TDOCD Chapter 13

​Chapter 13

Song Choice

​As I scrolled through Sierra's song list on my laptop screen, a particular title caught my eye.

 [Horizon]

 Hmm, this could work well.

 It was relatively unknown compared to other candidates and fairly straightforward. With good arrangement and if the members could execute it well, it might actually be...

 My deliberation was brief. Highlighting the word "Horizon," I suggested, "What about this song? I'd like to go with Horizon."

 "Horizon?"

 Ha Damin wrote [Horizon] on the whiteboard and looked back at me with a skeptical expression. Out of all the songs, why this one?

 Though she couldn't openly question it in front of Yuhwa, the original artist, her eyes clearly conveyed her doubts. In fact, all the other members were giving me the same look.

 The song had been overshadowed by Sierra's mega-hit "Rising" on the same album. Despite its high quality, it was often overlooked. It was Sierra's only attempt at an innocent concept, departing from their typically strong and energetic style. This unfamiliar image made the song less memorable, and the choreography wasn't particularly challenging.

 The members were probably wondering why I'd choose such a song for a tournament-style competition. However, they were overlooking the most crucial point.

 "This is our first time greeting the viewers," I explained.

 This was a TV show, and everything would be decided by viewer votes.

 "That's exactly why I think we shouldn't go with overly intense choreography, at least not for our debut."

 "What do you mean?" Minhyeong asked, clearly confused.

 Just as I was about to explain, a gentle but firm voice interjected.

 "I agree with that thinking, actually."

 It was Yuhwa, the original artist, supporting my opinion.

 "Girls, what do you think is the most important thing when showing your performance to viewers for the first time?"

 The members hesitated, glancing at each other uncertainly. Finally, I provided the answer.

 "I think the most important thing is letting the viewers see our faces."

 Skill? That could be demonstrated later.

 Given the nature of the program, viewers would continue watching until their favorite group was eliminated anyway.

 Honestly, for our first appearance, what could be more important than making our faces memorable to the audience?

 "The more intense the choreography, the more our faces will be obscured," I explained.

 That would mean the camera would only capture us jumping around, swinging our heads, or making rapid movements.

 'Though the judges might appreciate that, to viewers we'd just be 'some skilled group whose names and faces they can't recall.''

 "Exactly."

 Yuhwa snapped her fingers in agreement.

 "Besides, there's no elimination in the first round, right? It might be a better strategy to aim for the top three to secure our spot in the group performance while focusing on appealing to potential fans."

 This was an opportunity we could take precisely because no teams would be eliminated, allowing us to be less concerned about rankings.

 It was obvious that if trainees were choosing songs themselves, they'd all go for difficult, high-level performances to showcase their skills.

 But realistically, how could we prepare something perfect in just one week with members who'd never practiced together? We needed to be practical.

 For making an immediate impact, appealing through visuals was the best strategy.

 We could go with an innocent concept where both outfits and makeup would prioritize beauty over uniqueness. If the song lacked impact, we could enhance it through arrangement, and if the choreography was too simple, we could modify it or add a dance break.

 "Come to think of it..."

 Surprisingly, Min Hayoung nodded in agreement with my suggestion.

 I had expected her to be the strongest opponent to my proposal of simpler choreography, given how she had promoted herself as a dance member.

 "Jiye is actually right. When there are too many movements, our faces aren't visible even in close-ups."

 She spoke with what seemed like the weight of experience behind her words.

 'I wonder if she's been through this before?'

 Well, given that she passed the final audition, there might be other members besides Ha Damin who have performance experience.

 I should look into that later.

 "You don't always have to perform difficult songs to prove your skill."

 Yuhwa, who had been quietly listening to the members' discussion, once again supported my opinion.

 "As long as whatever you sing sounds solid, no one will question your abilities."

 She's right. What viewers consider "skill" isn't usually about how difficult the song is, but how well the chosen song is executed.

 As expected of Ji Yuhwa.

 We've always tended to align well professionally, and it seems that hasn't changed even though our lives have taken different paths.

 "Well then..."

 Thankfully, after Yuhwa openly supported my opinion, the atmosphere shifted towards accepting "Horizon" as our choice.

 "If there are no more song candidates to add, shall we decide? We'll vote by majority, so raise your hand for the song you want."

 As expected, the senior member Yuhwa's opinion heavily influenced the outcome for the first round song choice.

 "Then our first competition song will be 'Horizon.'"

 "Yay!!!"

 Hehe, what a relief.

 Yuhwa looked at me smiling contentedly and said, "Let's all do our best! I'll do everything I can to help you all."

