gave June nerves. It kept him up at night, and sometimes he even rapped in his dreams. Waking up each day brought him to a deja vu of doing the routine again. And it worried him how the product of overthinking might lead him to fumble. So he talked to Ji Woong about it. And the advice the leader gave was simple but effective.

"Just rap and dance. When you look in the eyes of other people, blur your vision almost. So that you only do what you practiced and the external factors don't affect you."

Within the first thirty seconds of the song being played, he already took on the majority of the lines. Following the leader's advise, he didn't take any notice of the reactions of the group with them or the trainers. He just gave his all, and delivered the preparation in one go.

"June." He stared straight at the mentor who called him, not wanting to be rude by facing anywhere else. Her hard stare made him question if she likes the others and heard any flaws. "The part was perfect for you." The compliment made him bow in gratitude at the acknowledgment given. And it further leads him to bow lower when the guest mentor spoke. "I can't believe when Solji told me you auditioned with main vocals only. Did you rap in your company a lot?"

His cheeks flushed at the additional words. And it almost made a few of the other trainees coo if they weren't in front of the professionals. "Honestly, no. I really do focus on dance and vocals. I didn't know how to rap but the trust of my members and Min Seoung's patience to teach me gave that impression. So I'm attributing my skills to them too."

»--•--«

As smoothly as the vocal and rap monitoring went, the mood of the group sank under the gaze of Back Koo Young.

The group was searching for their youngest as he had not returned. They were all worried for him for they knew his potential but perhaps they can make changes to showcase it better. But they couldn't make decisions without him. So they searched the corners of the Camp until they found him by the staircase. They hadn't noticed him before because he was engulfed in June's arms, the older still keeping his hold and not even turning their way until the younger boy leaned away from his embrace. "Sorry hyungs. I disappointed you all."

But before anyone could reply, June cut in. His words share the same sentiment as the rest. "If you think anything is your fault, don't take on the full weight alone. The point of this evaluation is for us to improve and see where to adjust. And the mentor's comments don't equate to your whole talent." The others crowded over, giving their affirmations that lead Yu Jin to smile soon.

"Come on, Jong Woo has a brilliant plan."

»--•--«

With the lead of Jong Woo, each part and each person had a highlight in the choreography. And they found that after rearranging a few formations, the next practices became less exhausting and more exhilarating. They did each turn with a dream, a chance, and a presence of confidence.

But as they grew more confident, June noticed more and more how the dynamics of their counterpart team tore down. "Hyung," only two members were older than him, and with Jong Woo focusing on drilling each unit's practice, Ji Woong turned. "I'll just follow Na Kamden out if that's okay." The leader too noticed the tension in G Group and nodded, saying quietly that he'll just tell Jong Woo if the boy needed him.