In a high-rise office overlooking the city, the top three school directors were gathered. The prestigious meeting room was sleek and modern, designed for high-level decisions that shaped the future of Korea's most elite music schools. Jay Park, the national director, stood at the head of the table, his presence commanding attention.
"Alright, we're in agreement on the idea of forming a global supergroup," Jay Park began, his voice calm but firm. "A boyband with the best of the best - powerful in dance, vocals, and music production. But there's only one condition. Only the winning team can have their students in the group. The rest will be out."
The room fell into silence as the three school directors exchanged uncertain glances.
Changsub, the director of Groove Institute and known as "The Voice of the Universe," was the first to speak. "Jay, I understand your point, but this isn't just about competition. Our students have been working hard, and we can't just decide who's the best based on one event. We should give them the chance to collaborate."
Yugyeom, the director of Beat Music High, added in his usual calm manner, "I agree. A competition doesn't guarantee we'll get the right mix of talents. This group needs chemistry, and we need to consider what each student brings to the table beyond just performance."
Ten, the director of Rhythm High, leaned forward with a thoughtful look. "A competition could bring out the best, but... it doesn't guarantee that the best mix of talents will emerge. I say we should have a few trials, bring together the top students from each school, and then evaluate them based on their teamwork and skills, not just the outcome of a competition."
Jay Park raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting any pushback. "So, no competition?" he asked, his tone questioning.
"Not exactly," Changsub interjected, his voice steady. "I suggest we have a few workshops, where the students can collaborate and showcase their strengths. We'll see who truly stands out - not just as individual performers but as team players."
Yugyeom and Ten nodded in agreement, and Jay Park leaned back, pondering their suggestion. "Alright. We'll do it your way. But remember, the group's going to be a powerhouse. We need to make sure it works. Only seven will make it."
With that, the directors agreed to the terms, and the meeting came to an end - though Jay Park still seemed uncertain, but he trusted the judgment of the directors. For now, they'd leave the details to the students.
---
Back at Rhythm High, JL, humble and shy, was oblivious to the effects he had on his teammates. He was still focused on his dance practice, though there was a certain spark in his eyes when he caught Chih En watching him from the corner.
Chih En, normally reserved, couldn't help but smirk whenever JL was near. He was aware of the growing affection in his heart, but he didn't understand it fully. Every time JL smiled at him, Chih En felt butterflies - an emotion that both thrilled and confused him.
Meanwhile, Steven, as supportive as ever, couldn't help but notice the small interactions between JL and Chih En. He called JL "3-pick" as a joke, but there was something about the way Chih En lingered around JL that made Steven uncomfortable. He had been JL's friend and language tutor for months, but now, something about the way they interacted made him feel... possessive? Jealous? He wasn't sure, but he didn't like it.
Across the room, Shuaibo and Li Zhinuo were starting to form a friendship of their own. Both Chinese, they had a shared sense of humor that made them easy to talk to. Zhinuo's sarcastic wit and Shuaibo's extroverted personality blended perfectly. They were constantly teasing each other, making the rest of the class laugh.
"Zhinuo," Shuaibo said one afternoon, laughing. "You've got a face that says 'I'm serious,' but a heart that says 'I'm a comedian.'"
Zhinuo rolled his eyes. "You're just lucky I like you, Shuaibo. But don't get used to it!"
As their laughter echoed around the room, JL, still unaware of Chih En's subtle feelings, couldn't help but smile at the easygoing atmosphere. He didn't know it, but his interactions with Chih En had created ripples in the group dynamic.
---
Later that afternoon. JL was walking home, his mind lost in thoughts about the upcoming practices and his progress with Korean. The day had been long, and the sun was starting to set, casting a warm glow over the road.
As JL walked, he was startled when a figure suddenly appeared in front of him. He looked up to find Juwon, his best friend, smiling warmly at him.
"Hey, JL!" Juwon said, stepping forward. "What's up?"
Without a word, Juwon wrapped his arm around JL's left arm, pulling him into an easy walk. It was a familiar gesture - one of brotherly affection that JL never took offense to.
JL blinked in surprise but smiled. "Oh, you're here already? I thought you'd be in class longer."
"Got bored, so I thought I'd meet up with you." Juwon's grin was wide, his presence always bringing comfort to JL. "Let's hang out."
Meanwhile, just a few steps behind them, Chih En had been trailing JL. He hadn't meant to follow him, but JL had forgotten his earring back at school. Chih En had seen it lying on the desk when he was about to leave and thought he would return it. But as he caught up to JL, he froze when he saw Juwon's arm draped over JL's.
A sharp pang hit his chest. It was something he hadn't expected - something he hadn't thought would hurt this much. He stared at the two of them, unsure of how to react.
Then, as if the universe had decided to make things worse, Chih En dropped the earring on the ground. He hadn't even realized what he was doing. His face flushed as he quickly bent down to pick it up, trying to avoid their gaze.
Was this jealousy? Chih En didn't understand it yet, but something inside him stirred, his feelings tangled up in ways he couldn't explain.