Embrace The Chords & Strings | ZEROBASEONE

TW: In the chapter, there will be tension between members, mention of unhealthy food and working habits. Kindly take heed!

The presence of powerful individuals and reliable trainees doesn't certify a clean-cut practice. There is much tension in overflowing talent. But June pretends it doesn't overpower the potential they had. He tries to keep it light and takes the top 10 jackets as a sign of grace.

The jackets were merely a garment but it divided them. As he glanced at Seo Won beside him, he could only wonder about the doubt creeping into his veins. "Spot the difference." Because as the boy who ranked at the edge of a cliff, he always felt uneasy about how the wind can take it all away with one whisper. So he does something that has the staff scolding him but he pretends to be immersed in the discussion, not noticing their glares. He has the jacket on his lap, one of its arms tied against Seo Won's very own to signify that they shared something between them — the potential to debut.

Matthew's reason didn't shy away his want to become an important figure in this team. He could sense it as the boy took out his truthful words and phrased them in the most passionate language forms. He presented his reasons for choosing it — the captivating pull of the song, he expressed his interest in the dance break they'd make, and his fluency in English can elevate the song's lyrics. So when the question of, "Who wants to be a leader?" was asked out in the open, June didn't look at anyone else but Matthew. Even Ji Woong's looming presence beside him didn't break his gaze away from the boy who raised his hand for leader. "Honestly, I want to try it once."

He had great respect for the younger boy on wanting to take such a post. And Ji Woong's words pushed him to make a decision right then and there, a shade of impulsiveness and complete trust that he isn't used to. "I agree with Ji Woong on the willingness of a leader being important." But for now, he was glad that they were giving Matthew the chance to guide them.

After putting their trust in and branding him with the sticker L, they began browsing through the lyrics and delegating parts. The killing part had English as its center component. And it swayed favors to people with fluency in the language. But at the same time, image and presence had to dominate the language too. What was the point of speaking or singing in English if one cannot make the audience glance at him? And there was one boy in the group that had the knack for doing that with the simplest actions.

June would've vouched and backed up for Ji Woong immediately if the hyung wasn't so adorable during the tryouts. The difficulties of taking on letters they didn't usually pronounce can paralyze someone. But Ji Woong continuously appealed. It was so charming as it was admirable. "Although I don't have great pronunciation, I think I can improve it with practice." Even Gyu Vin, a boy who reminded him of a man's best friend, had surrendered to the older boy's dedication. The dedication and promise sweetened the deal and they all unanimously gave their hyung the star sticker.

Maybe that's why a part of him also felt bad for trying out for Main Dancer against Gyu Vin. He already bowed for a hyung, one who deserved the part. But another blow can make anyone falter. Yet, he had to step over some of his instincts to put his best foot forward. It also didn't help that Ji Woong patted his back down a bit harder than usual when the position was raised. "Try out for at least one main position, June-ah."

"Should we make them do the present choreography?" The method to decide who to vote for a part varied. There was no set way and every time he gathered with a group, he always fell silent, not knowing what to suggest. But the wide-eyed Seo Won had an idea, one he tried to fall into hushes as he stopped his gasp halfway through. Even when they all stared at him, he remained quiet — withholding back the brilliant idea. So June used his expertise of words and charms forward and leaned closer to the boy. "Seo Won-ah, I know you have a brilliant idea behind that pretty smile. Please tell us."