 "Yes! Thank you for your guidance!"

 The members' enthusiastic voices resonated throughout the meeting room.

 Afterward, Yuhwa gave us some simple homework to complete before our next meeting and left the conference room.

 Now the real preparation for the competition was about to begin.

 ******

 The wheels of my suitcase clattered as I came to a stop. Thud.

 On this humid morning, I looked up at the building before me.

 'It's quite large.'

 About two and a half times the size of the Ryu Jiye residence, I'd say.

 This was a four-story building owned exclusively by UNet for housing competition program participants during their training camp.

 It looked like a newly built private school, colorful and welcoming.

 This would be my home for the next week, shared with the other F team members.

 'I hadn't expected a training camp, given that this is a team competition.'

 I learned that this special accommodation was provided only to E and F teams for the first round, specifically to support and film individual trainees who didn't have their own practice spaces or dormitories.

 Thinking about it, it made sense - they needed to create equal conditions for us compared to the debut-track trainees who had company-provided facilities for practice and living.

 As I stood contemplating the building, I belatedly noticed the camera filming me at the entrance and began moving.

 "Hello."

 I greeted the silent cameraman who was focused on his viewfinder, then stepped inside the building.

 I stopped immediately to take in the view.

 'Wow... this is utopia.'

 There was even a mini fountain prominently displayed in the lobby.

 Despite its ordinary school-like exterior, the interior was all gleaming white marble.

 First, there were two practice rooms separated by white folding doors on either side.

 The walls were adorned with logos from past competition shows and group photos of trainees who had previously stayed here.

 In one corner, there was a small room filled with various entertainment options for participants to use between practice sessions.

 'What is this place? I could get used to living here.'

 Though in a different way from Hong Jin's mansion.

 For anyone dreaming of becoming an idol, this was paradise.

 It seemed almost too luxurious for trainees - truly heaven on earth.

 I was still taking in all the impressive features of just the first floor when-

 "Miss Jiye. Ryu Jiye."

 Someone called out to me in a very soft voice.

 "Yes?"

 When I turned around, a production staff member with a microphone was standing in the camera's blind spot, staring intently at me.

 osing parts creates the best impact.

 Plus, she's decent at both dance and vocals, so she should be able to handle the opening without issues, and her overall vibe matches the song concept well.

 I smiled with seemingly no ulterior motives and said:

 "Unnie, you're so pretty in such a pure way. Your image matches this song well, and I think you'd sing the opening part beautifully."

 "Um... me?"

 Raeun looked around at the other members in confusion.

 She seems a bit intimidated.

 Does she automatically think she's the least skilled when we don't even know each other's abilities yet?

 I've felt it since our first greeting, but she really seems to lack confidence.

 "No, everyone here is pretty..."

 "Actually, I'd like Raeun to do it too."

 Damin spoke up. Raeun's eyes couldn't have gotten any rounder.

 "I heard you sing during the audition. Personally, I think your vocal tone would suit the opening well. And like Jiye said, we really need to grab attention right from the start."

 Damin didn't just stop at encouraging Raeun - she went on to convince the other members who were still keeping quiet and watching cautiously.

 "Let's be honest. We're a team now, so getting attention for our team should be our priority."

 Ah...

 Right, she's not the only one with group activity experience besides me.

 Thank goodness. She seemed lost in thought earlier, but apparently, she was considering the same things I was.

 We're competitors, but we're a team first.

 So we shouldn't express our greed through silence.

 The members' expressions slowly began to change.

 Whether they were actually convinced or just reluctantly agreeing because she was their senior by far, I couldn't tell.

 Either way, as Damin continued to persuade them, the greed that had filled the eyes of the other members – Min Hayoung and Choi  Song-yi - seemed to subside a little.

 Yes, we're a hastily assembled team of ambitious individuals, so we definitely need a process of coordination and compromise.

 They seem to listen quite well. I smiled with satisfaction and looked at Raeun.

 "So, even though we don't know each other's skills well yet, I think Raeun unnie would do great with the opening part. That's my thought, but what do the other members think?"

 Raeun was still fidgeting with her fingers, watching everyone nervously.

 Finally, she managed to say:

 "Isn't there anyone else who wants to do it?"

 Oh dear, you need to be more ambitious. And confident.

 She looked at Min Hayoung and Choi Song-yi as she asked.

 While Hayoung might not have been interested, Song-yi had definitely seemed like she wanted the part earlier.

 "I'm fine with it. I agree."

 Hayoung shrugged as she answered and looked at Song-yi.